Family

by Syrenmoon

Bella swan is about to find out the identity of her online friend, but what will happen when she discovers that he is the school football captain that she has spent the last 5 months trying to avoid. All human, E/B Em/R J/A

5. Chapter 5 Angry

I was going to cut this chapter in two, as its so long, but I thought better of it, so here it is in its very long entirety.

Chapter five Angry.

Bella's POV

When I woke, I lay still trying to hang on to my dream a little longer, I hadn't dreamt about Edward Cullen in months. I wasn't complaining, even though I knew that it could never be real it was most enjoyable. I knew by the way the light was coming through my window that my alarm must be ready to go off soon. So with a deep sigh I tried to wake myself up, I groaned at the pain in my ribs that the sigh had caused. Then I gasped, as the reality of what had happened yesterday began to come back to me, then I felt an arm tighten around me.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." It was the beautiful velvet voice of Edward Cullen in my ear. I tried to turn but he wouldn't allow it. "No, stay still." He instructed, pulling me tight against his chest, "I want to enjoy this for just a few minutes." He said, nuzzling his face into my hair, until he found my neck, "Mm mm," he murmured as he kissed my neck.

The feel of his lips on my neck, had my heart pounding against my rib cage, my skin tingled all over me and parts of my body that I hadn't realised were capable of throbbing were waking up like never before.

"You didn't stay all night did you?" I asked feeling a little alarmed.

"No, Jasper kick me out just after you fell to sleep, I just arrived, Rosalie let me in."

"Oh."

"I didn't want to leave." He went on.

"Why not?" I asked.

"You started talking in your sleep." He said.

I gasped and it hurt my ribs again. "Oh no! What did you hear?" I asked, unsure if I really wanted to know."

"You said my name," he said.

"A lot?" I asked.

"What do you mean by a lot exactly?" He asked.

"Oh no!" I said again.

He hugged me tighter, "It's a good thing I don't talk in my sleep." He said.

"Whys that?" I asked.

"Because if Jasper heard what I was doing with you in my dream last night, he would probably try and rip my head off." He chuckled and kissed my neck again.

"And you think I wouldn't try and rip your head off if I heard what you were doing with me last night."

"Definitely not, you were really enjoying yourself, as was I." He chuckled and I could feel his breath on my neck.

I turned my face into my pillow to try and stifle my giggle, it hurt my ribs again.

He sighed, "I really shouldn't have reminded myself about that, I will never get through the day if I have that on my mind. It's going to be hard enough making it through part of school without you and I have a semi-final game after school." He said, then he sighed, "all I want to do is stay here with you," he sighed again, kissed my neck one more time and got off the bed. "You need to get ready for school, I'll wait for you downstairs, oh and one more thing, Alice left this for you." He said handing me a small pot of make up. I took the jar from him. "It's cover up, she thought you would feel more comfortable going to school with me if people couldn't see your bruise, its a professional one." He said.

"Thank you." I said smiling shyly at him, he smiled sadly back as he ran his fingertips ever so gently over my bruised cheek.

He left me then and I went to the bathroom and rubbed some of the make up over my bruise, 'wow' I thought, it covered it completely. Now I felt that little bit better about showing my face at school. I got dressed as quickly as I could, I was eager to see Edwards face again, even though he had been here just moments ago.

I was shocked at what I saw when I got into the kitchen, Edward was sat at the table eating cereal and discussing tonight's game with Jasper.

Edward looked at me as I walked in and smiled that wonderful crooked smile of his that melted my heart.

"Wow, that stuff is good." Jasper said when he saw my face.

"Feel, a little better now?" Edward asked.

"Yes thank you, I do... So." I said, sitting down at the table next to Edward and reaching for the cereal, "what's happening about tomorrow?" I asked sheepishly.

"Tomorrow?" Jasper asked, sure he was teasing, I glared at him, he grinned, "we will all be moving tomorrow."

"Really?" I asked, not quite able to hide my enthusiasm.

"I thought that would please you," he said. "Yes I think Carlisle is right, I will be able to keep a better eye on both you and Rose from there." He said, I grimaced at him, "with Carlisle's and Esme's help of course."

"Where is Rose?" I asked.

"She left already with Alice, they wanted to get in some more practice before tonight's game." Jasper said.

"So, who's driving who?" I asked a little concerned.

"Rose took Alice in my car." Jasper said.

"And I will drive you and Jazz to school." Edward said.

"That's all very nice, but how am I getting home?" I asked.

"I will drive you home myself, then go back to school." Edward said, I nodded, "then my parents will pick you up on their way to the game." He added.

"Why?" I asked confused.

"This is a big game for us, I expect the full support of my family and my girlfriend." Edward said.

Jasper scowled at him and I rolled my eyes, though I was inwardly thrilling to the words. Then I thought of something, would he want people to know I was his girlfriend? Would Edward want to sit next to me in the classes we had together?

"Well if I am still alive by then and I haven't been hung, drawn and quartered by all the other girls in school, then obviously I will give you my full support... Go team!" I finished with faux enthusiasm. They both messed my hair.

"If anyone gives you a hard time today, you come and tell me." Jasper said. "I will sort them out."

"I will be with you most of the day and when I'm not Alice will be, so gym will be your only class alone. Though you wont be taking part in gym, so if anyone says anything, you will tell me." Edward instructed, gently turning my face towards him to look into my eyes. "Anyone." He said again for emphasis.

Jasper nodded in approval.

"Fine, if I still have breath left I will tell you." I said.

"I don't know what the big deal is." Edward said.

"About what?" Jasper asked.

"Me dating your sister." Edward answered.

Jasper look at me, "You know I honestly think he means that." Jasper said to me. "Edward, most of the girls in the school would kill to have you look in their direction and now you start dating the only girl who never gave you any attention."

"If I had had my way, I would have started dating her five months ago." Edward said.

