Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author Notes:
Thank you all so much for your enthusiastic reaction to the info exchange chapter! Your reviews all made me so happy.
This chapter goes way off the canon timeline. Some things didn't make sense to me, the timing of when certain things happened, and as I need some things to happen differently, throw out the Twilight timeline from now on.
Thanks to my wonderful team—wow, I have a team!—my beta Dooba, and my prereaders Divine Inspiration, Debbie and Shannon. I owe them everything. Here ladies, coffee, gingerbread and whatever else you want. Love you all.
Please see important stuff and a great rec at the bottom!
CHAPTER 14
Charlie spent Saturday at the river fishing. It was always his choice when he wanted to be quiet and just relax. He often found he could solve problems by spending time at the river, not thinking about whatever it was.
The only thing on his mind that afternoon was that Bella was on her first date. This wasn't exactly a problem, except for the fact, that Charlie hated to see his little girl grown up enough to date. Dating meant, well, dating meant she was really growing up. Dating meant that someday, she would leave; someday, some other man would be more important than her dad. Dating meant, evenings away, kissing, and even sex—. Charlie shuddered. No, he couldn't go there. The mere thought made him want to get out his shotgun, even though he liked Edward.
Thinking of Edward, Charlie realized he should take some steps to get to know his daughter's boyfriend. He shuddered again. Boyfriend! Bella had a boyfriend. He'd invite the boy over for dinner and to watch a game. Maybe he'd invite him to come fishing, so they could spend some time together, man to man. At least it's Edward Cullen, Charlie thought, not the Newton boy or any number of other teenage boys Charlie knew from town. The Cullen kids were always such good kids, no trouble ever. For a group of adopted kids, that family was very strong. Obviously, Carlisle and Esme Cullen were doing something right in how they raised them all.
As he thought of the Cullens, his mind moved to thinking about Billy and the Quileute dislike of the doctor and his family. Charlie had heard the legends. He remembered he and Billy, boys together, best friends, playing down at First Beach or camping out at night, telling stories around the campfire. He couldn't remember all the details of the stories Billy had told him, but he remembered the two of them playing some games based on the legends. What was it again? Charlie couldn't quite remember it all, except something about wolves or was it the boys of the tribe turning into werewolves.
Billy's father had seen them at it once and angrily put a stop to it. Charlie didn't know what had happened, but after that, Billy had never wanted to play that game again. Even more than that, he had stopped talking about the old legends and refused to discuss them with Charlie.
"We are not supposed to discuss them with anyone outside the tribe," was the only answer he'd give, when Charlie tried to bring up the subject. Charlie hadn't thought of those old legends in years.
When the Cullens had moved to the area Billy's reaction had been nearly violent. The tribal elders, who had included Billy and Harry Clearwater, had decreed that nobody from the reservation should ever go to the hospital in Forks. So far, nobody had done so, preferring to go up to Port Angeles instead. Charlie had argued, asking what they would do in the case of an emergency, but Billy had stayed firm, muttering something about it being like putting an alcoholic in charge of a liquor store.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Charlie had demanded.
"Never mind," Billy had replied, "But you keep an eye on that bl—that Cullen Doctor."
He had sneered the word doctor. Charlie wondered what he'd started to say instead, but he'd dropped the subject.
Now, here was his daughter, dating a Cullen, and Charlie expected more trouble from his old friend. Bella wouldn't stand for it, and after what Edward and the other Cullens had done when Bella was assaulted, Charlie knew he'd wouldn't stand for it either. He hoped it wouldn't hurt his friendship with Billy, but neither could he just keep quiet the next time Billy spouted off against the Cullens.
He looked at his watch and decided it was time to go home. He'd call Billy and invite him over to watch the game that night. He gathered his fishing supplies, putting things away in his tackle box and drove home.
Billy and Jake came over later, bringing pizza and beer.
"Hi Charlie," they said as Jake pushed Billy's wheelchair up the porch steps.
"Hi guys," Charlie greeted, "Wow, Jake, what's happening with you? I think you've shot up half a foot since you were here a couple weeks ago."
