Chapter 7.

Silver Lining.

The days were flying by... the sleeping tablets were really helping, and I kept my promise to Alice. I think things were beginning to get better with time.

I was yet to hear from Jacob, but maybe he needed time as well. Hopefully he would speak to me soon and we can get the friendship back on track.

Tonight Alice and her family are going hunting out of town, they will be gone a few days; the thought of being alone and unprotected made me a little uneasy, but Alice said she'd keep tight visions on me as long as I didn't go running over to the reservation.

I paced around my bedroom wracking my brain of activities to keep me occupied for the next few days, my pad and pen in hand ready to write down a list. This has been going on for hours.

"Arrgh! Fuck it!" I threw the pad and pen across the room; unfortunately it hit my lamp, causing it to topple over and smash into a million pieces on the floor. I winced, preparing for Charlies reaction.

Right on queue I heard loud footsteps striding up the stairs. I walked over to the broken lamp just as he opened my door.

"What happened? Are you okay?" He frowned as he looked over at me kneeled on the floor surrounded by shards of china.

"Yeah, Dad I'm fine. I just accidentally knocked my lamp over."

He walked over and bent down, examining the damage. "Just about gave me a heart attack kid... Here, let me clean that up."

"Thanks Dad." I stood up and carefully stepped away from the danger zone.

"So... Alice is going camping huh? Didn't fancy going with them?"

"I don't think I'd enjoy it... Plus, I don't want to be too much of a burden on them."

He glared up at me with a confused expression. "You could never be a burden, Bells, not to anyone."

I smiled down at him and lay down on the bed, watching him gather up the wreckage.

"Anyhow, since you have some free time tonight, you want to go out for something to eat with your ole Pa?" He didnt make eye contact. My father was always embarrassed about showing any sort of affection. Yet, I couldn't resist his charms.

"Sure, that sounds real good."

He looked surprised, bless him. "That's great Bells, I'll.. um I'll go get the dust pan and brush to clear all this away, and why don't you go freshen up or whatever you gals do..."

I chuckled, and sprang up from the bed. "I'll be ready in 15."

"So, kid. Things getting better for you now... I mean you seem happier?" Charlie asked while munching on his steak.

It was nice spending time with Charlie, our bonding time had definitely been postponed recently, but I wanted it to change for the sake of our relationship. He didn't deserve my pain.

"Yeah, I guess. It's really nice having Alice around, she really helps."

He agreed. My father always had a soft spot for Alice.

We were sitting in our regular restaurant in Forks, I knew he wouldn't splash out for a meal out, but it was nice to be somewhere familiar, and I only wanted his company anyway. The joint was practically empty, just the way I liked it.

"Im glad. If you're happy, then I'm happy." He smiled at me. Well, that certainly makes me happy.

Dinner went by quickly, there wasn't too much conversation but it was nice to be in his company, and it was a huge distraction from thinking about being deserted this weekend. Charlie got up to payas I stayed put, pushing around the food on my plate, damn, I shouldnt have thought about it again...

"Eat ya vegetables Bella, you'll never get hairs on your chest otherwise!"

My thoughts were abruptly disturbed by the smell of a Newt. I glanced up, and as predicted, Mike Newton was beaming down at me, his shirt sleeves freshly rolled up - in some attempt to impress me – his hair reflecting light from the amount of salvia he must have just applied while walking over. Great.

I must be friendly, I must be friendly. "Hi Mike..." I forced a smile.

"Hey!" He sat down in Charlie's vacant seat as I rolled my eyes. "Good to see you out of the house... for once." Okay, really? Is he still trying to impress me by emphasising a husky voice and acutely insulting me?

"Well, I came out with my dad." I gestured over to Charlie paying the waitress, tipping her with his terrible flirting skills more than actual money. Again, I rolled my eyes.

Mike glanced over, but wasn't fazed. "Since you're out already, you fancy hanging out tonight?" Oh god... "Eric's having a party at his house, it's going to be insane." He leaned closer. "Bought fake I.D, here, look!" He got the card out of his shirt pocket and waved it in front of my face.

"You do know my dad is the Chief of police right? And he is standing but ten feet away?" He looked over to Charlie again.

"Oh yeah, gotcha." He slipped the I.D quickly back into his pocket, and turned to face me again. "Whatcha say?"

I groaned. Part of me surprisingly wanted to go, I knew Angela would be there so she could protect me from a drunken slobbery Mike. Also it would do me good to socialise for the night, and an even bigger distraction I suppose.

"Please Bella? It will do you good, a few shots of tequila... maybe some vodka jelly? With some great company." He leaned over again and winked at me. Urgh.

"Newton." Saved by the bell...

Mike shot his head up at my father, I could tell his palms were getting sweaty and his slick hair flopped slightly out of place. "Chief Swan!" He stumbled out of his chair, knocking it over in the process, and reached out to shake Charlie's hand. "Evening sir."

Charlie glanced down at me suspiciously, but responded to Mikes awkwardness. "Evening." They shook hands. This was all too formal for me.

Mike retreated his hand before it could be crushed. "Ur..." He looked down at me for help in finding his words, I only shrugged my shoulders enjoying the show.

"Ur... um I'm... um I'm glad I bumped into you Chief Swan. I was just asking Bella if she would like to attend a par... a GATHERING, at our friend Eric's house tonight... it's um mixed sex... GENDER! There will be no sex!..." Awkward laughter. "Yes, mixed gender, NO alcohol, just a... um well, a gathering." He finished with a loud ragged breath. Bravo Mike.

Charlie kept his eyes on Mike for a moment – one eyebrow rose – and then gave me the same puzzling look. "Bells?"

I thought for a moment, why was I never spontaneous, yet this time the devil on my shoulder was edging me to go. Fuck it. "Yeah, dad I would like to go if thats okay by you?" My words had shocked myself, then I looked up to realise it had shocked these two men as well.

"Really? Well it's fine by me, just be careful and don't sleep at the boys house... will Angela be there?" I nodded. "Well, go back to hers or something."

I actually couldn't believe it, but quickly thanked him.

Mike was still standing in the same position. "That's great Chief Swan, thanks a lot." You couldn't wipe that grin off of his face if you tried. He faced me. "I have my car outside Bella, we could head straight there?"

I forced another smile. "Okay."

"Drive safely yeah? I'll see you tomorrow then Bells? You'll get a lift home?"

"Sure, I'll ask Angela to drop me off." I reassured him.

"Okay, have a good night then kids." He gave Mike a warning look. "Don't stay up too late." With a wave he headed out of the restaurant.

With Charlie out of sight, Mike slammed his hand over his shirt pocket. "Jesus, I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest and fling the I.D straight into his hands." He said dramatically.

For the third time tonight I rolled my eyes at Mike. "Shall we go then?" I shot up from my chair.

"Someone's suddenly eager."

"Yeah... Lets go." Mike held out his arm to aid me out, I bluntly ignored the gesture and he followed behind.