Romeo On and Off the Court

Chapter 14: Blindsided

Tackled, hit, or attacked by an opponent on the blind side, out of the player's field of vision.

Edward

Bella asked if I could take her back to her building to change before we headed to my apartment. I waited in the parking lot as she ran in. My phone chimed. Who in the world was texting me? Emmett and Jasper knew I was taking Bella out. My parents would call tomorrow if I didn't call them.

"Tanya is ripping you to shreds on her blog. Alice."

What?

I was trying to find the damn blog when another text message came through from Emmett.

"I'm gonna fucking kill Tanya if I ever see her. Have you seen her latest post? She's not only going after you but Bella. Great picture of you and Bella, but Tanya's a heartless bitch."

Shit! I had to find the post and read it.

"What's the address again? I can't find it," I texted back to Emmett.

While I waited for his response, I continued to search for it and still not finding it.

My phone rang at the same time his responding text came through. "Hello."

"Where are you, Edward?" Angela asked.

"Waiting outside the building Bella lives in waiting for her to come back out. She wanted to change. Why?"

"Get up to her room, now. Her roommate, Jessica, will meet you when you get off the elevator. Third floor."

I hung up and slipped my phone into my pocket. Getting out of my SUV, I hit the lock on the key fob and raced to the doors and then the elevator. I slapped my hand against the up button repeatedly as if it would bring the elevator down any faster. What in the hell had Tanya written? On the ride up, I tugged at my hair. I hoped Bella hadn't seen it.

"Edward," someone called when the doors opened. "I'm Jessica."

"Where's Bella?" I asked.

"In our room. She's in tears but she showed me this when I got back."

Jessica handed me a crumbled piece of paper. It was a picture of Bella and me. Her arms were around my neck. It must have been taken right before she kissed me in front of Tanya and the rest of the Husky fans milling outside the security barrier. It was a good picture, but the words typed underneath had me seeing red – Whoever she is, she's nothing but a bitch who doesn't deserve Edward Cullen.

"It was taped to every door on each floor. It's going to be investigated."

Taking a deep breath and releasing it as I pushed my anger to the side. "Who's with Bella?"

"Our RA, Sarah. I called Angela and she called you. She can't stay here tonight, and maybe tomorrow night."

I swiped my hand down my face.

"Does she have family nearby?"

Jessica shook her head. "Her dad and step-mom live in Forks, about three hours away. I've talked with Charlie and he's on call this weekend. And Sue has to work tomorrow. Neither can make it until Monday."

"OK. Would you pack her a bag for three nights, and whatever school books she needs. I'll call my parents if she's uncomfortable with staying with me until Tuesday. Take me to her, please."

I heard Bella's sobs the closer we got to the closed door. Steeling myself, I walked in behind Jessica. Bella was sitting next to Sarah under one of the beds. All Sarah could do was hold Bella and rub her back. I knelt in front of them and placed a hand on Bella's shoulder.

The moment Bella saw me, she held out a hand to me. I pulled her into my arms holding her to me. After I moment, I slipped my phone out of my pocket and unlocked it. I handed it to Sarah. "Would you please text Jasper Whitlock? Give him the building, floor, and room number. Tell him to bring Emmett with him."

Emmett was already a raging bull and feeding him more fuel would not be good.

"Thanks. I'm taking Bella to my off-campus apartment," I said, accepting my phone back.

"I gave him my name and Jessica's. We'll finished getting things together for Bella. Go ahead and go."

I nodded. That was my plan. "Bella," I whispered. "I'm going to get you out of here."

"OK," her voice cracked when she spoke.

I slipped my left arm under her legs and stood. Sarah followed me to the elevator and road, down with us. My phone was chiming like crazy as message after message came in.

Concerned eyes watched me as I backed out of the door, exiting the building. Sarah was still with me. "My keys are in my right pocket," I instructed.

She dug them out and unlocked my SUV, opening the front passenger door without me having to ask. I placed Bella inside and then slipped out of my coat, draping it over her. Leaning in, I pulled the seatbelt across her and secured it.

I turned after closing the door. The high I had been on after the intense kiss was gone. Leaning against the door, I ran a hand down my face again before pulling out my phone and shutting it down. I'd deal with the texts later.

Sarah was still standing there when I pushed off and looked up.

"Bella has my number if she needs anything, even if it's just to have someone to talk to."

"Thanks, Sarah."

I rounded the vehicle and got into the driver's seat. I should have told Sarah about Tanya, but I didn't want to point the finger without seeing her blog post first.

~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~

By the time I got to the first stoplight, Bella had freed a hand and reached over, touching my thigh. I looked over at her. Her face was stained with her tears and streaked black from her makeup, but she was beautiful to me. Adjusting my hold on the steering wheel, I dropped my right hand to cover hers.

"How are you doing?"

"Numb." Her voice was gravelly when she answered.

Numb was good, far better than shock.

"Who would want to attack me like that? Plaster it everywhere for everyone to see?"

"I wish I had an answer to those questions, Bella. The university will investigate and find who did this to you."

She nodded. "Sarah told me another RA reported the harassment."

I gave her hand a squeeze. "Good."

"I don't think I can go back tonight."

