Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

S Meyer owns Twilight. As of yesterday, I own a pair of tickets to see Chris Cornell live and acoustic in November. I'm a lucky bitch. My sister is awesome. She red penned the heck out of me. Any mistakes are mine. **Minor drug use**

Chapter 7

Hold me in your warm hand
And I could sleep with you tonight
And all my earthly cares might fade away
If you hold me in your warm hand that way
It's as close as I get to love
As close as I get to love
Speak to me with your sweet voice

(Your Sweet Voice- Matthew Sweet)

It becomes obvious on a Wednesday afternoon in October that I can't put Charlie off any longer. There are two messages from him on the answering machine. He only calls during the day, when he is sure my mother won't answer. This is the longest I've ever gone without a visit. The girls aren't happy with me either.

The first message is short, and he sounds irritated.

Bella, I left a message yesterday. I expected a return call.

The second one isn't much better.

Bella, call me back when Renee gets home. We need to have a little discussion.

This can't be good. He would rather go to the dentist than speak to my mom. Maybe he's pissed that I missed my scheduled weekend with him. I've never done that before, and now I can drive. There is no good excuse except my own stinking cowardice. Edward says I'm being ridiculous, but he doesn't know Charlie. Which is kinda the point.

Renee won't be home for at least an hour, and Edward is video gaming at Emmett's today with the guys. I consider breaking my rule. One little midweek smoke won't hurt anything. It would definitely make my conversation with Charlie a little easier. I'm torn. I'm done with all of my homework; Ms. White pulled another disappearing act today, so I finished it during her class.

Oh, fuck it.

It doesn't take me long to roll one. I don't bother going behind the carport. The neighbors are at work, and Renee isn't here to gripe at me. I sit on the back steps instead. After four tokes, I stub the joint and stick it in a half empty box of Camels.

I'm on the couch in the living room watching Nirvana on MTV's "Buzz Bin" when Renee comes home. She waves and goes straight to her room. A few minutes later, she comes out in sweats, running shoes in hand. She sits on the opposite end of the sofa and glances at the television before putting them on.

"Charlie left a message. He wants to talk to us."

"Why?"

I can tell from her tone that the last thing she wants to do after working all day is deal with my dad.

"I don't know," I admit. "But he didn't sound happy."

"Fine," she sighs. "Call him."

Of course. Because the two of them can't speak to each other like mature adults. I dial the number as Renee ties her shoes. The phone rings three times, and just as I'm about to hang up, Charlie answers.

"Chief Swan speaking," he huffs.

"Hey, Daddy."

"Well, well if it isn't my long lost daughter," he drawls sarcastically.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry. I'm coming home this weekend. I promise."

Renee bristles at this. It bothers her that I think of Forks as home. No matter how long I've lived here, I still feel like I'm visiting.

"That's great, kid. I'm off Friday night. We can do pizza and catch up."

"Actually, I think I'll cook."

Thanks to Esme and our after school cooking lessons, I make damn fine lasagna. I want Charlie to be in a good mood when he meets Edward. Maybe he'll see Esme's cooking lessons as a perk of having Edward around.

"Alright, sounds good," he agrees. "Listen, I've got some news. I finished the holiday schedules, and it looks like I am going to be off on Thanksgiving this year. I know it's Renee's turn, but I haven't had an entire day off on Thanksgiving in years."

"Four years," I whisper. I remember every minute of that day. It was the only time Charlie ever tried to cook on Thanksgiving. Everything was burnt except the turkey, which was somehow still partially frozen in places.

"I promise I won't cook," he says hastily.

I laugh before turning to Renee and relaying Charlie's message. Her jaw sets, and I know this is not going to end well.

"You can tell your father he should have scheduled himself off on Christmas since that is his scheduled holiday with you," she snaps.

I don't have to tell him. I open my mouth to repeat her reply, but Charlie is already answering.

"For four and a half years I let that woman spend every single holiday with you since those were her only breaks from school. I can't believe she's going treat me like this the one time I ask her for a favor."

I swallow hard before dutifully repeating Charlie's rebuttal. It's been years since I've had to listen to them fight. I think the last time was the day Renee showed up and told Charlie I was going to live with her. I walked twenty minutes to get to Alice's house that day. Now, they're using me as some sort of switchboard.

"You tell him-"

"No," I interrupt her. "You tell him yourself." I toss the phone into her lap.

