Chapter 4 – The Apology
Carlisle:
After Leah settled down yesterday, the rest of the family came home. Today Esme and I are taking Leah over to Charlie's house and she is going to apologize to them for her behavior. We are also taking Seth along because after she apologizes, we are going to sit down with them and talk this out about their ill feelings toward Charlie. Bella wanted to come along in support of her father, but I told her that would not be a good idea because Bella would get upset and defend Charlie and she and Leah would get into a fight and who knows what else. After talking to her, Bella agreed it would be best if she stayed out of this particular meeting. Charlie also agreed with that.
As I was getting ready, I heard Leah and Seth make their way downstairs. I finished and left our room and made my way down the hall to my waiting family. As I passed my study, something caught my eye on the door of my study. I stopped to see what it was. There stuck to the door was a sign with big bold letters: POP'S WOODSHED. Shaking my head I made my way down the stairs and saw Emmett coming out of the garage.
"Emmett, come here," I said to him at the bottom of the stairs.
"Yes Pops?" Emmett asked looking serious and keeping a straight face.
"Take it down and it better be gone when I come home," I said to him giving him my Dad glare.
"Take what down," Emmett feined pretending innocence.
"You know what I mean, stop acting like you haven't a clue what I'm talking about," I said to him now getting a little perturbed.
"I don't," Emmett said.
"Just do it," I said to him making my way to the kitchen.
"Okay, but I sure wish I knew what I was doing," Emmett said now making his way up the stairs.
"So would the rest of us," Jake said now coming down the stairs overhearing Emmett.
"Are we ready to go?" I asked my three passengers.
"Yes darling," Esme said to me.
"NO!" Came the emphatic reply from Seth and Leah.
"Too bad, get in the car," I said to them as I walked Esme out with my arm around her.
Driving over to Charlie's was a long, very quiet drive, even though it only took about 15 minutes to get there. Seth and Leah sat in the back and I would glance back at them from time to time and Seth was looking out the window on his side and Leah was doing the same on her side. Neither said a word and both of them looked like we were taking them to prison! Esme glanced at me and motioned back at the two sulkers in the backseat and I nodded that I had noticed them also.
"So, how's school going Seth," Esme asked him.
"Fine," was his flat reply.
"Leah, how are your nursing studies coming," Esme now tried Leah.
"Fine," was her sullen answer. Esme let out a sigh.
"You two seem like you're both in a bad mood today," Esme said to them.
"We are," Seth said quickly.
"Can you blame us?" Leah said.
"Why is it so difficult for you two to accept Charlie as your stepfather," Esme questioned them. I was hoping we were not going to have a blowout in the car.
"He's not needed as a stepfather. We have who we want as our father and we hate that he keeps reminding us that he's going to be our stepfather. I feel like gagging every time I say that word," Leah said with a shudder.
"It's like he wants to make sure we know he's going to be our stepfather and that we should feel the same way about him as we do you, Dad," Seth said.
"Is that so bad?" I asked.
"YES!" they both said loudly together.
"Give him a chance," I said to them.
"No, he's marrying mom and he'll be her second husband. I understand what you were trying to get across to me last night and I'll try to keep that in mind, but I still don't like it and just the thought of going to his house and having to apologize is making me sick and uncomfortable," Leah said.
"I don't like going either," Seth added.
"Well, let me tell you something little lady, you better apologize and treat both Sue and Charlie with respect or I will embarrass you in front of them. I do not want another outburst like the other day. Do I make myself clear?" I asked Leah sternly.
"Yes Dad," Leah said.
"You better mean that. Seth, that goes for you too," I said to him.
"I didn't do anything," Seth quickly pointed out.
"I mean for you to be respectful to both your mom and Charlie, Cubbie," I said to him.
"I'll try," Seth said.
"You better do more that try, little man," Esme said.
Pulling up to Charlie's house I parked the car out front. Leah let out a long sigh and I could see her bracing herself for the task in front of her. I decided to add another warning. So I turned to the backseat and addressed them both.
"I mean it, I want respect and sincerity and when we begin to talk about things, I want your cooperation and for you both to have an open mind and give Charlie a chance. Don't fly off the handle and don't get defensive. Please don't make me embarrass the two of you in front of them because if you act out, I will do just that," I warned them.
