Into You
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Twilight characters or anything Twilight related.
Alright guys, this is it! It's time to take a look at how Edward and Bella are doing, along with everyone else! This first outtake will take place where we see the biggest moment of Edward's life will… well, come to life! The moment he's about to fulfil his dreams getting into the NFL. The NFL Draft which will decide what team will take Edward and play for their team. Fingers crossed.
Also, I know some of you, okay, a lot of you aren't experts in sports. Sorry I put a lot of sports stuff but one thing you should know about me, is that though I love writing, I love football and I'm a nerd when it comes to it. Haha So hopefully throughout this chapter you can kind of get the idea of how this draft goes. It starts off with a team with the worst record from last year gets the first pick of a player of any position they wanted and then the team with the second worst goes next and so on. Each team gets a pick during one round (unless they got more through a trade by giving their picks or players away). Of course, during the draft, anything can happen such as teams trading up or down for the next spot as each team goes through seven rounds and take a player depending on how many picks they are allowed to take that year. It all depends on who the team will pick based on if they need this player of their position for their team if they want to win a Super Bowl Championship kind of like trying to win a lottery! So best of luck to Edward along with his friends who will hopefully be drafted. And stick around, because there are some things that will happen. Enjoy! :)
Oh, also note, these outtakes will be a little bit rated M since we are now entering the adult phase.
Outtake 1 – Four Years Later in the last week of April 2022
Draft day, Johnny Manziel
Five years later, how am I the man still?
Draft day, A. Wiggins
Fuck that other side, bitch we stay winnin'
Aw man, you know I had to do it for you.
You know I had to do it for you
Yeah, suits and ties yelling out, "Pay the guys"
Man, I had to do it for you
You know I had to do it for you
You know I had to do it for you
Aw man, aw man, aw man, man
You know I had to
~ Drake
Edward's POV
"Are you nervous, Edward?" Bella asked.
I looked at her in the mirror as I was straitening my tie. "Why would I be nervous?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"It's only the biggest day of your career." Bella said, giving out a laugh.
Okay, she had me there. Being a rising star quarterback and projected as a generational talent for the NFL is a big deal for me. I am what all the sports experts called me a once in a lifetime player and they are already comparing me to Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rogers, Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes. Why else am I nervous as hell?
"It's all set in stone, love." I said as I undid my tie and tried to get it on again. "It's either me or Riley going first, but everyone believes that I'll be the first pick overall. It's just a matter of who picks me."
And I sure as hell hope it's not the Washington Commanders. Nothing against the idea of living in D.C., but the organization itself is complete shit! They just came up with a brand new name for the team after many people requested that they change the name from the Washington Redskins because it was considered offensive and they spent the last two years ago being The Washington Football Team to now the Commanders, which by the way, that name wasn't fitting it either. It's a toxic environment to be in and it sucks for those talented players who ended up there. That team has been through so many controversies and hell the past few decades all because their owner Dan Snyder, is the worse owner in sports history. Complete cheapskate as evidence from their stadium last year that had a sewer pipe leak in the stands and the field turf is terrible where a lot players get badly injured, the stands that collapsed where fans fell and almost hurting current Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and pretty much not giving a shit about the fans, not letting them have signs or overpaying one lady of her season ticket. And those scandals that involves rumors of him sexually harassing the female workers and keeping them quiet and the cheerleader calendar shoot scandal, could you imagine what he would do putting Bella in that kind of situation once the team has me as their quarterback? Fuck no!
I hope Washington doesn't pick me. Yes, they have the first overall pick in the draft and yes, they needed a quarterback since they've been going through carousels of quarterbacks because none of them did well there, and some of them had injuries that pretty much ended their careers as evident from RG3 who Dan forced him to keep playing despite an injury and when Alex Smith had a life threatening injury to his leg. So yeah, I'm fucked.
However, there is a glimmering chance of hope. There are rumors according to the NFL Network and ESPN that there were some teams who were interested in trading up. I hope so for my sake. I would not do so well in Washington. Perhaps I could just pulled a Eli Manning and refused to play for them if drafted and they trade me away to another team on the same day of the draft. Like I said before, I'm not saying those teams are beneath me, I just don't want to waste my career there, especially by a team that is dysfunctional.
"Washington D.C.? Oh I hope not. Burgundy does not look good on me." Bella shuddered with a frown.
I turned as I came over to Bella. "You look good in anything." I said, even if those colors of the Commanders were horrendous.
I took a good look at Bella. She had elected to wear a dark green sexy dress and she did a lot of work to look good. More than that, she looks beautiful. Not once as the years go by being with her, Bella has lost her beauty. Wouldn't matter anyway because she's beautiful to me and I love her. Nothing has changed in the last four years since we've been dating.
A lot has happened in four years. I entered the University of Washington and not only was I studying hard for my degree in marketing, I was playing hard in football. After a few games where I was playing in my first year, I was named the starting quarterback and have been playing for this school since under the guidance of new head coach Kalen Deboer. Ben, Alec, Demetri, Seth and I made a difference on this team and our school, the Huskies, became a top five school every year. Because of it, our school won three national championships and I won two MVPs and became the second player to win the Heisman Trophy twice as I broke numerous school records and breaking stats. I already solidified myself as the top quarterback coming out of college and my friends became top players of their respective positions heading into the NFL Draft. They guys and I actually got done with all of our classes in the winter quarter of our final year meaning we pretty much graduated and will be walking down the stage later in the spring. The girls on the other hand still got one more quarter, and so does Bella.
Bella has been adjusting well, being in college. After she released her second album, Evolve, and finished her second world tour, she began attending classes a quarter later after my friends and I started, taking a break from music and acting. Though she makes times with going to interviews and guest starring in TV shows. Of course there were students making a fuss seeing a celebrity attending in the same classes as them, but they seem to respect Bella's space that she's here to study, nothing else and to be treated like anyone else. And thankfully, the paparazzi hadn't interfere invading Bella's life in school. It appears maybe Charlie had a few reminders to them about ruining Bella's college experience. I'm glad Bella decided to come to school with me. It's been amazing to spend time with her apart from class where we walk to classes together hand in hand and such. Sure, we had busy schedules as Bella is busting her ass off to graduate the same year as me and my friends while I'm not only balancing on my studies but playing football, but we do the best we can understanding one another and respecting about time and what's importance, just not as important as us. Spending time together for a little bit is better than nothing at all. Good thing the media doesn't think our love has fallen apart because we showed how we're together when we spend the holidays and vacations together. None of the less, being with Bella in college has been nothing but amazing.
Now, it's the last week of April where I'm done with my education and today is a big moment for me and the guys, well mostly me to everyone. Today's the first day of the NFL Draft that's taking place in Las Vegas. It's been buzzing more than the past years of Draft Day because apparently it was about seeing two generational quarterbacks between me and Riley to see who will be picked first overall. Though I was good throughout college, dominating the league, Riley shows why he is my main rival. After our last matchup at the high school championship, he went to Washington State making our rivalry more fun whenever we face off each other during Thanksgiving Week for the Apple Cup. We were both tied winning it twice. So yeah, there's a chance Riley could be picked first before me due to how he played in the same level as me, but we'll see. After all, it's not just me and Riley being great quarterbacks in college. A few others such as Kenny Pickett, Desmond Rider, Malik Wilis and Matt Corral were also buzzing in the sports media rising their draft stocks where they are projected to be drafted in the first round the same as Riley and I. Ben being the best running back, Demetri as a standout wide receiver, Alec the promising best tight end and Seth as the dominant linebacker and best defensive player coming in the draft, are also predicted to being drafted in the first round.
Bella got up from the bed and helped me fixed my tie and then reached up and smoothed down my jacket before running her fingers through my hair. "There, you look hot." She said, seeing me wear my black suit and green tie that matches Bella's dress.
"You better not drool while you're by my side." I smirked as I pulled her close to me.