"It's bad enough that you just started." Jasper told him.

"It could be worse Jazz." He said.

"How? How could it be worse than having the most popular guy in the school, dating my baby sister?"

"I could be Emmett." Edward said with a grin.

"Urgh... don't... Its been a battle keeping him and Rose from meeting each other, I don't know what I'm going to do after Saturday." Jazz admitted.

"What? You mean Emmett really does like Rose?" I almost shrieked. "Oh man, she is so going to kill you Jazz."

"Are you two ready?" Edward asked.

"Sure lets go." Jasper answered.

"I'm not so sure, I think I might be too ill to go to school." I said, as I took two of the pain pills that the hospital had given me.

Edward laughed and bent down and lifted me off the seat, he then proceeded to carry me out the door that way. Jasper grabbed my school bag and we were soon on our way, I sat in the back seat and I slouched down low, hiding from view.

I just worried about being the centre of attention, Edward was always surrounded by people, everyone wanted to be with him. I couldn't blame them, he was utterly gorgeous, he was quarterback and captain of the school team. He did martial arts and had a body to die for, well it looked like it and it certainly felt like it when he held me tight against it. He was every girls dream guy and for some bizarre reason he wanted to be with me. I was about to be paraded in front of the entire school. Don't get me wrong I was beyond happy to be the girlfriend of Edward Cullen, but I also liked being able to blend in with the back ground. I had to assume that rumours from yesterday would have spread through the school. So turning up at school today suddenly dating Edward, I had no idea what today had in store for me, but this just was not going to be a good day for me.

Once at school Jasper wished me luck and said he'd see me later.

"If I survive." I muttered under my breath.

I didn't get out of the car though, I could hear people passing as Edward held the door open waiting for me to get out. They were all wishing him luck for tonight's game, Edward motioned his index finger for me to get out but I sat there stubbornly.

"Do I have to come in and get you? Because I will if I have to. Or do I just shout out to everyone that we are dating? You wont need to hide then." Edward said, I think all the blood left my face.

"You wouldn't?" I said, he looked like he was about to start shouting. "I'm coming, I'm coming." I said getting out as quickly as I could.

"Much better," he said, purposefully taking my hand and entwining our fingers, he held my hand so tight that I couldn't pull away if I wanted to. He took my bag from me and put it over his shoulder with his own.

"Shall we?" He said, then he proceeded to drag me across the parking lot.

The walk up the steps was slow, people were everywhere and they were all trying to get near to Edward. But they all stared when they saw us together, I looked up at Edwards face, he had a huge grin on his face.

"What are you grinning at?" I whispered to him."

"Because I'm with you, silly, I can't help it, I've waited a long time for this." He answered. "Aren't you happy to be with me?" He asked, frowning a little.

"Of course, how could I not be? But being with the hottest guy in school comes with a price and I think one knife attack is more than enough for one life time thank you very much." I said.

"Well it's nice to know that you think I'm the hottest guy here," he said smirking at me. "If anyone tried to touch you, they'd have to go through me to do it." He said seriously now. "I will never let anyone hurt you ever again." He promised, "besides, it should be me that should be worried, you obviously don't realise how many guys in this school fancy you."

"Ha, yeah right." I said and he shook his head.

"Oh, don't you two look cute together." Alice trilled as she came up behind us. "The whole school is talking about you two already, isn't that great?" She said, Edward chuckled.

"Not the word I would have chosen." I said under my breath.

Alice moved passed me and went to sit next to Mike Newton, in my usual spot and Edward pulled me to sit in Alice's usual place, next to him. Mike turned around to glare at me with Edward, and Edward started chuckling again.

"I am glad he's not on the football team." Edward said.

"Who?"

"Newton." He said.

"Why?" I asked, "and why does he look so angry?"

"Bella, he's crazy about you, half the guys in the school are, he is so annoyed at me right now, I am surprised he hasn't asked me for a fight." He said.

"Like that would happen." I scoffed.

"Yeah, I knew that Kung Fu title would come in handy one day." He said grinning.

The teacher called the class to order then, so the room fell silent, he gazed briefly at Edward and I sitting together and raised an eyebrow, but otherwise didn't comment. I was afraid to look anywhere, as whenever I did, there was always a face staring open mouthed at me. At the end of class Alice came to my side and the three of us walked out of the class together. Edward leaned down and kissed my hair.

"I'll see you in Spanish." He said, then he went in the opposite direction, off to his next class.

Alice looped her arm through mine. "Aren't you Miss Popular today?" She said, as everyone seemed to be staring in our direction, probably wondering why Alice and I were together, she normally hung with the other cheerleaders. That was something I only did when forced to tag along with my sister, but I was never on such friendly terms with the others. "I see you liked my gift." She said eyeing my face.

"Oh yes, thank you so much Alice, you're a life saver, is it still working?" I asked.

"You don't need to worry about that, it will stay like that until you wash it off with soap and water and you're welcome." She said.

"I think I'll wear it all the time from now on." I said.

"Why? Once your bruise has heeled, you won't need it." She pointed out.

"Yes I will, this stuff is great, no one can tell when I blush any more, I love it." I said and she rolled her eyes at me.

"What's wrong Bella?" She asked when she noticed my expression change.

"It's nothing." I tried to assured her.

"Bella I have known you since you started at this school, your sister is one of my best friends, I know something is wrong." She said, "you can tell me anything, I won't judge."

"I guess I'm just worried about what people are saying, about Edward being with me." I admitted.

"Who cares... He really, really likes you Bella, probably a lot more than you realise, so don't take any notice okay? If anyone says anything, it will just be their jealousy talking, so don't give it another thought." She said, as we walked into our calculus classroom, she ignored the person she usually sat by and came straight to sit by me.

"You don't have to sit next to me if you don't want to Alice." I told her.

