Clearing in the woods

Just as Alice has predicted storm clouds began to gather in the sky around 1 am. Edward told me during the ride there that we are going to have to travel by foot before reaching the actual clearing because there were no access roads and too many trees to take an off road vehicle such as Emmet's Jeep. During the ride over there I started to get this strange feeling like something was going to happen during the ball game. I am not sure what it is though, I am no Alice, but whatever it is I am starting to get really nervous the closer we get to our destination. (Little did she know that she will get visions and this weird feeling was the start of her visions coming to fruition.) Just before 1am Edward and I pulled up and parked just at the entrance of a large clearing that is surrounded by miles of lush forest trees. I was really nervous now that I couldn't talk clearly.

"Edward are you sure we have to hike to clearing? Well um I know that my agility has improved tremendously and I no longer trip over air, it just hold habits I guess what I am trying to say is that I am still pretty leery about hiking afraid that I might trip or that something will happen."

Was I afraid of hiking? Not really but for some reason that is what came out of my mouth. I think because I have this strange feeling, I am afraid to hike.

Bella why are you so nervous all of a sudden. ~Edward

I am not sure I just have a weird feeling. Now that I think about it I am not actually afraid of the hiking per se. I just can't explain this weird feeling I am getting, that something is going to happen during the game. It started getting worse as we approach this place. ~Bella

"I think everything will be fine, Alice would have seen something if something bad was going to happen. Also if something did happen I will be there to protect you like I always have been. And as for the hiking do you want me to carry you like I did coming back from the meadow?"

"I guess you are right, Alice would have seen something. I will try and shake this weird feeling I am getting and enjoy things. I think it would be best if you carry me, I don't trust myself with this weird feeling."

"Ok, love, try and shake this weird feeling ok, everything will be fine. Hop on and remember to close your eyes because I don't want you to get sick or dizzy like you did the last time"

I don't want to tell him that I don't think speed will bother me anymore. During the car ride I know that Edward was driving extremely fast but with this new vision enhancement that I have going on I was able to see for the first time why Edward and his family drive fast. You can see everything so clearly and your reaction time is so much clearer. I still know why I am able to see so clearly and that my agility has improved but I am no longer worried but fascinated.

As soon as I was secure on his back, Edward took off running vampire speed. I am glad now that I chose not to close my eyes, it was exhilarating. I found myself actually laughing.

Why are you laughing love? ~Edward

I am assuming that you spoke to me mentally because you weren't sure if I would hear you while you were running. I was laughing because for the first time ever, I am actually enjoying this ride. I am not feeling dizzy and I am not even closing my eyes. I can also see everything so clearly it's fascinating. ~Bella

What do you mean you can see everything so clearly we are traveling at very high speeds faster than any car could travel? Humans are not suppose to be able to see everything clearly. But at the same time I am glad that you are enjoying this. ~Edward

I don't know Edward, I forgot to mention that I seem to also have enhance hearing, vision and smell. I didn't think anything of it which is why I didn't mention it before, until now when we are traveling at very high speeds. It doesn't feel like high speed to me. Its hard to explain. ~Bella

Next time, will you tell me when you go through changes, but I understand that it may not have been that noticeable until now. I think we should discuss this with Carlisle a bit later, since this is a new development, what do you think? Are you also smelling the wild life in the area as well? ~Edward

Yes I can smell the wild life, among other things such as the trees, air, water, you, your family. I can't pick up their thoughts yet, but I think what I am smelling is their scent trail. Is that even possible? It's very interesting. I also agree that we should discuss this with Carlisle. I think he would be interested in figuring out what is going on. ~Bella

Yes it's possible but not usually possible in humans. We are too far out to hear the thoughts of others but as for the scent you are correct, the smell is their scent trail. They are already at the clearing, most likely practicing or deciding teams. We are a bit late, but they were expecting it. So when did you notice the enhancements? ~Edward

Well this morning when you called your dad, I kind heard your conversation, while I was getting dressed. It wasn't just that I heard you speaking I also heard Carlisle on the other end just as if he were in the same house as we were. It was quite strange. I tried not to listen, but you were speaking about me so I got intrigued. ~Bella

"So you can hear me" said Edward

I guess he was testing my hearing.