"It's hard not to when you look this good." Bella said, licking her lips. "And you know I'll be by your side wherever you go. Your home will be our home one day."
"And I'm hoping that's where we start our future." I said, taking Bella's hand and examined the ring I put on her finger.
I proposed to Bella last night, the night when we arrived in Vegas before the Draft. To say she was happy would be an understatement. She like tackled me in bed after she said yes. Might've bruised my ribs but I didn't give a damn, Bella and I are getting married and already we decided on the date later in the summer before I played at the start of the season. I just can't wait to call this woman my wife. Soon to be Mrs. Cullen.
Mrs. Cullen. Damn, already having a nice ring to it. Bella and I aren't the only ones living a happy life.
Some time during our first year of college, Charlie and Sue got married. It was a small wedding since Charlie didn't want to make things extravagant being married for the second time. I was there along with my dad, my friends, Jacob, Jasper and Emmett in joining Charlie and his close friends on Charlie's bachelor party. It was a small wedding having only Charlie and Sue's close friends and family to attend and be at the reception. News really broke out about Charlie's second marriage but it never bothered him or Sue. Seth was happy to have Charlie as his new dad and having Bella as his new sister. And I'm sure Bella feels the same.
Seth and Jane are going strong on their relationship. Jane's been more busy than Seth as she's grinding on getting into law school while Seth grinds on the football field. Alec and Tanya are in a long distance relationship where Tanya's studying in Bellingham, the Western Washington University. The two show to have a strong belief in their relationship as Tanya always drives over to our school to attend the games and see Alec play. Ben and Angela actually got married during our second year of college and seem to be adjusting pretty well with married life while still in school. Demetri and Heidi are still together. Their relationship is pretty funny to watch whenever you see girls fawning over to Demetri and guys hitting on Heidi and both of them would get jealous to scare off the group and then they would argue over it. Jessica is still single as she's been bounced around with one guy after another since none of them "Can't keep up," with her. Whatever that means.
Emmett and Rosalie got married the summer when I graduated high school. They eloped but they held a reception when they got back and we all celebrated their marriage. Now Rosalie is seven months pregnant with their first child together. Alice and Jasper got married around the year most of us turned twenty-one and it was a big wedding with Alice doing the planning and everything. Alice does suspect they will have kids but that's Alice for ya. Victoria continues to go around with men and then women and back to men before going to women again. She has dated a few guys and with one girl but she remains single as of now. Jacob is still single. He dated one girl who is a singer but when they broke up, she wrote a song about him that pretty much made the world think of Jacob as a total jerk face. Jacob wasn't fazed by it but we all came to his defense about the kind of guy Jacob is. And somehow, Jane and Heidi must have threatened that girl to tell everyone the song was never really about him and she took the hit hard after people called her out as a liar just to get a hit song. None of the less, Jacob continues his life being single while still gaining many admirers from girls.
My father continues working at the hospital as a doctor while my mom continues being a stay at home mom to look after Renesmee who is now eleven years old. Most of the time, mom would be involve giving out tutoring lessons for kids. My little sister is starting to grow, almost becoming a teenager. Their lives remain the same, other than being known due to my sudden fame as a quarterback. So pretty much, everyone has been living a good life for the last four years and everyone is happy. Well, except one. There was one person, however, that took me by surprise. I wouldn't say this person is not happy with how life has been treating. It was still hard to comprehend about it all. Believe me, I wasn't expecting it at all because this one did like a complete one eighty.
Flashback
Takes place a few months back in the beginning of January of Edward's final year of college.
"Love? You in here?" I asked, peeking my head through Bella's room where I see her buried in textbooks on her desks with all the notebooks laying out. Bella didn't answer as she was scribbling down on her notes so I knocked on her down to get her attention, which it did.
"Edward?" She looked surprised. "I thought you were working out with the guys."
I raised an eyebrow. "I did, like half an hour ago. I just went out to give Fluff her walk." I said causing Bella to look at her clock. "Have you been studying all day? How long have you been sitting there?" Not to mention when was the last time she went to the bathroom or even showered? Because, I love my girlfriend, but she's starting to smell.
"Um," Bella was biting her lip. "I guess since this morning?" She sighed. "Sorry, I had a lot of assignments to do and some reading to go through, plus I got to meet my mentor on my essay and see how it looks."
Poor Bella. She's been studying nonstop, and I don't blame her. Being homeschooled while acting and transitioning to being a college student is a huge turnaround for Bella to adjust. She's been doing her best to make sure she's taken the courses she needs for her major and the requirements to graduate. She's due to graduate this spring and she's really stressing out about it.
"Hey," I said, wrapping my arms around her from her seat. "You're doing great and have nothing to worry about."
"I know," Bella sighed. "I just want to be able to graduate with you and the others on time."
"You will. You're caught up in all the classes needed. You just need to get some electives out of the way." I said.
"Easy for you to say, Mr. Student Athlete." Bella grumbled. "Sorry, I'm just really stressed out to get everything done."
"I get it. Look, why don't you take a break right now. Actually, take the rest of the day off." I suggested.
"But –"
"We have a three day weekend. You have plenty of time to do it all. I'm just saying to take it easy for today since you've been studying hard and I'm proud of you. But there's no harm in relaxing once and awhile." I pointed out.
Bella remained silent in my arms until she took a deep breath. "Okay, but tomorrow, I need to hit the library to do more research." She said.
"I'll be happy to join you." I smiled as I placed a kiss on her head. "Now, why don't you go freshen up. I love you, Bella, but you're starting to smell."
"Says the quarterback who sweats like a pig." Bella snorted.
"Got to keep myself in shape to play." I shrugged before letting go of Bella.
She went to bathroom to shower why I played with Fluff for a bit. Sharing an apartment with Bella was no problem. Sure, we had to get used to how we live and accommodate each other's lifestyle but we always compromise. Sometimes we argue, but it's mostly on stupid things and with Bella being stubborn, you can see how our fights can be pointless to hold. None of the less, I love being with Bella and our relationship is better than ever each year. Add Fluff living with us, and we're pretty much like a small family.
A family… a future… a future with Bella. I want that with her. One day.
After playing with Fluff, our dog needed to go take a piss. Yes, I said our dog. Fluff loves me a lot more than Bella apparently and Bella is my girlfriend of four years so Fluff is my dog. After Fluff was done outside, I took her back inside our apartment and came in to see Bella tying her hair in a ponytail wearing my Huskies hoodie and sweats. Even like that she looks sexy as fuck.
"I saw that." Bella smirked when she saw me staring at her.
I shook my head and let Fluff down. "Fluff needed to go. How about we order takeout and then watch a movie tonight?" I suggested.
"Sounds great." Bella smiled as she picked up Fluff. "Let me clean Fluff up and change her bow."
And with that, the two went into the bedroom. God I love that woman. I thought as I pulled out my phone and ordered some Chinese food. After ordering what Bella and I want, I hung up and then looked at my messages from my friends and teammates and to see if we have any plans this weekend. Just as I was thinking of what to do on Sunday, the doorbell rang.
Wow, that was fast. I thought as I went over to retrieve my wallet and walked over to the front door.
"Alright," I said, opening door while looking through my wallet to be sure I have enough cash to pay without letting Bella doing it since that's how I am as a gentlemen. "How much do I owe –" I stopped myself when I looked up and was shocked because it wasn't a delivery person at our doorstep. "Renee?!"
"Hello Edward." Renee said. And it wasn't a slight use of sneer or sarcasm used in that greeting. It was a soft and genuine hello.
I was too speechless to respond. I wasn't expecting to see Bella's mother here. While I had millions of questions popping into my head, I heard footsteps and Bella was by my side.
"What are you doing here?" She asked, rather rudely.
Renee just stood there as she looked down towards the ground, her hands together where her fingers were wiggling around each other. She doesn't say anything and I took a look at her to see Renee not wearing her usual attire to look glamourous like she's ready for a photoshoot. She was just wearing a simple yellow dress that looks like it could be worn more than once in a lifetime. She was even wearing flats and no jewelry was shown on her, plus the makeup is barely noticeable. She didn't looked like she did much with her hair.