"I know that, but by this time tomorrow you will be living with me and will be my sister, we take our family very seriously. We look out for each other, just like Rose does with you, so I want to sit by my sister, okay?"

I smiled at her. "Okay."

~F~

After calculus I had my Spanish class and for once I was actually eager to get to class, but only because I wanted to be with Edward again. But as I walked out of calculus, he was leaning up against the wall waiting for me and looking as delicious as ever.

"Hi," I said smiling up at him as soon as I was by his side.

"Hello, long time no see," he said smiling back. Our hands automatically finding each other, and we set off for class.

I had decided to take Alice's advice and ignore all the whispering that I could hear all around me. That was much harder to do in Spanish class, normally I sat next to Jessica Stanley and I knew that she was crazy about Edward. I wasn't exactly surprised to see the daggers she was mentally throwing at me, when I sat next to Edward. I hadn't realised that he was enjoying himself so much until he put his arm across the back of my chair and started running his fingers down my arm and back up to my neck.

"Are you deliberately trying to get me killed now?" I whispered.

He chuckled, thoroughly enjoying himself, "No, but maybe Jessica will leave me alone now, I have been considering getting a restraining order against her, she follows me everywhere. She has actually written asking me to the prom, even after I had turned her down, twice." He said. "So I am hoping you can protect me from her and a fair few of the others too," he said chuckling again. "Oh, and one more thing."

"What?" I whispered.

"As my girlfriend, you are obligated to be my date at the prom." He whispered.

"I'm not going to the prom." I said through my teeth.

"Yes you are." He protested.

"You can protest all you like, you can argue it until the end of time, I will not be going!" I told him, I couldn't even consider it.

He glared at me, "and why not?"

"Because." I said grimacing. "There will be dancing."

"Obviously... and?"

"I don't dance." I said simply.

"But you will dance... with me." He said.

I sighed, "No, I wont."

"Why?" He asked, he sounded hurt.

I sighed again, wasn't it obvious? "I can't even walk in a straight line, without falling into someone's lap and you really think I'd be safe on a dance floor?" I said.

"You'd be safe if I was holding you up," he pointed out.

"Edward I can't dance, I have never, ever done any dancing, I wouldn't even know where to start."

"I can dance, so it wouldn't be a problem." He said.

"Wait is this actually about going to a dance, or more about me in a skimpy dress rubbing up against you?" I asked suspicious and maybe a little bit hopeful.

"That is the main reason." He admitted, with a very mischievous grin, but we had to stop talking then, as the teacher was making her rounds.

As we were walking out of the classroom, I suddenly wondered where we would be sitting for lunch. Most often than not I just sat between Rosalie and Jessica, on the far end of the cheerleaders table, and ignored everyone else. Edward really couldn't think I would sit with the football team... could he? I swallowed hard as we got in line. He insisted on paying for my lunch, and he put everything onto the one tray. He held the tray with one hand, whilst he took my hand with the other, seeming to sense my hesitation. He almost had to drag me to his table, we sat near the end, but as we sat down, Jasper came to sit next to me and Emmett sat opposite, to my great relief.

"So little sister how's it feel to be famous?" Emmett asked.

I grimaced at him, but regretted it, the pain pills had worn off and the three of them all frowned when I got them out of my bag to take more. "What?" I asked, embarrassed with them staring, it was worse now with more of the football team sitting down at our table.

"It's hurting again?" Jasper asked.

"Well it hasn't stopped completely, but now these have worn off, I am noticing it a lot more." I admitted.

Edward put his arm around my shoulders, I could see the three of them giving each other meaningful looks.

"What?" I asked, I was suspicious something was going on, of that I was sure.

"It's nothing." Edward said, making me more suspicious.

I looked at Jaspers face and I knew something was very wrong. "Jasper, what's going on?" I asked him directly.

"It's nothing for you to worry about," he tried to assure me.

"Emmett?" I said.

"Sorry, Bella I've been threatened not to say anything," he told me.

"Okay, Emmett, what would it take?" I asked.

"Take for what?"

"What would it take for you to tell me..?" He shrugged, "so maybe a date with my sister?" I asked.

Both Edward and Jasper, said. "No, Emmett!" But I could see the decision warring in his face, but then the choice was taken out of their hands completely.

"So what are we going to do then?" Rosalie asked coming up behind us.

I swung around, then gasped at the pain in my ribs. "What's going on Rose?" I asked through my teeth. I was angry at them all for keeping something from me, I was angry at the pain. Then all the pent up feelings from being whispered about all day were all about to burst out of me. I had a very annoying tendency to tear up when I got angry, which only made me more angry and I could feel the tears welling up now.

"Haven't you told her?" Rose asked them, she sounded pissed.

"Rosalie, don't!" Edward and Jasper said together.

"I don't want you to panic okay." Rose said to me.

"Too late." I almost growled at her, getting to my feet as the tears streamed down my face.

"Bella?!" Edward almost cried out seeing my face, he stood too and pulled me to him wrapping me protectively in his arms, I tried to struggle free, but I couldn't move a inch, he was much too strong.

He sat back down and carefully pulled me onto his lap, Rose sat in my seat and then Alice came up behind her. Edward pulled my face gently to face his.

"The only reason we didn't want you to know this, is because we were trying to not get you upset, I can see now that that was a mistake and I am very sorry for that." Edward said, staring into my eyes. "This morning Zucker killed two police officers and escaped from police custody, but you don't need to worry, we are all here to protect you." Edward explained, my eyes widened and I swallowed convulsively.

"Damn right we are." Tyler Crowley said, I hadn't realised that most of the football team were listening.

"The police are out looking for him, they have officers patrolling the school." Jasper said.

"We have arranged that during gym you will come and sit on the bench on the field while we practice, we wont leave you alone for a second." Edward said. "Also, you will be staying at the house from tonight, I have phoned Mom and Dad, they will meet us at your house when I take you home later, but there will be a police officer assigned to the house too."

