THE GAME, CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

[Evie]

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - THE GAME by Emily

Chapter Seventeen, “The Game”, marks the official beginning of Edward and Bella’s relationship in the eyes of the rest of the world. Not surprisingly, they are met with resistance and more complications that are both expected and unexpected. Will the star-crossed lovers make it?

Edward drives Bella home only to discover that the Blacks are there waiting for her and Charlie. Bella asks Edward to let her handle the situation which he agrees to before he kisses her on the jaw and waits to leave unseen. It is quickly obvious that Billy Black has come to caution Bella against the Cullens.

Inside Charlie’s house, Billy warns Bella against her spending time with the Cullens to which Bella confidently defends herself. Defeated, Billy leaves with a final warning and subtle threat to inform Charlie. After his departure, Bella begins to worry about her upcoming adventure watching vampires play baseball only to be interrupted by a phone call from Jessica.

Jessica gushes about Mike Newton kissing her and is just about to interrogate Bella about Edward when Charlie comes home. Bella’s nervousness peaks as she tries to calmly tell him about her date with Edward. Charlie’s response is that of a typical father but is amused when he hears of their plans for tonight. Edward arrives and with Charlie’s blessing, he takes Bella out to the clearing in Emmett’s Jeep.

Bella is frightened to learn that they still need to run part of the way to their final destination; however, Edward uses his charm (including a kiss) to persuade her to come along. Lost in a dazzled haze, Bella loses control which causes Edward to fear for his control, and he snaps at her. The tension between the two of them remains until Edward explains his sudden mood swing and, for the first time, tells Bella that he loves her. They kiss and head to the make-shift baseball diamond hand in hand.

At the field, Bella and Edward are happily greeted by Esme and Emmett. Esme leads Bella down while Edward joins the rest of his team to get ready to play ball. During this time, Esme confides in Bella her motherly joy and satisfaction at Edward’s newfound happiness, regardless of their differences. Thunder strikes and the game is ready to start.

Bella is amazed to watch the game and quickly understands the need for a storm before they can play. After a few innings, the cheerful atmosphere disappears when Alice has one of her visions. The visitors that Edward had mentioned the day before were headed their way, placing Bella in grave danger.

READ MORE HERE:
http://twilightersanonymous.com/Twilight-Saga-Book-Club-Chapter-SEVENTEEN-THE-GAME.html

Questions for consideration:

Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?

Did you like how Bella defended herself against Billy?

What did you think about Edward’s memory tampering? Do you think his anger after the kiss is justified? Did you understand his anger and frustration?

How did you react to Edward’s profession of love?

Now that you know how Vampire Baseball is played, what do you think?

What do you think of the visitors? Does it worry you that the Cullens are worried about them?

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise?

What is your favorite quote from this chapter?

Did you see any particular symbolism or little detail you have never
noticed before while re-reading this Chapter?

[twilightfan14]

1.  Is there something you noticed in this chapter you'd like to discuss with the club?
        How about the way Charlie reacted when Bella told him about Edward?   And he kept calling him Edwin-Ha Ha!   My Dad died when I was young, so never had this conversation.
Is this a normal reaction from Charlie-he seemed almost angry-is that just him being protective of Bella?   

2.  Did you like how Bella defended herself against Billy?
        Yes, I thought she did an excellent job.  She had a comeback for every sentence the guy said.  When she said "Maybe even better informed than you are" I thought, you go girl!

3.  What did you think about Edward's memory tampering?   Wow-I think I would have liked that kind of memory tampering!       Would make you forget just about everything!
     Do you think his anger after the kiss is justified?   That's a tough one.  He's trying to protect her by controlling himself but she can't control herself.  But it's not her faulf-Edward's just so darn HOT and she loses it when he kisses her.   
      Did you understand his anger/frustration?  Yes, I understood it.  He's still thinking that he should leave her for her own good.  HE's angry at himself, not Bella.

