Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, unfortunately.
I was scared. Edward grasped my hand, but it was to little avail. I knew it had to be done, but still. Facing Charlie was not my idea of a fun time. We traveled down the road at an amazing speed, and yet the car stayed perfectly within every curve and bend. The speed, and therefore shortening time, was doing nothing to calm my nerves. I glanced up at Edward, who was staring anxiously down at me.
"Are you sure you are okay? I could ask him for permission to ask you first. That way, I'll receive most of the wrath."
I shook my head. I was scared that Charlie would deny Edward, making it imperative that he expressly disobey him, which probably would not be beneficial to being at peace with Charlie until the time that we went to 'college'. Edward squeezed my hand comfortingly, and I began to think of ways I could break the news to Charlie. Should I lead up to it, or just announce it? Should Edward be in the room? Yes. If I was going to make it through the experience without relapsing into shock, I would need him beside me.
We passed the "Welcome to Forks" sign, and I began hyperventilating. It was quite embarrassing. Edward looked concerned, and began to slow the car down. I tried to collect myself, but I couldn't. There was no longer anything safe to think about. I looked up into Edward's face, to see the love and worry written into every line. He released my hand, and tucked my hair behind my ear.
"Everything is going to be okay Bella, I promise."
I wanted so much to believe those sparkling eyes, but I couldn't. However his velvety voice calmed me down a little, and I was able to return to my regular breathing pattern. Edward had taken my hand again, and the way he handled it so gently helped me gain control. I decided that I would avoid the hyperventilating again by thinking something completely and totally random. So I began practicing the game Renee had taught me when I was seven. I chose country names, and began. A is for America, B is for Bolivia, C is for Canada, D is for Denmark, E is for England, F is for
The car stopped, and Edward hopped out. He moved quickly around the car, opening the door for me. It took me a second to realize we were actually there. I climbed out of the car, and Edward wrapped me in his arms.
"I'll be there, the whole time. Don't worry. It is going to be fine."
I tried to smile up at him, but my emotions were just too confused for that. He gave me a light simple kiss on the forehead, and let me go, except for a hand. He led me to the door, and opened that for me too. I walked in, and noticed that Charlie was watching the game, as always.
"Hey Bella, is that you?"
"Yes Charlie, Edward and I are both here." I was still worrying about how to bring up the topic of the afternoon. I looked into the kitchen and saw a loaf of bread sitting out. No doubt Charlie had made himself a piece of toast and forgot to even fold the bag back under. I felt the bread, and it was still pretty moist, so I twisted up the bag and put it back in the pantry. Edward watched me in silence, glancing furtively at my ring. I knew it would probably be beneficial to explain what was happening to my dad before he saw it, but I couldn't.
"So, what have you two been up to this morning?"
I walked into the living room and began to talk. "Actually, I need to talk to you about that." I couldn't believe I was speaking. This wasn't happening, it wasn't. "Edward proposed to me this morning, and I accepted." I waited in absolute silence. Charlie's face looked absolutely stunned. I could feel Edward's presence standing behind me. I wanted him to grab me and run before my father unleashed the horrible wrath of doom.
"What ever happened to asking the father's permission first? Bella you are only 18, how could you even consider getting married?" He rose from his seat and began to wave his arms wildly. I could see that my father was becoming severely flustered. Thankfully, Edward intervened.
"I am sorry sir, for not asking your permission. I meant no disrespect by it. However we are asking now for you to accept our decision."
"Well, I ummmm"
"Dad, I love Edward. I know this is the right choice, and I would like your support on my decision." Charlie was temporarily stunned. I never called him Dad. I was slightly shocked too. I didn't know where it, or the idea of speaking again, had come from.
"If this is truly what you want Bella. But I really think you should wait at least 2 years. It is reckless to get married so young and with so little experience."
"I know what I want Charlie, and I don't want to waste time. I see the wisdom in waiting, but I can't. Please understand." I hoped he remembered when he and Renee were young, and marriage seemed like the next big adventure, the perfect course of action.
"Well, when you put it that way. I still don't like the idea, but you have my full permission."
"Thank you!" I exclaimed, and I wrapped him in a warm hug. He hugged me back, a bit surprised. I sensed Edward waiting behind me. I turned around and flashed a smile. He had been right, it had worked out. Now there was just Renee to worry about . . .
