AN: So here's the next chapter, and we've come back to where we left off in EPOV in chapter 8.

Anyway thanks for everyone reading and following and favouriting this story, it means a lot :)

Hope you'll enjoy it!

Chapter 11 - Recognition

BPOV

I did follow through and went to to GP after the tiring meeting at the park.

Angela drove me and was glad I was going, she had been getting concerned about me as well.

I had lost a bit of weight I was sure, and I did feel very lethargic. and the sleeping still hadn't really improved either. At the very least I figured a check up coudn't hurt.

I walked into the GP office with Angela right behind me, she'd insisted on waiting for me inside. She was probably afraid I'd bail. We sat down on the hard plastic chairs until a kind looking lady entered the room, dressed in slacks and a blouse with a white doctor's coat.

'Ms Swan?' She asked. I stood up and went over. 'This way please.'

We went down the hall as Angela waved me off, and she opened a door off to the side. we stepped through into a very nondescript small office, with a treatment table off to the side.

'So Ms Swan, I looked over your file, but it seems we haven't had the pleasure yet.'

'No, I don't go to the doctor's often.' I admitted sheepishly. 'It's mostly straight to the ER'

She doctor cocked an eyebrow at me.

'I'm just a bit accident prone and clumsy.' I explained quickly, not wanting her to get some other idea. She nodded.

'And what brings you here today, then?'

'Someone was concerned about me. I've been going through a lot lately and I had a panic attack recently. So they suggested I get a full check up, to be safe.'

The doctor nodded and then she asked what had been going on. That of course opened the floodgates, even though I tried to stop them. But my throat closed up and my eyes watered up and the tears spilled down my cheeks. The doctor was kind as she listened to me. When I was done she nodded emphatically.

'Well Bella, I'm glad you came in. Why don't I start some basic tests and then we can go see from there.'

I nodded and accepted a tissue she held out for me to dry my eyes. Then she lead me to the table and started to run some test.

The doctor agreed with Carlisle.

I had the beginnings of dehydration, so she ordered me to drink more. She found me underweight so she ordered me to eat more. Next she was concerned about my lack of sleep and rest and she gave me some pills to help with that.

I took a deep breath after she asked if there was anything else she could do for me.

'Do you think it's possible to get a reference for a psychologist?' I asked in a rush. I don't know why it felt so embarrassing to ask that. But here I was.

Sshe looked at me steadily for a moment. 'Why do you feel you need one?' she asked kindly, there was no judgement in her voice.

'I…' I took a deep breath, tears pooling in my eyes and the lump forming again. 'I just feel lost. Overwhelmed. I'm all alone now and I don't know how to go on… I can't even function anymore without my friend helping me, reminiding me to eat and shower… I just… I need help.'

She nodded understandably and passed me a box of tissues.

'This is really brave to ask, Bella.' She said. 'Needing help after something like this is nothing to be ashamed of or to feel worried about. You've been through an enormous ordeal and I think it will help you immensely to have someone to guide you through it. I have a colleague who specializes in dealing with loss and grief. I will inform her of your situation and refer you professionally to her.' she grabbed a folder and scribbeled a number on there. 'this is her practice. This is her number. Give her a call after the weekend and she'll schedule you right in.'

I nodded once.

'I think it will be a good fit, but if it isn't you have to tell her. therapy only works if you trust your professional.'

I nodded again.

'Alright then. I want you to make a follow up appointment with me next Wednesday and I want to see an improvement in you by then. Otherwise we'll have to take more drastic measures. Alright?'

I nodded yet again. 'thank you.'

She smiled kindly. 'go and get some sleep. And try and eat something.'

We said goodbye and I shuffled to the waiting area. Angela looked up expectantly.

I huffed out a breath. 'fine, you were right. I am underweight and dehydrated.' I muttered. 'I have to make a follow up appointment on Wednesday and I need to call a therapist on Monday.'

'That's great Bella. I think that will really help you.' She enthused as she stood up and hugged me.

We headed to the reception desk and I made an appointment for Wednesday for follow up. Then we headed home again. Angela insisted on making dinner, spaghetti carbonara, because it was one of my favourites and she hoped that might get me to eat a big helping. And she plied me with drinks, until I felt so full I felt sloshy.