"Yes Dad," they both said.
We then got out and Seth and Leah came and stood in front of Esme and me. They looked like they were going to be sentenced.
"Can the two of you at least smile and greet our hosts," I said to them.
"Sorry Dad, don't feel like smiling especially since I have to apologize to him," Leah said sharply.
I grabbed her by the arm and stopped her in her tracks. I was going to nip this in the bud before we even got to the door. Leah was startled when I grabbed her and stopped her.
"Drop that attitude right now or I'll take you back to the car and give you a little assistance," I warned her.
"Oh, Da-ad," Leah complained.
"Leah, I mean it," I said to her.
"Mmmmpf," Leah uttered. Just then the front door opened and Charlie was standing there.
"Well, welcome Cullen's," Charlie said standing back and seeing Sue standing inside. Sue still looked hurt and Leah sighed loudly again. Esme shot her a glare.
"Hello Charlie," I said shaking his hand.
"Hi Charlie, so nice of you to have us," Esme said to him.
"Sure thing. Wasn't doing anything anyway. Hi kids, I kinda like that," Charlie said as I saw both Leah and Seth bristle.
"Hello Carlisle and Esme," Sue said. She gave a wary look to her two children who glanced at her.
"Here, sit here," Charlie said ushering us to the couch.
Esme and I sat down and Leah was going to sit next to us but Seth edged her over and pushed himself down on the couch before she had a chance and sat next to me. Leah stood there looking like she wanted to hit him.
"Hey," Leah said to him.
"I wanna sit by Dad," Seth said to her.
"Leah, sit here on the other couch with us," Charlie said to her.
"No thank you, I'll sit in the chair," Leah said glaring at Seth as she walked to the chair and sat down.
"Seth, that was very rude," Esme said to him. "Apologize to your sister."
"Sorry you weren't fast enough," Seth said cracking a smile. Charlie laughed.
"Shut up," Leah said to him.
"Seth," I said to him. He stopped his teasing. "Charlie and Sue, I wish to apologize for the way these two acted the other night at our house," I said to them.
"Got a little tense there," Charlie said.
"Alice ordered a new dress Sue and it should be arriving shortly. They are going to incorporate the material and lace from the other dress into the new one. It will be a unique design just for you," Esme told her.
"Oh that wasn't necessary. I just wanted some of the lace on that one," Sue said to her. "Thank you so much and please be sure to let Alice know how grateful I am."
"All for a dress," Leah mumbled under her breath.
"What was that?" I asked her giving her a glare.
"Nothing, just talking to myself," Leah said. Sue cast her eyes down. Hopefully she didn't catch what Leah said.
"Leah has something to say to you, Sue," Esme said nodding to Leah. "Leah!"
"Now?" Leah asked.
"Leah, remember what I said," I warned her.
"Mom, I'm sorry I…," Leah began.
"Stand up when talking to your mother, little lady," I said to her.
"Tsk!" Leah uttered standing up. She then turned angrily toward Sue.
"Leah Cullen," I said to her.
"What now?" She asked me smartly.
"Watch your attitude, Young Lady," I said to her. "Now talk to your mother with respect," I warned her.
"Mom, I'm sorry I ripped your wedding dress and hurt your feelings last night. I felt awful after it happened and I regret it now that I see how it hurt you," Leah said to her mother.
"And," I said to her meaning to now apologize to Charlie also.
"Sorry I scared you, Chief Swan," Leah said to her.
"Chief Swan? Are you kidding," Charlie said to her.
"Leah, you heard your father about respect," Esme said to her.
"Yes I did Mom, I thought I was very respectful to him," Leah said to her mother who was now glaring at her.
"Do it over and mean it this time," I said to her.
"Chief Charlie, I'm sorry I scared you when I wolfed out," Leah said stubbornly.
"Leah, you're not sorry at all," Sue said to her.
"You're gonna get it, Lulu," Seth said to her shaking his head.
