Stephenie has it all. I just decided to play with her characters and add some of mine. I don't own anything you might recognize.

THANK YOU, GUYS! I never expected so many reviews or story Alerts/Favorites or hits. You are great! This is seriously my only story to receive such feedback!

Many thanks to my beta for all the support, honey!

This is my FB name: Cherry Bellazza Callen. There are pictures on my profile.

PS: I made a group on FB: http:/www(.)facebook(.)com/groups/274198112656668/

From now, we kind of alternate between Edward and Bella until we have only EPOV, close to the very end. He decided to open up at the end, and Bella shied away. I bet everyone loves EPOV.

AN: I'm sorry for the depressing lats chapter...I don't have time to answer the reviews...and I want you all to know that last chapter should have only been about Daniel, but the Liz thing kind of wanted to be there too. I had it written for a long time and I thought twice before posting it. Now, on with the new chapter.

Enjoy!

EPOV

It was always difficult to go to a game away. I was missing my girls more than anything in the world, but this time, I missed my little guy too. He was just a little over one year old, talking and walking, and seemed to love watching sports with me. I knew there was a reason I loved my boy.

Just the previous night when he refused to go back to sleep after waking up around two in the morning, we went to the living room and I found a game of hockey. It wasn't my favorite thing, but it was the only decent thing to watch. He seemed really into it, probably forgetting about me. I knew I should have tried harder to make him sleep, or at least let Bella take care of him because I'd be tired in the morning, but I didn't. What I did was fall asleep watching the hockey game and wake up with my head throbbing after having hit something hard.

Thinking I had fallen off the couch, I looked around and found Bella with the remote control in her hand.

"Are you fucking crazy, Cullen? Why was Danny watching TV while you were sleeping? It's six in the morning!"

She was too loud. "Uh…" I rubbed my head. "Did you just hit me?"

"I'll hit you again if you don't answer!"

"He couldn't sleep so I thought it would be nice to watch TV. It helps people to fall asleep." I shrugged.

"Apparently, it helps you! Not him," she snapped. "You'll leave in a few hours and he'd be agitated the whole day! But what do you care? You messed his sleeping schedule!"

"Bella, calm down. I swear, I didn't mean that," I told her.

"Don't tell me to calm down!"

I dodged her hand and got up, trapping her hands behind her back. "I swear to you that I didn't mean to fall asleep. I'm just tired. The game yesterday was exhausting and when I land in Boston today, I'd have practice for tomorrow's game."

She sagged against me, pressing her head to my shoulder. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm really stressed," she mumbled.

"If I let go of your hands, do you promise not to hit me again?" I teased her.

"It depends on the next stupid thing you might do."

I laughed, encircling her in my arms and kissing her. "I just need a little Bella time before I go out and face all that," I whispered in her hair.

She tensed, knowing full well what I was talking about. It was like all the bimbos had come together and become basketball fans, being wherever I was. Maybe it wasn't basketball. It was worse than in college.

"I'm considering becoming your bodyguard," Bella whispered, kissing my cheek.

"Will you?" I asked hopeful. "They don't seem to care I'm married, and I do everything I can to make sure the band is visible."

"Like they care, Edward! You can probably write it on your forehead and no one will care."

"Yeah," I mumbled. "I think it was easier in college. They weren't this bad."

"Are you joking?" Bella shrieked. "They might have taken the hint that you were dating, but they were still looking and drooling and gossiping. Planning my funeral."

I laughed, capturing her lips with mine. I could deal with the guys that wanted an autograph, a photo or a few words; it was the chicks that drove me crazy. True, there were some women that knew all about basketball and didn't care much of us, players, but you could count them on one hand.

"The only consolation you can have it's that you're not the only one," Bella giggled.

"That makes me feel so much better," I said sarcastically. "After that first year, I knew it was a possibly for shit like this to happen, but fuck me! This blows me!"

Bella stroked my head, looking with all her love at me. "Just think of us."

I grinned and nodded. I always thought of them when shit went crazy at the airport, hotel, arena, or wherever we were going.

"I can help with the tension," Bella murmured, grabbing my hand and leading me to our room.

We didn't make it far. Abby was in the hallway looking for us.

"You're awake!" Bella exclaimed somewhat upset.

"I think I have a spinet," Abby said seriously, showing us her index finger.

"Splinter?" I asked, sure she meant that. "Where did you get it?" I asked worried, taking her hand.

"The bed."

We moved back to the living room and after examining her little finger, we realized she was right.

