Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight
A/N: Sorry for the delay guys! I'm a teacher and I just got back from spring break this week so I've been swamped with work! It's my first year, and it's been a hell of a ride, haha! Anyways, I hope this was worth the wait.
Chapter 4: Always Trouble in Forks
Emmett's POV:
I couldn't help but smile brightly when we reached the edge of Forks. Out of all the places I'd lived, this place was definitely my favorite. This place was home. I turned towards my siblings and saw them all sporting soft smiles as well, suggesting that they all probably felt the same as I did. I was about to say something when the scent of wet dog hit my nostrils. Wrinkling my nose, I quickly turned to the left to see a large, reddish-brown wolf bounding towards us.
"Jacob," Bella cried out in joy, running towards the wolf.
"Bella!" my brothers and I cried out in alarm, none of us certain this pup wouldn't view her as a threat. It seemed our worries were for naught though because as she tackled the wolf to the ground I could see his tail vigorously wagging, small yips emitting from him before he began to lick Bella's face.
Edward let out a groan as Bella yelled out in disgust, "Eww! Jacob, come on! Oh, ewww, I'm going to smell like a wet dog now, hahaha!"
I let out a laugh of my own at the ridiculousness of this scene and how happy my baby sis seemed to be. Edward was wrinkling his nose in disgust, glaring at the wolf while Jacob just sported an amused wolfy smirk.
"So Jake," I called out, "you gonna turn human for us, or is this guided tour gonna be led by a wolf?"
Wolf boy turned his furry head towards me, seemed to roll his eyes before running off into the woods. "What the hell?!" I shouted, not understanding why the mutt had run off. "What'd I say?" I questioned, turning a bewildered eye towards Bella. My sister erupted into giggles at my question, making me even more confused.
"He went to change human," Edward answered for me, but I still failed to understand. "And he couldn't do that in front of us why?" I asked.
My brother chuckled at this point as he responded, "Because he would've been butt naked, that's why."
Jasper and I let out laughs at this point. "Oh wow, really?"
"Laugh it up, Leech," a voice called, and I smiled widely at the half clothed wolf boy.
"Still don't own a shirt, I see," Edward spoke drily, and Jacob let out a chuckle as he grinned cheekily.
"Downside of turning into a giant wolf is that our clothes tend to get shredded accidentally pretty often," Jake explained with a shrug. He turned towards Bella at this point, and gave a small, disbelieving shake of his head.
"I thought you'd be really different, Bella, but you're still you. A bit too cold and smelly for my likes, but still you. I'm glad," he remarked, wrapping his huge arms around my sister who returned his gesture.
"I've missed you too, Jake," she stated, and he smiled wildly as he lay his head on top of hers.
"I hate to break up this love-fest," Jasper interrupted only semi-apologetically, "but we're sort of on a time crunch."
"Right you are, brother," I added, giving him a nod of thanks. "We got an hour tops that we can be here, Jacob, so if we could please get going, we'd all really appreciate it."
"Only an hour?" he asked in disappointment, giving us all a confused look. "Why? If it's Sam's threat you're worried about, don't be. When I found out what he did I confronted him about it. Things, well, they got a bit out of control," he explained, frowning softly. "Long story short I'm alpha wolf of my own pack now, so I rescinded his threat. You guys are safe. Sam won't risk a fight between our two packs."
"That's not exactly the problem," Jasper told him cryptically, and the wolf's confusion increased as he stared at us all.
"I don't understand," Jacob stated, now looking solely at Bella, who was sporting a guilty, embarrassed expression.
"Look, don't worry about it Jake. We only have an hour and that's just the way it is, so could you please take me to my dad?" Bella spoke, giving Jacob a pleading look.
"Uh, sure Bella, let's get going then," wolf boy remarked, still looking confused, but seeming to understand that we weren't going to answer him. None of us fancied the idea of telling the new alpha wolf that our daddy hadn't given us permission to come here and that if he found out he'd spank us all like kids. I saw Edward grimace as he shot me a look. Yeah, soooo not happening.
Jacob began to run through the woods at this point, all of us easily keeping up with him.
"So how's he doing?" Bella asked, her tone filled with concern.
"He's depressed," Jake answered, "really depressed."
Bella let out a whimper, and Edward quickly grabbed her hand in his, giving it a comforting squeeze.
