Play Ball

Saturday morning was quiet. I listened for Charlie to see if I could hear him in the house.

"He left before dawn," Paul's voice rang behind me.

I started a bit before turning to look at his glorious face. His eyes were still closed but he still had a smirk on those delectable lips. He opened an eye to peek at me, it only caused me to blush. His smirk spreading out into a wide smile as he hugs me tightly.

"I'm just glad you're here right now," I said sheepishly.

He chuckled and leaned over to kiss my head. "I'm not going anywhere princess," he whispered.

"Good," I replied.

I felt a slight quake coming from Paul's body as he chuckled deeply. "Did you have anything planned for this morning," he whispered against the shell of my ear.

I shuddered with pleasure as he grazed his teeth slowly down the length of my neck. I felt the goosebumps rising in the wake of the trail he left. I rolled over onto my back to see his face better. He was so handsome and looking at him now made me wonder how I was able to fight my real feelings for him.

"Just seeing Jake before the game tonight," I whispered.

I completely understood why he disliked Jacob so much, but I was honest and upfront about everything. It was the least I could do for the pain I caused.

"You've got time then," he replied his lips pressing kisses against my neck.

Apart of me wanted to protest but a bigger part just wanted to give in. It was easier that way. Everything had become so easy since I accepted the imprint and given everything I had to someone I knew I would love for the rest of my life. I don't know how but I knew I wouldn't be able to deny him anything. Trust the bond young one. My own personal sylph always so wise. It was just a few weeks ago that I wanted to erase him from my head and then Embry Call phasing too close. I never thought about how it had affected him to see his imprint so hurt and not wanting his comfort. At the time I was so confused and so many emotions were flooding through me.

It was spring break and knowing there was merfolk nearby made me curious. I could take a couple of days and find out what i needed to know. I needed to know that I was going to be okay and that there was hope yet. I didn't want to be consumed by the darkness I could feel lingering deep within my soul. I wasn't afraid to admit how scared I was about it.

"Hey," Paul's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "Where'd you go just now," his voice was filled with concern.

"Paul, do you think I'm bad," I asked.

He smirked at me, "I guess you can be when you want to be, baby."

I rolled my eyes, "I'm being serious, Paul."

He chuckled before turning serious again. "Listen Princess, you have the purest heart I know. So, no. I know you're not bad."

I gave him a small smile before reaching up to kiss him. He pulled back pressing his forehead to mine, his brow furrowed.

"What brought that on beautiful," he asked.

"I don't know. I think the reason I keep losing control is because I'm being consumed by a darkness. It's when a mermaid becomes something else. Something dark and dangerous, I'm just scared that it'll happen," I confessed.

"Hey, listen to me. You're not going to be like that. Okay, you're not. Sure you have some moments but you forget that you're still human too. You're allowed to make mistakes," his voice was stern and even. He was so sure of what he was saying, was true.

"Are you always so sure of yourself," I asked sheepishly with a small smile.

"I'm just sure about you," he whispered before pressing his lips to mine.

In that one moment I knew that we'd be okay. He believes in me and that to me is enough. I already know that he loves me unconditionally because the feelings are mutual. I could barely make a conscious thought without him popping up in my head.

"Ever so confident," I mumbled against his lips, a smile forming on my face.

"You got that right babe," he smirked.

After a very satisfying love making and shower, I make a hearty breakfast for Paul and myself before heading out to La Push.

"You really should consider getting a better vehicle Princess," Paul said as he played with the dials of the radio.

"Hey, don't hate the truck," I chided.

"I was just trying to put your best interest at heart Princess," he smiled.

I rolled my eyes. "Sure, sure," I smirked.

We were pulling up outside Jake's place when we saw Quil stomping off. He looked angry and I couldn't blame him. Jake and Embry were both avoiding him. I never understood why they couldn't tell him since his family was on the council or whatever.

"He's got a week tops with that attitude," Paul said looking worried. I just nodded.

"Should I meet you at your place," I asked.

He looked at me with a perplexed expression. Then it dawned on me, I've never been to his place.

"That'd be great," he replied, then he gave me directions and hopped out.

I slowly made my way to Jacob's front door. It was odd, the last time I was here we were an item. I knocked hoping that he wouldn't be home so I could delay the inevitable. Maybe I should have told him at the river behind my dad's house. That would have been better, somewhere familiar and comfortable. Somewhere I could escape easily. I let out a sigh heading back to the truck for a piece of paper to write out a note for Billy. I doubt Jake would get my text if he was on patrol.