I didn't know what to say, or even what to think, I was scared I couldn't deny that, my head was spinning, so I leaned my head against Edwards shoulder and he rubbed his hand up and down my back.

"When I said I'd never let anyone hurt you again, I meant it and I am sorry, so very sorry if my actions hurt you." Edward whispered.

"No more secrets okay." I said.

"I promise," he said, I nodded into his shoulder.

"Bells, you need to eat some lunch. Rosalie said pushing our tray towards me.

I picked up a pizza slice, bit off a small piece and started chewing, I knew they were all just doing it to protect me but at what cost?

"If I promise to do exactly what you have said and I stay with Carlisle and Esme, can you all promise me something?" I asked.

They were all very suspicious and only murmured in agreement ready to withdraw their promises.

"Just promise me that you will all, leave the thought of me out of your heads and concentrate on the game." I said, looking up at Edward as I spoke, then I looked at Rose, Jasper then Emmett too. "I know how important this game is, so please, just promise me that you will all give the game your full focus." I said, they all nodded in agreement. Satisfied with their promise I added, "and you can make it up to me when you've won."

"And how do you want me to make it up to you?" Edward whispered in my ear."

"I'm sure I could think of something." I said then bit my lip, embarrassed.

"Don't even think about it." Jasper said.

"And that will be your way to make it up to me." I told jasper.

"What can?" Jasper asked.

"You can leave me and my man alone." I said grinning and Edward chuckled.

"I should have known you would twist this to your advantage, you get more like your sister every day." Jasper complained and everyone laughed lightening the mood. "Are all women this devious or is it just the ones I live with?" Jasper asked.

"I had a good teacher." I said and I grinned at Rosalie.

"I think it must be all of them." Edward said eyeing Alice.

"Oh and I'm about to move in with another two, great." Jasper said frowning.

"Well at least you'll have us on your side Jazz." Emmett said. "Though it looks like the ones you are bringing with you are just as bad as our resident deviant." He said glaring at Alice, she stuck her tongue out at him, then both she and Rose went back to the squad table.

"So you want us to win then?" Edward asked me.

"Oh yes, definitely, now the I know that you will be playing against Port Angeles." I said.

Jasper pulled a face, "I'd almost forgotten about that." He said, still grimacing.

"What?" Edward and Emmett asked together.

"Port Angeles is our old school, my old team and their team captain is..." Jasper paused seeing my face.

"Is what?" Emmett asked.

Jasper looked from me to Edward before he spoke. "Is Bella's ex boyfriend."

"Bella, do you have a thing for quarterbacks?" Emmett asked laughing.

"I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that it may incriminate." I said.

"I was under the impression that you hadn't had a boyfriend before." Edward said almost glaring down at me.

"I haven't." I said.

"Then how is he your ex?" Edward asked.

"He was my friend." I said, and I sighed. "Thanks a lot, Jazz, way to go with the stirring up trouble."

"Then why do you want us to beat them?" Edward asked. Then he looked to Jasper when I didn't answer.

"Jake decided he wanted to be more than just friends and he got a bit, well lets just say he wasn't nice when she said no."

"What did he do?" Edward asked and his voice was almost a growl.

I shook my head slightly to warn Jasper not to say, but Edward noticed. "Tell me," he insisted. "You said no more secrets, so tell me, what did he do?"

I turned my head into Edwards shoulder, I could see half the team listening for the answer, "please don't." I said.

"Jasper?" Edward asked and I could hear the worry in the tone of his voice.

I heard Jasper sigh, "Well, he tried to have her anyway, but I was there in time to stop him." he said, I tried to get away, but Edward wouldn't release his hold on me.

"Well as you two are on offence I guess its down to me to crush the fuckin cunt." Emmett said smashing his fist onto the table, making me jump and half the table went into strategic planing.

Edward put his finger under my chin to pull my face up, "Why have you never told me this?" He asked.

"It wasn't something I wanted to think about." I said trying to pull face away.

He leaned down and kissed the tip of my nose. "Well team." Edward said speaking loud enough for the entire table to hear, "How do you feel about annihilating this quarterback and his team?"

The table erupted like an angry mob readying for battle, it was a little scary.

"No one does that to my woman and gets away with it." Edward whispered to me.

~F~

As Edward and I were walking to biology he asked. "Is that why you moved down here? To get away from him?"

"That was one of the main reasons, yes." I admitted.

"Can you tell me... what happened I mean?" He asked.

"He tried to kiss me and when I said no, I didn't want to be more than friends, well he ripped open my shirt, then Jasper arrived and broke his nose."

"Remind me to thank Jazz for that later," he said.

"Moving for that was a waste of time anyway, but I am glad we did, well because of you anyway." I said shyly.

"What do you mean, by it was a waste of time?" He asked.

"Well it turns out that he is actually from around here, well La Push more accurately."

"What? You mean he's Quillayute?" He asked angrily.

"Yes, I think so, why?"

"Oh my family and the Quillayutes have a long history and none of it is good," he said.

I looked up at him questioningly. "I'll tell you about it some other time, he said as we walked into the Biology lab, where he pulled me straight to the back and straight passed Mike Newton where I normally sat.

~F~

Mike caught up with me just outside the biology room, he completely ignored Edward despite the fact that he was standing right next to me.

"Hey Bella, do you want me to walk you to our gym class?" He asked, then he threw a snide look at Edward.

"Oh, thanks Mike but I'm not going to gym today." I told him.

"Why not?" He bit back rudely.

"Because she is coming on to the field with me." Edward said, putting his arm around my shoulders and pulling me away and leaving Mike standing alone with a shocked look on his face.

"You enjoyed that didn't you?" I asked, knowing the answer, he had a huge grin on his face.

