The Game

It'd been a while since we'd had a good thunderstorm; although it rained constantly in Forks, there were only certain types that allowed us to play sports without anyone in town being any the wiser. With the storm tonight, we'd be able to go to our meadow for a game of baseball without having to worry about the noise. The rain would mainly be centered over the town itself, which was an added bonus since where we played would be dry. Now all we needed to do was spread the good news. 

As soon as she was done with my hair, Alice went to tell Jasper and Geoffrey while I went upstairs to text Henry and mama. Henry responded immediately; he always loved the nights when we could go play baseball with the Cullens, especially since our games were always few and far between. He promised to meet Geoffrey and I at home in an hour to drop off his things and change into different clothes. 

Mama was excited at the prospect of a game, too, but asked if Bella would be attending; when I said I wasn't sure, but I would check, she said she'd best stay at home to give Bella time with the Cullens without feeling like her parents were breathing down her neck. I reluctantly agreed, knowing how my stepsister could be; she'd probably be okay with the boys and I there, but teenagers always felt a bit more self-conscious when their parents were around, especially when they were trying to impress someone they'd just started dating. 

Geoffrey came to find me as I packed up my things; Jasper and Alice had gone upstairs to tell Edward and Bella about the game. We agreed we should head on home to get ready and meet Henry while the couple rounded up the rest of the Cullen clan and, after a quick goodbye to Esme, the two of us headed out. 

No one else was home by the time we arrived, although as Geoffrey and I changed into sweatpants and t-shirts, we were soon joined by Henry, who was absolutely pumped. Thankfully for us, he'd promised his friend he'd leave for home sometime in the afternoon, so Alice's vision couldn't have come at a better time. As soon as he got home, Henry immediately went up to his bedroom to change, practically skipping as he did. I couldn't help but smile watching him while Geoffrey rolled his eyes, fighting the smile that threatened to split his lips. 

Not long after Henry got home, I was downstairs in the kitchen trying to figure out what to make for a quick dinner when the sound of tires on the dirt road caught my attention; my ears perked and I cocked my head, curious, as I went into the living room to peer out the front window, wondering briefly if it was Edward and Bella. These thoughts were immediately dismissed, however, when my eyes fell upon the black, weathered Ford that parked itself behind my car, and I caught a glimpse of who was behind the wheel through the windshield. 

"Oh man..." I groaned as I hurried back into the foyer, pulling on a pair of shoes and turning on my charm before stepping out into the cool air; Jacob spotted me as I came out of the house and raised a hand in hello as he pulled his father's wheelchair out of the trunk and wheeled it around to the passenger side, where Uncle Billy was just opening the door. As much as I loved my best friend and uncle, their timing couldn't have been worse...aside from the fact that I was still stung over the events of the other night, I knew we had much more pressing issues to deal with, such as the fact that Uncle Billy likely wouldn't be very happy when he found out Bella was with one of the Cullens. And he would find out today, since Edward and Bella were due home any second now. 

"Hey Jake, Uncle Billy," I did my best to act casual, flashing them a forced smile as Jacob wheeled Uncle Billy up the front walk. I propped the porch door open with my hip and helped pull him onto the enclosed porch to escape the oncoming drizzle I could feel rolling in, "What're you two doing here? Dad's gone for the day and mama's still at work." 

"We just wanted to stop by and drop something off." Uncle Billy smiled up at me as he held out a large brown paper sack. I took it from him with a grateful smile, "It's a dish of Harry's fish fry, Charlie and the boys' favorite." 

"Awesome." My smile settled into something a little more genuine and I hugged my uncle tightly in gratitude, "Thanks, Uncle Billy, they'll be thrilled with this." he chuckled and pat my back gently, still smiling as I pulled away. I was distracted then by the sound of another approaching car, the familiar thunder of the trucks' engine close enough now that I knew Jacob and Uncle Billy could hear it, too. I immediately straightened, "Hey, I should get this in the fridge. Would you both like to come inside and warm up before you have to go?" 

"Shouldn't we wait for Bella?" Jacob looked toward the tree line with Uncle Billy as the noise of the engine grew louder; I quickly tried to come up with an excuse, something, anything to get them into the house, "Eh, Bella's a big girl, she'll be fine. Besides, it's cold out here, let's not freeze." 

Uncle Billy furrowed his brows and narrowed his eyes suspiciously while Jacob frowned deeply; both looked torn between worried and somewhat suspicious, as though wondering why I was so desperate to get them inside instead of waiting for my stepsister to arrive. Lords, why did they have to be observant today of all days? 

Before any of us could say more, the truck pulled into view, drawing the mens' attention again; Uncle Billy's face immediately tightened when he saw who was driving the vehicle before it smoothed into a more impassive expression, his eyes darkening. Jacob blinked slowly, as though surprised, before his lips pressed together and he glanced away, as though he couldn't bring himself to look at the two anymore. 