"Could I come in, please? I… I just want to talk." Renee said. I was uncertain if it was a good idea. My last interaction with Bella's mother was not at all pretty since she tried everything in her power to get me to leave Bella. I haven't seen her since then, other than her seeing me in the hospital with some not so nice words about me while I was in a coma. No one has heard about Renee since the divorce with Charlie and the falling out being fired as Bella's manager, no longer connecting to the family. In fact, the media pretty much has not spoken about her as it she never existed. I looked at Bella who turned to me, probably wondering if it's okay or not. She looks concerned but also looking cautious since we're dealing with the woman who was very controlling of Bella's life and thought very little of me thinking I was beneath the Swan family.
I figured it's best to know what Renee has to say so I gave Bella a silent nod. She took a deep breath with her eyes closed before opening them, turning to her mother. "Come in." She said, quietly and let Renee inside.
We led Renee into our living room where she sat on the recliner chair that was facing me and Bella as we sat down together on the couch.
"You two seem to be doing well in school." Renee said. That's an odd way to start coming from her.
"How did you know where we live?" Bella asked Renee.
Renee had her head down. "Your father told me." She answered causing me and Bella to be surprised. When did Charlie talk to her? "It's… been awhile since I spoke to him… since the divorce. I know you two study in Seattle when I heard Bella's decided to go to college. I just didn't know where so I contacted Charlie to know."
"Where have you been?" I asked her. "No one has heard from you or anything about you since you and Charlie divorced."
"I've been living in Downing, my hometown in California." Renee said. "I… haven't really done anything since. But… I have been following with what goes on in Bella's life."
I was starting to feel a little uneasy where this was going and thankfully, Bella took the reins.
"Why are you here?" Bella asked.
Renee lifted her head up and she looked hesitant before she spoke. "I came to… a… apologize. To both of you." She answered causing me to be taken aback. "I want to apologize for my actions. Not just for what happened at the hospital, but for everything. I'm sorry for how I treated you all these years Bella, including how controlling I was in your life and career. Your life is yours to live and what you want to do is for you to decide, not me. You should be allowed to date whoever you want, not because I said so. And Edward, I'm sorry how I treated you and how I tried to get you to leave Bella, or make you look bad using Laurent's article to have everyone against you and almost ruining your life. I was wrong to believe the kind of person you are just because you're not famous. I see that you truly do love Bella and nothing else. I hope you two could find it possible to forgive me."
Okay, this right here, I wasn't expecting to hear that coming from Renee, at all. The woman who was once so controlling and a complete diva is apologizing for her actions towards me and Bella? I don't know how I should feel about this, but Bella does.
"You're asking us to forgive you?! You haven't spoken to me since my boyfriend was fighting for his life at the hospital! You kept trying to break us apart in every way possible, even bribing him to leave me just because he isn't famous of any kind! You came into that room with such cruel things to say about Edward! That was almost four years ago. Four years ago and now you decided to say you're sorry?!" Bella said in complete outrage.
Renee just sat there with a sad look on her face. A first I've seen from her.
"Bella, I know you must hate me for what I've done, and you have every right to do so, but I really meant what I said, apologizing for all the wrong I did to you throughout your life." She said. "What you said to me that day, the way Charlie decided to end things between me and him, I see that I ruined this family because of how I acted. It just… took me awhile to fully understand my wrongdoings and how I hurt the people I love."
"Hurt is an understatement." Bella said. "You kept claiming that Edward was bringing me down because he doesn't come from money or fame, you try to get me into doing projects that are not my thing, you keep telling me that Edward isn't the guy for me and made me go with guys I never liked, especially Rider who you believed is great guy. News flash, he's not as evidence from the black eye he gave me, stalking me at the Billboard Music Awards.
You keep doing these things as if to help me in my life when literally, it was for you. You made this about you as if this was your life. It's not! You said that everything you've done was all for me. When really all you did was causing me pain that nearly made Edward walk away from me because of what he went through! How is controlling my life and trying to get in between Edward and I was all for me?"
Renee blinked as I saw tears streaming down her eyes as she hung her head down. "I truly am sorry. I just… I'm trying to change my ways. I thought that at the time, I sincerely and honestly thought that what I was doing was to make your life better, Bella." She said. "I wanted to give you a life a child could dream of, to make you happy. I was giving you a life thinking we'll be a happy family. I wanted to do this to bring us closer together. I wanted my daughter to have a good relationship with me… than what I had with my mother."
I was confused, and so was Bella when we looked at each other. I don't think I recall hearing about Bella's family other than Charlie's parents who passed away long time ago. I don't know anything about Renee's family. Come to think of it, looking up about Renee, I don't think anyone, not even Jessica's resources has any background information about Renee other than where she was born.
"I was an only child growing up." Renee said. "My parents divorced when I was only a little girl. I never had much contact with my father. My mother, your grandma Marie, Bella, was a… difficult woman growing up. She and I were different in personality wise. I wanted to have fun as a kid, I wanted things most kids have, there were a lot things I wanted to do and such, but my mother denies me any of it, and forces me into doing school and to not be distracted by things such as watching too much TV. I wasn't even allowed to hang out with my friends even in the summer time. She never even takes me out to go places for vacation. Every time I don't get things that I want, or if I disobey her rules, she and I would argue. Even when there are times where it wasn't my fault, she still yells at me as if it was my fault.
It continued like that as I was a teenager. My mother continues to be difficult, controlling my life and pushes me to focus on school, not allowing me to go out to go with my friends and even putting a curfew on me. One day while I was in high school, I was in love with this guy, Jeff. He was a great guy, so kind and caring. It was the one time I felt… happiness when I'm with Jeff. He made me feel loved. He was understanding when I told him I wasn't ready to tell my mother that I was dating someone. I was going to one day, but then, a few months into our relationship, Jeff took me to the park… and ended things between us, and walked away. He didn't tell me why, he didn't even look me in the eye. All I know was that, I was heartbroken to have lost the one person who made me happy.
That's when I found out later on that my mother found out about me and Jeff, and… she was the reason why Jeff broke up with me. I was angry with her and she made it sound like it was no big deal, which angers me even more. She said I was too young to date and it was a distraction of what's important. As always, we were arguing, but it was more serious than ever about my mother taking away the one person who made me happy and how she never lets me do anything in my life while she told me that it's her house and her rules and that I must follow them. It was then I snapped telling my mother how she ruined my life. I even went as far saying that… just because she's not happy with her life, doesn't mean she could take mine away. That was the last time I spoken to her as I went into my room and shut the door behind me.
I was angry, … and hurt for what my mother has done to me over the years. It just makes me hate her so much, and I couldn't live like this if she keeps treating me that way. Without thinking, I packed my bag that late at night, snuck out of my room, took some of my mother's money and ran away from home never looking back. No note to her. I took a bus and found myself in Pasadena.
It was silly of me at the time, since I was only sixteen, being a high school dropout with no money and have nowhere to stay. Thankfully, there was a homeless shelter that kept me fed and had a roof over my head. I took a part time job as a waitress trying to save up as much as I can throughout the first few years. But even so, it was still wasn't enough for me to survive. I felt like giving up and admit defeat, accepting the consequences coming back home to my mother. But then, someone came over to me one day while I was at work and asked me to be in a commercial. It paid me a little better than minimum wage so I took a small role in the background for a commercial. Afterwards, the person who came over to me was an agent and told me I have the makings of being a star based on my performance. I was stunned at first, but then thinking about how being a star could be a good thing for me, I took a chance and pursued acting.
