Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer OWNS all rights to Twilight.

All I am responsible for is this one story borrowing her beautifully created characters and using them bit differently.

A/N: There is a reason why this chapter is called secrets, see if you can figure it out and let me know.


The One

Chapter - 4

Secrets, Loss & A Baseball Game or Two

The woman at the window peeks through the curtains glancing for the umpteenth time and yet again at her watch. She feels both anxious and hopeful, but once more the car had not pulled to the house's driveway. 15 minutes have past from her daughters' curfew, perhaps…

Anxiousness to know the events of the date, hopefulness that maybe it has happened. We depend on you darling daughter, our family's future rest on your shoulders. She leaves the window again and sits in a nearby chair facing the fireplace. Carefully observing the large ornate golden picture frame suspended above the marble mantel, it holds the family's most recent portrait. The lovely family's faces in the large picture held all smiles, false ones at that, but smiles nonetheless. Once their family was the envy of both "Sunny Falls" and "St. John's"; it stood for power, prominence and above all money. Now thanks to her husbands' bad business ventures over the past few years the family's finances have dwindled. To the point that a loan on our house had to be taken, as well as discreetly sell some of our most valuable items and jewelry. Not to mention replace those with fakes to keep up appearances.

Remembering this made her blood boil even more. How dare he expend not only his, but my family's hard made, no earned fortune as well. She thinks still seated in the chair looking at the picture, recalling how all of her husband's secrets came to light one night. Coincidently they also came to a solution that very night as well. One that her husband was completely miserable with, but she could careless who got hurt as long as the names and faces continued to live the life of privilege and wealth.


I never once gave him access; however the conniving son of a bastard for a father had convinced the bank into giving it to him regardless, due to our "good" name. He then took it upon himself to little by little, or more like lot per lot empty my family's inheritance. Only subsequently did he go after his. I started to notice missing founds from my family's account, immediately I went to the bank. The supervisor, Mr. Randall, took my request to see him right away. He proceeded to inform me about the status and investments made; I was completely taken aback by Mr. Randall's revelations. I questioned under whose authority had these transactions been done. He went on to say with mine and my husband's say-so. I asked for proof of signed documentation hence I had not once approved such businesses to be done. A moment later he produced several documents with husbands' signature and what he believed to be my signature, to which I informed and provided evidence to be false. The man was not only mortified, but also down right petrified at what actions I would take. This was my family's hard made money to which I was the sole heir too and how he had now been an unwilling cohort in swindling it. I took it upon myself to reveal my actions if the money was not to be returned. The supervisor then went about or scrambling was more like it, to see what he could do before the real heads of the bank got wind of how he had allowed someone else to rob a longtime client. In the end he was only able to salvage just less half of the illegitimately invested funds. By doing this the man canceled all of the most recent dealings. My husband will be furious, but that will teach him never to do that again. I thought with a smug smile.

And furious he was when contacted by those investors whose money would never arrive.

'Our payments were annulled by the bank; what is this?'they said.

When he called the bank and was told that it had been my doings he dared to confront me. He said I had no right to make those decisions and cancelations; it was his money after all and he does with his money whatever he wants. It is his to spend in the end. My blood boiled even more when I heard his words.

'YOU BASTARD ARROGANT ASSHOLE!' I yelled with crossed arms 'How there you use my family's money without my consent. When we married both us signed a pre-nup agreeing not to touch the others wealth without consent, amongst other things.' Anger was now fueling my rant. 'Oh! And by the way give me a reason why I should not take YOU to court for not only breaking our arrangement, but also for forgery. You see, deary, I saw the signature in the documents and checks clamming to be mine. Well, it turns out that, like I personally showed the person at the bank, IT ISN'T MINE. Oh darling trusting husband of mine.' I patronized him. He wanted a tongue lashing scolding contest; he was surely getting one at that moment.

At that moment I pulled my secret weapon, copies of the documents and checks I had "signed". 'Here you can keep these the originals are locked away safe.' I shoved those at him. Grabbing what few papers he could before they hit the floor he clearly saw that I was not joking, but dead serious. To this he confessed, told me that what little we had left, not including what I had salvage, was tied up in stocks with the intention of being used to pay the bills and everyday expenditures of our extravagant indulgent lifestyle, as he called it.