Sighing, I peered out through the light drizzle to meet Edward's gaze as he parked the truck in its' usual spot, my ears folding, (Sorry Edward, I tried...) 

Edward nodded, just a slight movement of his head, as a way of saying 'don't worry about it' before his topaz gaze slid to Uncle Billy's. Bella looked horrified as she spoke to Edward, who was seething, before her expression morphed into relief and settled on resigned while he frowned glumly. Edward then leaned in to kiss Bella's jaw and I could feel Uncle Billy tense beside me; within a heartbeat, Bella was out of the truck and sprinting up the front path toward us. 

"Hey Billy, hi Jacob." Just as I had, I could tell Bella had to force some cheer into her voice, "This is a surprise, what brings you two here?" 

"We were just dropping off some of your dad and brothers' favorite fish fry." Uncle Billy indicated the paper bag in my arms. Bella nodded slowly and I took the opportunity to clear my throat. 

"Actually, I was just inviting Uncle Billy and Jacob inside to warm up a bit before they left, but when we heard you coming, they wanted to wait. So, shall we?" I indicated toward the door, inclining my head pointedly as I met Bella's gaze. She nodded and led the way inside as Uncle Billy scrutinized her closely. 

"It's a good thing you brought that." Bella said once we were all inside and I'd closed the door, "I honestly have no idea how many more ways fish can be prepared and, knowing Charlie, he's bound to bring more home tonight." 

"Is he fishing again?" Uncle Billys' expression softened, his eyes gleaming bemusedly, "Did he go down to the usual spot? Maybe we should go run over and see him." 

"No." Bella cut in quickly, her voice hardening as her gaze shot to mine, "He told us he was headed somewhere new, didn't he, Dawn? Where was it again?" 

My brain wasn't quick enough to come up with a response, so I shrugged, "Dunno, it was just some place on the other side of town, I think?" 

Uncle Billy looked between the two of us, thoughtful, and I avoided his eye, "Uh, I should get this in the fridge." I excused myself and hurried into the kitchen. Henry and Geoffrey looked up from the table as I walked in and I put a finger to my lips to tell them to stay quiet, internally glad they'd already turned on their charms as I put the fish fry in the fridge. Bella walked into the kitchen a moment later, shooting me a dark look while the wheels of Uncle Billy's chair squeaked wetly against the linoleum floor behind her. The boys and I winced at the noise. 

"Thanks again for the fish fry, Uncle Billy, we really appreciate it." I smiled gratefully at my uncle, hoping to draw his attention; he was still solely focused on Bella, however, his head bobbing in a slow nod as he regarded her. She shifted uneasily, trying to figure out what to say, "Yeah, that was really great of you. You want us to tell Charlie you said hello when he gets home?" I subtly nudged her to tell her to cool it a little. She ignored me while Henry and Geoffrey looked between us and Uncle Billy, who just continued to nod slowly. Bella finally sighed and crossed her arms, giving him an almost impatient frown. He seemed to sense she was done with the small talk. 

"Bella..." He started, then paused, as though gathering his thoughts as he looked at me, then back at her; she waited patiently, "Bella, Charlie is one of my best friends." 

"Yes, I know." Bella said, inviting him to continue. 

Uncle Billy paused again, considering his next words carefully, "Now, I know Dawn and the boys enjoy spending time with the Cullens, but...I can't help noticing you've started spending time with one of them as well." 

"Yes, and?" Bella asked curtly. Uncle Billy frowned, narrowing his eyes, "Now, perhaps it isn't any of my business, but, and I've said this to your siblings as well, I don't think doing so is a good idea." 

"You're right." Bella replied, jerking her chin up a couple of inches, "It is none of your business." 

Uncle Billy's eyebrows rose, and his frown deepened, causing more wrinkles to appear in his aged face as he turned to me, "Does she know?" 

I nodded and leaned against the counter, "She does, about everything. Our family," I indicated the twins and myself, "The Cullens...their reputation on the reservation -" 

"An undeserved reputation, though, isn't it?" Bella spoke up, drawing our attention once more; her eyes had hardened and her lips were pursed as she spoke, "The Cullens never set foot on the reservation, do they?" 

"No, they don't..." Uncle Billy answered slowly, glancing at me again; I lifted a shoulder in a half shrug, "We aren't the only ones telling her things...we just introduced her to our world." 

"Hm..." Uncle Billy hummed, turning back to Bella with a thoughtful expression, "She's very well informed, then. Is Charlie as well?" 

Bella tensed at the question, and I crossed my arms, "Charlie's never pushed mama or I to tell him about other supernatural families if we don't feel comfortable, and the Cullens' secret isn't ours' to share." I told my uncle in a respectful, but firm voice, "He doesn't know what they are, but he does know they're different, like us, and he likes the Cullens a lot." 

Uncle Billy nodded slowly in understanding, a frown still on his lisp, "Hm, it isn't my business, then, but it might be Charlie's." 

