All things Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer; I just like to play with her characters.

No copyright infringement is intended.

HUGE thanks to my betas and pre-reader darcysmom, twimom817 and EdwardsMyObsession1971 - without these ladies, there wouldn't be much to read ;)

Never Let Go

Chapter Thirteen

After my phone call with Edward, I felt more resolved than ever to move back to Forks. All these years and I thought I was the one suffering because Mom moved me from place to place. I knew Edward missed me, but I never thought that he was suffering as much as I was. One phone conversation where he told me he was scared and all his hurt and suffering came spilling out. We spoke a bit longer before saying our goodbyes, but that didn't keep me from calling him again that night before I went to bed just to make sure he was all right.

That Sunday, I left for a week long volleyball workshop. It was only across town, but we were staying in the dorms and spending all day – every day working on our skill sets. Edward also left for another baseball camp – only this time he was helping out the smaller kids. My heart panged thinking how adorable he'd be teaching the little ones how to hit. Edward was so patient and kind. He'd make a really good coach someday.

Phil came down to ASU a couple times over the course of the week to watch practices and offer moral support. He even brought my envelope full of letters from Edward. One evening, during our down time, I sat down on my bed and read his letters. The letter from the day following our phone conversation was full of remorse because he knew as soon as we hung up that I had broken down and cried.

Bella,

All night long our conversation has played in my head on an endless loop. I couldn't see past my own fear in the moment to hear the sadness in your voice as we ended our call. I am so sorry, sweet girl. I never want to be the reason for your tears, nor do I want you to think I don't trust you. I'd like to think that I know you better than anyone, and if there is one thing that I'm sure of – it's the fact that you are truly remorseful for not being able to fulfill your promises to me. I want you to know that you are more than forgiven, Bella. If anyone needs to ask forgiveness, it's me because I've been holding your choices against you, and I had no right to ask you to choose me over your Mom. Please forgive me, Bella?

Have I told you how happy I am that you are moving back to Forks next summer? Not only am I happy about it but everyone else is too. Charlie has already begun to count down the days and Alice is over the moon happy. Emmett is sad that he'll miss out on going to school with you, but now that he and Rosalie are officially a couple, he'll be back on weekends whenever he can. Jasper seems indifferent, but I know it's just his cool demeanor and he'll be more excited as your arrival gets closer. My mom, however is a different story. I know she told you that she's happy you're coming back but I don't think you understood the depth of her excitement. Between her and Alice, Jazz and I may need straightjackets by the time you get here.

I know by the time you get this letter you'll already be hard at work at your volleyball workshop. I meant what I said last night. You are an incredible volleyball player. I might be a little biased because I've only seen you play in one game but that was all I really needed to see to know how good you are. If you put your mind to something you can do anything. You've always been a little bit stubborn that way ;).

I have to get ready to go practice with Jazz and Emmett, so I'll wrap this up. Please know, sweet Bella that you are always in my thoughts.

Yours,

Edward

I had trouble reading the last of his letters because the tears were flowing freely at that point and I was helpless to stop them. I wanted to call and hear Edward's voice, but like me, he wouldn't be home until Sunday. I settled for writing him a long, mushy letter. I hoped that he wouldn't laugh too hard when he read it, but I had until Monday to change my mind before I mailed it off to him.

When Sunday actually came, I was exhausted. Phil and Mom took me out to lunch and by the time I got home, I was ready to pass out on my bed. I had been asleep for a little over an hour when Edward called me. He apologized for waking me and I talked to him for a few minutes before he realized that I wasn't going to be able to wake up enough to keep up with the conversation and he made me promise to call him later that evening.

Our conversation that evening was light and a little bit sweet. I noticed his terms of endearment in his letter and they honestly warmed my heart. I wanted to hear the words from his mouth and when he said goodnight to me that night, my wish came true.

"Goodnight, sweet Bella."

Mom, Phil and I went to Lake Havasu for a few days the following week. It was one last getaway before school started. It was nice to spend a couple days out on the water with no practice to worry about or scales running through my head.

I'd taken the summer off from dancing, and I was looking forward to picking it up again. Classes started the same week that school started. I was facing a huge challenge in trying to balance school, choir, dance, volleyball and piano lessons but I'd never know if I could do it unless I tried.

When school began, my days became a delicate balance of school and all my activities. I never knew that I could be the kind of girl who was athletic and musical all at the same time and even more – that I would actually enjoy it. I was still the bookworm I'd always been, but my book reading time had been severely cut.