"Yes Edward I can hear you perfectly. I can also hear the sounds your family is making right now. I guess your right they are practicing."

"We are just reaching 3 miles outside the clearing, so if you have the range that I have, you will start to be able to hear the thoughts of everyone in 3 2 1 seconds"

What's taking them so long. If they don't get here soon, we might have to start without them ~Rose

Bella is going to love the way we play baseball and soon she will be able to join us. ~Alice

I am worried about Bella, what is causing these metabolic changes. I am going to have to do some blood tests on her and examine her to ensure that she doesn't have venom in her system and to ensure that she isn't at risk of dying" ~Carlisle

Edward tensed at Carlisle thoughts. So I gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. This seemed to relax him a bit.

They are probably getting it on, which is why it's taking so long for them to get there. ~Em

Only Em thinks about sex that many times. Jeez what's up with him?

Oh I can't wait to referee this game, and Bella is just going to love watching them play. At times it might be a bit hard for her to see them playing but at the very least she will find it interesting. ~Esme

"I guess we don't have to worry about things being a blur now do we. We should be there in 2 minutues"

"No Edward we don't, I can see perfectly."

"I am going to see if I can communicate with them to let them know that we are going to be there in 2 minutes. I haven't done this before."

Ok I concentrated and picked up everyone's entity including Edwards. Now I just have to concentrate and send everyone a message except for Edward. Ok here it goes.

Hey everyone, we should be there in 2 minutes. And No Em we weren't getting it on as you thought. I was sleeping and as soon as I got up we left. Also we had taken some time to discuss things. I was getting a weird vibe, but I am trying not to think anything of it right now thanks to the reassurance by Edward. Carlisle I need to discuss things with you about my said changes when we get a chance ~Bella

Ok Bella ~everyone thought back

"Looked like my experiment worked I was able to send a thought to everyone at once. I didn't send one to you because you are with me. All I did was focus and picked up everyone's entity and then sent them a collective message."

"I figured they received a message from you when they thought back but I didn't know that you sent a collective message. That is cool. You should also tell that to Carlisle. I am sure by now they can hear us though."

With that Edward slowed down to a complete stop as we entered the clearing. As soon as he stopped completely I jumped off his back gave him a quick kiss and then took Edwards hand before we jogged up to his family. It is really strange not having to worry about falling every time I walk.

Carlisle was the first to come up to us.

"So what did you need to discuss, we have a few minutes before the game starts." Said Carlisle

Well I think it will be better if we communicate this way. Don't want to worry the rest of the family. It seems I have developed more metabolic changes to my body. ~Bella

What are these changes ~Carlisle

It seems that I have enhanced hearing, smell and vision on top of everything else we discussed. ~Bella

We definitely need to do some blood work sooner rather than later. Give me an example of how your hearing, smell and vision have improved. ~Carlisle

Well this morning I heard you over the phone when Edward called you to discuss said condition. Plus I heard you guys practicing when we were pretty far away from the clearing. I could smell everything perfectly such as the trees, animals, air and your guy's scent trails when coming over here. When Edward was traveling at high speeds, while I was in his back I could see everything perfectly. There was no blurry scenery. Another example of my hearing is that Edward and I were able to communicate verbally while he was running. ~Bella

It appears as if your vision, hearing and smell are that of a vampire. You might have venom in your system that is causing these changes, I just hope if that's the case your organs don't give out. We may have to change you into a full vampire as a possibility. ~Carlisle

These changes are coming gradually, but I still feel that I don't have be changed into a vampire just yet anyway. Just call it a feeling. It is very possible I have venom in my system, but for some reason but I don't think its actually doing any damage that would lead to death in the sense that I will no longer walk this Earth. ~Bella

We still should take precautions. Later tonight do you mind if I take some blood samples from you because I really think you should have an exam. ~Carlisle

Yeah that is fine. I understand to be safe we should take precautions. ~Bella

I guess it's time to play the game. ~Carlisle

Ok I will go and sit with Esme. ~Bella

"Did you have a nice conversation with Carlisle." Said Edward

"Yes I did, Carlisle is going to do some blood work later, and he is concerned about my said changes"

"That's understandable and I am glad that you are going to get examined. I want to find out what's causing these anomalies and to determine if it's going to be dangerous to you or not."

