Chapter 10 Meeting of Two Clans

We got to the site shortly after noon. Bella unpacked the picnic she prepared for grandfather. While I sat next to grandfather, nibbling my sandwich, Edward and Bella set up the tent.

"Aren't you guys hungry?" Grandfather questioned them as they laid preparations for the night to come.

"We have some food, don't worry about us." Just then to show her father she was eating something, she pulled out two granola bars and tossed one to Edward. Simultaneously they lifted them in a cheer like fashion.

Satisfied, grandfather proceeded with small talk to me. "How has Jacob been treating you? I won't stand for anything less than chivalry."

"He's great." I paused trying to come up with something else to talk about. "I got my report card for this year, all A's." I tried to sound enthused.

"I wouldn't expect less." He looked up and smiled with a piece of turkey in his mustache.

I let a giggle slip.

He looked wide eyed at me. "What's so funny?!" He demanded.

"Nothing, nothing." Letting more laughter escape.

"Come on! Tell me what's making you act so gitty." Urging, trying to pry my reason for amusement.

I looked closely at him, trying to determine if it would upset him to know. "Alright, you asked for it though." I said pausing only for effect. "I think it is nice you decorate your mustache with such delicate decorations." As I was saying that, I made a hand jester as if I was placing ornaments above my upper lip.

"Oh, sorry!" He barely was able to articulate the words through rough laughter.

Just then, Edward and Bella came over after had finishing the set up of the tent.

"So, what seems to be entertaining you two?" Edward asked.

Holding back my laughter, I managed to say, "Just the glorious eating habits of the endangered mammal."

Everyone burst into laughter after I barely finished. The afternoon progressed with similar bonding over fishing, cooking, and stories by the fire. No visitors showed today, that did not lessen the urgency to keep our guard up.

…

Though grandfather and I had to sleep, I heard Edward and Bella dash off in the middle of the night for what I assume to be checking in with our barrier.

… Outside the lines…

Just as dawn came, with it raising the day, a familiar yet unfamiliar scent graced the noses of the would be guards of Charles Swan. Bringing in the head flanks, but not daring to leave any open areas, the Cullen's and part of the two packs closed in. Emerging from the thickened forest stood an all too familiar Jane.

At the sight of her crimson eyes, Bella laid no chance on the meeting and expanded her shield well beyond the opposite end of the camp site, engulfing the entire ranks of protection. She could see Jane, but she knew too well there were four more Vampires standing behind her, hidden by the thick of the woods.

Carlisle preceded closer and Bella match his every step with a stretch of her elastic shield. "There is no need for hostilities. We only want to show the truth."

"Ah, old friend. How I long to hear the chimes of your ever wise voice." Aro appeared aside Jane with his companion, the young girl in serviced as his shield.

"We only want to show you that the man you have come to view is not aware of our existence." Edward said sternly.

"We will see, young friend. I must see this man who you claim to be ignorant of us though you have exposed the young girl to him." He then directed his look to Bella. "How is our young, Renesmee is it?"

A fire rose in her throat as she began to position herself for attack.

Edward intervened, "She is doing just fine, she is months away from maturity by our calculations, thank you." He placed his hand on Bella's shoulder.

Aro smiled deviously and looked at Edward. "Good, good. That's excellent to hear. When do I get to see her again?"

NEVER! Bella screamed in her mind. "Possibly tomorrow, this is why we wanted to talk to you before."

"Really, you wish to discuss something? What is there to discuss? From what we hear, it is impossible for this Charlie Swan to NOT know of our existence." Aro addressed his gaze to Carlisle this time.

"I understand what it may seem with the reports you must have gotten. However, I assure you he is still in ignorance." Carlisle replied.

"How can you be sure? Edward, is it not so that you have to be within a relatively close range to him? And from our previous encounters, I recall his mind to me somewhat closed to you as young Bella's was completely. You cannot be sure, and sadly this is why we are here now." He said shaking his head.

Bella jumped in, "You will confirm tomorrow this to be true, that he has not pieced it together. That he has not admitted to himself of our existence. He only sees, and thinks on a need to know basis. Therefore there is no reason to harm him. He will only suspect vampires," she paused, then continued, "vampires are real if you make him. You must ensure your friends do not wander."

"I understand your connection to this human since he WAS your father." Aro pointed out to Bella.

Bella's fury grew again, "He IS my father and though he has an open mind, he will not believe we are vampires on the sole fact that no humans die from us!"

"If what you say is fact, then I see no harm in letting this human live. As long as it continues so." Aro said to all of us.

"I've heard him and I can confirm this Aro." Edward closed the gap between the two.

Edward laid his hand in Aro's and Aro closed his eyes to concentrate. "Interesting, quite interesting. This makes me feel so happy for your all." He released Edward's hand and walked over to Carlisle. "Old friend, when will you return to us? You are greatly missed."

"I am satisfied with my family as we grow together." He replied to Aro's custom plea for Carlisle to return to Volturra with him.

"I suppose I will have to live without my dear old friend at my side." Turning to the rest of us, he gathered his thoughts and said, "I require to still meet this human."

Edward spoke first. "We gathered you would. We devise a rouse for you to meet him."

"How flattering. What is this charade? I'm so excited for role play!" Aro clasped his hands together as if a single clap.

"You are my old friend and since I have not seen you in so long, you came to visit. I told you I would be camping so Carlisle is to bring you hear tomorrow, if you please, and we shall introduce you to Charlie." Edward came closer to Aro again. "It is vital your friends do not kill near here. As you know, we maintain a permanent residence nearby."

Aro looked over his shoulder to the woods behind, then to Edward again. "Understood. I can't wait to meet this fascinating human. So open minded to shape shifters and the odd, yet so ignorant. His mind must be a treasure of weird."

"You will, tomorrow. Let's prepare your outfit. I doubt it would be as believable with your Victorian suite attire." Carlisle allowed Aro to lock arms with him as they headed towards the Cullen house.

"I shall truly enjoy this rising day." Aro said with glee.

Chapter 11 Our Charlie the Human