4.   How did you react to Edward's profession of love?
        Kinda took me off guard but I was thrilled.  If I were Bella, I probably would have fainted.  Ha Ha!

5.   Now that you know how Vampire Baseball is played, what do you think?
       Well, I hate sports in general-used to watch football with my Dad.   I never played sports nor went to games.   So, that said, I would actually pay to see a VAmpire baseball game-that is so cool!   

6.   What do you think of the visitors?   UM, scared!  I was wondering why Alice didn't see them coming sooner, but once she explained it, it made sense to me.   
      Does it worry you that the Cullens are worried about them?  Well, yes.   There's only 3 of them and 7 Cullens-if they're worried, then I'm worried.   Of course, they were worried about Bella, not themselves. 

7.   Did something or someone catch you by surprise?
       I guess Charlie and the way he reacted or should I say over-reacted, when Bella told him Edward was her boyfriend.  I was also surprised by Esme being so forthcoming with Bella by telling her why she jumped off a cliff-very sad and a little foreshadowing? 

8.   Fave Quote
       "You smell so good in the rain", Edward
       "In a good way, or in a bad way"  Bella
       "Both, always both."  Edward   p. 361
       "I love you,"  "It's a poor excuse for what I'm doing, but it's still true."   Edward p.366 
       "I could WALK home faster than this truck moves."  Edward p.349
       "Damn it, Bella!"  "You'll be the death of me, I swear you will."   p. 363

9.   Any symbolism or little detail you noticed?
         I mentioned it above but when Esme told Bella why she jumped off the cliff-she was heartbroken from losing her baby-made me think of Bella being so heartbroken over Edward that she jumpled off the cliff into the ocean and didn't care if she came back up, in New Moon.    Also, Edward saying "You'll be the death of me, I swear you will."    A llittle more foreshadowing of what was to come in the next book.         
         

[twilmom]

Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?

there is one part i'd like your views on.
pg. 354 last full paragraph.

"I tried on a couple of different tops, not sure what to expect tonight. As I concentrated on what was coming, what had just passed became insignificant. Now that I was removed from Jasper's and Edward's influence, I began to make up for not being terrified before. I gave up quickly on choosing an outfit - throwing on an old flannel shirt and jeans - knowing I would be in my raincoat all night anyway."

If what had just passed (billy and jacob's visit) became insignificant, what was she terrified about? Do you think it was the upcoming baseball game, telling Charlie about Edward, having just been at the Cullens and learning about them or something else? Any ideas?


Did you like how Bella defended herself against Billy?
Yes, it didn't call on anyone to break a treaty and made it understood that she at least understood the importance of what he was saying even if she did not agree with it.


What did you think about Edward’s memory tampering? Do you think his anger after the kiss is justified? Did you understand his anger and frustration?
Wow! i want my memory tampered with. I love the way SM wrote this, hot! I like that he is getting more confident in his "tampering" abilities, he is playful. I think his anger is at himself and their dilemma. He is starting to act on his human impulses and he has to remember that Bella is a mere human and doesn't have the control like he does.
After he said..."Damn it, Bella!" he broke off gasping. "You'll be the death of me i swear you will." He probably didn't like Bella pointing out the fact that he is "indestructible" as she is not. He knows that if any harm comes to her it would be the end of him, literally, somehow.

How did you react to Edward’s profession of love?

I loved it. I was so glad he said it "in so many words". I feel bad for him too he still can't justify(to himself) what he is doing even though it is what both of them want.


Now that you know how Vampire Baseball is played, what do you think?

I want to play!
I do wonder how the ball and bats are able to handle it.

What do you think of the visitors? Does it worry you that the Cullens are worried about them?
Yes, i had a feeling it would have an impact. It was the first encounter with non veg vamps that we knew of. We did find out that they were not thirsty but Edward was of course protective.

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise?
I was a little surprised by how Bella stood her ground with Billy, she didn't even give the idea she was concerned just that she knew the boundaries they both had.
I thought it was a little strange that she was so afraid to tell Charlie about Edward. Do you think she would have had the same apprehension if he was not a vampire? I think she might have, she doesn't like anyone to worry for her.
What is your favorite quote from this chapter?