She then made me take my sleeping pills before telling me she'd take Jake to hers for the weekend so I could really rest.

I promised her I would continue eating and drinking as I fell into bed.

The pills worked magic.

I woke up feeling like I could actually deal with the day that was coming. I was still a mess, but I didn't feel bone tired on top of that.

That helped.

I yawned and stretched and glanced at the clock. It was after ten. I hadn't slept this late in a long time. Usually Jake would wake me somewhere past nine if I ever did sleep in.

I reminded myself when everything was settled to thank Angela in some way for everything she'd been doing for me. I shuffled into the bathroom and took a long hot shower, feeling my muscles relax for the first time in a week. I sighed and lathered my hair, taking time to go through all the steps and enjoying the scent of my lavender shampoo wafting around me relaxing me further.

As I rinsed off I examined my body. My collarbones were prominent. My ribs were eerily sticking out. My stomach was completely flat. I bit my lip with chagrin. I looked too thin, unhealthily thin. I had always been slender, but this was something else.

I hadn't been this thin since high school when I'd gotten a really bad flu and hadn't been able to keep anything down for more than a week, while also going through my growth spurt.

As I stared at my body now, I promised myself to eat three meals today, even if I wasn't hungry or feeling like it. This just wasn't healthy.

I turned off the shower and wrapped myself in a big fluffy towel before also wrapping my hair up in a seperate one. I went through my routine of moisturizing and cleansing and then started my make up. I kept it light and I was pleased to note the bags under my eyes had reduced dramatically. I was still a bit hollow cheeked and pale, but at least I looked like I was getting better now.

I added some colour on my cheeks and put mascara on my lashes before heading to the closet to grab some clothes. I settled on a silk dark blue blouse that was airy and didn't cling to my middle. It would give the impression that I was slightly healthier than I actually was. I combined it with a pair of black dress pants and some peep toe heels.

Then I headed back to the bathroom to dry my hair, first towelling it dry and then grabbing the blow drier. I decided to curl it a bit too, to just give the illusion I was a bit more put together than I felt.

When I was done I heaed to the kitchen to grab some coffee. I debated what I should eat. I was never a big breakfast fan, but I knew I had to now. I finally settled on a bowl of fruit and slowly started munching on it until there was a knock at the door.

I glanced through the peephole since I was expecting anyone to find Harry standing on the otherside. I opened the door quickly.

'Hi Harry.' I said opening the door.

He smiled when he took me in. 'Bella. You're looking better.' He said, his smile growing.

I gave him a small one back. 'I thought we were meeting at the park?' I asked him changing the subject.

He rubbed his neck. 'there's a lot of paparazzi out there, so I figured I'd give you a ride, help you through this day.'

'thanks, you didn't have to.'

'I wanted to.' He assured me, then he looked away from me. 'I also wanted to apologize.'

I frowned. 'what for?'

'for Paul. It was unacceptable how he behaved yesterday and I'm proud of how you handled it. But… I should have handeld him a long time ago.' He sighed.

'Why did you even hire him?'

'he's my wife's cousin. She said he was down on his luck and just needed a push.'

'so nepotism?' I asked with a frown. I wasn't a fan of that.

He had the grace to look embarrassed. 'the interview went well.' Harry defended himself. 'but I realized he wasn't exactly who the team needed a few months after his start.'

'then why didn't you do anything?'

'I wanted to… but I was a coward. It's as simple as that.'

/I sighed and shook my head. 'I can't say I'm happy to hear that Harry.'

'I know. And I promise you I will never do something like this again. trust me I've learned my lesson. I told my wife that too. No more favours.'

I nodded. 'good.'

He took a deep breath and then nodded. 'we'll need to hire a new coach.'

I nodded once biting my lip. 'I'd like to meet the team first and the support staff afterwards. It's been a while since I've been among them.'

'do you know who is on the team?' he asked.

'I kept appraised of the situation when I was in Arizona. I know you traded Marks and Egberts a few years ago for Whitlock and Cullen. Both fine assets to the team. I know the batting averages of everyone, I know where we stand in the league. Charlie made sure I was up to date.'