"I'll polish the bed when I come back," I told Bella.

"It's Cody's fault for scratching at the wood," she muttered.

"Can you take it out?" Abby asked curiously, examining her finger.

"It might hurt a little," Bella whispered. She tried taking it out by squeezing the skin around but the splinter was deep. "I'll grab a needle."

"No!" Abby yelled. "I'll keep it."

I laughed. "We have to take it out, Abbs. It will hurt only for a little bit."

"Pinky swear?"

"Pinky swear." I grabbed her pinky with mine and intertwined them.

Bella returned with a needle and her tweezers. It turned out, there was no need for the needle because she could get the splinter out with the tweezers. Of course, once it was out, there was blood. And Abby started crying.

With a look at Bella, we knew there would be no relieving the tension session.

By the time I had to leave, Danny was awake, and contrary to what Bella expected, he was his usual quiet self. It was amazing to have a quiet kid, unlike Abby. She was much calmer now that she had grown up, but sometimes she threw some tantrums that made you crazy.

"Bye, kid." I hugged Danny. He smiled and kissed my cheeks.

I turned to Abby. She was more used to me leaving all the time, and almost every time we laughed about the time she tried and succeeded to keep me home by breaking my leg.

"I'll miss you, Daddy!"

"I know. I'll miss you too." I hugged her tightly. "Be good and don't upset mommy."

"Okay."

I rose from my crouched position and wrapped Bella in my arms, ignoring that she started crying. It was always like this.

"It'll be just two days," I reminded her. "And if you have to meet some client, you know that Liz is more than willing to stay with them."

"Yeah. You be careful, okay?"

"Daddy, I know what I want for my birthday!" Abby exclaimed suddenly.

I closed my eyes, turning my head to her. I couldn't even kiss Bella goodbye with them. "What is that, sweetie?"

"A pony!"

I choked on my spit. "Um, I'm sure it will be difficult to have a pony."

"No, I want one. I told Grandpa Ed and he said you'd get me anything!" She stomped her foot.

I glanced at my watch. I'd be late if I continued that conversation, so I leaned down and kissed Bella soundly whispering that I loved her then looked at Abby.

"I'll think about it."

And I left, taking my old car with me. I arrived at the airport with a decent half an hour before the plane was to take off.

I was zipping my jacket and arranging the cap in the rearview mirror when someone knocked on my window. I wanted to ignore them, or maybe restart the car and park somewhere else, but out of pure instinct I turned toward the sound. Thankfully it was only my captain, grinning from ear to ear.

I opened the door, accidentally nailing his knee. Oops. He threw me a glare. Served him right. He knew I was freaked out by this whole celebrity shit.

"I saw you arriving and decided to greet you properly."

I rolled my eyes, grabbed my duffle bag and clicked the alarm on the car.

"You're ignoring me?"

"You're an asshole," I muttered.

"The new guy, Matt, nearly took off when he saw the people waiting."

"That's why I don't come early. They ambush us," I grumbled. "Listen, do you happen to know of a substitute for a pony?" I asked, partly joking.

"Like a real pony?" Boozer asked.

"No, a toy pony," I said sarcastically. Then my eyes widened and I looked at him. "A toy pony! A pink toy pony!" I exclaimed. "Yes!" I shouted, happy for coming up with that genius idea. Abby would be pleased. I hope.

"Add a fist pump, the paparazzi from your right would just love that," my companion chuckled.

Glancing to my right, I was met with a huge camera. Fuck me. Quickening my pace, I stepped into the airport but before I could breathe easily, a screeching teenage girl broke from the pack and rushed to us.

"If I die before we make the check-in, will you tell Bella I loved her?" I asked seriously.

"You say that every time."

Thank God for security. Crazy teenage girl was restrained.

We met with the others. True to his word, Matt, the new guy, looked around worried. He'd come from France only a month ago. Mathieu was his real name, but he spoke flawless English. Of course, when he messed up or was generally angry, he started cursing in French and besides the few guys that were natives like him, the rest of us stared at him, hoping he was cursing at us.

I never liked any foreign tongue, but I knew a little Spanish since I had to endure it in high school. When I was thirteen, we had taken a one-week trip to Italy. Dad had business to attend there, and so I learned a few words that I forgot almost immediately. French never attracted me, but apparently I had to learn the basics just to be sure Matt wasn't cursing at me.

Our group was the only one at this check-in gate, but it still took time. Shoes off. Belts off. Phones off. All the shit off. They should strip us and be done with it.