"Wouldn't that still be my business whether or not it's his?" Bella glanced at me before turning back to Uncle Billy, who paused to consider this. 

"Yes," He finally said, "I suppose that would be your business, as well." Bella sighed, her shoulders slumping in relief before he continued, "Just...be sure you think about what you're doing, Bella." 

"Okay." She readily agreed, although it only seemed to make Uncle Billy's frown deepen. 

"What I meant to say is: don't do what you're doing." he urged, staring deep into her eyes, his concern evident in the dark irises. Bella just stared back at him, as though unsure what else to say. 

I started to open my mouth to speak when the front door slammed, making all of us jump. 

"That's no picture anywhere in that car." Jacob grumbled as he walked into the kitchen, the shoulders of his shirt stained and hair heavy with rain; we'd been so preoccupied with the conversation, I hadn't even noticed Jacob hadn't been there. 

"Hm." Uncle Billy grunted in response, staring at Bella a moment longer before he turned his chair around to face his son, "Guess I left it at home." 

Jacob rolled his eyes dramatically, "Great." 

"Well, kids, you be sure to tell Charlie," Uncle Billy started to wheel himself out of the kitchen before he paused, glancing back, "That we stopped by, I mean." 

"We will." Bella promised as Jacob frowned, "Are we leaving already?" 

"Yes, looks like Charlie's going to be out late tonight." Uncle Billy explained as he rolled past Jacob and out into the foyer. Jacob continued to frown as he looked between Bella and I in disappointment before I ushered him out after his father. 

"Guess I'll talk to you later then, Bella. See you soon." He waved as he left the kitchen; Bella muttered a quick goodbye after them as I followed the two to the front door. 

"You be sure to look after your sister, won't you, Dawn?" Uncle Billy looked at me as Jacob wheeled him outside, his expression serious. I smiled quietly and nodded, grabbing the front of his wheelchair to help Jacob get him down the porch steps. 

"Don't worry, Uncle Billy, I've got it under control. I'll make sure nothing happens to Bella." 

"Hm." Uncle Billy hummed, meeting my gaze before he nodded, "All right, then. Just...be sure to be careful, Dawn." 

I smiled reassuringly and squeezed her shoulder, "Don't worry, Uncle Billy, I will. But you two'd better get going before you get soaked. Let's hang soon, Jake." I pat Jacob's back without looking at him and climbed the porch steps. Jacob gave a half-hearted goodbye in return, and I watched from the porch until their car disappeared into the shadows of the trees once more. 

Inside, I found Geoffrey and Henry wrestling on the floor, grappling over an unopened box of Cheeze-Its from the pantry; Bella had disappeared, and I figured she'd gone upstairs to change for our night out. Shaking my head, I decided to start dinner and grabbed some of the uncooked fish from the fridge. 

The house phone rang as I was finishing up grilling the fish and I set the stove to simmer before rounding the island to pick it up from the cradle. 

"Swan residence, Dawn speaking." I said into the receiver, drying my hands. 

"Hey, it's Jessica." I hummed a hello, tossing the dish towel over my shoulder, "Is Bella there?" 

"Hang on, let me check." I looked up at the sound of footsteps hurrying down the stairs and leaned the phone against my other shoulder, "Hey, it's Jess. Do you want to talk to her?" Bella seemed to deflate a little, like she was disappointed, though she held out a hand for the phone. I handed it over. 

"Hey Jess." She greeted as I wandered over to the kitchen island and the boys continued to wrestle on the floor, "How was the dance?" 

From my position at the stove, I could hear Jess gushing over the phone about the previous night; Bella only seemed to be half listening, her stare far off in the distance, her only response involving mmms' and ahh's at certain intervals. Her gaze would occasionally drift to the window, watching the light diminish while I plate the food and set the table. Finally, something Jessica said seemed to snap her back to reality. 

"I'm sorry, what?" Bella blinked, the phone balanced between her ear and shoulder as she helped me with the dishes. Even from a few feet away, I could hear Jessica's irritation through the earpiece. I decided just to tune out the conversation from there and went to get drinks for everyone. In the next room, Geoffrey squealed and then Henry yelped in pain. 

"Foul!" He yelled as something slammed into the wall; frowning to myself, I put the pitchers of juice and milk on the dining table and went into the living room to make sure my brothers weren't killing each other. By the time I walked in, Geoffrey had Henry pinned and was pressing his face into the carpet while he trapped one arm behind his back; Henry thrashed, trying to squirm free while Geoffrey was missing his glasses, which I found folded on the table next to the couch. 

"All right, guys, break it up." I clapped my hands to get their attention and picked up Geoffrey's glasses, "C'mon, dinner's ready, let's get cleaned up." My ears perked at the sound of tires on the driveway, and I glanced out the window, spotting our parents parking in front of the garage. "Do I need to get mama and Charlie?" Geoffrey immediately released Henry, "That's what I thought. Let's go." I handed Geoffrey his glasses as he got up, ushering him and Henry into the front hall and toward the half bath to wash their hands. 