"He's been drinking a lot, and every time I see him his eyes are red rimmed as though he's been crying. He looks as though he hasn't had a decent night's sleep in ages and he's lost weight, probably from not eating regularly," Jacob explained, and my heart clenched as I heard my baby sister begin to cry softly.
"You got any good news, Wolf, or are you just here to make my wife cry," Edward snapped, causing Jacob to give him a slight glare. He was readying a retort, but Jasper interrupted by shushing them both.
"We're close, so let's slow down. Bella, how's your thirst doing?" he asked seriously, and we all slowed down to a walk as we looked over at Bella.
"Just fine," she muttered distractedly, determinedly walking towards her house. We could all see it now in the distance, and my brothers and I immediately rushed to get ahead of Bella, Jasper rushing towards the home to scout it out.
"Bella, slow down and answer the question," I said firmly, blocking her way. "How is your thirst?"
"I told you, it's just fine," she answered impatiently, trying to get around me, but I held out a hand to her. Bella let out a snarl, and if the situation had been any differently I would have laughed at the way wolf boy jumped. He was staring at Bella with astonished eyes, no doubt never having expected such a sound from his small, used-to-be-human friend.
"Bella, love, relax," Edward whispered softly, as he wrapped his arms around his mate. "We're already here, and you're going to see Charlie, but we just need to make sure you're in complete control of yourself. You don't want to hurt him, right? We're just being thorough, okay?" he pressed, placing a light kiss to her forehead as she began to relax.
I relaxed as well as I watched her begin to take calming breaths. "You remembered what we talked about on the way here, right Bella?" I had to ask, and she looked over at me as she nodded her understanding. I relaxed further, giving her an understanding smile.
"Cool, then let's go check on 'ol Charlie, alright?" I told her, and she gave another nod.
Jacob was giving us all confused looks, his body tense as he stared at Bella with new eyes. It seemed he was finally realizing that Bella really was a vampire and what exactly that meant.
"Bella," he called out seriously, and she turned wary eyes to him. Edward outright glared at the boy.
"I'm sorry I forgot—I didn't think…are you up for this?" he stammered awkwardly. "I mean, you're not going to flip out and attack Charlie, are you?"
"No, Jake, no," she answered assuredly, shaking her head back and forth. "I'm in complete control, these guys are just being overprotective."
Jacob bit his bottom lip before looking towards me for confirmation. "She's good, cuz," I said reassuringly, giving him a clap on the shoulder, and he blinked, seemingly in shock at what I'd called him. I just shrugged my shoulders as I began to walk towards Charlie's house. As far as I was concerned the boy was extended family. I mean, how cool was it that I could say I had a werewolf cousin. Totally awesome, right?
"You're completely mental, Emmett," Edward stated matter-of-factly as we joined Jasper. Soldier boy gave us a stern look, obviously wanting us to be taking all this real serious in case we had to get little sis out of here. Jake stood by us, his stance now wary as he looked us all over.
"He's inside the kitchen eating," Jasper informed us. "Sue Clearwater is with him. Their emotions are both calm and happy."
"Sues been really good for Charlie," Jake stated, giving a small smile. "So have Seth and Leah, but they're like a band-aid. They cover the wound, but…," he trailed off with a grimace.
Edward and Bella made their way closer to the house, placing themselves in the perfect spot to see inside the house without being seen themselves. Edward wrapped an arm around his mate's waist both as a means of comfort and restraint. Her hands were over her mouth, tears beginning to slide down her face at what she saw.
"He's so skinny, and he looks so tired," she whispered sadly, and my heart went out to her.
I could only imagine what I'd be feeling if I'd had to suffer through watching my human family fall apart because of my death. There were many times I found myself feeling some anger at the fact that Carlisle had never allowed me to see them one more time. This was the main reason I had completely endorsed Bella's idea to come here, but now that we were here…well, just like those times I felt anger towards Carlisle for not allowing me to see my family, there were also times I was grateful to the man because I feared I could have witnessed an event like Bella was. For the first time I truly wondered whether this had been a good idea or not. Why put my baby sister through such pain when it was obvious there was nothing she would be able to do to change it? I let out a sigh, running a hand through my curls. This had been a stupid idea. What had we all been thinking?
