Chapter 10: Concerned Parents Don't Know What They're Getting Into

…

"He keeps shoving those legends down my throat; it's like he believes them… anyway we should be going too." He said and stood up. "Give me a call when you have some time, alright?"

"Sure, pup. See you soon." I said and waved at him and his friends as they left.

…

It appeared that was the end of our fun at the beach for we left not an hour later after we cleaned everything up after ourselves. Jessica didn't stop her questioning about the Cullens and Jacob for the whole ride and I could tell everyone else was getting tired of hearing me answer her questions as curtly as I possibly could; there was no reason for me to sing out the information she had no business in. besides it was quite entertaining how she struggled to shape her questions to get the desired answers only for me to find a way around it.

Then when I finally got 'home' and went through my evening routine I felt like I was missing out on something the whole day; compared to yesterday this was really boring and that didn't sit well with me. At all. Is this how junkies feel when they don't get hooked up on their drug? Because it certainly felt like I was run over by a truck, heavily loaded with disappointment… and yearning…

I jumped in my bed and threw the covers over me hoping that sleep will bring me some peace, but as faith would have it that was too much to ask for apparently. I tossed and turned and tossed again then sighed before turning again… I hope you get the point because I'd hate to bore you with my sleeping problems that night.

And then I felt like God (or maybe Stephanie come to think of it) sent me a gift. It was literally knocking on my window. No, really. I stilled in my bed and I listened to hear that sound again as my body filled with anticipation of what I suspected was coming.

Slowly, as if not to make it disappear, I got out from under the covers and moved towards the window, squinting my eyes to make sure I wasn't hallucinating like a water-deprived tortured soul in a scorching desert. I felt like a light was shining in the darkness, like a hand of hope reached for me in the sea of despair; there, at the last rays of the setting sun, sat a gently glimmering figure with a devilish smile. My salvation.

"Are you going to invite me in or should I just come through the glass and hope we don't wake up your dad in the process?" I grinned back and opened the damn thing.

"No, as much as that would entertain me, I suppose it'd bring more problems than joy." I agreed. I felt like I scored Jackpot. A vampire was in my house. And not just any vampire… I was graced with the presence of the vampire of mischief and pranks in the Cullen clan. Yes, that's right; Emmet was here!

"So how was your trip, Bella?" He asked while making himself comfortable on my bed. I groaned loudly. I was already having a better time and he just walked in. How fucked up was that? "That bad, huh?"

"Please tell me you have something good for me. I think I'm dying of boredom; it was just so ordinary and plain." I whined at him like a little kid who wants a lollipop. The thing was… I was whining to another kid, not an adult.

"Well Bella-Bear, you came to the right place." He said, ignoring the fact he came to me. "Dr. Emmet will make you feel better soon."

"I already feel better…" I admitted under my breath, but of course he heard that.

"Aww…" He whined. "I was hoping for at least a bit of challenge. Don't be so easy Bella, it is unbecoming."

"Careful now, you don't want to use those big words," I warned him, "it might make you look like an adult." The look of pure terror crossed his face and I couldn't help myself anymore, I fell down laughing and was soon joined by him.

Then in an instant his laughter stopped and his hand was covering my mouth. I froze with wide eyes. What was this all about? I waited patiently as we both sat on the floor unmoving waiting for something apparently.

Alright I lied, we didn't wait patiently; I turned my head to him with a raised brow demanding explanation. Which came from an unexpected source.

"Bells, are you alright?" I found myself in my bed, neatly covered with a blanket and Emmet was nowhere to be found as the door creaked open. "I heard laughing…"

Oops, I guess we woke him up anyway…

"Oh yeah, dad, I just got a funny text." I said lifting my phone for emphasise. There was a pause as if he was deciding if he believes me or not. Then he let go of the breath he was apparently holding.

"Alright, Bells… you know you can always talk to me, right?" He added sounding a bit awkward but concerned. Well, shit. Since when does Charlie hover? I distinctly remember reading one of the first lines in the movie and the line clearly stated that the best thing about him is that he doesn't hover. Something was telling me that was about to change… he had this look on his face like he was preparing for a Talk (not the Talk, he'd be more embarrassed if that was the case, but the talk with his detached 'daughter'… meaning me!) Holly shit! Now?! Red flag, red flag! Intervention!

"Yeah, dad, I know." I tried to convey as much awkwardness in my voice and body language as possible. "Huh… maybe, huh, umm… some other day?" I saw his brains processing what he saw and increased his awkwardness tenfold.

"Uh, yeah. Yeah, huh, alright…" Mission confusion complete. Again an uncomfortable silence before he moved again. "Alright, Bells… good night…"

"…Night…" I watched as the doors closed. Aaaaaaand… we're back in the game! I let out a breath of relief and leaned back on the bed.

