Chapter 3

This has to work. Doesn't It?

BPOV

We pulled up to Quil's house and it was exactly as I remembered. His mom and dad always made me feel like family. I hoped they wouldn't be upset with me for keeping Charlie from them all these years, but I am sure they can understand why.

I hadn't even walked all the way into the house when I felt the familiar arms of his mother surrounding me.

"Bella. You are so beautiful. I mean you were always a beautiful girl but now….WOW!"

"Thanks Mrs. Ateara."

"Psh….we'll have none of that. It's Pam. You always called me Pam."

"Hi Bella" Quil's dad's booming voice came from behind me.

"Before you say it, if you call me Mr. Ateara I will swear Old Quil is here with us."

"Yes Daniel. Thank you. How have you both been?"

"Better now that we know you are alive. Now where is my granddaughter?" Pam asked bouncing in her little body.

Had Quil told his parents that Charlie was sick? He must have read my mind because he put his hand on the small of my back and told me that everything had been explained. That was a relief. I hated talking about this damn disease.

I stepped aside and Charlie peeked out from behind me.

"Oh Please. Charlie seriously? There is not a shy bone in your body. Come out here and meet your grandparents."

"Oh Charlie! You are so pretty. I am grandma Pam and this is your grandpa Daniel."

"Hi" Charlie said uncharacteristically quiet for her.

"Charlie? Are you ok?" Daniel asked.

"Yes sir"

"Now we will have none of that honey. I am glad to see you were raised with manners, but we are G-ma and G-daddy" Were they serious? I thought Quil was going to fall he was laughing so hard.

"Mom. Dad? Really? Did you take up a rap career and forget to tell me?"

"Very funny Quil. We just want Charlie to feel like she is at home here."

This was going a lot better than I expected. I thought their little nicknames for themselves were adorable.

"I need a nickname. Charlie is so boring."

"Aww honey that was dad's name. It is not boring."

"Mommy it is a boy's name."

"It can be both." I told my stubborn daughter as she rolled her eyes at me. Ugh I hated that.

"Well honey what are you favorite things to do?" Daniel asked her.

"I like to read, play with my dollies, you know G-daddy….girl things."

"How about Qahla?"

"What does that mean G-ma?"

"It means sun and you sweetheart are my sunshine."

"I like it! What do you think daddy?"

"I think it is perfect angel."

I was so glad Charlie took to Quil's parents so well. You could tell they love her already. She makes it hard not to.

I was getting ready to say something to Jake when I saw the one man that meant as much to me as my father did.

"Billy" I almost whispered.

"Isabella. Oh how I have missed you."

"Billy what happened to you? Jake didn't tell me you were in a wheel chair?" In Jake's defense we hadn't talked too much about anything but Charlie.

"Jake didn't tell you?" Billy looked sad all of the sudden.

"Jacob, son. You should have said something. There was an accident two years after you left. We were hit by a drunk driver and the car was spun around."

That immediately brought back horrid images of the accident with my mother. I always blocked it out.

"Oh Billy I am so sorry. That must have been awful."

"It has been rough, but we manage."

"Good. So is Sarah already at town hall?" I asked and everyone suddenly stopped breathing. I had put it all together. The reason Jake was happy to see me but always looked so sad. It didn't hit me when he said I could stay with his dad.

"Bells. Mom died in that accident."

"Jake….Oh gosh Jake. I am so sorry. So, sorry."

"Bella you didn't know. I am sorry I didn't tell you."

"I should have been here. If I wasn't so selfishly trying to start over I would have been here for you."

"Bella you didn't know it is not your fault." Quil said from behind me.

All I saw was red. I didn't want to do this now. Not in front of everyone. I wanted to wait till we knew what was going on with Charlie, but my mouth had other ideas.

"You're right Quil. It isn't my fault. It is yours! The reason I had to leave here, the reason my mother is dead, the reason Jake had to go through losing Sarah alone, the reason I had to raise our daughter alone, the reason your broke my heart, and the reason why I will never trust another man again. You ruined all that for me. I loved you with everything I had. EVERYTHING! And what do I get for it? A broken heart? A dead mother? The only good thing I got from you was Charlie! I hate you!"

