A/N: Hey all, sorry it has been forever, yet again, anyways I have got this chapter done and a few others. I have been waiting a bit, but I decided to post this even though it has not been read by my beta yet! So, please, please, please forgive the mistakes! I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 9: Learn A Little
BPOV
After Edward left I decided to get a start on dinner. Since we had gotten some cookable food, I thought it would be nice to cook tonight. I went into the kitchen and pulled the chicken out of the freezer. Thank god it was not in there very long. Then pulled out two pots and filled them with the right amount of water. I put them on the stove to let the water to start to boil, while I got the noodles, cheese, breadcrumbs, and soup out. I decided chicken casserole would be a good dinner to make. After the water started to boil I placed the chicken in it to let it cook. While the chicken was cooking I decided to start on my homework.
I wish teachers didn't feel the need to give us homework on the first day of school. I pulled out my own personal copy of Romeo and Juliet to get a start on rereading it for class. I relaxed on the couch reading and waiting.
About forty minutes later I decided to go check on the chicken. Since the chicken was done, I scooped it out and put it on a plate to cool a little bit, and I also put the noodles in boiling water to cook. I grabbed my book and continued to read while the noodles cooked.
About thirty minutes later the casserole was ready to go into the oven, and just in time too, Dad was going to be home soon. After I put the casserole in the oven I decided to grab a quick shower.
When I got out of the bathroom my Dad was just coming up the stairs to go change out of his uniform saying he would be down in 15 minutes after he grabbed a quick shower. I grabbed my book and sat down on the couch to read some more until he was ready for dinner.
"It smells great in here Bells!" My Dad exclaimed as he reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Thanks, I made chicken casserole, I hope that's okay." I told him with a smile.
"It sure is."
With that said, we both walked into the kitchen and I pulled the casserole out of the oven. I had also remembered to put some corn on also. My Dad grabbed some plates as I got everything set on the table.
"This is delicious! I am thrilled to know that you did not inherit your mother's or mine's cooking skills." He said with a tiny laugh.
"Yeah, me too, or I would have starved in Phoenix." I joked.
"So how was your first day of school?"
"It was good, some of the stuff I already learned because of the classes I took in Arizona." I said with a shrug.
"Ah that is good then, any boys try to pick you up?" He said trying to be all serious, but I could see the smile pulling at his lips.
"Well, now that you mention it…" I started to say and then busted up laughing as his face paled.
"I was only joking Bells! I thought you and Jake were together?" He asked.
"We broke up, the whole long distance thing and other stuff, it just didn't seem right to me." I tried to explain to him.
"Oh, well…um…okay. You guys have been friends for a long time, I hope that it is mutual?"
"Sort of is, he was upset, but I think I got him to understand some of it from my perspective now, but I do want to let you know that I am kind of together with Edward." I whispered the last part and was shocked to see my father pale once again.
"You are what?"
"I am kind of dating Edward, we are going out this Friday night." I said giving him the best daddy's girl smile (A/N I am sure you all know what this is. It has had plenty of uses for me growing up :D)
"Well, I guess he is a nice enough boy, but I would like to meet him." He said, with an evil smirk on his face.
"You already know him though."
"Well now that he is dating my little girl, I need to speak with him." The look on his face told me that poor Edward is really getting into more than he bargained for. I just hope he keeps the guns put away when he is here.
"Fine, but you have to be nice to him Daddy." I said giving him the same smile.
"Sure, sure." He replied as we finished up dinner.
"I will do the dishes since you cooked tonight, oh, and before I forget, I am working an overnight shift tomorrow, will you be okay?" He asked.
"Sure, Edward actually wanted me to go over for dinner sometime when you worked late, that way I wouldn't be by myself." I said, while he just shook his head in agreement. I then walked upstairs to check my email and then possibly give my mother a call.
As soon as I reached my bedroom door my phone rang. The caller ID said Edward and I answered it with a smile.
"Hey." I said smiling even bigger.
"Hey, how was dinner with your Dad?"
"It was great, I made a chicken casserole. I also told him about us."
"Oh, and what did he say about that?" He asked with a small laugh.
"Well he would like to "meet you"" I said laughing.
"But he already knows who I am. So what is the point?"
"Well you're my boyfriend now, so he thinks that entitles him to be able to threaten you." I said laughing even harder.
"I really like hearing you call me your boyfriend, it makes it more surreal. And I shouldn't be scared should I? I know your Dad has quite the gun collection."
"Awww, you sound almost scared! It will be fine, I promise." I tell him.
"Sure it will be. So would you like to come to dinner tomorrow? We can maybe go somewhere private to talk if you want?"
"Uh…Sure, my Dad works the night shift so he will be gone after I get home from school we can come talk here. If that is okay?"
"Sure, I will give you a ride to school and then we can go back to yours after classes."
"Okay, well I am heading to bed, I will see you in the morning. Goodnight Edward."
"Goodnight Bella."
After I got off of the phone with Edward I went to change and crawled into bed.