My purse is on the table in the entryway. I grab it and my keys. Renee is shouting at me and yelling at Charlie as I slam the front door behind me. I'm in my truck, backing out of the driveway when she steps onto the porch. She's waving, and I can see her lips moving, but I don't stop.

By the time I reach the Cullens', I'm crying. I knock on the door before drying my cheeks with the sleeves of my shirt. Carlisle opens the door with a huge smile on his face. It disappears quickly as he takes in my appearance.

"Bella, are you okay? Has someone hurt you?"

I know I can't answer without crying again, so I just shake my head roughly. He doesn't ask any more questions. Instead, he places a hand on my shoulder and guides me to the kitchen.

Esme takes one look at me before crossing the room and folding me in her arms. My head falls forward onto her shoulder. She's whispering that everything will be alright.

"I'm sorry," I tell her. "I didn't know where to go. They were fighting, and I don't want to talk to either of them so I can't go home. To either home. Alice is so far away, and there's really nobody here, well except Edward and Emmett."

"Bella, of course you were right to come here. Edward isn't home yet. I can call him at Emmett's."

"No, please don't," I plead. "He hasn't spent time with the guys at all this week. They give me enough grief as it is."

Especially Emmett. The three of us hang out a lot, and we have a great time together, but I can tell he misses their…well, whatever the hell guys call it. We call it "girl time," but they obviously don't braid each others hair or paint their toenails.

She tells me to rest in Edward's room. I don't argue. As I start to climb the stairs, she stops me.

"Sometimes parents screw up, Bella. It doesn't mean they don't love you."

I just nod and escape quickly to Edward's room. I'm not sure if the "door open" rule applies when only one of us is in the room. I leave it cracked just in case.

I don't bother turning the light on. There is enough light from the blinds to see easily. I deliberately choose his side of the bed. I crawl under the sheets and the blanket that smell so much like him. I still can't figure out how to operate that fancy stereo, so I opt for MTV with the volume low.

I close my eyes and breathe.

It's dark when I wake. I'm still in Edward's bed, only I'm not alone. My head is on his shoulder, and my body is molded to his side. The first thing I see is my hand on his chest in the soft glow of the TV. He's warm, so I burrow in closer, throwing my leg over his.

His arm tightens around me.

"Do you want to talk about it?" His voice is laced with concern.

"Not yet," I whisper against his chest. "I want to stay like this for a while." He brings his other arm around me as I tuck my head beneath his jaw. I don't ever want to leave this spot.

His mom opens the door several minutes later. "I left plates for you both in the fridge. Your father and I will be in the den."

We're both hungry, so we follow her downstairs. I ask him about his afternoon with the guys as we heat our dinner. He shrugs and says they had fun. He still looks concerned, and I can tell he's far more interested in my afternoon than his own.

We eat in silence. His parents are in the next room watching the evening news. Crying like an idiot in front them once was bad enough. I don't want to rehash this until Edward and I are alone.

The moment I lay down my fork, Edward takes my plate and his own to the sink. He rinses them quickly and deposits them in the dishwater.

"Come for a walk with me?" I want to get out of the house for a few minutes. I can already tell I'm going to want a cigarette with this conversation.

He nods when I motion upstairs. I run up quickly and grab the pack from my purse. He is waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. He helps me into his jacket since I forgot my own. It's far too big for me, but I don't care. It smells exactly like Edward, and I might not ever give it back.

The air has turned much cooler, and it is obvious when we step onto the porch that Edward is going to need more than the t-shirt he is wearing. He finds a PA High sweatshirt in the Volvo and pulls it over his head before we leave the driveway. I take his hand, and I don't make him ask me again. As we walk, I tell him everything.

He already knows they fought for years before they split up. I've told him as much. This isn't anything new or different for the two of them.

"I don't get it," I tell him, shaking my head. "Why it even still bothers me anymore. I mean, they've been split up for years, and they still manage to make each other miserable."

"You get upset because you love them," he says, stopping and turning to face me. "I'm sorry they put you in the middle. That isn't fair."

"No, it isn't."

We've reached the back of his neighborhood. There are two unfinished houses still under construction. Both of the back yards are surrounded by trees. This is the perfect place to catch a smoke before we go back to Edward's house.

He sits on the top step of the back porch. I settle myself between his legs, one step below.

"I have most of a joint left from earlier," I tell him, holding it up.

He smiles as he takes it and the lighter from me. "What about your rules?"

"Fuck my rules."

He laughs, and even though I still feel like shit, I smile and laugh a little too. He lights the joint, inhaling deeply before passing it to me. When we're done, Edward stubs it and pockets the roach before leaning forward and wrapping his arms around me.

