So here I am again. This won't be regular to update twice like this, but I got a couple of chapters written and decided that I can't guarantee an updating schedule, but I can guarantee at least a chapter a week. Yeah, while I was away I got a career (8-5 accounting one), wrote one novel and two novellas, and am halfway through my second novel but stuck with writers block on that story. While trying to force myself to continue it, this one sprang up and I ran with it, just happy to be writing again. So yeah, at least one chapter a week, wish I could guarantee certain days, but I don't want to say I will post on Wednesdays and then not make it in time with everything else going on. But all of you who have followed my other stories know that I will update and I won't just go on hiatus without warning. I don't operate like that. I'm here with you all to the very end!

Now, onward we go. A lot of you are questioning the whole Rosalie thing, just trust me on this one, you'll love where this goes! Just have faith. You all know I'm a B&E girl with the exception of two of my stories (one slash and one that isn't an HEA). Now, ready for the next one? You're getting this because I'm excited to be back.

Twilight Crystal is my Twify!

I only own the plot!

Cover Girl Chapter 2

Edward shut his locker door, glad that the week was over and was happy that the football season was almost done. They had one more game, the last game of his high school years, later that night, and he was eager to get it over with. It wasn't that Edward hated playing football, or hated school. He excelled academically, and even kept up the Cullen legacy joining the Forks Spartans. His father was a quarterback way back in his days, and his older brother Emmett was one of the legends at the school, leading the Spartans to their best four seasons ever while he was on the team.

Emmett had been the only sophomore to ever be elected Captain of the football team, and he retained that title through his senior year. He was chosen by University of Washington, continuing his position as tight end, and he continued being in the spotlight, excelling for his four years there. He had just been drafted by the Seattle Seahawks and the town couldn't be prouder.

Edward definitely didn't take after his brother in the limelight as a football star, but he held his own as center, even though he was skinnier than most centers. He had a knack for seeing the plays before they happened, strategizing where each person would go and what he needed to do to protect the quarterback, and he knew that Mike Newton was happy that Edward had saved his pretty face countless times on the field.

The coaches pushed Edward more than they pushed other players, but only because of whom his brother was. Edward didn't mind, as he did enjoy the challenge, but he hated that he was second best in the coaches' eyes. In fact, he had always been second best, never quite rising to the high school fame that Emmett had set. He wished that everyone would see him as Edward, not Emmett's little brother.

He wasn't a geek, but he wasn't popular. He was just there. He had dates, but never settled down with anyone, probably because of his somewhat unhealthy obsession with her. But after seeing her one day when he was seventeen, no other girl could hold a candle. She was only two years older than he was, and he wasn't sure what about her drew him in so much, but there was something there, something almost familiar, and Edward was helpless in finding another girl that could hold a candle to his Rosalie.

He headed for the parking lot so he could run home and eat before the game that night. He knew to keep it light, as his nerves often got the best of him and made his stomach queasy if he ate too heavily before a game. He just had to get through the next few hours and then he would be Edward again and could focus on his studies more so he could get out of the tiny town that seemed to suck people in and keep them. It seemed that if you didn't get out of Forks and make something of yourself, you'd be destined to stay there for eternity, marrying someone that wasn't really right for you, and working at a dead end job.

His father had actually gotten out of the tiny hell hole, went off to college on the east coast, getting his Ph.D. and making a name for himself in the medical world. He'd even met Edward's mom while in New York and from what Edward remembered, they had planned to stay there forever. But when Edward's grandmother got sick, his dad came rushing back home, bringing his then fiancé along with him, and she fell in love with the tiny town and begged to stay there.

Not wanting to disappoint his soon-to-be bride, and wanting to stay by his mother's side, his father agreed and he took a position at Forks General Hospital. Six months later, his parents were married, and a year after, Emmett was born. They waited four more years to have Edward, and decided they were happy with two. They made a nice life in the small town, immersing themselves in the community and the schools.

Not a year went by that his mom didn't serve on the PTO or as a room mother. She held Cub Scout meetings in their living room, and hosted the book club once a month there as well. She even had babysat many of the children in the town at one point or another. Not a summer went by that there weren't random children invading Edward's space in his house. He had spent time with Mike Newton, Jessica Stanley before she got boobs and became the annoying cheerleader she was in high school. Their home had been opened to Eric Yorkie and Tyler Crowley, two of Emmett's teammates from high school, and he remembered his mother taking in Jacob Black and his sisters Rachel and Rebecca after their mother passed away.

His house had been a revolving door for kids that needed someone to look after them while their parents worked and couldn't afford daycare, or were too old for it but too immature or irresponsible to be left home alone. Edward was glad that his mother finally stopped watching the entire town when he started high school, the house was much quieter and his bedroom was safe from prying eyes and nosey neighbor kids.

