Challenging Humanity Chapter 10

Fair Day Part 2

Playlist for this chapter - Mitchel Musso - The Girl Can't Help It (Princess Protection Program)

Fast new chapter because of my great beta, girlwithoutaname!

Bella POV

Oh, I was so excited. I wanted to jump up and down but I held myself together. If I didn't I might just embarrass myself. The man on the mike said it didn't matter if I win or lose. I just wonder which team I will play in. My jersey was the same as La Push, but I went to Forks. Oh well who cares I get to play for Charlie's number.

Speaking of Charlie, he was glowing red and walking toward me with a lot of people. I shrugged it off, they must be looking at someone else I didn't do anything.

I walked toward the coaches and smiled at them they were just starring at me. I wanted to scream asking if have they never seen a girl play football before, but I kept smiling and pointed at the football gear that was on the ground.

All the football players formed a line and were looking at me with wide eyes. I had the same urge to yell, but I grinned widely. I took out the cell and typed –so whose team am I on? I showed it to them.

"Ours, ours, ours!" Both team players were yelling causing me to jump back.

"Wait, what is going on?! There has to be some mistake!" Charlie's voice grabbed my attention. He was really red now and anger with worry was filled in his eyes. "Bella what are you doing? Who signed you up? Why are you on the field?"

"Calm down dad," I signed to him, "I signed myself up and I want to play, your number was never played on the field. I want to play, and you taught me how to play football anyway." I rolled my eyes; I didn't know what the big deal was.

"Bella have you lost your mind! You can't play on the field, do you know how easily you could get hurt. There is no way am I letting you play. Do you see any other girl playing?"

I narrowed my eyes. I was with him until he said the last sentence. Is he saying girls can't play better than boys! I glared at him murderously. I threw up my hands to argue with him when Esme approached me.

"Ok, ok, calm down everyone. Please Bella, Charlie think about this. Look honey Charlie is right you could get hurt. You're thinking about playing with boys, who put physically all their strength in a game. They don't think about strategies or other's safety. They take this game seriously, I know because I have two sons that play this game and get injured time to time. And Charlie, don't be hypocrite. Girls can play this equally as well as boys. But Bella you haven't played this game a long time and you could hurt yourself easily. Your dad is just worried. I know my husband wouldn't let my daughter play football either because he would be worried just as much."

I glared at Charlie not moving my stand. I will play this game now. I could play with boys and not get hurt. I am not that fragile.

"Bella, I'm sorry maybe what I said came out wrong, but honey I mean it, you will get hurt. We could play football later for fun, but not right now. This is a traditional game, okay." He said it slowly as if I was a toddler. I glared at him. I turned around and pointed to my traditional number and name. While walking toward the center the field I could hear my dad calling my name, but I chose to ignore him.

Esme POV

Billy started laughing, "Well you look at that, she has your temper Charlie. The Chief of Police just got quiet in front of his own daughter. Where is the camera?" Matt joined him laughing.

Charlie just stood dumbfounded.

I shook my head in disapproval, "Charlie, you don't ever say things that are double standards to daughters, especially if they are teenagers. I mean 'boys are better than girls' is the worst thing you could say. Come on Charlie you should know better."

"It's not his fault, poor guy just got a daughter at the age of seventeen. The worst age if you ask me." Harry laughed.

"Hey now that's not true. Sixteen is the worst age." Sue joined in.

"Actually it's starts at the age of fourteen, that's when Alice started to worry me." Carlisle added his thoughtfulness.

"Is all this supposed to help me? Because it's not!" Charlie exclaimed in frustration. Poor guy.

"Look Charlie, I don't think Bella will listen right now, just let her play one round. I will talk to both coaches and make sure the boys take it easy. The coach will understand too, his daughter is on the volleyball team." Carlisle looked at Coach Clapp.

Charlie's expression didn't changed, it just was more dejected at the thought he couldn't stop his daughter from getting hurt. I sympathized with him; I remembered how much Emmett had reasoned for him and Edward for playing football. I couldn't face the injuries they endured.

