Author's Note: Enter… Tanya Denali. Big surprise. Yeah, she'll always be my antagonist, in probably all the stories that I'll do in the future as well. Oh, well… You all ready to hate her in another story? Heh. :) Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Chapter 4

The whole school was excited. Not because there was a fourth fancy car in the parking lot, but because there was a new, pretty, strawberry-blonde supermodel-like girl in town.

Several people approached her and offered to show her around, eager to be friends. It was obvious that she was rich. She wore designer like the Cullens and the Hales, and she had a shiny Benz the color of deep blue.

By lunch time, everyone knew her name. She sat with a bunch of less popular, normal kids, looking comfortable and relaxed. She didn't mind the attention. I knew I would have.

I didn't have any classes with her, but I saw her often in the hallways. She was popular among boys, and several jock football players asked her out. Surprisingly, she rejected every one of them, saying that she already had someone that she liked. I couldn't believe it. She'd barely been in town for a week, and she already had her eyes set on someone. I couldn't imagine it.

It was Friday, the day of the fourth football game of the season. I was still trying to figure out where Rosalie had wanted to take Alice and me, when I found out after school. It was so obvious that I felt stupid for embarrassing myself in front of Edward the other day.

"So you guys excited for the game today?" Alice asked during lunch. "Think you can win?"

"Duh," Austin Marks said, rolling his eyes. "Seriously? The Northern Knights that are coming here after school? Boring. There's no competition."

"Besides, we have the best quarterback in the whole state of Washington," Jasper said, reaching over to bump Edward's fist. "Am I right, Edward?"

Edward merely smiled. He was always so modest.

"You're coming, right?" Alice asked me.

I frowned. "But didn't Rose say that…" Suddenly, it hit me. And I realized why Edward was wearing such a smug smile.

"Ugh," I muttered under my breath. "I am such an idiot. How could I have missed it?"

He was sitting next to me. He nudged me gently. "Told you I always get what I wanted."

I nudged him back. "You're so sneaky."

"How could the smartest girl in school forget that Rosalie is the captain of the pep squad?" Edward countered back teasingly. "You know her attendance in the game is mandatory."

"Which is why I wanted you to leave today free, Bella," Rosalie spoke up. "I never have time for you or Alice on Fridays where there's a game, so I wanted you two to come watch it. It'll be fun." She smiled hopefully.

"Of course we'll go," Alice chirped. "I get to see my man in his football uniform. It's been a while." She leaned on Jasper affectionately.

"You're not speaking for me," I said disapprovingly. "I have tons of studying to do. No way."

"You can't back out!" Edward protested. "I covered for you, remember?"

I scowled at him while the rest of the table watched us in silence, amused at our exchange.

"It's been a while since you came to a game," Emmett agreed. "You should come, Bella. We would all play better if we knew that you're up in the bleachers."

I rolled my eyes. "Right. That's what Rose is for. That's what the cheerleaders are for."

"I was only thinking about our quarterback," Emmett said, fighting a smile and raising his hands as a gesture of surrender. "He always does things better when you're there to help him."

Edward shot him a grateful smile, then turned back to me. "We had a deal," he reminded me.

"Yes, we did," I mumbled, giving up. "I'll go."

"Good," Rosalie said happily. "Don't worry, Bella. It'll be really fun. It always is."

I rolled my eyes and said sarcastically, "I look forward to it."

"Football's not so bad," Alice said, though knowing full well why I was so reluctant to go. "The rules are pretty simple. Just try to get the ball to the other side of the field."

"Soccer is so much better," I snorted. "All I see in football is people ramming into each other. And then they get hurt."

Edward rolled his eyes. "You're still not thinking about the first time I got hurt while I was playing the game, are you?"

"Yes, I am," I said defensively. "It was traumatizing for me. Imagine how shocked I was when I heard that my best friend was unconscious and was being transported to the hospital."

"You never really liked football ever since then," Rosalie agreed. "But Edward's better now. He's not a bad player." She smirked when Edward stuck out his tongue at her.

I sighed. "I guess I'll cover my eyes when you guys ram into each other."

"Good girl," Edward said, ruffling my hair.

I looked around for Alice. Where was she? She said she'd be here in ten minutes…

I sat down on the top of the bleachers, deciding to wait for her. The game was starting soon anyway.

I had to admit, the field was impressive from up here. It was huge, for a small school like ours, but we relied heavily on our athletics program. We had the best football team in the state of Washington. Not including the University of Washington, of course.

At the edge of the field, I saw the cheerleaders in their short uniforms, having a short meeting. I spotted Rosalie easily by her glowing blonde hair. I saw the football coach, which meant that the team was somewhere near him as well.

