AN: Sorry for the long wait guys.

I hope you're all still with me and enjoying the story despite my erratic uploading.

here's the next chapter!

Chapter 27

BPOV

I settled into a routine of sorts and before knew it a month had passed and we were only one month away from the start of the season. I'd finally hired a PA, her name was Jane. She took her job seriously and was on top of everything.

Her first order of business had been to straighten up all the paperwork that had been accumulating since Charlie's death. She streamlined everything and made sure that everything that was important was brought to my attention. Honestly she was a life saver.

She handled my agenda, and she took care of some random errands that I always seemed to forget about, like getting my car serviced.

It was amazing how different life suddenly seemed. I felt control coming back to me with her help. I didn't feel like I was drowning, or even treading water anymore.
I felt like I was slowly starting to swim to shore. It felt amazing.

I was getting better at the business side of things as well, at both the club as well as the vairous other boards I was on. I was learning to juggle it all and make my voice heard when it was needed.

Though at the Cubs, I still had to prove myself to the board, but more and more they grudgingly had to admit I knew what I was doing. The pilates coach was working wonders for the team. There was great improvement among them in both strength and stamina and there had been a significant drop in injuries. Tyler especially was pleasantly surprising me.

The press was still fisihing for a story, but so far Leah had everything under control. No one was bothering Edward, Rose or Emmett yet, so that was good. Alice however had been seen with me too often by now and was experiencing some mild inconvenience, but that could also be from the fact that she was now openly dating Jasper. She handled it well. It probably helped that she was already involved in the meida world, through her fashion education.

Linda, my therapist, was probably the main reason though for how I was feeling. Her tactics to deal with everything were working wonders and slowly I felt myself begin to get better. There were still days where I'd rather crawl into bed and never come out of course, it hadn't even been three months since Charlie's passing, but those days were beginning to be the minority.

Rose and Alice were turning out to be great friends as well. It was also nice to see Alice and Rose got along as well. They hadn't been around each other much, but Alice suggested we all get together with Jasper as well and it had been a great succes. They now often joined our weekly dinners.

Today Rose, Alice and I were meeting for lunch. I was running a bit late and quickly fired a text off to both of them as I got into my car. I managed to evade the press as I quickly headed to the restaurant. I pulled up and handed my keys to the valet and hurried inside.

Alice and Rose were already seated and waved me over as they spotted me coming in.

'Hi guys.' I smiled as I sat down.

'Hi.' Alice gave me a quick hug. Rose smiled at me.

'We already ordered you an iced tea.' Rose said. I thanked her.

the waiter, having spotted me coming in, was instantly at the table, ready to take our orders. At least this notoriety had some perks.

'Were you followed today?' Alice asked as the waiter left again after promising everything would be made ready as soon as possible.

I shook my head. 'No, thankfully. They weren't staking out my appartment this morning.'

'That's good. Perhaps they've finally realized there's no scandal here.'

'Who knows? It would be nice to be able to walk Jake again without having the doormen escort me out the building and back in again.'

'I can only imagine.' Rose said with sympathy.

The conversation focussed on Alice then and her graduation that was coming up. She was showing a line for graduation and was really nervous about it, as it was just a week away.

'I'm sure it will be aazing, Alice.' I smiled at her encouragingly.

She bit her lip. 'I hope so. It's so stressful. I need to finish two more dresses. Two!' she stabbed her fork into a ravioli.

'You'll pull it off.' Rose assured her.

'Yeah, I hope so. I really want to graduate.'

'Do you have plans for afterwards?' I asked curiously.

My own path had been chosen for me, though I loved being able to take over the cubs, it had pretty much been my fate ever since I could hold a bat. Choice hadn't really factored in. So I was always curious to find out what drove people to a certain job or branche after graduating.

Alice looked doubtful for a moment. 'I'm not sure. I always planned on heading to New York after graduation. But now…'

'You're not sure because of Jasper?' Rose asked.