    He leaned over to kiss the top of my head, and then groaned. I looked at him puzzled.
    "You smell so good in the rain," he explained.
    "In a good way, or a bad way?" I asked cautiously.
    He sighed. "Both, always both."

and of course
"I love you, he said.

Did you see any particular symbolism or little detail you have never
noticed before while re-reading this Chapter?

I just would like to point out how little Bella notices Jacob when they visit. I know her main concern is Billy and his knowledge and getting rid of them. I've been hearing more about love triangles this week and just wanted to point that out.


pg. 349
    To my surprise, he agreed. 'That's probably best. Be careful, though. The child has no idea.'"
     I bridled a little at the word child. "Jacob is not that much younger than I am," I reminded him.
    He looked at me then, his anger abruptly fading. "Oh, I know," he assured me with a grin.
I think he was in protect the family vampire mode and is already so trusting in Bella he said what he would have said to any of his family members. He  has no idea what that "child" will be capable of,   

pg. 357 I really think Charlie, like Bella has great intuition.

It appeared Charlie was having an aneurysm.
.....
"He's too old for you,"......
"We're both Juniors"

I love that.

He keeps calling him Edwin, till he comes to the door then he gets it right.

this too...."Edward sat down fluidly in the only chair, forcing me to sit next to Chief Swan on the sofa."...so funny she calls him Chief Swan.

[twigirl15]

Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?
i just found it a little funny that edward and bella had kissed before jessica and mike. i do because a few days earlier jessica had told bella she thought her and mike were going to kiss soon and bella seemed so sure her and edward wouldn't.  then jess called and said her n mike had kissed at the dance, but edward had kissed bella earlier that day in the meadow.

Did you like how Bella defended herself against Billy?
i did. she was very straight forward with him without really giving anything away. she had a quick and logical response to everything billy said. i also liked how she noted mentally that he was only doing this out of concern. it kinda showed that even though she was annoyed with billy she wasn't really mad at him because she understood where he was coming from.

What did you think about Edward’s memory tampering? Do you think his anger after the kiss is justified? Did you understand his anger and frustration?
HOT! i wouldn't mind having my memory tampered with at first i didn't really think his anger was justified but once he explained himself it was. i don't think he should have taken his anger out on bella tho, but if i was in that position i probaly would have to. i understood his anger to an extent. seeing how im not a vampire who only drinks animal blood and in love with a human i can't totally understand his thirst but i get it.

How did you react to Edward’s profession of love?
i thought it was so sweet! i wasn't really expecting it then, but i love it!

Now that you know how Vampire Baseball is played, what do you think?
totally awesome! when can i play?!

What do you think of the visitors? Does it worry you that the Cullens are worried about them?
i was worried. especially knowing that the cullens were worried. although i felt some relief when esme seemed calmer after edward responded to her question about them being thirsty. i was still nervous though because this news didn't seem to calm edward.

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise?
charlie and his reaction to bella having a date with the edward. he seemed to like the cullens earlier. he was probaly just nervous about his daughter going on a date. i was also surprised when edward said he couldn't make in back to the jeep in time. getting there didn't seem to take that long at all. so why wouldn't he be able to make it back in time?

What is your favorite quote from this chapter?
pg. 361 Hmmm... It seems im going to have to tamper with your memory.
pg. 366 I love you
pg. 367 Eerie, isn't it?

Did you see any particular symbolism or little detail you have never
noticed before while re-reading this Chapter?
just how esme seemed so appauled by the idea of her family being raised by wolves. even she doesn't like wolves. foreshadowing??

[lthomas]

Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?
I really loved how Charlie reacted to the news of Bella and Edward's date. It was so sweet and fatherly. He called him Edwin haha... I also loved Bella and Esme's heart to heart. I think it was really important that they bond and sweet that Esme tried to not scare Bella by not getting so close to her. It's really the most we get from Esme in the whole saga.