'Listen to me Annabell.'

'Yes, George. What do you have to tell me now? It is about that whore gold digging secretary that you've been screwing behind my back. I've known about her since the day I met the floozy. Do you really think that I don't have my spies at your office?'

'Like I don't know about how you made a man of the Crowleys oldest son Terrance, talk about rubbing the cradle Annbaell. It was last year Spring Break I believe, the boy was 19 at the time. …. Wait a moment, let's not make this about the skeletons we both have. We have our dignity and above all else our appearances to maintain. How can we fix this? We need money and we need it quickly.'

What to do? What to do? My mind kept repeating that night.

That was until I saw this very family portrait and I knew what had to be done.

'I have a solution; we will go after the second wealthiest family in this forsaking town. The key is to force the Cullens to unite with us. Both mother and father come from old money, but their misfortune in not having a child of their own obligated them to adopt. They adopted those no good, unruly barbarians for sons. Thankfully, through the grapevine I've heard that one of those beggars is currently single.' I said glancing yet again at the picture.

George was confused what could we have that would interest the Cullen boy, let alone force him into a union with our family. He followed my line of vision and then…

'Huh! No, absolutely not. I refuse to participate in that. That idea is preposterous, not to mention the pain and agony it would cause our beloved daughter. She is so happy right now with her boyfriend.'

'Yes, George. That is the only way. Her current beau's family does not have as much money as the Cullen family does. Sadly his father, Aro, just had to married some low class school teacher, who works in the… in the… URGH! I can even say the words without feeling the urge to be sick.'

'Public Schools, Anna dear. Public, say it with me pu-blic it is only a two syllables.' Now he was patronizing.

'Yes, that place. I am sorry for our daughters happiness, but it is a sacrifice that shall be made in order to save ourselves from the poor house and the sneers, the looks, not to mention being shunned away like some begin parasite. Our family's name will remain intact.'


The sound of a car pulling in brought her back from her memories. She was at the window and looking out in a heartbeat. She saw the two teens in one last passionate embrace, too passionate for her taste, but at this point she doesn't care. Glancing at her watch once more, she sees that 5 more minutes had gone by. Under any other circumstance she would be yelling and scolding her daughters' lack of respect for rules, but not now. Being 20 minutes late could mean many things. Perhaps they finally got done to business after these several dates they've been on. You better not disappoint me again daughter for school is starting soon and I want rumors to spread quickly about your condition. She thinks.

She sees the flaxen 17 year old boy give her child one last small kiss on the lips. She sees her child smile and turn, but keeping their hands held together till the last possible second before walking to the door.

With haste in her step the woman returns to her chair to await her daughter entrance. She doesn't wait for long. She hears the heavy sound of the front door opening and closing, footsteps follow soon after.

'Is the deed done?'

'Mother! You sacred the crap out me, what gives?'

Walking over to her child with again a serious tone in her voice and gently grabbing her chin up. 'Did you or did you consummate your relationship with him?'

'Mother, please this is one of the few dates we've have, it hasn't gone beyond second base and no it is not for my lack of trying.' Irritation can be heard in the young girls voice.

Letting go of her daughters chin with some force Annabell warns 'Well, I hope you get to lived up to your end of the bargain. I must say that at first you disgusted me with your sexual behavior letting boys like Tyler, Felix, Demetri, Michael, heck even that low class vagabond Eric and every other boy at that school whose been between your legs and touched your body. I thought that I had at least taught you some dignity, but you proved me wrong. Removing your panties and spreading your legs the way you have done for anyone who came asking. This is why I found startling when Aro's boy James finally got a hold of you, tamed the shrew from her wild ways is what he did.'

Tears were stinging her eyes hearing her mother's cruel, malicious words. 'Are you calling some kind of slut, no whore mother? Really! Is this how you talk to people about your own child?'