Everyone took a seat on the benches. The food was untouched by Charlie who was sitting on the edge the entire time.

Edward POV

I looked around, at the players. We were all watching Bella wear football gears. She already was wearing the jersey. Her helmet fell in front of her eyes. And her shoulder gear was too large on her petite body. I was waiting for someone to stop her. No one would let her play right? I mean never has girl played in the traditional game. Or any football game with guys for that matter.

"Edward man, what's going on?" Tyler asked impatiently.

I shrugged my shoulders, we saw coach clap run to us with disapproving face. "Alright boys, I want the La Push guys to join in." we all made space in the circle. Everyone squished in. "Okay this is the plan. Charlie's daughter wants to play. Since she has the old jersey we can't stop her and nowhere does it say the girl can't play. She will be playing from Forks side because she lives in Forks—"

He was cut off from Jacob, "But she has the La Push jersey. And Charlie went to La Push high school. Shouldn't she play for our team—"

He didn't finish because Newton interrupted "Oh come on, she can't play for any team, she's a girl! Girls can't play football. She will start crying when she just breaks a nail!" he started to laugh loudly, but no one was laughing with him. I wanted to break his nose again then point out who cries.

Coach Clapp was finally provoked, "NEWTON! WATCH IT! I don't appreciate discrimination on this field. Don't forget girls have all kinds of football and basketball national teams. I better not hear you again. Or I will send all women teachers in school after you. They might teach you the power of women. Your mother's is in PTA, do you want me to point out how much her son considers women?" He glared at Mike who had moved his eyes away from everyone in embarrassment. "Now as I was saying, I want everyone to take it easy on the field. I know you don't play it this way, but this time I can't do anything. And frankly I am not going to argue with her. Charlie did and he was left standing speechless. Whatever you do, just let her come back in one peace without a bruise." He sighed.

"But coach we can't control the field. I mean we all run after the ball. It's football not baseball. We run into each other all the time. How could we stop the girl from getting hurt?" Paul whined.

"The girl is Bella, and we will guard her. She's in our team so we will figure it out." I spoke out loud glaring at Mike and Paul. I suddenly had an idea.

Bella POV

I was mad at the teams who were talking in the circle. I bet Charlie had something to do with this. I want to stomp and whine that I wanted to play. If they did anything to stop me from playing then... I don't know what I would do. But what is so wrong in playing. I won't get hurt. I won't talk to Charlie then. I would show him! I glared looking at the teams. Waiting for something to happen. I was going to play either way.

I checked all the equipment; I didn't dare look at the crowd on the bench or Charlie. Out of embarrassment at the attention, it might make me quit.

I saw the teams separate. It made it hard for me to see them clearly with the helmet coming in front of my sight. I moved my head around checking myself head to toe to see if I forgot anything. I raised my head to see the green eyes I was hoping to avoid.

Edward smiled sweetly at me. Behind him I saw other teammates. The baby face person from school was glaring at me. Other than that every guy had a resign expression. Which made me wonder if what I was doing was right? The thoughts were stopped when I heard Edward's voice.

"Okay guys get around, this time, instead of Jasper playing my blind side, he will be in front of Bella. Guarding her. Bella whatever you do, just don't touch the ball. Let Emmett run after it. I will go as far as I could by touchdown." I glared at him. What does he mean not touch the ball? What's the point then?

"What about you, who will guard you?" 'Emmy' looked at Edward worriedly.

"Don't worry, I am hoping looking at you guarding Bella would confuse them and make my way. I will run without them noticing don't worry." Everyone looked more worried at him before.

"The odds aren't looking good, are you sure you want to risk it?" The pink hair guy looked at Edward too.

Edward smiled crookedly, damn, why is he cute! I shook myself out of the thoughts. "Yeah let's do it. On three Forks, one…two...three...FORKS!" every guy screamed. I jumped at the sounds. For the first time I thought this might not be a good idea. The way the were talking it meant someone could get hurt. I didn't have time to think clearly. I saw everyone line up at the field line. I took a deep breath and followed them.