Did you like how Bella defended herself against Billy?
I thought she handled herself very well. She was firm but not mean and she got her point across. It is none of Billy's business who she spends her time with, vampire or not.

What did you think about Edward’s memory tampering? Do you think his anger after the kiss is justified? Did you understand his anger and frustration?
S-E-X-Y Edward can tamper with my memory anytime he likes. At first when you think he's mad at her it's weird because hello, who can resist that? But after a milisecond and you think about who we're talking about you know that there is no way Edward would be mad at Bella. She's just human and she can't help but become putty in his hands. I totally understand why he's mad at himself. I think it's unnecessary but I get it.

How did you react to Edward’s profession of love?
  I'm so glad he said it out loud. We all know it's already a known fact that he loves her but to hear the words...

Now that you know how Vampire Baseball is played, what do you think?
Awesome. I'm not a fan of baseball, but I think that sounds amazing. "One thing's for sure, I'll never be able to sit through dull old Major League Baseball again." I definitely agree with Bella on that note. And also... someone said above... how did the bat and ball not break into a million pieces.

What do you think of the visitors? Does it worry you that the Cullens are worried about them?
I got a little worried. It doesn't come right out and say "they eat the normal vampire way" you just know they're different and that can't be a great thing. Yeah they aren't thirsty but that doesn't really help out the situation a lot.

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise?
Jessica. I totally forgot she even existed.

What is your favorite quote from this chapter?
"Hmmm...," "It seems I'm going to have to tamper with your memory." Pg. 361
"Damn it Bella!" "You'll be the death of me, I swear you will." Pg. 363


Did you see any particular symbolism or little detail you have never
noticed before while re-reading this Chapter?
How Esme said it was like they were raised by wolves.

[DaniB]

Twilmom states:
Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?

there is one part i'd like your views on.
pg. 354 last full paragraph.

"I tried on a couple of different tops, not sure what to expect tonight. As I concentrated on what was coming, what had just passed became insignificant. Now that I was removed from Jasper's and Edward's influence, I began to make up for not being terrified before. I gave up quickly on choosing an outfit - throwing on an old flannel shirt and jeans - knowing I would be in my raincoat all night anyway."

If what had just passed (billy and jacob's visit) became insignificant, what was she terrified about? Do you think it was the upcoming baseball game, telling Charlie about Edward, having just been at the Cullens and learning about them or something else? Any ideas?

I think it was informing Charlie about Edward.  She is so private, and Charlie sees more than he should sometimes, just like her.  

But it seems like she might be afraid of the baseball game too.  This is what is all  around her here.  What she is going to wear, for instance.

But it also works on many levels, her being concerned about what she is going to wear, and then deciding that she was just going to be covered anyway, so it did not matter, which is how the whole thing with Billy went, she was concerned about Charlie finding out, but knew it would just be covered up anyway even if Billy broke the treaty, also the ball game would just be covered by the storm.  All the things she was worried about, became insignificant.  It could all be covered up.
Bella can continue to see Edward.   His secret is safe.


Edward:  I infuriate myself. The way I can’t seem to keep from putting you in danger. My very existence puts you at risk. Sometimes I truly hate myself

[ifellhard]

Chapter 17
Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?
I loved how Charlie kept calling Edward "Edwin" when Bella dropped the news.  As a police officer, getting the facts straight is what he does.  I couldn't tell if he was doing it to aggravate Bella or if he was really caught off guard by Bella's news of having a date, much less a boyfriend. 

Did you like how Bella defended herself against Billy?
Yay, Bella!  I admired her for standing her ground against Charlie's best friend.  Having grown up in a small town where everyone made your business their own, I was easily able to relate to her feelings at that moment.

