"Walking?" Edward asked as we set off for the clearing. I nodded. I went through that twice in one day, I wasn't brave enough to go for three.
"Walking." I clarified. He just grumbled something and started off in front of me. I felt bad for slowing him down, but he was allowed to leave me behind any time he wanted to. I would probably get lost and fall and kill myself, but at least he'd get where he wanted to go.
"I'm sorry." I said after another dead silence.
"For what?"
"Being so slow." He forced a laugh.
"You're only human, Bella. I can't except you to be able to keep up all the time." He glanced over at me.
"That's the problem." I sighed, and looked down at my feet. I had a feeling this topic would make him angry again.
"What is?" He was curious, and I could tell. Sad, how he didn't know what I was going to say, when it was so obvious.
"That I'm only human." He groaned and shook his head.
"Not again, Bella, please. We've been through this a thousand times or more, and every time you get the same answer from me. So why keep bothering with it? I'm not going to do it." I exhaled slowly.
"Please?" I was pushing the matter, and something told me that sooner or later he was going to explode.
"No!" Edward bellowed. I cringed back in fear, and kept my eyes on the ground.
"I'm sorry." I whimpered. He stopped, and before I noticed, I had already bumped right into him. Slowly, I looked up. He was staring at me. His gaze was torn between fury and sadness. He didn't speak. Instead, he placed his palm on my cheek and sighed. I'm sure he felt my heart accelerate, but he made no sign of noticing.
"Edward?" I breathed. He tilted his head slightly to the side and let his hand slid down to my shoulder.
"Yes, Bella?" I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what I wanted to say. I was at a complete loss for words.
"We should get going, or they're going to start without us." I frowned as he turned back around and continued trudging on. I followed him, still trying to avoid all of the dangerous twigs and branches that were – or so I thought – out to kill me.
"How much longer?" I asked.
"We're there." He answered, leading me into a large open clearing. It was huge. Bigger than I had imagined.
"It looks to be about a hundred acres or more." I gasped.
"You didn't expect us to play in some little clearing, did you?" Alice asked. I shook my head.
"No, I guess not." I chuckled.
"You're going to go sit with Esme. She's right over there." More walking. I nodded and was about to start heading over when I felt something tug at my arm. Edward was staring at me, and I stared back. What did he want? I wondered.
"I'm worried." He said quietly.
"Edward, I'll be fine. Stop worrying. Just play the game and have fun." He hesitated before leaning down and allowing his lips to gently brush against mine. My heart rate skyrocketed, and I stumbled backwards. He caught me, and allowed me to steady myself before running off to join his family.
As I approached Esme, I could feel my cheeks burning. No doubt I was crimson already. It's funny how the smallest touch could affect me so much. I sank down into the grass and touched my lips with my fingertips. I didn't even seem to notice Esme sink down next to me.
"Are you ready for the game to begin?" She asked me softly.
"Go team." I managed to say, allowing a giggle to escape with it.
"Batter up." She said.
I watched as Rosalie stood at home plate. She held the bat up, and Alice whipped her arm out. There was neither sound, nor any movement until she swung. I covered my ears as the ball and the bat made contact. Edward was gone for only a moment before he returned. He must've thrown the ball to Carlisle, who them must've touched home, because Esme smiled and called, "Out!"
I wasn't sure if I should clap or what, so I just sat still. Watching the baseball game unfold with much interest. I suddenly wondered what it would be like to be out there, in the field next to Edward. They would hit the ball… and I would go after it. In mere seconds I would be back, throwing it to Carlisle… who would get someone out…
"Bella?"
"Huh?" I looked at Esme quickly, unsure of what she wanted, and upset that she ruined my fantasy.
"Edward's batting." She informed me.
"Already?" That was fast. I had never seen a full game, and I wondered how long it lasted. Nine innings? Or until they gave up?
"Are you cold?" I shook my head.
"No. I'm fine, thank you." I paused for a moment. "How long does a game usually last?" I asked curiously. Figuring that I might as well find out now.
"It all depends. Sometimes it can last for hours, but I don't think it will be too long tonight. It seems that Edward wants to get back to you as soon as possible." I blushed and looked away. I really didn't like it when they brought up Edward and I. Somehow it made me uncomfortable. It wasn't like it was anything new, but still… it was strange.
"Who's winning?" I was trying to keep things from getting too awkward, but I don't think it was working. Well, at least not for me.
"Edward's team." She said, glancing over at me.
I couldn't keep up with it all. They were far too fast for me, and the day's events were finally beginning to get to me. I felt my eyes close, and I remember the cold grass, but that was it.