A/N Twilight is the property of Stephanie Meyer. Anya Simms is all mine.

Chapter 36: Baseball

APOV

Sun March 13/05

The clearing was vast, surrounded by towering trees that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. The Cullens were spread out, each preparing in their own way, and I could feel the buzz of excitement building. I stayed close to Jasper, who was visibly more relaxed than usual, clearly looking forward to the game. His love for competition was something I admired. His hand would absently brush mine, that sent a thrill through me every time. We'd been together long enough now that I was used to the way he made my heart race, but every now and then, the intensity of it still caught me by surprise.

Edward had been the one to invite us—probably as a peace offering after the whole Volvo incident. Or maybe Carlisle had suggested he invite us over the whole getting caught swinging through the trees like Tarzan with his singer on his back. Honestly, I was happy to accept, whatever the reason. I was genuinely intrigued to see if Meyer had captured the vibe of vampire baseball correctly. There was something about the whole concept that fascinated me, the mix of raw power and playfulness that seemed to define the Cullen family.

I fully intended to sit on the sidelines as a spectator, content to watch the show unfold, especially knowing that Bella was going to be the ump.

When the human in question finally spotted me, her surprise was almost palpable. I could see her trying to make sense of why her school librarian was here, standing so close to Jasper, who she'd always assumed was with Alice.

I never felt more like Mrs. Robinson in that moment and honestly, I leaned into it.

The temptation to plant a big, wet, sloppy kiss on Jasper right then and there was definitely on the forefront of my thoughts. It would've been hilarious to see Bella's reaction, especially given the confusion already written all over her face. But I knew that would be wrong on so many levels. Mainly, it wouldn't be fair to Bella. She had enough on her plate with Edward, who barely allowed more than chaste kisses.

Had he even kissed her in his car yet? I wondered.

Still, when she walked over to us, it was clear she didn't know what to make of this new dynamic. Her eyes flicked between Jasper and me, her confusion clear on her face as she tried to rectify what she was seeing with what she'd been told.

"Ms. Simms?" she asked, shock clear in her voice.

I offered her a warm smile, hoping to ease the tension. "Bella, it's Anya. No need for the formalities out here."

"But… what are you doing here?" she stammered, her eyes darting between Jasper and me, clearly struggling to reconcile the situation. "And… with Jasper?"

Duh, he's the hottest vampire of the bunch. You think I want Edward the broody man-child?

"Well, Jasper and I have been seeing each other for a while now," I said, giving Jasper a sideways glance that he returned with a soft smile.

Bella's mouth opened, then closed again as she tried to process this. "But I thought… I mean, I always assumed Jasper and Alice—"

"They're close," I interrupted gently, not wanting to overwhelm her with the whole backstory. "But it's not what most people think. Jasper and I, we've got our own thing going on." And it's HOT!

Bella blinked, clearly still trying to wrap her head around it all. "Right, okay, this is confusing," she admitted, glancing over at Alice, who was completely unfazed, chatting happily with Esme.

"I know it's a bit of a surprise," I said, keeping my tone reassuring. "But trust me, everything's good. Alice and Jasper have a deep connection, but it's more like family. And she's totally okay with us."

Bella nodded slowly, though I could tell she was still processing everything. Before she could ask any more questions, a deep rumble of thunder rolled across the clearing, signaling the start of the game. Her attention shifted to the field, her confusion over the librarian dating the co-ed momentarily forgotten as she watched the Cullens prepare for their intense, otherworldly version of baseball. I veered off the field towards what I had deemed to be the stands, a small log that Jasper had conveniently placed for me to sit on, ready to enjoy the spectacle, while Bella tried to take it all in, her mind no doubt still spinning with the unexpected revelation.

By the second rumble of thunder, I knew it was game on. With a grin, I pulled out my MP3 player and queued up Meat Loaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Light". If there was ever a song to get into the right headspace for vampire baseball, this was it. The dramatic energy, the playful back-and-forth—it was all the vibe I needed to fully embrace the surreal scene unfolding before me.

With the opening chords blared through my earbuds, I let myself get lost in the music, the world around me slipping away for just a moment. It was easy to imagine this song playing during one of those epic, larger-than-life moments in a movie. I mean, we were about to watch a group of vampires play baseball during a thunderstorm—how much more epic could it get?

Jasper glanced over at me, clearly amused by my choice of soundtrack, but I just winked at him, mouthing along with the lyrics as I felt the adrenaline start to build. This wasn't just any game—this was vampire baseball, and I was ready for it. Bella, still trying to make sense of everything, shot me a bewildered look, but I could see her trying to suppress the smile.

The game progressed, I was lost in my thoughts, the music, and watching Jasper in his element. Tabarnak! My man could run! I was loving every second of it—the thrill of the game, the raw power on display, the way Jasper seemed completely at ease for once. It was all so intoxicating, and I couldn't get enough.

But then, the shift happened, and the joy drained out of me like someone had flipped a switch. That's when it hit me: I shouldn't be anywhere near here.