With that I gave him a long passionate kiss.

"Ok lovebirds the game is about to start, so Edward get your but over here." Said Alice

"Yes annoying pixy of a sister, I will be right over there." Edward said as he said good bye to me and raced over to where the others were minus Esme and I.

I walked over to Esme and sat down next to her.

"Hey Esme, why are you not playing with them"

"For one thing dear, we need an umpire and a Catcher that pays for both teams. We are uneven if I play."

"We all know mom that the real reason she isn't playing, even with the unevenness is that she thinks we cheat" says Emmett

"Well you guys do cheat." Said Esme

Something in me just knew that it was time for them to play baseball, that in fact both me and Alice both said "Its time" at the same time which caused us to giggle and the rest of them to momentarily look at me wide-eyed. But all I did was shrug. Two seconds later an earsplitting rumble of thunder shook the surrounding forest.

The teams were divided with Carlisle, Jasper and Rose one team, and Edward, Alice, & Emmett on the other.

I watched in Amazement as Alice pitches the ball towards Carlisle at lightning-fast speed while Emmett and Edward wait in the outfield trying to anticipate the trajectory of the ball. When Carlisle smashes the ball with the aluminum bat creating a thunderous boom I almost laughed at the sound because it sounded so much like thunder, especially when a few seconds later another earsplitting rumble of thunder shakes the forest. It now makes perfect sense that a storm is needed in order for them to play baseball, otherwise humans would question the sounds coming from the forest and then go and investigate. That would be very bad indeed.

I watched the ball rocket deep into the forest, which if I were still "normal" I would think it would be a home run but thanks to thing I knew that Edward would be able to get to the ball in time. Sure enough I watched as Edward races towards the ball and enters the forest, while Carlisle darts around the bases.

"Esme, Edward gets the ball and Carlisle is out."

"Esme looks at me strangely. How do you know this?"

"Don't know why, I just know the outcome."

"you are starting to sound like my Alice or my friend Peter" said Jasper Alice just giggles.

"oh, who is Peter."

"Oh, a nomad vampire who drinks human blood but isn't ruthless like the rest of them. I consider him like my brother in a way. I sired him." Jasper said as I watched his memories play in his head about the times he was in the vampire wars. Now I know why he is such a warrior and why he has so many scars. I also know why now he struggles with the vegetarian diet. He didn't start out a vegetarian. At least he is happy now. That part of his life looked brutal but it did give him character.

A few seconds later, I watched Edward as he races out of the forest, ball in hand and makes it to home plate a millisecond before Carlisle slides in, resulting in the first out.

"Your right Bella, it's an out." Said Esme

"Told you so" Said Bella as I stuck my tongue out to anyone who doubted me.

"You will definitely fit perfectly in this family." Esme Chuckled.

I next watched as Rose hits a line drive, while Edward and Emmett instead of catching the ball crash into each other creating a loud thunderous sound resulting in Rose being safe. I shook my head, while everyone chuckled.

Jasper whacks the next pitch which rocketed the ball through the forest, but at that very moment both Alice and I Gasp causing everyone to stop mid play and stare at us.

"Edward I told you something weird was going to happen. Next time will you please listen to me when I tell you that I have this weird feeling?"

"Yes dear" causing everyone to chuckle

"You are already whipped and you just started dating." Emmett said shaking his head.

"Anyways what caused you to gasp both of you" said Carlisle

Just then both of us were swept into a vision while Edward tuned into Alice's thoughts.

Three nomads… James, Laurent, Victoria come through the East side of the forest traveling extremely fast…..

We're going to leave the country but changed their minds when they heard the Cullens play baseball, and decided they wanted to join.

Human drinkers… End Alice's Vision

"From what I can get from my vision is that the nomads that will be arriving shortly only want to play the game with us, so we will have to protect Bella, but I think we will be ok." Alice said, while Edward nods.

Bella's Vision

Three nomads… James, Laurent, Victoria come through the East side of the forest traveling extremely fast in 5 minutes..

We're going to leave the country but changed their minds when they heard the Cullens play baseball, and decided they wanted to join.