After leaving the note taped to the door I made my way to the beach. It was an overcast day so no sunlight. I perched myself on the bleached driftwood log that Jacob and I usually share. It was sorta our spot. We would hang out here during my previous visits. We had both carved our names in it. I was busy tracing the outline of my own name when I heard light foot falls on the stones of the beach. I looked up and smiled as my reinstated best friend made his way towards me with a sunny smile on his face. It was my smile and it made me feel as if everything was okay and normal sometimes.

"Hey Bells," he greeted plopping down next to me.

"Hey Jake," I replied with a smile.

"So what did you want to talk about," he wondered, looking at me curiously.

I was beyond nervous about this, but he's my best friend and I could trust him with my life. I took a deep breath steadying myself and looked up at him with searching eyes.

"What do you know about mermaids," I asked casually.

He looked at me oddly for a moment before getting a thoughtful expression.

"Hmm. Not very much other than that movie we watched all the time, what was it," he teased.

"Hey, that was my favorite movie okay. It's called The Little Mermaid," I replied grinning like a cheshire cat.

"I know. I'm only teasing. Why'd you ask," he asked.

"Well, what would you say if I told you that I'm a mermaid," I asked looking at him with a serious expression. This was vital, I needed to gauge his reaction to the thought that there was more than just shapeshifters and vampires. A lot more.

He sat with a thoughtful look on his face for a few beats before letting out a loud sigh. "Is this what you've been hiding from me? All this time? The running away from me when things got too much? Avoiding me after our first fight? Then when you got hurt? Is that how you really were able to heal," he threw questions at me too fast to get a word in.

"Jake, it wasn't easy to hide from you. I did it to protect you from this world. I'm only just now getting more control over everything. It's not everyday someone just walks up to you claiming they're a mermaid, or a werewolf. I was scared okay," I felt tears smarting my eyes.

Jake sighed and pulled me into a hug. "Bells, you can trust me okay. You're one of my best friends," he said sniffing my hair. He pulled back with a scrunched up look. "You smell like Paul," he said, fake gaging.

I giggled at that. "Thanks Jake. And I take that as a compliment thank you very much."

"So, a mermaid huh," he replied. "Do I ever get to see you in your fishiness," he asked with a chuckle.

"Hmm sure. I don't see why not," I smiled.

"What about now," he said hopping off the log with excitement.

"It's too bright out. I don't want to be seen. How about tomorrow night," I suggested.

"Deal. Does Paul have to be there," he asked.

"I would like him to be there, yes. If you don't like it we can reschedule," I replied with a little bitterness.

Jake held his hands up as if in surrender and paced back a step. "Alright. I got it. Tomorrow night it is," he replied with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes hopping off the log. "What do you have planned before the game tonight," I asked.

"Yeah about that. I think you're crazy for being friends with them. But I'll try to make it," he replied sheepishly.

Huh, what is he up to?

"What you got a hot date or something," I teased.

He smirked at me. "That's it. You're in for it," he chuckled before trying to catch me.

I took off in a sprint, avoiding the water. When Jake finally caught up to me we were both laughing so hard.

"My turn," I giggled turning to run after Jake.

He ran down the beach laughing carefree. It was when he ran into the water that I stopped. I was still afraid of what happened last time I was on the beach. I still didn't trust it.

"Bells? What's wrong," Jake asked with concern.

"Nothing Jake. Just don't want to ruin my shoes," I lied smoothly.

"Seriously? Since when do you care about materialistic crap," he chuckled.

"These are my favorite sneakers," I fake pouted. They really were my favorite. I love how they hug my feet and aren't so bulky.

"Whatever you say Bells," he replied with a smile. "So whose all going to this game," he asked, his face becoming serious.

"The Cullens, Embry, Paul and Myself. Paul's asking Jared now, and Embry already agreed. Lauren isn't allowed to know, so the cover is he's got patrol," I explained.

"Ah I see. I think I have patrol after my date with Jessica," he blushed.

"I knew it! Finally! How'd you ask her out? Tell me everything," I gushed.

"I asked her out when Embry and I went out to eat at the diner yesterday," he said with a huge grin. I was happy for him.

"That's great Jake," I smiled.