"Dad said I had to apologize to you, and I did mom, I really am sorry about what I did to your dress. He told me I have to apologize to Charlie also. He also told me last night to accept him as a stepfather when you get married, but he said I could do it a little at a time and didn't have to call him my stepfather. So this is as good as it's going to get," Leah said to her.
"Leah, that was uncalled for," I said glaring at her now also.
"You're not sorry at all, I know when a kid is lying," Charlie said to her.
"I'm not lying. Are you calling me a liar now?" Leah said sarcastically to him.
"Leah stop it," Esme said to her.
"All I want is for you kids to accept me, but I won't stand my kids disrespecting their mother and lying to her and to me," Charlie said getting upset with Leah.
"News flash, Chief Swan! We're not your kids and never will be, so forget that idea," Leah said clenching her fists and spitting that out with a fiery tone.
"LEAH! Come here," I called to her. She froze in her spot. She turned and looked at me and looked like she suddenly remembered what I said about embarrassing her.
"Dad…I…," Leah began.
"I said, come here," I said again to her. "Seth, change seats with Leah."
"Aw, come on. I never get to sit with you, Dad," Seth whined with disappointment.
"Seth! Go," I said pointing to the couch.
"Oh alright! You had to go smarting off again," Seth said to Leah as he walked by her and plopped down on the couch and pouted.
"Leah Cullen, get over here," I said more firmly now. Seth leaned forward and shoved her but she stayed in place and turned around and slapped at him.
"Leave me alone," she said to Seth.
"Leah, go to your father," Esme said to her.
"Leah, now," I said. She just stood there.
Having enough, I stood up and fixed her in my gaze. Leah gasped and took a step back. I now took a step toward her and Leah, knowing if I had to come and get her it would not be pleasant, gasped and quickly answered me.
"Okay, okay, Dad, I'm coming," Leah said hurrying over to me.
I sat back down on the couch as she stood before me but still held her in my glaring gaze. I was piercing her with my stare and she knew she pushed me too far.
"Over my knee," I said to her as she gasped once again.
"No, Da-ad! Please!" Leah begged.
"Don't make me pull you over," I said to her in a warning tone.
"Da-ad, no…please no," Leah said as I slapped my left thigh. "Daddy…please don't make me," Leah whined as I pursed my lips and reached out to grab her. "No…I'll do it," she said. Leah then leaned forward and draped herself across my knees. She was sniveling the entire time.
"Since you don't know how to be respectful and to offer a sincere apology, you will lay over my knee until you prove to me that you have learned some manners," I said to her.
"Dad please, I'm sorry…I'll apologize," Leah offered whining and wiggling on my lap.
"Stop wiggling and think about your behavior and no talking. You know better," I warned her.
"Mmmmmmm," Leah winced.
"Wow, where'd you come up with that punishment Carlisle?" Charlie asked. Sue just sat and looked down.
"Instead of making them sit or stand in a corner, I found this works much better. They hate it and it makes a point to them. Right Leah," I asked her.
"Y-yes Dad," she sobbed out.
"It's worse than a spanking," Seth stated.
Back at the Cullen House:
Jake:
Emmett was standing by the study door as I was coming out of my room to go downstairs and forage the kitchen for some food. He was standing there looking at the door and looked puzzled, more so than usual.
"What are you up to Professor?" I asked Emmett.
"Nothing, just wondering…," Emmett said with his hand on his chin and in deep thought.
"Uh oh, that's not good, you wondering. Wondering what," I asked.
"I don't get it! How'd he know that," Emmett said lost in thought.
"How did who, know what," I asked again. This should be good!
"You know," Emmett said.
"No I don't know. Hey, what happened to your Woodshed joke?" I asked seeing the sign 'Pops' Woodshed' on the door of the study.
"Awe, Pops told me to take it down," Emmett replied.
"Didn't think it was funny huh? Good thing you just had to take the sign down and Dad didn't take you down with it," Jake said laughing. "You better get that sign down before he comes back because I bet none of them are going to be in a good mood after being at Charlie's."
"I don't get it," Emmett said.
"What don't you get?" I asked him.
"How did Pops know I was the one who put the sign up there?" Emmett asked shaking his head while looking at the sign.
"What? Are you kidding?" I asked not believing what I was hearing.