'My darling child if you must know, yes that is exactly what I'm calling you.' With a patronizing tone. 'And no please unlike you and your father I can actually keep a secret.'

More tears are cascading from her light-blue eyes, but through this she finds the courage to say.

'Don't get all righteous with me mother. Keeping secrets YOU, now that is laughable. What did you think I don't know about your adventures with other men? The countless male prostitutes you bring home is ridiculous and yes who can forget about Derek McDowell, Terrance Crowley or that guy whose mom's from somewhere in South America, what was his name? Oh yes Nahuel. All brothers of the boys I attend school with mom. Talk about rubbing the cradle. That goes without mentioning the fact that YOU have also slept with half of the towns husbands. I am truly shocked that you have yet to bed Mr. Cullen, I guess the guy is too good to let someone like you wrap their tentacles and webs of lies, seduction and blackmail around him. What mom lost you touch? I only learned from the best.'

*SLAP* was the heard sound after Victoria's rant about her own mother sexual behavior.

Holding her stinging red as her hair cheek and looking down as even more tears fell the courage she had a moment ago is now gone. Victoria could only listen to her mother's next words.

'Don't you ever talk to me like that again, do you hear me missy? You will show me respect and you will follow my orders.' Grabbing a chunk of Victoria's thick red hair she pulled her head up harshly.

'Ow! Please mother stop! Yes I heard you loud and clear.' Uneasiness and something that resembled fear could be distinguish in her voice.

'Now Victoria, I do not care if you have to sneak into his bedroom one night in a trench coat with nothing else underneath. You better have sex with that beggar soon and get pregnant with his child even SOONER. Our family's survival depends on you. You haven't had any problems with that in the past or do I have to remind you about the time you got knocked-up by that hobo Eric and I had to take care of everything before your father and the rest of the town got wind that my daughter was whoring herself with low class people.'

'No mother you don't, I remember everything. I am tired; may I please go to my room and sleep now?' Defeat that was what she was now, defeated. Beaten up to a bloody pulp in a matter of speaking, and all had been the handy work of mother.

'Yes you may Victoria. I expect that another "date" will come about sooner rather than later.'

'His family loves to play baseball; they've invited me to their next game. It will take place next Friday. According to what Jasper said this is their way of closing out the summer, a celebration of sorts.'

'Well, it doesn't speak much for you ascertaining any private time with him, but if you are to have his child then you must spend some time with his family as well. Now off with you, your pitiful sight is sickening me. Remember our family's reputation depends on you and no one else.'

Victoria did not go with her usual bounce step and happy rhythm to her room, she ran. She felt like she just couldn't get away from her mother fast enough.


LOSS OF A CHILD

Inside the safety of the silent walls in her room, she went to the bathroom showered and did her nightly routine. When she was finally enclosed in the comfort and warmth of her bed, Victoria finally allowed herself the freedom to release all the heartache and agony she felt. She cried and cried and cried till there was nothing to cry about.

Thinking about her mother's cruelty, Victoria realized that she can't remember ever calling Annabell neither mommy nor mom. Not that she cared or thinks her mother deserves it. No in her mind that privilege is to be given to the women who truly are mothers in every since of the word.

Reaching for the drawer in her nightstand, she finds what she wanted at that moment. A small photo album with an oval picture frame in the front cover. This is more valuable that all the money, credit cards, precious metals and stones in the planet. In the picture frame there is a photo of her holding a premature born baby. She is smiling a real genuine smile in this picture, one of the few photographs where you can easily see happiness and love radiating from an image.

Opening the book she sees the very first image of the baby she once had, an ultrasound at that time if her mind serves correct the baby was 9 weeks. The image showed the tiniest creature she had ever seen, back then the doctor nor his nurse could tell her whether it was a boy or a girl. They told her it would still be about little over one month before the tissues for the baby's male or female genitals would form.