Mama and Charlie came into the house as the twins helped bring the condiments into the dining room, "Hey kids." Charlie smiled as mama set his shoes in the rack by the door and he handed her a pair of slippers before they crossed to the kitchen. 

"Hey mama, hey dad." I smiled, hugging mama and kissing Charlie's cheek; Bella hung up the phone and put it back in its cradle, turning to greet them as well. 

"Where's the fish?" She asked Charlie, who was washing his hands in the sink. 

"I put today's catch in the freezer in the garage, so it wouldn't take up room in the fridge." 

I nodded, "Cool, I grilled up some fish from yesterday, we'll have that with cooked vegetables and rice – oh, and Uncle Billy dropped off some of Uncle Harry's fish fry this afternoon." 

"Did he?" Charlie's face lit up, "Cool, my favorite." 

Mama giggled, "We'll have to have that tomorrow night then, but for tonight, let's clean ourselves up and sit down to eat." 

Bella smiled quietly in agreement, and I went into the dining room to make sure we had everything while she and our parents finished cleaning up. Soon, we were all seated around the table, where I passed out rice bowls while everyone poured their own drinks. 

"So, kids, how was your day?" Charlie looked around the table as he took a bite of fish and rice. Henry told Charlie about his morning over his friend's before he got home while Geoffrey and I reported what had happened over the Cullens'. Bella glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, silently asking when I'd been there. I shrugged, sipping my juice while she sighed to herself. 

"What about you, Bells?" 

Bella tensed, turning slowly back to Charlie, "Well, uh, my day was good. I spent the afternoon hanging around the house with Dawn and the boys." She hesitated, as though gathering her courage, "But, uh, I...got to see the Cullen house this morning." 

"Really?" Charlie smiled, "That must've been fun. Did Dawn bring you with her?" Bella shook her head and Charlie quirked a brow, "Really? Then what were you doing over there?" 

"Well, erm, I..." She bit her lip, "Kind of...have a date with Edward Cullen tonight and he wanted to introduce me to his family." 

A loud clatter filled the room as the fork slipped from Charlie's fingers and everyone froze. Henry's teeth clamped loudly around his own fork while Geoffrey slowly set his cup down and mama set her cutlery on her plate; I put a reassuring hand on Bella's shoulder as she gulped audibly, our attention on Charlie as we waited for his reaction. 

"Dad, are you okay?" Bella asked in a small voice; Charlie continued to stare, his eyes wide, strongly resembling one of the old cartoons the twins and I used to watch as kids. 

"Charlie, dear, breath." Mama said consolingly from the other end of the table. I don't think he heard her. 

"You're going out with Edward Cullen?!" He finally said, his voice raising in volume. Bella winced as my ears folded back. 

"Don't you like the Cullens?" 

"He's too old for you." Charlie ranted. 

"Edward's a junior, just like Dawn and I are." Bella pointed out gently. 

"Wait..." Charlie paused, turning to mama, "Which of the boys is Edwin?" 

"It's Edward, dear, and he's the youngest boy." She reminded him gently, "Remember, when we met them before, he was the one with the bronze-colored hair? Jasper is the boy with the blond hair and Emmett has black hair." 

"Oh, right..." Charlie looked down, composing himself, "Well, that's...better, I guess." He pursed his lips thoughtfully, "That big one, Emmett, I don't really like the look of him. I know he's your best friend, son." He turned to Henry, who paused midchew, "I'm sure he's a nice young man, but he looks a bit too mature for you, Bella." He picked up his fork again and took another bite of fish, "So, is Edward your boyfriend?" 

"Sort of...I guess?" Bella cringed at the word, although she relaxed at the knowledge that the worst seemed to be over. 

"I thought you weren't interested in any of the boys in town?" 

"Well, technically, Edward doesn't live in town, Dad." I pointed out with a small smile. Charlie shot me an exasperated look. 

"And, anyway," Bella cleared her throat, drawing his attention once more, "we're still kinda in the early stages...so, please try not to embarrass me with all that boyfriend talk, okay?" She looked between our parents pleadingly as mama hid a smile behind her glass. 

"When is he coming over?" 

"He should be here in a few minutes." 

"Where will the two of you be going?" Charlie quirked a brow and Bella groaned quietly. I chuckled. 

"Actually, we're going to be playing baseball tonight." I smiled at Charlie, "Alice said it should be nice out, so she invited Bella, the boys, and I out to play." 

Charlie's eyebrows rose before he bust up laughing and jabbed a thumb in Bella's direction, "This one is going to play baseball?" 

"She'll likely sit on the sidelines and referee with me." Geoffrey piped up, fixing his glasses. Charlie nodded in understanding, peering at Bella out of the corner of his eye. 

"Hm, you must really like this guy." He observed coolly. Bella rolled her eyes and lowered her gaze to her plate, her lips pursed. Mama and I shared an amused look as we finished dinner. 

