Ch. 10 Male Bonding
''But Mom, I'm so posed to hang with Alice and Edward this weekend.'' I histrionically protest.
''Michael you have not made an effort to get to know Charlie at all and wether you know it or not, you could benefit from some male bonding.'' My mother counters.
''So how much are you paying Charlie to do this?'' I passive aggressively reply.
''For your information it was Charlie's idea. Now, you will pick up your phone and tell your friends you can see them when you get back, assuming you behave yourself.'' She says in a menacingly calm and matter of fact tone.
I can feel my face turn beet red, but it is clear my Mom is not going to budge at all. So I bombastically go up to my room and find my phone. As I slam the door behind me, I begin to pace around my room and attempt to calm myself down before I call Edward.
''Hey Mike-''
''I can't see you tomorrow, she is making me go on a fishing trip with him.'' I begin to rant.
''With who? Charlie?'' Edward says with confusion.
''Who else. I am being forced to go on a weekend fishing trip with Chief Swan.'' I restate, expecting the appropriate response.
'' I realize that Michael, but maybe it won't be so bad.'' He says firmly.
'' Are you kidding me'' I retort.
''Here me out. Charlie is important to your Mother and it seems like he isn't gong anywhere, it might be good for you and him to spend sometime together.''
As I hear the words come out of his mouth I begin to feel embarrassed about how I am over reacting. Maybe he's right, even if it ends up being a wash, I did promise my mom. Plus it isn't fare for me to take my anger out on Edward.
''Your right, I'm sorry.''
''It's ok. I would be freaked out as well, I just think it could be nice for you to have someone like Charlie looking out for you.'' He reassures.
''I was just looking forward to seeing you.'' I attempt to say without sounding too needy.
''I was too, but I will see you when you get back on sunday.''
And with that said he bid me goodnight. Though it has only been weeks since Edward kissed me at Homecoming, It's hard for me to remember what life was like before him. Funny how perception of time is altered when someone enters your life. Thinking about this makes me feel like I should cut my Mom more slack. I can only imagine how it must feel to date when you have a child to consider.
Saturday morning Charlie arrived so early it was a miracle I was able to wake up at all. Quality time my ass. This must be some kind of punishment for doing something very bad. At least Charlie didn't seem up to the challenge of forcing conversation, so I was able to sleep on the way to where ever the hell it was we were going.
''I don't know Billy, maybe this wasn't such a good Idea-''
''Nonsense Charlie, from what you've told me this is exactly what the two of you need.''
Apparently we had arrived to our destination, because the engine had stopped running. I might as well get out of the car and get this over with. As I make my way out of the car. I see Charlie talking to two people. Both native american, one was older with long hair and wearing a cowboy hat, while the other one looked to be around my age.
''Ah Mike, I would like you to meet my good friend Billy Black and his son Jacob.''
I shyly greeted them and shook there hands. Both Billy and his son are much taller than I am. Despite Jacob's height I can tell he is slightly younger than me because of how skinny he is and by his round facial features. Charlie and Billy left me and Jacob to get acquainted while they went to register for a boat.
Jacob is quite friendly and energetic. He wasted no time in asking me about Charlie and my mom, as well as my friends at Forks High School. Jacob goes to school on the reservation which explains why I haven't seen him around. Jacob told me about how he has known Charlie most of his life and how he has only met his daughter a handful of times, but I can tell that he has some sort of a crush on her.
''Why doesn't she visit him more often?'' I sympathetically ask.
''Well I have never had a chance to ask Bella, but I think it's some what under her mom's Influence. Charlie said Renee never liked the rain, so they moved to Arizona.''
''Wow Arizona. Sounds like a major over reaction to the marriage.''
''Haha I know right.''
The trip wasn't turning out to be as bad as I thought it was going to be. Billy Black was actually a really funny guy. Always busting Charlie for things, I think but don't have the guts to tease him for myself. Charlie for the first time was showing a more fun and relaxed side to himself. Both He and Billy let me and Jake have a couple of beers as well. As the weekend comes to an end I am surprised by how sad I am for it to be over.
''This will be one of the last trips Me and the Blacks will be taking before the snow comes. I am glad you came Mike.''
'' Ya me too. It's actually been a lot of fun.'' I say with sincerity
'' So um I've been meaning to talk to you for a little while, but I just haven't gotten around to it.'' Charlie nervously began.
'' I care about your mother a lot, but this isn't only about her for me. I want you to know that if you ever need anything, I'm here.'' He says doing his best to make the appropriate amount of eye contact.
''Thanks Charlie. I will keep that in mind.'' I say surprised by the emotion I begin to feel.
Ok so Charlie isn't that bad. I guess it wouldn't be such a crazy Idea for us to have some kind of a relationship. From what Jacob told me, Charlie has a distant relationship with his daughter and I have never had a male figure to look up to. As we begin to drive back home, I can't help but feel lucky to have gained the support of a new man in my life and to be going home to discover what will happen with the new boy, as well.