Quil just stood there looking at me. Tears rolling down his cheeks. Thankfully Pam took Charlie into the kitchen when Billy started talking about Sarah. I knew I didn't hate him. Fuck! I love him so much it hurts. I didn't think I blamed him anymore for everything that happened to me, but I guess being here with him has brought all those feelings back.

"Bella…."

"Quil don't. Just don't. Jake I need to be alone for a few minutes. Can you bring Charlie to town hall and I will meet you there?"

"Sure Bells"

"Bella?"

"Quil please. This is too much for me handle right now. I will see you all at town hall in a few minutes. Billy, Daniel I am so sorry. Please tell Pam the same."

"Bella you have nothing to apologize for honey. We will see you in a little bit."

I ran out of the house and towards the tree line. I always felt better being outside in the woods. I walked a little further and I couldn't believe my eyes. Our old tree house was still standing. Jake, Quil and I spent so much time in here. Charlie was conceived in here. How did everything go to such shit? Sarah was dead. I couldn't believe that. She was more of a mother to me than my mother ever was. Billy was in a wheel chair, and my baby is dying. Did I do something so bad when I was younger that fate dealt me this crappy hand. I didn't understand. I climbed up into the tree house and just sat there and cried. When I felt I had cried everything out I walked to town hall.

The whole town of La Push must be here. There were no seats at all. I didn't see Jake or Charlie right away, but I felt his presence almost instantly.

"Come on. I saved us some seats."

"Jake. I'm sorry."

"You were a little harsh Bells, but I understand".."

"Where is Quil?""At his parents house. He said he would be here before the meeting started he just needed some space."

"oh"

"Bella, don't hate him too much. He loves you more than you know."

"Jake"

"Ok Bella. Ok. I am done."

"Thank you"

We took our seats and Charlie came to sit on my lap.

"Mommy why are you so mad at daddy?"

That was the question I was dreading. I didn't know what to tell her. I have always told her he just could take care of us but that he loved us. How do I now explain to her that the reason I am so mad at him is because he didn't want her.

"Qahla….sometimes adults get mad at each other. Don't worry your pretty little head over it. Mommy and daddy will work everything out." Pam said as she glanced over at me. I could tell by the look on her face that she was trying to will me to try to forgive Quil. I didn't know what to do.

Almost as if he knew I was talking about him he sat down next to me and Charlie climbed into his lap.

"Hi Angel" He said as he kissed the top of her head. Daniel got up in front of the crowd and started to speak.

"Thank you so much everyone for coming out" Daniel started

"I am sure all of you remember Isabella Swan. I know we all thought she had died but luckily it was a mistake and she is alive and well. The little girl you see sitting on my son's lap is their daughter Charlene. Although we have just found out about her and met her for the first time today, she has already wiggled her way into our hearts. Her mother has re-taken her spot in our hearts as well."

I couldn't believe that they were talking about me as if I was family. I was touched.

Quil POV

As I was sitting here listening to my father talking about Charlie I couldn't help but look over at Bella. I couldn't believe all the stuff she said to me. Did she really blame me for everything? She couldn't really hate me could she? I hoped she just said that out of anger. I couldn't deal with Bella really hating me. I loved her so much. I tried to re-focus on my dad. It wasn't easy but this was for Charlie.

"The reason we all called you here today is because we need help for our little Charlie." My father continued.

"Two years ago Charlie was diagnosed with leukemia" I swear the whole hall gasped at once.

"Bella has tried everything. Charlie has gone through several chemo treatments and has had every possible test done. Some of them very painful for a little 5 year old. Bella has also been tested and unfortunately is not a match to be a marrow donor."

This was so hard to listen to. I looked over and Bella was sitting there silently with tears streaming down her face.

"Pam, Jacob Black, my son and I are going to be tested to see if we are a match. Although the chances that are slim that a non-intermediate family member is a match we are asking that you all think about getting tested. All we need right now is a cheek swab to see if any of you may be a potential match. We understand your concerns and will not be offended or angry if you decide not to get tested. We do ask however that if you decide against the testing, that you keep our family in your thoughts. This Friday we will be having a bonfire at First Beach to welcome Bella home and to welcome Charlie into the family. Thank you for coming today."

I have never been more proud to be my father's son. I couldn't believe what he and my mother were doing for Charlie. I looked back over at Bella and she was staring at me. Eyes filled with tears and fear. I wish she would let me comfort her. This was hard on me too. Tomorrow we would be finding out if I was able to help Charlie or not. I prayed I could. After everyone offered their thoughts, prayers and some agreed to get tested, we went back to parents' house for dinner. This couldn't be more uncomfortable.