From the front yard, we heard the roar of an engine pull to a stop by the garage. Bella immediately jumped up and started to clear her dishes, but mama stopped her. 

"You kids go on ahead, Charlie and I will handle the cleanup." She smiled as Charlie nodded; Geoffrey and Henry had already disappeared to grab their sneakers, and I chuckled as the doorbell rang. Charlie pushed himself away from the table and left the dining room to answer it with Bella trailing behind him. Mama giggled as she and I stood to follow them. 

It was pouring outside, the rain thundering against the roof of the house and falling in sheets outside the protective porch screen. Edward smiled at us from under the hood of his raincoat, the porch light sparkling off the droplets of rain that were caught in his hair. 

"Come on in, Edward." Charlie invited, stepping aside to let him in with a sweep of his hand. 

"Thank you, Chief Swan." Edward smiled respectfully as he stepped into the house and slipped his shoes off, inclining his head politely to mama, "Good evening, Elizabeth." 

"Good evening, Edward." Mama chuckled softly. 

"Here, let me take your coat." Charlie offered, taking it from him to hang on the row of hooks by the door, "And you can just call me Charlie." 

"Thank you, sir." 

"Come into the living room and have a seat." 

Bella grimaced, but Edward just walked into the living room and took a seat in Charlie's recliner. Mama sat on the lounge chair on one end of the couch while Charlie perched on the arm beside her and Bella, and I sat on the couch itself. 

"So, Eliza and I heard you're getting Bella to watch baseball." Charlie leaned against the wall as he faced Edward, who nodded and smiled. 

"Yes, sir, that's the plan." He replied confidently, seemingly completely at ease. Charlie nodded slowly as mama rubbed his back, humming. 

"Well, more power to you, I guess." He chuckled. Mama smiled. 

"You, Dawn, and the boys just be sure to watch Bella closely, all right? She can be a bit clumsy." She giggled as Bella shot her a dirty look. I bit my lip to stifle my laughter. 

"A bit?" Henry said as he and Geoffrey came into the living room, zipping up their jackets. Edward, Charlie, and I laughed as mama stifled her giggles. 

"Okay." Bella was on her feet in an instant, "Enough humor at my expense, can we go, please?" She pushed past the boys on her way to the hall. The guys exchanged chuckles while mama and I smiled bemusedly at each other as we all followed her. 

"Don't be out too late, kids." Charlie said, shoving his hands in his pockets. Mama fussed over all of us as we pulled on our shoes and kissed our cheeks. 

"Don't worry, Charlie, I'll be sure to have them all home early." Edward promised with a smile. 

"You be sure to take care of my girl, all right?" 

Bella groaned, embarrassed, and covered her face with her hands. 

"She'll be safe with me, sir, I promise." Edward chuckled; Charlie nodded, smiling, as he gave Henry and I each a fish bump. 

"You both promise to hit a couple of homeruns for your old man?" 

"Promise." We chirped before I locked Henry's head under my arm and hauled him out the door. We could hear Charlie chuckle as Bella stalked out after us, Geoffrey a half step behind her; Edward, Charlie, and mama brought up the rear of the group. 

Bella froze on the porch, however, when she spotted the monster Jeep Edward had parked behind our cars in the driveway. Supported on four large tires that were higher than my waist, the vehicle had metal guards welded over the head and taillights, and four large spotlights hooked to the crash bar. Even in the rain, the paint on the hardtop was a shiny red. 

I pushed Henry away and grinned at my little brother as he growled at me. 

"Race you to the car." I said, throwing the porch door open and racing out into the downpour; Henry's footsteps weren't too far behind me, the slap of his sneakers on the mud muffled under the blanket of rain. 

"Have fun, kids." Mama called after us, "And be sure to wear your seat belts." 

I reached the car and turned to wave when Henry crashed into me, sending me stumbling into the car door. He pushed me, trying to get to the handle, but I held him away from the Jeep at arm's length and managed to open the car door before leaping inside. He jumped in behind me and we grappled for the window seat on the drivers' side as Geoffrey joined us, closing the door. 

"Guys?" I managed to push Henry off to look up at Bella, who had twisted around in the passenger seat to look back at us, "What's all this?" She indicated the many buckles that lined either side of her seat. 

"Those?" I panted, shoving Henry into the middle seat, "It's an off-road harness." 

Bella paled, "Uh-oh." She whispered as Edward climbed into the drivers' seat. 

"What's wrong?" He quirked a brow. 

"She didn't know she was going to have to wear an off-road harness." Bella glared at me for giving her away as she tried to figure out which buckle went where. Edward chuckled and leaned over to help her as I settled back into my seat. After about a minute, with Bella buckled in safely, the engine roared to life and Edward turned the car around. 

"This is a, um, big Jeep..." Bella said as we left the house behind. 