Alice nodded. 'Dad said I shouldn't change my plans for him, and I know we've only been going out for a few months... but I'm pretty sure he's you know... the one.' She sighed dreamily.

I couldn't help but smile at her wistful expression. 'What were your plans for New York?' I asked.

'I don't really know. Just be there I guess. See the MET gala in person.'

'what do you want to do though? Run your own fashion magazine? Or create your own clothing line?' Rose asked.

Alice pursed her lips. 'I'm not sure.' She groaned in frustration. 'I just don't know what I want!'

'Don't worry.' I tried to comfort her. 'You still have time. You don't have to immediately start the ratrace after graduation. Take your time, relax for a while first.'

Rose nodded in agreement. 'Yeah. I took a year to travel after graduation. That's when I realized that an office job was not meant for me and opening up my own shop was my dream. It took a while but I managed to get there.'

'You're so lucky' I sighed wistfully. 'I've always known my future would be taking over Charlie's empire.'

'Did you ever not want to?' Alice asked curiously.

I shrugged. 'I can't really remember. I probably had a ballerina phase. I loved dancing. But for as long as I remember this has been my future.'

Alice was thoughtful for a moment and Rose squeezed my hand supportively.

'I think that's really great, Bella.' Alice said. 'knowing your destiny like that.'

I shrugged. 'I guess. It's good thing I ended up liking baseball though.' I grinned.

They both laughed and we continued chatting about lighter topics. When we finished eating the hostess approached our table.

'I'm sorry for disturbing you, but there is a mister Whitlock here asking for you.' she looked at Alice.

'oh,' she exclaimed looking at her watch. 'sorry girls, I didn't realize the time. Jasper and I are going shopping.'

Rose snorted as Alice asked the hostess to bring him over. 'Shopping?' she asked.

'Yeah, I need to get supplies for my final dresses and Jasper offered to take me.' she smiled at Jasper as he came to a stop beside her chair.

'Ladies.' He greeted us with his southern drawl.

'So ready to do some shopping?' Rose asked with a wicked grin on her face.

Jasper grimaced slightly. 'of course.'

Rose and I laughed. Alice threw us a glare. 'Thanks for coming Jazz.' She smiled up at him. 'We were just talking and I forgot the time.'

'No problem. We were meeting outside anyway. I figured you'd still be inside.' He assured her with a kind smile. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before turning back to us.

'I've got to run. Let me know what I owe you.' she told us. 'and I'll talk to you later.'

'Sure. Have fun.' Rose and I waved her off.

When they'd disappeared through the door Rose sat back. 'That boy is done for.' She said shaking her head.

'I think so. I've never seen a guy happy to go along fabric shopping.'

'Or shopping in general.' Rose said with a snort. 'I swear everytime I mention the mall Emmett already starts complaining.'

I grin and shake my head. 'somehow that doesn't surprise me'

we ordered some coffee and chat for a while longer before finally paying the bill and heading out. My good mood vanished as soon as the doorman held the door for us, when a few camera's were shoved in our faces and flashes were blinding us.

'Goddamn it.' I ground out. 'How did they find me?' I asked Rose.

Rose shrugged, her face thunderously angry. 'Move.' She ordered the vultures as they tried to push against us.

They were shouting questions and being their obnoxious selves again.
'Bella! Bella! Over here!'

'Did you have a nice time?'

'Do you get together often?'

'Are you helping her through her grief?' that last one was directed at Rose.

Rose made a move to push him out of the way. But I quickly grabbed hold of her arm, whispering to her to leave it alone. The last thing we needed was a picture of us attacking the paps. I quickly pulled Rose over to the valet stand and the staff kept the camera's at more of a distance.

'Fucking hell.' Rose spat.

'Are you okay? Did they hurt you?' I asked checking her over.

She shook her head. 'I'm fine. Just pissed off.' Her gaze swept to me then, concern softening her gaze, but I could see the rage boiling underneath the surface. 'are you okay?'

I nodded. 'Yeah, I'm almost used to them' I sighed and shook my head. 'Sorry they ruined the mood.'

