Stephenie Meyer rocks!
BPOV (I just want to say I think I'll always write this story from Bella's POV, so I won't write this again.)
Edward had his arm around my waist as we stood at front of the door. "Bella! You're here!" Charlie pulled me into a tight embrace. Edward stood still watching. Charlie then turned to him and held out his hand. Edward shook it and he smiled warmly. We went into the living room. For the first time, Charlie sat on the recliner so Edward and I could sit on the couch together. Edward held my hand in both of his. Charlie's eyes kept going to the television. I smiled to myself as I thought about how Charlie wasn't quite making eye contact with me. After a few minutes, he pressed the remote to turn off the TV. He turned to face us. "That was quite a reception Alice threw." That was an understatement. "Everyone in town is still talking about it. I feel sorry for the next couple to get married, they might have to elope so they don't have to try and out do your reception. I don't think anyone can." I couldn't tell if that was a good or bad thing. "Yeah, Alice can go overboard just a little" I said jokingly. We all laughed at that. "So where is Alice?" Charlie asked. I love that Charlie really likes Alice. It just occurred to me that when we, the Cullens, had to move on, away from Forks, it wasn't just me that Charlie would miss. Edward answered "she's up registering for her courses. She's also trying to get us the classes we want before they fill up." I was relieved that Edward handled that for me.
"Are you all packed Bella?" Charlie asked after a few minutes. "Yes, Alice helped me pack before the wedding, so I wouldn't have to worry about it now. It's all ready to go in my room." Edward took this moment to stand and excuse himself. "Do you need any help getting her things Edward?" Charlie asked politely. "I'll get it. You... talk to Bella." When Edward left the room I felt a sob building in my chest. I didn't want Charlie to see how hard this was saying goodbye. I looked down trying to compose myself. "I'm glad Edward and Alice will be with you for your first semester at college" Charlie broke the silence. "Me too. You don't know how comforting it is knowing they'll be there." My statement was more loaded than he knew. I smiled as I heard Edward grumble about how much stuff I had. Of course, it was all for show. I wouldn't be taking most of my things where we were going. I wasn't even sure how to pack for that.
Edward came back and sat next to me when he was done loading all my things in the car. I could feel my anxiety growing as the time grew closer to say bye. "Are you hungry Bella? Do you want to eat before you leave?" I was surprised by his question, but laughed to relax. I stood and went into the kitchen. I looked around and soaked everything in. I went to the fridge and looked in. To my great surprise it was overflowing with food. Charlie yelled from the living room "Alice brought over the leftovers from the reception. She knew I'd need something to eat since you'd be gone." Alice. So thoughtful. She has always been considerate of Charlie. I decided I would eat something before the long trip ahead. I made up two plates and put them on the table. I called Charlie and Edward to come in. Charlie smiled and sat at the table. Edward stood in the doorway then said "I'll be right back, I forgot something at the house." I looked at him worried, but he just smiled and said "I'll be right back."
Charlie and I ate in silence. The food was really good. I was a little sad I didn't get to enjoy it at the actual reception. At least I got to try it now. Alice had really good taste in food considering she doesn't eat it. I smiled at that thought. Would I miss food? I wondered. "Will you be okay with food while I'm at school?" I asked knowing the answer. "Bella, I'll be fine. I will miss your cooking, but I'll survive. Thanks for asking though." I saw Edward walk past into the living room. I knew he was giving me more time alone with Charlie. I did something I don't usually do, I reached across the table and took Charlie's hand. He was surprised by my action too. "Thank you. Thank you for taking me in and being there for me when I needed you. Thank you for forgiving Edward. I know you know how much I love him. Try not to worry. I'm happier than you'll ever know. Edward's family is so good to me. I will be well cared for. I will try to email, or call you when I... can." Charlie looked down at the table. I could see he was trying to get control of his emotions. I waited until he was ready. When he looked up, I could see his watery eyes. I couldn't control mine anymore. I walked around the table and wrapped my arms around his neck. I cried in his arms. I don't know how long I held on, but he didn't let go either. It was like he knew this was the last time he would see me. My heart was aching. When I finally released him, Edward entered the kitchen. He glided next to me and placed his arm around my waist again. Charlie stood up and walked past us to the counter. He opened an envelope and then handed me a picture. Someone at the reception had snapped a picture of Charlie and myself. "Just in case you don't have one, you can take this with you." I smiled and took the picture. We walked to the front door. I turned and gave him another hug, a quick one this time. I didn't want the waterworks to start again. Then Charlie did something that surprised both Edward and I, he turned and gave Edward a hug. "Take care you two. Call me when you get there so I know you arrived safely." With that we turned and walked towards the car. I turned my head back towards Charlie and mouthed the words "I love you." Charlie mouthed it back. I was ready to go.