Victoria had gone through great lengths to keep her pregnancy a secret from everyone, her closest friends, her family, even the baby's father didn't know. She was thankful that she did not get any early symptoms that could reveal her to the world and had not put one a lot of weight. She knew what would happen if her mother caught wind of her current condition. Abortion would be her mother's answer to what she would deem the pebble in ones shoe. Just the taught of the word made her sick, how could anyone do that to an innocent creature that was not at fault over what mommy and daddy did. However she knew that her mother would not go through the motions of clinics, names/identities, money, doctors, nurses… No her mother was likely to go to one her "friends" for such aide. Probably find one who had had the pebble in their shoe once and got rid of it discreetly, quickly, quietly and with those medications that are so in fashion with women of great means.

Nevertheless sadly her mother evetually noticed something odd, different even about her daughters' svelte and toned figure, Annabell became suspicious. Her breast had noticeably grown in size, as did her hips by becoming slightly wider giving Victoria a more womanly body figure. At first she thought that is was the growth spurts that teens go through until one reaches their early 20's or the remaining baby fat that often went away by the time one reaches their late teens, but this was strangely unique in deed. Then there was her food intake that had increased, ingestion of vitamins that she claim to need, and all this goes without mentioning she became more fatigue and tired more easily than before. There was also the strange behavior of disappearing to only who knows where.

Consequently one day after having grown weary with these Houdini acts Annabell followed.

Annabell saw Victoria get in a bus. A bus? Why would my daughter with two cars of her own require the use of pu-, pu-, pub-, THAT kind of transportation? She thought. She pursued the vehicle to every stop it made, but her daughter did not get out, so she continued. One hour later did her daughter finally stepped off the bus. Looking at the surroundings Annabell saw that this area looked so common, like the places only lower class people would venture to use. She found a parking spot not to faraway from her the bus stop and got out of her car. She sees Victoria still there waiting for the bus to leave. Upon the bus moving away she crosses the street, immediately her mother trails her in the distance. Perhaps they had walked a block no more, when Victoria enters a walking clinic. Why does she need one so far away? She wonders getting closer to the doctor listings: family med, dermatologist, otorhinolaryngologist... The list wasn't making any sense until she reached the last doctor OB-GYN, then all of the suspicions and oddities finally became clear, too clear in fact.

Her daughter was pregnant and she hiding it or else why was there any need to travel an hour for a doctor…?

Annabell walked in without delay and found Victoria being show in by the receptionist. 'Victoria, what is the meaning of this?' she confronts her daughter. Victoria is frightened.

'Ma'am, this woman has an appointment here today to see the OB, please stay seated and we will attend service in a few minutes.' The lady from the counter says.

'I will do no such thing; the woman as you eloquently put is 15 years old, therefore unless she gave some false identification the doctor cannot service her without a guardian present.' Annabell counters with all the smugness she can produce.

'You are correct on that ma'am, but if you did not read the sign upfront carefully and clearly this is a free clinic. Your daughter does not need guardianship here, because we don't deny care for lack of age. And therefore the law protects us from any harm doing or age issues.' The lady said with assertiveness at the display of arrogance this woman showed.

'Well, I demand to go in with my child or else I will call the police and have this place close down for bad services.'

'Excuse me? Are you threatening government employees, and union members at that, lady with living us without a job? Well ma'am news flash everyone in this clinic is a volunteer protected by law. We do not need to be here, we are here because we want to, not the other way around lady.'

'Wait, please both of you! Don't get into this because of me! Mother if you want to come in do so. I won't stop you.' Easing the situation between her mother and the kind receptionist, Victoria says amid the growing tension.

With a stern look 'Follow me ladies, I take you to check-up room.' the receptionist address us both.

Entering the room 'Dr. Owens will see you Megan in a minute.' The receptionist places "Megan's" file in on the table and leaving the mother and daughter.

Walking towards the file Annabel reads the name on the file. 'So "Megan Green" for why are you here so far from home and with a false name to see a doctor?'

Just as Victoria is about to answer a knock is heard from the door, the knob turns and a Hispanic woman about 5'5 with a gentle smile on her face enters.

'Hello, Megan! How are you and the baby doing?' the doctor steps in observing that for the first time since "Megan" has been under her care she brings company. Stern, clearly unfriendly, poker face, serious company.

