Chapter 10: A Trip to Charlie's

Disclaimer: S. Meyer owns Twilight

That Friday, Bella took her ancient Chevy, and I took my dad's pickup, and drove to Charlie's. It wasn't ideal, but there was no way, Bella, Dad, his wheelchair and I, would all fit in one vehicle. I only wish … Funny, but I was just as excited to see my honey as I always was. I guess you could say she had me heart and soul, huh?

I didn't realize how much I missed seeing Charlie. When Bella married the freakin' leech, I avoided him as much as possible. It was just one more reminder that she was lost to me. It really hurt to see him when he visited, and I'd always duck outta the house with any excuse I could come up with. Now, it was almost like a joyous reunion of sorts.

Dad and I arrived at the Swan residence just as Bella was removing a pan of lasagna from her truck. The aroma was killin' me.

After setting up the wheelchair and getting Dad situated, I let him wheel toward the front door while I helped carry in the rest of the dinner, salad, bread sticks, and a chocolate roll. Jeez, she really outdid herself tonight.

Charlie greeted us at the door. "Mnn, mnn … I can smell it from here. C'mon in guys. Mi casa es su casa."

# # # # #

My dad was in a rare mood tonight, maybe because all his favorite people were here. He was chatty and smiling. I'd never seen him so talkative. There was one awkward incident however, while we sat at the table. He looked from Jacob to me, and spouted, "So, I take it you two are a couple now. Getting really close, huh?"

"Yeah," I muttered.

I peered over at Billy who was suddenly interested in the ceiling tiles. I nudged Jacob, and flicked my head toward his father. Jacob gave him a sidelong glance, and nodded at me. His wordless gesture shouted loud and clear: Yep, he knows.

Holy crap. I was aware of how good he was at keeping a secret, but this just might slip out to my dad accidentally. Charlie at the moment seemed oblivious to the unspoken conversation going on between us, so Jacob and I were safe from his wrath for the time being. Anyway, I was a grown woman, what was he going to do … forbid me to see Jacob? He could try, but wouldn't be giving me a lecture, if I had anything to say about it.

Dinner was over, and Jacob and I cleaned off the table and other surfaces, washed all the dishes, and stacked up all the ones that needed to go back with me to the apartment. We left them sitting on the kitchen counter and went outside to the truck.

Dad and Billy were in the living room watching some idiotic football game, so Jacob and I sat in the cab and talked, and kissed, and hugged and kissed some more. My gosh, his mouth was so soft and warm. It was made for kissing. The cab was cold in there too, but my wolf boy saw to it that I didn't get chilled in the least. It was nice having my own personal heating pad, convenient too.

When he finally allowed my mouth to rest awhile, I asked him, "Do you think my dad saw that look on Billy's face when he asked about us?"

"Nah… anyway, you know it's gonna come out sooner or later."

"I'm hoping for later—much later."

His lips were busy brushing the shell of my ear while simultaneously talking. "What's the big deal? Charlie knows we love each other. He's not stupid. He was young once too."

"I just don't want him to be disappointed in me."

Jacob stopped seducing my earlobe and slumped back against the seat cushions. "Well, thanks a lot. That makes me feel great."

"That's not what I meant. I love you, Jacob, but Dad is a little old fashioned when it comes to sex."

Something then occurred to me. "Hey, wait a minute … how did Billy find out anyhow?"

"You havta ask? Look … I spent the night at your place, came home smelling of eau de Bella, and I looked too happy. He connected the dots. I didn't havta say a word."

"My gosh, Jake, did you have to look so happy?"

"So, sue me. I couldn't help it. I was still in a love haze, flyin' high as a kite."

"Who else knows?"

I saw him cringe as he winced, "Em and Quil.

"Oh, cooooome oooon, don't gimme that look," he whined. "It wasn't my fault. They were there at the Taj when I pulled in after our little love fest. They could smell me from a mile away."

"Great. With Quil's big mouth, all of La Push will be talking about us."

"Let them talk. Who cares? It's old news. They all know how nuts I am about you."

He drew me closer, and canted my head toward him. "Bells … I don't wanna argue about who knows what. Let's get back to what we were doin' before this subject came up. My lips are lonesome."

"Okay, you win, but tell Quil to keep his mouth shut."

"I already took care of it."

"Well, all right then, Mister."

I grabbed him by the hair and continued where we left off. My worries were washed away by the warmth of his lips, and we were nearly out of breath by the time my cell went off. It was Dad.

"Hey, Kitten, where did you and Jacob run off to?"

"We're out in the truck." I slapped at Jacob. Geesh, he was nuzzling my neck, and I almost dropped the phone.

"You need to finish up whatever it is you're doing. The game's over, and Billy wants to go home."

"Okay."

I ended the call, and Jacob let out a belly laugh. "We need to finish up what we're doin', huh? Your place or mine?"

"Oh, ha, ha. C'mon your dad needs to go to bed."

He wiggled his eyebrows. "That makes two of us. You wanna?"

"Remind me why I love you?"

