Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended with the posting of this outtake. SM owns Twilight and all of its original characters.

A/N: You know the drill, this isn't beta'd, but I hope you'll enjoy it anyways. This one shines some light on Bella's life while at home away from Prima and what she's been having to deal with. ;)

NGES

Chapter 9

OUTTAKE

...Bella…

Feeling the cool air rush against my face, I reach into the grocery freezer and grab a gallon of milk.

Just as I close the glass door in front of me, someone taps me on the shoulder. I carefully shift my weight with a huff and then turn myself around on the tips of my toes.

When our eyes meet, my entire body goes stiff.

With my shock, I drop the gallon of milk at my feet sending it everywhere and soaking my shoes.

My mouth opens, but nothing comes out.

All I can do is stare, with my eyes wide, while I stand there like an idiot, frozen in place.

Felix doesn't even hesitate. He takes me by the arm and ushers me away from the milky puddle I've created, and then smiles after releasing a soft sigh, "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. We seem to be bumping into each other a lot lately. It's almost as if fate keeps trying to push you my way."

"My-my mom is here. She's going to see you talking to me." I manage to get out, after pulling myself free from his grasp.

He grins again and shakes his head. "Actually I just saw your mom out in the parking lot. She was busy on her phone. I think we have a good couple of minutes before she'll initiate a search party... and now that you've soaked your shoes, you've got the perfect excuse to take a bit of extra time before getting back to her."

I try to step around him, but I nearly slip in the process resulting in his hand once again reaching out to grab hold of me.

Even after regaining my balance, he doesn't let go.

"Careful there. You're good on the mats, but wet tile is no one's friend. It would be a shame for you to fall and break your wrist right before this weekends qualifier. I won't be able to be there in person… because of your parents, but I'll be watching it live… and I'll cheer you on the same way I've been doing all year. You've been amazing to watch this season. Gravity-defying in ways I've always known you'd reach. I just wish it was still me out there, getting to stand with you. That was always my favorite part."

"I- I really have to go."

"No. Give me two more minutes. We haven't talked at all since I visited you last summer."

I scoff and narrow my eyes. My anger instantly rises. "We haven't talked because my parents have forbidden you from speaking to me. You need to stop. I've seen you parked outside of my school, and I saw you last week when I was out with my friends."

"You're dating that dumba$$ again. I'm just making sure you're staying out of trouble during your off time."

"Leave me alone, Felix. My mom and dad meant what they said. They'll press charges. It would ruin your families reputation. It would destroy the gym!"

Again, I try to pass him, but he blocks me with his body making my escape impossible. His haunting dark eyes stare into mine and his smirk reappears after he slowly closes the gap between us.

"No, they won't, because that would ruin the brand they've been busy carving out in your name using your pretty face and all-American good girl background as your bio. I heard UCLA already has their eye on you. Head's up they're not the only school, but college can wait. You've turned a few heads on the Olympic committee. There are even whispers of you making the National Team if you continue doing what you're doing. Problem is, you're stuck with a shitty ass coach. Jane's holding you back and pushing you where she shouldn't be pushing. She's too focused on your weaknesses, and she's not paying attention to your strengths. Your strengths are enough to carry you. Your weaknesses will naturally improve, just like they always have."

"What do you know?" I snicker, "You're not even there anymore."

"I know you, Isabella, and I know you belong on the National Team. You just need the right coach. You're practically there. I'm the coach that can take you all the way. You know it's true."

I laugh and shake my head, "You're insane. My parents would never-"

"Your parents don't need to know. I can train you virtually using a webcam. We won't even have to be in the same room together… the majority of the time."

His words spin around me and I anxiously start tugging at the bottom of my sweater. As much as I want to take him seriously, I can still see that look in his eyes.

It's a look that tells me I should run… that I can find another way without him.

"No. I have to go. Please stop following me. This is how it has to be. I'm really not worth going to jail over."

He laughs looking down at me and gently tugs on my sleeve, "What happened between us last year was wrong. I won't let that happen again. I promise. I'm here tonight to tell you, you're ready to take the next leap in the world of elite gymnastics and I'll do whatever takes to help you get there. All you have to do is decide to take your future into your own hands. Don't let other people hold you back. Let me help you, Izzy."

I blink hard but the rest of my body remains frozen with my confusion.

To hear him say I could actually make the National Team… that was a dream I'd never even allowed myself to have because it's always seemed so unattainable.

"My number is the same. Use it. We can figure everything else out from there."

With his last word, he nudges me one time in the shoulder, and then taps my chin with his index finger, before turning to leave.

"No, Felix. I won't call. I don't need you. I'll make it all on my own if I have to, or I won't make it at all, but I refuse to ever train with you again!" I shout after him.

He stops mid-stride but he doesn't turn around, "We'll see, Isabella. We'll see."