'Don't apologize for this Bella, it's not your fault.'

'They're here because of me, Rose. Of course I feel responsible.' I muttered, looking away from her gaze.

She looked for a moment like she wanted to argue with me, but then stopped herself. She took a deep breath. 'Do you want me to drive you home?'

I quickly shook my head. 'no I need to swing by the stadium for a bit.'

'Are you sure you're okay?' she pressed once more. I nodded. She appraised me for a moment but then conceded. 'Alright. just let me know if you need anything. I'm off today so I can swing by whenever.'

I gave her a tight smile. 'I'll be fine.' The valet had brought our cars around and I quickly gave her a hug before heading to my car.

I loved Rose and she was a great friend. But sometimes I still struggled opening up to others. I was a bit freaked out if I was honest with myself. And I hated that I brought my friends into these situations. I hated that they couldn't leave me alone. I felt bad that they had to deal with it because of me. but I also knew rationally that I couldn't help it. The press would do what they wanted and there was nothing I could do about it. So I just tried to push it away and live on as best as I could.

I quickly started the car and headed to the stadium. Keeping a weary eye out for the paparazzi. They had been known to follow me after they'd found me.

When a black SUV swerved into traffic behind me my hands tightened on the wheel.

'Fuck' I muttered.

I didn't like being followed. I didn't like the way they would drive close behind me, flashing their lights and some times even honking at me. They would drive up beside me and hang out the window to snap their obnoxious pictures. They hoped to goad me into breaking a law; running a light or stopsign or flipping them off. I hadn't succumbed yet. But right now I was reaching my boiling point fast. I hated them with a passion. And I hated that they ruined my lovely day. It had started off so well.

I grit my teeth as I noticed the van pull up beside me at the the stoplight. The window rolled down and I could hear them screaming my name, drawing attention from people on the sidewalk. I willed the light to turn green faster. It didn't.

When it finally did turn green I floored it, forgetting for a moment that I was driving a car that had double the horsepower of a normal car. I shot forward and gasped immediately, stomping on the brake again, but the damage was done. The paps were cackling loudly as their flashes almost blinded me. I quickly pulled up again, this time a bit ore delicately and tried to ignore them. But they were relentless. Another van had appeared and was following close behind me, too close for my liking. I tried to stay on the speed limit, but found myself accelerating just slightly to put more distance between us.

The other van was still on my left, swerving dangerously to get closer to me. I tried to stay in the middle of the lane, but they were being reckless. My heart was pounding in my chest as it swerved towards me again. My knuckles were white on the steering wheel. The car behind me was tailgating dangerously. They were closing in on me, making me feel trapped and scared. When the vans both lurched towards me at the same time, I let out a scream. I swerved, only narrowly avoiding losing control of the car. This was getting dangerous. Way too dangerous.

I quickly pressed the call button on my steering wheel, telling the car to call Leah. I hoped she would answer.

Thankfully she answered on the first ring.
'Bella?' she asked, her voice concerned. I never called her. she usually had to contact me to discuss things.

'They're harassing me, Leah!' I cried out. 'They're trying to drive me off the road!'

'Calm down, Bella. Where are you now?' she asked, her voice calm but strained.

'I'm almost at the stadium' I grit out, swerving slightly as the van on my left once again encroached on my lane. 'Fuck!' I ground out.

'Bella?' she asked concerned. 'Talk to me, how many are there?'

'Two vans. One is on my left, the other behind me.'

'are you driving fast?'

I glanced at the speedometer and gasped in shock. 'Fuck. Yes.'

'slow down, right now!' her voice raising an octave. 'Do you hear me? Slow down right now, just take your foot off the gas. They won't crash into you, I promise. They're trying to goad you into becoming reckless and causing a crash. If you just slow down slowly they'll be forced to do the same.'

I gripped the wheel tightly as the one behind me flashed his lights at me again, driving a hair's breath away from my buper.

'I'm scared.' I admitted in a small voice.