When he walked in the house, he heard his mom calling to him from the kitchen.

"Edward! Come in here please! There's a letter for you!"

Edward dropped his book bag by his dad's chair and headed for the kitchen, wondering what kind of letter it'd be with the way his mom sounded.

"Hey Mom," he greeted her with a kiss on the cheek as he took the offered letter and glanced down to see who it was from.

The official looking type made his stomach flip, and when he read the return address his heart skipped a beat. University of Nevada, Las Vegas was printed in the top left corner. It was one of his top choices because they housed the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. Edward wanted to major in Computer Science, going as far as earning his Doctorate, and become a software engineer. He had already written several computer programs for basic games and applications, but knew he had a long way to go before he created the big stuff. He hoped to one day create new software for computers, cell phones, tablets, and such. Yeah, it was kind of nerdy, but it was something he was good at and enjoyed.

His hands shook as he slowly turned the envelope over, his finger finding the unsealed portion of the flap as he opened his potential future. The envelope wasn't thick, so Edward feared it was a rejection letter, but there was a little voice in the back of his head reminding him that colleges sometimes sent the enrollment packages separately from the acceptance letters.

Finally opening the envelope, he reached in and pulled out the folded piece of paper, carefully unfolding it as his eyes began to read the words it held.

Dear Edward Cullen,

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas! For over fifty years, UNLV has proudly welcomed new Rebels, and we are excited for you to be part of this great tradition. As a member of the Class of 2013, you will join a dynamic student community in a place of endless opportunities. UNLV offers an unparalleled setting for the next chapter of your life…

Edward couldn't keep back the shout of excitement that ripped from his throat, making his mom jump.

"Edward, what on earth has gotten into you?" she asked as she plucked the paper from his hands and read it to herself.

"I got in! I got accepted!" Edward exclaimed and his mother's smile was a mile wide for him as she continued to read the letter before her. But her smile quickly dropped and she looked up at him with worried eyes.

"Edward, dear, they've invited you to tour the campus," she said.

"Yeah? And?" he asked, not understanding why she wasn't happy about it.

"It's this January, and your father is going to a medical conference and I've already agreed to go with him. We can't take you," she replied sadly.

"I can go alone, Mom. I'm eighteen, you know," Edward replied in a slightly immature manner, but he didn't understand the fuss.

"That's not a good idea, Edward, you've never been farther than Olympia, and that's only three hours away. Las Vegas is what? A two day drive? I can't let you go by yourself that far."

"I'll fly, then you won't have to worry."

"And then you'll be stuck at the airport because you're too young to get a rental car."

"I can take a taxi?" Edward suggested and his mother just shook her head at him.

His excitement had left faster than it had arrived, and Edward had to fight the urge to throw a fit like a toddler. He knew the tour wasn't mandatory, but he really wanted to go and check out the campus and the school.

"Hey, Momma!" Emmett's voice broke through the uncomfortable silence that had settled over the kitchen, and he barreled through the door and swept their mom up into a hug.

"Emmett! Put me down!" she exclaimed, her feet kicking for the floor that had suddenly vanished.

"Fine, I just missed you is all," he replied, setting her back down before turning to Edward.

"Hey bro! Ready for the last game of your high school career?" he asked Edward and received only a shrug in response. Edward's enthusiasm had vaporized. "Why the long face, bro? Coach not starting you? He always starts all the seniors in the last game."

"No, I'm starting, it's just…" Edward started to reply but his mom broke in and explained the situation to Emmett about the campus tour, and the dates.

Emmett was quiet for a moment, seemingly thinking over the situation. He even pulled out his phone and checked something, then his eyes grew bright as he responded with one of his signature dimpled smirks.

"Hell, Mom, I can take him. I don't have to go back to class until the end of January. Besides, it'll be nice to get some bro time in before I'm off to the big leagues," Emmett said and Edward's eyes lit up at the prospect.

"I don't know, Emmett. Can I trust the two of you for that long away? Especially in that town?" she asked warily.

"Mom, of course you can, Eddie and I are angels! You know we'd never get into trouble. Besides, he can't even gamble yet so you don't have to worry there."

"Well, as long as your father doesn't have a problem with it, then I don't either. Edward, Emmett, I'll expect you to use good judgment, though, you understand?" she asked, giving them both the 'mom stare' and both nodded eagerly. "And be safe! I mean it. I don't want any phone calls for bail money…Emmett."

"Great! Pops will be fine with it, I know. Now, Eddie, let's get some grub before the game," Emmett said as he put his arm around Edward's neck and pulled him towards the front door.

And we have a bit of back story. I'll see you all soon! I already have the next two chapters written and beta'd but I'm giving myself a bit of cushion in case life gets more hectic than it already is. MUAH! And it feels so good to be welcomed back so warmly, even if my stay is only temporary! LOVE YOU ALL!