I SAT NEXT TO EDWARD, MY HAND IN HIS AS WE DROVE BACK towards home. The rain beat endlessly against the windshield as we flashed by the other cars with Edward driving dangerously fast, or at least dangerous for someone who wasn't a vampire. Though it seemed even faster as we headed to the lions den.

I had finally decided that it wasn't about me anymore and had made Edward see that too, though he may not completely agree with me. In far too little time we were in the driveway. Charlie's cruiser was in the driveway behind my old truck. Edward pulled his own silver Volvo in the drive and turned in the seat so he was looking at me.

"Do you want me there?" He asked pure sincerity in his voice

What a stupid question. "Of course I do, but for Charlie's sake probably not." I said looking to the window of the house where I could see the kitchen light shining through the dim atmosphere.

Edward nodded understandingly and let go of my slightly shaky hand. "Alright I'll see you after" he said with that cooked smile that I loved.

I took another breath before leaving the safety of the car to run under the porch of the house to get out of the drizzling rain. I turned to see Edward pulling out but I caught the flash of a smile he gave me before he was gone. I was on my own to face Charlie.

I opened the door to hear the nightly news mumbling in the background. "Bells that you?" Charlie called, "Yeah Dad" I replied, who else would it be? I walked into the living room to see him eating the remains of his attempt of Mac and Cheese. "You could have waited for me to make you dinner" I said seeing the chucky, cheesy noodles that that were left on his plate.

Charlie shrugged "I didn't know what time you were coming home, plus your always making me dinner, and I though since you'll be going off to college soon and leaving me all alone I better start learning to cook." He said quite proud of himself for thinking ahead so much.

"Well next time wait for me to supervise" I joked taking off my wet jacket. I then went to the kitchen, surprised to see the dishes done. I just decided on cereal, I wasn't hungry enough to cook tonight plus I wouldn't have the attention span. I took my bowl back out to the living room to sit in a chair near the couch. "SO how are the Cullen's?" Charlie asked. You mean how are everyone but Edward? I added to myself but just replied "Good"

We both watched the screen for a few minutes. My mind was not able to focus on the broadcasters reports.

"Dad…" I began hesitantly as the forecasts were given.

"Yeah Bella?"

"You know Edward?" I asked feeling a bit foolish. Charlie then turned to look at me suspiciously. "It's just... Edward has asked me to marry him" I finally blurted out not meaning to rush it, I had wanted to say it calmly and evenly. Maybe that would have delayed or shortened the anger but the anger didn't come. I waited patiently looking down at the Cherrios clinging to the side of my bowl as I anticipated the yelling, the lecturing and fury that I was sure my last statement would bring. But nothing came, he kept his gaze glued on the T.V. but I could tell he wasn't watching it. I began to pick at my nail.

Five minutes later nothing had been said or done. The man on the television continued to babble continuously about the lovely weather for golfing but Charlie didn't say a word.

I tried making the first move. "Dad?" I asked cautiously but his trance didn't break so I picked up my bowl and took it to the kitchen and cleaned it off. I took my time so maybe there would be a reaction but when I returned Charlie still hadn't moved. So I said goodnight quietly and walked upstairs.

Edward sat in the rocking chair perfectly still. His eyes were closed but his face was rather cheery. But when he opened his eyes and saw my confused face he looked worried. He opened his arms and without making a conscious effort I went over to sit on his lap. "So…" Edward questioned, "How'd it go?"

"You don't know?" I asked slightly surprised he hadn't been listening.

"I try not to bud into Charlie's thoughts so I didn't have to witness my own death" He said sarcastically.

He brushed my hair out of my face when I replied. "Well nothing, nothing happened." I put simply.

"Nothing…" Edward said pondering. His face was thoughtful, "Maybe your dad doesn't hate me as much as we thought he did" Edward suggested rather hopefully. I said nothing to this; there was no way Charlie didn't still blame him for my depression last winter.

He took the hint. "Fine maybe he'll talk it out tomorrow. It's a big shock you know. I didn't even ask him for his blessing." He added guiltily.

After that I got ready for bed, bantering here and there with Edward about Alice's new Project: Wedding.