Disclaimer: Stephenie meyer owns, I just have my brain
Chapter three
As we stepped out the back doors of the school, my mouth dropped open. The baseball field looked amazing, I didn't know how I had missed it when I was walking around this morning. The whole thing was massive. A fence surrounded it, with higher ones in front of the bleachers behind the batting post. There were separate coach boxes for each of the teams on either side of the field, and there were a number of search lights around the field, which I guess where important when living in Forks as it gets dark with the rain clouds. I couldn't wait to get out there and play.
'Hello? Earth to Bella?'
I quickly closed my mouth, blushing. 'Sorry, it just looks amazing, much better than the one in Phoenix.'
Edward smiled, 'No problem, I had a similar reaction the first time I came here. So, you ready to play?'
I grinned, 'Definitely.'
We took a quick jog around the bases to warm up and then Edward grabbed a ball which we threw to each other while we waited for the team to show up. I concentrated on throwing the ball to stop my nerves from showing. We didn't have to wait long before we heard voices.
'Hey, Edward! What's the new girl doing here?' A tall, slightly muscular guy with light brown hair made his way onto the pitch and over to where we were both standing. I fumbled with the ball, dropping it which caused me to drop the ball.
The guy laughed, 'Butter fingers.'
Edward frowned slightly, 'Don't start. This is Bella, she's going to be trying out for the team.'
The guy looked me up and down, seeming to size me up, which made me even more nervous. I stood there waiting for a nasty comment, but he just shrugged. 'Fair enough, doesn't say anywhere that girls can't try out.' He stuck his hand out towards me, which I took, not wanting to look unfriendly, 'Names Kurt. So, you any good?'
'Um, I guess. I was on my old school team.' I didn't want to come off and sounding obnoxious by making out I was some great player.
'Cool, have any favourite positions?'
'Pitcher and centre field.'
This caused him to laugh, and he nudged Edward playfully, 'Better watch your back then Edward, you don't want her taking your place.'
Edward grinned, punching Kurt's arm playfully, 'Maybe you should watch your back too, if she's better than you, you might lose your place on the team.'
Kurt mocked hurt, and I couldn't help but smile. Edward was right when he said the team got on well, and I hoped that I could be a part of that too. Kurt and Edwards little play fight was interrupted when the coach came out and called everyone to order. The team congregated around him forming a circle, waiting for him to speak. No one else seemed to be paying much attention to me, so maybe they weren't bothered. I was going to be proved wrong though.
'Alright everyone, we're going to start with a game today as I want to see what our new team member has to show us.' Wait, did he say team member? Was I already on the team? My thoughts were interrupted by a harsh voice which came from across the circle.
'New team member? The only new person here is that girl, and there is no way it can be her.'
I shrunk back slightly, and I hadn't realised Edward and taken a step in front of me until I heard him speak.
'If you have a problem with Bella on the team, then maybe you shouldn't be here James.' Edward spoke through clenched teeth, and when I looked up it seemed as though he was in a protective stance, as though shielding me from this James.
'What, she comes along and all of a sudden I'm the one that has to leave?'
Kurt cut in then, 'No one is making you leave, but if you have a problem, you need to get over it.'
I was slightly shocked that Kurt was sticking up for me, I'd only just met him. Forks was turning out to be a much better place then I first thought, and it was only my first day.
James muttered something I didn't quite hear, and Edward clenched his fists. Not wanting to cause a fight, I stepped around Edward.
'I'm sorry I'm causing problems, I don't want to cause fights between the team. If it's such an issue for you James, or anyone else, then I'll leave.'
I didn't want to have to go, but I didn't want to cause any trouble, let alone on my first day.
James glared at me from across the circle, and I mustered up all my courage to stay standing there with my head held high. James was a tall, very muscular boy with long brown and blonde hair he had pulled back with an elastic band. Everyone on the team seemed to be muscular, which was rather intimidating. He looked more like a football player than a baseball player, but I wasn't about to voice my opinion. He scrutinised me for a minute, then seemed to come to some kind of decision. James shrugged, 'Lets just see her play, my bet is she won't even be able to hit the ball let alone catch it.'
I glared at him, only causing him to laugh, 'Feisty, are we?'
Coach picked that moment to cut in. 'Alright, now that's sorted. Divide into two teams, Edward you'll pick one, James the other.'
Edward went first, picking me, which got a snicker from James and a few guys standing near him, but I ignored him going over to Edward. James picked a guy named Andy, who was tall and lean, but looked as though he could run fast. Next Edward picked Kurt, and it went on like that until everyone was gone. Coach wanted our team to bat first, so I made my way over to behind the batting box, Edward was going to go first.