Weekends were pretty much the only time I had free time and even then I used them to work on projects for school – or to try and get ahead in my classes to ease up my stress during the week. Sunday afternoons I looked forward to the most because that's when Edward and I had our weekly phone call. We talked during the week if we really needed it but we rarely talked for longer than twenty minutes.

My week was jam-packed. Afterschool, I had volleyball practice three times a week and games twice a week. Piano lessons and dance class were squeezed in after practice. Friday was the only day that wasn't hectic for me – provided there wasn't a football game. If the football team was playing at home, the choir usually sang the National Anthem before the game.

Phil and Mom always picked me up after a football game. I'd walk out of the gates to find them waiting for me in the parking lot but as long as it was light outside, I preferred to walk home. It was less than a ten minute walk – fifteen at the most if I had to wait for the lights to change.

My birthday passed quietly. Phil took us out to dinner and Mom insisted that I order my favorite dessert so that the wait staff could sing to me. I knew it made her happy and it would be the last birthday I'd spend with her for a while, so I allowed her indulgences.

Time truly passed in a whirlwind and before I knew it, Thanksgiving was two days away. The volleyball team had made it to the regional championships again, and Dad and the Cullen's were flying in the evening before Thanksgiving.

I trudged up to my teacher's desk to hand in my mid-term exam and she smiled weakly at me.

"Have a good holiday, Isabella and good luck at the game on Friday."

I muttered thanks and made my way out of the classroom. I bumped into my teammate, Stacie, on the way to my locker.

"Ugh … I am so ready for a day off already!"

"I hear ya. I mean I'm ready for the game on Friday, but I have a feeling it's going to be more brutal than last year."

"Yeah, but we're a much better team than we were last year. I personally think we've got this one in the bag."

Having confidence was one thing but being overly cocky wasn't good. I wanted to say something but off the court it wasn't my place. The Coaches had made me captain of the junior varsity team and it was something I could bring to the team's attention when we were on the court.

Practice that afternoon was rough. When Coach asked if I had anything to add when she was done talking to us, I let my opinion of being overly cocky known.

"We can't walk out on the court thinking that we have the trophy in our hands already. Being confident that we can work together as a team is our greatest advantage. This team comes first – I don't want to see any arrogance for personal gain out there on the court."

I had one class the day before Thanksgiving. It was World History and we had a mid-term to take in that class as well. Stacie was in class with me and she kind of gave me the bitch brow and I knew she wasn't happy about my comments after practice the night before. We'd been friends when I first started playing, but as of late – not so much. When class got out, I headed straight to my locker, dumped off my books and headed home for a few hours before I had to be back for practice.

Dad and the Cullen's were flying in that afternoon and their flight landed at four – exactly when I was supposed to be back at the school for practice.

Coach could sense there was a little tension between Stacie and me. She called both of us out on it and wanted to know what was going on. When I explained exactly why I'd made the comments I had the day before Coach understood. She had us run fifty laps around the gym once we'd finished practicing before she made us all sit in a huge circle in the middle of the gym. I noticed Edward and Carlisle sitting in the bleachers as I was running my laps around the gym. I wanted so badly to run over and give them both a quick hug but I didn't dare for fear that Coach would make me run twenty more.

The speech we got once we'd all sat in a circle made me rethink wanting to run twenty more laps but what was done was done. She gave us a verbal lashing about being too cocky because apparently I wasn't the only one who noticed it. After a good twenty five minute talk from Coach, she finally let us hit the locker room to change and get our stuff.

"See you ladies on Friday. I want you here with your game faces on. Anyone who can't act with any sort of dignity will be riding the bench. Understood?"

I was on my way out of the lockers when Stacie pulled me aside.

"I see your boyfriend's here," She grinned. "Maybe if you hit that you won't be so uptight about the game on Friday. You might want to look into that – but if you don't want to, I certainly will."

I rolled my eyes and pushed my way past her. We'd never been particularly close but we were teammates and usually played well together. I decided that I didn't want to dignify her with a response.

Edward and Carlisle were standing near the door waiting for me as I jogged over to them. I hugged Carlisle first and then Edward. I didn't linger in their embraces as I was still sweaty from practice but neither one of them seemed to care. Edward took my bag and swung it over his shoulder, and his pinky twined with mine as we began our walk home.