"He's an ass, he actually turned up at practice last night, wanting to get on the team."

"What happened?" I asked.

"Well, one of the guys told me that they had heard that, he thought you liked quarterbacks so he was looking to be my replacement." He said.

"And?"

"And I was more than fair, I let him try out and I think they are still trying to level the field were the guys buried him." He said chuckling.

I rolled my eyes at him, "So what do I do while you get changed?" I asked.

I will wait till Emmett or Jasper come out before I leave you," he said as we reached the door to the locker rooms. The hall was empty apart from the two of us, he pulled my chin up with his finger and leaned down to softly press his lips to mine.

"Hey, pack that in." Jasper voice came from behind me.

Edward pulled away and sighed, "I'll be out in a few minutes," he leaned back down to kiss my hair before he left to get changed.

"So, how are you doing?" Jasper asked.

"Well I can say that I've been better, but all things considered I'm okay, how about you?"

"Pretty much the same as you by the sound of it, I'm not so sure about you being at the game though, out in the open like that, but the police have promised to have the place covered." He said.

"When did you speak to the police?" I asked.

"This morning, Mr Green called me into his office, that's how I found out about Zucker and I told Edward just after."

"And why wasn't I called to the heads office?" I asked, more than slightly irked.

"Because I told them not to, its my job to protect you Bells, you have been hurt too many times already." He said.

I couldn't argue with that, but I still didn't like being excluded from things that were about me.

"Hey Bella." Emmett called as he and half the team came out of the door, I saw that Edward was among them, but that was all I had time to register before Emmett scooped me up and ran out onto the field with me in his arms, he stopped at the bench and sat me on it. "Anyone comes anywhere near her, you have my permission to kill them." Emmett said to the team that came to sit either side of me on the bench.

"That does not include me." Edward shouted and he ran over to kiss the top of my head again, before running onto the field.

I had not seen him in his football gear before, but then I was sure that he could wear an old cloth sack and still manage to look hot. But the sight of his butt in those tight pants was, well... definitely drool worthy. I had to admit, I did not know much about football, but I tried to pay attention. I guessed that dating the team captain would mean I was going to have to watch a lot of football from now on. It wasn't long before he had my jaw dropping, how he managed to throw the ball as far as he did was beyond me. But to throw it so accurately and straight into some ones hands, well he was even more amazing than I already thought he was.

~F~

"Hi Bella, Tyler said walking over to sit by me. "How are you doing?" "Hi, Tyler, I'm okay thanks." I said.

"So, you and Cullen huh?" He said.

"Back off Crowley, she mine." Edward said territorially, running up to me.

"I know that, I was just making conversation." Tyler said, defensively.

"Sure you were." Edward said without looking at him, then he scooped me up into his arms and carried me off the field and back to the locker room.

"So I'm yours huh?" I asked.

"Yes all mine," he said leaning down to kiss my forehead.

"I'm sure he didn't mean any harm." I defended Tyler.

"Of course he did, he's another one desperately trying to get into your shorts." He said.

"Oh? And your not?" I asked.

"That's different." He said.

"How is that different?"

"You are my girlfriend," he said grinning down at me.

All I could think at that time was boyfriend is more than enough reason and he has free access any time he wants it, then I prayed that Alice was right about this cover up make up, my face was burning up at that embarrassing thought.

He carried me straight into the boys locker room. "Edward, I can't..." but by the time I had said it, he was already through the door. "Why have you brought me in here?"

"I need to get my car keys, I'm taking you straight home." He said pulling his keys out of his jacket pocket and carrying me back out and all the way to the parking lot.

"You do realise I can walk, right?" I asked.

"Hmm, but this way I get to hold you closer," he said grinning as he put me down next to his car.

He opened the passenger door and held it open for me, "Does this mean I'm not allowed to talk to anyone any more just in case they are trying to lure me away from you?" I asked as I got in.

"Exactly." He said as he shut the door.

"I really don't think you have anything to worry about, In the five months I've been here, I have only ever been even the slightest bit interested in the one guy." I admitted.

"And who would that be?" He asked through his teeth, as he started the car.

"Well that would be the first boy I met, he was also the first boy I spoke to, um... the first boy I apologized to, the only boy I got on my knee's for and the only one I was too scared to face again." I said and he looked at me with one eyebrow raised. "You obviously."

"Unbelievable." He said.

"What is?" I asked.

"Well, this whole time I have wanted to be with you and it seems you felt the same way, but by a cruel twist of fate we couldn't be together, then we got together unknowingly online the same day we met." He explained.

"You're right it is pretty unbelievable." I agreed.

"I could have got into those shorts months ago." He said grinning again.

"EDWARD!" I shouted aghast.

"What? I was just saying."

"Like Jazz or Rose would have let you try." I pointed out.

"Good point." He said frowning.

It's probably going to be worse at home, with everyone watching us." He said.

"It's not like it will hurt you to wait." I said.

"As long as you are prepared to ease my pain."

"EDWARD!"

"Well, I have been with you almost all day and I want to kiss you so bad its driving me crazy, so I apologize." He said and I raised my eyebrows at him. "I'm sorry for wanting to get..."

"Edward!"

"Hmm... I'm sorry, I'm just teasing... honest, to be perfectly honest I'm just trying to distract myself." He said as he pulled up outside my house.

"From what?"

"If I had been your boyfriend all this time, then maybe you wouldn't have been attacked." He said annoyed at himself.

"Don't you dare!" I almost yelled. "Edward please don't think like that. I like to think of it more as... I had to sample the worst things, just so I would know when the best thing came along." I said.

He place his forehead against mine, "Thank you," he said and kissed the tip of my nose.

"For what?"

"For making me remember, just how lucky I am, now stay there." He instructed.

"Why?" I asked.

But he got out of the car, walked around to my side and opened the door for me.