My stomach twisted into knots as I realized what was coming. I'd read the books; I knew the story. They'd barely managed to get Bella out in one piece when James, Victoria, and Laurent arrived. And now, with me here? Jasper's attention was focused on the game and keeping an eye on me, maybe to ensure I didn't get smashed by a fastball. When things go south, that could be dangerous—no, it would be dangerous.

What the hell was I thinking? I cursed myself, feeling the blood drain from my face. I wanted the ground to swallow me up whole, to disappear before anything could go wrong. But it was too late for that. I glanced over at Jasper, who had also sensed the change in the atmosphere. His eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the concern flicker across his face, just for a second, before his expression hardened into the focused, determined look I assumed he always wore when danger was near.

Yeah, it's gonna get pretty fucking dangerous soon! My thoughts were screaming.

The playful game of baseball had suddenly become something far more serious, and I couldn't shake the feeling that my presence was making everything worse. I need to get out of here, I thought frantically, but I knew there was no easy escape. Not now. Not with what was coming. Panic surged through me as I realized there was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Before I knew it, the Cullens were already moving, creating a protective barrier around us measly humans. They were like a well-oiled machine.

Damnit! Even this was synchronized. Was there nothing they did that wasn't?

My heart pounded in my chest, my breath coming in short, shallow bursts as I stood there, frozen. The only thing I could do was whisper repeatedly "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry." The words tumbled out of my mouth, a desperate mantra that did nothing to change the situation.

I didn't need to be an empath to feel the tension radiating off Edward as he stood closest to Bella, his eyes cutting toward me with an intensity that made my stomach churn. Was it pure anger? Annoyance? I couldn't tell, but whatever it was, it wasn't good. It was obvious he was blaming me for complicating an already dangerous situation.

And poor Bella—she looked completely bewildered, her wide eyes flicking between me, Edward, and the surrounding Cullens. She didn't understand what was happening, why everyone had suddenly gone from playful to deadly serious in the blink of an eye.

This wasn't how it was supposed to go. I hadn't meant to put anyone in danger. But as I watched the Cullens brace themselves for whatever was coming, I knew that my presence had just made a bad situation even worse. And now, all I could do was stand there, helpless, as the reality of what I'd unintentionally brought on crashed down around me. I had to pull myself together. I could feel the fear clawing at my insides, threatening to take over, but I knew I couldn't let it. Not now. Squash it down, I told myself, forcing the panic into a tiny, manageable box in the back of my mind. I had to hold it together, if only for Jasper's sake.

I saw him edging closer to me, his movements subtle but deliberate, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that made my heart ache. He could feel it all—my fear, my guilt, my desperation. He's a fucking empath, Anya, I shouted to myself in my head. If I let my fear consume me, it would consume him too. He'd feel everything I was feeling, and that would only make things worse.

He needed to focus so he could play his part in this encounter.

Empath, remember.

He is what helps to make sure the trio leaves, makes them compliant. I had to do everything in my power to ensure that at least that part of the plot happened.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to stand a little straighter, to calm the storm raging inside me. I gave him a small nod, trying to convey that I was okay—or at least that I would be. I focused my thoughts on my dissertation work, about the French resistance members – ordinary woman who faced unimaginable dangers without flinching. They didn't show fear in the face of the enemy, even when everything was on the line. That's what the trio now advancing on us were: nothing more than enemies at a checkpoint. I was just an ordinary citizen, going through the motions, trying to blend in.

Be bored. Be calm. I repeated the mantra in my head, willing myself to stamp down the fear that threatened to bubble up again. I could almost see the scene in black and white, like an old war film—the calm, composed civilian, just trying to get through without drawing attention.

That's what I had to be now. Uninteresting. Unafraid.

As James, Victoria, and Laurent drew closer, I could feel the tension in the air thickening, but I kept my expression neutral, my body language as relaxed as I could make it. You've got this, I told myself. Just another checkpoint, just another day.

And then the red eye trio were in front of us – the Cullens tightened their protective circle around us, their stances shifting subtly into something more predatory, more defensive. It was clear they were ready for anything.

I forced myself to take shallow breaths, to not move my shoulders. Be bored this is a checkpoint. Just gloss over this, don't get caught up in the imagery of Meyer. I forced myself to maintain that mask of calm indifference. Boredom, I reminded myself. Be bored. Be calm. The trick was not to attract attention. I focused inward, visualizing myself as just another face in the crowd. Stay invisible, I repeated in my mind.

I stopped myself from reaching out to Jasper. I could not draw any attention of my love for him. Be bored, be calm I said over and over in my mind.

James was the first to speak, his eyes scanning the group with a predator's ease. "I see you brought a snack," he said, his gaze zeroing in on Bella, who stood beside Edward, his foot tapping lightly on the ground, no doubt trying to mask the heartbeats of the humans. I could see her trying to stay composed, her hands gripping the hem of her jacket.

But then, to my dismay, James' eyes flickered toward me, narrowing slightly as he registered the second human in the mix. My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression neutral, my body language as relaxed as I could make it. Stay calm. Don't react, I urged myself, even as I felt his gaze linger for just a moment too long. I did not flinch, I willed myself to not be afraid.