"It's nice that you live so close to the school, Bella. It's nice to be able to walk." Carlisle commented.

"Mmm …" I hummed. "It is nice. I've been pretty lucky with the last couple places that we've lived in that I can walk to school."

"Please tell me you don't walk alone at night, Bella." Edward chimed in.

"No, Edward. I know better than to do that, no matter how safe I feel this neighborhood is."

"Good girl," Carlisle chuckled.

When we arrived at the house, Mom and Esme were busy in the kitchen cooking dinner. Dad and Phil were in the living room talking about a football game that was going to be on the following day. I slipped into my room so I could take a quick shower before dinner and as I was pulling out a clean pair of sweats to put on, I felt a gentle hand on the small of my back.

"Bella …" Edward whispered.

He pulled me into his arms; into the embrace I'd longed for earlier. Edward buried his face in my neck as he held me tighter. I tried to pull away, but he wouldn't allow any space between us.

"Edward …" I murmured against his skin. "I need to shower. I'm all sweaty and gross."

"'Kay."

"You can hang out in here if you want to while I'm in the shower. I won't be long, I promise."

My needy Edward was in my room waiting for me, and as the hot water cascaded down my back I thought about his embrace and his strong arms wrapped around me and how much feeling Edward had put into that one gesture. I knew that I'd have to give up my bed for Dad to sleep in and that Edward and I had once again been relegated to the living room.

I remembered when we went camping while we were visiting with Charlotte and Pete and my nightmares that caused Edward to worry so much he slept cuddled up next to me. I hadn't had nightmares like that in a long time, but I wasn't at all opposed to the cuddling part. I hoped that Edward wasn't either.

I walked back into my bedroom to find Edward lying back on the bed with his eyes closed, my radio playing softly on the nightstand next to him. I gently touched his hand and sat down on the bed next to him. A sweet smile played on his face as I played with his long fingers and drew circles on his knuckles.

"Hey, sweet girl."

"Hey," I whispered. "Tired?"

"No, just relaxing while I waited for you. Do you feel better?"

"Yes!" I giggled. "Loads better, and I bet I smell better too."

"Silly girl. We better go see if dinner is ready."

Dinner was wonderful. The food was good, but it was the company that made all the difference in the world. To have everyone I loved together again was more than I could have asked for.

That night, Edward and I arranged our feather beds and blankets on the living room floor. I wiggled down under my blankets and waited for Edward to come out of the bathroom so we could shut off the light. I closed my eyes for what I thought was only a moment when I felt the blankets shift next to me. My eyes flew wide open and the room was shrouded in darkness.

"Edward?"

"I'm right here, Bella. Did I wake you?"

"No. I was … I was waiting for you."

My hand found his in the darkness and he twined our fingers together.

"Will you come here and let me hold you?" Edward asked, his voice a mere whisper.

I wiggled my way into his embrace, reveling in the feel of his arms around me and his warm skin on mine.

"I've missed you." I whispered.

"I've missed you too, Boo."

I fell asleep in his arms; my back to his chest.

I woke up the next morning to the sound of my mother shrieking in the kitchen and I could hear Dad and Esme vehemently arguing with her.

"Charlie! Those kids are fifteen years old – they should NOT be sleeping together as if they're a married couple. Do you have any idea what could happen if we encourage this behavior?"

"Oh, Renee … when did you become such a prude?" Esme asked hotly.

"Renee … Esme has a point. For the record, I know exactly what could happen if we encourage this behavior because I've been there too, Renee. Fortunately this is Bella and Edward we are talking about. Those kids have a connection that even I can't explain – a connection that I could only hope to find in this life, and they've had it since they were kids. When you left and took my daughter with you – you took everything. Edward tried his damnedest to fill the void you left behind. He became the son I never knew I wanted. He and I talked like Bella and I used to. I got to know him and I began to understand the connection he had with Isabella. I know him and I trust him with my daughter."

"If you know him so well, Charlie then maybe you understand what his intentions are as a fifteen year old boy. At that age, boys only want one thing and if you're half the father you want to be you'd agree that this – this 'friendship' is a bad thing. If we allow this – if we look the other way long enough, they'll end up just like us. Miserable and with a small child to raise. I want more for my daughter than that, Charlie."