"I'm glad you came over. I'm sorry your parents fought, but seeing you wrapped up in my sheets was the coolest fucking thing ever. I looked for my camera, and I couldn't find the damn thing."

I giggle and lean back against him. "Thank goodness."

"I don't have a picture of you. Emmett does and I don't. That hardly seems fair."

"I thought we already established that life isn't fair," I tease. "Besides…you get to kiss me and Emmett doesn't."

"True," he says, before kissing my hair. "Do you feel better now?"

I take a moment to think before answering. "I guess. It's hard to hear them be so hateful to each other. It wasn't always like that. I remember they held hands, they laughed…they loved each other once. I know they did. Well, I think they did. I remember sitting on the stairs one night, long after my bedtime, watching them dance. Dad put on a Louie Armstrong record and pulled her to the center of the living room. It's the happiest memory I have of them. I think I was six or seven; I don't really remember. I just remember the way they looked at each other. Sometimes, I want to beat them both silly. I blame him. I blame her. I blame myself. The whole thing is a mess."

"I'm sorry, baby," he whispers, holding me tightly. "I didn't realize…well, you've always seemed so blasé about it…"

"What am I supposed to say? I can't talk to my friends about it. Alice's parents are far worse than mine, and Leah's dad is gone forever. I feel bad. I mean, I have it so much better than them. I have both of my parents here. I should be thankful for that instead of acting like some spoiled asshole."

"That doesn't mean you can't be pissed or upset about your own situation, Bella. It doesn't. You're their kid, not their referee."

"I should probably call Renee. I didn't tell her where I was going. That was more than three hours ago."

"Come on." He stands, and then helps me up. "I have a better idea."

He won't tell me what it is during our walk back to his house. When we arrive, he tells me to go through the kitchen and straight up to his room.

He joins me a few minutes later. We cuddle on top of the bedding and watch The Wonder Years. Esme comes in and sits quietly at his desk until the next commercial break. Edward turns the volume down and looks at her expectantly.

"I just talked to your mother, Bella. I told her, honestly, that it would be a good idea for you to stay here tonight. She agreed on the condition that the two of you behave yourselves. I gave her my word that there would be no funny business. I take my word very seriously."

"Of course," I agree immediately.

Edward assures her that we will be on our best behavior. She leaves us with a reminder to keep the door open all night.

Wow. All night.

"Your idea?"

"Of course." He grins. He must have given her Renee's phone number. "I just told them you were upset after our talk, and I may have said you shouldn't be driving."

"You are a very sneaky boy. You know that?" I settle in his arms again.

"I have no idea what you mean." His voice is serious, but I can feel his smile against my temple.

I love The Wonder Years, but I am so sick of the back and forth between Kevin and Winnie. At the end of last season they mouthed "I love you" to each other. Now, they're acting like idiots again. I blame Winnie, of course, for being indecisive. Edward defends her and claims Kevin is the one sending mixed signals. Whatever. We agree to disagree.

When the episode is over, Edwards turns off the television. He offers me a pair of boxers and an old Pink Floyd t-shirt to sleep in. He doesn't argue when I tell him he can have the underwear back tomorrow morning, but the shirt is now mine.

I tuck into the bathroom and change quickly. I debate for a moment over my bra, eventually deciding to leave it on. I have every intention of respecting Esme's wishes. Sleeping next to Edward all night is enough.

He has changed into basketball shorts and a white t-shirt. I'm a little stunned. I love Edward in jeans because he has a really nice ass, but his legs are lean and muscular with just the right amount of manly fuzz. I can't believe how hot my geeky boyfriend is.

"I have a surprise for you," he says.

One arm is behind his back. It must be something good. The way he is smiling makes my chest ache a little.

He brings his arm forward and presents me with a pack of Hostess chocolate cupcakes.

"I love those," I tell him as I get closer.

"I know. You had some the night we met."

I love him.

I think that's what this is. It has to be.

Alice says it is never a good idea for the girl to say it first. I've never said it to anyone, and I'm pretty sure she hasn't either. Most of her opinion is based on magazine articles. She makes a weekly trip to the periodical section at the library.

He opens the pack and offers me the first one. I take it and immediately peel the icing off. I've always eaten them this way, icing first then cake. Edward eats his like a normal person, of course.

The coward in me agrees with Alice, and I keep my mouth shut. I want him to say it first. Then I'll know he means it.

