HI Readers! It's been a while since I posted a chapter and I apologize. I've been busy updating this and my other story on my separate account and neglected this one. I'd love to hear from you and find out how you liked this update. I promise to update soon!

~Dee

Chapter 4 … Part 3

August 1987 … Forks Washington

Bella's POV

I was apprehensive about how Edward and I were going to ease our friends into our new relationship. My friends on the squad were all interested in hearing about our date. Before the game on Saturday, I went into the girls' locker room and told them that he had asked me to be his girlfriend. They all chattered over the fact that I said yes so soon after breaking up with Mike, but then again, they all agreed that Mike didn't deserve anymore from me after what he pulled with Jessica.

"So, did he kiss you?" Alice pressed.

I could feel myself blushing as I admitted he had. Although, I wasn't going to tell them anymore details than that; not even Alice. Of course none of them knew that Edward had already kissed me several times before our first date. That would be our little secret.

"Is he a good kisser?" Angela asked; her eyes wide with excitement.

I made a face at her. "You've seen his lips… what do you think?" The girls all shrieked excitedly

as we made our way to the field for the game.

The Spartans won their game once again and this time the team and cheerleaders all met at the Pizza House afterwards. Edward and I sat side-by-side, his arm draped over my shoulder as many of the players watched us closely. He kept twirling my hair with his fingers; his face was close to mine.

"I wonder who's going to be the first one on the phone to Newton when they get home tonight." Edward whispered in my ear. His warm breath tickled my face as he talked; truthfully it was turning me on. But then I couldn't let him know that. I squirmed a bit in our seat.

"I'm sure none of them want to tell them. Mike intimidates most of the team, even the ones that are his friends. No one wants to make him mad. They've all seen what kind of temper he has." I looked up at Edward's face to see if he seemed nervous at all. He wasn't.

"Do you think he'll cause a scene on Monday? I just want to prepare myself just in case."

I shrugged. "Probably. You're not having second thoughts are you?"

He shook his head, looking directly into my eyes. His hand was brushing my cheeks as he spoke, "I've wanted you to be mine ever since I saw you that first day on the field. You know, the day you dropped the boom box…" He teased, as I blushed in embarrassment. "There's no way in hell I'm going to let Mike Newton screw this up."

Unfortunately it was time for us to go. So Edward helped me out of the booth and held onto my hand until we walked to Alice's car. He stopped as we reached her car and pushed his body closer into mine causing a major heat wave in me. "Can I come over tonight?" He whispered in my ear, as I stood beside the car door.

"I think Dad will let you. Stop by in an hour, okay?" I blushed as he pressed his lips to my cheek, leaving a warm kiss there.

"I'll finish that later," He whispered into my ear, before he walked away.

I practically fell into Alice's car, delirious from him kissing my cheek. "Holy Shit, Bella. That guy is so hot he sizzles. Look at his ass!" Boy does he ever!

I turned and slapped her arm. "Hey, don't talk about my boyfriend that way," I teased her.

"I gotta tell you, Bells, I have known all along that he was going to be the guy for you. I had an epiphany about you and Edward that first night after we met him. I'm telling you, I'm like one of those psychics on TV. Trust me, I knew from the beginning." I wondered if her mouth ever stopped as I attempted to drown her out as she rattled on about her physic ability the whole ride home…

...

Present Day…Suburbs of Seattle WA

Bella's POV

After hanging up the phone from Edward's call, I turned the TV off and climbed into bed. A feeling of loneliness suddenly swept over me. I'd had this feeling many times since Edward left, but after hearing his voice, it was even worse. I curled up in a fetal position on his side of the bed, clutching a pillow against me. For the hundredth time since we split, I wondered if I had made the wrong decision. Tears formed in my eyes and I brushed them away quickly.

I firmly believed that all of the pent up anger I had for Edward's years of neglecting our family was reason enough for me to want this split to be permanent. I owed it to myself to stop allowing him to continue to hurt me. For two weeks I had been entertaining the idea of asking him for a divorce. I lay there and remembered the night he left and the pain in his eyes, and then I recalled the resentment I felt in my heart at the time.

