Challenging Humanity Chapter 9
Fair Day Part 1
Edward POV
I was just about to wander over to them when I heard my name being called out, I spun around to see the moron Mike himself; I just rolled my eyes and overlooked him. When I whirled around again, I saw Chief Swan and Bella walking toward the benches where the La Push gang was sitting. I ran toward them too, discreetly sitting toward Jacob and Sam.
"Hey Bella," I heard Emily and Ashley yell while at the same time springing up to hug her. I felt baffled, when had she met them?
"I love the jersey," Sue winked toward her who was reddening in response. I couldn't help but smirk. I had never seen a girl who blushed so much before or so easily except for Charlie himself.
Charlie was grinning like he had won a lottery, "Well it's about time number one came in the field," Billy laughed rolling his wheels toward us.
"I agree with Billy here," my mom added. "Did you bring something for the bake sale sweetie?" Esme got everyone's attention now.
Bella nodded she pointed toward Charlie's cruiser.
"Yeah, I'll go get it." Charlie started to go to his car when Jacob stopped him.
"Wait, we'll help too." Sam, Jared, and Seth all stood up with him. I was going to help too when I saw Bella take a seat right across from me. I couldn't lose this opportunity. It didn't help that she wouldn't even glance my way. She was moving her hands and looking at my mom. I grew frustrated; no girl has ever ignored me. I tried again to talk to her; I just couldn't sit here like a statue. I opened my mouth, but then closed it when Mrs. White came pushing her son on the wheel chair toward us.
Bella POV
Oh there is a god! I was thankful someone came. I didn't notice the guy before I sat down. It was the same guy who ran after me during lunch on the first day. Part of the 'Emmy group' I played it cool and ignored him. I busied myself in the discussion of cooking with Esme. She reminded me of Kevin's mother. I was grateful for the distraction. Did he have to be beautiful; it just made it harder when his face looked puzzled every time I ignored him. I could see he wanted to talk to me; his mom probably put him up to this. That thought made me flare with rage, but I controlled myself. I shouldn't jump to conclusions. I decided it would be just be better for me to place some space between him and me. I wonder why he was still sitting here, but my thoughts were dismissed when I saw an old lady pushing some kid on a wheelchair toward me. I smiled looking at him. His face was filled with hate, but I could see his predicament of expecting pity for him. However, that would be something he would not get from me.
"Hi, I'm Ms. White and this is my son, Cole." She pointed toward the scornful child. He looked the same age as Nathan. I stood up and hugged the lady, at the same time shaking Cole's hand. He made his gaze menacing toward me. I hid a smirk; his attitude was not new, nor was is something I didn't know how to deal with.
I pushed his wheelchair toward me and sat down smiling sweetly at him. I looked at my board, but when I reached for my marker it rolled away for me and fell off the table. I heaved in annoyance. Instead of getting the marker, I grabbed a cell phone that was on the table. It would be faster to type than write I thought.
Edward POV
I was on seventh heaven. Is it possible to freeze your jaw by smiling forever? It seemed that way. Bella was using my cell phone. She touched it. I felt like an idiot, but if she is using my cell maybe she does notice me?
Charlie and others were coming back with trays. Jacob and others joined the table again and Charlie left to talk with officer Johnson.
I starred at her while she typed on my cell. I wish I could see what she was typing, but Cole's expression told me it must be something interesting. First his face was agitated like always then turned expressionless. Slowly it turned to smile. It was the first time I had seen him smile. He has dimples. It reminded me of his dad. His dad was a great man, I had cried with Alice at his funeral. Cole sat looking at Bella while she laughed silently and typed away. Suddenly Cole started to laugh too. He was laughing openly. I starred in shock.
Mrs. White had stopped talking and she was watching Cole in amazement, everyone was. Bella and Cole noticed. Bella stood up and pushed Cole away from everyone. Mrs. White was about to follow when my mom and Mrs. Clearwater stopped her.
"Let him go Galen, his just laughed. Whatever Bella is doing, must be something good." My mom smiled.
"I was startled to see her wearing Charlie's jersey, it has been a long time since I seen that number one. The last time I saw it was when Renee was with us. When she caused a scene with Charlie." Sue said, her face turning dark.