"No, I'm not kidding. I don't understand it either. How could he know it was me," Emmett said now scratching his head while turning the sign over and over in his hands.
"Is the answer on the backside of the sign?" I asked.
"No, it's blank," Emmett stated.
"Just like your brain," I said laughing.
"Hey, my brain is not blank. It's very colorful," Emmett said proudly.
"Yeah, it's blue because it's so lonely," I teased him again.
"Wolf bro, how do you suppose Pops knew I did this? Any one of us could have done this and I'm the first one he called so he had to know I did it right away," Emmett mused.
"Gee, I don't know, who else calls him Pops?" I asked hoping this might give him a clue.
"No one, just me. That's why I don't know how he figured it out. He didn't see me do it did he? You didn't rat me out, did ya Wolf Bro," Emmett asked now getting a little peeved.
"Nope, not me. Go ask Jasper, he walked by here earlier," I suggested.
"Oh, that's how he knew. JASPER! Where are you?" Emmett shouted.
"Whew! Emmett is now officially the 8th Wonder of the World," I said aloud. I had to see this for myself and I followed him to Alice and Jasper's room.
"Hey, Jasper! Jasper!" Emmett shouted pounding on the door.
"What is it, Emmett," Alice said throwing the door open.
"Where's Jasper," Emmett said.
"Right here, big fella," Jasper said coming to the door.
"What's the idea of ratting me out to Pops," Emmett accused him.
"What are you talking about?" Jasper asked him.
"This," Emmett said shoving the sign in Jasper's face.
"Pops' Woodshed, where'd you get that and you better not let Papa see it," Jasper said shoving the sign back at Emmett.
"You told him," Emmett said to Jasper.
"Told who?" Jasper asked confused.
"You blabbed to Pops that I put the sign on his door," Emmett said.
"I didn't even know you made the stupid sign," Jasper said.
"You didn't?" Emmett said to him.
"NO! I didn't, imbecile," Jasper said to him.
"Then why didn't you say so," Emmett said to him.
"What? I just told you," Jasper said shaking his head. "Get out of here, Emmett," Jasper said slamming the door in his face.
"Boy, he wasn't in a good mood," Emmett said. "Who else could have told him?"
"Edward or Seth?" I suggested. This was too good to stop.
"Right, could be either of them. EDDIE! SETH! How dare you guys," Emmett shouted running down the steps.
"What's the matter with you," Edward asked. He and Bella were sitting in the living room along with Rosalie.
"Where's Seth?" Emmett asked.
"He's with Dad at Charlie's," Edward said.
"This just keeps getting better," I said laughing.
"What did you do to my Emmy, you wolf turd," Rosalie asked me.
"Nothing, he does it to himself," I said to her.
"Babe, what's wrong?" Rosalie asked Emmett.
"Eddie, did you tell Pops I put this sign on his door?" Emmett asked shoving the sign at Edward now.
"No! Get that outta my face. I didn't even know you made the sign," Edward said shoving it back.
"Hey, that's what Jasper said. You two were in on it together," Emmett said to Edward.
"You're crazy. No way are we getting mixed up in your stupid pranks, they always backfire," Edward said.
"This one did too and I can't figure out who told Pops I put the sign on his study door," Emmett said scratching his head.
"You're kidding, right," Bella said looking at Emmett and rolling her eyes.
"No, he's not," I said to her.
"Emmett, read what it says," Bella said to him.
"I know what it says, I wrote it. 'Pops' Woodshed'," Emmett said aloud.
"Listen Einstein, who else but you calls him 'Pops'?" I asked him again.
"No one, just me. I told you that earlier," Emmett said to me.
"So when Dad read it, who do you think he thought made the sign?" I pointed out.
"Pops' Woodshed', oh Pops, yeah I get it now," Emmett said and ran out the door.
"Yep, there goes the 8th Wonder of the World," I said. Edward and Bella laughed and Rosalie came and shove me down on the couch.
"Hey, cut it out, Hercurose!" I said to her.
"Stop making fun of my Emmy," Rosalie said.
"He makes fun of himself," I said to her. In about 3 minutes, Emmett came back in proudly walking up to us all.
"There, I fixed it," Emmett said and held the sign up to us. It read: 'Dad's Woodshed'.