Jasper turned inquiring eyes towards me, no doubt having felt my sinking mood. "This was a mistake," I mumbled, and he frowned prominently, not understanding why I would say this. He was opening his mouth to speak when we both heard the sounds of our sister sobbing. Edward held the girl in his arms, whispering comforting words to her, but to no avail.
"Bella," Jacob moaned sadly as both Jasper and me headed over to offer our own comfort.
"This is all my fault," she sobbed as she looked at each of our faces.
"Shhhh, Bella," Edward said to her softly, "that's not true and you know it."
"Y-Yes it is," she refuted with a shake of her head, and Jasper reached his hand out and placed it on her back as he said, "Now don't be ridiculous, Bella, yer fathers gonna be just fine. I can feel his emotions and he's perfectly fine. He's grieving, but in time he'll be well again. He's happy and content right now with Sue in there, ya hear me? Here, feel what I feel and you'll know I'm telling you the truth," he said. There was tense silence as Jasper shared his gift with Bella, and breaths of relief were let out from everyone when she began to smile and nod. She was still sobbing, but she was smiling.
Edward wrapped his arms around her, whispering a heartfelt thank you to Jasper. I placed a comforting hand on Jasper's shoulder, giving it a squeeze as I sent him feelings of pride and gratefulness. "Nice one, brother."
Jazz sent me a bashful grin, sending me a wave of brotherly love. I grinned before turning back to my youngest siblings. I was about to ask if they wanted to head home when Edward stiffened, a furious look crossing his expression. I was immediately on guard looking around for any source of danger.
"Edward, what is it?" Bella asked concernedly before yelping when she was suddenly dragged towards the forest.
"Come on!" Edward shouted at Jasper and me, and although extremely confused we immediately followed, and none too soon because right as we entered the forest Jacob stepped out of the house with Charlie in tow.
Bella let out a loud gasp, and Edward shushed her, putting his hand over her mouth and nose.
"Jacob, why the hell did you bring me out here?" Charlie questioned in irritation. "Can't you see I'm in the middle of a meal?"
"I already told you Charlie, there's someone out here that you're gonna want to see, trust me," Jacob responded patiently.
I tensed, anger coursing through me as I realized what the wolf boy had planned. He wanted to have Bella actually meet Charlie! Damned idiot werewolf!
"Well I'm out here and I don't see anybody," Charlie remarked, giving Jacob a ticked off look.
"Just hold your horses, sh"—but the boy didn't get to finish his sentence for I promptly found Bella shoved into my arms as my brother showed himself to Charlie.
"Chief Swan," Edward greeted softly, "I'm sorry for the confusion, but I didn't think I'd get you to see me if I just showed up at your front door."
I let out a breath of relief at my little bro's quick thinking. Jacob had almost given it all away. Damn cub didn't know how close he came to screwing things over.
"Edward Cullen," Charlie stated stiffly, giving both him and Jake cold looks. I could tell right away things were not going to go well by the way the old chief's face started to turn red.
"Who do you think you are, Jacob Black, getting involved in this?" Charlie questioned angrily. "My daughter is dead because of that boy and his wretched family!" he shouted, pointing a furious finger at my brother.
I tightened my hold on Bella who had begun to struggle furiously. "Let me go, Emmett," she pleaded. "Let me go talk to him!"
"Are you crazy, Bella, no way in hell!" I whispered loudly, hoisting her up off the floor and turning to leave. She let out a deafening shriek, and Jasper was immediately with me, placing both his hands on top of Bella's mouth.
"What was that?" Charlie questioned. "Who was screaming?"
My eyes widened as I looked back to see Charlie staring into the forest with curiosity and concern. Jasper and I both began to walk away as quickly as possible with Bella sandwiched between us. Logically I knew I should be worried and panicked right now, but Jasper was sending out such strong doses of calm and serenity that I was being affected as well, and so unknowingly I found myself loosening my grip. Bella went limp at the same time my arms did, and she fell to the ground. Jasper flashed me an apologetic look, mumbling oops as he went to help her up, but she shoved him away and began to run back towards Charlie.
Jasper and I immediately gave chase, but before we could get a hold of her she was apprehended by someone else.
Pops.
He appeared out of nowhere, his arm suddenly wrapped around her waist. Pops turned slightly and literally threw Bella to Jasper and me.