'Dr. Owens this is my mother "Sofia Green", she surprised me today with her company as you can see.'

'Owens? How is someone like you an Owens?' she asks with a tone of disgust.

'Yes, Owens my father is British-American and my mother is Colombian, ma'am.' The indignation is clearly heard in Dr. Owens's voice. Turning her attention back to her patient.

'Ignore my mother, Dr. Owens. Today is the next one, right? I am so excited to find out.'

'Yes, Megan, today we find out if you having a boy or girl. It's been 16 weeks already.' Dr. Owens smiles.

My suspicions have been confirmed, my whore of a daughter has finally disgraced our family reputation by getting herself knocked-up. Let us hope that she was smart enough to get it from a boy of means, lord forbid if this THING is the offspring of the low class. Annabell thinks.

'I'll be right back Megan I'm going to get the ultrasound machine. Mrs. Green.' Dr. Owens leaves.

Stand and approaching her daughter, 'So you finally did it slut, you got yourself pregnant. What did you forget to use the pills I make sure you get or was it that the prophylactic did not work?'

Victoria lowers her head; the one person she most feared in this world now knows her secret.

Aggravated with her daughters lack of response she grabs her face forcing Victoria to look up.

'Look at me when I'm talking to you.' Fury and venom is what is coming from her mouth. 'Now tell who the father is?'

Looking away from her mother again Victoria is thoughtful. I can't tell her who he is, she'll blow a gasket.

Letting go of her face Annabell asks again 'Who is the father of this baby? You will tell me to whose family are we going to charge child support too.'

Another knock is heard, Annabell leaves a stunned Victoria with her words in her mouth. Dr. Owens walks in again pushing a large clunky machine and plugging it to the nearest wall receptacle.

'Megan lay down and open some of the buttons of your blouse and you skirt pull it down a bit.' She does as she told by the Dr. The Dr. proceeds to squirt some of the cold gel over her stomach.

'Boy that's cold; I don't think I'll ever get used to that.'

'So I've heard. Ok, let's get this show on the rod.' Grabbing the long cord small hand held device, called a transducer, she places it where the gel is and turns the machine on.

'Do you want the recording of this session and print outs, Megan?' She nods accepting the offer.

The Dr. presses the record button and before another word the sound of small fast heartbeats is heard. All the women in the room turn to the monitor. One had a vague look on her face, the second has an amazed look, while the third is carefully observing the image before for any anomalies before she begins her explanation of they were seeing.

'All right ladies here with have it, the images of a 16 week old fetus. This long string of pearls like over here is the baby's spine, this small blackened opening and closing gap is the heart. Over here you can see the fetus' arms, legs, feet. Oh, this is something you don't see everyday.'

'What!' concerned.

'Don't worry Megan, everything looks excellent for a fine healthy baby so far, it's just it is a rare occasion where we get to see the baby moving at the same time with us. Look the baby's head is turning; you can see the mouth, eyes. The baby is doing very good, Megan I can easily tell you are following the diet and exercises I recommended. Now is the million dollar question. Do you want to know the se-'

'YES!' Victoria yells with enthusiasm, before Dr. Owens has a chance to finish.

'Well, unless it is an extra shorter leg, you are having a baby boy Megan, congratulations. What do you think "grandma"? You're going to have a grandson.'

But Annabell says nothing, just keeps an almost stone like face.

'Umm? Well this is it for today Megan. You and the baby are doing perfectly, remember avoid any all stresses. I know with school and all that is not always easy, but do try. Here are the printouts and the recording, and some tissues to clean yourself with. I will see you in a month have a pleasant day.'

Annabell and Victoria leave the clinic and head to Annabell's car.

Before either one got in 'At least you had the decency to use a false name and these people are not very good with faces.'

Victoria says nothing.

They drove back home in silence, the entire hour neither one said a single word. The tension in that vehicle was palpable, the only thing that broke the silence was the classical music that came from one of the many CD's her mother plays.

Walking back into the house through the kitchen door Annabell repeats the question she never got the answer too.