"And you should see him eat," Billy laughed, though Charlie thought he saw a tinge of worry in Billy's eyes.
"Where's Bella?" Jacob asked.
"She's spending the night with friends," Charlie told them.
He decided he wouldn't mention the Cullens unless he had to do so. He didn't want to argue with Billy tonight, though he feared they wouldn't be able to avoid it.
"Jake was hoping to see her again," Billy said, "I think he's got a bit of a crush on her."
"Dad, no I don't," Jacob objected, "She's just nice, and my friend. That's all."
"Whatever you say Jake," Billy turned to Charlie, "It would be a good match, you know, my son, your daughter."
"We used to talk about that when they were little," Charlie remembered, "But Bella is growing up and choosing her own direction. Besides, I hate to disappoint you, but she's got a boyfriend already. In fact, she was on a date with him today."
"Damn, old friend, how do you feel about that?" Billy teased.
"It's a weird feeling," Charlie admitted, "But I like the boy and his family. I guess, if it had to happen, at least she's picked a good guy."
"Who is it?" Billy asked.
"Just one of the boys in town," Charlie said vaguely.
"It's not one of those Cullens, is it?" Billy persisted, "She's awfully quick to defend them."
"Well, not that it should matter to you, but yes, it's Edward Cullen."
"Charlie, please, I'm begging you," Billy said, "Stop it now, before it's too late. The Cullens are not safe. You should not trust your daughter with that leech."
"Look, Billy, let's not do this again," Charlie said wearily, "Whatever you have against the Cullens, unless you can present me with evidence of wrong-doing or crimes they've committed, you're not going to convince me of these crazy things you have against the Cullens. They are a quiet family, keep to themselves and cause no trouble in town. But what's more important to me, they've been nothing but good to Bella. Hell, Edward and his sister Rosalie saved her life in Port Angeles the other night."
He went on to tell them about the Port Angeles incident.
"Those men are behind bars now, their leader on his way to Texas, where he faces murder charges," Charlie said, "And Bella came away with only a few bruises, thanks to the Cullens."
"Wow, is Bella ok?" Jacob asked.
Contrary to his father's words, Jacob did not have a crush on Bella. But they'd been good friends as children, and he hoped they could continue to be friends now.
"Yes, she's great. She and Edward went on a picnic today, and then she was having dinner and spending the night at the Cullens."
"You let her spend the night at her boyfriend's home?" Billy was incredulous, "That doesn't seem much like you, Chief."
"I trust Dr. Cullen and his wife," Charlie said firmly, "But most of all, I trust my daughter. I trust Edward, too."
"Doctor, yeah sure," Billy scoffed.
"Ok, let's drop it," Charlie sighed, "We'll have to agree to disagree. I like the Cullens, and you don't. But unless you're gonna tell me what you have against them, let's drop it. Bella isn't going to stop seeing them, and I'm fine with that."
"Ok, Charlie, we'll drop it," Billy agreed.
They watched the game, talking about fishing, the happenings on the reservation and all the other little things in their lives. Neither of them mentioned the Cullens for the rest of the evening.
Jacob was not feeling well. His body ached, and he felt like he was developing a fever. He felt like he wanted to burst out of his skin. He was sweating and just wanted to go home. It had come on so quickly, and all he wanted to do was go lie down.
"Hey, Jake, you don't look so good," Billy noticed, "Are you sick?"
"Yeah, I must be getting the flu or something, Dad."
Billy looked long and hard at his son. Damn, he thought, not now, not so soon. Sam had already gone through the transformation, and Billy knew it was only a matter of time, but still, he'd hoped, maybe, it wouldn't happen yet.
"Can you drive home, son?" he asked gently.
"Sure, sure," Jacob answered, "But can we go? Sorry, Charlie."
"Hey no problem, kid," Charlie said, "Go home and rest up."
Billy and Jacob left quickly. Charlie finished the game and didn't think more about Jake's illness. Kids get sick, just part of life.
As soon as Billy arrived home, he sent Jacob to his room to rest, then he went to the phone and called the tribal elders and Sam Uley.
"Yeah, Billy, what's going on?" Sam asked.
"It's Jake. I think it's time."