Laurent spoke next, his tone smooth and deceptively friendly. "We didn't expect to find such a large coven in this region. Do you have room for more to play?" His eyes rested on Carlisle, the obvious leader, but I could feel his curiosity, his attention briefly straying to me as well before returning to the others. He was sizing us up, considering the odds.

The tension was palpable, but I stayed in my mental cocoon, trying to radiate calm. Jasper's arm brushed against mine, and I could feel him silently reassuring me while monitoring my emotions, ensuring I didn't give anything away. I could have slapped the idiot for doing that. Are you fucking crazy I shouted silently to him. Do not draw attention!

Victoria merely stood and observed the confrontation, mildly bored – no, a femme fatale, that wild red hair, pale iridescent skin.

Carlisle stepped forward, his voice calm and measured as he addressed Laurent. "We're just finishing up, perhaps another time," he said diplomatically. "Are you staying long in the area?"

The exchange continued, a delicate dance of words that barely concealed the underlying threat. Carlisle making it clear this was their home, their territory and that the nomads should just pass through. As if they'd fucking listen. Not with James' gaze shifting back to Bella, and I could sense that his attention was split, part of him still considering the second human standing quietly among the vampires. For a heart-stopping moment, I thought he might lunge, but he held back, his curiosity and thirst battling it out behind his cold eyes. Eddie boy not helping matters by growling. Câlice petit enculé!

"I suppose we should be going," Laurent finally said, his tone still smooth but with an unmistakable edge that suggested this wasn't over. "But it's been… enlightening, meeting all of you."

James gave one last, lingering look—first at Bella, then at me—before nodding in agreement. They're leaving, I told myself, feeling the relief begin to flood my system. But I couldn't let it show—not yet. I stayed composed, kept my fear locked away, until the trio had disappeared into the trees, and the tension in the clearing finally began to ease.

Only then did I allow myself to exhale fully, my composure cracking just a little. I'd managed to avoid drawing too much attention, but James had noticed me. And no doubt picked up on Jasper brushing up against me. Really Jasper, you are special kind of stupid aren't you? And as I glanced at Jasper, I saw the worry in his eyes. He knew it, too.

That James was a predator. Maybe not so much I thought he was the biggest idiot on the field at that particular moment.

But I didn't have time to dwell on that as out of the corner of my eye I saw Edward moved with blinding speed, practically whipping Bella into his Volvo.

And then I have no idea what came over me, but I snapped, all the fear I'd been suppressing came crashing down on me. My knees buckled, and I dropped to the ground, gasping for air as the adrenaline surged through me. My chest heaved with each ragged breath.

Tabarnak! Anya. You nearly lost it all. And over what? A fictional game of Vampire Baseball? You stupid girl! I started chastising myself that I barely registered Jasper at my side his arms wrapping around me trying to ground me as I struggled to regain control over my wildly fluctuating thoughts and emotions. And as I felt the coolness of his hands through my clothes it was beginning to work, until Heathcliff came barreling in, moving with that same unnerving speed. Before I could react, he practically whipped me off the ground, his grip firm but not exactly gentle. "What the hell was that about, Anya?" he demanded, his voice sharp with frustration and fear.

I stared at him, still reeling from everything that had just happened. "What are you talking about?" I managed to gasp, my head spinning from the sudden change in pace.

"Really, Anya? You knew this could happen, but oh no, you didn't say a word. How could you? Do you know what I heard in James' mind?" Edward's voice was sharp, his words cutting through the fog of fear and exhaustion that had settled over me.

Of course. Bella. It all came back to Bella. It always did. My heart pounded in my chest as guilt and anger surged through me. Why didn't I warn Edward about this plot twist? Why didn't I say something, anything, before it was too late? But then, the rage bubbled up inside me, pushing the guilt aside.

"Do not put your hands on me, Edward," I snapped, stepping away from him, my voice trembling with the fury I was barely holding back. "Yes, I know exactly what James was thinking. And you're wasting precious moments yelling at me about it."

I glared at him, the intensity of my anger cutting through the haze of fear. "If you care so much about your precious Bella, then get her the fuck out of here and stop wasting time on me."

His expression hardened, but I could see the fear in his eyes, the desperation that mirrored my own. Without another word, he turned and sped back to Bella, his focus shifting entirely to getting her to safety.

Yeah, that's it petit enculé, listen to the adult.

Watching him go, the adrenaline finally began to ebb, leaving me shaken and exhausted, but determined. I knew this was far from over. Turning my attention to the empath, I merely stated, "Us too Tex. Back to the house. Time is ticking."

A/N: At long last The Duck and Anya interact!

James, Laurent and Carlisle's diplomatic chat is very loosely inspired from Chapter 18:The Hunt of Twilight.

Some more Quebecois swears:

1. "câlice petit enculé" would be roughly "holy fuck little shit"

2. "tabarnak" is roughly "holy shit" or "holy fuck"

3. "petit enculé" is a Quebecois expression for "little shit" or "little fucker" depending on context.