It wasn't easy at first, but I landed a few commercials and being in the background on some TV shows before my big role on a TV show that ran for twelve seasons. Since then, I made money, I had a home of my own, I was pretty much living the life I always dreamed of. I've had letters from my mother, but I never read them. … I never opened them. I just threw them away. I wasn't going to let my mother take away everything I have and what I worked hard for. I was happy and having fun. Later on, I met your father and Charlie and I became inseparable. I settled down when we started dating. After we got married and I became pregnant, I promised myself that I would give everything my daughter ever wanted, to give her the life I never had growing up. I wanted to be a better mom than my mother was. And with being in Hollywood, I thought that was what you wanted Bella, I gave you everything and even encourage you to go and date.
But ever since you started dating Edward, you know how I acted and back then I thought what I was doing was to protect you and save your reputation. And look where it got me, I was fired as your manager and I lost Charlie. I lost the people who I cared about, I felt like everything was happening again to me. I didn't know what to do after I left that room. I didn't know what to think. All I know was that I was about to lose everything. I first came back to my hometown to figure things out, but then, I was told that my mother… passed away a long time ago… when you were only six years old, Bella.
I was given all of her things and I found letters. Apparently, my mother tried to have someone send them to me but didn't have the heart to tell her that I never read them, … because she was dying. She said how she was heartbroken that I ran away, and how wrong she was. That all she was doing was trying to protect me and keep me safe in hopes I do better than what she went through. She wanted to make things right, to be a better person to me. It was then, I see how I ruined my whole life by hurting others for my own selfishness. I was awful to you Bella, to Charlie, my mother, Edward, everyone. All because I only cared about myself over others.
I never fought back with Charlie during our divorce. I deserved everything I lost. After it was official, I moved back into my mother's home and stayed there since, having no one and nothing but hurt to what I've caused. And I'm so, so sorry, Bella. I am so sorry and ashamed for what I did. I just wish I could take back what I did and make it right. I just… I'm sorry." With that, she covered her face and broke down in tears as she started crying.
Bella and I just sat there as she did so. I don't think Renee is acting based on what how I see her. She sounds very sincere on her apology and is now sounding broken. This isn't the Renee I remembered who belittle me and tried to get me to leave Bella. Although she is Renee, it was never like Renee to break down and apologize. Do I feel bad for what she's been through and everything? After hearing her story, it's hard to tell. How I felt about Renee felt like it was yesterday's news now seeing this side of her, wanting to make things right with us, to start over. I'm not sure if I'm ready to forgive her, but then again, this is Bella's mother meaning this decision all depends on Bella.
Bella turned to me, her face of unhappiness was replace with concern, and it appears she has read my mind. I took her hand and squeezed as I gave her a nod. Bella took a deep breath before turning to Renee.
"Look, what you did to me, was wrong." She said. "All I see in you is the woman who gave birth to me since all you care about is fame and our image. Everything you tried to do to get rid of Edward was where I lost all the love respect I had for you. Including calling you my mother. If you really are sorry and want to make things right, I suppose we could make it work by starting over. I will forgive you, but don't think everything will be candy and sunshine right away. It's going to take a long time to move pass everything that has happened."
Renee wiped away her face with her hands and she looked up at Bella, her eyes held to be a glimmer of hope. "Y… You mean it?"
Bella took another deep breath. "We'll catch up together, just you and me maybe this weekend." She turned to me. "If that's alright with you."
"Whatever you say, love." I said in approval. Bella nodded her head and asked for Renee's number. Once that was done, Renee got up and looked like she wasn't sure what to do, looking a bit awkward. Bella got up and silently walked her mother out the door. I could hear them saying something so quietly but couldn't make out the words. That's when I heard a gentle shut of the door signaling me to get up and walk over to Bella who is still facing the door.
"Love? You okay?" I asked, placing my hands on her shoulders.
"Just hold me, please." Bella said quietly as she leaned on me, her eyes closed as tears were streaming down on her face.
And I did just that, holding Bella in my arms.
End of Flashback
Bella and Renee did meet up that next day to have coffee. Renee just asked Bella on how she's doing in school to which Bella answered honestly. Renee tells Bella that she's been seeing a therapist to help overcome the person she was in order to be a better person to Bella. She seems really serious about wanting to change as evident how later on, Bella brought me along to hang with Renee and she even asked how I'm doing in football and she genuinely wishes me luck in the draft. There was even a small dinner at my parent's place where it was my parents and Renesmee, me and Bella, Renee, and Charlie and Sue along with Seth and Jane who came as witnesses to see if Renee really changed. It was awkward to say the least but wasn't bad. Just awkward when you have Renee seeing Charlie now moved on with his new wife next to him. I hope it's not too awkward for Renee being at our wedding.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Bella asked, snapping me out of my thoughts as I still have her in my arms.
"Just worried about where I'll end up." I answered, not wanting to show I was bothered about Renee's change of heart.
Bella just smiled. "We'll get through it. One step at a time." She said, pecking my lips.
"You bet we will." I said and glanced at my watch. "Come on, we have to meet up with everyone at the lobby."
"Okay." Bella said before she checked herself in the mirror to be sure she looks okay. She doesn't have to, she looks stunning. After that, she grabbed her purse before taking my hand and we left our room.
We arrived at the lobby and there we saw all our friends and family including my cousins and my friends' family around, waiting for us.
"There you are!" Esme said, enveloped me in a hug and held me tight. "I can't believe it's today."
"You ready, son?" Carlisle asked, patting my shoulders.
"Big time." I said, even though I was nervous.
"Oh Bella, look at you!" My mother gushed at Bella's dress.
"You look so beautiful, Bella!" Renesmee said.
"Thank you, Renesmee." Bella smiled earning a hug from her.
"I can't wait until you become my big sister!" Renesmee said excitedly.
"Oh yes, let me see it!" Esme said as she took Bella's hand that had the ring on it. "Just perfect!"
"I'm just so happy for you, Bella." Sue said as she hugs Bella.
I felt an arm over my shoulder and turned to see Charlie smiling. "Know that I've always considered you part of my family." He said.
"Appreciate it, Charlie." I said.
"Promise to take care of my girl." Charlie said.
"I will." I nodded my head.
"Alright dude!" Demetri exclaimed as he and the guys came over to congratulate me. "Big day for us, huh?! We're going to the NFL! And you getting engaged, plus no doubt to be picked first overall, what a way to go off with a bang!"
"It's a big day for us all." I pointed out.
"Yeah, but this draft is all about you since you're the main star of the draft." Ben said. "We all know we're getting drafted in the first round and so does the fans and all sport experts."
"It just depends on where we go. It just gonna suck that we might be separating." Seth sighed.
Alec patted Seth's back. "Doesn't matter where we go, no matter what happens or what team we're on, on the field, we may be enemies but off the field, we're still friends. After all, football is family."
"True. I love you guys." I smiled. "Best of luck to you all."
"Come on everyone!" Emmett boomed from the entrance doors to the room where most of the college players and their family and friends are attending for the first day of the draft. "The draft starts in half an hour, and we need to find our seats."
"We better get going before Emmett causes even more of a ruckus before we head inside." Charlie said, shaking his head, and I took Bella's hand before we all start making our way inside where all the college draftees are here. Most of them were sitting around tables while others sat in the rows of chairs facing the big screen TV where it's broadcasting the stage where the draft is being held. Even if it's just the TV, I could here the crowd from fans of every NFL team getting excited to see who gets drafted and to where.
We passed by Riley and his family where I wished him good luck as he did the same for me. I greeted a few other star players who were projected to be drafted today. Besides the quarterbacks such as Riley and myself, I saw some of the players who are in the top of their position. There were more top players from college here but not in this room as they were in a different one. There's no telling who's going where. It just all depends on how the team needs a player of a certain position and based on how we did at the combine. I did pretty well showing off my speed, athleticism and arm strength to show I can move and throw as a quarterback. I drew a lot attention and interest from the general managers of the NFL teams who I had interviews with along with the head coaches. Not just teams who were in need of a quarterback besides the Washington Commanders, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers but also teams that already have a franchise quarterback. Even the Seattle Seahawks, and they already have Russell Wilson who took them the playoffs almost every year except last year. Perhaps the rumors of Russell feuding with the front office and the trade talks were more serious than it has been with how Russell was unhappy on how the last few seasons he had played and mostly he complained being sacked too many times by Aaron Donald. I don't blame him, I hate that arrogant bastard, and the Rams. Besides, the team everyone is assuming that they be picking is either an offensive lineman or someone on the defense. Maybe Seth will be picked there.