"We'll be right over," Sam said, "Don't worry; we'll take care of him and help him through it."
"If only those damn bloodsuckers hadn't come back," Billy snarled.
"I know, I know," Sam soothed, "Go sit with Jacob. I'm on my way."
The next morning, Bella went downstairs and found Esme in the kitchen, getting ready to start cooking breakfast for her.
"Good morning, dear," Esme said, walking over to give Bella a hug.
Bella wanted to spend some time getting to know Esme. She felt so much like a mom, and Bella missed Reneé so much at times. Esme felt like home and comfort, and Bella just wanted to soak it all in.
"Let me help you, Esme," she offered.
"Thank you, that would be nice."
Esme was pleased to have some time with Bella.
"Where is everyone?" Bella asked.
"Carlisle is in his office," Esme replied, "And the rest went hunting. Edward will be disappointed that you woke up before he returned. He should be here in just a few moments."
"Oh, he shouldn't feel bad," Bella said, "He has to eat after all. Oops, I guess I mean drink."
"You seem so calm about all of this," Esme remarked, "Do you really feel ok with all you have learned?"
"Yes, I really do," Bella answered soberly, "I don't know what I would have thought, if I'd learned vampires are real, before I met all of you. But what you are doesn't have anything to do with who you are as individuals and as a family. In fact, I know this will sound strange, but somehow, I feel more at ease with you all—more comfortable in my own skin. Hmmm, I don't really know how to explain it."
Carlisle had come in while Bella was speaking.
"I think that actually makes sense in a way," he said, "You don't have to try to be anything beyond yourself around us. We accept you without reservation, just as you have accepted us."
"Yeah, that's it, I think," Bella agreed, "and, well, Alice is my best friend, and Edward is—"
She let the sentence drop, but her blush told Carlisle and Esme much about her thoughts regarding Edward. They smiled at each other.
"I can never tell you how much Edward has changed since you came into his life," Esme said, stopping to put an arm around the girl's shoulders in a quick hug.
"What do you mean?" Bella asked.
"Edward has had a difficult time adjusting to this life," Carlisle answered, "He's considered himself a monster, unworthy of the good things he could have in life. He's often been morose and brooding, spending most time secluded in his room, or out running."
"We've worried about him for so long," Esme went on, "I've prayed and prayed that he would find someone like you, to fall in love, to have what the rest of us have. He's spent so very long living in this house with us, seeing the love of everyone and feeling left out and lonely. I don't have to have Jasper's gift to know how alone he has felt. I can see it in his eyes."
Bella's heart ached, thinking of Edward living day after day, year after year, never truly alone but always lonely. Tears came to her eyes, but she brushed them away quickly.
"Since Edward met you, Bella, everything about him has changed," Esme said, "He laughs and smiles now. He plays with his brothers. He takes Emmett's teasing with humor and gives it right back. I can never thank you enough for the changes in my son. I'll love you for that as long as I exist."
"I've often wondered if I did the right thing by changing Edward," Carlisle said, "He resented me for a long time, and later, when he stopped resenting me, I still knew he hated this life. Now he is alive as he has not been in all these years. I'm sure even Edward would say that he is glad I changed him. He had to wait a long time for love, but now he's found you, he will never be the same."
"You had to wait longer to find your mate, beloved," Esme told Carlisle, "But next to you, Edward has been alone the longest of us all."
"Am I Edward's mate then?" Bella asked.
She couldn't help the thrill of excitement that went through her at the idea. The logical girl inside her wanted to laugh at the idea of knowing someone as short a time as she had known Edward and thinking she could be his mate. She was only beginning to grasp the concept of mates, as it applied to vampire relationships, but she knew it must be something all-consuming and never ending.
"You and Edward will need to discuss that together," Carlisle said, "But in all the years since his change, he has never even looked at a woman before you. He's very attractive, and women, vampire and human, have chased him, but he's never looked twice."
"I want you both to know, that I really do love him," Bella said seriously, "I don't understand it sometimes, it's so strong, and I know in my soul that nothing can change my feelings for him. I'll never hurt him."
"We know that, dear," Esme said.
