Disclaimer: Though I am adapting Mrs. Meyer's work, I have no actual claims to the original story itself.

A few days later, I sat down next to Edward in a first-class airplane seat rubbing my sore neck. "She nearly strangled me," I complained referring to the good-bye with Renee at security.

Edward took my hand and kissed various spots on my neck with his icy lips. Like an ice pack, he soothed the bruises on my throat. "Is that better?" Edward grinned with his perfect smile.

"Yes, actually. Thank you," I beamed at him before settling back against the seat. Now I could see the jealous looks from the flight attendants, and I found them rather amusing. I nuzzled even closer to his side and kissed him sweetly on the lips.

Edward put his mouth close to my ear to whisper, "Now, now, Bella. It isn't nice to bait other people."

I managed a look of total innocence. "What do you mean? I just like being close to you," I lied with perfect sincerity.

"Bella," Edward's tone was disapproving. "I may not be able to read your mind, but I saw you look at the flight attendants."

"I knew you were smart, but I do enjoy being close to you," I admitted my life and put my arm through his. My head rested against him arm, and it was swathed with a thick cotton sweater to keep me from getting cold.

He laughed softly and kissed the top of my head. "Now that I believe. So are you ready to introduce me to your dad?"

I straightened up and cleared my throat at the mention of that. "Well, it will be interesting to say the least," and I thought back to the conversation I had with my dad a few days before.

We had just gotten to Renee's house after a turbulent flight from Los Angeles. Renee thought it was a good idea to visit Charlie, but we wanted to stay with her and Phil for a few days. "Sweetie, don't forget to call Charlie and tell him you're visiting," Renee called from the kitchen.

I glanced at the clock on the wall and saw it wasn't too late for him. "Thanks, Mom. I think I will now." Edward and I were settling into our own room. Luckily, Renee wasn't big on traditional values, though we weren't doing anything anyway. I sat down on the bed, and Edward handed me his cell phone. My heart rate accelerated, and he gave me a reassuring smile.

I dialed, and the phone rang a few times. When I had begun to hope he wasn't going to answer, Charlie's voice came on the line, "Hello?"

"Hey, Dad. It's Bella," I tried to say cheerfully.

The tired aspect of his voice disappeared. "Hey, Bells. What's up?"

"Not much. I thought I'd come visit in a couple days. You know, I just got done with that show..." I trailed off, unsure of what to say next.

Charlie didn't seem any more comfortable. "Oh yeah. The dating show, right? Find anyone special?" he attempted to joke.

My eyes flickered over at Edward who had a smirk on his face from listening in. "I did. I thought I might bring him along to meet you," I informed him, and a blush came to my face.

"Humph..." came indistinctly over the phone. "I, I guess that's okay. When should I expect you in?" It seemed as though he just chose to ignore my boyfriend.

"We'll be in late two nights from tonight. We are going to rent a car and drive, so you don't have to worry about picking up." I sensed the conversation coming to a close.

"Okay, Bells. Call me when you land," Charlie mumbled. His voice betrayed how tired he really was.

I assured him I would, and we exchanged good-byes before hanging up. "I guess we go to Charlie then."

"The real question is whether you are ready to meet him. He is the chief of police in Forks," I reminded him once I could breathe again.

He laughed softly in my ear again; his cool breath tickled as it slid over my neck. "Bella, if I were a normal human, I might be intimidated. If worse comes to worse, as Emmett would say, 'I think I can take him'." Edward smirked again, but I still felt queasy. "Bella, calm down. I did live in the same town with him for over four years."

I looked into Edward's eyes. "But you never actually met him?"

He grinned mischievously. "No. I was a good student, not a hoodlum."

"Then he'll probably like you," I mumbled before settling against him again for the duration of the flight.

Our luggage was light, so Edward easily fit all of it into the trunk of the cute little silver Volvo waiting for us at the airport rental center. It was already dark outside and a little chilly which was typical of this area year-round. Being the gentleman, Edward opened the car door for me before getting in himself. "Could I please borrow your cell phone?" I asked before we left the airport. "I need to call Charlie and tell him we're on our way."

Edward pulled the small silver phone out of his pocket. "I really should get you a cell phone. They are really useful."

I began to dial. "Why? I can always use yours."

"Bella, we won't always be together. I will have to go hunting, and you won't want to be stuck in the house with me all of the time," Edward reminded me gently.

I took a moment to consider that. "I hadn't thought of that. You're right, but I don't want you to continuously buy me things," I admitted, forgetting about the cell phone in my hand.

Edward just looked at me. "Bella, it isn't just something to buy you. A cell phone allows me and anyone else contact you when they need you. It's more for my peace of mind."

That line of reasoning seemed practical to me, but I didn't want to be dependent upon Edward for everything. "Edward, I love you, but I don't want this relationship to be unequal. If you buy me everything, then it will be."

"Bella, you have given me everything I ever wanted. Why can't I give you everything?" He took my hand with the one not on the steering wheel. His fingers stroked mine as soft as a whisper.

"You are all I want, Edward," I declared firmly.

Edward sighed a little. "I guess that is another conversation to save for later. You might want to call your father. We will be there soon."