What did you think about Edward’s memory tampering? Do you think his anger after the kiss is justified? Did you understand his anger and frustration?
*SWOON*!!!!     I'd love to have my memory tampered with like that!   I don't really think of his response as anger as much as it is frustration that he can't take things any further.  Knowing that he could easily kill her if he doesn't stay focused, I think that it's relatively justified.  Edward hasn't yet gained enough control over the way her scent tempts him and she is an incredibly fragile creature.

How did you react to Edward’s profession of love?
Anytime you hear those words, it just makes your heart skip a beat.  I wish that he had just left it at that without berating himself again. 

Now that you know how Vampire Baseball is played, what do you think?
I'm a sports fan and I would LOVE to see it!!  I'm still amazed that they didn't crush the ball or break the bats (even if they were aluminum).  My cousin's daughter is flattening bats and she's only 10!  Maybe the Cullens also have the means to make their own balls and bats that can withstand their strength.  LOL!

What do you think of the visitors? Does it worry you that the Cullens are worried about them?
Hearing the concern that the Cullens have about the visitors worried me.  Knowing that Alice could smell Bella across the field and then Esme wondering if they were thirsty was quite disconcerting. 

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise?
I actually laughed out loud when Charlie dropped his fork when Bella told him that she'd been at the Cullens' house earlier in the day.  The guy chases bad guys for a living, risking his life at times, and he drops his fork upon learning that his daughter spent the day with a boy.

What is your favorite quote from this chapter?
Page 361
"You smell so good in the rain," he explained.
"In a good way, or in a bad way?" I asked cautiously.
He sighed. "Both, always both."

Page 363
"Damn it, Bella!" he broke off, gasping.  "You'll be the death of me, I swear you will."

Did you see any particular symbolism or little detail you have never noticed before while re-reading this Chapter?
Page 354 - in the paragraph where she's choosing her clothes for the date she says, "Now that I was removed from Jasper's and Edward's influence, I began to make up for not being terrified before."  Is she actually terrified of being around the Cullens again tonight or does she think that she was so calm before because she was sure that Jasper had used his gift on her?  I think that she's probably unsure of whether her feelings of being comfortable around them were genunine or if they were influenced by Jasper. 

[ifellhard]

1.  Is there something you noticed in this chapter you'd like to discuss with the club?
        How about the way Charlie reacted when Bella told him about Edward?   And he kept calling him Edwin-Ha Ha!   My Dad died when I was young, so never had this conversation.
Is this a normal reaction from Charlie-he seemed almost angry-is that just him being protective of Bella?   

My dad died just as I reached a dating age, so I don't really have a frame of reference either.  I asked my husband about how he would react when our daughters begin dating.  (He's also read the TS books and is familiar with Charlie.)  He figured that he would probably be a combination of the book Charlie and the movie version.  He would definitely try to aggravate the girls to distract himself from the fear of his baby girl going out with a boy. 

Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?

there is one part i'd like your views on.
pg. 354 last full paragraph.

"I tried on a couple of different tops, not sure what to expect tonight. As I concentrated on what was coming, what had just passed became insignificant. Now that I was removed from Jasper's and Edward's influence, I began to make up for not being terrified before. I gave up quickly on choosing an outfit - throwing on an old flannel shirt and jeans - knowing I would be in my raincoat all night anyway."

I ended up with this as a detail that I hadn't noticed before. I wonder if Bella thought that she was calm at the Cullens' house because she believed that she was being influenced by Jasper's gift as well as Edward's presence.  I wonder if she doubted how genuine her feelings were at their home. 

Or...it could be the terror of telling Charlie that she has a date with the son of one of the most talked-about families in the area. 

[TwiMom817]

Did you like how Bella defended herself against Billy?Hale ya. I was proud like a parent is of their child. It was great how she stuck up for her self since she usually is not that type of person.

What did you think about Edward’s memory tampering? They way SM wrote this was so great. Edward can tamper with my mind anytime. Do you think his anger after the kiss is justified? I believe it was. He is still unsure of his ability to control himself. As we find out later the more he is around her the more he has control. Did you understand his anger and frustration? He was just trying to point out to Bella about his self control.