I got up and decided to go downstairs to make my Dad and I breakfast. I made pancakes and bacon. As soon as I put the food on the plates my Dad came down the stairs.
"Something smells great in here Bella!" He said with a big smile on his face.
"I made breakfast since I couldn't sleep any longer. I hope you like bacon and pancakes!" I said with a smile.
"Of course I do! So what are you doing after school today? Are you going to the Cullen's for dinner?" He asked.
"Yeah, I am going to be there after I come home and do some homework, Edward is going to stay here and study for a bit before heading to his house." I said glancing nervously at my father.
"Oh, well thanks for the heads up, but I would like to meet him before the two of you are here by yourselves." He told me.
"Umm, I will text him to see if he can come earlier this morning." I told him pulling out my phone to send Edward a quick text.
EPOV
After Bella and my phone conversation, I fell right to sleep. It was the best damn night's sleep in a long time. She is perfect for me in every way. I decided to grab a quick shower and then get ready for school since I was up a little earlier than normal.
After I got out of the shower I heard my phone going off in my room. I wrapped the towel around my waist and went out to get it. It was a text from Bella asking me if I could come over earlier to "meet" her father.I sent a reply to her saying I would be there in 15 minutes. I got dressed quickly and grabbed my bag and keys and headed down the stairs.
"Hey where are you headed in such a rush?" My mom asked me as I was heading for the front door.
"To Bella's house, Chief Swan wants to meet me." I said giving her a small smile.
"Charlie already knows who you are." She said giving me a knowing smile.
"Well he wants to meet me officially as Bella's boyfriend." I said giving her a big but nervous smile.
"Oh, well good luck then." She said with a wink and walked back into the kitchen.
After that I walked outside and jumped into my Volvo and headed towards Bella's house.
The closer I got to her house the more nervous I become. I was worried about what Chief Swan would say to me or that he would highly disapprove.
I slowly walked to the front door and knocked. A few minutes later the Chief opened the door and joined me on the porch.
"Good morning sir." I said my voice a little higher than normal.
"Good morning Edward. I understand that you are dating my daughter. Is that correct?" He asked glaring at me. I swallowed hard.
"Uh, yes sir, I think your daughter is great, she is beautiful, smart, funny, and she is perfect." I said with a bit of word vomit. The Chief smiled at me and shook his head with a small laugh.
"Just so you know, I have a very extensive gun collection and if you hurt my little girl, I will not hesitate to shoot you. You understand?" He said seriously.
"Umm, I understand sir. I would never intentionally hurt Bella, ever." I said with a shaky breath. Then he busted up laughing.
"She has got you wrapped around finger, doesn't she? It is pretty damn obvious there son. Please call me Charlie." He said slapping me on the back.
"Yeah that she does. I wouldn't change it for the world though." I told him honestly.
"Well I give you my blessing, but no funny business, ever. You understand that?" He said all serious again.
"I wouldn't dream of it Charlie, and thank you for your blessing." I said giving him and honest smile. A few seconds later Bella walked out of the house smiling at me and I smiled back at her.
"Well we should get going Dad, I will see you tomorrow morning then?" She asked as we started to walk down towards my car.
"Yeah I will see you tomorrow, have a good day at school. And thanks for breakfast again." Charlie told Bella as he waved.
I opened the door for Bella as she climbed into the car. I turned and walked to my side of the car. As soon as I got into the car she was asking how it went.
"How was my Dad? He didn't threaten you did he?" She asked with a concerned look on her face.
"Well…He did say if he hurt me he would not hesitate to shoot me, but if I hurt you I could load the gun myself." I told her with a laugh and she glared at me.
"So how was your night? Did you sleep alright?" I asked picking up her hand and lacing my fingers with hers.
"It was good, I went right to sleep, I haven't slept that good since I got here." She said with a bright smile.
"Are we still on for after school to sit down and talk?" I asked her with a cautious glance.
"Yeah. I am so not looking forward to school." She whined. I noticed she changed the subject quickly.
"Me either, it will be over before you know it." I said squeezing her hand. A few minutes later we pulled up to the school.
BPOV
I know I promised Edward I would explain things to him today, but I am nervous to explain about Brett and Amanda. They were our best friends that we went out with all the time. I haven't spoken to Brett since the accident though, and I feel I should give him a call soon.
I just need to let Edward know that Jake tries to hold it over my head how much he was there for me after Amanda died. He kind of thinks in his mind that I owe him so much, but I think I would have gotten to a point in my life where I wouldn't be so hard on myself because it was an accident.
I really need to stop thinking about this before it makes me upset and it freaks Edward out.
As we walk to my locker I feel like I am holding on to Edwards hand a little harder than normal. He looks down at me with a small smile.
"Hey are you okay?" He asks while wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into a hug.
"Yeah, I am just thinking about someone." I tell him honestly and try to give him a smile.
"Okay, well if you need to talk I am here for you." He says while he gives me a soft kiss on my forehead.