Human drinkers… James a Tracker won't stop until he gets me, but something is telling me that we shouldn't attack him tonight because something crucial has to happen first. Laurent and Victoria rejoice when James is finally killed and they join us in some way changing their diet. Edward, Alice, Jasper, & me go on a trip to lure James away from Charlie, which is where James will be killed. Laurent and Victoria convince James that they will stay behind as a ruse to report back to him, if Bella comes back into town, instead they hide out in the Cullen mansion while Carlisle, Esme, Rose & Emmett await news from the rest of us regarding James….. End vision

"A Bella, You looked like you were in vision like Alice but your eyes were purple." Said Edward concerned

"Well I guess I was in a vision. It was strange because I was seeing your vision, hearing your thoughts Alice the same time I was in my own vision. The thing is your vision ended where it appears that they only want to play baseball. Everything is going to be fine tonight but we will have to watch out for James. He is unfortunately going to try and attack me and try and kill me. Don't worry Edward; nothing will happen to me that which I can see. We cannot attack and kill him tonight, because something crucial needs to happen first. Laurent and Victoria are harmless, looks like they will be joining ours and changing their diet. Don't mention it because they need to keep up their ruse to trick James into following Edward, me, Alice & Jasper. If we don't Charlie will be in danger, and the plan won't work in our favor."

"I think we have a winner on visions." Emmett said

"Em, this isn't a competition. For some reason when I gained Edward's, and Jasper's and now Alice's gift I somehow made it more advanced"

"Your right love, so when are they supposed to arrive." Said Edward

"5 minutes from now but we can't run off just yet because James will follow my scent and go to Charlie's and attack there."

"What do we do then, if we can't leave to get Bella to safety, nor can we attack James" Said Emmett

"We continue to play and await their arrival, then we do what Bella's vision said in order to avoid the wrong casualty."

"Sounds good to me" Said Everyone.

I watched the Cullens play for a little while, and just as my vision foretold, the nomads arrived in the far East of the forest right at the 5 minute mark.

If only I could find some way to escape this type of life, I am sick of feeding off of humans, innocent humans no doubt. I hate James he is so vindictive, but I am afraid he will hunt me down if I escape. I need an out. I wonder if there is some other way to live as a vampire and not have to feed on humans. He is not my mate, I know that much. He is my sire though and won't let me go and abuses me every chance he gets. ~Victoria

I keep Victoria around because she is a good lay, but she is just as pathetic as the humans. I love the abuse and I love threatening her that I would kill her if she should double cross me or leave me. I would hunt her. I am a tracker that is my job track. I only let one human get away from me. I wonder what happened to her after she was turned into a vampire and escaped the insane asylum. If I ever find her I might just killer her she was my singer. If I couldn't enjoy her then no one can. ~James

I shivered at James's thoughts. From my visions I knew he was ruthless, just didn't know how much. He shouldn't be a problem though too much longer. I wonder what human-turned vampire got away from James, and why is he staring intently at Alice. Maybe that's part of the crucial element that we find out and that's why we can't kill him just yet.

I hate James, and the way he treats Victoria. I am just not strong enough to kill him. He is just that lethal. I am not going to leave the coven yet because I want to make sure that Victoria will be ok. She isn't my mate but I view her as family. It is strange. I am force to be a human-drinker in order to keep up the ruse in James's coven but I still somehow retained my humanity. I need to find some other alternative to feed than humans. I can't wait to play baseball with these other Vampires. Why are their eyes golden? Maybe they will help me with an alternative way to feed. ~Laurent

Just then Laurent hands over the ball that was in play just a moment ago as a form of peacemaking I suppose. "Is there room for three more players, I haven't played in such a long time." Said Laurent, while James just rolls his eyes

"of course you can play with us. Are you staying long?" Said Carlisle

"Oh no we are just passing through and heard the ball game going on and just thought we would play before we go. The humans were tracking us but we led them astray before doubling back to this field. They won't be coming through anytime soon." Laurent said, trying to keep up with the ruse that he is loyal to James.