"Is that how it feels to be mated?" Bella asked quietly.
"It is much like that," Esme replied, "It does happen fast, and for a human, it probably feels almost unbelievable. In fact, Carlisle and I met around ten years before the time I lost my son and jumped off the cliff. Even in that brief encounter, when he was my doctor, I felt a pull toward him. So, I do believe that humans can feel the draw of mating. But in the end, it is something for you and Edward to discuss and figure out. Just know that Carlisle and I are here for you, as much as we are for him. If you ever have questions about it, or about anything, you can come to either one of us anytime."
"Yes, Bella, we are here for you if you want to talk," Carlisle supported Esme's words, "Or if you need anything else at all."
"Thank you both so much!" Bella smiled.
"A few minutes ago, Esme said that she would always love you for what you've done for Edward," Carlisle said after a moment, "But I want you to know that we also already love you just for yourself, Bella."
He put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently.
"Every one of us has found something special in you," he continued, "Esme and I just want you to know that we are here for you, as we are for any of our other children."
"Absolutely," Esme agreed, "I know you must miss your mother, and though I can't replace her, of course, I want you to know I'm here for you, if you ever just need to talk."
Bella was overcome with love for them. She already loved them, but this conversation made her feel she knew them better, and she almost felt her heart grow larger, filling with so much emotion. She did miss her mom, but Esme was different. Esme didn't need Bella to take care of her. Esme wanted to take care of Bella, not because she pitied her, but because Esme was that way, motherly to all. Bella hugged Esme, then turned to Carlisle to do the same.
"Thanks, both of you," she said around the lump in her throat, "It's really nice to have another set of parents."
Esme was just putting Bella's breakfast on the table when the door opened and the others came in. Edward rushed to Bella and took her in his arms, kissing her sweetly.
"Good morning, love," he said, "I'm sorry I wasn't there when you awoke."
"Good morning," Bella answered.
She leaned against him, returning his kiss eagerly.
"I saw that you would wake before we got back," Alice said.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Edward demanded, "I wanted to return before she got up. You knew that, Alice."
"Yes, yes, I knew it," Alice laughed back, "But I also saw that Bella and Esme would enjoy spending a few minutes together. So, I didn't tell you."
Edward sighed.
"Annoying little pixie," he grumbled.
"Oh, he really loves me," Alice sang.
Bella laughed at their banter.
"I did enjoy my time with Esme," she told Edward.
"I'm glad then," he smiled, "I know Esme was thrilled to be able to spend some one on one time with you. She considers you another daughter already."
After breakfast Bella called home to check in with Charlie.
"Hi Dad," she said when he answered, "I'm just calling to check in."
"Oh, hi, Bells, how was your day yesterday?"
"It was nice," she said simply.
"That's good."
"I'm going to stay here for a while," Bella continued, "We're going to work on some things for school. I should be home in the afternoon though."
"That's fine. Good thing you weren't here last night."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Billy and Jake came over to watch the game," Charlie replied, "But they had to leave early. Jake got sick or something, the flu I guess."
"Oh, that's too bad," Bella said.
"Yeah, damn, that kid is going through some kind of growth spurt or something," Charlie went on, "I think he's shot up a good half a foot or more since we were at that barbecue."
"Mmmm," Bella murmured.
She wasn't really interested. Teenagers did tend to grow after all.
"Ok, Dad, I'm gonna go now," she said, "I'll see you at home later."
"Ok, Bells, have fun."
They hung up.
"You know, that reminds me," Bella said, returning to where the family was gathered, "I meant to ask you all last night. What's the story with you and the Quileutes? Do they really turn into wolves? I mean, I know now that vampires are real, so I have to think that maybe, all of Jake's story must be true."
"Yes, that part of the story is true as well," Carlisle confirmed, "Or it was true the last time we were in Forks."
"Seriously, they turn into werewolves?"
"I'd say it's more that they shift, transform, at will," Carlisle said, "True werewolves only transform at the full moon, but the Quileutes transform into wolves when they feel their people are threatened by vampires."
"How on earth were you able to establish a treaty with them?"
