Chapter 9: Meanwhile ...

All belongs to Stephenie. Nothing is mine.

Edward's pov

Renee had no clue what she was asking. If she only understood, she would go running for the hills and drag Bella with her. Good thing she didn't have a clue, because there was no way Bella was going anywhere without me.

"You'll have to give up your room, Edward" Esme said.

"I only just decided to keep my room, Esme. Where are Bella and I supposed to sleep?"

"You don't sleep, dear."

"You know very well what I'm talking about. Tomorrow, my brothers are going to keep me away from Bella. This is the last chance we get to spend alone before she is removed from my wicked clutches for 14 hours or more. It would not be a good idea to have my throat burning for the wedding day, you know? I need more contact with her than that."

"So call Charlie and ask to sleep over at his house."

"Charlie is going to expect me to bunk on the couch. That will not be helpful. And if Bella shows up alone to sleep in her own bed, Charlie is going to be checking the bed all night for my sneaky ass."

"Well, there are no more beds anywhere, and I can't see Renee and Phil understanding why they can't sleep undisturbed in the living room on the couches, and I can't see the vampires quarantining themselves in darkened bedrooms and Carlisle's office all night. Do you want the Denalis wandering through to chat with the humans in the wee hours of the morning? At least in your room, Renee and Phil would be able to lock themselves in."

Alice inserted herself into the vampire-quiet conversation, "Edward? If you phone Charlie and tell him the situation, he is going to let you break the rules for once. It's the best solution."

"You're kidding," I said incredulously.

"No, he's going to bend. As long as you watch the game with him tonight, he will be in a pretty good mood. He was very glad that you spoke to him about Seth. He found you much more easy to relate to after that. More human and less perfect."

"Are you telling me Charlie found me intimidating?"

"No, more like 'uppity' and a threat to his relationship with Bella."

"I think he was right in the first place. Are you sure this is the best option? Putting Renee and Phil up in a house full of vampires?"

"I'll get Renee and Phil to lock themselves in, and they will be safe from anyone who might be inclined to disturb them. If they sleep on the couches, there is a 100% probability that the Denalis will hunt Phil. And I'm afraid there's a small chance that if they wander about, Jasper will bite one of them. Renee smells nearly as appetizing as Bella."

"Crap. I guess my hands are tied. Let me go and call Charlie." I removed myself to the back yard and dialed Charlie's number. He answered on the third ring. Rats. I was hoping I'd get out of it. Of course, I should always bet on Alice.

"Hello?"

"Hi Dad, it's me."

"Edward! What's up, son?"

"Well, I kind of have a favour to ask you." I squirmed.

"What's that?"

"Renee and Phil showed up at my house tonight. Renee booked their hotel starting on the wrong day, and now she wants to stay at my house."

"Figures. Renee never was any good with that crap. So what are you asking from me?"

"Um, I'm being kicked out of my room, so Bella has to sleep at your place tonight. And there's no bed for me at home. I won't even get to watch the game, because there are cousins staying in our living room.

"They're kicking the groom out of bed the night before the rehearsal?"

"Yeah. I'm homeless."

"Well, you can stay on our couch and watch the game with me. That's no problem."

"Actually, Dad, I was wondering if you'd allow an exception to the house rule, because I can't sleep anymore if Bella isn't with me."

"You know how I feel about that, Edward. It's not because I don't approve of you, it's just how I was raised."

"I'm not asking for a green light, sir, I just want to get a solid sleep before the wedding. We are so wiped." Several moments of silence ticked by while Charlie considered.

"Just sleeping?"

"Yes sir, I promise."

"Does Bella promise?"

"Oh, crap. You know what that promise is worth. Bella is ruthless when she wants something. How 'bout this? If she tries anything I'll be a good boy and remove myself to the couch."

"Yeah, okay. Only since you've been so honest, mind."

"Oh, thanks Dad. I really appreciate it."

"Have you guys eaten?"

"Yes, a couple of hours ago. Have you?"

"No. I'll just have some cereal or something."

"Why don't I pick up a pizza on our way over?"

"Hey, that'd be great. How 'bout getting 'The Works'?"

"Sure, whatever you'd like. Charlie? Thanks a lot. For trusting me."

"Well, I figure you'll officially be family in less than two days. Now you'd better hurry, or you'll miss the start of the game."

I rejoined Esme and Bella at the foot of the stairs. "Okay, it's all set with Charlie. We need to leave now, Bella, because I'm picking him up a pizza on our way and he doesn't want me to miss the start of the game. Guess we'll be doing some male bonding this evening."

"He's letting you stay in my room?"

"On the condition that we do nothing intimate. If you start something, Minx, I have given my word that I will move to the couch."

"So much for a memorable night" she grumbled.

"At least I'll be with you without fear of Charlie's gun, and you'll have the chance to get some sleep."

"Well, that doesn't sound so bad. Better than sending you out on the roof every time he comes to check on me."

"Bella, just don't eat too much pizza or your skin will break out tomorrow," Alice warned. Bella nodded resignedly. Alice had been monitoring her diet for weeks.

Esme looked at me, "What am I going to do with two innocent humans under our roof overnight?"

"Treat them like Bella, but tell them to lock their door. Tell them sometimes people barge in, looking for me or Bella. If the Denalis say something rude, tell Renee they've had a hard life. Oh, and everyone may have to pretend to eat meals tomorrow."

"Oh, horror. The Denalis won't like that."

"They want to make it up to me for desecrating my room, right? Tell them I require them to pose as humans as penance for their sins, and then we'll let bygones be bygones."

"Okay. Bella, maybe you'd better show your mother upstairs." Esme seemed reluctant to do it herself.

"Okay Esme. Good luck tonight."

"We're going to need it. The Denalis have no experience interacting with humans this closely. They're apt to say or do something irreparable."

"Let's just hope for the best, shall we? Now, let's deal with Renee and Phil so Bella and I can get over to Charlie's." I muttered.