" I remember, she was yelling and screaming at Charlie for no apparent reason." Mrs. White joined in. I saw everyone turned their attention to their discussion. I didn't know much about Mr. Swan's ex wife, but watching the three women choice of words I could guess she wasn't likable.
"Oh there was a reason alright, the reason was she hated the jersey, the small town was coming to eat her and she was mad at Charlie for making her come to a town's event. It was when she was planning to leave Charlie." Sue said. I starred in horrified wide eyes.
"But she wasn't even pregnant then, right?" Esme asked. However her expression was curious not shock.
"Oh no, but she was thinking about leaving him way before then even. She was a piece of work. I hated her. The only reason anyone put up with her was because of Charlie. I don't understand a man like him fell for a woman like that!" Mrs. White scrunched her face in disgust.
(A/N: Sue Clearwater is in bold, Esme in Italic, is normal)
"I know I wanted to kill her myself, she treated Charlie like a door mat. She just wanted Charlie to do nothing but follow her like a little puppy."
"I remember when she came to Carlisle when she was pregnant. She was actually mad for becoming pregnant!"
"That wasn't even as bad as the time when she married Charlie. Charlie took care of his parents since he was in high school, and because of Renee he had to leave them! They met again by accident few weeks later. She didn't have even a slightest bit of sympathy. Instead she pointed out how old they were and it was just time for them to go. Harry had to hold me back for giving her piece of my mind."
"I know, I was there when Charlie just walked out from the house. Their parents were the most helpful people in the world. I remember his mother used to bring me food when I was newly wedded and didn't know how to cook for myself."
"I wish I knew them. I heard about them often. When Bella was little everyone used to point out how much she resembled Charlie's parents."
"Looking at Bella right now, it seems like she just like them. Helps everyone and is always very sweet. Look at Cole now."
(A/N: conversation ended)
We all turned to see Cole and Bella. She was laughing and smiling while Cole just sat smiling. They both were sitting in the direction of the sunlight. I wish I was over there. Just sitting and laughing, being part of the small bubble she made around her. Suddenly her face grew sad and she turned toward us. She waved her hands around calling out to us.
My mom stood up, with Mrs. White. I watched as they started to walk over, but Bella ran started to run toward us instead. Charlie walked toward us too. I groaned under my breath when I saw Mr. and Mrs. Denali walking with him. Tanya was trailing behind them. I hid my smirk when I saw her hair standing like it was shocked from electricity. That would be the creation of my wonderful pixie. Speaking of Alice I wonder where she was…
Right on cue she skipped toward us. Bella hugged Charlie at the same moment. She started to move her hands causing him to laugh. Mrs. White rolled Cole next to everyone.
"Ok ok, which flavor do you want?" Charlie asked. Bella jumped clapping, pointing toward the sky. "Blue, raspberry? Fine!" he went toward the cotton candy booth. Bella was impatiently jumping behind him.
Mrs. White hugged Cole. He wasn't smiling anymore; instead, his face was filled with anger once again.
Charlie came back with Bella eating a cotton candy on her hand. Everyone started to laugh when they saw she was getting more on her face then inside her mouth. She glared at us in response, but continued to eat.
"Bella!!!!" Alice ran toward her yelling.
Oh no…
Charlie started to talk to Billy and Matt. I watched Alice as she pulled Bella to the side. First Alice smiled, then she made her face pleading, the one no one could resist. Then she looked at her sadly. Bella took out my cell and typed something showing it to Alice. Alice started to jump up and down and hugged Bella tightly.
I was suddenly nervous when Alice yelled Jasper's and my names.
Bella POV
This girl was crazy, just crazy that was just one word to describe her. I was excited to eat my cotton candy. No one knew here that I had a sweet tooth for cotton candy. I knew it would fill my face with sugar, but I didn't care. Renee always refuse to buy me it because she said it had too much cavities and calories. At that time I had Kevin sneaking it for me. I wish he was here right now.
I was having a lot of fun today, I wish Cole wouldn't be distant in front of others.
I was just about to go talk to him again when I saw the girl from the "Emmy group' run up to me. I gave her a death glare, but she just stood there and gave me the saddest face I had ever seen.
