Before Eternity

by Polkadottedgiraffe11

The story was far from over. It had been three years since the birth of her children & the fateful confrontation with her younger half-sister, Bella. And, though Anastasia Swan may have built a life for herself in Volterra & with the Volturi, with her children, & her mates, the adventures were far from over & other challenges awaited on the horizon. Sequel to We Three Kings.

8. Central Africa: Down Time

No One's POV

The rowdy cheers drew Anastasia out of her concentration and her steady typing at her laptop as she focused on the reports for the Mercy Corps, prompting her to stand up from her make-shift desk and walk outside her tent.

"What's going on here?" Anastasia questions as she looks around at the group of military soldiers that appear loosely grouped in a circle, including the Captain.

"Ma'am," Captain Pierce nods politely to her as she walks up to them. "Just killing some time between shifts." He offers.

"Soccer?" Anastasia asks as she observes several military men and women kicking a dusty ball several meters down from her, makeshift goals put up with what looks to be cones or spare tires. "Looks like fun." She adds when she gets a nod in confirmation.

"Know how to play, ma'am?"

"I do, as a matter of fact. I played most of my childhood and in high school." Anastasia comments. "It's been quite some time, however. At least five or more years."

"Care to join?" Pierce offers. "We were looking for one more player to even up the teams. Then we may have full teams. I was sitting out for a reason. Let the men play."

"Why not," Anastasia smiles. "I warn you. I'm probably a little rusty." Anastasia warns a bit playfully as she sheds her light Columbia sportswear long-sleeve that it meant to keep the sun from burning her skin, leaving her in a tank top, joking wolf whistles erupting from a few of the men, although they knew she was married, the easy comradery was easy to fall into.

"Looks like we have a full team, boys!" Pierce calls out as he runs onto the field, jogging onto the opposite team.

"Ladies first." He offers as he lobs the ball towards her direction.

"Oh, you're on." Anastasia flashes a smile towards him, just a tad bit too sharp, as she kicks it hard in the direction towards his team, passing it off towards a fellow solider on her team.

An update!? *gasp*

I hope everyone is well in this COVID crazy.

I will have unexpected downtime in the next few weeks. Thank you all for your kind words.

Stay safe & Merry (early) Christmas!

Much love,

Polkadot