"Do not let her go!" he ordered harshly before taking off for Charlie's. I complied without thought, wrapping my arms around my sister and pinning her to the ground. Jasper once more used his influence but made sure that it was only Bella who felt it. As she began to settle down, I couldn't help but share a look of fear with my empathic brother. We were in deep shit.
Carlisle's POV:
I ran as fast as I could to Charlie's house, intent on salvaging the mess my children had gotten themselves into. My mind had been racing ever since my conversation with Esme and the girls with trying to figure out why they would do this. I understood Bella's reasoning, but I could not understand how all her siblings would have gone along with this.
I pushed these thoughts out of my mind as I listened in on what was occurring. I could see Edward and Jacob along with Charlie and Sue. Charlie, unsurprisingly looked furious and Sue had her hand on his arm as she tried to calm him.
Edward stiffened suddenly, no doubt noting my presence while Jacob looked towards me in confusion.
"Charlie, please," Sue pleaded, "you cannot blame Edward for what happened to Bella. Her death was an accident, you know that."
"Like hell it was an accident!" Charlie raged, his voice turning hoarse. "My little girl is never coming home because of that boy's driving!"
Oh Charlie, I couldn't help but think sadly. I hated seeing the man like this, I truly did. I couldn't bear the thought of losing any one of my children, but poor Charlie had lost his only one. I wished I could ease his pain, but my family was already in hot water with the Volturi and I would not risk putting us in more danger for one man.
"Chief Swan, I am so, so sorry for what happened to Bella," my son spoke up in a heart wrenching tone. "You're right. Her death was my fault and I can understand why you'll never forgive me, but you need to remember that I loved her too. She was my wife, and I lost her just like you did. Do you hear me? I loved her with all my heart and not a day goes by that I don't blame myself for what happened, but even then I've still managed to live my life. I'm not wallowing in self-pity and drinking my sorrows away." I listened intently, frowning lightly at my son's words. The guilt he displayed was genuine, and I wondered at its source before banishing my musings. There'd be time to contemplate this later. As I pondered I was also avidly watching Charlie's expression. He looked incredibly pained, angry, and lost.
"I let my family in and they were able to help me heal," Edward continued passionately. "It's time you let those who love you like Sue and Jacob here help you out. It's time for you to let Bella go and to live your life. What do you think Bella would feel if she saw you like this? Do you think she'd be happy? Do you think she'd be proud of you? Because based off what I've seen I can tell you she'd be downright ashamed and disgusted by your behavior!" my boy angrily shouted, and Charlie flinched horribly.
"Edward, hey!" Jacob hissed worriedly as he glanced nervously between Charlie's white face and Edward's angry one. I growled lowly as I mentally berated my impetuous boy for his callousness.
Sue stepped forward at this time and placed herself between Charlie and the boys. She pushed the stunned Charlie towards the back door, and he mechanically entered his house looking very much in a daze. "Jacob, Edward, I believe it's time for you two to leave," she announced, giving them both pointed looks. Jacob looked rather upset as he glanced at Sue, Charlie, and then Edward.
"Time to go, boys," I called out softly enough so only they could hear me.
"Sue," Jacob spoke up, "I'm sorry about this. I was only trying to"—
"Enough Jacob," Sue interjected firmly. "We will discuss this later, but now it's time for you to go. As for you Edward Cullen, I thought I made it very clear to Carlisle that you were not to come bother Charlie again."
"You made it very clear," I spoke up, stepping out of the forest enough for her to see and hear me. I maintained enough distance though so that if Charlie happened to glance out the window he wouldn't see me. Sue's eyes zeroed in on me and she glared.
"How dare you, Carlisle Cullen, come back here after the state you left Charlie in last time! You were warned not just by me but by Sam Uley as well not to return, and not only did you return but you brought Edward, the last person Charlie would want to see!" she ranted, and I pursed my lips before shaking my head and holding up a hand for her to fall silent.
"Sue, please listen to me," I pleaded softly, and she narrowed her eyes at me. "I did not send Edward here. My son came here of his own accord after I expressly forbade him from doing so," I explained turning stern eyes towards the boy. Edward's shoulder hunched slightly before he averted his gaze from mine.
"Forbade?" Jacob asked in astonishment. "Why would you—you guys didn't tell me you weren't allowed to be here," he stated, turning confused eyes to Edward.