"Bella, stay behind me ok?" the pink hair guy looked at me, from his eyes I could see he was serious. I nodded my head, but didn't promise. I wanted to play, for that I needed the ball.

On the opposite side of me was the La Push gang. They all looked apologetic at me. I was puzzled as to why. Did they think I couldn't play? I narrowed my eye. My sight flashed to the ball. Edward and Sam were the only ones in the center. The coach came and started the count down.

(A/N: I don't know anything about football. Just go with it. I am trying my best to explain properly. Lolz. This time I wished I was a guy to explain the play by play.)

Once the ball was thrown, everyone was running all over the place. I didn't know where I was running. I followed the guy who was guarding me. I hoped I didn't trip. I ran to the other team side. Seth had the ball and baby faced guy was running after him. Paul and Jared weren't letting Emmett pass. I couldn't see Edward anywhere. I ran toward Seth. The person guarding me had disappeared. I didn't have to run far, Seth was coming to our side for touchdown. I ran backwards, but froze when I saw not just Seth, but Paul, Jared and other two guys were coming straight at me. Seth was running and didn't see I was standing in front of the touchdown line. His huge body pushed me to the floor. I waited for other guys to pounce on me like I had seen on TV. I closed my eyes waiting for the impact.

Esme POV

Charlie's eyes never left the field; his legs were shaking. Billy and Matt were sitting on each side of him for support. I wish I could say something to end his worry, but that wasn't possible since I was worried about Bella myself. The faces of my kids in pain during the game came again and again in my mind. I prayed it wouldn't happen to Bella. The game began. We all watched the start. I saw Edward moved after Sam who stole the ball and threw it to Seth. He was surrounded by other teammates. Jasper was guarding Bella, so my worries decreased. This was good, Jasper guarding Bella, Edward could handle it being the fast runner. My worries grew when I saw Jasper leave Bella's side. Jacob guarded Edward and Jared and Paul weren't letting Emmett go forward. Jasper went toward Emmett, pushing toward Paul and Jared. Emmett and Jasper took off to Edward. Jared and Paul however were running to the other side where Seth was running full speed. His head was looking straight. If he tiled his head to the ground, he would have seen Bella standing by the line of touchdown.

Seth pushed Bella to the ground, "NOOOO!" Charlie jumped up in response and started to run toward the field. Matt and Billy tried to push him back. I looked up to only find myself smiling.

Bella POV

I felt myself move, someone was pulling my wrist. I opened my eyes to see Emmett and beside him was the guy who was supposed to guard me, and Edward hovering over me. Behind them was the impact that was supposed to drop on me. I saw Seth had dropped the football right beside my head. I grabbed the ball just as I felt myself jumping on someone.

Edward had pulled me on his backside. I put my hands around his neck and legs around his waist. He took off running from the crowd. I held the ball tightly with all my life. It was like I was flying. I started to laugh; I wish I could remove the thing on my head to feel the wind. I saw we were close to the touchdown line. I stole a glance from behind to see Jacob and Sam on the other running to stop us. Edward passed the touched down line and I threw the ball right down. I started clapping and jumping when I figured out I made a point.

Edward slowly got me down from his back. He started chuckling when I started jumping. I laughed and threw my hands around him. "Does that mean you forgive me?" he whispered. I started laughing and let go. I nodded furiously. I didn't think anything right now. Just that I was on top of the world. I scored! I was just about to get myself squished, but instead I scored a touchdown!

I took of my helmet and started jumping up and down. My luck gave out when I tripped over my foot. I closed my eyes, waiting to meet the floor, but the floor never came instead strong arms wrapped themselves around my waist. I heard Edward laugh "Bella I made my best effort to keep you from getting hurt. I could use some help here from your side." His voice sounded worn and breathless, but I couldn't help the blush that spread through my cheeks.

I nodded while he moved his arms slowly. "Bella!" I turned around to see Charlie's pale face filled with worry and relief. I bit my lip in guilt. I shouldn't cause him this worry. Playing the field made me realize what he was trying to say about not playing with the guys. I smiled and lifted the football hoping to show him I'm okay.