"Okay, you can get out now." He said, I rolled my eyes at him.

He took my bag from me, grabbed my hand and then walked with me to the front door.

"You didn't have to see me to the door you know." I said, but as I did I saw a police car pull up across the street. I swallowed hard and looked up at Edward.

"Actually I did, mostly because I have to know that you're safe, but also because Jasper told me to take extra care and make sure that you were safe before I left you. My parents should be here soon." I shook my head, unlocked the front door and walked in.

"Okay I'm safely delivered, you can go now." I said, but he looked down at me sheepishly. "What now?" I asked.

"I was just wandering if..."

"If what? I asked suspiciously.

"If you would wear this to the game tonight?" He asked handing me some rolled up material.

"What is it?" I asked as I unrolled it, realising what it was I said. "You are kidding me, right?"

"No, its my old football shirt, it has my lucky number on it and I want you to wear it. So we can send a message out to everyone." He said, I held it up, on the back of the shirt it said 'Cullen 17.'

"And what exactly is the message?" I asked.

"You wearing my shirt basically says, that you are mine." He said.

"You are actually serious about this aren't you?"

"You bet I am." He said.

I stared into his face for a long minute. "Fine, I'll wear it." I consented. "But I am wearing a jacket over it. I said and we both turned to look through the still open door as a car pulled up outside.

"Go and pack an overnight bag, to take with you... No, on second thoughts wait a second." he said whilst Carlisle and Esme walked in and shut the door.

"We won't be a minute, I'll just help Bella pack an overnight bag." Edward said.

"You don't have to come with me." I said.

"I want to check there's no one upstairs, so I'm coming up too." He said taking my hand and pulling me up the stairs.

Once he was satisfied that the house was otherwise empty, I started the put a few things in an overnight bag. Once I was done I turned to him, "Wait here while I get changed." I said. He went to sit on my bed.

When I came out of the bathroom and walked into my room I watched Edwards face light up. "Oh, yes I like that, I like that very much." He said, with his wonderful half smile, as he looked at me in his football shirt.

"Anything else?" I asked.

"Just one thing." He said and he stood up and walked over to me, took my face gently in his hands and pressed his lips to mine.

"Come on you two." Carlisle called up the stairs.

Edward sighed, "one day I will get to kiss you without being interrupted." He said.

"I'm really looking forward to that day." I admitted, before I hid my face embarrassed.

"Me too." He said, taking my bag off me as we walked out of the room.

Edward walked me out to Carlisle's car and put my bag on the back seat, then he backed me up to the side of the car and leaned down over me to speak.

"Promise me that you will stay safe." He whispered into my ear, his lips trembling against my ear as he spoke, making my breathing speed up.

"I promise I will 'try' to stay safe." I said between gasps.

"Good." He said, then he kissed the indentation below my ear. "Now I can concentrate on my game."

"Good." I said and pulled his face closer so that I could kiss his cheek.

"Take care of my girl." He said to his parents as I got into the car, he said something else to them I couldn't hear then walked back to his own car.

Carlisle and Esme got into the car and drove me back to their and now my home.

"Bella, I have set up the bedroom for you opposite Edwards room and next to our room." Esme said.

"Thank you Esme, Carlisle, you have been so kind to my family and myself, I don't know how we will ever be able to repay you." I said.

"As long as you are safe dear, that is all the repayment I need." Esme said. I hugged her then winced, the pain killers were wearing off again.

"Could I have a drink please." I asked as I got the painkillers out of my bag.

"Of course dear, and please you do not need to ask for a drink, you can help yourself to anything you want, okay?" She said stroking my hair, then proceeded to get me a drink herself.

"Are those helping?" Carlisle asked, when he saw the tablets.

"Not too much." I admitted, he put his hand out for them.

"I have something a little stronger that should help better." He said then walked out of the kitchen.

Moments later Carlisle was back with a pot of tablets, "You only need one every six hours but don't take them on an empty stomach, okay?" He said, "oh and no alcohol either." He added and I laughed.

"Like my brother will ever let me do that." I said.

"He's done a very good job of taking care of you and your sister and that can not have been easy for him." Carlisle said.

"He is the best brother in the world, I suppose." I said.

"Well now you have two more... though I can't imagine that Edward will ever want you as just a sister." Esme said, placing a sandwich in front of me and I bit my lip and looked away.

"Thank you." I said, still not looking at her.

"There is no need to be embarrassed Bella, I am relieved he's found you, Edward has always had a hard time when it comes to girls, but with you it was different. You got to know our Edward before you saw him, most girls he meets never see him for who he truly is, so he has never bothered with them. He has seen you as someone special since the first time he spoke online to you, so don't be embarrassed, I was kind of getting to the point where I thought he would never start dating." Carlisle admitted.

"Do you mind, that is my baby boy you are talking about." Esme said, though it was obvious they were both joking, it was odd to be with such laid back grown ups, it reminded me of my Mom.

"Is everything alright Bella?" Esme asked seeing my face.

"Yes, sorry, I was just thinking about my Mom, she would be happy, I think, with us being here." I said.

"I am sure of that, we want you to know that although we can never replace your parents, we are here for you and you can come to us for anything." She said stroking my good cheek. Then I giggled.

"What?" They both asked.

"Um.. what about, if I am having problems with my boyfriend?" I asked grinning, they both laughed.

"Yes even that," Esme said. "Though maybe you'd be better off discussing that with me rather than Carlisle, boys together and all that."

I giggled again, "Yes I'm sure you will be happy to discuss what your baby boy has been up to." I said and we all laughed.

~F~

It didn't seem like much later that we were getting back into the car and driving to school.

"Do you think it will be safe?" I asked as we were pulling into the parking lot.

"We have spoken to the police Bella, I would not have agreed to this if I had thought you would be in any danger." Carlisle tried to assure me.