"Bella, I am soooo sorry that happened to you. I mean, I knew you were coming, I mean everyone did, but no one knew you couldn't speak. And what Rosalie said, I am really sorry about that too. I would never say that or believe that. Really. No one knew, not that I am giving excuses. I just want to be you friend honest. I want to learn sign language. And we could go shopping too. I know that we will be best friends. My brothers and my boyfriend and Rosalie all want to apologize to you. You don't have to forgive us if you don't want to, but can we still be friends please?" When her speech was done I just stood their starring at her. How could someone talk that fast? I wanted to stay mad, but her face made that nearly impossible. It was so sad, as if someone ran over her puppy.
I smiled and took out the cell phone I typed with before. I started to type the message, Alice I don't know if your being honest or not, or should I forgive you, but if you honestly didn't know then I might. I still need time. Shopping sounds great. I bit my lips, but showed her the message. It was true, I didn't know if she was telling the truth or her mother made her do this. But it was only one way to find out.
Alice was sad when she read it, but at the end she was jumping up and down and grabbed me in a tight hug. I just stood their hoping she would let go and I could breathe again. "Oh Bellllaa...we're going to have sooo much fun shopping! Oh my god, let's go now! Oh wait, let me call my brother and my boyfriend. They want to apologize too. Jasper! Edward!" she yelled.
I hid my frown. I didn't know what to say to them, but I couldn't trust them. I just hope they would get through this and I could go back to Charlie, my candy cane was finishing. I saw the blonde guy, who looked at me with pity walked toward me cautiously, today his hair was spiky pink, I wonder how did his parents agree to let him do that. Her brother walking over to us, too. I groaned quietly, I just noticed his hair was spiked too, making it look like a model's hair. Life is so unfair to me. Why are the good looking always the bad people? I wish I could just ignore him again. I hate to admit it was fun to see him confused every time I looked at something else while ignoring him.
"Ok, Bella, this is Jasper and this is Edward. And they are both very sorry. They really didn't know and they want to apologize." Alice looked toward both of them.
The pink hair spoke first, "I am really sorry Bella, Alice's right, I didn't know, if I did I would never let Rosalie say that."
I didn't say anything; I just looked toward the ground. I didn't have reason to believe his wasn't mom making him do this.
The bronze hair went next, I thought about his name, Edward. That was my favorite character name in the books I read. Why did his name have to be Edward? I wished it would be something arrogant or cocky. He is popular looking at how cheerleaders throw themselves on him like a horse. I glared at him when I remembered his girlfriend was the same girl who embarrassed me in front of an entire class on the first day of school.
His green pleading eyes met my glare, and he took a step back. Instead of meeting my eyes he just looked at my face, "Bella, I am really sorry about what happened, and I promise it won't happen again. It shouldn't have happened. I think it's cool you know sign language, maybe you could teach me, I would like to get to know you. You seem to won everyone's heart. You think you could give me a chance too." His eyes were pleading again, but this time looking at my hands.
I turned my face down too, seeming speechless in how to respond. He wanted to learn sign language from me? Did his mom really put him up to this? Then why did he sound so honest? What am I suppose to say? I blushed thinking what would my friends do. They would laugh at me for being naïve or push me to forgive him?
I narrowed my eyes when I saw a bulky guy with red spiky hair coming toward us. I was grateful. That brother of theirs reminded me why I should stay mad. I didn't and wouldn't trust them. Not yet at least. I wonder what would happen after I did my plan of revenge. Hmm, I have to wait. Maybe when they realize I am not some mute, I am silent who could make the loudest noise, maybe then they will see how hard forgiveness is. Not that I am asking. They have this coming. I moved my chin up and looked them straight in the eye. I took the cell phone and typed the question that has me running my mind wild, are you sorry because your parents found out or because I am mute or you think what you did wrong? Either ways, why should I believe you?
I showed both guys the message. Both of them crunched their eyes dejectedly, but didn't reply, that's what I thought. I turned to Alice and waved a goodbye, she looked hurt but that didn't stop me from walking away.
I stepped carefully on the grass and went toward cotton candy booth, I was about to buy a new one when my eyes caught flyer.
"Old team versus new team in a old fashion foot ball match. La Push High school against Forks high school. Wear you parents or relatives old numbers and play their field. Must be older than 16 and have to wear an old jersey to participate. Join in the fun and live up the tradition of your family!"
I read the flyer twice. At the bottom was the score chart record. All the numbers of jerseys had at least five tallys but number one had none. I smiled to myself, this year number one won't be left blank.