His mom comes in one more time before bed to drop a few more subtle reminders about the sexual activity embargo. I don't know why she is so concerned. We've only recently begun to toe our way off first base. This time on her way out, she leaves the door wide open. Edward puts a few CDs in the changer and turns off the light before joining me.

We lie on our sides, my back pressed tightly against his chest. His arm rests on my hip as his fingers brush lightly across the skin just below my navel.

"I'm glad I came here," I whisper.

"So am I."

I don't ever want to leave his bed. I love the feel of our bare legs tangled together and his breath on my neck. I could fall asleep like this every night for the rest of my life. The words are right there on the tip of my tongue, so I press my lips together to keep them inside. Feeling it is enough. For now.

-o-o-o-o-o-

By some miracle, I wake up before Edward. He's still wrapped around me. I lift his arm as gently as possible, trying not to wake him. He rolls onto his back, and I'm free. I tiptoe to the bathroom, grabbing my clothes on the way.

I turn on the faucet so he won't hear me peeing if he wakes up. I wash my face and brush my hair out as much as I can with my fingers. He has mouthwash.

Thank you, Jesus.

I've never spent the night with a guy before. The spending the night part was great, but I look like hell in the mornings. I am so glad I woke up first. I need to get home, so I can shower.

I hate the thought of leaving without saying goodbye. I sit next to him on the bed. He looks so different when he's sleeping. His glasses are off, and his hair is a riot of bronze. There is a hint of shadow along his jaw line. I wonder for a moment if I could convince him to give up shaving for a day or two at a time. I'm not asking for Grizzly Adams, just a little stubble. It looks good on Edward.

Maybe if I show my appreciation, he'll keep it. I lean over, and it is really hard to ignore his lips, because they're perfect and I already know how fantastic they are, but I do. Instead I plant tiny open mouthed kisses along his jaw. I feel the movement of his cheek as he smiles. Then I feel his hand on the back of my head. He's running his fingers through my hair gently. I feel his other hand nudging my chin until his lips find mine. Edward is a very enthusiastic morning kisser.

Renee is long gone by the time I get home. I have exactly enough time to shower and dress. My hair is still damp when Edward arrives. He passes me a brown paper sack once I'm seated. The aroma of blueberry assaults me as I open it. Muffins. There is a special place in heaven for Esme Cullen, I just know it.

I avoid Renee in the halls at school, and I stay at Edward's house until the late evening. When he drops me off, he offers to come in and act as a buffer. I thank him with a kiss, but decline. I don't really want to involve him like that.

She is sitting at the dining room table balancing her checkbook. She pauses for a sip of wine before leveling me with a glare.

There aren't many rules with Renee. Clean up after yourself, don't get caught doing anything illegal, and keep private matters private. The last one is particularly important. We discussed it at length the day before I started at PA High.

As a teacher, she doesn't want the student body to know her personal business. Until now, it hasn't been an issue. Running to Edward's house and airing our dirty laundry was a big no-no in her book.

I don't apologize. Instead, I tell her what I plan to do about Thanksgiving. I have a truck and a license. It only takes an hour to drive between Forks and PA. I'm going to spend the night before at Charlie's house. He and I will have lunch and maybe catch a game. Then, I'll drive back to PA and have dinner with her.

This plan seems to mollify her a bit. She still isn't happy with me when I excuse myself to go to bed. That's fine. I'm still pissed at her, too.

I pack a bag early Friday morning. I am going straight to Forks after school. Edward is going to come over for dinner around seven. Charlie doesn't know it yet, and this plan will give me the time I need to break it to him.

It feels weird driving myself to school. Everything feels a little…off.

Edward and Emmett are standing on the sidewalk talking to Ben and a few other guys when I arrive. Edward leaves them to meet me at my truck, and I feel much better the moment his hand touches mine.

-o-o-o-o-o-

Edward and I say quick goodbyes in the parking lot after school. He's going to Emmett's house to game for a while.

I'm pretty sure I'm more nervous than he is. I don't think Charlie ever really took Jake and me seriously as couple. It's understandable. Nothing really changed with us in Charlie's eyes. We weren't really affectionate or obvious. The only times we ever got physical, we were completely alone.

This is different. Edward is different, and the way I feel about him is totally different. I never loved Jake. Yeah, he hurt me and what he did was shitty, but we were wrong from the start. I can see it so clearly now.

I make a quick trip to Thriftway. They have everything I need for the lasagna, and they have the ingredients for a fresh salad. I'm willing to bet Charlie hasn't had a salad since I was in town for my birthday.