"Now he won't know I did it, he'll think its one of you guys," Emmett said running up and putting the new sign on the door and flashing back down congratulating himself on his clever trick.
"Nope, he'll never figure it out now," I said as the others laughed except Rosalie, as usual. "Emmett, you're not only the 8th Wonder of the World, but the 9th and 10th also!" I said shaking my head.
"Thanks Wolf Bro. See Rosie, Jake can too give me a compliment," Emmett said smiling broadly as Bella, Edward and I laughed it up.
Charlie's House:
Carlisle:
After about 15 minutes of small talk between myself, Esme, Charlie, Sue and sometimes Seth, I decided to see if Leah learned her lesson.
"Leah, do you know how to behave and apologize with sincerity and respect," I asked her.
"Yes Daddy," Leah said.
"Then you can get up and finish what you started," I said helping her up. Once up, Leah faced Charlie and she did look contrite.
"I'm sorry for the way I acted," Leah said to Charlie.
"Thanks Leah, I appreciate that," Charlie said to her.
"Now, take a seat and let's try to get this matter settled once and for all," I said as Leah sat down.
"I just can't figure out why you kids are so against me. I'm so happy to be able to call you my kids and become not only a stepfather, but a real father to the two of you," Charlie said with genuine feelings.
Unfortunately, this seemed to enrage not only Leah but even Seth and both bristled at that announcement. I knew immediately that this was not going to fly.
"Charlie, maybe you should take it a little slower…," I started to say but was cut off as Leah jumped to her feet fire red in the face.
"That's where you're wrong, Romeo! You'll never be my stepfather, much less a father to me, lover boy," Leah said haughtily.
"Leah Cullen!" Esme shouted at her.
"Sorry, but I can't think of you as a stepfather either," Seth added.
"Why not? What did I ever do to you kids? You act like you hate me," Charlie said.
"I do hate you! You don't even think of our father and you moved in on our mother and now you want to take our father's place and act like you're a loving father to us. We already have a father! Him," Leah said pointing to me. "We don't need you, you'll only be our mother's second…hear that…second husband to us," Leah shouted enraged.
"What? I'd never try to take Harry's place," Charlie said defensively.
"You like getting us in trouble with Dad, too. You couldn't wait to tell Dad Seth threw those rocks at the cars from the overpass!" Leah fired at him.
"Leah, don't you talk to Charlie like that," Sue scolded her. "You respect him as a parent."
"I'll talk to him anyway I want, and he's not my parent!" Leah fired at Sue.
"Leah, that's enough!" I said getting up and grabbing her by the arm and pulling her toward the door.
"Seth, let's go," Esme said motioning for Seth.
"Wait, I want the air cleared here," Charlie said now upset himself. "I don't deserve that from you two kids, Harry Clearwater was my friend. He always will be, and I didn't move in on your mother. She started dating me," Charlie shouted at them.
"You're a liar!" Leah shouted.
"Leah! Enough! Don't you say another word, Young Lady," I warned her. "I'm sorry, I thought we could all act as adults and get this matter settled once and for all, but I see that I was wrong in that assumption since my two children here proved that is exactly what they are, children!" I said angrily.
"Leah please don't act this way, or you Seth," Sue said to them pleadingly.
"You stop acting this way," Leah shouted to Sue.
"Leah Cullen, don't you dare say another word or I will embarrass you right here and now. Come on, this meeting is over and we're going home," I said shoving her out the door and pausing and turning to Charlie and Sue. "I'm sorry, I will try and settle this matter once and for all. We'll be in touch with you," I said marching my wolf daughter out to the car. Leah was sniveling all the way.
"Don't worry Sue and Charlie, we will get this under control. Until then, maybe it would be best to give Seth and Leah a little time to come to terms with things," Esme suggested.
"Right now, I don't want to see them anytime soon," Charlie said with frustration.
"Charlie, please don't say that," Sue said grabbing his arm.
"Charlie, you must understand where this is coming from. They see you trying to take their father, Harry's place. They are confused and upset. Let us have some time alone with them. It took Leah a long time to come to accept us," Esme said giving him hope.