I smiled, "thank you, but that is not what I meant, I was more worried about if it would be safe for you and the others being near me." I said.

Carlisle turned to look me straight in the eye. "Bella, please don't think like that, there are a lot of plain clothed officers in the crowd. So please don't worry, we will all keep you safe, you are our soul concern right now." He said.

We followed the crowd to the football field and I had barely sat down for a second when Edward came running up to us. "I had to see for myself that you were safe." He said, kissing my hair. "I thought you were going to wear your jacket over that." Edward said eyeing his football shirt.

"I'm sitting on it." I said. "Besides, I'm far to proud of you, not to show it off... just a little bit." I said and half smiled, making him chuckle.

"I'll see you guys later." He said.

"Good luck." I said and he kissed my hair once more before he ran back to the locker room.

It was sometime later when the cheerleader's appeared to warm up the crowd, Rosalie standing out in front like the born leader she is. I watched as the boys on the squad threw Alice up in the air, I had been to practice loads of times with Rose but I had never actually watched them practice, I'd always had my nose in a book. Watching Alice was amazing she was like an acrobat the way she spun around in mid air. Soon the opposing team came out, by the sound of it half of Port Angeles was here to support them. I did my best not to look, but I could easily pick Jake out of the crowd.

Then it was time for the home team to come out. When the announcer introduced Edward more than half the people there were up on their feet and cheering for him, I had to join in, after all they were all cheering my guy. As we all started to sit back down I glanced at the person behind me, he seemed familiar, but I thought his beard looked a little fake. I thought nothing more of it, until I suddenly realised why he looked familiar.

I wasn't sure what to do, I pulled my cell out of my pocket, wrote a text, then I showed the text to Carlisle. I wrote, 'Zucker is behind us.'

Carlisle took my cell and showed it to a man sat in front of him, the guy nodded and Carlisle handed me my cell back. A few minutes passed but it felt like a lot longer, the area around me seemed to become incredibly crowded. People moved around us, then I felt clammy hands around my throat, the fingers began to squeeze, I couldn't breath. I grabbed hold of Carlisle's arm, seeing what was happening Carlisle grabbed hold of the offending wrists and the hands released me instantly. But I could still hardly breath, I could still feel the fingers there, Esme pulled me out of my seat and Carlisle, still holding Zucker's wrists put more pressure on his hold and Zucker was reduced to his knees, then several officers converged onto him and dragged him away.

Carlisle turned to me and saw that I was still struggling to breath, tears running down my face as the panic set in. "Stay here." He said to Esme, then he half carried me in the direction of the parking lot, where an ambulance was parked.

Carlisle lifted me in and started to examine my neck and throat, he manipulated my throat a little, it was painful, but as soon as he did my airways cleared and I could breath more easily. Someone then came flying into the back of the ambulance, it frightened me until I realised who it was.

"What the hell happened?" Edward demanded to know.

"Calm down Edward, she is fine..." Carlisle said, then we heard gun shots from not far away, people were running and shouting. Edward pulled me into his arms and I fell limp against him, he pulled me protectively out of sight of the lot, from the open doors of the ambulance. More shots, then nothing. It was several minutes before we could hear any movement.

"Both of you stay here." Carlisle said, then he left the ambulance.

"Are you okay?" Edward asked me, his voice still frantic.

"I'll be fine, I said groggily, holding my throat still.

"What happened?"

"Zucker was behind us, tried to strangle me." I said.

"That was Zucker!? Well I hope they have shot the son of a bitch," he said angrily. "I was worried sick when I saw you had gone." He said squeezing me tight against himself. "I've never been so scared." He moved then and bent his knees to look at my face, "and you are sure you are okay?" He asked.

"Just more bruises, by the feel of it, but yes, I'll be fine." I assured him.

He kissed my forehead and then he wiped away my tears with his lips, then pulled me back into his chest and wrapped his arms around me, I relaxed a little, finally feeling safe in his arms. That's when we heard what sounded like hundreds of people running down to the parking lot.

Carlisle came back into the ambulance.

"Well?" Edward asked.

"Zucker is dead." He said blankly.

Edward heard and felt it as I let of a huge sigh of relief, he pretty much did the same thing, but I was crying again as the reality of what had happened hit me.

"He can never hurt you again." Carlisle said, rubbing my arm. "You're safe now."

We walked to the back of the ambulance, Edward jumped down and reached up to help me down, but instead of releasing me, he held onto my ass and moved my legs so that I was wrapped around him. He held me there tightly, I didn't object I hugged him back as tight as my ribs would allow. Then Jasper, Emmett, Rose and Alice can running up almost in hysterics seeing Edward holding me so protectively. They were followed by the rest of the team.

"Is she?" They all said together.

"Scared and shook up, with more bruises, but otherwise she is okay." He told them.

Carlisle explained what had happened, while I continued to sniffle into Edwards neck. But it wasn't much longer before we were ushered back towards the school to get the game started. Edward never let me go, he just hung on to me tightly, while stroking his hand up and down my back.

"Hey Hale." I heard the voice and cringed into Edward, Edward noticed and held me tighter, as we all looked up to see who it was, though I didn't need to see, to know.

"So this is where you thought you'd hide your sister, is it?" Jake said. "Speaking of whom, has she joined the church yet?"

"Why don't you just drop dead Black and while you're doing that, stay the hell away from my sister." Jasper yelled at him.

"Why where is she?" Jake yelled back.

"She found herself a real man and got over you." Rosalie almost snarled in his face.

"Yeah, right. Like who'd have her?" He jeered.

"That would be me, if you must know." Edward said, Jake stopped dead when he saw Edward and his jaw nearly hit the floor when he saw me in his arms.

"C-Cullen!" Jake almost choked out, I'd never seen Jake nervous before, but he most definitely was now.