"So I guess you're heading over to Paul's. I've got some cash jobs to do for the date," he smirked.

I scoffed at him. "Am I really that predictable," I chuckled.

"Only sometimes Bells," he replied with a smile.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm going to head over there now," I replied sheepishly.

"Sounds good," he smiled.

He walked me back to his place before heading off to his first job. Paul was waiting patiently for me on the porch. Jared was just leaving when I hopped out of the truck. Paul swung me around peppering me with kisses, I giggled.

"What has you so excited," I wondered.

"I sort of told Jared about us. And... Itoldhimyou'reamermaid," he rushed out the last bit. I frowned.

"I didn't catch that last part," I said sheepishly.

"I kinda told him you're a mermaid," he whispered.

I wasn't surprised since Jared was his best friend and he obviously didn't like keeping secrets from him. What hurt was knowing he keeps things from me. And I'm his imprint, his soulmate. Someone he's going to live the rest of his life with. I totally understand that they've been best friends since they were in diapers, before he left, and then came back. They still stayed strong while he lived in Tacoma. I was still new in his life, but it still bothered me some.

"And how did he take it," I asked.

"He thought I was joking at first but when he realized I wasn't, he took it pretty well," he said hugging me closer.

"Oh. Okay then," I replied.

"Hey, is everything okay? How did Jake take everything," he asked quietly.

"He took it great actually," I smiled remembering Jake's reaction. "So this is your home sweet home," I said looking at the house before me.

It was a log cabin with a stone built front. It was so manly, it definitely screamed "Paul". There was a car covered with a tarp. I was curious.

"The last thing my father left me before he took off on my mom and I," he said turning towards the front door.

"What about your mom?" I asked.

Paul took a deep breath looking down before answering my question. "Cancer," his answer was clipped and monotone. His eyes were suddenly lifeless and he looked so far away.

"I shouldn't have pried. I'm so sorry..." I whispered unable to find the right words.

"No, it's okay. You need to know, besides we are soulmates after all," he smiled a weak smile down at me as we made our way through the front door.

The small cabin was surprisingly clean and though sparsely furnished it was still stylish. He had a couple of deep brown leather couches and a matching recliner in the corner. Above the small fireplace mounted on the wall was a flat screen television. In the center of the room was a round glass coffee table. An empty bookcase was shoved in the corner.

The kitchen was straight ahead. I made my way through the living room, a hallway was off to the left of the kitchen. It was small and quaint, but modern, and functional. the countertops were a light brown granite that complemented the beautiful mahogany cabinets. A coffee maker and a couple of canisters were the only things out on the counters. The microwave was mounted above the stove and I was surprised to see that he had a dishwasher, though it wasn't a full size. To the left was a round table with four chairs. In the middle was a neat stack of napkins.

I turned to smile at Paul. He was watching me closely, trying to gauge my reaction to his home. He gave me a tour of the three bedrooms. His room had only a bed and a dresser. The other two bedrooms were nearly empty as well. The had a couple of nightstands and a futon in each.

"The last bedroom was built on," he said as we made our way to the living room. "Sam, Jared, and I built it together."

"You have a beautiful home," I said smiling up at his beautiful face.

I didn't ask him anymore questions about his parents or his past. We sat in silence for a while until it was time to head over to the Cullens.

Paul and I sat in the cab of my truck as Jared and Embry sat in the bed of the truck. The drive was quite and we arrived in timely manner. As the guys were heading inside I felt a tap on my shoulder. I was surprised to see Edward Cullen standing with his hands in his pockets.

"May I have a word with you Bella," he asked politely.

I heard Paul let out a low growl. I raised my hand to his bicep and smiled before turning back towards Edward.

"Of course," I smiled.

He led the way to a small clearing off the side of the Cullen mansion. Finally he turned and looked at me. His expression was unreadable.

"I wanted to apologize for my behavior of late. It's not my business on how you go about your life. I do hope that we can be friends," he looked so bashful.

"Thank you for your apology, Edward. I would like to be your friend," I smiled.

He smiled a large crooked grin and reached out to hug me. I returned the hug gingerly and then we headed back to the house. Paul was waiting patiently for me on the top step of the porch. He pulled me into a tight hug when I finally reached him, inhaling my scent.

"Ready to play ball?" I smiled at his obvious enthusiasm to play baseball with a bunch of vampires.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I grinned at him.