"'Cuz, I'm witty, reeeeaaally hot, and I keep your engine runnin' at maximum efficiency."

Rolling my eyes, I huffed, "Let's go, lover boy. Billy needs a ride home."

# # # # #

At last … There it was—Bella's monstrous, beat-up Chevy. Why did she keep that ancient beast? Didn't she have any pride? The Blacks' truck was parked beside it. I ground my teeth, due to the fact that Billy Black needed his son to do the driving. That meant the malodorous mongrel was in the house with her.

I waited, hidden around the corner for her to leave her father's home. The Blacks' pickup pulled out first, with Bella following. I had the good sense to drive Esme's car, the Volvo being too recognizable. Still, I stayed behind a good distance so I wouldn't be noticed.

Just as I suspected, Bella drove onto the reservation. Jacob beeped at her when she veered away in the opposite direction, toward the farthest edge of La Push. I trailed her to the Cliffside Apartments, and watched as she carried an armload of serving dishes into apartment number seven. I'd let her sleep tonight so in the morning, her mind would be clear enough to realize what she had thrown away. With my mission completed, I returned to my home, determined to see her tomorrow afternoon, and convince her to come away with me.

Barely had the wheels to my car met the road, when I caught a glimpse of Jacob's Volkswagen Rabbit heading toward the apartments. My teeth once again ground in agitation. I thought about waiting to see if he emerged from her room after a few hours, or whether he spent the night. Deciding against it, I returned home. It was bad enough to see him going to her; it would be far worse to actually witness him exiting her apartment in the morning, if that was the case. What a hypocrite he was. The mangy mutt told me he absolutely refused to give Bella puppies, and yet here he was at her doorstep. I could only imagine his lustful intentions.

A black mood descended upon me, and I nearly laughed at the irony of it all, for it was Jacob Black who caused this mood to overshadow me. I would have the last laugh though when Bella and I reconciled, and I, inexorably, would see that it happened.

I went about as in a whirlwind, buying furniture to put in the room, especially replacing the king-sized bed. Fortunately for me, a little under the table monetary enticement brought about same day delivery. By the afternoon, I was ready to bring Bella home.

It was so lonely these days. Carlisle sequestered himself at the hospital, coming to the house only to freshen up and change clothing. Perhaps he blamed me for Esme's departure and that of his family. He never said as much, but his thoughts bent in that direction. I heard him think that if I had the foresight to use some protection, none of this debacle would have occurred. While he was correct in his thinking, I was, at the time, ignorant of the possibility of impregnating her. If he was privy with that information, why was I not given a warning?

This train of thought could only bring on madness, so I had to remain positive—that the situation would soon be resolved, and our happy home re-established.

# # # # #

Not twenty minutes had passed when there was a knock at my door. One guess as to who it was. It surprised me that he wasn't scratching at the wooden panel and howling to open up.

Shaking my head, laughing, I yanked on the knob, pushing the door ajar, and fell into Jacob's waiting arms.

After a lip-attack, he bellowed, "Hey, Bells. I just stopped by for a few minutes. I have to go out on patrol tonight. Do ya think we could whatever 'til I need to leave?"

"I guess I could spare a few minutes to do whatever you want."

He grinned as he swaggered through the opening, with one hand closing the door behind him, and the other at the small of my back.

# # # # #

It wasn't exactly the way I wanted the night to go, but still, it was worth it to be with my honey—even if for only a few minutes—before I had to join the pack.

Our couplehood was old hat about now, so I didn't get the wolf howls, and body shoves like I had initially. I was half afraid that whenever my mind wandered to Bella and I lovin' each other, that a stupid pack member, probably Q-U-I-L, would bring it up and embarrass her at a bonfire or somethin'. Thankfully, that hadn't happened so far. She was well aware of our mind-meld, since I'd warned her. Chances are that I could slip up once in awhile … actually more than once in awhile, but she never mentioned it.

Paul padded up bedside me. Hey, Jake, just wanted you to know, Jared and I haven't seen the leech for the past week. So you can chill now.

Jared came round on my other side. Yeah, man, maybe the jerk gave up the chase.

Embry butted in, Nah, I don't think so. He lives to annoy the crap outta Jake. He wouldn't give up that easily. After all, he has time on his side. Besides, what else has he got to do?

Jeez, this makes me really nervous. Why would he stop comin' around?

Paul started up again. Maybe he hasn't. Maybe he just switched cars. Don't the Cullens have a garage full of them?

That's a thought, Embry chimed in.

Well I just wish he'd get outta the car whatever one he's driving. These patrols are getting so boring. I need a little action. Hey, Eddie, come out, come out, wherever you are. Paul took off running, a wolfy laugh filling the air.

Guys, don't mention this to Bella, huh?

Jared's muzzle wrinkled up. You already told us that.

Yeah, well, I'm repeating myself just in case you forgot.

I'm insulted. Wait up, Paul!

I turned to Embry. What about you. Are you insulted?

Nah … I know what an idiot you are.

Gee, thanks.

What are friends for?