I saw a bunch of boys wearing navy blue jerseys with their last names on their backs. And among them, I spotted a familiar bronze-haired boy.

I smiled slightly as I studied his serious expression. He and the team were going over last-minute strategy before the game began.

It was another seven minutes before the game finally began. And as it progressed, I couldn't help but become intrigued. I watched intently as the two sides bumped into each other and intercepted the ball.

I cheered quietly when Edward made a touchdown with ten seconds to spare in the first half of the game. We were leading by five points.

The marching band went out onto the field to perform, and I watched the color guard throw their flags in the air. Rosalie had been right. It was really fun.

For the first time, I noticed a strawberry-blonde girl sitting a few inches away from me. I recognized her as the new girl, Tanya Denali.

I looked away when something caught my eye at the edge of the field. Edward was wincing slightly as he limped toward his seat on the bench. I was instantly worried. Was he okay?

"Excuse me."

Startled, I glanced at Tanya, who had slid closer to me. She smiled at me politely. "You're Bella Swan, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"I'm Tanya Denali," she said. "The new girl?"

"I know. Welcome to Forks High."

She laughed. "Oh, I'm enjoying it alright. I'm so glad I came to the football game today. We're really good."

"Yeah, we are," I agreed.

"Uh…I know it might be a little rude to ask, considering how I heard you guys were best friends, but…" Tanya hesitated. "Are you and Edward Cullen dating?"

"No." I hoped it was the last time that I said it.

"Oh," Tanya said. She smiled. "I can't see very well from here. Can you tell me what number jersey he's representing?"

"Of course," I said. "In fact, I can tell you every player's number."

"That's right, you're their friend," Tanya said. "You're popular, like they are."

I laughed. "Popular? Not really. I only sit with them at lunch because of Edward and my other friends. I wouldn't mind sitting alone in the library to study, but they insist."

She squinted. "So what number is he? Edward, I mean."

"Two," I responded. "Funnily enough, it's my favorite number."

"Two…" she mused. "And he's the quarterback?"

"Yes."

"And can you tell me who the captain of the pep squad is?"

"Rosalie Hale," I said. "The blonde. Do you see her?"

She squinted again. "I saw her hanging out with you and Edward's sister, Alice. Is she your friend?"

"Yes, she is. Why do you ask?"

"I'm actually thinking about joining the pep quad," Tanya said. "I was a cheerleader at my old school for a long time. I want to keep doing it. Besides, I think it's a good way for me to get to know all the popular kids."

I smiled. "You want to be popular?"

"Who doesn't want to be popular?"

"If you want, I can talk to Rosalie about it," I offered. "I'll tell her that you're interested. I think she mentioned that they were one cheerleader short because someone transferred out a few weeks ago."

"Oh, would you?" Tanya asked gratefully. "Thank you. I would really appreciate it."

She continued to stare in the general direction of Edward as the second half of the game began.

Curious, I asked, "Why are you staring at Edward? Are you interested in him?"

Tanya looked embarrassed. "Oh. Well, I was thinking that he's pretty hot. He seems really nice too. Does he have a girlfriend?"

"No," I admitted.

She perked up. "Really? Do you think I have a chance?"

"Sure, why not?" I shrugged.

She looked at me, surprised. "You don't seem very…upset."

Now I was surprised as well. "Should I be? Why?"

"Well, you're a girl."

"But I'm his friend," I said, laughing. "I don't see him that way. Besides, I'm used to girls being interested in him. He has a lot of admirers."

"I bet he does," Tanya murmured.

I turned back to watch the game. I inhaled a gasp when suddenly, one of the opposing team's defense players tripped Edward intentionally, causing him to fall hard.

Tanya glanced at me, frowning slightly, but I didn't notice. I was too busy trying to see if he was going to be alright.

Edward was grimacing in pain, but the referee didn't blow the whistle. He hadn't seen. Still, Edward refused to let them take the ball and passed it neatly to Emmett.

Throughout the whole game, I was worried about him. He was still limping. Finally, when the whistle rang, I was able to breathe and relax.

"It was nice talking to you," Tanya said, rising. "You'll talk to Rosalie for me?"

"I won't forget," I assured her. "I'll tell her, don't worry."

She nodded, smiling. "Bye, Bella." And she left.

I watched, biting my lip, as Emmett and Jasper helped Edward out of the field. He had sporting a bloody nose and his cheek was slightly swollen.

"Bella!" Alice came hurrying toward me. "Where were you? I was looking for you!"

"I was watching from over here," I said. "Where were you?"

"Down there, near the team and the pep squad, of course. But never mind that now. You should come. Edward's hurt!"

"I can see that," I said. "Is it serious?"