"I'm just borrowing it from Emmett, I didn't think you'd be comfortable running the entire way to the clearing." 

"Where do you even have room for this?" Bella asked in astonishment. 

"We have an outbuilding near the house we remodeled into a garage." 

"None of you are going to put on your seat belts?" Bella asked, eyeing Edward, then the boys and I over her shoulder, her brow furrowing as Henry leaned over Geoffrey to poke his head out the window. Edward quirked a brow as I crossed my arms, silently asking if she honestly thought we'd need it. Then something seemed to dawn on her and her eyes widened. 

"Wait, run the whole way?" Her voice rose a couple octaves as she turned back to Edward, "As in, we've still got to run part of the way?" 

"Well, you won't be participating in the running." I pointed out, leaning forward to brace my arms against the back of Edward's seat. 

"I will be sick, though!" 

"Just keep your eyes closed and you'll be fine." Edward reassured her with a chuckle; Bella frowned and bit her lip anxiously, glancing out the window. He smiled gently and leaned over to kiss the top of her head, only to withdraw with a groan. Bella blinked and turned back to him, puzzled. 

"You smell so good in the rain." He sighed. 

"In a good way or a bad way?" Bella frowned, folding her arms. 

Edward shook his head, "Both, always both." 

"Get a room." I joked to break the tension, leaning back once more to look out the window. Bella glared at me over her shoulder as Edward gave a low chuckle. After about ten minutes, he pulled off onto a thin road that more resembled a mountain path. Bella held onto her seat as best she could while the rocky terrain made her bounce in her seat like a jackhammer; the uneven terrain didn't bother either the boys nor I as Henry and Geoffrey prodded and shoved one another while I leaned my head in my hand, enjoying the ride. Rain continued to drum against the windows, slowing with every passing second; by the time we reached the end of the road, it was just a drizzle. 

Henry clambered excitedly over Geoffrey, who grunted in irritation as he slid out of the Jeep after him; I chuckled and jumped out from my side, shoving the door closed with my hip. 

"You got Bella?" I asked Edward as he rounded the car, pausing to glance back; he nodded, "Cool, we'll see you guys there." I hummed, turning on my heel as I headed for the wall of trees in front of us. Geoffrey waited on the edge of the forest, and we took off into the shadows together. 

It took less than five minutes to reach our destination, familiar after our years of hanging out with the Cullens; the Olympic peaks cradled the horizon in every direction, offering protection to the wide-open field that staged our games. 

Upon arrival, I crossed to a bare outcropping of rock just about a hundred yards from the edge of the trees, where Esme sat with Rosalie, the latter of whom was watching her husband tussle with Henry while their laughter filled the damp air. Further out, Jasper and Alice, just about a quarter of a mile apart, were throwing a ball between them while Geoffrey went out to help Carlisle mark bases. Esme rose as I joined her and Rosalie, smiling happily. 

"I'm glad you kids could come." She squeezed my arm, and I hugged her, "We're grateful to be here, Esme. You know we enjoy these games." 

Esme smiled as she pulled away and opened her mouth to speak when what sounded like a loud bark of laughter rumbled from the direction Geoffrey and I had just come; Esme and I turned to look behind us as Emmett and Henry stopped their play fighting to see what the commotion was about. 

"What was that?" Emmett chuckled as he and Henry joined us. Rosalie snorted disdainfully and pushed up from her perch to stalk off toward the others; I frowned after her and shook my head, deciding to ignore her for now. 

"I wouldn't be surprised if that's Edward or Bella, they were right behind us." 

"I certainly hope Edward isn't teasing her too much." Esme giggled. I exchanged a knowing look with Henry and Emmett, the latter of whom let out a booming laugh of his own. 

A few minutes later, Edward led Bella onto the field, and we went to meet them. 

"Was that you we heard, Edward?" Esme giggled as we reached them. 

"It sounded like a bear was choking." Emmett chuckled. Bella smiled shyly. 

"He was laughing." 

"Bella was being unintentionally funny," Edward chuckled, smirking at her. Esme giggled as I shook my head, trying to hide a smile. 

Soft footsteps crossed the field, drawing closer until Alice came to a fluid stop at our feet. 

"It's time," She announced; as soon as the words left her lips, thunder rumbled in the distance, followed shortly by a shattering boom that crashed somewhere to the west, close to town. 

"Kinda eerie, isn't it?" Emmett smiled broadly and winked at Bella, who offered a quiet smile. 

"Hell yeah, but it's awesome! Let's go!" Henry darted away across the field as Alice took Emmett's hand and they followed; Alice moved with the grace and poise of a gazelle. Emmett and Henry were just as graceful, although their stride was a bit broader, not quite as fluid as Alice's. 

"So, you ready for a great game?" I smiled at my stepsister, who returned the smile uneasily and tried to force some enthusiasm into her voice when she spoke, "Go team!" 