"Bella's not you, Renee." Esme reminded her. "And Edward is not Charlie. You've got to look past your mistakes and have faith that we've taught our children well enough so that they don't repeat them. Those kids are two of the brightest people I know. They are sensitive, kind, respectful and most of all -loving. Edward's loved Bella from the first day that he met her – as much as I didn't want to believe it back then. They found something in each other that we can't begin to understand but I think they deserve to figure it out."

"Well, this is my house and I say absolutely not. Besides, Bella has a game tomorrow and she needs her rest."

"Actually, Renee …" Phil piped in. "This is MY house. I hate to play that card, sweetheart, but I'm going to have to agree with Charlie and Esme on this one. Bella is a smart girl, so what if she finds comfort in Edward? Their age doesn't have anything to do with that. Edward is intelligent too. I don't know him as well as I know Bella, but he's not stupid and neither is she. The past won't repeat itself through them."

"I think it may be best if Esme, Edward and I find a hotel to stay in until we leave on Sunday …" Carlisle began, but I wasn't having any of it.

"No!" I shouted bursting into the kitchen. "Carlisle, please no. I want you guys to stay here. I finally feel like I have my whole family together and it's so nice. I've really missed this whole holiday thing."

I turned to look at my Mom.

"Mom, I'm sorry that you think that Edward and I would jump into bed together and have sex the first chance we get. In case you didn't get the memo, Edward and I sleep like that just about every time he comes here to visit. We slept like that at Pete and Charlotte's when my nightmares were so bad they kept everyone else awake. It's comforting – not sexual. Dad gets it, Carlisle and Esme get it – hell even Phil gets it, so why don't you?"

I was so mad I was seething. Dad laid a comforting hand on my shoulder and stood next to me pulling me into his side in a show of support. I looked across the room at Carlisle and Esme and I watched as he put his arm around her and pulled him into his side – just like Dad had done to me. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes and I had never wished more than I did in that moment that my Mom was more like Esme.

Phil looked more like a referee standing in the center of the argument and I felt sorry for him for only a moment but glad that he was learning what he was getting in to. Edward chose that moment to walk into the kitchen.

"What's going on?" he asked.

He had just gotten out of the shower and missed the majority of the argument. For that I was thankful, because I could only have imagined his reaction.

"Bella …" Mom pleaded.

"If the Cullen's leave, I'm going with them." I spoke firmly, standing my ground. She'd pushed too far and I wasn't going to take anymore.

I grabbed my hoodie from the night before off the back of the chair and walked out the back door and onto the deck. I walked out to the far edge of the yard and settled into one of my favorite spots. Phil had a lovely bench with an arbor over it – it offered a quiet place to sit and read if it wasn't too hot out.

I expected Edward to come outside after me, but I wasn't surprised when I saw Esme walking toward me. I looked up at her, tears falling furiously down my face.

"Oh, sweetheart." Esme whispered as she sat next to me and pulled me into her arms.

"Why … why is she like this?" I asked.

"Do you want my honest opinion?" Esme asked softly.

"Always."

"I think she's jealous, sweetheart. For so long Renee's wanted something that was all hers. She had your father but only for a brief while until he took over the mill from your grandfather. Then you were all she had, but the older you got the closer you and Edward became. So she removed you from the scenario where she had to share you. Then she found Phil and she probably felt like she had everything again. This past year you've done so well branching out and doing things outside of your comfort zone, and you've thrived with no help from anyone else – only our love and support. Now that she's getting married and you've decided to move back to Forks after the wedding she's losing again. She's well aware that there is a possibility of something more happening between you and Edward. There is probably more than a little bit of jealousy there because she knows full well the connection that you two have, and she doesn't have that. She might – but from the interactions I've seen between her and Phil I'd guess not."

"How? How can a parent be jealous of their own child? All I want is to be happy and Edward … he makes me happy. His friendship means more to me than anything. Edward has somehow managed to keep me sane after we moved – even from so far away."

"I know, sweetheart. I know." Esme cooed.

Eventually, Esme and I made our way back into the house, but Mom was nowhere to be found. She'd disappeared to her room and apparently didn't plan on coming out. Edward looked at me sadly and pulled me into a hug.

"I'm so sorry, Boo."

"No … don't you apologize, Edward Cullen. You did nothing wrong. Nothing."

"I know that, Bella. I'm sorry that your mom is the way she is. I'm sorry that she doesn't understand."

Phil, Esme, and I spent the majority of the day in the kitchen making dinner. After we'd gotten most of the side dishes done and the turkey in the oven, Edward and I decided to take a walk to the park.