He is in the kitchen reading the newspaper when I arrive. He folds it neatly and places it on the table as I begin speaking.

"I am going to spend the night with you on Wednesday, and we'll have lunch together on Thanksgiving. I told Renee I would be home in time for dinner. Does that work for you?"

"That sounds great. Look Bells, I'm sorry about the other night. I should have talked to your mother myself instead of hiding behind you."

I exhale and turn to face him, leaning against the counter.

"Yes, you should have." I try to keep my voice even because at least Charlie gets it. He gets it, and he hates it like I do. "It was bad enough listening to it the last couple of years she was home. Thank you. For being sorry, I mean."

Renee may give me more freedom, but Charlie treats me like an adult. Sometimes. I know he still feels bad, so I plunge right in to take advantage of it.

"So, I want you to meet someone."

I keep my gaze steady on his. This is not the moment to back down. After the initial confusion subsides, his eyes narrow. I can almost see the wheels turning.

"Who?"

"Edward Cullen is coming for dinner. He's my boyfriend."

"Emmett's cousin?" He's incredulous.

I nod, watching him closely. His face is red, and he's scowling.

"No way, Bella." He shakes his head firmly before continuing, "Do you have any idea how many times I've seen Emmett McCarty's bare ass in the back seat of some car pulled over on the side of the road?"

I have no idea what the hell he is talking about.

"Too many times, Bella, I have had nightmares about it. I don't want you anywhere near that boy's cousin. The apple and the tree and all that. Boys like that only want one thing. You're only sixteen."

Is he serious?

Charlie seriously gives Jake too much credit. He has no idea that I've ever done the deed. Part of me wants to laugh at his total obliviousness, and the other part is angry at him for insulting the boy I love.

"Edward is nothing like Emmett, Dad. And I know for a fact he's not out for one thing. We've been together almost a month, and all he's done is kiss me. I have gladly given him every opportunity to do more, but he respects me. You've got the wrong guy. Edward isn't out for one thing. That was Jake."

Okay, maybe that was the wrong thing to say. He looks like I've just slapped him.

"Dad-"

"Don't," he says, holding up a hand. He glances out the window. "I didn't realize it was that serious with Jake. You guys never seemed to have any kind of spark. I figured it was mostly just friendship."

"It was," I assure him. "I just made a mistake. I thought I could make us more than we were."

He pales before turning a slight shade of green. He's going to puke.

"Sit down," he manages, motioning to the table.

We sit. I fidget nervously. I have no idea what to expect from him. He doesn't have house rules, and we don't have serious conversations.

"Sex is like the weather, honey. When you know it is going to rain, you carry an umbrella or wear a jacket to keep dry. Raincoats are the barriers, you see-"

"Stop," I beg. "Please just stop."

My father is trying to have the sex talk with me. I cannot do this. Not now. Not ever.

"Renee already handled this when I was thirteen."

"Oh, thank God," he exhales.

We look at each other awkwardly for a few moments.

"Dad, I know you worry, but I'm not going to do anything stupid this time. Edward is different. He's…" I don't think Charlie will believe me if I tell him what Edward really is.

He's everything.

"He's important."

"Okay," he says reluctantly.

"Thank you," I tell him. "Now, get out of here so I can make dinner."

He leaves quickly. I'm pretty sure he is embarrassed about the raincoat conversation. I know I am.

Once I have dinner in the oven, I decide to shower and change. Edward and I are going to hang out at Alice's house after dinner, and it would be nice to get the school funk off of me.

Charlie is seated at the dining room table when I come downstairs. There are two rifles, one shotgun, and an array of cleaning supplies on the table.

"Really, Dad?"

"Hunting season starts on the fifteenth," he mumbles.

"Promise me you'll be nice." I am not above begging.

"I promise not to kill him" is his only reply.

Poor Edward. I never should have clued Charlie in. Now, he's going to be even more overprotective when it comes to boys.

I'm outside on the porch swing when Edward arrives.

"Charlie has his guns out," I say as I sink into his arms.

"That's okay. I expected guns," he laughs.

"And he knows I've been sexually active. He tried to give me "the talk" using weathermen and raincoats as an analogy."

"I'm sorry I missed that part."

He has no idea.

"I can't believe you think this is funny," I hiss.

"Emmett spent an hour prepping me to meet your dad. I'm fully prepared to stare down the barrel of his gun and hear about all the places he can bury me where no one will ever find me. I refuse to turn into a total pussy now."

God, he's kind of perfect.