Edward chortled and tussled Bella's hair before he nudged me, a silent challenge in his eyes as he shot me a smirk and took off across the field; I laughed, watching his more predatory stride and snickering to myself as I took off after him. Henry gave a shout as we overtook him along the way while Emmett's boom laugh seemed to rebound off the nearby mountains. Carlisle was chuckling as we all converged in the usual spot. 

"All right, it's going to be the usual teams." He smiled as Geoffrey headed over to join Bella and Esme; Carlisle gestured to Henry to head further out with Edward, "Emmett's team is up to bat first." 

"Hell yeah." Emmett gave me a high-five as Edward headed to the outfield while Carlisle and Henry took their positions between the bases. On a small mound of dirt, we'd scraped together in the very middle of the field, Alice stood with a baseball in hand. 

I tossed Emmett his favorite aluminum bat, which he twirled in his hand, causing it to whistle lowly through the air. Jasper crouched to catch for our team while Esme stood behind him with Bella to referee and Geoffrey perched himself on a boulder several paces back. Rosalie was quiet as she leaned on the extra bat we'd brought, watching her husband take his stance while I cracked my neck and loosened myself up for the game. The bats and ball were the only equipment we needed. 

"All right." Esme's clear, calm voice carried out across the field, loud enough that even Edward would be able to hear, "Batter up." 

Alice stood, still as a statue, from the mound fifty yards out, her eyes the only thing that seemed to move as she squared her brother up. The ball was held in both hands at her waist, where it stayed until she started to move; instead of a windup, she shifted her feet a shoulder length apart, leaned her upper body back to extend her right arm behind her and then swung forward, her movements so fast they would be undetectable to the human eye. A second later, the stitched leather ball slapped into Jasper's palm, the sound resonating outward, akin to someone behind backhanded. 

"Was that a strike?" I heard Bella whisper to Esme. I smirked at her. 

"That's usually what it's called when we don't hit the ball, Bells." I teased, earning a scowl in return as Jasper hurled the ball back to Alice. The petite vampire allowed a brief grin to cross her lips before she moved to strike again, quick as a cobra. 

Unlike last time, however, Emmett brought his bat around to hit the ball with a shattering crack that would've made the very mountains quiver, which was one of the many reasons we needed the cover of a thunderstorm nearby. The ball flew off in the opposite direction, disappearing out of sight through the trees on the other side of the field. 

"Home run." Bella breathed; her voice choked with awe. 

"Ah, not yet, Bells." I smiled as Esme listened intently and Geoffrey leaned forward; Emmett was a blur around the bases, his bat abandoned near home while Carlisle shadowed him. Henry jumped from foot to foot between the second and third bases and Edward had disappeared. 

"Out!" Esme laughed as Edward reappeared from the canopies, his face split into a wide grin as he thrust a hand into the air, the ball clutched tight in his fist. I laughed and clapped, impressed, as Henry whooped enthusiastically, and Emmett pouted. 

"Emmett and Henry hit the hardest," Esme explained to Bella as Rosalie walked up to bat, "But Edward and Dawn are easily the fastest. It's why they're on opposite teams, to keep things fair." 

The game flowed as easily as it usually did on the rare occasions we played as we moved fluidly from one inning to the next; Bella seemed transfixed as she watched, doing her best to keep up as the ball flew from one player to the next and we claimed bases. At one point, she would learn another reason we needed the thunderstorm, as, during Jasper's turn, he hit a ground ball to avoid Edward getting him out and Carlisle scooped it up in time to race him to first. The sound they made when they made contact was something akin to two giant boulders colliding during a rockslide. Bella leapt to her feet, eyes wide, but Carlisle and Jasper clambered back to their feet as though nothing had happened while Esme deemed Jasper 'safe'. 

My team had a point over Carlisle's, thanks to one of Emmett's long flies, which allowed enough time for Rosalie to make it home before Edward could return, and we switched positions. I bumped Edward's shoulder playfully with mine on my way past, sticking my tongue out as he smirked after me, his laugh following me out onto the field. 

Edward was up to bat first and my team prepared for one of his usual tricks; Edward played more intellectually, knowing to hit closer to the ground to avoid both Rosalie and I in the outfield. He'd gained two bases by the time I'd caught the ball and got it back into play. 

Carlisle was up next; he hit the ball far out into left field, and I raced to catch it; Edward made it home, but I got Carlisle out by scaling a tree and catching the ball midair. Emmett whooped as I tossed the ball back to Jasper, laughing at Edward and Henry as they shouted out playful jabs, which we returned in equal fervor. The razzing continued as the game went on and the lead bounced between both teams like a beach ball at a concert; Esme called us to order once or twice, smiling bemusedly when we continued to make faces at each other. Thunder continued to rumble on in the distance, although it had become the usual background noise to us at this point. 

Unfortunately, our fun would come to an unexpected end sooner than we would have liked; it happened when Carlisle's team was batting. Carlisle was up and Edward had taken up post as the catcher when Alice let out a sharp, surprised gasp. My ears perked at the noise, gaze swiveling toward her as her eyes sought Edward's. He was suddenly at Bella's side, leaning protectively over her as Geoffrey leapt down to stand beside them. 