"That's right Black and if I find out that you have been anywhere near my girl again, I will rip your mother fuckin head off, got that?" Edward said, then proceeded to walk past Jake like there had been no exchange between them.

Everyone in hearing distance looked aghast, Edward was always so calm, this out burst was a very different side to him.

"Well at least you know he'll protect her." Emmett said to Jasper as they followed after us.

"Yeah and I used to think I was over protective of her." Jasper replied.

Edward lifted me up slightly and turned to kiss my neck, I automatically lifted my chin to give him better access, I couldn't help the smile on my face when I saw Jakes angry face.

"I've just got rid of one psychopath, I didn't really want any trouble with another one." I whispered in Edwards ear.

"He asked for it." Edward replied.

Then Esme came running towards us, "Is she okay?" She asked panicked.

"She'll be fine," Carlisle assured her.

"But I heard shots." She whimpered.

"Nowhere near any of us." He assured her again, putting his arm around her.

Just before we got back to the field, I pulled Edwards face towards me, wanting to see if he had calmed down, he leaned his forehead against mine.

"I never want to feel that way again." He whispered.

"What way?" I asked.

"Like I had lost you." He admitted.

"Edward..." I started to say, but I didn't know how to say what I wanted to say, I needed the right words to explain exactly what he meant to me.

"Yes?" He asked, staring into my eyes.

"You can't get rid of me that easily."

"Can't?" He asked.

"No, you can't." I assured him.

"And why can't I?"

I moved to whisper in his ear, "Because I love you."

He pulled his face back to look me into my eyes. "You do?" He asked, his face alight with sudden joy.

"Yes, I do." I answered truthfully.

"Good," he said, running his lips along my jaw to my ear, "Because I love you," he said into my ear, then he kissed back along my jaw and then pressed his lips to mine.

"Edward you'll have plenty of time for that after the game, C'mon!" Emmett shouted at him.

Edward leaned his forehead back to mine and sighed, "One day," he said, I smiled as he lowered me to the ground.

"Now go kick some major butt for me." I said, he kissed my hair and ran back to the bench.

I was about to walk back to my seat with Esme and Carlisle, but Jasper stopped me.

"You sure you're okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine Jazz, you go kick some ass too." I said grinning.

"You got it Sis." He said, taking off after Edward.

"Well that's the sort of pre game event we could have done without, I hope the game can live up to a start like that." Carlisle said as we took our seats.

"Not sure if I can take any more excitement today actually." Esme replied. I nodded in agreement.

We watched as Edward and Jake walked to centre field for the coin toss, Jakes team kicked off and Jasper, being Jasper ran the ball the length of the field and put six points on the board in the opening seconds.

"Hmm." Carlisle said after a while.

"What?" I asked.

"I was just wondering... at home, I am center half, Esme is referee, Edward obviously is quarterback, Emmett is... well the entire defense, we now have a wide receiver and a second cheerleader, so I was wondering what is your role on the team?" He asked.

"Oh that's easy, I'm the water boy." I said, laughing.

It was whilst I was still laughing that I really saw Emmett in action for the first time, I couldn't imagine a grizzly would make as much impact as Emmett, or even a rhino. He knocked a hole in the offensive line with ease and I watched with satisfaction as he flattened Jake into the dirt.

"That's not going to improve our reputation on the reservation." Carlisle said fighting back a smile. Esme playfully slapped his arm.

"What? I was just saying." Carlisle said.

"You didn't have to look so pleased about it." She said.

The game progressed slowly, but Emmett never gave an inch, by half time Edward had thrown three touchdowns passes, all to Jasper and had even ran one in himself. Port Angeles had to settle for three field goals. I'd only had to miss a little of the game when the three of us had had to go and give statements with the police, Carlisle made sure that Edward knew where we were going this time.

Edward was back at my side as soon as half time was called.

"So, what do you think?" He asked, pulling me out of my seat and planting a quick kiss on my lips, with everyone watching, he was still pumped.

"I think you are awesome actually." I informed him.

"Good," he said, grinning hugely, "Wait till you see this," he said and his eyes sparkled with excitement. "Gotta go, love you." He whispered and he was off again. I shook my head, smiling hugely to myself.

Several members of the team, mostly defence judging by the size of them, came out onto the field, walking either side of a golf cart. They lifted what looked like a big block of concrete off the cart, on the front of the block was a picture of the Port Angeles team.

Then the music changed to 'Ace of spades' by Motorhead and what must have been every girl in the place started screaming. I looked at Carlisle and Esme who were both shaking their heads. Esme nodded to the field and when I looked I saw Edward walking out onto the field alone. He was shirtless, even from this distance his rippling muscles were evident. The noise from the screams girls was deafening, but what could I say, he really was hot. Strange how football suddenly became my favourite sport, what had I been missing? I notice he was wearing his black belt and as he walked up to the concrete the music stopped and the crowd suddenly went silent. He bowed to his audience, then turned back to the concrete block and kicked it. I think my jaw hit the floor as the block split in two and the crowd erupted screaming his name.

I felt my face heat up as a swell of pride mixed with lust washed over me, he turned to the crowd and bowed again, he looked up at me with a big smile on his face. I realised my mouth was still open, I was surprised there was no drool running down my chin, I snapped my mouth shut. I just shook my head at him, grinning hugely again, he really was unbelievable.

The team ran out to him and hoisted him into the air and carried him off out of sight.

"Gets more like his father every day, its like watching history repeat itself, well not the Kung fu part obviously, but the rest is..." I looked at her questioningly. "Been there, done that, school hero, quarterback, captain of the school team." She said looking at Carlisle. "Beating the other girls off with a big stick." She laughed.

"Oh good." I said, "I know who to come to for advice, tactics for beating off the competition."

She laughed. "I don't think you have anything to worry about there, all these women and he only sees you." Esme assured me.