Hearing my name being shouted, I turned to find Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmet standing in the bleachers waving madly. Alice looked like she was hyper on sugar and I couldn't help smiling and waving back. I was very thankful to have Alice as a friend.
The other team soon got into position and Edward made his way up to bat. I turned my focus onto him, wanting to see his technique for batting. James was pitching and had a look of determination on his face. I wanted to do well just to prove him wrong. The ball was thrown and Edward swung, the bat hitting the ball with a loud thwack. Edward didn't hesitate and made his way to first base, and carried on running. The ball landed in the outfield and I was amazed at how far Edward had hit the ball. I mean, I knew he must have been good from the way his family was talking, but it was still a shock to see. Edward kept on running as the other team ran to get the ball, and I couldn't help cheering along with our team and Edward's family as he made his way round. The team erupted in cheers as he made it round, sliding into first base, which wasn't really necessary but still looked impressive. He'd scored a home run. Kurt screamed out 'That's our Edward!' and Edward returned to the group, grinning.
I couldn't help but smile, 'Impressive.'
He smiled his crooked smile at me, 'Thanks, but now its your turn.'
I gulped, taking a deep breath and made my way over to the batting box with a bat in my hand. There were cheers of encouragement and I turned to the bleachers, getting a thumbs up from Alice. I took my place, standing ready for the ball. I was too busy concentrating on calming my breathing that I didn't notice James throwing the ball. The catcher behind me shouted out 'Strike one!' and I mentally cursed myself for not paying attention.
James was smirking as he threw the ball again, but this time I was ready. I swung the bat, hitting it as hard as I could and ran without thinking. As I ran past first base I looked up to see where the ball was. I couldn't believe it when I saw the fielders running out to the outfield, but I didn't let it distract me and carried on running. Before I knew it I was back at home base, deciding to just run to it and not slide as I only had shorts on and didn't want to scratch up my legs. Edward was standing there grinning as I walked back to the bench where the team was and I could here Alice cheering loudly in her seat.
'Why didn't you say you could hit like that? You were amazing out there, you run faster than anyone on the team.'
I blushed slightly, but didn't stop the smile that appeared on my face, 'You never asked about batting, and thanks. I'm sure everyone runs just as fast.'
Edward must have seen that I wasn't going to back down, so just shook his head, still grinning. 'James doesn't seem very happy, he'll get over himself though.'
I turned to look at James, who was now pitching for Kurt. There was a scowl on his face, and he threw the ball wide.
The game continued and I watched each of the players, noting their strengths and weaknesses and how they worked well together. They were all good, better than those on my old team.
It came time to change positions, the other team batting and us fielding. The coach wanted to see me pitch so Edward went out to centre field, not that he minded as he said he wanted to see how good I was.
I took my position at the pitchers plate, ball ready in my hand. James was the first to bat and this time I wasn't nervous. I threw the ball, which landed directly in the mitt of the catcher behind James. I smirked as James growled, narrowing his eyes at me. I was passed the ball back, then threw it again. This time James hit it, and I was surprised at the strength behind it, however it was caught before James could make it all the way round. The game continued and by the end our team was in the lead, but not by many points.
Coach called us to join him. 'Alright guys, and girl now. Practice same time on Friday, and I don't want anymore trouble about Bella joining us, okay? Good, now go get changed.' Everyone started making their way back inside, but coach called me back. 'Bella? Can I have a word.'
I told Edward to go on inside, and jogged back over to Coach.
'That's some good moves you were showing out there, I bet your old team were sad to see you go. Don't worry about the guys, they just feel threatened about being out performed by a girl. Also, we'll have a kit for you by next practice.'
'Thanks coach, for giving me a chance.'
'Who am I to stop someone playing. There was something else though. I was informed of something before practice, about your old school.'
I froze. I'd completely forgotten that it had gone on my record. I opened my mouth to speak, but he interrupted me.
'I don't want to know what happened or whether it was to do with you or not. I believe in second chances and I'm not going to hold or use it against you. I just want to know that nothings going to happen here.'
I let out a breath, 'It won't, I promise.'
'Good, now go get changed.'
I breathed a sigh of relief and made my way back inside to change. I bypassed the showers, deciding to have one when I got home and changed quickly. I was surprised to see Edward waiting outside for me. He smiled when he saw me and made his way over.
'Hey, I was wondering if you needed a ride home?'