I realized I couldn't handle living in limbo any longer. I sucked a quick breath through my teeth and decided that tomorrow would be the day. Tomorrow would be the beginning of the end of my relationship with Edward. I was calling the lawyer and having him file divorce papers as soon as possible. I couldn't take Edward back after everything that had happened. I had to make this decision and follow through. It would hurt, but it had to be done, for my own mental wellbeing. It was over between us and nothing was going to change my mind.

xoxo

By noon the next day I walked out of the law firm. My bank account was considerably smaller, given the sizeable retainer I paid to begin divorce proceedings. The attorney I chose had come highly recommended by a co-worker and after a lengthy consultation he agreed to take my case. Given the worth of our assets and the length of our marriage the retainer was considerable, although I was determined not to fight Edward on anything, the attorney felt there could be unforeseeable disputes.

I climbed into my car and picked up the phone, trying to decide if I should call Edward and tell him what I had done. I felt torn between my head and my heart. In my head I knew that filing for divorce was the right decision but my heart ached at the thought of ending our marriage. I held my finger on the call button of the cell phone as I remembered how hard I had fought for him at the beginning of our relationship. Between our parents and friends, the odds had been stacked against us from the very start. Yet back then I had chosen to fight for what we had, and today…I had not.

...

August 1987 … Forks Washington

Bella's POV

I knew that Monday morning was going to be awkward because both Mike and Jessica were returning to school, and there was bound to be friction. But it was Edward that I wanted, so I it wasn't even an option to get back together with Mike.

Before my first class, I was standing at my locker talking to Angela and Alice when Jess joined us, shamefacedly. "Bella, I'm sorry about what I did…" She began.

"Save it Jess. What you did is disgusting and unforgiveable, and if you dare show your face at cheer practice, the team can decide…if they want you, or me" She tried to argue but I turned and walked off to meet Edward.

Unfortunately I ran into Mike first. "Bellaaaaa," he exclaimed, putting on his most charming smile. "I couldn't wait to see you today." He reached for my hand and I yanked it back away from him.

"What are you doing Mike? We broke up!" Ugh! He had some gall touching me after what he pulled!

He seemed surprised at my rejection. "C'mon Bells. I know we can work this out."

I shook my head at him. "We're not going to work it out. I don't want anything to do with you anymore." I walked away from him and he didn't follow. I hoped this meant he would drop his attempts. Unfortunately that didn't happen.

Later that day, in Spanish Class, he walked in and saw Edward and I sitting together and his face turned bright red. "I believe you're sitting in my spot, Cullen."

"This isn't your spot anymore Newton." Edward answered, looking straight up at Mike.

"Didn't I tell you that I own this school, Cullen? This is my spot…right next to my girlfriend. You'd better back off." Mike warned.

Edward stood up from his chair. "Apparently you haven't heard, Newton. Bella's MY girlfriend now." Edward smiled as Mike clenched his fists. I was sure there was going to be a fight.

"Mike, stop this! You and I are through and Edward's right, we're together now. You should just accept defeat." I interjected.

Mike backed away from Edward, his fists still clenched. He shook his head in disbelief. "You know me better than that, Bella. I do not accept defeat. This isn't over yet…" He threatened.

I was worried about what would happen the entire day and even though Edward assured me he wouldn't fight with Mike I still was skeptical. Edward was able to keep his promise until practice that afternoon.

I stood with the cheer team, practicing in front of the bleachers while the football team came out onto the field. Dad stood with the other coaches, a clipboard in hand and whistle in his mouth, getting ready to give the team warm up instructions. I saw his eyes focus in concentration and he shook his head in disbelief.

"Mr. Newton!" I heard Dad call.

Mike showed up in front of my dad, smiling widely. "Yes, Coach?"

"I'm sorry to say that you've been moved to second string quarterback. Mr. Cullen was here in your absence and took us to two victories."

Mike's temper escalated as he argued, "You have no right to do this. I am the best player on the team!"

Dad shrugged one shoulder. "You only have yourself to blame. You should have used better judgment before your escapades in the school parking lot."