I looked up and realized we had left the airport far behind. "How did we...?" I asked and then glanced over at the speedometer. "The speed limit isn't ninety! You need to slow down before a cop pulls you over!" I all but screamed.

"Calm down, Bella. I have amazing reflexes, and I've never gotten a ticket," he assured me as he tapped his forehead.

My heart rate gradually slowed to a normal rate. "Fine, as long as you save me if we crash," I muttered and held the phone up to my ear. Edward's musical laugh filled the car, but it did nothing to lift my mood.

Charlie answered almost immediately, "Hello?"

"Hey, Dad. It's Bella."

"Hey, Bells. How long before you get here?" He sounded really excited which meant he was trying to forget about Edward.

The car passed by a sign too quickly for me to read. "We should be there soon. Traffic is light tonight." That wasn't exactly a lie, because there were few cars on the highway.

"That's good. I'll see you when you get here."

I sighed. "Yep. Bye."

"Bye, Bells," and the line disconnected.

I handed him the phone and sighed again. "Charlie sounds really excited to meet you," I said though I knew he probably had heard the whole conversation.

Edward laughed and looked at me. "If acting like I don't exist is his way of expressing enthusiasm, then he is really adamant to be introduced," he joked. "Don't worry. I know it isn't personal. He would do this for any guy you brought home."

I managed a small smile just for him. "It's just a defense mechanism. Instead of facing the problem, Charlie chooses to ignore it for as long as possible. I'm sure he'll like you once he gets to know you." Most of that was for my own benefit, because I needed to believe it.

"Well, we will be there soon enough to find out. We are leaving Port Angeles now," Edward pointed out.

Outside the windows, the semi-bright lights of Port Angeles were fading in the distance behind us. "Wow, you can make good time. How will we explain how we got to Charlie's so quickly?" I wondered aloud.

"You already said traffic was light. By this time of night, Charlie will be too tired to think our excuse through," Edward reminded me.

Knowing Charlie as I did, I knew Edward was probably right. "That's true. I'll try to stop worrying," I promised.

I sincerely tried, but I couldn't keep that promise. As we neared the Forks town limits, I sweated more and more. My pulse kept racing faster and faster. My thought got cloudier and cloudier. The images before my eyes blurred into darkness. "Edward, I don't..." was all I managed before a nothingness took over my senses.

A room slowly came into view, and I waited to move until the blackness around the edges disappeared. I moved my arm and felt a familiar prick at my elbow, and there were a few tubes leading from arm and nose to various machines. So I was in a hospital, but for what and how long? Charlie snored softly in a chair next to my bed. "Dad?" My voice was hoarse, and I struggled to clear it, but my throat was dry.

I glanced around to see if there was a water pitcher, and a smooth, white hand appeared before me with a cup and a straw. Grateful, I took a deep sip and attempted to speak again, "Edward, what happened? Why am I here?"

Taking care not to disturb me, Edward sat down on the bed and took my hand. The circles under his eyes were dark purple, and his eyes were black. I knew he hadn't hunted since before we went to LA. "Yesterday night, you passed out as we got into Forks. I rushed you to the hospital and called Charlie. You were severely dehydrated, so you've been on fluids for the past twelve hours. I'm so sorry, Bella. I should have made sure you ate and got plenty of water."

"Shhh..." I put a finger to his lips. "Edward, it isn't your fault. I was so nervous yesterday that I forgot. I'm sorry I scared you," I whispered. Charlie was still snoring. "Has he been here all night?"

"Yes. He wouldn't leave your side. We talked a little. He likes me for taking you straight to the hospital. See, Bella? You didn't have to worry about us not getting along," he said, trying to lighten the mood. Edward's smile didn't reach his eyes, so I knew I had really frightened him.

I brought his hand to my face and kissed it before cupping it to my cheek. "Thank you. Edward, you really need to go hunting. You must be really thirsty," I whispered.

"Bella, I don't want to leave you," Edward protested.

"Edward, I'll be okay. The chief of police is here to protect me. Go. You need to eat too," I reminded him. "Catch a mountain lion for me."

Finally, his smile lit up his eyes. "I won't go that far. I'll be back soon." Edward kissed me softly on the lips and then he was gone.

The soft click of the door closing caused Charlie to wake up. "Bells, you're awake. How are you feeling?"

I licked my chapped lips and sipped the water again. "Much better. Dad, you didn't have to stay. You should go home and get some sleep."

"No, no. I'm fine. Where's Edward?" Charlie asked after looking around the hospital room.

"I sent him home to shower, change, and eat. You really should too. I'm probably almost done here anyway," I lied. Well, Edward was getting something to eat.

Charlie stretched and shook off the last dregs of sleep. "I'm okay. I'll wait for Edward to get back. He seems like a good kid."

I was glad he acknowledged Edward now. "Yeah, Edward is. I'm glad you like him." I smiled to encourage him.

"He wouldn't leave you, and I never had any trouble from him when the Cullens lived here. You did a good job," Charlie complimented. He didn't talk much generally, so I knew he was really sincere.

"Well, given the options, Edward was probably the safest choice," I mused considering Mike Newton, the perv and Jacob, the werewolf.