I was in the den when Bella came in and asked if we could go for a walk. I wasn't looking forward to be bashed and torn apart by her again, but I guess I owed her that much.

We got down to First Beach and found a piece of drift wood to sit on.

"Quil…I'm sorry I exploded on you earlier" What? Was I hearing that right?

"Do not misunderstand this Quil. I am still hurt and still angry, but it was wrong and unfeeling to tear you apart like that in front of everyone. I can't say what is going to happen with us and I will be honest with you. I am still in love with. I always have been. I knew when we were 13 years old that you were it for me."

She still loves me. That is basically all I heard. If she still loves me that means there is some hope.

"Bella can I tell you something"

"Of course" Breathe Quil. This could either make or break your chances with Bella.

"First I know this doesn't help or take away the pain from the last five years, but Bella I am sorry. I know how much an idiot I was when you told me you were pregnant. I also want to apologize for blaming you for getting pregnant. You were absolutely right. I should have thought about what we were doing that night in the tree house. We were both so wasted and I wanted you so bad. I still do. I just went about everything wrong. I asked myself everyday when I first heard you were dead if it was my fault. If there was a chance that you would still be alive if I had told you I wanted to raise the baby with you."

"Quil…"

"Bella please let me get this out. Nothing I will ever say or do will make up for the pain I put you through, but please try to understand that the Quil you knew five years ago doesn't exist anymore. He was dumb and selfish. I wish I could go back and tell myself to tell you yes. The man you see before you is changed. I know what real love is because I lost it when I lost you. I also know what joy is because I see it every time I look at our daughter. I don't want to just be the dad that she sees for a few hours everyday. I want to be there when she comes home from school, to tuck her in at night, make her breakfast in the morning, and watch her grow in to a beautiful woman like her mother is."

She blushed and I suddenly remembered why that shade of pink was one of favorite colors.

"So what are you saying? I am not giving her up Quil. I will not be the part time mother, just like you don't want to be a part time dad."

"No of course not Bella. I would never ask you to give her up. I would never take her away from you."

"Then what are you saying Quil?"

"Give me a chance to prove to you how much you and Charlie mean to me. Move in to my parents' house with me. Let me show you how I have changed. Let me love you again."

"Quil…."

"Bella will you just think about it. You said yourself you still love me and I am certainly still madly in love with you. Please…."

I couldn't believe I resorted to begging. Yes I could. Standing before me was my whole reason for breathing.

"Ok."

"Ok what?"

"Ok I will move into your parents' house. I am keeping my dad's house though. I cant bare to sell it."

"Really? You will move in with me?"

"I am not looking at it as moving in with you. At least not yet. I am looking at it as giving your parents a chance to get to know their granddaughter and letting you prove to me everything you just promised. However….I will not sleep with you. Sexually or physically. We need to start over again as if we just met. I need to learn to trust you again."

"Whatever you want Bella. I will do whatever I have to prove what you mean to me. Thank you."

I put my arms out and she actually moved towards me and let me hug her. It felt so good to have her back in my arms again. The next few months were going to be hard for us, but knowing that Bella is willing to let us be us again….that just makes it that much easier.

"I am going to go get Charlie and bring her down here to tell her the good news. I'll be right back" Bella said and actually smiled.

She ran back to the house to go get our daughter when the worst thing could happen….. Margo. FUCK! I had slept with her a few times. Sometimes alone, some times with another girl and her. I didn't need this right now. Maybe if I didn't look her way she would keep walking.

"Quil? Baby is that you?" Margo screeched. I never realized how annoying her voice was till right this second.

"Margo this is not a good time right now. I'm kinda in the middle of something."

"Awww….Quilly come on. You always have time for me. You know you love how I make you feel."

Margo straddled me and started to kiss my neck. I was trying to get her off of me when I heard it.

"No G-daddy I want to see my daddy" SHIT!

Bella POV

I was so excited. I knew Quil and I had a long way to go, but this was a start and I really think we could make it work. I busted in the door.

"CHARLIE"

"What mommy? Come on baby we are gonna go down to the beach. Daddy and I have something to tell you. In fact, everyone come down with us. We have some great news."