Mike threw his helmet to the ground and kicked it across the field before yelling a string of obscenities at my dad. The team circled around to contain Mike as he railed, "You have no idea what you've started, Coach Swan! My parents will get you fired and I'll be back as quarterback in no time. This team is nothing without me and football program wouldn't exist if it wasn't for my parents' money to support it. They pay your salary, remember?" He challenged.

"I hate to break the news to you, Mr. Newton, but the town of Forks pays my salary. Your parents don't have nearly as much influence as you seem to think, because I've already discussed this decision with the school board and they support me. My decision is final"

Mike's face became red with rage and he swung his fist back ready to punch my dad as several players pounced at the same time. Helmets went flying and most of the guys stepped between Mike and my dad as Edward grasped his arm, twisting it up behind his back and laying him flat on the ground. Mike continued to scream and squirm as his face was plunged into the turf.

"That's not cool, Mike. Stop this shit and let's go." Eric attempted to pry Edward's hand from Mike's arm. "C'mon, I'll drive you home."

Edward lifted Mike from the ground and began to shove him toward the parking lot, as one of the other coaches stepped beside them to escort him from the field. Mike spat dirt from his mouth as he walked backwards toward the gate. "You've pissed me off for the last time, Coach Swan And you, Cullen…taking my position and then my girl. I'll make sure you pay for this. You know, maybe I should hit you both where it really hurts…" The entire team watched in shock as Mike ranted. "BELLA SWAN! You're a two-timing bitch! I can't believe I wasted a year with you…you little cock-tease!"

Before Mike could get another word out of his mouth Edward charged at him in a blur of speed. He pulled back and punched him square in the face. Mike's head snapped back, he flew up in the air and landed hard on his back on the ground

Edward stood over him snarling, "Don't you ever speak to Bella again. Got me?"

Mike stood up and pressed his hand to his mouth, pulling back fingers covered in blood. His angry look didn't fade, but he ran from the field, not saying another word.

I felt everyone staring in my direction and embarrassment washed over me. I started shaking and my eyes filled with tears. Edward was at my side almost immediately. He grabbed me up in his arms and pressed his hands into my back.

I couldn't believe what had just happened.

Tears poured down my cheeks as Edward held me tight. Then suddenly he was kissing me. A wet; mouths- full- of-tongues; arm- clutching; legs-wrapped- around- my-man- kiss! Right there in front of the team and my Dad kiss…and suddenly I wasn't embarrassed anymore, I heard the other players whistling and doing cat calls as we stood there kissing.

...

Present Day…Suburbs of Seattle WA

Edward's POV

I maneuvered my car into traffic as I left the parking garage. My first formal meeting with the city council had gone well. They had a few projects that required my expertise and they were more than willing to compensate me accordingly, even as a part time consultant.

I was looking forward to the new challenges ahead of me. The pressure of my former position was long gone and I wondered why I hadn't seen it before this. I'd been under stress for years and had just forged ahead, not realizing the anxiety it was causing, as well as the wedge it was driving between my family and me.

My phone rang, pulling me out of my thoughts. I quickly turned my eyes to look at the screen. Seeing it was Bella, I pressed the button to answer. "Hi Bella, how are you?"

She hesitated before speaking, and then asked. "Where are you?"

"I'm on my way to my parents' house, just leaving the city now. Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine. I need to see you…um…talk to you. Can you meet me somewhere?"

"Of course I will. I'm almost to the interstate, but I can turn around. Want me to meet you at home?"

"I'm about ten minutes from the Café…" She suggested.

"I'll be there. I love you, B..." I hadn't even gotten the words out before she hung up.

I turned the car around in the closest parking lot and headed back down the street toward the Café. I arrived there before Bella did and sat in a booth to wait. It was a few more minutes before she walked through the door with a nervous look on her face.

I stood up and smiled at her, placing my hand on her back gently guiding her into the bench across from me. Her face was tense and when she looked into my eyes it was clear she had something to say. I pushed my smile from my face, took a deep breath and waited for her to speak. The waitress poured us both coffees and the tension was thick in the air.