We found our place to sit and apparently the NFL really made accommodations so that everyone I invited gets to be here and witness me being drafted and are joined by my friends and their families.
"Everybody, take your seats! We'll be on the air in two minutes!" Someone yelled. This was it. I got Bella to sit next to me on the couch as my parents sat on my other side while everyone else gathered around us. Bella took her hand in mine and squeezed it tight and I ran my thumb over her ring. Just feeling it was all I needed to calm down from the nervousness.
"Have you heard from Washington yet?" Jacob asked me.
I shook my head. "Not since yesterday. They told me that I'm the first person they wanted but they haven't called me yet." I said.
"Maybe they're talking trades." Emmett said, rubbing his hands together. "Man, this is so awesome! Can't believe we're here at the NFL Draft in person! So cool to know how we're friends with a couple of NFL players!"
"Believe it!" Demetri said excitedly. "Now you all get a taste of this side of fame! After all, it's –"
"Say that it's destiny, one more time, and my grip could use more practicing!" Heidi warned him causing Demetri to immediately shut up. My friends and I couldn't help but laugh.
Everybody in the room sat up a little straighter as we saw on the big screen the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was announced. And just like always every year in the draft, you can hear the crowd booing over the applause at Goodell for pretty much how he handles the league.
"Welcome to the 2022 NFL Draft!" He said when he arrived on the podium on stage. "This is an exciting night for our players, our teams, and for you, the fans. The season begins right here, so let's kick it off! The 2022 NFL Draft is officially open. The Washington Commanders have the first pick and they are on the clock." He announced as the crowd applauded to show their excitement for this day as he walks off stage for a moment.
I saw the clock on TV shows that Washington is up first and they have ten minutes to decide who they pick and there, live shows the draft room where we all are and then it switches out to another room where more players are here for tonight as well as the next room. I sat my phone down on the table and was ready. This was going to be the longest ten minutes of my life.
"Okay, so the Commanders who spent the last two years as the Washington Football Team, now have ten minutes on the clock to make a choice. And if they don't do that in that time, the team picking behind them can jump up and potentially steal away the player the Commanders wanted. It's a situation we saw play out in 2003 with the Minnesota Vikings and it happened again in 2011 with the Baltimore Ravens."
"Yeah but I don't see how Washington could miss their chances between two quarterbacks who could make a difference in the organization. And even if they do miss this pick, does the next team need them? The Detroit Lions have the next pick and many analyst are predicting that they're focusing on defensive end, Aiden Hutchinson from Michigan,"
"Do you think it's going to be you or Riley?" Esme asked me.
"Well that depends if they want to keep their fans." Carlisle said causing him and Charlie to chuckle.
"True, I don't think there's one mock draft out there that doesn't have those two as number one." Charlie said.
I smirked and whispered in Bella's ear. "That's how it goes."
Bella laughed as she playfully elbowed me. "You are one cocky quarterback." She stated.
"I'm not cocky if I don't show it." I teased.
"We'll see about that." Bella said, kissing my cheek as I look at my phone, sitting on the table all motionless. I could feel the cameras that are here filming everything live in the draft room to see everything that is happening waiting on the reactions of the players when they get drafted. I looked at my friends who are holding their phones, anxiously waiting for the call even if they're not up first.
"And the pick is finally in." Huh? "It seems Washington has made their decision." I saw on the screen that read the time clock with five minutes left disappeared and was replaced saying "The Pick Is In."
Confused, I grabbed my phone to see, but got no call or even a missed call. I turned to my friends to see if maybe they got picked instead but they all gave me confused looks as well. I looked around for Riley and saw him staring at me with the same look my friends have. Apparently, he wanted to see if I got the call but when he saw my confused look, it was clear. If I didn't get picked first and neither did Riley, then who did?
"Now to find out whose name is on that card, here's the commissioner ready to make history in Washington D.C."
At that moment, Roger Goodell returned to the stage and approached the podium. You could hear the crowd, Washington fans mostly chanting, "We Want Edward! We Want Edward!" All of us listened closely to see who got taken by Washington.
"With the first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders have select… Brock Purdy, Iowa State, quarterback."
"Who the fuck is he?!" Emmett said in astonishment over the noise that erupted in this room.
"Emmett, language!" Esme scolded him.
"Sorry," Emmett said as he pulled out twenty bucks and handed it to Renesmee who smiled pleasingly. "But seriously, who the hell is that guy? Has anyone heard about him?"
"Nope." Ben said.
"I don't think so." Seth said.
"Doesn't ring a bell." Alec said.
"Who?" Demetri said in complete confusion.
I thought for a moment to see if I remember anything about this guy or if I played against him before. "I mean, I might have seen him at the combine before but I don't know much about him." I said, trying to rack my brain into this.
"Yeah, isn't the point of the NFL Draft is for people who are like famous in football to be taken first?" Alice asked. "If you guys don't know who this Brock person is, how did he get picked first?"
"Well according to the stats, Brock Purdy came into Iowa State but didn't get to play until his junior year. His stats were okay and his performance in some games are pretty decent. It was only one year he did good and yet he decided to forgo his senior year for the draft." Jacob said, looking at his phone. "But he's not even projected to be drafted until the third or fourth round, or maybe the seventh round." He continues off in a rant.
"Then why was he picked first overall over this guy?" Demetri asked in disbelief as he showed myself as if to get the big picture.
"Well boys, I don't think you're the only ones not happy about this." Jessica said and pointed at the TV.
There, you could hear the crowd in displease as the fans of Washington were showing off signs of frustrations. That's when a young man came onto to the stage as the face definitely rings a bell of Brock Purdy as I saw him at the combine before. His performance there wasn't really that impressive if I'm being honest, worse than how Tom Brady did even though he is the best quarterback of all time. I've seen highlights of Brock playing and it was about average on his skills. The minute Brock came onto the stage with a Washington Commanders hat, there were boos coming from the crowd, mostly from his now fans as Brock shook hands with the commissioner as he accepted the Commanders jersey from him and Brock faced the crowd, holding up the jersey in front of him with a friendly smile as the crowd continues booing. Panel shots were shown of fans around the country of their reactions of the pick. Most of them were shocked but for Washington fans, being upset is an understatement. Can't help but feel bad for them than I usual feel.
"Oh Edward, I'm sorry." Esme said to me sadly as she rubs my back.
"These things happen." Carlisle said.
"Edward?" I turned to Bella who had a sad and worried look on her face.
I just gave her a small smile. "It's okay, love. I'm fine." I said, trying to put on a brave face while feeling the presence of the cameras flashing towards me and I'm trying not to show that I panicked or any signs of frustration of not getting picked. I mean, not every player gets drafted and would wait later on after the draft for a call to tryout to any team.
"An absolute stunner here! The Washington Commanders, with the number one overall pick, took quarterback, Brock Purdy!"
"Unbelievable to me that general manager, Tom Michaels would make a deal of this magnitude, and come away with this!"
"Yeah, forget about Brock Purdy for a second here, I was certain that they would've picked Riley Biers or Edward Cullen, who looked to be the surefire slam-dunk number one pick. I mean Brock is nowhere near in the same level as Edward and Riley."
"Well look at it this way," Ben said to me. "At least if things don't work out with the Commanders, you won't be labeled as a draft bust if they cut you." He pointed out.
That is true. Part of me is relieved that I won't be going to Washington, but another part of me was feeling sad that I wasn't picked. Does that sound fucked up? Because it feels like it.