"Need to clear your head, sweet girl?" Edward asked as we crumbled up bread and tossed it to the ducks.

"Yeah."

"Edward?"

"Hmm?"

"Why do you call me that?"

"Call you what?"

"Sweet girl."

I turned my head, wanting to see his face when he answered. A blush washed over his handsome features.

"Well … you're sweet and you're a girl, are you not?"

I giggled.

"I am."

"Well then, there you go."

Phil was just pulling the turkey out of the oven when we got home. Carlisle and Dad were pouring wine and putting the side dishes on the table.

"Wash your hands you two. Dinner's ready."

"Where's Mom?" I asked to no one in particular.

"She's won't be joining us," Phil said sadly.

I was a little sad, but I was still angry at her and I was determined not to let her spoil my time with Dad, Carlisle, Esme, and most of all, Edward. After dinner, I went out to the deck again and lay back on the lounger staring up at the sky. It was twilight – my favorite time of day. The sky was a myriad of colors and I felt like I was lost in a painting.

It helped me to clear my head. I knew it was important if I wanted to settle myself down enough to attempt to sleep and I needed a good night's sleep with my game the following day. Everyone must have known that I needed the time alone. No one bothered me and when I finally went back in the house was dark except for the glow of the TV. My Dad was sitting on the couch watching the final scores from the day's games.

"Where is everyone?" I asked quietly.

"Oh hey, baby girl. How are ya?"

"I'm okay, Daddy. Carlisle, Esme and Edward didn't leave did they?"

"They thought about it … Phil talked them out of it. He's a pretty decent guy. I think it's killing him to go against your Mom's wishes but he's level headed."

"So … if they didn't leave where are they?"

"They've gone to bed, baby girl. It's after ten."

"Where's Edward?"

"He's in your room. Go roust him out so I can go to bed. Tomorrow's a big day and we can all use a good night's sleep."

"'Kay," I smiled as we both stood from the couch.

Dad pulled me into a quick hug and kissed the top of my head.

"I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, baby girl."

Edward and I slept in the living room again that night. I didn't sleep in his arms no matter how much I ached to. I lay awake in the dark listening to his quiet breathing beside me – our hands tangled together. I waited until his breaths became deep and steady and then I broke down and cried.

I ended up having to take a nap before my game the following afternoon. I claimed that I hadn't slept well due to being worried about the game, and Edward was the only one who didn't buy it. Mom had yet to come out of her room, and I knew that she would be the only person who wouldn't attend my game that evening.

I forced all melancholy thoughts out of my head as I made my way into the gym with Edward by my side. He carried my bag for me as far as the locker room door before he gave me a tight hug and a soft kiss at the corner of my mouth.

"Good luck, Boo."

"Thanks."

I walked into the locker room and the air was filled with chatter. A stark difference from the game we'd played a year prior.

EPOV

I could see the nerves on Bella's face as she turned away from me and walked into the locker room. I was worried about how well she'd play after the shit that went down the previous day with her mom. I didn't talk to Bella too much about the argument that went on in the kitchen while I was in the shower, but my Mom and Dad gave me a recap. It didn't help that Renee disappeared to her room after Bella hollered at her and she hadn't been seen since.

I walked back toward the bleachers to join Charlie and my parents and I passed one of Bella's teammates along the way.

"Hey," She smiled. "You're Edward, right?"

"Umm, yeah."

"I'm Stacie, nice to meet you."

"You too."

"My pleasure, Edward. I'm sure pleasure isn't something you're getting from that frigid bitch."

"Excuse me?"

"Bella …."

"Look, I don't know you, nor do I want to. Bella's the most amazing person I know, and if you weren't such a bitch yourself, you'd know that. It's been a long couple of days for her and I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your focus on the game."

It was so unlike me to call a girl such a foul name, but my Dad always told me 'if the shoe fits … wear it'. She didn't look shocked so I assumed it wasn't the first time that someone had said that to her face. I was fuming mad that she had the audacity to say such vile things. She didn't know the first thing about me, and it was blatantly obvious that she didn't know Bella.

I walked back toward the bleachers and took my seat between Mom and Charlie. I worried for Bella that Stacie would say something to her to throw her off her game and that was the last thing my Bella needed. I was so angry at Renee that she couldn't pull her head out of her ass long enough to realize that even though they'd fought – Bella needed her here.