'Who is the father of this fetus Victoria?'

Frozen in place with her back to her mother, she still did not know how to reply to the most feared question ever.

'Victoria I am speaking to you. Turn around and respond to my question.'

There was no way she could hide it any longer at least she knew that abortion option went out the window weeks ago. Too late now mother, she thinks while facing the woman.

'Eric Yorkie.'

'Who?'

'You heard me mother, but I will repeat Eric Yorkie.'

'Yorkie? Who is this Erick Yorkie? Is he new at school? Is that a new family? I am unfamiliar with any Yorkies living here.'

'You're wrong mother the Yorkies do live here. They just don't run in the same circles as us.'

'Don't run in the same circles as us? The only way that can happen is if this boy is low class and you are not that stupid. You've done a lot of boys, but they've always been from the right side of the tracks and that is just preposterous. Beneath you even.'

Victoria again says knowing.

Why isn't she saying anything, not a single retort? My daughter wouldn't… No!

'Victoria tell me you did not have sex with some low class scum.'

'He is not scum, he's a brilliant kid. He has been helping me so much with my science studies this whole time. If not for him I would have failed the class and my G.P.A would have lowered even more.'

'Then if all he was doing was helping you with science, how did the lesson turn into a human anatomy tutoring? I may not remember much from high school science, but I do remember that human anatomy was never part of the class.'

'It was just one night we were together, I was his first. I had told him to wait for me in the science lab, which was where we met for our sessions. When I got my final grade I ran to show him. He was so proud of me, told me that he did nothing it was all me and my smarts all he had done was point out the way to go. We hugged and started spinning together that we fell. I landed on top of him and we just looked at one another and started kissing. Then before either of us knew what was happening we were naked and he inside me. I was still on top and we were moving together. I had never done a virgin before nor had it ever felt like that. He was both gentle and took his time. Unlike every other guy I had ever been with, in fact we both came together. Mother I had never ever made love with someone or have ever had that depth of intimacy before.' Victoria has a dreamy look in her eyes until…

*SLAP* 'YOU WHORE! How dare have sex, unprotected sex more specifically with someone beneath you.'

Her eyes were brimming with tears and holding her cheek. 'Mother it was just one time, we just got lost in the moment. He doesn't even know that I'm pregnant. I've kept it a secret from everyone; at least I thought it was everyone until you showed up at my appointment today.'

'He doesn't know?'

'No.'

'Perfect we can get rid of the baby before anyone has a chance to find out.'

'Sorry mother but the abortion option time has come to pass. I can't have that procedure done at this stage of the pregnancy.' Triumph and sureness in her voice.

'Please, who said anything about abortion?'

'You just said get rid of it.'

'No you are going to abandon your baby in the hospital. It is perfectly legal. You were smart not to use your real name. Once the baby is born we will leave an amount of money in an envelope inside the room with the baby and make our get away.'

'No, I want to keep and raise my child mother. Father won't care he will be happy to be a grandparent.'

'That is exactly why you will leave the child in the hospital. My reputation is what is at stake here Victoria and that is all that matters.'


To this day Victoria cries. Fate was against her when at 27 weeks she went into labor and had her baby boy to which she named Matthew Allen Green. One week was all that she was given to spend with her son. During that time Victoria was constantly neonatal care unit. She breast fed her son, kissed him, held him, loved him the way a mother would. She took dozens of pictures of her baby and the nurses who took care of him with the names of the women. But again Annabell had other plans.

Her mother had sent her to live in an apartment with hired live-in help close to where her doctor was located she didn't want Victoria to be seen. To anyone who asked Annabell said that Victoria had gone to stay with her sick grandmother for a while. At first people suspected that a big secret was being kept, that Victoria was with child and away.

However, because of her early labor and return home with a completely flat stomach, everyone believes the story Annabell had told them. As soon as her Dr. deemed her healthy enough to go home "Mrs. Green" was there to personally make sure her daughter left the hospital. Regardless "Megan" had convinced them to not release her officially until the last feeding of the day was done.