"Fair point, but I still can't believe Edward wasn't picked first." Seth said.
"This is the NFL Draft. These things happen all the time." Charlie said, patting my shoulder and turned to me. "I'm sure the next team who needs a quarterback will no doubt pick you."
"Thank you, Charlie." I said as I saw the Detroit Lions were up and they just picked defensive end from Michigan, Aidan Hutchinson as people predicted.
"I'm looking at all the media reaction right now." Jessica said as she and Jane were on their phones, scrolling through Twitter. "Everyone is shocked that you weren't picked, Edward."
"Not to mention that the fans of Washington are ready to bite off the manager's head off for not giving them what they wanted." Jane said.
"Do they really listen to what the fans want?" Rosalie asked. "I mean it's not like they look at what they're saying on the internet and actually take their word."
"You got a point there, blondie." Jacob said. "Everyone has their opinions on the internet like how they talk about us. They just hope the teams will get someone or make a move but it's the general manager's choice that matters and what he thinks. I wonder what he was thinking about you this whole time, Edward."
"It doesn't matter what they say about me, I just gotta play and show them what I can do." I said as we saw the Jacksonville Jaguars were up and took a linebacker from Georgia, Travon Walker. A bit of a stunner since I thought they would pick an offensive lineman since they need to work on protecting their new quarterback of last year's draft, Trevor Lawence.
But hey, this is how the draft goes, if you get drafted later on after teams pass by you, if I show them what I got wherever I go, they'll be eating their words.
Everyone and I continue watching the draft as I was waiting for that phone call. Still nothing. The fourth pick is in and the New York Jets were up and they took cornerback Sauce Gardner from Cincinnati. I guess they wanted to give new quarterback Zach Wilson more time even though he sucked last year than Trevor. Trevor just had a more promising start than Zach.
The next team is the Houston Texans who are another team in need of a quarterback (they have last year's rookie who was drafted like in the fifth or later round, Davis Mills who's skills are average at best). Like the Jets, they too went for a cornerback from LSU, Derek Stingley Jr.
The New York Giants were up and they were the team who could possibly be ready to move on from their current quarterback, Daniel Jones since he couldn't get them anywhere to the playoffs and his skills didn't live up to what they had hoped. They went with a linebacker from Oregon, Kayvon Thibodeaux instead.
Carolina Panthers are next and they are definitely in need of a quarterback since they let Cam Newton go due to regression and struggled to find a quarterback throughout the years. They did picked a quarterback… it just wasn't me.
"With the seventh pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers have select… Matt Corral, Ole Miss, quarterback."
There were cheers erupted from our room as we saw where Matt Corral sat with his family as he got up, being congratulated by them before leaving the room, heading to the door that leads to the stage.
"Are you serious?" Demetri said after hearing the name.
Jacob handed a dollar to my sister. "Okay what the hell is going on here?" He asked, even when Renesmee was pushing the dollar away from him this time, but he didn't give a care and made her held it in the end. Those two always do that.
"Well obviously, Edward is now dropping in this draft." Emmett said like it was obvious.
"Can someone hit him, please?" Victoria asked and Rosalie did just that, smacking the back of Emmett's head.
"OW!" He cried. "Okay, is the pregnancy helping you, because that's cheating."
"What is happening though? Why are the teams passing on Edward?" Sue asked.
"Yeah, I mean, they seem to have had a chance and yet they chose not to pick him. They did forget about him or something?" Jasper said.
"It's one thing for teams to pass on Seth for other defensive players, that's understandable." Alec said. "But what I don't get is why some teams had the opportunity to draft Edward when they are in need of a quarterback. Washington pretty much did them a favor since he's still available."
"Maybe it's the opposite." My dad said suddenly.
"What do you mean, Carlisle?" Bella asked. "What's wrong with Edward? Why aren't they picking him now?"
"Think about it, Edward is the number one prospect coming into this draft and everyone believes he's going to be picked first because of how great he is. The hype was there." Carlisle said. "But because Washington now suddenly passed over him for someone else, everyone's freaking out now, and I'm not talking about their reaction, it's about what they want to do at this moment. And they're making it sound like something's wrong with Edward that makes them question whether they should draft him or not. If Washington didn't want Edward, then every team believes something's wrong with him."
"Yeah, everyone's off their game at this moment." Charlie said. "Only one of them so far have went with their respective picks, even though they knew that Edward was still available. Everyone's panicking because Edward's still here and now it looks like everything's out of whack since some of the players that were called ended up on the team no one predicted."
"You know Alice, if you really claimed about your so called feelings as if you know what's going to happen before it does, you would've helped out on what's happening now." Jasper said to her.
"My skills aren't what you called precognition." Alice pointed out. "But I'm certain Edward will be picked soon."
"Yeah but what if he doesn't? What if Edward doesn't get drafted tonight and ends up falling in the second round or so the next day?" Angela asked worriedly, causing my stomach to turn at the thought that I might not be drafted tonight as everyone was expecting.
"He will." Bella said, squeezing my hand as she looked up at the screen seeing that the New York Giants are on the clock again since they have an extra first round pick. "Someone will pick Edward. They don't want to miss their chances." That there, was just the thing I needed to faith a little faith in myself. There's a team out there who will want to pick me for their team tonight.
"Hang on, we just got word that we have a first trade happening tonight." A lot of noises were made causing us to sit up a little at what caught our attention. "The New York Giants have traded their current first round pick with the Detroit Lions in exchange for the Lions' current first round pick meaning the Giants will go down. The Detroit Lions are now on the clock."
That's when we heard a gasp and all of us looked around until we saw Ben staring at his phone. "No way, I'm picked first out of you guys? What is happening?" Ben asked, looking at us anxiously.
"Answer it!" Angela said and Ben answered his phone.
"H-Hello?" Ben answered as we all watched what was happening. "Y-Yeah." … "S-Sure, I'd love to." … "Y-Yes?" … Okay, thanks coach." And with that, he hung up and his face slowly turned into a smile. "I'm in."
"Detroit picked you?!" Angela gasped.
"Going to be a Lion!" Ben announced as we all got excited for him just as the screen showed Roger Goodell coming back to announce the next pick.
"The New York Giants have traded their first round pick with the Detroit Lions in exchange for the Lions' first round pick of this year. With the eighth pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have select ... Ben Cheney, University of Washington, running back."
All of us erupted in cheers as we got up and applauded for Ben as he got up, looking overwhelmed. Angela squealed as she hugged Ben, giving him a kiss which he returned before he received a hug from me and my friends and his family before he left us and went into the door that leads to the stage. Later, we saw Ben on the TV screen, coming out on stage wearing a Lions hat as he approached Roger and shook hands with him before receiving a Lions jersey.
"Happy for Ben." Jasper said as we all sat down while seeing Ben hold his jersey in front of the crowd.
"But he's on to something, what is happening here?" Demetri asked wildly. "When did nerds get picked first in sports? OW!" He cried when both Heidi and Angela smacked his head.
"There's a thing saying that status quo are meant to be broken." Angela said. "Nerds can be athletic and athletes can be brainiacs."
"Although, I'm not sure what that makes for Demetri with his brain." I sniggered causing most of us to laugh.
"Okay seriously dude?" Demetri frowned. "Isn't that getting old?"
"Not if you keep being a dumbass." Jane snickered as she gave Renesmee a dollar just as the Seattle Seahawks were up next and they went with an offensive tackle from Mississippi State, Charles Cross. Hopefully, he can help the offensive line and protect Russell from getting sacked from those like Aaron Donald.
We continue watching the screen as my heart was racing to hear the phone call. Still nothing as the Atlanta Falcons were up next and they went with wide receiver Drake London from USC.
"Okay, that hurt right there!" Demetri complained seeing a wide receiver was picked before him as Heidi rubbed his arm.
"Demetri, you're not the only good wide receiver, genius." Jessica said, rolling her eyes.
"I put up more yards and touchdowns than that guy throughout college." Demetri pointed out.