"Alice, what is it?" I crossed toward her in an instant as she turned to me with wide, apologetic eyes. 

"I didn't see...I-I couldn't tell..." Her voice was little more than a hoarse whisper as the rest of the family congregated around home base. 

"What happened, Alice?" Carlisle asked gently, his voice calm but firm, full of authority. 

"Those vampires I saw earlier...they were traveling much quicker than I'd thought. I had the perspective wrong before..." 

Jasper moved instinctively closer to her, his shoulders tensed as I subconsciously moved Henry toward Geoffrey, Bella, and Edward, the hair on the back of my neck prickling, "What changed?" 

"They heard us playing and got curious, so they changed their path." Alice's voice quivered as her and the rest of the Cullens' eyes immediately fell on Bella, Geoffrey, Henry, and I. I moved up alongside Edward to shield my siblings as my gaze darted along the tree line. 

"How far are they?" Carlisle turned back to Alice, glancing between her, Edward, and Geoffrey. The two boys exchanged thoughtful looks, identical frowns on their faces. 

"Probably less than five minutes away." Edward finally said, turning back to Carlisle as Geoffrey nodded. 

"They're moving fast and, judging by what Alice saw, they're intrigued...they want to play, too." His ears folded back as Henry clenched his fists and I grit my teeth. 

"Could you all make it out of here?" Carlisle's worried gaze swept over the four of us before returning to Edward, who shook his head. 

"No, even with Dawn and the boys' speed, carrying Bella -" He paused and had to take a second to think, "Even if we tried, the last thing we'd need is for them to catch a scent they like and start hunting on our land." 

"How many are there again?" Emmett glanced at Alice, who furrowed her brows. 

"It was three, wasn't it?" I frowned as she nodded; Emmett scoffed, "Three, really?" he snickered, "Let them come, we can take 'em." He flexed his biceps, emphasizing his point. 

Silence descended on the family as Carlisle turned to Esme, who frowned in return. Edward pulled Bella closer to his side, glancing sideways at me as I shifted my weight foot to foot. While Emmett continued to flex, the others kept looking between us and their adopted parents anxiously. 

"Let's just continue our game." Carlisle said slowly, his voice calm, "Alice said these newcomers were merely curious, nothing more. No need to cause an unnecessary fight." 

Everyone nodded slowly in understanding as Esme asked Edward something I didn't catch, my gaze already scanning the surrounding forest once more. A cool hand pulled my attention back to the present and I looked up into Carlisle's kind, warm golden eyes. 

"Dawn, Jasper's going to take your place on Emmett's team, all right? I want you, Bella, and the boys to stay back until its safe." 

I nodded as Esme took Edward's place as catcher and he assumed the ref position, settling himself directly in front of Bella. I gently ushered her and the twins back, sitting them on the rock Geoffrey had been using as a lookout. Esme crouched behind Carlisle as the others returned to the field, keeping wary eyes on the tree line while they resumed playing. I kept looking in every direction, ears perking up at every little sound. 

"Dawn, Bella." I glance at Edward out of the corner of my eye, "Both of you take your hair down." 

I glanced at Bella and carefully disassembled the braid Alice had made earlier, shaking my hair out. 

"The others are coming..." Bella whispered as she looked at Edward, who nodded solemnly. 

"Yes, they are..." He gently pulled Bella's long hair over her shoulders, enshrouding her face, "Bella, stay very still and keep as quiet as you can. Don't leave my, Dawn, or the boys' sides, okay?" 

Bella nodded as I ran my claws through my hair, letting it surround my face, too. Alice was frowning, "I don't think that'll help much...we can smell them from across the field..." 

"I know." Edward hissed through clenched teeth. 

The game was halfhearted at best from that point on; with the news of our guests close at hand, none of the Cullens were willing to risk having to leave the field again, so they made sure not to hit anything harder than a bunt. Emmett, Rosalie, and Jasper weren't even that far out, hovering just within the infield. 

I resumed watching the surrounding forest, listening intently for the sound of approaching footsteps and lifting my nose to the wind for unfamiliar scents while Geoffrey and Edward listened for the newcomers' inner voices. 

"We should have been more careful..." Edward whispered guiltily. 

"None of us could've known, Edward, not even you or Alice." I murmured reassuringly, "We'll get out of this, so long as we stick together." 

A cold, unfamiliar scent hit my sinuses as dead leaves crunched just beyond right field; I turned at the sound as Henry shoved off the rock with Geoffrey, their attention on the same point. Edward's breath caught in his throat as he took a half step in the direction the threat was coming. I moved in closer to him, my ears folded as Geoffrey and Henry huddled close to Bella. 

Taking notice of our defensive stance, the rest of the Cullens turned to meet our guests as well.