Previously on Can we start over?
"Hmm I am, my magic has been wilder than it has been for a while."
"Now, imagine my surprise when my version of meeting the girlfriend meant finding her in bed with my 17 year old daughter holding her like koala bear"
"Just a bit, these killings has been happening for the past week and it's getting closer to forks."
"End of discussion!"
Watching—Listening —waiting was all Bella was doing for the past few hours. Now at 2:30 pm the clock read she sat quietly on the brown worn leather couch. She knew how many cracks there was in the couch — how the wall paper in the far left corner of the living room was slowly peeling off —how many water marks was left on the small brown table in the living room evidence of her fathers cold beers completely disregarding the use of coasters.
So basically that was all she did since Rosalie left. She counted the marks —watching as the clock ticked.
Her magic had calmed down after she forced herself into a meditative state. The time was nigh.. the moment she would meet her tormentor someone who still invaded her sleep when the night was filled with too much noises.
When she was younger she wasn't able to make Tommy pay...she wasn't able to deal with the man that made her past self feel like a mistake but she was able to deal with someone who reminded her of him—Ethan the former running back. His own crimes was just the icing on top.
Edward hadn't plagued her as much ..—don't get her wrong she didn't like him—her death at his hands was unintentional, he didn't want to hurt her physically (other than occasionally thinking of ripping her throat out for her blood) but no it wasn't premeditated.
Ethan stalked his prey similar to Tommy they held prizes of their exploits—Edward was and still is a tortured soul —broody, filled with despair and angst —ranting about his eternal damnation to whoever was willing to listen, perhaps in the past he preyed on the scum of society by reading their thoughts as he once told her but now the eternal golden eyed teenager lived in a perpetual state of despair one she didn't care to enter or be around as much as she could help it.
James was another one of those abhorrent creatures —while the previous two were human , and showcased the worst of humanity this one was a vampire, she was sure he was one of the lowest forms of a vampire—her only examples of vampires being the Cullens showed her how heinous he was. He preyed on the insecurities, weaknesses of his victims —used their love for their family or friends to lure them out. Lulling them into a false sense of security before destroying whatever glimpse of hope they managed to conjure up.
To Bella he deserved to die there was no doubt about it and now she was only a few short hours away from granting him that fate.
Cullens manor
Her drive to the Cullens home was silent, the radio was off and she was stuck in her own thoughts, she knew Rosalie might've been angry at the lack of information she provided about the current attacks but she also knew it was for their own good. She needed James to show up .. puff his chest like he was the apex predator —smell her delicious blood and start his little game with her being the main character. She could deal with Rosalie's anger later. Or maybe she could placate the vampire a bit with a steamy type curling kiss ? ' nah she won't be that easy' she thought with a stiff laugh.
Pulling up to the glass mansion she shut her car off and exited the car quickly. Wearing a black jeans , grey long sleeved shirt and her leather jacket. Her shoes were good enough for walking through the muddied woods—combat boots— her hair tied up in a loose bun with thin strands hanging loose—not exactly screaming baseball but it wasn't like they would allow her to play either way.
She remembered her abrupt departure yesterday —though Esme did say she was welcome anytime she imagined the next time she visited the home would've been with her lover in tow. Now she approached the home with no one accompanying her other than her chaotic mind.
She approached the door, inhaling a quick but deep breath managing to steady and even out her heartbeat. Her knuckles barely landed on the wooden door before it was opened widely to come face to face with an energetic pixie.
"Bella" she barely managed to brace herself before the vampire quickly threw herself into the brunettes arms.
Grunting "oomph" she caught the 5'5" pixie in her arms registering her weight —though she was a petite thing her bone density or whatever made her quite heavier than Bella expected. Squeezing her in greeting.
"Well... hello to you too Ally"
Inhaling a deep breath she managed to get a deep breath of Bella's scent, she felt venom pool in her mouth. She swallowed it quickly before letting herself out of Bella's grip carefully.
"Eddy was right you do smell amazing" she said in a daze.
Bella laughed softly "Well thank you little one ... I think" she said somewhat unsurely.
"You're welcome" chirped the smallest vampire.
"You know for such a tiny vamp you're quite heavy you know" she said offhandedly as Alice lead her into the home.
Alice scoffed "are you implying I'm fat Bella?"
Bella slung her arm over Alice's shoulder lazily walking into the hallway leading into to the family room.
"A petite thing like you? Please, All I'm saying is if I didn't gym you might've broken my arms tiny" she stated.
Alice narrowed her eyes but the let it go after all they finally had the chance of playing baseball today.