Harry smield proudly. 'I should have known.' Then he turned back to the door. 'Well let's get this party started then. The team meeting will be first and then after that I'll show you Charlie's office and you can do as you please, I've told everyone you were coming in today and to be available.'

I nodded my thanks before grabbing my purse and heading after him.

I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders as I stepped into the elevator after him. Although I felt slightly better than I had this past week, I was still scared out of my mind to actually be taking over the cubs. I wasn't sure what I was going to face, or what the reaction to me would be, but I knew it wasn't going to be easy.

As if sensing what was bothering me Harry nudged me with his shoulder. 'Don't worry so much. The team will be fine with it. And I know you'll do great. Don't doubt yourself.'

'The press is going to have a field day.' I muttered.

'Just talk to Kate about doing a statement and she'll handle everything. Don't worry. We've got your back.'

With that assurance we stepped out into the lobby and somehow the photographers had gotten in. Harry was incensed as we were swarmed immediately as the doors dinged open. He stepped in front of me protectively as the flashes started going off around us and the questions were fired at me from all directions.

'how are you feeling Ms Swan?'

'Who will own the cubs now?'

'what are your plans for your father's legacy?'

I tried to ignore them and kept my head down. Harry was gesturing for the doormen to come help and push the camera's out of the building. When they'd finally succeeded he turned to them incredulous, demanding that security be improved.

'It's okay, Harry.' I quickly interjected. 'they're just really sneaky.'

He sighed. 'it's not okay, Bella. What if I hadn't been here? You'd have been ambushed.' He levelled a glare at the desk attendant again.

'It's fine. I'm a big girl.' I insisted. Giving him what I hoped was a reassuring smile. I wasn't sure if I pulled it off.

Harry gave some more choice words to the attendants before taking my elbow and guiding me to the parking garage.

We headed to the car without further incident and Harry drove us squickly to the park. There was a sea of reporters there too and I spotted a few teammembers talking to them.

'What is the policy on talking to the press?' I asked Harry.

'Not to do it.' He ground out, as he too spotted what was happening.

'Let's hope they're saying no comment then.' I muttered. 'who is that anyway?'

Harry squinted a bit. 'it's Laurent I think.' Then he made a disguted sound. 'and that James Hunter from that tabloid. God he's an ass.'

'Great. That will go well.' I muttered.

Harry snorted and agreed with me before quickly pulling into the private parking area where reporters were not allowed. There were only a few camera's near the fence as they snapped us going into the player's entrance.

I breathed a sigh of relief when we stepped through the doors and the camera's were finally gone.

'it's crazy how interested people are in this.' I muttered.

'I think the fans are just a bit worried about what's going to happen. Transfer of ownership usually means trading players and coaches and alround just change.'

I nodded in understanding. 'And then we'll tell them a 23 year old girl is taking over. that will go down well.' I sighed.

Harry laughed. 'you know more about baseball than any other girl I've ever met, Bella. They might be hesitant at first. But you'll win them around in no time. plus you're a business graduate, you know how to run this club.'

With those words of kindness he led me over to the media room. It was where the press usually waited after a game to get interviews with players and coaches. But today we were using it for the team meeting, no press allowed.

It was already crowded when Harry and I stepped through the door. Everyone fell silent and Harry greeted everyone asking if anyone was still missing.

'Just Laurent.' A familiar voice said.

My eyes zoned in on him easily, those green eyes were recognizable anywhere. He was wearing a jersey and baseball cap and on his chest was the number 7.

Fuck my life.

The handsome, kind and all around amazing man from the park who had given me his number was a player on my dad's team.

My eyes widened in realization.

Edward.

EDWARD CULLEN. The new trade from a few years back.

It was a good thing then that I'd turned him down, I was not going to date one of my team's members. That was a vow I had to myself a long time ago and no matter how kind or handsome he was I was not going to change that.

His eyes locked on mine and they widened in surprise, before he smiled at me.

But I was sure that was because he hadn't realized who I was or the fact that I was now his boss. Which Harry was just about to fill him in on.

Yep this was going to go great.