(A/N: the end! Ha! I'm just too nice! Aren't I)
Esme POV
I smiled toward my children when I watched them talking to bella. She was typing on Edward's cell. I wasn't going to question it. I think I should get her a cell phone for a present. She was a fast typer.
I couldn't stop smiling when I thought of Cole. She made him laugh. It was the first time I had seen him smile after his father's funeral. Mrs. White was trying again to make react, but he was right back the way he was. Maybe Bella could give him some motivation and make him lose the wheelchair.
I joined Charlie and his friends. Carlisle just came from the hospital and he took a seat next to me.
"Guess who laughed for the first time?" I whispered to him. His eyebrows rose in question. I laughed at his expression and pointed at Cole, "Bella made him laugh. He actually showed a reaction."
Carlisle face turned into a smile and looked at Cole too, "I'm happy for him, I hope she could get him moving from those wheelchairs. I will talk to Mrs. White later about his physical therapy."
I nodded and looked at Lizzy who was scowling, but sat with us. "What's wrong now Lizzy?" I hope the kids behaved. They were already on thin ice with Carlisle and her.
"Well Emmy and Rosy went for a joy ride, I saw them come from the car just few minutes ago. I forbid her specifically that she will not be alone with Emmett for any reason! That's it; I am taking Jasper's car away. I will drive them myself everywhere!" she clutched her hands around her purse and looked toward the booths.
I shook my head when I saw Carlisle pinched the bridge of his nose. Emmett just couldn't follow the rules. "I will take care of it Lizzy." Carlisle promised. His expression was no longer carefree. Those kids were really testing him this week.
Charlie sat with us grinning ear to ear, "Dr. Cullen, I didn't know you came to these things."
Carlisle smiled, "I didn't for a few years, but today my daughter opened up her own booth for hair cosmetics and I thought why not join in a town's fun. It's been a while since I have seen you here."
Charlie looked at the crowd, "Yeah it sure has," his voice turned quiet ending the discussion.
"Hey Dad, we are going on the field for the tradition game," Jacob yelled toward Billy. The La Push team followed walking.
"I will be right here, rooting!" Billy wheeled himself next to Charlie. Matt sat down with them. We all turned toward the teams jogging to the center.
The referee came on the mike, "Ladies and gentleman, today we are having the traditional match of football, Forks versus La Push high school. They are wearing the jersey's that were worn by best players in the years before. This is more of an paying remembrance to them. Win or lose the numbers will live on. This year the number representing in today's game are…
Number 36- Sam Uley
Number 34- Jacob black
Number 32- Seth Clearwater
(A/N: soo on pretend he called out all numbers and names from La Push)
And now we are naming the team for Forks. The school opened a few years ago. They have no one to represent, but will be wearing old design of the school…
Number 12- Edward Cullen
Number 13- Emmett Cullen
Number 6- Jasper Hale
Number 9- Mike Newton
(A/N: soo on pretend he called out all numbers and names from Forks)
Okay, that's everyone, oh wait, we forgot one more player. Player number one, who is representing La Push but lives in Forks... well whatever.. Player number one Isabella Marie Swan!" the referee waited for everyone's clap that never came. Everyone was looking at Charlie.
Charlie's expression was pale. And he spilled his coffee on top of himself. "There has to be some mistake!" he exclaimed jumping from the bench and ran toward the field. Almost everyone was behind him.
(A/N: I know I know I am very bad! sorry for the cliff hanger!) review = new chapter!
I said I would give you a longer chapter but I decided to save more action for later and I didn't have time to write too much because I was enjoying the holiday season. I will give you a clue of the next chapter – bella and Edward somehow save the day. That is all I am saying lol.
Review winners----
blood-velvet angel
Is it just n your NATURE or something to write a particularly good chapter then cut off for about a month? I politely suggest you fix that little quirk . . . just saying, you know, its not like im threatenign you or anytihng . . . not like you can prove it . . . LOL! Plz update, your story IS quite addictive. like british comedians addictive.
.fOrKs
OMG luv ur story! I cracked up on the last chapter; "I NEED THERAPY!!"
lol
but if you value ur life, u wud update this as soon as possible.
just saying.
.fOrKS
Love the funny reviews, keep reviewing! Luv you. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!