I had left my duffle bag to go with the other luggage, keeping the essential with me.

"Not again!" One of the guys from behind me groaned.

I didn't turn, knowing we were being photographed from all the blitz flashes around. I bent to take my shoes off. Dumping everything in the plastic basket, I went through the metal detector gate.

It blared making me jump a mile. What the fuck?

I patted my pockets as the security told me to walk again through it. Great, I'd make the headlines.

EDWARD CULLEN: TERRORIST OR NOT?

I found the car keys in my pants and handed them to the scanning guy then stepped through the gate again. And it blared again. Fucking shit.

"I don't have anything else metal," I told the security.

"Please step aside."

I could tell the guys from the team that were already safe were having a blast as I had to part my legs and spread my arms. It was ridiculous.

The guy moved the stick from my left ankle to my crotch then down to my right ankle before moving to my ass and back and my arms. I was just about to tell him to check his damn machine when I heard the beep near the end of my left hand. The wedding band. Fuck! I was so stupid.

The guy laughed and told me I was good to go. Really? I was surprised he didn't crack some stupid lame-ass joke on how idiot I was.

As the last of the team stepped through the metal detector, I could see the media on the other side looking agitated.

On the way to our gate, I called Bella to tell her not to freak if she saw something about me nearly getting arrested. I slowed my pace, restraining the urge to kick everyone's ass for laughing at me. I was tired. Was that a crime?

"Hello, Slow Poke!" Bella answered between giggles.

"Slow Poke?" I gasped, narrowing my eyes at Kyle when he grinned at me. I was never going to hear the end of this.

"That's how Abby called you. They were taping all the checking process," she explained.

"Fucking perfect," I groaned. "Can you tell Abby that if she calls me names she won't get a pony?"

"Abby, you're allowed to call daddy names," Bella said seriously. "Done."

"It's not like I'll buy a pony, anyway," I told her amused.

"Right. Because I believe you."

"You should. Hold on," I whispered when I reached the flight attendant.

She asked for my ticket that I had no idea where it was. Tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder, I started patting my pockets.

"Bella, I'll call you when I land. I have to find my ticket."

"Try the back pocket. You're so adorable when you're scatter-brained." She laughed. "Love you."

My hands slapped my ass and sure enough, my left hand hit the ticket. Fuck. "Thanks, love. Love you too." I hung up, presenting the flight attendant with the ticket.

Finally in the plane, I plopped in a chair and moaned, rubbing my eyes.

"I hope you'd sleep tonight," Coach said, stopping next to me.

"Promise," I said yawning. "Danny kept me up." It wasn't exactly a lie.

I managed to doze off on the way there. Leaving the airport in Boston seemed to be less crazy than back home, but that was because we were the rivals. I still was stopped for an interview.

The chick asked about my little problem with security.

I laughed. "I had everything off, but you see…it's difficult to take the wedding band off." It wasn't subtle at all. It was in plain sight for everyone, especially when I shoved my hand in front of the camera.

She looked surprised for a moment. I had kept my family as far away from this as possible, but in moments like this it was important for everyone to know about them.

"You gave everyone quite the scare," she said, just to add some stupid commentary.

I bit tongue, not to say something about guns or I'd probably spend the night at the police station. They were crazy about guns, terrorism mixed with airports. Instead I went with the truth. "I guess I was tired. You can blame my one year old son."

I turned and left before she could ask anything else. They were extremely annoying.

After checking in our hotel, we went for a short practice. When we finally went back to our rooms, it was ten at night and I was dead on my feet.

Matt was my room mate and graciously allowed me to use the bathroom first. I was asleep before he stepped out of there. For all I knew the next morning, he could have spent his night in the tub, because when I woke up to my alarm he was in the bathroom.

The last practice was tough, and when we had lunch I wolfed mine in a few minutes before retreating to my room to call Bella like always. After lounging on the bed, I scrolled through my contact till I reached her. After all those years she was still My Love and I wasn't going to change that, even though she loved to tease me. I didn't care I was still just Edward. She could name me Asshole for all I cared because I knew I was one, especially with her. How she put up with me, I had no idea.

"Edward! I was just wondering if I could call you!"

"Well, I called. What did you need?" I asked.

"I don't know why I'm asking you, but maybe there's a chance you did it…" she said anxiously.

"Did what? I didn't do anything!" I defended myself.

Bella laughed. "You don't even know what I wanted to ask!"