"You guys?" Sue asked wearily, and I let out a sigh before crossing my arms and saying, "Edward along with my two other sons and Bella decided to deliberately disobey my direct order and come down here."
"Bella is here?!" Sue gasped out in shock, looking into the woods. She looked back towards Charlie's house before walking towards me. I realized she wanted to get away from the house so we all walked deeper into the woods so Charlie wouldn't accidentally overhear us. When Sue eventually overcame her shock she turned furious eyes towards both Jacob and Edward.
"Were you planning on Bella actually showing herself to Charlie?!" she screeched in outrage, and while Edward immediately shook his head no, Jacob look rather stunned by her rage.
"Why would it be so bad for Charlie to see Bella? She's his daughter! He has a right to know what's happened to her!" Jacob defended hotly. "It's not right that Charlie has to suffer so much when his daughter is clearly still alive!"
My anger built up at his ignorance, and I let out a growl as I took a few steps towards the young werewolf. "You naïve fool, Jacob Black!" I snapped. "Vampire law forbids us from revealing ourselves to humans. It is our only law and the consequence of breaking this rule results in death. If Bella had revealed herself to Charlie, it would have meant the death of not only my entire family, but of Charlie as well!"
Jacob looked taken aback as he took a step away from me. "I-I, uh, I didn't know that," he remarked before turning furious eyes towards Edward. "Why the hell didn't you tell me this was forbidden?! I was wondering why Bella hadn't come down here to see Charlie, and if I'd known it was forbidden I never would've asked!"
My son bristled, stalking towards Jacob before shouting back defensively, "Well if you hadn't been sending all those emails to Bella complaining about how bad Charlie was and how awful a daughter she was for not having come down, then none of this would've happened! And you heard us tell Bella that she was only going to check up on him! Why the hell do you think we would've said that, you moronic dog!"
"You were the one keeping secrets from me, leech!" Jacob snapped heatedly, getting in Edward's face. "You never told me you weren't supposed to be here or that Bella couldn't be seen by Charlie!"
"I figured even a simpleton like you could've"— Edward began to argue before I intervened
"That's enough!" I yelled, getting in between both boys and shoving them away from each other. I glared at my youngest son and mentally told him, Edward Anthony Cullen, you will mind your temper and remain silent unless spoken to or I will take you in hand! My own temper was bristling just under the surface at the blatant disobedience from all my children, and I was in no mood for childish spats. Edward gave me a hasty nod, mumbling a quiet, "Yes sir."
My glare turned towards Jacob then and the boy's affronted expression melted nearly instantly to be replaced with uncertainty and guilt. I stalked towards him, clearly noting his increased anxiety. Werewolf and brave warrior he may be, but he was still just a boy, very young and still new to this world. I stopped a mere foot away, and watched as his body began to tremble slightly. He tightened his fists, no doubt trying to keep himself from transforming.
I glanced at Sue and she gave me a wary look.
"Carlisle," Jacob called, and I turned my gaze back towards him. "I'm sorry, I had no intention of endangering your family," he apologized before I held up a silencing hand.
"I know you didn't, Jacob," I responded, mulling over what exactly to say next. "I appreciate your friendship with Bella, and I acknowledge that you were of great help to my family during the confrontation with Victoria and her newborns; however, if you continue to try and hurt Bella by making her believe that Charlie's condition is in anyway her fault or try to rope her into any more trouble, I will ban any and all contact between the two of you."
The boy's eyes widened before narrowing in anger. "Who are you to ban me from talking with Bella? You have no control over what she or I do!"
I heard a hiss from behind me, but my son wisely kept his mouth shut as I stepped into Jacob's personal space. "Bella is a member of my family, my coven, Jacob Black, and as such she is subject to my rules. Just as your pack members obey your alpha's orders, Bella obeys mine."
"So you control her?" he growled with bared teeth.
I bored my eyes into his as I calmly replied, "No, I do not control her. Bella is free to make her own choices, but all choices come with consequences. I am responsible for her safety and the safety of my family, and any rules I set forth are for her and my family's well-being, and she knows that."
"If she really did feel that way, then why did not only she but Edward, Jasper, and Emmett break your rule?" Jacob questioned, and I withheld a sigh before smoothly answering, "Because like any teenager they acted rashly as they falsely believed they knew better than their father."