Anabell was less than thrilled by what the hospital told her; the patient won't be discharge until the final feeding. She saw Victoria smiling as she was informed of the proceedings. She walked to her daughter and whispered with a sinister voice. 'Enjoy your moment of victory now, my darling child; it will not last for much longer.' And in the end she was right.

Sitting in the rocking chair holding her son tightly, Victoria had already fibbed to the nurses about her baby not being done nursing. But that little white lie did not last for much longer, they had been doing their job long enough to know when. As nurse Jenny goes to fetch the boy, Vicotria's world chatters. Not too far away were Annabell's eagle eyes watching her daughter closely, almost saying to her 'go ahead try something'.

Victoria mouths the word 'No!' over and over again. The nurses did not understand what was wrong with her. One approaches with a cup of water and some medication for the nerves. Another goes to her mother explaining that they fear her daughter may be suffering from post pardon depression and should seek professional help. Before they left the nurse gave her two cards one for a counselor and another for a psychologist, both located here at the hospital. She smiled and thanked the women.

That was the last time Victoria ever saw or heard of her son. She dug further into the drawer and found one of the baby hats and blankets the hospital had used with her son, both items still held her sons smell. These along with the photo album and the video of the ultrasound were all the physical evidence she had left of her son. I will never forgive you for what you've done to me mother, she silently curses.

Once more she silently cried herself to sleep that night.


THURSDAY - DRIVING HOME AND A BASEBALL GAME

Esme is driving home from the errands that she needed done. Moving pass the baseball field she sees what she can estimate to be perhaps two families competing joyously. She decides to stop and sit at one of the bleachers to watch these families play. She notices the t-shirts say Team Clearwater and Team York-Er, funny name does the other team have. The voice of a young man saying: "Go Leah! Get us a homerun and we win. But above all else don't strikeout."

A young tiny girl, no bigger than Alice in her opinion steps onto the mound with a baseball bat a little too large and heavy for her size. Good luck, little girl that a bat that big is difficult to handle for a girl like you.

Looking around at the happiness and joy of a good natured game Esme is flooded with memories of her family over the years. I can't believe we just so little time left with the boys before they go on make lives for themselves. This thought made her go misty-eyed; she knows it is the way it has to be that is the lot of the parent after all raise the child and let them go out into the world. Still they had shared many a happy memories together. Her favorite one will always be the first day her and Carlisle met the boys. After the introductions from the administrator Mr. Thomas they both felt it, a connection like no other.

Mr. Thomas had taken them around the orphanage showing where the younger ones where. They passed the nursery, the area of the tots, the area for four year olds and five year olds. Mr. Thomas had offered them to go in and talk to the children; he informed them that they would know which would be the child for them. The connection will form with that child instantly and you will just know who the one for you is, your hearts will lead you. Upon hearing his words Carlisle and Esme looked at one another and knew, knew they had found not a child, but children. The ones that will make their family complete. They turned to Mr. Thomas and requested to see the boys they met earlier. What? Are you sure? Didn't you want a young one to have more years to spare?, he had questioned. They proceeded to explain that they believe they had made the connection already with the boys. Mr. Thomas was beyond surprised and thrilled at our decision. When we question why, he explained only an extremely few number of people will adopt older children. There are three very common reasons as to why it happens he said: #1. They think that the younger ones are feeling the worst of the abandonment, but truth is the longer a child remains here the more it grows. #2. Others feel that the older the child is the harder it is to raise, so they up for the little ones. #3. Some also believe it is less time they will get having a growing family. Hearing his words Esme and Carlisle knew they were making the right choice. A week later Emmett McCarthy, Garret Sanders, Edward Masen and Jasper Whitclock became the foster children of Mr. and Mrs. Cullen. Five years later it was made official. Taking out a picture of her family, Esme could not hold back the smile that slowly came to her lips. She took notice of the one feature her family has that keeps anyone from asking if the boys are theirs or not and that is the eyes. Strangely enough from Carlisle to me to our four sons, we all have blue eyes some are darker shade, others lighter shade. She thinks.