'I know. I know, Bella. This is their tactic, though. Trust me. Just get your foot of the gas slowly.'

Tensions roiled through my body as I slowly pulled my foot back. The car started slowling down slightly and to my relief the van behind me did as well. He was still obnoxiously on my bumper, but he was matching my slowing speed.

'Are they slowing down? Talk to me Bella.' Leah's voice filtered through the car again.

'yeah, I think so.' But then I yelped insurprise as the car on my left suddenly lurched towards me.

'Bella?!' Leah yelled in shock.

'Fuck these guys!'

'how far away are you?'

'The next exit.' I gripped the wheel tightly again, my foot unconsicouly pressing down on the gas again.

'Okay good. Keep your foot off that gas though. Don't speed up. I know this is scary, but don't speed up. It will make this all the more dangerous.'

'it's already dangerous!' I yelled.

'I know. I know. Just trust me, okay? I'm having security meet you right at the gate, they won't be able to follow you inside. I'm having Kate and Harry meet you at your car. Just hang in there. Calm down and make sure you don't speed. You're almost there. keep a level head.'

'I'm scared, Leah. It feels like they're trying to kill me.'

'I know, Bella. Just hang in there. Are you slowing down?'

I sniffled, noticing for the first time that I was crying. Great they were going to have great pictures now.

'yeah.' My voice cracked. 'I'm trying.'

'Okay, keep talking to me. Are there any markings on the vans? Anything to identify them?'

I chanced a quick look in the mirror and to the side. 'No, just nondescript black vans.'

'Any identifyers on the men?'
I looked again, but the windows were all up again, no one was visible through the tinted windows. 'I can't see them. The windows are too dark.'

leah hummed. 'Okay, are you almost at the exit?'

'Yeah. I can see the gate.' I breathed a sigh of relief.

'Alright, stay vigilant though, they might try one last ditch effort when they see that security is waiting for you.'

I noticed the guards at the gate then, it seemed the entire force was outside. Twenty men and women stood outside the gate and were looking with thunderously angry glares at the van beside me. They had created an opening between themselves, big enough for my car, but not the one beside me.

'Leah, they're blocking the path! Thye're going to get run over. Tell them to move!' I gasped as I slowed down some more to fit between them. But the van beside me shot forward instead of lessening their speed.

'Don't worry, Bella. They wouldn't dare be that stupid. They'll brake at the last moment. It's a scare tactic. I've instructed the gaurds too. They know what to do.'

'But I can't ask them to just stand there for me!' I shouted at her.

'They wanted to Bella. It's their choice.'

I eased off the gas some more and prayed with everything in me the car would stop. I held my breath as it suddenly braked hard and I moved past it and through the opening of guards. They quickly closed ranks behind my car, forcing the other van to brake as well. Then they quickly shut the gate. A few guards stayed behind the gate and moved towards the vans.

I quickly headed over to the private parking area and parked the car haphazardly in a random space. I wasn't even sure I was in the lines. But I couldn't bring myself to care right now. My hands were shaking and my breath was coming in short pants.

'Are you inside?' Leah asked.

'Yes.' I muttered. Shock was the only thing that really registered. Had that really happened? I was shaking all over and tears were stills treaing down my cheeks.

'Harry and Kate are on the way. I'm almost there as well. they're going to take you inside alright?'

I nodded. Then realized she couldn't see me, so I squaked out a yeah.

My car door was yanked open then and I let out a scream.

'Bella!' Harry's voice was concerned and shocked as he took me into his arms.

I clutched at him pathetically, shaking like a leaf.

'it's arlgiht' I heard Kate say. 'you're safe. it's alright.'

I vaguely registered her and Leah having some words, before Harry carried me quickly towards the building. We headed to my office and Harry sat me down carefully on my couch. Kate pressed something cold into my hand, a glass I realized.

'Drink, Bella.' She urged me.