We made our way back down to the beach when I heard it.

"Awww…Quilly come on. You always have time for me. You know you love how I make you feel."

I felt like my eyes were burning. There was Quil and this whore straddling his lap kissing his neck. I covered my daughter's eyes immediately and before I knew what was happening Daniel was whisking her away. Was this how Quil was going to show me he's changed?

I could hear Charlie screaming as Daniel carried her away.

"No G-daddy. I want to see my daddy."

I know Quil heard it too. He threw the girl off his lap and turned around to look at me.

"Young lady if you know what is good for you, you will get the hell off of my son and leave."

The whore didn't waste anytime and ran away. I would have cheered Pam on if I wasn't so upset. I turned away and threw up the contents I had in my stomach and cried.

"Bella I can explain"

I composed myself and tired to open my mouth to talk when I heard a smack. Pam was in front of him and had just smacked him across the face. I almost felt bad for Quil till I remembered what I just witnessed.

"When did my son turn into a male whore? Is this the example you are setting for my granddaughter?"

"Mom it wasn't what it looked like"

"Quil…I may not be a young girl anymore but I still remember what that looks like"

"Mom I was trying to get her off of me. I swear. Jake help me out man"

"Bells….in his defense he hasn't been with a woman for a while."

"WOW! Thanks Jake!"

"You know what I mean Quil"

"Really cause I remember exactly what he said when he first saw me. I had a nice rack and you would totally tap my ass if I didn't have a kid"

"QUIL ATEARA! THAT IS NOT HOW YOUR FATHER AND I TAUGHT YOU TO TREAT WOMEN"

"I can't win! Bella I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I was being crude around the guys. I swear that was not what it looked like baby. She attacked me I was trying to get her off of me. Honey please. I just poured my heart out to you. There is only you. That is it. Just you!"

"Well apparently the slut didn't care cause here she comes with a friend."

"Quil" the whore said.

"Margo listen to me and listen to me good. I don't know what the heck you think you were doing but it is not like that at all anymore. See that woman standing there? That woman right there is my past, my present and my future. She is not only the love of my life, she is the mother of my daughter. I love her and I plan to marry her one day. So please if you have decency at all, leave me alone."

"You know what Quil. You are a pussy! I don't know what I ever saw in you and your short ass dick."

Wow that girl had a lot class. She looked at me hmphed and walked away. Quil was telling the truth. I knew he was with other women. I would be stupid to think he hadn't been in the past 5 years. He was a man after all. Was I willing to give this man up for good. No I wasn't.

"Bella….honey"

"I believe you Quil. I'm upset, but I believe you"

"Don't thank me yet. You really want to prove to me everything you just said, take all the girls' phone numbers out of your phone."

"Done!"

"Quil if I ever see another girl on you like that again and Bella doesn't kill you, your father or I will."

"Yes mom!"

"Come on Quil. Let's go tell our daughter the news."

We went back to the house and we told everyone I was moving in. Pam and Daniel were thrilled. Charlie couldn't stop jumping around and for the first time in five years I actually saw some hope. Jake seemed a little upset, but he said he was happy for me.

Instead of staying at Jake's that night we stayed at the Ateara house. Quil and I put Charlie to bed and went to sit on the back porch. It was nice just sitting there. We didn't need to talk. We just sat. Quil could tell I was starting to get tired and he reached his hand out to me to help me up. He walked me up to my room and hesitated before he walked away.

"Bella?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I kiss you?"

Shit. Was I ready for this? Did I want Quil to kiss me? Of course I did.

"Yes."

Quil moved closer to me and cupped my cheek. He slowly moved his lips towards mine and brushed across my lips with his warm soft lips. It was like I was 16 all over again. He pressed his lips harder against mine and moved me back against the door. He snaked his hands around my waist and I placed my arms around his neck. As he deepened the kiss he swept his tongue against my lips and I opened my mouth as his tongue entered my mouth. He tasted just as I remembered. Sweet and minty at the same time. It was heaven.

He moved his lips from mine and moved down my neck, nipping as he moved towards my collarbone.

"Quil" I whispered.

"I know. Thank you for letting me kiss you."

He opened the door for me and waited till I climbed in bed to shut the door.

"Quil?"

"Yeah Bella?"

"I love you"

"I love you too Bells."