"Bella, please just get off the field honey." His voice tore me to the core. I nodded while running to him. I hugged him with all I had.

"Okay everyone, its all good. Should we continue the game?" The referee came in the center.

"Yes, go ahead with the game. Bella will be part of the audience this time." Esme spoke up coming to hug me too. I nodded in agreement. The game looked fun until I looked at the muscles on the guys.

"Sorry Bella!" I heard Seth yell.

I smiled and nodded for them to keep playing. I walked across the field with Charlie sighing and Esme laughing. "That was some game!"

I nodded in agreement. It was a game I will never forget in a lifetime.

A/N: hey guys, I loved everyone's reviews. They were great. The chapter was again small but I had a reason. Every chapter will have some action. If I placed too much action in just one chapter it wouldn't be as interesting and the important details will be missed. Now the chapter length will depend on the action. This chapter would be longer if I knew the way to describe the game. Hope you guys got the gist of what I wanted to say. Anyways next chapter I promise will have DRAMA. Review and you will get update like this time!

Review winners—

kkjones3

It's 22:11 here in Norfolk, VA and I just finished reading your story in thirty minutes. I only logged on to see if my favorit authors had updated but as I brought the page up I caught sight of your story and thought it sounded intresting. As I started reading I couldn't stop. I'm fighting burning/drooping eyes, yawning, and a slight headach letting me know it's time to get to sleep, but I can't log off until I let you know how much I enjoyed your story, nor can I wait patiently for the next update. I hope it's soon. I absolutely love this. Take care. All my best,

KKJONES3

blood-velvet angel

Hm . . . . i spose this is acceptable. but, u and i need to have a heart to heart about this thing you have for Cliffy's. . . . I'd be MORE than happy to cure you of this little . . . imperfection, shall we say? GREAT CHAPPY. UPDATE SOON!

authors-ideas-stories

lol, u get alot of death threats? Though that reviewer was right your story is much too addictive, and faster updates would make ALOT of happy readers, me included.

hope Bella forgives them soon though, or at least the innocent ones, lol.

update soon please?!?!?!?

Sparkles OUT!!

24-7reader

lolololol. Your story makes me laugh SO much!! I love it! But it also has its serious and dramatic points. Such a great blend of emotions. xD You make my day!! Make my day tomorrow with a new chapter? . . . please?

Veronique24

Love it, wonder when she will realize it's Edward cell?

Sendmeonmyway

Oh come on Bella! I get that she was predisposed to not like them but now I think she is just being extra stubborn. They apologized and they want to be friends...and even if they were just apologizing for their families why should she sink to their levels and be mean right back?

Holding grudges just makes you bitter and if she keeps this up she is going to be just as bitter and cynical as the other kids she used to go to school with and she is too beautiful of a person both inside and out for that.

I really think she needs to think through how her attitude affects her view on the world. I, for one, am all for second chances. Maybe that makes me niave or gulliable, but I guess if I were Bella and I had heard all those horror stories from my friends I may be like that too. I just hope she really does keep to her plan and make her own view on the world and not base it off her friend's unfortunate incidents. Yes there are bad people in the world but not everyone is like that. It's all about who you meet and how open you are to meeting new people.

Okay I'm stepping off my soap box. Basically I love this story. Mute Bella is my hero. I seriously don't know how people can chose to not love her. If she were real I would totally want to make her my new best friend. She is just such a sincere girl...something that is incredibly rare nowadays.

Alright longest review ever. I am going to shut up now...unless you don't update soon. Cause I could keep typing. I'm a rambler by nature so you better update soon. Or the next review is going to be longer. DUN DUN DUN!

Xoxo- Sendmeonmyway =]

Lolz some of these reviews made me laugh, and some made me shock from surprise. Because people took time to really pay attention to details. I really appreciate it. Thnx soo much. the longest review was actually funny and agreeable. REVIEW AND UPDATE RECEIVE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.