"Edward, I'm sorry." She began, averting her eyes and looking down at the table. Her hands clasped each other and she wrung them nervously. "I hate that I have to tell you this…But, I filed divorce papers this afternoon." She spoke quietly.

I tried to breathe but no air would come in or out of my lungs. It felt as though my heart had been shattered into a million shards of glass. I stared into her eyes as she bit her lower lip nervously. My first thought was that I must have heard her wrong. Because the look in her eyes didn't show nearly the amount of pain you would have expected after 23 years of marriage.

I finally managed to find my voice, "You're serious? Bella, how could you do this to me? To us?" Tears stung my eyelids but I forced them away.

"I didn't do this to you. I did this for me." She explained. "I have too much resentment in me to go on in this marriage. I've been unhappy for too long and I'm trying to move forward and make a life for myself. I don't know what else I can tell you, Edward." She brushed off my pain like it was nothing to her.

My mood was quickly changing from hurt to anger. I pursed my lips and shook my head at her. "You sound more selfish than anything else. I never would have believed you were capable of hurting me like this."I briefly wondered if there someone else in her life already?

"Selfish?" She spat. "You'd know all about what that looks like. Years of you putting your own life before mine…Hell, before our daughter's life! You really have no room to criticize anyone else for being selfish. I hate that I had to do this!"

"That's bullshit, Bella. You didn't have to do this! So don't sound so regretful. You obviously have no remorse." I accused.

"I can see this conversation is going nowhere. I don't want to make this difficult. I will give you anything you want. I'm not going to fight with you. I just want it over!"

"Really, Bella? Anything? Anything at all? Because what I really want is to not be having this conversation in the first place!" My fists clenched underneath the table as I tried to get my emotions in check. I couldn't believe she really wanted to end our marriage.

"You know what I mean. I just want to make this as agreeable as possible."

"That's not likely. I don't want this … and you do. It sounds like there's no way to agree!" I raised my voice and a few of the restaurant patrons turned to stare.

She answered calmly, pissing me off even more. "I'm talking about dividing our possessions, the house, cars, all of that…" Her voice trailed away.

"I don't give a shit about any of that, Bella. All I've ever wanted is you! Can't we talk about a compromise?" Jesus, this hurt so badly. Like no other pain I had ever felt. I couldn't believe she did this here … in front of people no less.

Her eyes rolled in derision. "What kind of compromise is there in a divorce, other than division of property?"

My anger was slowly fading away and the hurt was returning. "Can't we stay separated and not divorce? That sounds like compromise to me?" I pasted on a smile, trying to lighten my disposition.

"Edward your mood swings are giving me whiplash." Her eyes smiled and she shook her head, regaining her seriousness. "I'm not going to change my mind. I've put a lot of thought into this decision. I'm very sorry that I've hurt you."

"I'm sorry I've hurt you too." I stood up, dropping cash on the table to pay for our coffees. "Thank you for telling me in person. It won't come as such a shock when the papers are served." I smiled, though my jaw was clenched tight.

She stared at me as I slid my arms into my jacket. There was pain in her eyes now and I wondered why I couldn't see it there before. She lifted her cup and finished the contents. "Thank you for understanding."

"I don't understand. There's just no use in fighting the inevitable. Good night Bella." I placed my hand briefly on her shoulder before turning and walking away.

I didn't turn back as I left the Café and climbed into my car. I pulled away from my parking place and tried to smother the burning ache in my heart. She was my entire world and in the matter of a few minutes, she made it all come crashing down.

I could still feel her warmth in my fingertips from where I brushed across her shoulder moments ago. The feel of her body when I touched her had been indelible from the very first time we touched, like she was a part of me.

Except that part of me had now been severed.

Flashbacks of touching her flooded my mind. I merged onto the interstate and sped into the darkness, trying to forget the memories of touching Bella.

...

August 1987 … Forks Washington

Edward's POV

Coach Swan had been so proud of me for defending Bella that after I punched Newton, he slapped me on the back and told me he was pleased to have me date his daughter.