Charlie obviously didn't understand what I meant, so he just said, "I suppose. Oh, you might want to call Renee. She is really worried about you."

I sighed, knowing Edward's voicemail was probably inundated with calls from my frantic mother. "Okay. I should probably do that now," I admitted though I cringed inwardly.

Uncharacteristically, Charlie kissed my forehead. "I'm going down to the cafeteria. I'll be back in a little bit." He gave me a smile and left as well.

I gave myself a moment to prepare for the call. To draw it out, I dialed as slowly as possible, but Renee picked up on the first ring. "Hello? Charlie?" she called as frantically as I expected.

"No, Mom. It's Bella," I said calmly though my heart rate monitor started beeping fractionally faster.

"Oh, Bella! Are you okay? How are you feeling?" she unleashed in a torrent of questions. I waited patiently until she was done.

"Mom, I'm okay. I was just dehydrated. The doctors will probably let me go soon. I've done much worse to get in the hospital," I tried to assure her.

She continued to fuss over me until I lied a told her a nurse was coming in to check on me. Renee hung up, but I knew I would have to talk to her again once the doctor discharged me. My head started to hurt, so I laid back and began to drift off. Before I was fully out, I heard the door open, but I assumed it was a nurse to changed the bag attached to my IV. Then I felt a warm hand stroke my arm, and I jerked back to consciousness.

Mike Newton was hovering next to my bed with a bouquet of red roses. "Hey, Bella," he purred, trying to be seductive.

I edged slowly to the opposite side of my bed. "Um, Mike, what are you doing here?"

"I heard you were in the hospital, so I decided to visit," Mike said. I felt like I was in the middle of a really bad porno. "I brought you some flowers," and he offered me the roses.

I set them cautiously on the table next to me. "Who told you I was here?" I inquired really hoping Charlie hadn't called around and told everyone.

"A night nurse here told my mom, and she said I should visit." Damn these small towns.

Mike was really creeping me out, so I really wanted to get rid of him. "Well, thank you for the flowers, but I don't want to detain you any longer," I tried to say politely, but he didn't take the hint.

Instead, Mike sat down on my bed and put a hand on my leg. "So, I notice Cullen isn't here." I thought of ringing for the nurse, but he would have noticed that.

"Mike, he's my boyfriend, and he and my dad are going to be back soon. I sent them out to get food. Besides, don't you remember the last time you tried to beat up Edward?" I pointedly reminded Mike.

"No. I remember waking up in a chair in the hotel lobby," Mike recollected slowly. His brow was furrowed in deep thought.

His expression and the memory were so comical that I couldn't help but laugh. "You got drunk and tried to punch Edward only to vomit and pass out on the street. We helped you back to the hotel."

Mike's ears were bright red probably from the thought of throwing up and passing out in front of me. "I don't remember this," he admitted in a small voice. A part of me felt a little sympathy for him, but he was still touching my leg.

"Would you like to relive it?" Edward threatened from the doorway. "Bella, would you like Mike to leave?" he asked, hoping to get Mike to leave without physical force.

I flashed him a grateful smile. "Good-bye, Mike. Please don't come near me again." With the icy glares from Edward and me, Mike quickly fled the room. Edward closed the door softly and come to sit by me. I took a deep breath to clear my head of everything Mike Newton. "Thank you so much for saving me. Ugh," I glanced over at the roses, "Please get rid of those."

In a moment, they were gone. "Sorry, I wasn't here earlier to get rid of him quicker," he apologized.

His eyes were the color of butterscotch again, and his mood was elevated. "No, you needed to hunt. Mike wasn't here for very long. In fact, Charlie should be back soon," I guessed after a quick look at the clock above the door.

"Well, everything is set up for us at my house. Alice and Esme aired it out on their way back to Alaska, and I got plenty of food for you," Edward told me with a gleam in his eyes. I could tell he was really looking forward to this vacation. Once I was discharged, anyway. "The doctors are going to let you go when you're done with this bag of fluids."

Thankfully, the bag was almost empty. "Good, I really want to go. I've spent enough of my life in hospitals," I sighed.

Edward chuckled and kissed my forehead. "My poor Bella." He stopped and moved a little farther away from me. "Charlie is coming," he explained.

Sure enough, Charlie came through the door about ten seconds later. "Oh, hey kids. Sorry I was gone so long, Bells. The nurses here kept chatting me up. They wanted more information about the two of you."

"Small town gossip. There's nothing like it," I muttered under my breath. Edward just smiled at me with an amused expression.

Charlie kept talking without hearing what I said. "Anyway, they are ready to discharge you once this bag of fluids is empty. So where are you guys staying?"

"I have made all of the preparations for us to stay at my parents' house out in the forest. When Bella sent me home, I brought in all of our luggage and made sure there was plenty of food," Edward assured my dad.

Charlie clapped him on the back. "Just so long as you take care of her. I am the sheriff in there here parts," he laughed.

A nurse interrupted to check on me and start the checking out process. Less than an hour later and Edward and I were off to his house, and Charlie was going home to get some much needed sleep. Things for this vacation were starting to look up...