Jacob blinked at my response, not having expected my response. I had no doubt he still didn't view my coven as a family.
"You're not Bella's father though," Jacob stated factually after several moments of silence.
"Yes, he is, Jake," a voice stated softly, and I closed my eyes briefly before turning around to see my young daughter walking towards us. Jasper and Emmett followed closely behind, their stances tense and their eyes wary as they took in the scene. Edward was instantly by his mate's side, hand on her shoulder as he stared down Jacob. Bella brushed his hand away impatiently before marching up to her friend. My eyes bored into her, but she studiously ignored me.
"What? He is? What are you talking about? Carlisle isn't your dad, Charlie is," Jake argued, and Bella grimaced slightly before firmly responding, "They're both my dad."
The boy's expression became totally bewildered as he stared between me and Bella. "I don't understand."
"Jake, the Cullens are my family, they have been since before I was turned. Emmett, Jasper, Rosalie and Alice are my brothers and sisters and Esme and Carlisle are my mom and dad," Bella explained. "Don't get me wrong, I love Charlie and Renee, and they're still my parents, but it's…well, they've never exactly been parental material and it's not as though I can see them anymore. I love the Cullens like family and they love me."
Jacob look rather stunned as his eyes shifted to me, to my sons, and then to Bella.
"You don't need them, though, Bella. You don't have to do as Carlisle tells you to. You can stay here and see Charlie whenever"—
I couldn't help but let out a hiss, and I was about to interject when Sue beat me to it.
"Jacob William Black, that is enough!" she snapped, stalking straight towards the startled boy. I promptly wrapped my arm around Bella and flashed her over to my boys. She made a noise of protest, so I quickly knelt down and whispered harshly into her ear, "If I hear another sound out of you, I will whip you here and now!" Her eyes widened and she put a hand over her mouth as she simply stared back at me in astonishment. I gave each of my boys a steely look before turning my attention back towards Jacob and Sue.
"What is going through your mind, right now?" Sue spoke heatedly. "Are you even listening to yourself? You sound like a deluded, selfish child, not the leader and protector of a tribe!" The boy's face turned ashamed at her words, and he was about to look over towards Bella, but Sue quickly snatched his chin, forcing his face towards hers.
"You look at me when I'm talking to you, young man!" she lectured, and he locked eyes with her.
"This foolishness ends now," she declared strongly. "You heard what Carlisle told you. Humans are not to know that vampires exist, and frankly, I don't understand how you didn't know that as it has always been tribal law to keep the Cullen's secret from everyone."
I nodded in complete agreement with her statement. There was no way the boy didn't know this; but then again, he had been the one to break the treaty when he told Bella what we were.
"Sue, I know that, but I just didn't think telling Charlie was such a big deal. He'd never tell anyone!" Jake protested, and I let out a sigh at his continued stubbornness. So alike, he and Bella.
"That's not the point," Sue replied in exasperation. "It is law," she stated she said with the utmost seriousness, poking him in the chest with each word she spoke.
He frowned unhappily, gripping his hair with one hand as he looked between Sue, me, and Bella. When his gaze settled on my daughter, I fought back the urge to growl protectively. I knew that would only set both him and Bella off, and I truly just wanted to get out of here as soon as possible without any more fuss.
"You're okay with this, Bella?" Jacob asked, and I decided to let slide the growls I heard from my three sons as that was exactly what I wanted to do. I did hold up a hand, though, to silence anything else they or Bella may want to say. I also gripped my daughter's shoulder as I opened my mouth to speak, but Sue beat me to it.
"What Bella is or isn't okay with doesn't matter, Jacob," Sue spoke firmly, her tone softening as she then said, "Charlie and Bella can never see one another again. It is a danger for each one of them, especially Charlie. Law is law, and you should be able to understand that. Stop acting like a child, Jacob, and remember who you are and what world you live in. Life isn't fair, and everyone here knows that," she said, gazing at each one of us.
Jacob looked distressed and conflicted. A part of me felt sympathy for him as I understood what a difficult position he was in, but at the moment I was too angry by todays' events to do anything about it; so right now I felt more annoyed by him than anything. I didn't need his understanding, just his assurance that he'd stop acting like such a fool.
