Disclaimer: Don't own world of Twilight. That privilege goes to Stephenie Meyer.
A/N: Had some fun with this, and yeah, it's still a little short. Anyways, it's my interpretation of "game days" with the Cullens. Has to be interesting to watch, and good for more than just one laugh. Anyways, this should be the last chapter before I'm headed off for break, so enjoy and have fun over the holiday!
Chapter Twenty Two-- Conniving
Emmett rolled the ball between his hands, smiling ecstatically as thunder boomed over our heads. I watched him suspiciously, waiting for him to make the first move. Carlisle and Jasper flanked my sides, with Alice and Rosalie waiting patiently behind us, plotting yet another shopping trip. They didn't fool me—they were waiting as alertly as any of the rest of us, very aware of every movement despite their relaxed demeanors. Esme sat on the sideline this time: she was the referee, a very important position in our adapted game of "soccer." Each individual was a team, aiming to get the ball past the flag designated as his or her "goal." There was no need for goalies in this game: whoever didn't have the ball at the time would unite against whoever did. As a result, we often played very dirty games that made the brawls at European soccer stadiums look like playground tussles.
The cool mountain air ripped around the circular field; Emmett cast his eyes towards the sky with a slight frown. I heard the thought that ran through his mind: he was concerned that our few short days of games might be cut short if the storm blew over. I darted forward abruptly, knocking the ball from his hands and darting away quickly. Before I was more than a few long-legged steps away, someone crashed into my calves, knocking me to the ground. Rosalie dashed past me, laughing, ball now in her possession and headed towards the light pink flag that marked her goal The only thought that went through my mind was: Pink. How typical of Rosie. I felt the dead weight pick itself up off my legs: I leaped to my feet, eyeing Jasper critically. He was laughing too, and I heard the thought that he directed at me: Can't go easy on you just because you've been gone!
Emmett and Carlisle were already hot on Rosalie's trail, but Alice was sure to beat them: she was already standing in front of Rosalie's flag, poised to strike. Jasper and I glanced at each other, then dashed across the field at breakneck speed. Still, we were too late to do anything but laugh as Alice darted forward, neatly stealing the ball and tripping Rosalie in the same movement. Emmett was there in an instant, pulling Rosalie to her feet while her murderous thoughts went racing through my head. Jasper was already racing ahead towards Alice. I looked around the field as I ran: Where was Carlisle? I could catch the tenor of his thoughts: he was watching the action, of that I was sure, but I couldn't see him.
He suddenly sprang from his hiding place in the trees, catching Alice by surprise: she evidently hadn't seen that one coming. Carlisle scooped up the ball in his hands, running for his own goal, but a whistle from Esme brought him up short. He looked at her, rather pitifully, as she began crossing the field, a "You-of-all-people-should-know-better" look on her face. Once she reached him, she lifted the ball out of his hands. Before she could say anything about the no-hands rule, Emmett barreled into them, knocking the ball loose. Seeing my chance, I raced forward, leaping over the tangle of family members ahead of me. I smiled triumphantly when I caught sight of the blue flag ahead: my goal was unguarded. With one kick, I sent the ball flying past, scoring the first goal of the game.
"CHEATER!" my siblings chorused. I turned about, an innocent grin on my face.
"What?"
"You scored during a time-out!" Rosalie said, digging one finger into my chest. Behind her, Emmett scowled. He never liked the possibility of losing. Esme and Carlisle only watched.
"That wasn't a time-out. That was Esme scolding Carlisle," I stated defensively.
"It counts for the same!"
"Does not!"
"Does!"
"NOT!"
Jasper, chuckling softly, interrupted us: "Admit it Edward, you're a cheater. And a blatant one at that."
I growled, some small part of me, oddly enough, enjoying this. "I use all opportunities presented."
"Including cheating."
"Not…. Cheating. Capitalizing on distractions. Besides, you're the cheater, you're not supposed to tackle people in soccer, Jasper! Even you should know that, although your brain has probably turned to dust by now, you old relic!"
"Not supposed to, but not prohibited from it either, and at least I have the brains not to insult Carlisle!"
I hadn't exactly thought out the repercussions to my comment. Jasper was right: Carlisle was much older than him, and what I had said was not exactly flattering. But I could be concerned about that later, if ever.
"Well, you're not prohibited from scoring during a time-out either!"
"Are too!"
"Oh come on, like we really have real rules to this game?" That was Rosalie, bored and probably pouting by now.
You all lose.
That was Alice. My eyes darted about, searching for her.
There she was. Sitting next to her lime-green flag, a smirk on her face.
33-1-0-0-0-0. I win.
"Conniving little fox!" I yelled.
That smirk only grew wider.