"Thanks Esme, I think that might be best," Charlie said and Esme said her goodbyes and came to the car with Seth.
"Get that car, Young Lady," I said opening the back door and shoving her in. She plopped down in the back seat and began crying. I got in the front seat and I was furious.
"Carlisle, please calm down," Esme said fastening her seatbelt. Seth had put his on.
"Calm down? Did you hear our daughter in there?" I asked her.
"Please remember, she's upset," Esme said.
"She's upset! How do you think Charlie and Sue are feeling about now?" I asked her.
"I know dear, it's unfortunate," Esme said.
"D-daaddyy, I'm sorry," Leah sobbed out.
I was furious upon hearing that. I whipped around in my seat and faced her in the back seat and pointed my finger at her. I glared at her and began scolding her loudly.
"You listen to me, Young Lady. You stop crying right this minute. I don't want to hear a sob, cry or snivel coming from you after that disgusting show you put on in that house. Because if I hear you cry, so help me little lady, I will stop this car and yank you out of it and blister your tail end for you. Do you understand me?" I asked her.
"Y-yes s-sir," Leah replied.
"Stop sniveling!" I ordered her. "You just wait till I get you home!"
"Mmmmf," Leah mumbled.
"Same goes for you, Seth," I warned him. "I want silence in this car all the way home." I said to them.
They didn't reply and I then turned around and backed out of Charlie's driveway and headed for home, fuming all the way. It was a quick and quiet ride home and about halfway home, Esme put her hand on my leg in reassurance. I put my hand on top of hers. We glanced at each other and smiled. I then looked in the rearview mirror and both my children had their heads down not saying a word.
Before long I was pulling in the driveway and I hit the garage door button on my remote and the door began coming down. I threw open my door and so did Leah. I got out first and as she popped out I latched onto her arm.
"Oh no you don't. You come here," I said grabbing her.
I turned her to the side and landed six vampire strength SMACKS to her backside. Seth and Esme stood there watching this unfold. Seth's eyes were as big as half dollars and he flinched with every SMACK I delivered to his sister.
"Don't" – SMACK!
"OOWW!" Leah shouted raising up on her toes.
"You" – SMACK!
"OUUCH! Daddy!" Leah yelped jumping on the other foot.
"Ever" – SMACK!
"OWWIIEEE!" Leah sobbed hopping up and down.
"Act that" – SMACK!
"OOWWW! Owieeee!"
"Way" – SMACK!
"OW, ow! OWWW!"
"Again!" – SMACK!
"OOUUCCHH!" Leah yelped jumping up and down and rubbing her backend.
"Don't rub, get your hand away," I said smacking her hand.
I now grabbed her and marched her around the car and into the kitchen and walked her to the stairs. My other children were all in the living room and heard what went on in the garage. No one dared say a word as they sat quietly and stared intently at Leah. Esme and Seth came in following us.
"Get up to your room, little lady and don't you come out until I call you," I said pointing up the stairs.
Leah raced up the stairs and slammed her door anxious to get away from me. I then looked at Esme and Seth as they stood there looking back at me. Seth was a little afraid for his backside.
"You too, young Man, go to your room until I say you can come out," I pointed to the stairs.
Seth now raced past me but not before I got a swat in, not as hard as I gave Leah, but enough to make my point. Esme was looking at me and finally walked toward me.
"What happened? Is Charlie alright?" Bella asked concern.
"Yes, he's fine. A little upset with the way Leah acted," I said curtly.
"Did she hurt him?" Bella asked.
"Bella, not now. Charlie is okay, just upset and so is Sue." I explained.
"But...," Bella said concerned.
"Love, let it go for now. Dad said he is okay," Edward cautioned her. Good thing too, because I didn't need Bella getting into with Leah now.
"Carlisle, you need to calm down, dear," she said rubbing my arm.
"I know, I'm going to my study and check my email and then I am going out for a hunt," I said to her.
"I'll go with you, my love," Esme said.
I nodded and went up the stairs to my study. I was still fuming as I heard my children downstairs ask their mother what went on.
"Did he say the study," Jake asked.
"Uh oh," Edward said.
"EMMETT CULLEN!"
To be continued…
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