"It's something bad, I have a feeling," I answered, sitting up and wrapping my fingers in my hair. What could I have done? The interview maybe? Socks on the floor?

"Do you know how to build a fort?" she asked quietly.

"S-so-sorry?" I sputtered shocked.

"A fort? You know sheets on chairs? They won't stay!"

"Why in the world would you build a fort?" I exclaimed surprised.

"It's your daughter's genius idea! She insisted that she wants to watch the game from a fort. I told her it was a stupid idea. She threatened to tell you about your birthday present."

"You have a birthday present for me? That's two months away!"

Bella huffed, clearly annoyed for being steered from her question. "Fort! You know or you don't? If you don't, you better hang up so I can call someone that knows. I have under two hours to build one!"

I couldn't help but laugh. She was too cute. "Esme never built us a fort, but Alice whined about it once when I was ten and the light was down."

"So she did it?"

"No, Bella. Though, uh…" I looked at Matt as he returned to our room, obvious of me. He plopped on his bed and flipped the TV on.

Was he blind, or something? Maybe deaf. I was on the phone!

"What?" Bella asked, grabbing my attention.

"Liz made one once…you might ask her."

"She did?"

"Yeah, I was five. I just remembered that," I told her, raising my voice just to hear myself over the stupid movie on TV. "Can you turn that shit down?" I snapped.

"Go in the hallway."

"What?" I shouted.

Not really in the mood to start a fight, I got up and on my way out of the room, I unplugged the TV and then slammed the door behind me.

"As I was saying, you should call Liz," I told Bella.

"Are you fighting with someone?"

"Just the new guy. He's an idiot."

"Don't do anything stupid. I'm going to build the fort."

"Luck," I whispered, leaning against the wall.

"Thanks."

I was one of the first five, which had become a habit. I loved it, like always. But I'd learned that not being on the court didn't mean I wasn't good or I was punished for something. I used to be so hot-headed in college.

The game started and I immediately turned all my focus on what I was doing there. I owed that focus to Shaw. He used to throw balls at me whenever I got distracted from the task at hand, or randomly stopped playing and started yelling at some other player for not doing right. I learned that this based a lot on team-play, not how many points can the captain score.

Another thing I was relieved was that I wasn't the captain. Weird, I know. I used to love it, but it was much more difficult in NBA. There was a lot of pressure on Boozer. If Coach ever tried to make me captain, which he had started hinting to, I was going to…deny. Okay, frankly, I'd accept, but hire a personal psychiatrist.

One of the guys from Boston seemed to have a problem with me, so he made it his personal goal to block my way to the hoop. Until I accidentally tripped him. Unfortunately, I got warned. The game between us continued through the first two quarters. I did everything I wasn't allowed because he got under my skin. It was annoying to have him block my way.

Did no one see he was set to stop me? And only me?

So I tried to defend myself by pushing him twice, holding his jersey which resulted in him throwing me down and a huge pain in my ass. Unfortunately we were both penalized so it didn't have the desire effect.

When I thought I finally was past him, I jumped to score. His huge hand came out of no where and slapped the ball. I made sure to elbow him in the back on my way down. The lead referee pulled me aside after that and reminded me that I was reaching the limit of personal fouls.

Finally deciding to stop trying to score, I threw the ball to Noah. The ball was no longer in my hands when the stupid dick from Boston pushed me down. I stared up at him surprised. What the fuck was wrong with him?

My eyes grew wide when I realized I knew him. It was the motherfucker that made my life hell in college. It was Damian Grey. Trying to play it cool wouldn't work. He had gotten a reaction. And he was going to see action.

I shot for the Bulls and scored, nearly turning and poking my tongue out at the fucker.

Here I thought he'd end up at the Lakers, but they didn't want him apparently. I didn't even care how he ended up in Boston.

Coach asked for a small break right before the second quarter could end.

"Cullen, can you attempt to play without killing Grey?" Coach shouted.

"I'll try, sir, but did you see what-"

"If he gets to you only because of that then we're going to have a long talk after the game, Cullen!"

"But he's only on his back!" I wanted to kiss Kyle. I wasn't imagining things. Damian was after me. He had recognized me from the very beginning.

"Do I have to change you?" Coach asked.

"No," I mumbled grabbing a bottle of water. "But if he does something like that again, you can't expect me to…do nothing."

"I expect you to play, score and not pay attention to his antics!"

It was final. We went back and of course, Damian blocked me again. I dribbled and tried to dodge him, keeping my control at bay. It was hard.