"Eddie! How are you doing? Are we still on for Friday night?" I heard a girl ask from behind me. I feel Edward tense immediately.
"Tanya, you know I never said I would go out with you. You automatically assumed that after I broke up with Jess, when will you guys learn, I DO NOT WANT YOU!" He starts to yell at her. I automatically pull myself from him and try to walk away, but he grabs my hand and tells her,
"Besides, I am dating Bella. Bella this is Tanya Denali, Tanya, this is my girlfriend Bella." When he says my name he looks down at me and smiles. I give him a small smile and say a taunting hi to Tanya. After that she turns and stomps down the hall.
"I am sorry about that Bella, they just never seem to take the hint that I am not interested in dating either of them anymore or ever!" He says exasperatedly.
"It's okay, I am not big on confrontation, so I figured it would have been better if I walked away." I tell him.
"I am glad I pulled you back, that way you got to see the look on her face when I told her!" He said laughing.
"Yeah, that was pretty great. Well I am heading to class I will see you later!" I give him a small kiss and head towards my first class of the day.
LUNCH:
After my class before lunch, Edward met me at my locker.
"How was your class?" He asked.
"It was good, a little boring, but you will have that." I said laughing. He seemed to brighten up at me laughing. I guess my mood this morning made him a little insecure. I figured I would try to help him happier so I stood on my toes and leaned in and gave him a kiss.
It took him a minute to start to respond, taking him off guard is a good thing, I felt him smile into the kiss before he leaned his head more to the left and deepened the kiss. I wrapped my fingers in his hair and try to pull him closer to me, until I heard someone clearing their throat behind me.
Edward laughed and pulled me to him and I blushed.
"You know guys, you should keep that to a more private place, rather than the school hallway, and everyone is staring." Alice said while laughing at my embarrassment.
"Well Bella here surprised me and I just couldn't help myself!" Edward said with a true smile on his face.
"I'm sorry." I said, while hiding my face in his chest.
"Bella, you never, and I mean NEVER have to apologize for kissing me, especially like that." He said while lifting my chin so I was looking into his green eyes.
"Well come on love birds, it is time for lunch, let's go." Alice said grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the cafeteria.
"Hey guys! What took you so long?" Emmett asked.
"Well…I caught these two making out by Bella's locker!" Alice squealed with laughter at us.
"Bella! I never would have thought!" Emmett said while Jasper and Rose busted up laughing.
I buried my face in Edward's neck, while he laughed with them. I then just decided to laugh along with them even though I was embarrassed.
After we all calmed down conversation flowed easily and we ate and talked through the rest of lunch.
The rest of the day went rather quickly, too quickly for my liking. I am still dreading this conversation with Edward. It brings up to many memories. I know Edward will be patient for me, but it still hurts thinking about her and remembering the accident.
I need to call Brett later today and fill him in on Jake and me. I know he will understand, even though we haven't talked much, he always seems to understand me more than Jake ever did. I decided to give him a call as I walked towards Edward's car to wait for him.
"Hey, Bella, it has been too long how are you?"
"I am doing pretty good, how are you doing?"
"Oh same old, you know how it is school and work. How are you liking Forks?"
"I like it a lot! I am actually calling to let you know that Jake and I aren't together anymore. I met someone here that I really have connected with."
"Oh, is that so, I kind of figured there was something going on when Jake told me that he was going up to Forks to see you, but he wouldn't say what had him so upset. I am happy for you though Bella, I know Jake hasn't always been the greatest in some ways."
"Thanks, I truly appreciate that Brett. I really miss talking to you. I shouldn't have let it go this long."
"I know it's been hard, I know that you blame yourself to, but I know it wasn't your fault. You have to remember that Bella, it was an ACCIDENT." I sighed as he was explaining to me the things that I now understand, I know it was harder on him than any of us that night.
"I love you Brett and I wish things could be back to normal, I hate that I won't be there for you to help you with next month." After I said that I heard a door slam and saw a very confused and hurt looking Edward in his car.
"I love you too Bells, always, you are like a sister to me. I understand you can't be here. Don't let it be so long till you call again. I need to get to work I will talk to you soon okay."
"Alright, bye Brett."
After I ended the call I climbed into the car.
"Edward, what is wrong?" I asked, even though I am pretty sure I had a good idea as to what was bothering him.
"Who were you talking to Bella?" He asked between clenched teeth as we pulled out of the parking lot.
"I was talking to Brett, I felt I needed to call him today, and I am glad I did." I tell him calmly. I noticed his nostrils flair a little with anger.
"Oh, and who is Brett?" He asks as we pull into the drive way of my house.
"I will explain everything to you in the house, I promise." With that I got out of his car and walked to my front door to unlock it. I heard his door open and close, at least he followed me. I sighed with relief.
"Okay, now tell me, please Bella; I am going insane trying to figure this out." He says after we take our seats on my couch.
A/N: Me again! I have the next chapter ready to go, anyone who reviews, will get a sneak peak of the next chapter, it will be posted on Monday evening! Please leave me some love!