How did you react to Edward’s profession of love?   We all knew he felt it but when he finally said it I think my heart went a flutter.  

Now that you know how Vampire Baseball is played, what do you think? This was a cool part of the book. You got to see another side of what the Cullens do with their time. I would like to play.

What do you think of the visitors? Does it worry you that the Cullens are worried about them? When I read this I think my heart sunk into my stomach. You see how protective Edward is of Bella and how the Cullens think of her as part of their family and will protect her but at the same time they don't scare her with what is coming.

What is your favorite quote from this chapter?
"Hmmm........ It seems I'm going to have to tamper with your memory." Edward pg 361

"I love you, ...It's a poor excuse for what I'm doing but it's still true." Edward pg 366

"Emmett hits the hardest, ... but Edward runs the fastest" Esme pg 370

[twilmom]

lthomas

Did you see any particular symbolism or little detail you have never
noticed before while re-reading this Chapter?
How Esme said it was like they were raised by wolves.

I never noticed this before, very funny.

Ifelhard

Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?
I loved how Charlie kept calling Edward "Edwin" when Bella dropped the news.  As a police officer, getting the facts straight is what he does.  I couldn't tell if he was doing it to aggravate Bella or if he was really caught off guard by Bella's news of having a date, much less a boyfriend.

I wondered too if he was playing with her too. I hope someday MS will enlighten us if Edward caught his "vibe" as he was walking up to the house.

Now that you know how Vampire Baseball is played, what do you think?
I'm a sports fan and I would LOVE to see it!!  I'm still amazed that they didn't crush the ball or break the bats (even if they were aluminum).  My cousin's daughter is flattening bats and she's only 10!  Maybe the Cullens also have the means to make their own balls and bats that can withstand their strength.  LOL!

I wondered about the bats and balls too. Your probably right they come from The Cullen Bat & Ball Co.

twigirl15

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise?
i was also surprised when edward said he couldn't make in back to the jeep in time. getting there didn't seem to take that long at all. so why wouldn't he be able to make it back in time?

I was surprised by this too because i think something about weight (not sure) was mentioned, odd. I think they would have smelled her anyway and if they ran to the jeep, it would have caught their attention and maybe initiated a hunt right away plus they would be separated. Which Edward ended up provoking anyway, with his reaction. My guess is he told her to put her hair down and if i recall correctly he told her to stay still and near him. She is pale anyway, with her hair down and stillness (vamp trait) maybe he was hoping to keep which one of them was human a secret.


  I LOVE HOW EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US IS MORE THAN HAPPY TO HAVE OUR MEMORY TAMPERED WITH!!!

[ecforever]

Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club? Bella's strength when she replies to Billy.  She seems to have grown in her certainty of her path and her confidence. 

Did you like how Bella defended herself against Billy? Yes, she is strong and absolutely sure of her choice.

What did you think about Edward’s memory tampering? Do you think his anger after the kiss is justified? Did you understand his anger and frustration? I found that funny and saw that Bella was strong and did not give in too easily.  I think that his anger was not justified - he was taking that as a compliment before and his quote "Bella you will be the death of me."  is one of my faves. 

How did you react to Edward’s profession of love?  Sigh, melt

Now that you know how Vampire Baseball is played, what do you think?  So cool, wish I could witness the beauty and power of it.

What do you think of the visitors? Does it worry you that the Cullens are worried about them?  Yes, this puts me on edge immediately.  We know the visitors are not good vampires so I am concerned about Bella. 

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise? Billy backing down after Bella's strong case for leaving Charlie in the dark. 

What is your favorite quote from this chapter? "Damn it, Bella!  You'ss be the death of me, I swear you will." p. 363

Did you see any particular symbolism or little detail you have never
noticed before while re-reading this Chapter?  The extra effort that is shown by Edward to ensure that he does not hurt Bella when he places her on his back. 

[ifellhard]

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise? Billy backing down after Bella's strong case for leaving Charlie in the dark. 