Must not explode.

Must not explode.

Must not…

Fuck it!

He punched the ball making it nearly smack me in the face.

"Fuck you, asshole!" I yelled, grabbing him by the front of his jersey. "I still hate you! I see your lovely personally didn't change one bit!"

Before I could punch him, I was restrained by my teammates and helped onto the bench. Six personal fouls. Fucking perfect.

I stayed as far away from Coach as possible. He would probably kill me. I dreaded the break that was to come in one minute.

He didn't even look at me considering he had to make new plans for the last quarter. I sent daggers to Damian and he sneered at me from across the court. If it weren't for the poor cheerleaders between us, I'd fly there and kick the shit out of him. Finish what I started in that corridor so long ago. I could feel my blood pressure rising at the horrible memory.

I propped my elbows on my knees and let my head fall in my hands. I remembered clearly that horrible sight. Damian manhandling and hurting my angel, trying to do unthinkable things to her while her head was cracked and she had fainted.

I groaned, realizing Bella was watching this.

"This runs deep. I've seen it before."

I jumped and turned to look at Coach. He had been there. Of course.

"He was my enemy in college. He…uh, Bella… he nearly…" I choked up, cringing. "I hate him."

When the game finished, I couldn't even find it in me to be happy we won. All I wanted was to go back. To Chicago, not the hotel. I needed Bella. I felt like I was going crazy. Every time I closed my eyes, I thought of that horrible moment. The worst moment of my life.

"Go home," Coach said understandingly.

I showered mechanically, went though the small interview after the game thing without remembering what I said. When we were done with the press and people there, I told Coach I'd grab a cab back to the hotel then head to the airport.

"Okay, son. I know his type, and I hope you understand why I want Dean with you."

"Dean?" I frowned, too tired to process his words.

A big guy in his early forties approached us. I recognized him as one of our security guys. I had just joked with Bella about bodyguards.

I didn't put up a fight, just slid in the car with Dean in toe.

I packed everything quickly and we left for the airport. I was surprised to see him buying a ticket too.

"You're coming with me?" I asked.

"Of course. I'm protecting you until you get home."

Protect me from who?

"Great," I muttered and strode to the check in. On the way there, I flipped off a journalist that probably wanted just an interview.

It was suddenly great to have Dean around. I didn't have to stay near someone else. I'd grown used to fly first class. It was so much better than business class.

Over the flight, I ended up spilling everything I had on Damian to Dean. I actually felt bad for the guy. He had to put up with me and hear my boring stories, as well as battle away everyone that approached me.

The idea of hiring him full time crossed my mind more than once. He was great.

In turn, he told me about how he became a bodyguard, about his family, about who else he had been a bodyguard to.

"I'll keep in mind to tell my friend, Jake, to never try this carrier. He lost sight of Bella and…Damian jumped at the opportunity," I muttered. It was meant to be a light remark, but I ended up running to the bathroom and slamming my hands on the wall then splashing cold water over my suddenly wet eyes. Fuck. I would probably cry a lot when I finally reached Bella.

When I was done with my tantrum, I stepped out of the bathroom to see an old lady waiting. She was smiling but she started frowning when she looked behind me. Had I broken something?

"This generation doesn't understand the importance of future generations."

I stared after her dumbly. Then it hit me like a thousand bricks and I burst in laughter. First, she thought I was banging someone in there, then she thought I had spanked the monkey!

She hadn't closed the door just yet so I found myself answering back.

"I have two beautiful kids that I love, and I plan to make more."

Her face was priceless.

"Mr. Cullen."

"Hey, Dean." I grinned.

"I see you feel much better."

I nodded, taking my seat. "And for the last time! Call me Edward."

He only nodded. Yeah, right. I could be his eldest or maybe a younger brother or a cousin or something, and the man kept calling me mister.

In Chicago, I tried to tell him to go home, but he stood like a statue near my right side of the car. Fucking stubborn. An older version of myself.

I drove slowly, thinking of what to tell Bella.

"Let me pay you the cab ride," I told Dean after parking in front of my house.

"I promised Mr. Thibodeau to stay with you until everything calms down."

"What?" I shouted. "You're staying here?" I pointed to my house.

"Yes, sir."

I huffed. "At least call me Edward," I conceded. I wanted Bella and the kids safe, though I had no idea what Damian could do from Boston. Maybe Coach was just worried about me considering I was having some sort of emotional breakdown.