That's when I heard a commotion and I looked to see coming from where Riley is sitting with his family, where he was on the phone with someone with a smile on his face. Did he –
"We got another trade! The New York Jets have traded their second first-round pick to the New England Patriots for their first round pick, so now New England is on the clock and it looks like they have made their pick."
Roger appeared again and announced it on the mic. "The New York Jets have traded their current first round pick, swapping with the New England Patriots' first round pick. With the eleventh pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have select… Riley Biers, Washington State, quarterback."
Cheers erupted in that section as Riley and his family celebrated with him, cheering.
"Okay, it's one thing that another team passed on Edward for another quarterback but why did the Patriots drafted one?" Emmett said.
"Yeah, they already have Mac Jones who looked to be the new successor of Tom Brady after last year." Jacob said.
I didn't care as I went up and came over to Riley just as he left his family and I gave him a congratulatory hug which he accepts.
"Congratulations man." I said.
"Thanks, Edward!" Riley said with a smile. "Wishing you good luck. I know a team wants you."
I nodded as Riley left, heading to the door where he disappeared to before I returned with everyone, sitting back down next to Bella.
"Shit!" Demetri cried when his phone was ringing. "I'll give you a dollar later, Nessie." He said quickly, when Renesmee held out her hand as he answered his phone.
"Hello?" Demetri answered. "How's it going?" He asked and then grinned. "You bet I do!" He said excitedly. "Yeah, let's do it! Bring it on! Let me at 'em! Ahwoooooohoo! Aaaahh-ha!" He cried.
"He's going to be a bust if he keeps that up." Jessica commented while I chuckled.
"Alright coach, can't wait! See you then!" Demetri said and hung up.
"Who called?" Heidi asked.
"49ers baby!" Demetri grinned.
"Wait what?" Jacob said in shock. "I thought –"
"Another trade has just happened." Of course. I thought. "The San Francisco 49ers who don't have a first round draft pick this year has actually moved up by trading with the New Orlean Saints."
Roger returned and went up to the mic. "The New Orlean Saints have traded their first round pick with the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for their 2022 second round pick. With the twelfth pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers have select… Demetri Tracker, University of Washington, wide receiver."
"That's what I'm talking about!" Demetri exclaimed as we all applauded and cheered for him as he got up and earned a kiss from Heidi. After Demetri received hugs from us, he left and exited the room towards the door where he was gone.
A few minutes later, another trade was made and the New York Giants who traded with the Detroit Lions so that the Lions could get Ben, gave their second first-round pick to the Denver Broncos for their second round pick.
"With the thirteenth pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos have select… Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati, quarterback."
"Oh come on!" Jacob complained.
"Jacob, it's fine. They just went what they feel right." I said, even though I was disappointed that another team that were in need of a quarterback, passed on me.
"There's still a chance he'll get drafted tonight." Charlie said determinedly. "The only teams left who are in need of a quarterback can still draft him tonight. Texans got another pick, the Titans could use a quarterback to backup and learn from Ryan Tannehill unless they want to him in right away, and the Steelers need one since Ben Rothelisberger retired."
"Let's keep our fingers crossed." Carlisle said.
"Whoa!" Seth cried as his phone started ringing before he answered.
"Hello?" He squeaked before clearing his throat. "I'm mean, hello?" … "Yeah, this is me." … "Ha, you know it!" … "Now that's what I'm talking about!" He exclaimed as he flung his arm around Jane. "Yeah, I'll see you there! Thank you!" He hung up and with a smile on his face when he turned to us. "I'm going to be an Eagle!"
"Seth!" Jane squealed as she hugs him.
That's when we saw Roger on the screen again coming up to the mic. "With the fourteenth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have select… Seth Clearwater, University of Washington, linebacker."
Sue was screaming as she hugged Seth while we cheered for him as he was hugged by his mom and his sister. Charlie came over and hugged Seth while patting his back. Whatever he said, made Seth burst into tears as Bella came over to hug him. Seth soon left us as he disappeared passed the doors towards the stage to receive his welcome like everyone else.
We all sat down as I looked at my phone and still no call from a team. I'm trying my best not to be discouraged, but it's hard to when you live up you the expectations people see and yet the opportunity takes things at a different turn. The next few teams proved that.
After the Ravens went with their respective pick in safety Kyle Hamilton from Norte Dame, the Texans looked like they had another chance this time for their future, but instead of a quarterback, they went with offensive guard, Zion Johnson from Boston College. The Tennessee Titans were up, but it wasn't me they picked, and instead they went with quarterback from Liberty, Malik Willis.
"Um, Alec?" Tanya said, pointing at his phone that is now vibrating.
Alec looked at it, and calmly answered the call. "Hello?" … "Hey coach." … "Sounds like a good idea." … "Okay, thanks coach." He hung up and the exhaled a breath release. "Damn, no way."
"Is it New Orleans?" Jacob asked. And here was his answer.
"With the nineteenth pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the New Orlean Saints have select… Alec Volturi, University of Washington, tight end."
All of us cheered as Alec got up and was hugged by his family. Jane hugged her brother and stayed like that for awhile before they let go. Alec turned to kiss Tanya before he hugged me and my friends before leaving us towards the big doors.
We all sat down and I looked at my phone as I was expecting hopefully that the Steelers would call. There's only thirteen picks left in this round and this could be my last shot at a team that needs me.
"And it looked like the Steelers have made their pick."
… What? I thought, seeing my phone receiving nothing.
"With the twentieth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have select… Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh, quarterback."
I sat there, staring at my phone while the feeling inside me went numb over the commotion. I sat up a bit straighter and put on brave face to avoid showing my disappointment. That was the last team that could be in need of a quarterback, and they went with someone else. And now, I have to wait a long time if I get picked or go undrafted. The question is, how did this happened? I'm not the only one who's asking this question, and I'm not talking about my family and friends.
"Well I am happy for those who were drafted tonight, but the big question remains is about Edward Cullen. This was the big night that everyone was expecting and that he could possibly be the first pick overall and yet tonight, he's still sitting in that draft room, waiting for that call."
That's when the big screen pans out showing me with my family as I avoided looking at the cameras to give them something that they could take out of context.
"This is something every player dreads for this draft. Now they have to wait, but how long is the question. I mean right now, we can even see Edward's friends, Demetri Tracker, Ben Cheney, Alec Volturi and even Riley Biers in the other room where they are supposed to leave to their new destinations, but instead are waiting to hear about Edward as they watch on the TV screen just like everyone else. Can they wait that long until this round is over tonight?"
"I think the question we all want to know the answer to is why are teams passing up on Edward Cullen? He's supposed to be a next generational quarterback for a franchise, so what is wrong with him?"
"It's probably something I've always said since the beginning of this offseason, he won't live up to the expectations as people expect. He could maybe have some solid years but not going to get anywhere in the playoffs or ever to a Super Bowl. He could be a bust –"
I tuned out since that was Mel Kiper talking on the screen going through what's going on and what his take on the picks is and is a complete douche since he doesn't know shit because once the season began, he keeps eating his words when the player he believes aren't going to be good, became good. If I get drafted tonight, Mel will definitely eat shit when I win a Super Bowl for being fucking stupid.
…
That is if I get drafted tonight as I waited and waited for that call while watching the teams pick on their next player they went for.
"With the twenty-first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs have select… Trent McDuffie, University of Washington, cornerback."
…
"With the twenty-second pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens have select… Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa, center."
…
"With the twenty-third pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills have select… Kaiir Elam, Florida, cornerback."
As the Dallas Cowboys were up next, I looked at my phone. Still have not received the call. With each moment that I get passed on, I feel like hope is slipping through my fingers as the teams who needed a quarterback decided that I'm not guy. But… why? Why are the teams that are wanting to give their fans a future of a championship, passing on me? I'm not trying to brag or saying that I'm better than those other quarterbacks, but I've been on covers of sports magazines, won championships for my schools and I've been the talk of the sports media for years. Everyone believed that I would be picked way sooner and instead, I'm dropping down in this draft. Why exactly? Am I… not as good as the team believes? Am I to be drafted later on only to be used as a backup quarterback? Like… why?