That evening when I picked her up for our date, he hugged Bella and shook my hand. "I trust you with her, Edward. Have fun you two!"

I held her hand as I drove us to the drive in theater. We were watching a double feature and the first movie playing was Like Father, Like Son. It was funny and we laughed a lot at the father and son switching places. She laid her head on my shoulder as we held hands, kissing gently every few minutes. During intermission I went to the concession stand to buy us popcorn and soda, meeting her back at the car.

The second movie was Fatal Attraction, and Bella quickly became too scared to watch. She kept pressing her head into my chest to hide her face from the screen. I pulled my arm tighter around her shoulder and covered her eyes for her when she would cringe. I felt her fingers on the collar of my shirt, caressing my throat before placing a warm kiss there. Our eyes met and I pulled her into a tighter embrace and locked lips with her.

Before long we were making out in the driver's seat, forgetting all about the movie. She pulled herself over my lap and straddled me as we picked up right where we left off from our last date. My hands rubbed under her shirt, but over the top of her bra and her hand brushed lightly over the top of the bulge in my jeans.

"Unh, Bella! That feels so good." I gasped.

She moaned loudly, encouraging me to go further. I slipped my fingers down to her ribcage, and eased just the tips of my fingers under the elastic of her bra. "Mmm," she sighed, nodding in approval. I slid her bra up over the curves of her breasts before slowly circling around their edge before slipping my hands to cover them.

I looked deep into her eyes without moving my hands. "Is this okay?"

She nodded excitedly and stroked my erection faster. Desire suddenly took over and I kneaded her skin gently before running my fingers over her nipples. I felt them harden to tight nubs under the pads of my fingers, at the same time I realized her heat was increasing between her legs.

I kissed her firmly, both of our tongues winding around each other and she began to rub herself against my thigh. Not only was there increased heat but I was beginning to feel moisture forming at the seam of her jeans.

My breathing increased as she increased the pace of her hand against me once again. Suddenly her fingers stopped gripping me and she reached for my zipper…

"Stop," I breathed, frozen as I looked into her eyes intently. "I can't do this with you yet. It's too soon." Disappointment flashed on her face, so I sat us upright and kissed her softly. "Bella, I'm sorry but I don't want to rush into this."

She blushed brightly, covering her face with her hands. "You understand it's not you, right?" I asked, as she nodded her head but kept her face covered.

I could tell she was embarrassed about how far we had gone. I heard her gulp air in through her mouth. I pulled her hands away from her face, and saw tears forming in her eyes. "Don't cover your face please. I need to see your beautiful eyes."

She took another deep breath, "I got carried away and I'm sorry."

"We both did. C'mon let me drive you home." I started the car, giving her one more firm kiss on her lips. We rode together, holding hands and she stroked my fingers in a soothing way.

Once we got to her house I parked on the street and shut off the engine. "Bella, you're the most attractive girl I've ever met. I want you so bad it hurts, but I don't think we should get caught up in sex before we really know each other."

"I want you that way too. But I do want to get to know you first. I usually have more control than that…and I'm sorry." She apologized once more.

I gave her a slow, sensual kiss goodnight and watched her walk into the house. After she was inside and her porch light flicked off I shifted in my seat to adjust my erection. I smirked to myself and realized that this was my first time feeling a girl up, and my first time being felt up by a girl. And it was really sexy!

That night when I fell into bed I was both ashamed of how I behaved, but at the same time still wanted her too badly to care!

That is the end of Chapter 4. I hope you enjoyed it.

If there is anything specific you'd like to see, or questions you have, please feel free to message me. I'm happy to answer questions or take suggestions.

As I've said before, this story was originally written for a contest but the characters had way too much to say to me as I wrote it and I simply had to write more.

My co-writer Karen has helped me sort through ideas and clarify situations. She discovered the contest to begin with and chose the song. which I listened to dozens of times to get the inspriation for this plot. She is also an intergral part of this story and I feel I haven't given her due credit. So kudos to Karen for everything she has done. XOXOXO

Send me back a review or PM and let me know how you like this update.