The One That Got Away

Chapter Four

For those of you who read the Get Your Southern On contest entries, this is my contribution. I am tickled at the results ... first place in public vote and third place for the judge's choice. I've decided to break this up into smaller, drabblish chapters and it will be continued. The contest contribution is the first six or so chapters, roughly. I don't know how long it will be, but I do have it planned. Thank you to Bridget for betaing this for me and for Clo, who created the banner.

Thank you for those of you who have read this! I hope you continue to do so! Without further ado ...

Tampa, Florida ~ February 12th, 2016
Hillsborough High School

Edward had gotten off a thirty-six hour shift from St. Joe's. He was exhausted, cranky, and sore. He'd taken a nasty spill in the hallway because someone hadn't put up a wet floor sign. The last thing he wanted to do was to go to the basketball game, but he'd received a Facebook message from Angela Weber-Cheney saying that she was meeting Bella there. He didn't want to pass up the opportunity to see her. Hell, he was shocked that she had come to the reunion at all, but he was taking the bull by the horns and rewriting his history.

His parents had taken Liam and Lucy to Disney World for the weekend and Edward had the entire weekend off. No commitments for work. No worries about finding a baby sitter for his cherubs. He could just be Edward Cullen. Not Dr. Cullen, pediatrician for St. Joseph's Hospital, or Daddy to his children. He loved his job and his kids, but it had been so long since he'd done something, selfishly, for himself.

He took a catnap once he got home. The fifteen minutes of sleep and the triple espresso shot helped with his exhaustion and he dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a plaid button down. Putting on his glasses, he hopped into his BMW and drove to his alma mater, parking next to the familiar truck of Isabella Swan. It was big, almost too big for her. He smirked, walking into the stadium and meandering through the crowd. Being back at the school brought back a lot of memories, most of them not so pleasant.

Despite his popularity, Edward hated his time in high school because of the stupid expectations of being the crown prince of the building. Shaking his head, he was soon swarmed by his former friends. He greeted them, hugging the few people he actually liked but he was searching the crowd for the one that got away.

He found her sitting next to Angela.

Bella Swan was a vision of beauty, grace and innocent sex appeal. Her hair was curled and pinned up, shining with auburn and caramel colored highlights, glimmering among her mahogany tresses. Bella's skin was the perfect shade of alabaster with the softest shade of pink coloring her cheeks. She was slender with curves in all of the right places and a sweet, endearing smile.

Edward excused himself from the crowd of his former lackeys, making his way to Bella. He took a breath before sliding next to her on the bleacher. She was engrossed in her conversation with Angela, talking about her pregnancy. However, Angela noticed Edward's presence and beamed. "I thought you had to work, Dr. Cullen," she teased.

"I got off for good behavior," Edward smiled. "I'm off until Tuesday."

"You actually became a doctor," Bella said, blushing. "Congratulations! I knew you were destined for the medical field when you cut open our fetal pig."

"The hands of a surgeon," Edward snickered. He looked at Bella, wanting to hug her but he was afraid to. You're rewriting history, you dolt. "How are you, Bella?"

"I'm good," she answered. "Living in Seattle and working at one of the largest libraries in the city."

"Plus, she's dabbling in writing, Edward," Angela said. "Do you remember that poem in the senior edition of the literary magazine? It brought tears to my eyes, Bells."