"You don't have to, Bella. You can stay with me, if you like. Or I can introduce you to my parents and you can stay with them. Whatever will make you feel comfortable and safe."

"I'd like to stay with you," she said, as I turned into a parking space outside my apartment building.

Once I had her settled, I would move my SUV into the underground garage.

"I don't have anything to change into."

I shifted as much as the steering wheel would allow. Still holding her left hand. "I have something you can wear. Jasper and Emmett are going to pick up an overnight bag and your schoolbooks. Let's get you upstairs and into the shower."

~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~

While Bella was in the shower, I turned on my phone. Fifty text messages were received. I didn't have time to read all of them. I found Jasper's name and read his three messages.

Do you even have to ask, Edward? I've got your back and Bella's.

Be there in fifteen.

Leaving Bella's room. See you at your place. Take care of her. We'll pick up some pizzas, drinks, and ice cream. What's Bella's favorite?

Shit! I didn't know. This would have been our third date.

I called Angela. "What's Bella's go-to ice cream?" I asked when she answered.

"Neapolitan. How's she doing?"

I heard the water shut off and didn't know how long I had. "I honestly don't know, Ang. When I asked her on the drive, she said she was numb," I answered as I shot off a text to Jasper.

"That's bad, Edward. Her being numb can lead to her shutting everyone out. The last time something like this happened–"

"This has happened to her before!" I whispered, when what I really wanted to do was shout it.

"I shouldn't tell you this, but you need to know. She was bullied in high school, especially after Nathan used her to boost his grade in science. He broke up with her and started a rumor she was a frigid bitch a couple months later."

My god! That explained Bella's cold shoulder when I asked her out after she helped me with my paper. Why she said no. I had to find out what she told Emmett.

"Nathan was expelled when the principal found out who started it. That didn't stop her from getting bullied for the last three years of high school. Nathan crushed her."

I reached up and rubbed my neck. "At least she had you, Ang."

"When she let me back in. It took months before that happened."

I glanced over my shoulder when the bedroom door opened. Bella looked adorable in my sweats and t-shirt, with her wet hair hanging in soft waves down her back. It didn't matter that my clothes swallowed her, she mattered. "I'll take to you later. Come over if want. Friends are needed in times like these."

"Wish I could, Edward. I have a group study this evening, I can't afford to miss it."

Bella

Stepping under the spray, I felt my muscles relax. I didn't know have tense I was until then. It felt strange using his shower products, but the scent of the body wash took me home. To where the smell of pine filled the air after it rained. It brought a smile to my face.

~~ Romeo On an Off the Court ~~

Edward was on the phone when I exited his bedroom. He ended called, slipping his cell into his pocket before opening his arms to me. I ran into his arms and clung to him.

I didn't know how long we stood there, holding each other. When a pounding sound at the door made me jump.

"Emmett, stop being an ass," Edward yelled, stepping away from me and motioning to the couch. "Bella, please have a seat while I let the raging bull in."

When Edward opened the door, Emmett waltzed in carrying three bags. "Go help Jasper, Edward."

Edward shared a look with me. "I'll be fine."

My throat was still rough from crying.

Emmett took one look at me and sauntered into the kitchen like he owned the place. "Where are Edward's manners? He should have offered you a hot drink to help your throat. He's got a good selection of teas and some spiced apple cider."

"Cider," I said.

He opened and closed cabinets as he searched for something. By the time Edward and Jasper came in, I was blowing on a steaming mug.

Emmett got on Edward as soon as he was through the door. "You're a poor host."

"Like you would have done any better."

"I would have at least offered her a drink."

Oh boy. "He did," I croaked. "I wanted a shower first."

"And she hasn't been out long, so excuse me if I wanted to hold my girlfriend for a few minutes. Isabella's been through enough this evening. Don't like it, you know where the door is." Edward pointed its general direction.

I didn't miss the fact Edward referred to me as his girlfriend. It made my heart swell. It wasn't like I hadn't thought the same after the game.

Emmett laughed and walked over to the door, locking it. "I'll stay. You know how I get, seeing how we grew up together."

"Yeah, I know. Rosalie and Alice coming over?" Edward asked.

"Only if Bella is okay with it," Jasper answered, sitting on the loveseat and turning to me.

My court. Why did the ball always end up in my court? I closed my eyes, seeing how I was when I was harassed by Nathan and his friends. Three sets of eyes were on me when I opened my eyes again. "Call them."

~~ Romeo On an Off the Court ~~

I fell asleep against Edward during the movie and woke when he shifted, lifting me into his arms for the second time. He hadn't noticed and moved to his room, laying me on his bed. His lips pressed against my cheek as he drew the blanket up over me.

I reached out and caught his hand. "Will you hold me?"

He knelt. "I would be an honor. I just need to change." His head fell when his cell rang. "And answer the coach's call. I'll be back in a few."

His cell had stopped ringing by the time he stood and walked out of the room.

My eyes slid closed.

When I woke the next morning, it took me a moment to remember where I was. Edward was laying next to me, his left arm wrapped around me. There was one blanket covering me and another over him. I smiled. To say I didn't deserve him, yeah right. The only person's opinion that mattered was his. Whoever did it, would pay. My claws were out.