"I need your word, Jacob Black that you will cease with this foolishness" I spoke up in an authoritative voice. "I need your word that you will not guilt trip my daughter for what is going on with Charlie." Bella looked at me with a similar expression as Jacob's, and I just shook my head at her. Tears were welling up in her eyes, and I turned my head away.
"Charlie will be just fine, Bella," Sue called out. "He is fine. He has his bad days, but overall he has been doing well. He is learning more and more how to live his life and be happy. You don't have to be worried anymore. I won't leave him," she informed Bella, who had begun to quietly cry.
"I love him," Sue then stated, "and so do Seth and Leah. Billy loves him, and so does Jacob," she said, giving the aforementioned boy a small smile. "He has all of us here to get him through this, and to take care of him. He is a strong man, and I can see you have his strength as well."
Bella nodded her head, still crying as she tearfully choked out a thank you.
"You have chosen your life, Bella," Sue continued seriously, "now it's time you live it and accept that Charlie is no longer a part of it. Every choice has a consequence as Carlisle—as your new father stated earlier, and this was a consequence you had to have known would occur. Let Charlie go."
"But he needs me," Bella told her, and Sue frowned before simply stating, "No, he doesn't."
"But"—Bella began to say.
"No," Sue interjected firmly. "Charlie doesn't need you, Bella. Accept that, and let him go. Charlie has mourned you, and is recovering; and I believe it is time for you to do the same. Lean on your new family, and allow Charlie to lean on us. I give you my word that we will take care of him. He has a family in us."
I looked at my daughter, and felt relief when I finally saw grudging acceptance. She nodded her head while bringing herself under quick control, wiping at her face with both hands.
"I understand," she simply stated, and I knew she had just buried whatever it was she was truly feeling. Now was not the time to confront her though.
"Bella, I'm sorry," Jacob spoke up, and she responded with a small smile as she said, "Don't worry about it, Jake, this isn't your fault." He clearly didn't agree with her, and a part of me didn't either, but neither one of us said anything before he then looked at me in apology.
"I promise that I won't do anything like this again," he told me sincerely. "This was stupid, and I should've known better. I swear I won't endanger Bella or your family again, Carlisle."
I stared him down for an entire minute before I nodded my head. "Be sure and keep that promise, Jacob, because I don't want to have to cut off contact between you and Bella. Your friendship has always been very important to her, and I would hate for it to be ruined because of another idiotic idea like this one."
"It won't happen again," he responded, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment.
I turned towards Sue at this point, and said, "Thank you for helping out with this situation, and I'm deeply sorry for everything that has happened. I give you my word this is the last time you will ever see any of us. We will leave you all to live your lives without interference."
"I accept your thanks and apology, but I feel I must offer you an apology in return for Jacob's actions. He is an alpha, and he represents our tribe, but he is also a boy," she added, "and he will make mistakes. I hope you don't hold that against him or our tribe. His actions were thoughtless, but he really didn't mean anyone any harm."
"Sue," Jacob groaned in embarrassment, but I ignored him as I replied, "I understand completely, and I will hold no ill will towards him or your tribe."
She let out a small sigh of relief before gracing me with a hesitant smile. "Well, then, I believe it is time we said our goodbyes. Charlie is no doubt wondering where I've wandered off to. And you're coming with me," she said, giving Jacob a stern look. "You are going to apologize to him for your actions before contacting your father and telling him what you've done."
"What?!" Jacob cried out. "Sue, I'll apologize to Charlie, but I don't need to"—
"This is not a discussion, young man, now say your goodbyes!" Sue snapped, and I inwardly smiled at her actions, especially when I saw how Jacob jumped to obey.
"Say your goodbyes, Bella," I said, giving her a small push towards her friend, "we need to be on our way."
She needed no prompting as she immediately rushed into the wolf's arms. A few tears escaped as they exchanged apologies with one another. Their friendship truly was endearing, and I hoped neither one would ever give me cause to have to end it. They said their goodbyes, reluctantly letting go of each other as they promised to keep in contact. As Bella turned towards our family, Jacob gave a small wave to my boys before giving me an apologetic look. I softened my stern look, giving him an understanding smile as I bid him goodbye. My reaction seemed to please him for he perked up a little and said goodbye before walking with Sue back to Charlie's.
A/N: Updates are going to come slower than usual as I'm extremely busy and I'm also going to be working more on the last chapters to flush them out a bit.