I don't want to leave his arms, but the last thing I do want is Charlie to find us like this. Baby steps.

Edward's hand is strong and steady around mine as we walk into the house. Charlie glances up as we approach. He hasn't moved from his spot at the table. I worry for a second that he is going to be really, really rude to Edward.

I should know better. He stands, extending his hand to Edward. I let go of Edward's hand quickly so he can do the guy thing with Charlie.

"Nice to meet you, Chief Swan."

I'm not sure how he manages to keep his voice even. Charlie is squeezing the shit out of his hand. I can see it from here.

"Have a seat, Edward."

This is my cue. I need to get dinner on the table. Fast. I give Edward a small smile before turning to the kitchen.

"Dinner should be ready in five." I narrow my eyes at Charlie as I pass him.

Please don't be mean to my boyfriend.

He smirks a little. I can hear them talking as I work in the kitchen. Edward compliments the .270 Winchester that Charlie adores. They talk guns. Talking is good. Still, I hurry because I don't want to leave them alone for long.

I call them into the kitchen for dinner. They've moved on to fishing stories now, and Edward tells Charlie all about a trip that he and Carlisle took to Ellensburg Canyon. I can tell that Charlie is impressed, even if he doesn't want to be. Few things interest my father more than fishing.

"I've never fished the Yakima," Charlie says thoughtfully.

"It's fantastic in the spring. There are trout everywhere."

This goes on and on. Charlie tells Edward about the steelhead and walleye in the Columbia River. I'm feeling a little left out by the end of the meal.

Edward stays to help me in the kitchen. Charlie bypasses the miniature gun show in our dining room, opting for a spot on the sofa in front of the television instead.

Edward doesn't want to eat and run. He thinks it will leave a bad impression with Charlie. I think he's crazy because I have pot and a serious craving for some make out time. Neither of those things can be accomplished while sitting with Charlie in my living room.

"You like sports?" Charlie eyes Edward as we join him on the couch.

"I play baseball, and I watch everything else."

"What position?"

And so it begins. Edward gives Charlie the rundown of his entire baseball "career" since little league. Homeruns, RBIs, blah, blah, blah.

They discuss the Mariners at length. I draw the line when they start quoting player stats.

"Well, Dad, it's been real. We're going to Alice's house now."

I stand and move to put on my jacket. I don't want to give Edward a choice in the matter. I think he would sit here talking about baseball with my dad until well past my curfew. No, thank you.

As we're leaving, Charlie walks us to the door.

"I'll take good care of her, sir." Edward is laying it on thick. I resist rolling my eyes.

"Have her home by midnight."

Charlie smiles a little and winks at me.

He likes him. Holy shit.

"Absolutely. Thanks, Chief."

"Charlie."

That one word means so much to me. Charlie likes him. He approves. I had no idea how much it mattered to me until this very moment. I hug him tightly.

"Thanks, Daddy."

He stays on the porch until we pull away from the house. Edward is grinning from ear to ear. It's adorable. Until I remember that long boring-ass baseball conversation.

"Seriously, Edward, did have to tell him about every single detail of your baseball statistics?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

He glances at me briefly before turning his eyes to the road.

"Because I want your dad to know me, Bella. I want him to trust me with you. If I'm not man enough to have a conversation with him, how will that ever happen?"

I don't even know what to say. I know what I want to say, but I am too petrified to be the one to say it first.

"Sounds like Emmett wasn't the only one giving you a pep talk for tonight. Carlisle?"

I need to keep things light. Love complicates the hell out of friendship. I feel like he can see right through me.

"No, my mother, actually," he murmurs.

God, I love that woman. Not as much as I love her son, but close.

"Well," I say as he parks in Alice's drive. "I don't want to talk about our parents or baseball or fishing for the rest of the night. All I want to do is smoke a little weed and make out with my boyfriend."

"Sounds like a plan."

A/N: One important thing to remember about Generation X- we were labeled as "The Divorce Generation." Divorce rates in the US skyrocketed and peaked right around 1980. Latchkey kids became the norm, and two parent households were few and far between. So yeah, GenXer Bella is going to have parental issues from time to time.

Poor Charlie. It can't be easy to hear that your little girl has been deflowered.

My son turned 11 recently. Two months ago, my husband gave him "the talk" while I was at work one night. He did not use the weather as an analogy. You don't even want to know. Trust me. I've already started a savings account for the future therapy sessions.

Lots of new story alerts last chapter!

Welcome and thanks for reading,

MSC