We made our way to the Cullens garage to gear up.

"We'll be running to the field by foot, is that going to be an issue with any of you," Carlisle spoke to in our direction.

"No, we got this," Jared exclaimed jumping out of his seat.

"Alright," Carlisle said.

Paul grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the forest. Hidden under a bush was a backpack, he gently strapped the bag to my back.

"It's our gear," he smirked when I looked up at him with curiosity.

"Of course," I said, returning the smile.

Paul smirked as he let his cutoffs fall to his ankles. He wrapped them in the cord and secured them to his right ankle before shifting into his enormous silver grey wolf.

I carefully climb up and nestle between his shoulder blades. He let's out a small "yelp", before trotting in the direction of the field. I know I don't need to be carried but there was just something about getting to ride on the back of my wolf.

We weren't even a quarter of the way there when I jumped off giggling. "Race ya," I smiled before taking off.

I could hear him gaining on me since I got a head start on him. It was so exhilarating. In a few short minutes we made it to the clearing, him breaking through the trees first. The Cullens were already geared up and Jasper and Rose were playing 'hand over hand' to see who got the pitch first. Alice was practicing her fast ball, and everytime it landed in Emmett's hand, the sound resonated like thunder. It was at that moment that I understood why they could only play during such a storm. It wasn't exactly said outloud but I knew that was definitely a factor in this situation. The way they all moved so gracefully was so enchanting.

"Belly Bean," Emmett shouted as he ran over. He scooped me up into a tight bear hug, spinning me around. I let out a giggle. "Are you ready to play ball, Bella? Or will you be sitting this one out," he asked me with a huge grin.

"I have wicked swing," I winked.

"Sweet," Emmett grinned.

Paul, Embry, and Jared, and I split up and made our way to our position. The Cullens were already in teams and with four of us, we choose our teams. Jared and I, teamed with Jasper, Rosalie, Carlisle and Caleb. Esme volunteered to be the umpire, she likes to keep the rest of the Cullens honest. Edward, Emmett, Paul, and Embry took to the outfield. Alice twirled the ball in her fingers waiting for everyone to take their position.

Jasper was up to bat first.

I watched his stance as he held the bat at angle away from his body. To the human eye, the ball would have been hard to miss, but the thunderous impact it made with the aluminum bat, cracked through the sky as the ball went soaring at record speeds.

I watched as Jasper sped through the bases. Edward was no where in sight.

"That's gotta be a homerun, right?" I asked in Esme's direction.

"Hmmm, Edward is very fast," she replied looking off in the distance, with a perplexed expression.

I followed her line of sight and sure enough, Edward caught the ball before it could land.

"Strike," Esme said.

Rosalie sashayed up to the plate and twirled the bat in her dominant hand. Alice smirked and with grace sent the ball flying in Rosalie's direction. With a thunderous crack she sent the ball hurling to the outfield at high speed. Without even a second thought she was off to the first base. Emmett chased after the ball, crashing into Paul before colliding into Edward catching the ball. The three boys got up with laughter.

"Strike," Paul shouted with a smirk.

Rosalie sent him a death glare.

"Nice kitty," Carlisle whispered leading her away from the boys cracking up with laughter.

Finally I stepped up to the plate. It was freeing to be myself around the Cullens and most of the pack. Alice smiled at me before gracefully sending the ball towards me. I summoned all my strength and hit the ball sending it far into the forest. I was sprinting to the first base when Alice gasped.

"Stop," she shouted. "They were leaving, but then they heard us playing." Everyone froze in record time, turning to face her.

Edwards expression turned to concern as his eyes met mine. "The pack needs to hide," Esme said, worry etched in her features. We all converged towards the home base.

"Let your hair down," Edward said handing me a hat to mask my scent.

"Like that'll help, I can smell her from across the field," Rosalie leered.

"We won't be far beautiful," Paul whispered, leaning down to kiss my cheek.

I was stunned silent, unaware of what was coming. Who was leaving? Who heard us playing?

"What's going on," I asked.

"Just stay here and don't say anything, okay darlin'," Jasper whispered.

The Cullens closed in around me and turned to face the forest where the new comers must've been predicted to enter from. I waited impatiently until I coul hear their footsteps very faintly on the damp ground. A moment more and they appeared across the field. At first I thought it was deja'vu, until realization hit.

I let out a gasp as I recognized the three intruders from my nightmares.