They could show Bella just how cool their version of baseball was plus they get to wear cute outfits which was always a plus in her book.
"Are you excited?" She asked barely holding her own exuberance back. They were in the family room, where the rest of the family was including Edward. Well Rose wasn't there since she was still getting ready upstairs but that didn't really matter—even though Rosalie was a vampire she always dressed at a humans pace which to no end frustrated Alice especially when she they went shopping.
Bella greeted the rest of the Cullens with a smile and a wave, nodding her head politely toward Edward who stood in the corner with his arms folded. He himself wore a tight smile dressed in their baseball attire.
Shrugging slightly she looked to the excitable pixie " eh...I never really liked baseball much—don't know what's happening either. Besides" she paused leaning closer to Alice like she was about to tell her a secret.
"The only bases I'm interested in is rounding it with your sister" she said in stage whisper.
Obviously around vampires the whisper might as well be the volume of a usual conversation. Everyone found it funny besides Edward who thankfully kept his more unsavory comments to himself though Rosalie had no such inclination.
She scoffed loudly announcing her presence in the room. Turning to face the sound Bella faced Rosalie, who fixed the brunette with a scathing glare.
"I'd like to see you try" she said, giving Bella a knowing look, it was clear she wouldn't allow Bella to do anything or progress their relationship further before she came clean.
Bella on the other hand was used to the glares and would usually just laugh it off but this time she gave the blonde vampire a small on shake of her head as if to say 'Now's not the Time' —because it wasn't she didn't want to bring anything up right now — giving them something to worry about and something that definitely would merit more of an explanation than she was willing to give at the moment.
The stare off between the couple was interrupted by Alice clapping her hands loudly. "it's time to go" she chirped oblivious to the tension between the new couple.
Edward was not nor was Esme, she knew Rosalie well and she could see her daughter was upset —at who was clear (Bella) considering the scathing glare pointed towards her, but as to the why though? It completely eluded her.
Edward on the other hand had difficulty reading Rosalie , which wasn't surprising—normally even though she mostly kept her mind silent there would still be pieces of information slipping through but now he likened her mind being locked up tight as Fort Knox. He was sure hiding something—something she didn't want the family to know but the what he didn't know so he attempted to bait her the only way he knew how.
"Trouble in paradise already? Hasn't it only been a day since you two got together"
A warning growl broke through the room, Rosalie was about to tear into her brother for involving himself once again in her relationship but before she could even utter a word. A voice cut her off, it was familiar yet very different—the coolness in the tone sent a shiver down her spine.
"It'll do you well to hold your tongue Edward" said Bella icily, without waiting on the reaction of the others she left the room.
Emmet whistled lowly " damn Bella bear that was icy , you've got to up your game Rosie or Bella's gonna take your title of resident ice queen"
Driving to the field where the Cullens usually played their favorite American past time was quiet, aside from Emmet trying to fill up the Jeep with little facts. Rosalie sat in the front seat while Bella sat in the back staring aimlessly at the green trees zipping by.
Bella humored the large vampire with little quips of her own barely interested in carrying the conversation but never denying Emmet the opportunity too.
Rosalie on the other hand was quite, barely spoke other than answered when a question was directed at her. If the drive was uncomfortable no one mentioned it.
Bella was sure the only reason they were using the Jeep was because the terrain was rough and she was supposedly 'human' so jostling her too much might cause her organs to fold into each other.
She appreciated the care but she could've forgone the silent treatment from Rosalie, which was only giving credit to Edwards theory.
The Jeep was brought to a quick stop. "come on Bella-bear we're here" said Emmet happily, though underneath he was seriously happy just to be out of the strenuous tension of the new couple.
Bella grinned at Emmet and quickly hopped out of the Jeep following the large vampire as he lead them to the clearing.
Everyone else was already there setting up the clearing for the game. Jasper and Carlisle were laying out the bases putting ample space between them—which was obviously larger than a regular game considering vampires had supernatural feats.
Alice with the help of a petulant Edward was building the mound while Esme supervised. She smiled at Esme bossing them around— it was clear that they didn't take as long as the drive did to get to the clearing considering their progress.
"I'm gonna go over there"said Emmet before quickly blurring to assist anyone who needed it. Bella watched from her spot while Rosalie stood a few feet away from her with her arms folded across her chest.
Giving the vampire a once over she couldn't help but appreciate the view of Rosalie's ass in the tight baseball pants—Her hair braided, with a few loose strands the girl defiantly looked sporty—something Bella appreciates more than she did the first time around.
"You look great by the way" complimented Bella after she finished checking out her mate, as discreetly as she possibly could.