You know...I was surprised by that as well and I've been thinking about why he was so quick to back down after being so hell-bent on ratting her out to Charlie (and Edward as well).  Perhaps once he realized how well-informed Bella was, he knew that telling Charlie would officially break the treaty since she would be able to tell Edward that Billy told one of the "pale faces".  (Yes, Jacob has already "technically" broken it, but he did it by telling one of the legends.  He wasn't deliberately ratting one of them out like Billy planned to do.)

[twilightfan14]

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise? Billy backing down after Bella's strong case for leaving Charlie in the dark. 

You know...I was surprised by that as well and I've been thinking about why he was so quick to back down after being so hell-bent on ratting her out to Charlie (and Edward as well).  Perhaps once he realized how well-informed Bella was, he knew that telling Charlie would officially break the treaty since she would be able to tell Edward that Billy told one of the "pale faces".  (Yes, Jacob has already "technically" broken it, but he did it by telling one of the legends.  He wasn't deliberately ratting one of them out like Billy planned to do.)

Very interesting-I missed that one.   If Billy had told Charlie, he would have broken the treaty.   That's the real reason he backed off.
I too was confused about what exactly Bella was "terrified" of on p. 354.   I'm glad you all decided to discuss it.   I agree that Bella was terrified of telling Charlie about Edward being her boyfriend.   She didn't want to tell him at all.  She and her Dad just aren't emotionally close and both of them would be very uncomfortable talking about boys.   I can't believe she'd be afraid of vampires playing baseball or afraid of seeing the Cullens again when she seemed to like all of them-OK, Rosalie probably did scare her just a little-     Bella has a tendancy to think too much and Edward does have a calming effect on her.  She doesn't worry like this when she's with him.   And like ifellhard said, maybe Bella was unsure of herself because she thought Jasper was using his power on her at the Cullen house.   

[jenjen99]

Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?
I noticed here that Bella seems very confident in herself and her relationship with Edward. She knows what she wants and nothing seems to deter her including Edward, who at this point, is still trying to find a way to say goodbye to her so that he doesn't harm her. I never really thought about her being the more confident one until now.

Did you like how Bella defended herself against Billy?
Yes, she was going to have to be firm and kinda rude if she was to get her point across to Billy who was trying his hardest to keep Bella from Edward.

What did you think about Edward’s memory tampering? Do you think his anger after the kiss is justified? Did you understand his anger and frustration?
If Edward wants to tamper with my memory the way he does with Bella he is more than welcome too! LOL! At first, no I didn't think he was justified. But then after he explained he wasn't upset with her reaction but his own lack of self control it seemed to make a little more sense. He is still new at this relationship thing and all his emotions are still very raw and new to him. So it makes sense to me why he was angry with himself. He has had so much control over his life up until now and in just a few short months one girl has had the potential to destory everything he has worked so hard to build for himself over the years. I think it is very frustrating to him not to have as much control over himself as he would like to have.

How did you react to Edward’s profession of love?
   Describes it best!!

Now that you know how Vampire Baseball is played, what do you think?
Loved it!! It made so much more sense to read it. Course seeing the movie helped in visually too. There were a lot of things I wished in the movie that would have been more like the book. But the baseball scene and how I visualized it were dead on!

What do you think of the visitors? Does it worry you that the Cullens are worried about them?
I was definitely curious about them and yes it does bother me that the Cullens seemed to be worried but I know it is just because they are worried for Bella that makes me concerned.

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise?
Emmett's behavior with Bella the first time. I didn't think he liked Bella until he winked at her in this chapter. I was under the impression up until this point that since Rosalie didn't like Bella, Emmett didn't either but when Emmett winks at Bella that took me by surprise.

What is your favorite quote from this chapter?
"Hmmm....It seems I'm going to have to tamper with your memory."

Did you see any particular symbolism or little detail you have never
noticed before while re-reading this Chapter?nope nothing that I haven't noticed before.