Did I want to go and play baseball with a vampire family? Absolutely. I was unlikely to actually play, but maybe they'd let me call the score or something. Although, I wasn't 100% sure how baseball scoring worked, so that could also be interesting.

"I'd love to…" I trailed off nervously. But where would we be going?

"You won't be actually playing with us." Edward said, reassuringly.

"That I had figured. I was actually wondering where we were going. We surely aren't playing on the Fork's High field?" I turned to look at the rest of the family, and Alice's hand raised, fast as lightning. She switched to signing as soon as she realized my gaze and attention was on her.

"There's a forest clearing in the middle of nowhere actually. We'll run to and play there."

My stomach prickled. I still was not okay being carried by Edward. Moments ago he had whisked me up the stairs and I swear that my fear was only abated by Jasper's soothing influence. Normally I was not that calm. I knew it was irrational, but losing control of my own momentum was a scary thing for me.

"I…. don't think I'll feel comfortable getting there." I said slowly, looking back at Edward with apology in my eyes. "Maybe next time we can hike out there in the day… or something." I tried not to, but I could feel shame crawling up my neck in the form of an embarrassed blush. Edward pulled me close, quickly and mumbled something that I missed.

"Pardon?" I whispered. He pulled back so that I could see his lips.

"I'm sorry." He said again. "I keep forgetting that I can't just kidnap you at my leisure."

"Well I mean, you can, but there are some caveats." I turned to the rest of the family. "Honestly, thank you so much, and next time I swear it. Between now and then I'll even make an effort to learn about baseball."

Esme and Carlisle laughed. I knew he probably didn't mean to, but Jasper looked slightly relieved. It must truly be difficult for him, having my scent rubbed all over his home. Alice looked vacant, and it wasn't until she smiled again and began filling me in that I realised what she was doing.

"The next storm worthy of a game will be three weeks from now. Plenty of time to figure out how to actually get you comfortably to the field, and to get you outfitted."

"Outfitted?" I asked, concerned. "I thought you said I wasn't playing."

"No, but you might as well look the part. We all have uniforms. " She danced away upstairs with Jasper, waving her goodbye on that strange note, and Carlisle caught my attention.

"I am sorry to say that I have to leave for a few hours, and so am unlikely to see you again today. The hospital has requested my presence for the rest of the afternoon." He held up his small silver cell phone. "It truly was a pleasure seeing you again Bella. You're always welcome here."

He gave a small bow and I grinned back shyly at him. Carlisle disappeared and reappeared with a doctor's bag and a lab coat slung casually over it. He pecked Esme chastely on the cheek, and then headed out the door. Esme too chose to leave, disappearing, into what I assumed was the kitchen. I was likely to follow her. I did really want to explore the rest of the house. I couldn't even imagine trying to buy a house this large. Edward stood up and spun around lazily in circles, his skin normal now that the sun had resigned itself to cloud cover.

"I really am sorry –" I began, but a cold, firm hand gently pressed itself to my lips.

"Please stop apologizing."

"I can't help it. I hate showing weakness." I bit my lower lip as I sighed through my nose. Edward looked thoughtful.

"You think of your fear as a weakness?"

"Of course I do. Wouldn't you?" I frowned at him. He remained still, gazing thoughtfully.

"I've never really had anything to fear before. The fear of reprimand is about as close as I would have come in the past. It makes you numb, and uncaring. There isn't really anything you can strive for, or strive to overcome."

"I'm afraid far too often for my own liking."

"You deal with it though. The strength and perseverance you show during managing it has made you better because of your fear, no?" he said. I thought about it.

"Maybe if it was something rational. Like spiders, or vampires." I added with a laugh. "But of a lack of control over my own momentum – be it through being driven, or carried – seems like a stupid fear."

"Think of it as a misplaced sense of self-preservation."

"If I had any sense of self-preservation I don't think I would have so blithely wandered into this house today." I pointed out. "You do keep reminding me of how dangerous you are." I rolled my eyes.

"You don't think I'm dangerous still?" he narrowed his eyes.

"Well feel free to start throwing trees around." I shrugged happily. Edward shook his head.

"What did the trees ever do to me?"

"Hide your squirrel snacks." I laughed. He smirked again, but then his face fell serious.

"I did find something to be afraid of though."

That took me off guard. I looked astonished at him, as he looked meaningfully at me.

"You aren't frightened of me?" I asked incredulously.

"Not of you. For you. When you were nearly hurt… if my heart could race I swear it would have burst from exertion. I've never felt so on edge, so… alive. So frail."

I waited to be sure he was done, and hugged him as hard as I could. All I succeeded in doing was ruffling his clothing, but he hugged me back.

"I'll try not to have any more near death experiences, but honestly – I've been like this my whole life. You wait until you see the scars I have." I shook my head at myself, and then laughed. To show him all my scars I'd have to strip down, and wouldn't that be an evening filled with some sexual tension? I tried to divert myself, looking around again. I was so happy that Edward couldn't read my mind.

I wandered into the zone Esme had disappeared into, and found an astonishingly beautiful kitchen. I stood, amazed at the view. It looked as immaculate and well designed as the ones you see on home renovation shows for millionaires. Esme had a miniscule stack of dishes that she was busying herself with. I gingerly peeked inside the fridge and was surprised to see a variety of things in there, including juices, eggs, butter, applesauce, carrots, and strawberries. I looked back at Edward with a question.

"Esme bakes. Frequently. All kinds of strange concoctions." He informed me. Esme looked up sharply from the bowl she had been replacing into the cupboard. I saw the mother's disapproving glare and kept my lips firmly closed and grin free.

"They aren't strange concoctions. I do my research and make sure that everything I try has been recommended by others." Esme looked rather miffed.

Edward held up his hands in acquiescence, with a grin.

"Who do you bake for?" I asked.

"The children in the hospitals mostly," she flapped her hand slightly dismissively. "They're always far too gracious with praise, and so I'm never sure if I'm actually improving at all."

"I volunteer as tribute." I murmured, smiling. Esme lit up with joy again. "I'm sure Charlie would love if I brought him baked goods too. He's always up for food."

"I'd like that!" she said, signing a 'thank you'. "Are you hungry now?"

I thought about it for a few seconds. "I don't think so, thank you."

This time Edward caught my attention with a tickle. I spun far too quickly around and lost my balance. Edward had enclosed his arms in a protective case around me, and we almost floated to the ground. As I landed on him it felt as though I'd hit a couch a little too hard, instead of splaying over the expensive tile. My heart was racing and I felt a tiny squeal of fright escape my lips as we went down. When we'd stopped I blushed and began clumsily righting myself. Edward apologized and I just laughed.

"I told you, I'm full of surprises, and near death experiences."

AN: The baseball scene is not a 'no' it's a 'later'! I can't wait to write it, and I think you'll like my plan for what I have next.