"Yes your hunting activities are beginning to cause some problems for us. We interact with the humans rather than feed off of them and this place is our permanent residence. So we appreciated while you are so-called visiting that you hunt outside of this territory." Said Carlisle

"That won't be a problem sir we don't plan on staying longer then a game of baseball and then we will be on our way. We already noticed that staying here and feeding here is going to cause problems for the both of us." Said Laurent.

"Ok the teams are as follows: Esme (Pitcher), Jasper (Catcher), James, Rose, Laurent on one team and Carlisle (Catcher) Edward, Emmett, Victoria, and me (Pitcher) on the other. Bella will be the umpire. My team is up first then we will switch." Said Alice

I like they are trying to disguise me so that I wouldn't draw attention to James; but at the same time it has to happen in order for things to go as plan.

Alice pitches the ball towards Laurent who in turn slams the ball right into Edwards's hands. "You're out" The other vampires are curious about my voice not sounding like a vampire, but don't think anything of it since I am pale like the rest of them. So they continue to play. That was close. Laurent sulks back clearly upset that he got out so quickly.

Next I watched James Power-slam causing a slight breeze to pick up as the ball whizzes by me. At the same time my scent floats directly towards James who screeches to a halt and tries to get to me, but instead Edward jumps in front of me baring his teeth and growling at James. "I see you brought a snack, care to share." Said James in an eerie voice

What is with these Cullens, keeping a pet and defending her no-doubt? This should be a challenge. I am in the mood for a good game ~James

"Like my family said we don't harm or feed on humans, she is with us as family. She is not a Pet." Said Edward

"So you can read minds, good to know, for the future when I hunt down your human" James said in a menacing voice

"James there is three of us and 7 of them; we really shouldn't be picking a fight with them. It will get us all killed and you won't be able to get your kill. We are terribly sorry Cullens; we won't be harming your human." Edward, I am sure you are aware that I am just trying to defuse the situation. I really don't want to cause any problems. Now if I could just escape James myself. Please help" ~Laurent

Edward just nods ever so slightly not to attract the attention from James who is currently locking eyes with me.

Suit yourself I won't rest until I get my kill.

"I think it is best that you all leave, the game was over as soon as James tried to attack a member of my family, even if she is human" Said Carlisle

"I agree I believe it is time to go. Come on James back away" Laurent said. James still appeared to not want to budge. Is he that stupid? He is outnumbered. When James wouldn't budge Laurent puts a hand on James's shoulder until he finally decides to back down and leave.

Edward mark my words Bella is going to be my next victim. ~James

Just before the rest follow I projected my thoughts to Laurent and Victoria.

Laurent, and Victoria, don't be alarmed it's me Bella. I want you to go with James and keep up the ruse, but when he follows my scent, make up an excuse to stay behind and then double back to the Cullens, you will be safe there I promise Why don't you tell him your are staying in Forks just in case I somehow make it back here before he is able to follow me again and that you think it would be safer if you are not alone since some of the Cullens are going to be staying behind, which is what all of you will find out. Do I make myself clear…? Ok, Laurent if you understand the plan and are actually going to follow it turn around one last time and apologize, and Victoria the same goes with you, except you ask Laurent to hurry it up before James decides to attack again, ok. ~Bella

Just as I instructed Laurent turns around and address the Cullens. "I am really sorry for the trouble we cause. We won't cause any more problems with the town and we won't harm her."

I will do as you plan Bella, hope this works. See you soon. ~Laurent

"Come on Laurent, if we don't hurry it up James might get the idea to attack again." Victoria said

Thanks again Bella, I hope your plan works. I want to be free of James and not have to constantly look over my shoulder. See you soon. ~Victoria

With that they both quickly turned around and followed James and exited the forest.

After all the Baseball equipment is picked up, my vision comes to fruition.

"Ok, Bella, Edward, Jasper and Alice head out and we will be right behind you. Let's go back to the house to discuss things."

We need to create a distraction so that Laurent and Victoria get a chance to stay behind. Maybe even create several different scent trails using one of us. ~Carlisle Both Edward and I just nod.

Edward quickly takes me in his arms and races to his car followed by Alice and Jasper at his tail.

"Sorry Bella that you are in danger yet again."

"Edward shush this has to happen this way, trust me."

"Alright love I believe you I just worry that's all."

"I know you do., I worry about you too"