I was a bit numb as they went through all the pre-game formalities but I got my focus back as soon as Bella stepped out onto the court. From far away she seemed relaxed and confident, but when her eyes met mine – they told a different story. Bella was hurting and I was helpless to stop it.

Bella took her position as server for the Spartans and I watched as the ball sailed over the net and it volleyed back and forth for several minutes before the opposing team attacked earning them the first point of the game.

The Spartans were down by five points before they finally managed to score. I watched Bella carefully checking for changes in her demeanor. She remained the same and I could only imagine what it took for her to keep her composure. Thankfully, she had some exemplary teammates who were helpful and just as good at the game as Bella was. They ended up winning the first set 25-22.

The two teams took a short break before beginning the second set.

After a pep talk from their Coach, Bella and her teammates took to the court and took their positions. Bella was playing opposite and watched as the ball hurtled toward her. Bella set it for her teammate next to her. The Spartans scored with a kill. Stacie served and they volleyed the ball back and forth until they caught the opposing team's middle blocker off guard and scored. In that moment, I watched as the opposing team's resolve crumbled around them. The next few serves, they made mistake after mistake. They called for a time out and Bella's Coach huddled her team together.

I couldn't hear what their coach was telling them, but I'm sure she offered up encouragement and told them not to be overly confident because they hadn't won the title yet.

Unfortunately the time out didn't help the other team. The Spartans won the second set 25-14.

The referee's called a short break to sweep the floors. I watched as Bella's coach wrapped her arm around her shoulders. I obviously couldn't hear what she was saying but I could see Bella wiping her face and nodding.

Please, God just let her get through the next set.

Coach clapped Bella on the shoulder and she followed her teammates back out to the court. The opposing team served and we watched as the ball volleyed back and forth several times. It seemed like both teams took turns scoring every few minutes. Bella took her place as server and took a deep breath. She raised the ball in her hand preparing to serve before she took the ball in both hands and lowered it again. Bella looked down at her feet and her chest was heaving. My Mom reached over and grasped my hand. She turned to look at me but I couldn't take my eyes off of Bella.

"Edward … what's she doing?" Charlie asked nervously. "This isn't like her."

"Something's wrong." I told them.

BPOV

Don't look in the stands … don't look in the stands. I chanted to myself.

I was worried that if I looked over at Edward and saw the concern in his eyes that I was positive was there – I'd want to run to him and beg him to take me in his arms and keep me there until everything bad in my life was good again. But I knew that I wouldn't do that to him. I couldn't depend on him to hold me up – I had to hold my own.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes – shutting out everything but my Coach's words.

"You can do this, Bella. You are stronger than you know. Believe in yourself and see the fire that everyone else sees. Put that fire into your game."

Her words were just what I needed in that moment. I opened my eyes and raised the ball and served with what I hoped was enough fire to get it over the net into the other team's court. I jumped into position and waited. That one play seemed to happen in slow motion. My teammates and I watched as the ball sailed into their territory and right through their hands before hitting the floor.

"Ace!" The referee yelled.

Cheers sounded around me and I received several claps on the shoulder and a few high fives. We'd won the third set 25-23 and the championship for the second year in a row.

"Good job, Bella!" Coach said, clapping me on the shoulder like my teammates.

I was so happy and incredibly sad at the same time. I fell down to my knees and cried – right there on the court. I didn't care who saw me. I wanted my Mom. I wanted her to tell me I played a good game. I don't know how long I stayed that way, but when I broke out of my stupor, it was my Dad's arms around me that grounded me.

"We're here, baby girl." He crooned.

"But … but Mom …."

"She's here, Bella. She saw the entire game."

"She did?" I sobbed.

"Yes, baby girl. Phil loves you too and he made sure that she didn't miss it."

I looked around and saw Edward sitting next to Dad with a concerned look on his face. Phil, Mom, Esme and Carlisle were all looking over at us from their seats on the bleachers.

I could hear voices over the PA System and I saw Coach and my teammates accepting the championship trophy.

"Go on, baby girl. You deserve to be up there with the rest of them. You earned it."

I wiped the tears from my eyes and stood up from Dad's lap. Edward was right there ready to reach out and steady me if I faltered. I took his hand in mine and squeezed it to let him know that I was okay for the moment. I didn't bother to try smiling because he'd only see through it.

I took a deep breath and joined the rest of my team.

A/N: Thoughts?

Thank you for reading. =)