I stopped short when I saw Edward sitting at the only table with a seat left. I took a deep breath and ignored Mike when he tried to flirt with me. I was watching Edward's face change from bored to surprise and then to curiosity.

"You're the girl I met earlier." He stated as I sat down.

"Yeah. Nice to meet you…"

"Edward. Edward Cullen." I already knew that, but he didn't know I knew!

"Edward, I'm Bella Swan."

"Where did you learn to throw like that?"

I chuckled. "My dad."

"Oh. That's cool."

I nodded. The silence that followed was awkward, even after Mr. Banner started lecturing.

"So you're a football fan? I wouldn't have pegged you as one." He said as soon as class let out.

"Yeah, guess I'm just different that way."

"Are you going to watch try outs?"

"Maybe." I said with a sly smile.

He seemed to lighten up and smiled a crooked smile back at me. I think my heart stopped for a second.

Gym was next. I avoided Mike Newton like the plague. I didn't need a golden retriever following around and doing my bidding.

After school, I grabbed my football gear and went to find Coach Clapp. He was on the field with the returning players and the fresh meat.

Every guy's head popped up as they watched me walk onto the field.

"Swan?"

"Yes, Coach?"

"I talked to your father earlier, he said you were going to attempt to try out. Welcome."

"But Coach! She's a girl! Girls can't play football!" Some newbie pointed out.

I saw Edward, Jasper, and Emmett watching me for my reaction.

"Well, if that's how you feel. How about this? I mess up once, and you can kick me off the field. I make the team, and you shut the hell up." I looked at the kid pointedly.

A couple of guys snickered and some oohed. Edward, Jasper, and Emmett glanced at each other, then at me, like they were having some sort of silent conversation. A smile broke on my face when I realized what they were thinking of. They had already seen my skills this morning and knew that that kid would shut the hell up by the end of today.

Try outs were hard. A quarter of the group got cut after the first physical fitness tests. There were strength tests, agility runs, and then some actual football plays. I excelled at every test. Push ups were cake, running was second hand nature, and football was fun.

A few of the guys were bitter that a girl was just as good as them and tried to crush me in a dog pile. Little did they know that my small size helped and I escaped and watched their dumbstruck faces as they eventually removed each other from the pile and didn't see me under it, but over on the side doubled over in laughter. Emmett came up to me and gave me a slap on the shoulder.

"That was awesome, Swan! How'd you do that?"

"I have my ways." I shrugged.

He looked at me in awe and then picked me up in a bone crushing hug.

"You're my idol!"

I laughed and pushed away, letting him know to release me. Edward came over a few seconds later and asked me to take a water break with him.

"So, what position are you gunning for?" He asked.

"I don't know. Whatever coach wants. I just want to play."

"From what I've seen, you're a decent punter, a good quarterback, and fast enough to be a hell of a wide receiver."

I smiled and took a sip of water. "Thanks, Edward. It means a lot coming from you. I promise I won't rub it in too hard if I take your spot."

He laughed and shook his head. "I don't think I would mind it too much." I heard him murmur.

"Bring it in, gentleman!" Coach called. "And lady." He added with a smirk.

Edward and I kneeled in front of the coach as he named off the players that made the cut. I was the last to be called and as I made my way to get my jersey, I glared at the boy who had spoken up earlier about girls not being able to play football. He squirmed and looked down. I high fived my way down the line and when I reached Edward, he grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Congratulations." He said in a velvet like voice.

"Thanks, Captain."

"How about we celebrate?" asked Jasper.

"What'd you have in mind?" I asked.

"How about dinner at our house? Esme is the best cook ever!" Emmett chimed.

"What do you say Bella?" Edward looked at me.

"Sure!" I didn't really have anyone to go back to and would rather spend my time with my new teammates.

"Alright, hit the showers!" Yelled Coach Clapp.

"I'll meet you guys in the parking lot."

I jogged back to the locker rooms, took a hot shower that eased all the knots in my muscles, and quickly got dressed. When I left, I saw the guys waiting for me in front of a shiny, silver Volvo.

*AN: Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. Thanks for the reviews. This story is gonna be good... :D