I glanced down and noticed it was coke. Sugar would probably be good right now. The glass shook as I brought it to my lips. I took a sip and the cold drink shocked my system, but in a good way. I gulped a few mouthfuls down. The door opened and Leah strode inside with Carlisle right behind her.

He sank down in front of me. 'Bella?' he asked.

I focussed on his face, although it was a bit blurry.

'Can you hear me?'

I nodded.

'I believe you're going into shock.' He said, his tone calm but serious.

My teeth chattered as I tried to say something, but nothing came out.

'Alright, Harry can you get blankets or towels… anything that will help keep her warm.' Harry gave a affirmative and I faintly heard the door close. 'Kate, Leah. Take off her shoes and jacket and scarf, make sure she can get enough air.'

The glass was taken from my hand and put on the table. My arms were pulled for my sides and cold air stole over my arms and feet as they removed my shoes and jacket and scarf. Then I was moved. My head was put on the cushion of the couch and my legs swung up on the armrest, elevating them. The door opened again and blankets were spread out on top of me. Something warm was put on my stomach.

'Now Bella, I want you to focus on calming down. You've had quite a shock and your body had too much adrenaline. It's crashing from that now. Just keep your focus on my voice and start counting with me. We're going to count our breaths. Just try to breathe with me. Deep breath in, for one two three and four, and big breath out for one two three four five six seven eight.'

He continued speaking, his voice was warm and comforting and I tried to focus on breathing like he said. I don't know how long it took but eventually my shaking stopped and the coldness seeped from my extremities. My vision got clearer and breathing got easier.

Carlisle took my wrist after a while his fingers finding my pulse.

'That's good Bella. You're doing good. Your heartbeat is alsost back to normal again. If you feel up to it, you can try talking. But stay lying down for now.'

He continued counting outloud and I continued focussing on my breathing for a moment longer.

'How are you feeling Bella?' Carlisle asked after another while.

I swallowed, my throat a bit dry. 'Okay, I think.' My voice was barely a whisper.

'Good, just keep lying down though. Do you remember what happened?'

I nodded. 'Yeah. They were trying to run me off the road.' I brought out, a shudder passing though me at the feeling of fear that crept back over me. My eyes found Kate, who was looking down at me anxiously. 'Can we sue the living hell out of them?'

A relieved laugh escaped her lips and she nodded. 'That's my girl.' She said. 'I'm looking into it, don't you worry.'

'You did well, Bella.' Leah said. I looked at her. She was worried. That was rare.

'Thanks for talking me through it.' I muttered.

'I'm going to head this off with a statement. It's going to cost them that they tried this. After Diana these types of car tactics have been heavily frowned upon, if the public gets wind of it, the newspapers won't dare publish any of the photo's they took. They endangered you and no one wants that. Not even the most vile gossip papers.'

'Why would they do such a thing?' Harry asked, his tone horrified.

Leah sighed. 'My guess is that Bella is too good at being good. They want a rise from her. Apparently they had tried everything else and this was their last ditch effort.'

'I don't want you to drive on your own anyore.' Harry told me, his face stern. But I saw the worry lurking there. I wasn't exactly keen on getting back in the car either. But I had a feeling that if I didn't I would never drive again. I would simply be too scared.

'I'm not going to stop driving.' I told Harry. 'I won't let them win like that.'

'It's not letting the win, Bella. It's being smart.'

'I won't drive today.' I assured him. 'but I'm not going to stop driving.'

Harry sighed.

Carlisle cleared his throat. 'I would suggest you don't drive today, but I would advise getting back behind the wheel as soon as possible. Something like this can morph into a fear of driving.'

'i think we should look into hiring a bodyguard for you Bella.' Leah said.

'No.' I said adamantly.

'yes.' Leah said. 'at least think about it. I have a feeling they are just starting. If we can't legally tie them up, you will need a bodyguard.'

I sighed and closed my eyes in defeat, not having the energy to argue any more. Carlisle shushed everyone, telling them all descions could be made at a later time. That I needed rest right now and I smiled at him gratefully as the room settled down and I closed my eyes once more.