Alice rolled her eyes. "They think his ankle is slightly sprained. He has a bloody nose and a black eye, but other than that, he'll be fine. At least, the way he shouted at me to go find you would've been tough if he was really injured. But he yelled at me just fine."

"Where is he?"

"Come on." She dragged me down the bleachers, and out onto the field. She let go of my hand, and I hurried toward the team, who were all surrounding Edward, looking worried. They looked fine, while their quarterback was injured.

I pushed Emmett and Jasper out of the way and stopped dead when I saw him. I made a face when I saw his state.

"Hey, Bella," Edward greeted me, grinning me cheerily. "Did you watch the game?"

I rolled my eyes as I sat next to him. "You idiot. Football's not a matter of life and death. What's wrong with you?" I took the ice from the medic and pressed it to his eye.

"Well, I got your attention," Edward sighed. "I won't be able to walk properly for a week."

I clucked my tongue. "I'm never coming to a football game again."

"What?" Edward sat up too quickly and regretted it. "Ow. Why not?"

"If I'm going to see you hurt, I'm not going to watch football."

"Edward's in good hands," the coach chuckled. "Long time no see, Miss Swan."

I looked up, smiling slightly. "Hi, Coach. Aren't you looking a little too happy? After all, your quarterback just got injured."

He shrugged. "Ah, he'll be fine. Nothing serious. Besides, we won, and that's what matters."

"I'm really feeling the love, Coach," Edward said, grimacing.

"Hey, is Edward okay?" Rosalie asked, pushing her way into the group. "You okay, Edward?"

"I'll live."

"Would someone drive him to the hospital?" the coach asked.

Edward looked at me. "Bella will."

"Why me?"

"Because you're my friend. Now come on. Help me up."

"We'll help him to your car," Emmett offered. "After that, you're on your own. We need to change."

I kept glancing at him sideways as I drove. After the tenth time, Edward rolled his eyes and said, "I'm fine, Bella. Don't worry. I've been worse."

"I know," I said. "But I can't help it. Your eye is already totally black, you know."

"It only looks worse than it really is," Edward disagreed. "It feels fine."

"Yeah, tell that to me tomorrow," I muttered under my breath. "You won't be able to see at all in the morning."

"You can be my guidance," he said, smiling.

I helped him out of the car when we got to the hospital. He was half leaning on me, half limping. We entered the ER, where his father, Carlisle, was working.

"Hey, Edward, Bella," one of the nurses greeted us. Everyone knew us here because we were always hurt. I was clumsy and tripped a lot, and Edward played football.

She looked at Edward. "Football?" she asked dryly.

He grinned. "Is Carlisle here?"

She rolled her eyes. "I thought I told you to be careful."

"I can't always do that."

She sighed. "Bella's the poor one. She's always the one dragging you to the ER after a football game."

"I always drag her to the ER when she trips," Edward countered.

I shot him a dirty look. "Is Carlisle here?"

"Who do we have here?" a familiar voice asked amusedly.

Carlisle had approached us with a smile on his face. "Edward. What happened to you?"

"We had a game today, Carlisle," Edward said, wincing. "The medic said that I had a sprained ankle."

"And more, from the looks of it," Carlisle said, grimacing at his son's black eye. "Come on, let's take a look at you."

I helped Edward onto an empty bed. Luckily, we'd come at a time when there were no people.

It turned out that Edward's ankle was not sprained, thankfully. The muscles were only slightly shocked from landing the wrong way. He would be alright after a good rest.

I sighed in relief. "That's good news." I fixed my stern gaze on Edward's sheepish face. "You heard the doctor. Rest."

"That's right," Carlisle said, chuckling. "You'll be fine, Edward. I'm glad."

"So am I," I said. "I didn't want to be his crutch again for a week."

Edward suppressed a smile. "Thanks, Carlisle. I'll see you at home."

Carlisle nodded and turned to another patient that had just come in.

"You okay?" I asked worriedly as we drove back. "We should get an ice pack for your eye. You look like a panda."

He barked out a laugh. It was too light and cheerful for my liking.

"I'm serious! Why are you laughing?"

He looked at me fondly. "Did I mention that I'm glad to have you as my friend? There's no other friend like you, Bella. Thanks."

"Whatever, Edward."

"And thanks for coming today," he continued. "It meant a lot to me. Really."

I glanced at him. Going to the football game wasn't anything. It wasn't anything hard.

But I could see the sincerity behind his eyes. He really did appreciate it.

AN: So what did you think about Tanya this time? Sketch balls? Or not enough information yet? ;) Keep the reviews coming, guys! I love how we're already over fifty reviews, and it's only the fourth chapter! Thanks, guys, and remember! Reviews, reviews, reviews! And maybe I'll update faster.