"That was close." I heard Emmet's voice from the other side of the bed.

"Tell me about it." I agreed.

"So what's up with awkwardness?"

"That's the easiest way to get rid of him."

"But he sounded worried…"

"Yeah, he is… but I can't exactly tell him my brains are preoccupied with vampires, can I?" Not to mention who I really am…

"Uh, right… so he doesn't know?"

"Of course not! Can you imagine a cop knowing about supernatural beings? That'd make him paranoid, he'd see the work of 'creatures' in every crime scene."

"Creatures?" He sounded affronted.

"You know what I mean; it's not like I can tell him about vampires and leave out the werewolves, shifters, witches and whatever else is out there… so creatures for short."

"So you know…"

"About the reservation boys tuning into giant wolfs? Yeah, met three 'possibly' future ones today as well…"

"Damn, is there anything you don't know?"

"I'm sure there's lots I don't know yet. Anyway, back to you losing your immatureness."

"Right, that's a way more pressing issue." He agreed with a serious nod and I couldn't be sure if he was being serious or not.

"So what are you going to do about it?" I challenged him and smiled as I imagined what he'll come up with. Slowly an evil spark was lit in his eyes and I couldn't but pray I wasn't the target.

"Bella-bear!" He exclaimed and I flinched just a little. Oh, Stephanie, here it comes… (Yes, I decided to keep up with my analogy… deal with it!) "Would you be my accomplice?" he asked with that evil spark and a wicked smile. YES! Home free! Thanks Steph! That… could've gone way south. I breathed a sigh of relief and played it cool.

"Yeah! I'm sure you can use the human somehow…" I was rewarded with a quiet but genuine 'whoop' as he leaned closer.

"Alright here's the plan…"

…

I was surprised… it was a really good one, actually.

…

Charlie Swan's POV

I know I heard laughing. Loud male laughing along with my Bella's. I don't know what's happening with her, but from when she hit her head she began changing rapidly. I know it must have been a traumatical experience. I was shaken up for weeks after it and did my best to keep an eye on her but she didn't show normal signs after a close to death experience. She just drifted away from everyone and wrapped herself in this I-don't-care persona she is now…

I got tons of calls from school about her failing grades and concerning behaviour. The only reason I hadn't confronted her yet is because I have no idea how to do it. Plus I thought it'd pass. Now I'm not sure I'll ever get my Bella back…

I need to call Renee. She's been ignoring her mother too. Maybe we can talk to her together? Uh, that'll be one awkward talk…

Renee Dwyer's POV

It was late at night, way past any normal social hours, when my phone started ringing on a night stand. Phil was already fast asleep after one of his games. We were in California at the moment. Bella would love it here; it was very warm and sunny and we go to beach walks and there's this amazingly good ice-cream right next to the beach that we stop at every day. It's like I'm on permanent holiday where I can sort of do whatever I like as long as we (Phil and I) don't miss any of his games or training. I love it! If only Bella was here to enjoy it with me…

Alright back to the ringing phone in the middle of the night… who'd be calling at this hour? I cracked one eye open to help navigate my sloppy hand in search for the annoying device; I never learned to appreciate the miracle of mobile phone, they were just an easier access for people who wanted to bother you whenever they felt like. I much preferred mail contacting – you can read it whenever you want and only those you want.

Ah, my mind wandered off again… it sure doesn't help that I was dreaming a minute or so before. AHA! I finally found it and brought it closer to my face to see who it was. I had to blink several times before my vision cleared and adjusted to the bright light.

Charlie… Charlie! I was awake in a second and answered the phone: "Is Bella alright? Did something happen? Do I need to come there?" My mind raced through the worst case scenarios of why Charlie would be calling me at this hour. Oh, I hope she's not in the hospital again. Maybe that's why she's not responding to my mail? What if she can't see? Or has broken her arms and can't write? Or… What if she's in coma?! Oh, my poor little girl… Why hasn't Charlie called me about it?!

"Uh, hello, Renee. No Bella's fine, she's not hurt at least." Came the awkward voice of my ex husband, stopping my racing mind and I focused on the phone call again.

"Oh, good. That's good." I breathed a sigh of relief when the words 'she's not hurt' registered in my brain.

"Um, listen, we need to talk…" And I was on alert again.

I know, I know! Sorry, I'm buried in exams and have been studying whole days for the last one. Nevertheless I did put this chapter together so you can enjoy a bit in-between updates that have (not) been happening right now. I'll get better soon, I swear to Stephanie I will! :3

Let me know how I did and, though I know what this prank will be, I appreciate any ideas you leave in review section or PM :D