Once inside, I tried to make as little noise as possible when I realized everyone was sleeping. Dean insisted the couch was perfect, and I was still trying to send him home when there was a commotion behind me. He moved me aside and rushed to the hallway. I flipped the light on to see Bella clutching a baseball bat in trembling hands.

Her huge, fearful eyes jumped from Dean to me several times before she ditched the bat and jumped in my arms.

I took her to our room then quickly grabbed a pillow and blanket and gave them to Dean. When I closed the door of our room behind me, Bella was on me again.

"Are you okay?" I whispered. Of course, she's not okay, you idiot! I wanted to kick myself. She had seen me trying to kill her potential rapier on TV. Almost.

"You're asking if I'm okay?" she asked in disbelief. "I was wondering the same thing. About you, Edward." She cupped my cheeks and that was my undone. I squeezed my eyes trying to block the tears. "Who's that man?" she whispered.

"Uh, Dean. The bodyguard."

Bella gasped. "What did that asshole do to you?" she yelled.

"Nothing. Coach was just…precautious," I mumbled.

"Did Damian hurt you?"

"No." Besides the ten bruises I was now sporting.

"I don't believe you," Bella muttered and unzipped my jacket then tried to lift my shirt.

"Bella. I'm fine." I caught her hands. "Don't worry."

She sagged in my arms. "I…When I saw him…And he was only after you…I thought…" She sobbed making a traitor tear slip down my cheek. We had never talked about that time, but I knew he had scared her badly.

"He'd never get so close to you again. I promise." I squeezed her in my arms, burrowing my nose in her hair.

We fell asleep hugging and with dry tears on our cheeks. I shouldn't have been surprised when Bella had a nightmare. I wanted to go back and end that motherfucker. Wasn't it enough that he had made my life hell in college? He had to hurt Bella too. And now, he was back. Fucking asshole.

When I finally gave up trying to sleep, I went to the kitchen. I shouldn't have been surprised to find Dean at the table with a coffee, but his companion surely surprised me. Abby was showing him some drawings.

Dean was okay, but he was still a stranger. She was old enough to grasp the danger of being around strangers.

"Morning," I offered and kissed her head. "What have we talked about strangers?"

I expected her to tell me that he wasn't a stranger since he was in the house. Of course, she surprised me. Like mother, like daughter.

Dean laughed, pointing to a bump on his temple. My eyes widened.

"The baseball bat was there," Abby told me with huge, honest eyes. "I thought he was a thief so I hit him."

I stood there frozen. Great. I had a future murderer in my house. "Abby," I said carefully trying not to laugh. "You should have come to wake us up."

"Yeah, once we cleared up who I was, I told her the same thing. Besides, what thief would be sleeping on the couch?" Dean asked amused. "I talked with your Coach. If you're better, I can go."

"I'm okay. I was okay last night too," I told him.

"Really?" he asked skeptically.

I nodded. "He's not…going to do anything, right?" I whispered, walking him to the door.

"That Grey guy? No. I know his kind."

"He nearly raped Bella, all those years ago! So don't tell me he is all talk, no action!" I hissed.

"He won't try anything. Would you be happier if we kept an eye on him? And by his kind I meant that he wouldn't destroy his career to end up in jail. He's that self-centered kind of guy."

"No, I don't want anyone looking out for him. If he does anything else, I'd like to have a little chat with him. We're bound to meet now," I muttered. "Please, let me pay the cab, Dean."

He finally allowed me to do what I wanted. While we waited for his cab, I knew what I wanted.

"You know, there's something you can do," I said tentatively.

"Yes?"

"Can you find out why he isn't playing for Lakers? LA is his hometown."

Agreeing, he left.

One week later, in the plane to Miami, Dean sat next to me and told me what he learned about Damian's past. Apparently he wasn't good enough for the Lakers or Clippers and he had tried really hard…to no avail. I couldn't help but laugh. He was never great in the games. An official from Boston had been around at the right time and that's how he ended up there. But Dean had dug dirt and told me that unofficial sources said Damian would be fired at the end of the season. Shocker. After trying to kill me on the court, they should have fired his ass right away.

Ever since that time we became closer, and I paid attention to our bodyguards. I hadn't known of them until Coach introduced me to Dean. He was one of the ten we had. And he always helped when I tried to make sure no one would bug me if I wanted to go somewhere with my family and half the country to hear about it.

Again, this was simply an idea turned into a chapter. It was originally an outtake but I incorporated it here since it makes sense.

Review, I always love to read your opinions. 3-4 chapters to go. :0