Yells of several young men startled Esme back into reality. She puts the picture away and continues to enjoy the friendly game.

'RUN LEAH! RUN! YOU CAN MAKE IT!'

And made it to second base the girl did, she believes it could've been a bit farther if it wasn't for her glasses. Running and holding glasses to your face is not easy. She became aware of the other players in the opposing team, and where this Leah girl stopped. There was a girl on second base with a glove, in fact observing both girls they could easily pass for twins if it wasn't for their skin tone. Leah has long dark hair, tiny body, of native parents and more than likely dark eyes; she can't tell very well because of the thick glasses. On the other hand, the girl in the opposing team has just as many similar features, but is slightly taller and lighter skin.

*CLINK* Esme heard the metal bat came in contact with the ball.

'RUN PAUL! RUN!' She heard a gentleman in a wheelchair yell. Then she heard that same man 'RUN LEAH YOU ARE MAKING IT! YES!', looking at the where the catcher and umpire are she sees Leah run faster than before. Esme just got caught up in the excitement of the and she quietly she started to cheer for this girl Leah. And that's when it happened Leah made a slide and got to home before the ball did, Leah was safe.

She single handedly won the game for her team. Everyone including the man in the wheelchair joined in the celebration.

Esme got up and went to her car, with the triumph of this girl she felt energized for tomorrow's game. Men vs Women. She knows that her and the girls finally they at equal numbers, are going to clean the bases with the boys.

'I wonder how good at baseball Victoria really is?'Esme mutely wonders. 'If she was a good a runner as Leah is, she would be an asset to our team.' She smiles.


FRIDAY THE GAME

'Come on Al, show that ex of yours how you bring the heat!' she calls from stance in second base ready to catch the ball and strike out Edward on first.

'Don't worry Rose, I have this!' she retorts. Leaning and swinging back, she pitches the ball and…

'You're out!' says the catcher with the ball in hand. 'Sorry, honey. Better luck next time.'

And with the third batter of the mens' team is out and the women won the game.

'WOO-HOO! WE WON! WE WON!' The girls use pep-squad style of celebrating.

'We were just being polite and let you ladies win.' Edward sulks.

'Oh, honey that ok, the loosing team earns some compensation later too.' Bella winks.

'Well I hope that goes for everyone.' Emmett raises his eye-brows suggestively.

'Excuse us, but if you haven't noticed we your parents are still here. Please leave the suggestive innuendos for when we are not around. Really boys? And you girls too.' Carlisle scolds for more Esme's sake than his own.

'Sorry Mr. and Mrs. Cullen it won't happen again.' Victoria apologizes for everyone.

'What we going to do with all you, I wonder.' Esme shakes her head.

Heading to the cars Alice approaches Rosalie.

'Rosalie, do you think we did wrong by hooking Jasper with Victoria.' Looking at the couple seating on top of Emmett jeeps smiling and kissing.

'Why do you ask Al?'

'I don't know I just have this strange feeling that something is off with her.'

'Off with who?' she asks bring the last of the equipment to the range rover.

'Well, Bells Alice has a bad feeling about Vicky.'

'Really Al, you too?'

'What you have a bad feeling too, Bella?' Rosalie now is bewildered by her friends.

'Ok, don't take this the wrong way, but I've had this strange feeling ever since the 4th of July party at your parents place. I mean she just seemed a little too available and then her ex James would not stop staring at her. He just looked as if he was about to grab her and runaway with her or something.'

'Wow! You girls really feel that there is something going on behind closed doors.'

Bella and Alice nod in affirmation.

Looking back at Jasper and Victoria who were now walking to his convertible. 'Well, I don't know what to think. Jasper appears so much better since he has someone after all this time that has gone beyond the third week mark. We'll just have to sit back, wait and see and hope that no one get hurt.'

Now all three girls are concerned about this relationship between Jasper and Victoria. Maybe Victoria is not the one that is meant for Jasper. But if not her than… Who?


Again please be gentle.

This chapter is all me, there was no beta for this one. I am looking, let me know if anyone is interested in the job.

Please review. :)