Romeo On and Off the Court

Chapter 29: National Championship

The top achievement for any sport or contest within a league.

Bella

My dad surprised me with airline tickets to Minneapolis, Minnesota Sunday morning. The Huskies had beaten the Cavaliers on Saturday in a game all the analysts had predicted would be a loss for them. I was ecstatic and Dad, Sue, Leah, Seth, and I celebrated. When Edward called, I didn't even get to be the first to congratulate him. Seth had snatched up my phone, answering it.

"Dad?" I questioned.

He smiled before pointing to Sue.

I spun on my heel and faced her. "You got me a plane ticket for tomorrow."

She nodded. "I thought you would want to be at the game tomorrow night. I coordinated with Jacob's mom for a ticket for you."

With a smile on my face, I walked over and hugged her. "Thank you."

"And don't you dare tell Edward you're going to be there. He's going to be nervous enough."

"Yeah, he doesn't need to worry about me."

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~

The drive back to Seattle was nerve-wracking. Driving Edward's SUV was a little weird, even if I had driven it twice. I didn't get comfortable behind the wheel until Angela, Jessica, and I reached Port Angeles.

"If you want me to take over, I can," Angela said when we made a pit stop.

Jessica laughed. "And you didn't want to drive it when he first gave you the keys a few weeks ago."

A smile split my face. What could I say? Things were different now. Became different the moment I asked Edward to make love to me. I trusted him that night and it was beautiful. And the way he took care of me afterward, I still didn't have the words. On the flight back, he gave me his spare keys and said he trusted me.

"Did you know Newton and Cheney broke up with their girlfriends?" I said, looking up from the text Edward sent me.

"What?" Angela and Jessica remarked at the same time.

"When?" Jessica asked.

I was typing the same question to Edward. "I'm asking."

Apparently after the Sweet 16 game. They didn't think we would get that far in the tournament. On top of all that, Newton told me Cindy said he was being selfish and not spending enough time with her. Not sure if Cheney's ex said the same, or if it was something else. I do know they were fighting a lot.

Oh! I shared it with my sisters. They were pissed.

I didn't care for Cindy and Crystal much. Glad both Mike and Ben had their head's in the game. Starting the second leg of the drive. And if you need to get a message to me in the next couple of hours, send Ang a message. I'm driving. Text you when we get back to campus.

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Campus ~~~

After dropping off Jessica and Angela and taking up my laundry basket, I made my way over to Edward's. He had sent me a text while I was in the dorm, and I ignored it as I packed a bag. My flight leaves in five hours. Once Angela found out, she was on the phone with Carlisle and Esme. They were also flying out tonight and offered to pick me up from Edward's.

My jaw dropped at what I found when I turned on the light. Edward, or Esme, had added some décor, feminine touches to his apartment. Over the back of the couch was a gold fleece blanket and on it purple and white throw pillows. There were candles of various sizes placed throughout the front room, not to mention silk flowers on the dining room table and three fake plants in the corner near the balcony door.

Pulling my phone out of my bag, I found a text from Edward.

How does Emmett know you're back in Seattle and at your dorm?

Emmett knew what?

I have no clue, but I am going to call him and find out. And I'm no longer at the dorm. Care to explain the new décor?

Three radials appeared and disappeared. They reappeared two minutes later. While I waited for his response, I found Emmett's name and called him.

"Hey, Sis!"

"Explain," I said.

"Huh?"

"Oh, don't play dumb, Emmett. How did you know I was back?"

He hemmed and hawed.

"Emmett."

"Fine. When I input my number in your phone, I shared your location with me and vice versa."

I was mad. "I've even shared it with Edward."

"Shit! Had I known that, I would have never told him what I did. I will fix it."

"You better hope Edward understands," I said, hanging up at the same time my phone beeped.

Don't like what Mom did to each room? And I can't explain in a text message. We'll talk later tonight about it. Oh… would you mind sharing your location with me? I'll do the same.

"Sorry, I can't right now," I said to the empty apartment as I moved to the bedroom to find out what Edward had Esme do in there. There was an oversize white chair angled in a corner that had been empty when I had left for Spring Break. Thrown across it was a purple chunky blanket. A tall lamp was behind it and a small round table was next to it. The bedspread had been updated to a rich and creamy gold. What the hell? There was nothing wrong with the old blanket. I found it in the hall closet.

I love all the changes except the blanket for the bed. I'm sure the new one is just as warm. Can't wait to hear why, however, it is going to have to wait.

I hated that I was going to tell him a harmless lie, but both Angela and Jessica said they would cover for me.

I have plans with Angela and Jessica tonight. We won't be back until late. And I'm not quite ready to share my location with you. Emmett said he would explain how and why he knows where I am. Love you. I'll talk to you tomorrow after the game.

As I hit send, I realized Emmett would know if he checked my location tomorrow or tonight. I called him again.

"Twice in one night, Bella. Surprised you're not talking to Edward."

"Text only. And I need a favor from you."

"Name it."

"Don't tell Edward."

"I need more. What am I not supposed to tell Edward?"

What was I going to tell Emmett?

"I'll be at the game tomorrow night. And fly out tonight," I replied in a low voice.

Silence on the other end of the line.

"Emmett?"

"I had to leave the room. Edward and I are sharing." Another silence. Shorter this time. "What do you mean you'll be at the game?"

I explained. "Please don't tell him. I don't want to add to his stress."

"I promise."

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~

I walked into the U.S. Bank Stadium behind Carlisle and Esme. My seat was next to Esme and Sarah, Jacob's mom. I was uneasy about being in the stands again without Edward knowing. Pulling out my phone, I came to a decision as the team came out to warm up.

Opening the "Find My" app, I shared my location with Edward.

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~

I hugged Esme when the final buzzer went off. The Huskies were the national champions.

"Come on, Bella," Carlisle said.

Huh?

"Edward will be named MVP," Sarah whispered.

Carlisle, Esme, and I made it down to the hardwood where Coach Grouch was waiting for us. He gave a smile as he shook his head, motioning for the three of us to follow him.

Looking around, I saw stepladders at either end of the court. The team was cutting down both nets. I had only seen this done once, and that was after Forks had won the regional game. It was surreal watching Edward climb the ladder and made a few snips.

Carlisle slid in front of me when Edward peered over his shoulder.

"Don't want him to see you too soon, do we?"

The players gathered on the stage behind the NCAA officials and Coach Grouch. The team hoisted the trophy over their heads as confetti cannons shot out gold streamers. I snapped a few pictures of the celebration.

Esme nudged me forward as the trophy for the Most Outstanding Player was brought out. A tired, exhausted smile was on Edward's face as he accepted the wooden brass trophy.

Someone near me, possibly a reporter, called out to him. He turned and scanned the crowd, his eyes landing on me. The exhaustion I had seen moments before vanished, and the resulting smile he gave me made my heart swell. The reporters around me followed his stare, and their eyes landed on me as I was lifted and carried to the stage.

Camera flashes went off as Edward kissed me.