"I know" answered Rosalie not looking at the brunette, but she definitely felt the enchantress's heated gaze on her.
"When will you say more than two words to me?"
Rosalie turned to look at her mate this time, her face softened slightly before she caught herself, blanking her expression.
"The moment you're completely honest" Was all she said as she walked away to join her family who at least had the decency to pretend they weren't listening.
"Fuck" whispered Bella.
"Language" admonished Esme quickly . Bella chuckled dryly, giving the woman a sheepish smile.
"Sorry Esme"
"It's fine Bella" she said coming closer to the human girl. She worried for Rosalie but whatever was going on between them was clear it wasn't any of her business —she had faith that the couple would sort out their differences themselves without any other intervention—well hopefully she did —after all her daughter was quite stubborn.
"You okay?" Asked Esme softly. Bella shrugged before answering —the honest answer was a big fat No! she wasn't okay—she hated lying or being less than forthcoming but right now she needed to be exactly that and even though her lover was angry with her she would rather risk angering her mate than costing innocent lives.
"Do you want me to be honest or give you the generic 'I'm fine'?" She asked wryly.
Esme gave the teenager a thoughtful smile, even though the girl was young she could see she went through a lot—her eyes gave her away they looked tired—exhausted.
"It seems that lying got you into this mess in the first place, so how about going for the truth this time?"
Bella barked out a dry laugh, she couldn't even deny it Esme as always was spot on.She really did miss the older brunette—she treated her as a daughter much better than her own mother did and even know in this time line—though they didn't know each other well it was clear she was willing to lend a sympathetic ear.
She turned to look to the field where the rest were preparing, she watched Rosalie laugh at Emmets joke. A twinge of jealousy coiled in her gut before she shaking it away.
"The simple but honest answer is No, I'm not okay.."
"Is it because of your argument with Rosalie?" She asked quietly trying to give the girl some privacy.
Bella shook her head " we didn't have a fight per say but" pursing her lips she continued trying not to give much away "let's just say she asked things...things I can't really answer right now"
"Can't or won't?"
Bella chuckled without amusement " either" she exhaled a sigh "it's better that way" she said with a firm nod to herself.
Esme raised an eyebrow at how strained it sounded, she noticed the girls shoulders tense. And she realized that even when she came to the house she was just as tense not even really relaxing when she joked around with Alice. She thought about the words before settling on her next question hopefully not prying too much into the young teenagers life.
"Better for who? You or her" Bella turned to face Esme at the last question.She gave the woman a small smile with a shrug of her shoulders.
"I don't know? Everyone maybe? ... or maybe Im keeping things to myself for my own selfish reasons.. but" her smile this time was contrite "but what I do know? Is that it wouldn't do her much good even if she knew" she said the last part softly only loud enough for Esme too hear because at the exact same time the first signs of the rolling thunder pounded through the sky, announcing the start of the baseball game.
Alice jumped happily on the mound they were all split into teams, Alice,Jasper and Edward vs Carlisle , Emmet and Rosalie with Esme playing catcher for both teams.
"It's time" she squealed. Esme motioned Bella to follow her.
"Come on Bella even though you can't play , you'll be the umpire. We can't have them judging their own games they cheat" she said matter of factly, staring at Alice and Edward who gave her a guilty look.
Bella laughed softly and followed Esme down to the clearing, she positioned herself behind the brunette vampire who took up the catchers position.
"Just call them like you see it Bella"
Bella nodded she looked to the mound and watched Alice prepare herself.
"Batter up" Carlisle stood in the batters box assuming the batters stance. Bella knee if she blinked she would miss the pitch , so she kept her eyes studiously on a ball.
Carlisle hit a grounder, the ball rolling between the 2nd and 3rd. He made it to first base relatively safely. Next was Emmet who slammed the ball into the deep woods, Bella let out a whistle.
"That's got to be a home run"
Esme stood up from her position " no Edwards the fastest" she said quietly Bella hadn't even noticed Edward gone before he returned with ball in hand.
"So Emmet you're out" she said with a small smile, the large vampire groaned cursing eddy's speed.
"Come on Rosie get us home" cheered Emmet.
Rosalie who now assumed her batters position waited for the first pitch to be thrown.
Whoosh'
A loud smack of a ball meeting nothing but glove echoed in the clearing"Strike one" said Bella loud enough, Rosalie gave her a look before turning back to face Alice.
The same action happened again, this time Rosalie swung the heavy bat barely missing it. "Strike two"
The blonde scoffed before kicking the ground fixing her feet, she narrowed her eyes at the tiny vampire on the mound who seemed to be enjoying herself way too much. The pitcher did a full wind up not even caring about Carlisle who was in a position to steal a base , landing him on third.
