Book 1: Dusk (Twilight Saga)

Chapter 13: Baseball pt 2

Storm clouds gathered in the sky as Edward and Bella pulled up in Emmett's jeep. I took in the rough baseball diamond, set into an enormous field in the lap of the Olympic peaks, as I waited for the love birds to exit the vehicle.

I was eyeing the baseball bat as Bella spoke what I was thinking, "Since when do vampires play baseball?"

"It's the American pastime. Plus, there's a thunderstorm coming. It's the only time we can play. You'll see why," Edward replied.

"Good thing you're here, Bella. We need an umpire." Esme spoke up as she and Emmett approached us.

"She thinks we cheat," Emmett muttered, rolling his eyes, with that big crooked grin that I missed so much. I missed my best friend. I physically ached because I missed him so much. I missed the pranks we'd pull on Edward, and the inappropriate jokes we'd make, while Esme would scold us, as Carlisle quietly smiled to himself. It's not the same anymore. What did I do to make him leave?

"I know you cheat. Call 'em as you see 'em, Bella."

A deep rumble of thunder shook the forest, as Alice called out, "It's time."

It was so extraordinary.

And it's extraordinary. Bella and I stayed by Esme who played catcher. Alice pitched with lightning-fast speed. Edward and Emmett took positions in the outfield.

-- Rosalie smashed the ball with the aluminum bat. It cracks like thunder -- and is followed directly by real thunder.  "Now I get why you need the thunder," Bella murmured to Esme. The ball shot like a meteor deep into the forest, rocketing through the trees. Edward disappeared after it.

"That has to be a home run," Bella exclaimed

"Edward's very fast."  Rosalie darted around the bases, almost a blur -- Edward raced out of the forest with the ball and whipped it to home plate. WHAP! Esme caught it a millisecond before Rosalie slid in.

"You're out?" Bella spoke almost like she was asking a question. Esme nodded, amazed.

We watched as Carlisle hit a line drive. Edward and Emmett raced for the catch, diving 15 feet and colliding with such might that it sounded like enormous boulders falling. They missed the ball -- Carlisle is safe.

Jasper whacked the next pitch -- deep into the forest. But before Edward could chase it, Alice suddenly gasped.

"Stop! I didn't see them.." It all stopped abruptly. Edward was immediately at Bella's side. The family instantly gathered at home plate by us. "They're traveling so quickly."

"You said they left the county," Rosalie accused.

"They did, but then they heard us.." Alice spoke looking at Edward, "And changed their minds."

"Girls put your hair down," Edward ordered

"Like that'll help. I could smell Bella from across the field, but Serenity doesn't have much of a scent," Rosalie muttered, smirking at Bella. I could tell she wasn't quite fond of my sister.

"I shouldn't have brought you here. I'm so sorry." He murmured apologetically towards Bella.

Everyone turned simultaneously towards the trees, There was a faint rustle... then James, Victoria and Laurent emerged. As they neared, I noticed their bare feet, then the deep burgundy of their eyes. It was them. From that night at La Push. The one with dread held up our baseball, "I believe this belongs to you," He tossed the ball (his casual toss was still blindingly fast) to Carlisle who easily caught it and smiled politely.

"Thank you."

"Could you use three more players?"

"Of course."

"I'm Laurent. This is Victoria. And James." He spoke, politely.

"Would you like to bat first?" Carlisle asked

Laurent picked up a bat. The Cullens take the field. Carlisle is catcher, Edward was on first, with Bella behind him, near the Jeep. I sat on top of the jeep feeling smug because I'm undetectable. Hah take that Bella.

"I'm afraid your hunting activities have caused something of a mess for us." Carlisle spoke up

"Our apologies. We didn't realize the territory had been claimed,"

"Yes, we maintain a permanent residence."

The three newcomers exchanged a look of surprise. "Really? Well, we won't be a problem any more." Laurent replied

"The humans were tracking us, but we led them East-"

Jasper pitched the ball -- Laurent slammed it -- but Alice was up a tree in a flash and the ball slammed into Alice's hand with a THWAP. Laurent is pissed, but James smiled ever so slightly, delighted at the discovery of worthy opponents. James was up next and he power-slammed it with amazing force..

He sped past first, past Edward, past Bella..as the wind from the ball ruffled her hair, carrying her scent, which floated to James -- who suddenly screeched to a halt. His head whipped around towards us and he lurched into a crouch, his nostrils flared, excitedly, eyes locked on Bella, who was sitting just beneath me.

"You brought a snack," James muttered, grinning mischievously.

Edward sprung in front of Bella, and bared his teeth. A truly menacing, feral snarl ripped from his throat. James growled back, in a flash, the Cullens rushed into position behind Edward -- Laurent and Victoria lined up behind James.

"The girl is with us." Carlisle called out in a low, but serious sounding tone. I'd hate to be on his bad side. I decided to stay in my spot on top of the jeep, while everyone growled over Bella.

"Yes, I can see the game is over. We'll go now. James?" Laurent muttered, but James' eyes don't leave Edward's. Laurent put a hand on James' shoulder, and finally, James backed into the woods with his cohorts, disappearing. Once they were gone, Esme immediately gathered up the bats--

"Get Bella out of here. We'll take Serenity to the house, and then follow their tracks," Carlisle murmured. I was scared now. Not only for myself, but for Bella. James really wanted to sink his teeth into her, but not over my dead body.

I hopped off of the jeep, just to hop onto Carlisle's back. Edward swooped Bella up and whipped her into the jeep, strapping her in.  I tucked my head into the crook of Carlisle's neck, as we all took off, Edward and Bella one way, and the rest of us another.