"Edward," Bella softly said, and I turned to look at her. "It doesn't matter if you're not getting drafted tonight, you'll always be the best quarterback in my book." She said, patting my arm.
"I know, and I appreciate that, Bella." I said, meaning it. "It's just… I just wish I was getting that call now." I sighed.
"Hey, whatever happens tonight, happens." Carlisle said to me. "Tomorrow, when the next round comes in, teams will have to pick you, especially from those who didn't have a first round pick tonight."
"Yeah, it's a no brainer." Emmett said as we heard the Cowboys went with an offensive tackle from Tulsa, Tyler Smith. "I mean, all rookie quarterbacks don't get to start right away for the season. They can always learn as a backup before they takeover. Just look at Patrick Mahomes with the Chiefs, they're now becoming a dynasty."
"Exactly, I'm sure any team could do the same if they pick you." Jacob said.
"Just who's going to pick him is the question." Renesmee said.
That's when it happened. My phone started ringing causing me to be surprised, and also confused. I don't recognized the number, but I looked up on the screen to see that the Green Bay Packers are on the clock. But that wouldn't make sense. The Packers are a sure playoff team, possibly Super Bowl contenders, but they got Aaron Rogers who came out with his fourth MVP last season and he's a top five quarterback. Not to mention that they drafted another quarterback two years ago in Jordan Love, which was controversial of them, and he hasn't been used at all since coming into the league. Would I really want to go to a team that won't use me at all until my contract with them expires? Well, I have to see what's this about.
I took a deep breath and answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Edward Cullen?"
"Yeah?" I slowly answered, more like in a form of a question as I wondered if I'm about to get a prank call from how I'm sliding down in this draft.
"It's John Schneider, general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, how's it going?"
At those words, my eyes widened as I felt like a brick slipped through my hands in my chest.
"Oh my god!" I said breathlessly as I threw my head back and clutched my hair. I was breathing hard as a smile was growing on my face. I must be dreaming here, please don't pinch me!
John just chuckled on the other line. "So how about it, man? You wanna play for your favorite team?"
"Y-Y-Y-Yes! Yes! Of course! Absolutely!" I quickly said, getting too excited. The way I answered was like they were about to change their mind and I was acting like a psycho. I don't care!
"Well get ready, we just traded up to get you at twenty-five so we're going to make you a Seahawk, okay?" John said, happily.
"O-Okay." I said, sounding speechless. And I couldn't help it as I started to cry as tears were coming, tears of happiness. I just… I can't believe this is actually happening. Fuck! That's better than Washington D.C. or any other teams! Seattle, my childhood team, the blue and green, a playoff team, living in Seattle that's not too far from Forks, this is all too good to be true. "Oh man, thank you!" I cried as I wiped my eyes.
"Alright, save your tears," John teased. "I got Pete Carrol here and he wants to speak to you. Congratulations! I look forward to this. Here's Coach Carrol."
"Y-Yes sir, thank you!" I cried. Soon, I was introduced to the head coach himself.
"Slayward! How are you doing man? It's Coach Pete Carrol here." Coach Carrol greeted happily.
"Ah man," I said in between cries. "I can't believe this."
"Yeah, we can't believe it either, so how's about we cry together, okay?" Coach Carrol said giving out a laugh. "I know you've been waiting for awhile but none of that matters now, you're staying back home, this time in Seattle playing for the Seahawks. We love what you can do, we love your leadership and character and how passionate you are, and that's the kind of player we want. We have the staff here who are pumped up and energized, listen," That's when I can hear the cheers on the other line as the people working for the team are welcoming me. "Yeah, you got amazing staff supporting you, you got the best fans of the 12s who are ready to make some noise, got a great team who's ready to play by your side, and best of all, you get to learn the ropes from Russell Wilson! Edward, this is awesome, we're so excited for you man. We'll be seeing you real soon okay?"
"Okay, thanks coach!" I said as we both hung up. I was feeling a bit dazed as everyone was staring at me.
"Edward, who was it?" Emmett asked.
"Is it Green Bay?" Renesmee asked.
I blinked a few times and then looked at Bella and my family. I broke into the biggest smile that I'm sure made me look like a kid being in a candy store as an award.
"I'm not going anywhere." I answered.
"Huh?" Renesmee said with a confused look, along with everyone else. Before I could say it, they announced it.
"Another trade has happened, and it looks like the Green Packers are swapping their first round pick with the Seattle Seahawks for one of their second round picks. So now Seattle is on the clock again."
"No." Charlie gasped as everyone else fully understood now. Both my mom and Bella took my hands and held it so tight that they could break it but it didn't matter to me. Everyone in the room started murmuring, wondering what's happening now as Roger came back on stage.
"The Seattle Seahawks have traded up with the Green Bay Packers for their first round pick in exchange for a second round pick. With the twenty-fifth pick of 2022 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks have select… Edward Cullen, University of Washington, quarterback."
My area broke into the loudest cheers and screams as everyone applauded around me. I stood up and kissed my fiancé before receiving hugs from everyone else.
"Oh Edward, congratulations!" Esme cried as she hugged me.
"For getting drafted or getting engaged?" I teased.
"Both!" She smiled.
"Can't wait, son!" Carlisle said as he hugged me.
Renesmee squealed as she hugged me. "I love you, big brother!" She said.
"Love you too, sis." I said as I came to Charlie who hugged me.
"I got a stepson and a soon to be son-in-law going into the NFL! And he's going to be a Seahawk!" He exclaimed causing me to chuckle as I got Bella back into my arms.
"I love you, and I'm so excited to start our future together." She said.
"Summer can't get here sooner." I said, kissing her.
"Okay, go! Everyone's waiting for you." Bella said and I looked at everyone one last time before I walked away and headed towards those doors.
Before I could, I received a surprised when Demetri came out from those doors I was supposed to go to and he exclaimed, jumping on me for a hug and soon, Alec, Ben and Seth appeared as well, giving me hugs as they were so stoked to see me going to be a Seahawk. As we broke apart, Riley was there as he gave me a congratulatory hug, as well. After that, they let me through as someone handed me a Seahawks cap. I grinned as I put it on my head and walked my way until I was on stage.
The minute I made my appearance, the cheers that I heard got really loud as I was welcomed with applause from the crowd who are here to see history. Fuck, this is actually happening. I thought as I walked up to Roger who was waiting for me.
"Congratulations Edward, and welcome to the NFL!" He smiled as we shook hands.
"Thank you." I said as he handed me a jersey. I took a second to look and see the actual Seahawks jersey with the number one on it. I held it up in front of me as I posed with Roger for the cameras.
This is something I've always been dreaming of since I was a little kid. To have it happening like this has never been this perfect. I get to play with my childhood team who is one of the best teams in the National Football League. I still get to play in Seattle not too far from home. And best of all, I have the most beautiful and sexiest fiancé in the world. I can't wait to marry Bella and spend the rest of my life with her. And I can't wait for the season to start. The future is looking bright.
Well it's about time! Edward finally gets to live the dream of being in the NFL. I saw a fanfic made about Edward going into the NFL and they wrote about him in the draft and I thought being picked first overall for him sounds too… predictable if you get what I'm saying. I mean, you know this story has to have some drama. Speaking of drama, were you guys surprised about Renee coming back as a whole new person? I would if I saw her again after so long. I'd find it hard to accept her apology and if she's wanting to change after what she did to our favorite couple, but if she wants to be given a benefit of a doubt, fine then.
Now relax you guys, we're not done yet. More outtakes are happening to see how the future looks for our friends. Do you guys want to guess what the next one is going to be on? Hmm, I think what happened during this chapter should be enough to guess. Until then, please review and I'll see you in the next chapter!