A/N:

~ This is the second re-edited/ re-posted chapter for this story. Please refer to my profile for more information. PM me with any questions.

Enjoy.

- Kassidy

DISCLAIMERS:

BPOV

I tapped my foot restlessly. I concentrated on the feel of the marble hand between my two fragile ones. I did my very best to avoid thinking about where I was headed, what I was doing.

"Edward," I choked out, the nerves beginning to strangle me, "I can't do this."

He sighed, removing his hand from my grasp and cradling my cheek, "Yes, you can."

"I don't even know what to say," I whispered.

He shrugged, "The truth."

I didn't respond- I was too anxious for conversation. As the view of the quaint home became clearer, so did the enormity of the situation. I was ninety percent sure I would pass out before we made it to the doorstep.

Get a grip, Bella, I thought to myself.

Time seemed to speed up. Before I knew it, we were out of the car and in the foyer of my father's house.

"Hey kids," Charlie greeted nonchalantly, as if it were another day. He wasn't aware of the monumental affair that had taken place not two hours ago. His greeting was almost shocking. I'd been so wrapped up in my pre-marital bubble, it was so strange to live outside of it for the first time.

"Hey-y D-dad," I stuttered, causing him to frown at me.

"Something up?" He asked, catching on to the nervously charged atmosphere.

I opened my mouth. Nothing came out. I urged myself to speak. And I couldn't. I didn't have the heart to do this.

Apparently, Edward did. "We have some news."

"You're pregnant." Charlie said matter-of-factly.

His accusation gave me enough courage to defend my, and Edward's, honor, "No, dad. I'm not pregnant."

He sighed in relief. Oh, if only he knew.

"Let's sit down, dad," I suggested, pulling him and Edward to the couches.

Charlie sat down in his recliner, but his foot still bounced anxiously. He was obviously impatient. "Well, get on with it."

I exhaled, pushing my hair out of my face, "Um… Edward and I are getting married."

I apprehensively waited for his reaction. He remained stoic. The silence was uncomfortable, and I almost delved into the entire story just to end it. Charlie merely sat there, his eyes hard and judging. His fingers gripped the arm rests of the chair.

"Charlie…" Edward began, only to be silenced when the menacing glare turned on him.

"Isabella. Marie. Swan." Each word was a growl spoken through his teeth. "Get out of my house. Now."

I gasped. I knew he'd be upset, furious even. I expected him to come around with a little bit of reasoning, though.

Tears gathered in my eyes, "Dad, I-"

He cut me off, "You, you out of all people should understand the consequences of marriage at this age."

I launched myself off the couch, my hands becoming fists, "What are you saying? I'm going to end up like you and mom?"

Charlie remained unmoved, "It won't last. You guys will grow up. Grow apart. And it will be just like last time." He turned to glare at Edward accusingly.

"I will never leave her again," Edward snarled.

Charlie finally arose, shrugging once he was erect. "Fine. Get married. It's your life. But I won't have any part in it."

After a long battle, the tears finally spilled over. I turned to Edward, burying my face in his chest. I stayed like that for only a moment, before turning to Charlie.

"I'm not going to end up like you," I said determinedly, "I'm going to be happy. I'm going to…I'm going…" I realized I didn't need to defend myself. I just needed to leave. "I'm going."

Charlie said nothing.

"I'll just go get my stuff," I headed towards the stairs, only to be stopped by Charlie's arm.

"Don't bother." He said coldly.

So, I wasn't even allowed to get my things? Fine. I'd find a way to get them back another day. I grabbed Edward's hand, yanking on it, showing him I wanted to leave now. I turned to face Charlie once more, muttering harshly, "I'll be at the Cullen's house. They'll accept me there."

Charlie remained still. We left, and nobody said goodbye. I stood in the front yard, conflicted. I knew the best thing to do was get in the car and drive to the Cullen house. But I'd never felt the need to just go. To run. I ignored the urge, and squeezed Edward's hand tighter as we walked to the car.

We didn't leave for a while. We sat in the car, staring at nothing.

Edward was the first to break the silence, "Bella, we can wait. You can tell your dad we thought about what he said and we called off the wedding. We can wait until... until afterwards."

I shook my head furiously. "No, Edward. That's not what I want. I want everyone to have a semblance of closure. To know that I'm with you, always."

He nodded, pleased with that. We drove to his home—our home. I didn't cry any more. We didn't say anything. We arrived at his house, and went to his room. We spoke no words. But Edward never let go of me. He had one arm around my waste at all times, or a hand in mine. Occasionally he would kiss me.

It hurt to know that my own father was disgusted with me. That my mother would likely be just as unhappy. That Jake would be downright furious at my marrying a vampire.

That pain- although present- didn't smother me as the hurt caused by Edward's absence had. It was a dull throb. It was nothing. I still slept soundly that night, in the arms of my fiancé.

I knew that, no matter what happened, or how much pain I went through, there would be no hurting when his arms encompassed me.