Prologue
Song Choice – Skid Row “I Remember You”
** Bella POV**
Ahh... The start of another season. It was a bitingly cold spring day. The wind off the lake sent shivers down my spine, while the sun shone brightly in the sky. The crowds were filing into Wrigley Field, with heavy coats and scarves. The high today was only expected to be 36 degrees; very cold for April. We had a busy offseason and the fans were most excited to see what our newest player would bring to our team.
As I stood at the window in the owner’s box watching batting and fielding practice, I saw our new third baseman and our shortstop laughing and joking with each other. I was immediately struck with the memory of the first time that I ever laid eyes on Edward Masen; the boy with the most beautiful, emerald green eyes I had ever seen. I will never forget that day, as it was the one moment that changed my life forever. You know how people talk about that “one life-altering experience that changed the course of history,” well that uncharacteristically sunny Wednesday afternoon on the Forks High School baseball bleachers, was “that day” for me. Even now, 10 years later, I am still mesmerized at how my normally controlled universe was shaken. Scary? Hell yes, but well worth the ride that one day has led me on.
I remember it like it was only yesterday. At times, I wish I was back at that small field where life was simple and pure. Now my life was inundated with cry baby, show-boating, egotistical athletes, who bitch like little girls over money, playing time, team rules, and whether or not they get invited to the right parties and events. For crying out loud, boys! Grow a pair and move on! Back then my greatest worries were how many times I would trip walking down the hall and what my two best friends and I would be doing after school. Those were good times. Looking back, it is amazing how easy life was at 18 years old.
With all my summers spent living and breathing baseball with my grandfather and my cousins, I thought it only natural to get involved with our Forks High School team. Not much of an athlete myself, due to my ridiculous clumsiness, I declared myself the official reporter of the team and wrote articles for the school paper. My friends, Angela and Jake, were at every game there by my side. Such dependable little minnions! Just kidding!!
The team was terrible! I mean terrible. We hadn't won a game in any of the prior three seasons, but the school was abuzz about the new student who had moved to Forks during Spring Break. He was supposedly some big shot baseball player who had just moved to town from California. I hadn't met him yet, but the rumors swirled about how attractive he was. I had never been interested in dating. My friends and family were all I needed. I would, however, be lying if I didn't tell you I was a bit interested in meeting the infamous Edward Masen.
Sitting on those rickety bleachers, back in April of 1998 is where I was dazzled for the first time in my life. His green eyes sparkled when he smiled and joked with his teammates. God, that smile! It was the most beautiful crooked smile I had ever seen. We finally made eye contact when he went to catch a foul ball, and at that moment I knew my life would revolve around this boy for as long as I lived.
Looking at the man he has grown into now is no less intimidating. Many years have passed since I last saw those green eyes, but I would recognize them anywhere. My heart beat a little quicker just thinking about them. What would he do if he found out I was now his boss? Then again, what makes me think he would even remember me after he so casually threw me away. God, that boy broke my heart into a million pieces!
I wasn't sure I was ready to find out any of those answers quite yet. With this in mind, as the starting line up was announced and the Star Spangled Banner sang, I decided it didn't really matter right now. I would keep my distance and run this team like I always had. I was a very wealthy and successful business owner, who long since let go of that young girl who was so easily dazzled by a crooked smile and emerald eyes. I was immune to the cocky mannerisms of most men, and Edward Masen would not have that hold on me any longer. To me, I would treat him like any other player on my team because, just like the Godfather says "It's not personal, it's business."
Watching Edward smile and wave to the crowd today, was so similar to the first day that I saw him. Honestly, the resemblence was uncanny. With this being said, however, I am no longer that girl from the small town of Forks. While I am a little jaded by life, I am ultimately proud of the person that I have become. Although I knew, if I really let myself, I could fall easily in love with Edward Masen in a heart beat. However, I have long since decided that this will not occur again. There are no three strikes and you're out for me, as one time in the box with him was enough, thank you very much! I simply needed to keep my "head in the game" and hold strong to my revolve for him.
After hearing the umpire yell "Play Ball," I took my seat and began watching the game below. Pushing the past aside, I easily gave myself over to the excitment of the day. With that, the last thought that came to mind was let the games begin!
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