I'd never wished so hard that I didn't have a truck. 'Thanks, but I have my truck.'
I must have imagined the look of disappointment on his face as it was quickly replaced by his smile. 'No problem, I'll walk you to your truck.'
As we walked, Edward asked about my interest in baseball. 'So, you said your dad taught you? He must be a pretty good teacher if you play like that.'
I had to laugh, 'Charlie got me into baseball, but I learnt most of my stuff from Phil, my step dad. When I stopped coming here, Phil started teaching me, he's a baseball coach in Phoenix. It helps having someone like him living with you if you like baseball, I went to a lot of games with him as I was growing up, mainly small town teams. How did you get into it?'
'Wow, so you're pretty lucky then. Me and my family would play when I was younger, we still do now. I just liked the feel of hitting that ball and sliding into the home plate.' He laughed nervously, 'Sorry, that's kind of lame. I haven't told someone that before.'
I smiled up at him as we stood beside my truck, 'Not lame at all. I know what you mean, it's a great feeling.'
Edward stared down at me and I became lost in his green eyes. There was something about them that made them so captivating, I could stare at them forever.
I jumped, moving instinctively back as Alice came bounding over to us, hyper as ever. I hadn't realised how close I had been to Edward and blushed.
'Oh my gosh Bella! You were awesome out there, you never said you were so good. Edward's going to have some competition now.'
I just stood there smiling, letting Alice ramble on. I noticed Edward wasn't paying attention, seeming to be in a daydream. I shook my head, returning my attention to Alice.
'Thanks for coming to watch Alice, and everyone else. I should probably head back home though.'
Alice pouted slightly, 'Aw, don't go! We should get some dinner, it's late.'
I looked at my clock and froze. It was 6:30, practice went on longer than I had thought. Charlie was going to freak. 'Crap!'
Edward looked at me, concern on his face, but Alice spoke first.
'What's wrong?'
I fumbled in my bag for my keys, 'I didn't realise the time, I have to get home or Charlie will freak out.'
Edward reached out and grabbed my arm gently, 'Bella, calm down. Your keys are in your hand. Why are you so worried? Just explain about baseball.'
I hit my head with my hand, stupid, stupid. They didn't understand, and I wasn't about to explain. I took a deep breath, 'You're right, sorry. But I really should go, I'll see you tomorrow.'
Unlocking my door, I quickly jumped into the seat and started the engine. I waved as I quickly made my way out the school, leaving behind Edward and Alice with puzzled expressions on their faces.
I made it home in record time, my poor truck groaning under the speed. Parking outside the house, I grabbed my bag and made my way cautiously up to the front door. The cruiser was already in the drive which meant Charlie was home. Quietly I opened and closed the door and stood listening for any noise. The TV was on in the lounge, some football match was showing. Edging towards the door, I peeked inside to find Charlie sprawled out on the couch and groaned inwardly at the sight of empty beer cans. By some miracle he was fast asleep, so I wouldn't have to face him just yet. I went into the kitchen, grabbing a piece of paper and pen and scrawled out a quick note for him:
Dad,
Sorry I was late home from school, I found out there was a baseball team and the coach wanted me to stay behind and try out.
When I got back you were asleep on the sofa and didn't want to wake you.
Bella.
Creeping back into the lounge, I placed it on the coffee table then made my way upstairs. After dumping my bag in my room, I grabbed my wash stuff and headed for the bathroom. All I wanted now was a nice hot shower and my comfy bed.
Turning on the shower, I stepped in allowing the hot water to loosen my muscles, helping me to relax. I took my time washing, then got out wrapping myself in a large towel. I quickly dried myself and got dressed in some old sweats, leaving my hair to dry on its own, and went back into my room to start some homework. I'd only been at school a day and they were piling it on. I didn't mind though as it was a nice distraction.
It didn't take me long to finish, and when I was done I looked at the clock noticing it was 8:30. As if on cue my stomach gurgled at me telling me it was hungry. I hadn't had dinner and had only eaten little at lunch. Remembering the granola bar and not wanting to go downstairs in case Charlie woke up, I grabbed my bag and dug around for it. It didn't fill me up, but it stopped the growling for now. I'd have to remember to eat a bigger lunch and dinner tomorrow.
I decided to check my emails, hoping that Renee may have sent me one instead of phoning, but I was quickly disappointed. All I had were a couple of junk emails which I deleted without reading.
With nothing left to do, I climbed into bed earlier than I normally would, waiting for sleep to take over and hoping that Charlie would be in a good mood tomorrow.
A/N: Let me know what you think :)