This time instead of the ball meeting glove, it landed with sickening crack to the sweet spot of the bat.
The ball bounced on the ground but the force propelled it forward launching it between bases, Rosalie dropped the bat and started running to first. The next few seconds happened so quick that Bella had a hard time keeping up, the ball was with Esme then went back to first. Which meant that Alice's team managed to complete a double play in a few seconds.
"And That's all folks" said Bella chirpily as Alice jumped up and down. Carlisle took his out like a champ while Rosalie scoffed angrily cleaning off her pants.
"You'll get them next time Rose" she said placatingly but the vampire didn't even look her way before walking away.
Groaning Bella mumbled " guess its back to the beginning then" she felt a comforting pat to her shoulder.
"Don't worry sweetheart I'm sure you'll make up" said Esme trying to comfort the teenager.
"Yeah, but the question is when" she asked to no one in particular.
The game continued in vigor only increasing in intensity, Emmet climbing up trees like a monkey and Bella couldn't help but feel a burst of anger and jealousy when Rosalie commented.
"My monkey man" Bella bit the inside of her cheek forcing herself not to respond, and trying very hard to not acknowledging the borderline flirtatious comment either.
Alice was about to pick up another ball since the other one was lost somewhere in the woods.
Her vision blurred the tell tale signs of an incoming vision.She gasped loudly attracting the attention of everyone around her—Edward rushed toward his family quickly relating Alice's vision—before she knew it she was standing between Rose and Emmet, with the entire Cullen family forming a protective wall around her. Rosalie pulled down her hair in an attempt to cover her scent.
"That won't help I can smell her across the field" grunted Edward unhelpfully but nevertheless true. Rosalie snarled in response but Bella put her hand on her arm.
"Edwards right, and you know it" she said quietly. Her heart beat was calm — even in the quickness of everything she knew what was about to happen. The passing nomads heard the Cullens playing baseball and wanted to see if they could join.
Rosalie pulled Bella closer to her "Stay behind me" she ordered, Bella raised a brow at the command, seeing her questioning look she softened her face " please" she added. Bella turned away not giving her a verbal response nor a physical one.
The next few moments happened too quickly, James was about to leave when a breeze swept through the clearing carrying Bella's scent toward the tracker. His face lit up in delight, his fangs glistening even underneath the darkening sky.
"I see you've brought a snack" he quipped, his eyes never leaving Bella's brown ones. Bella didn't look away instead she stared at him head on, she wasn't going to let him play games with her —nor was she going to give him the satisfaction of cowering underneath his gaze.
"She's not a meal, she's family — if that's all I suggest you leave" spoke the patriarch —'Carlisle ever the diplomat' thought Bella dimly. James didn't move instead he tilted his head, licking his lips—as he watched the delectable human with rapt interest.
Bella didn't know but she just made it the most interesting game for James. She baited him—much more than her shyness and fear did the first time.
Laurent cleared his throat unnecessarily " I see" he said with a small nod—the French vampire knew he wasn't match for the golden eyed vampires, besides their lifestyle choices interested him. Now all he had to do was get James and Victoria away from them and continue their journey.
"Apologies our mistake then. James , Victoria we're leaving" he said turning away from the group. Victoria followed but James remained standing still.
"What's your name human" he questioned curiously.He heard the blonde haired female growl pulling the human closer to her. He chuckled at her protectiveness. 'Interesting'
"Her name is none of your concern!" said Rosalie icily. Bella quirked a brow staring at James unimpressed.
"What she said" she thumbed toward the blonde, her voice calm, not even trembling. He couldn't lie he found the human fascinating—her bravado wasn't false the telling signs of her heartbeat told him so—he just thought it was because she was surrounded by her vampire protectors.
'Not for long' he thought with a menacing smirk.
"James" said Laurent once more this time firmer. The bare-chested, barefooted blonde male turned to leave but gave the human a wink over his shoulder.
"You've got spunk" he teased, this time his face took on a more crueler look. His dull red eyes alight with challenge
"I like that"
A/N much longer chapter.
Man I hope you guys like this , seriously though I know nothing about baseball— the only stuff I know is from an anime ️
A bit of Esme and Bella there.
Edward being Edward.
Anyways finally introducing James...what will the Cullens reaction be to Bella's blatant disregard for her safety?
What will Rosalie say? Even knowing that her mate is an enchantress will her vampire side still be overprotective ? Or will she accept that Bella can fend for herself ?