"Ephraim Black was a great man, a great leader of his people," Carlisle said admiringly, "He noticed our eyes, noticed something was different about us, different from the vampires in their legends. He hesitated long enough to allow me to talk to him and tell him about how we don't destroy human life. We talked for a long time, and he came to believe me. The treaty arose from those discussions."
Bella was not surprised that Carlisle had won over Ephraim black. How could anyone not respect Carlisle Cullen? The Quileute leader must have seen the true sincerity that was so much a part of the gentle vampire.
"What does the treaty say?" she asked.
"It says that neither side will attack the other, that we will stay off each other's lands, and that we will not reveal each other's secret. Of course, it also says that we will not bite humans, and they will not attack us as long as we live up to our side of everything."
"So, Jake really broke the treaty?" she asked, "But he didn't believe it, you know. You're not going to get him in trouble, are you?"
"Technically, we could," Edward answered, "But Carlisle won't want to do anything like that."
"No, of course I don't want to do that," Carlisle said, "The boy just thought he was telling you old legends."
"Good, I'm glad," Bella was relieved, "He's just a kid."
"Another unusual thing about the Quileutes is that I can't see them," Alice said, "I mean, in my visions, and I can't see anyone else when they are with the Quileutes. When you and Charlie went to the barbecue, your futures disappeared. It was quite unnerving, actually. Edward didn't stop pacing till you were off the reservation, and I could see you again."
"Oh, that must have been scary," Bella said.
"It was terrifying," Edward agreed, "We all count so much on Alice's visions, and my gift as well. When she couldn't see you, I nearly broke the treaty and crossed the boundary line, in order to make sure you were safe."
"Edward, you can't do that!" Bella cried, "You must not be the one to break the treaty."
"He's the king of overreacting," Alice laughed, "I was able to see you later, see a vision of us calling you in the evening, so I was able to assure him, that you were going to be fine. But he still paced, 'till I saw you and Charlie driving home."
"I wish I could ask you not to go back there," Edward sighed, "But I don't suppose you'd listen to me."
Bella smiled. She appreciated that he was trying to discuss it, instead of just demanding she not go back to the reservation.
"I don't have any strong desire to go back," Bella said, "That doesn't mean I won't, and of course, Billy and Jacob visit my house a lot. Maybe next time they come over, you could be there, too."
"I doubt Billy Black would be thrilled to see a Cullen at your house," Carlisle said, "Did you know he refuses to allow any of his people to come to the hospital because I'm there?"
"That's terrible," Bella was angry, "But, if Ephraim black knew you were different from others of your kind, why does he distrust you so?"
"I think it's innate in their shape shifter genes," Carlisle explained, "But we are all on the side of protecting humanity, and I wish we could get along. I wish they could trust us."
"You know, wait, I think I have an idea," Bella mused, "We should try to reach our generation. Maybe, it could be a good idea to have Edward visit when they are over. You know, maybe Edward and Jake could become friends. At least, maybe Jake could get to know Edward well enough to know you are all trustworthy, even if he can't be truly friends."
"That's a great idea," Jasper said, "Anytime we come across one of the Quileutes, they greet us with fear or distrust. But if we could become friends with some of them, or at least not enemies, that could only benefit us all."
"Jazzy is our strategist," Alice said, smiling at him, "From his days as a soldier, both human and vampire."
"So you think this would be a good idea, Jasper?" Carlisle asked.
"Yes, what better way to create peace between us, than to try to befriend the Quileutes? Bella is friends with Billy Black's son, and so far, he doesn't seem to hold his father's prejudices."
"I'll see what I can do," Bella said, "Speaking of being a soldier Jasper, we've got that big paper to do in History. Do you think—would it be ok, if you and I could work on it together?"
She felt shy asking him, but she really wanted to hear more on his version of the Civil war.
"Sure, darlin', we can do that," he agreed, "Why don't you come over after school a few days, and we'll work on it?"
Just then Alice was hit with a new vision and she began to giggle. They all knew the signs. She would stop in her tracks, then her eyes would glaze over as the vision played out. This one seemed to bring her some amusement.
As Edward saw the vision in Alice's mind, he smiled, then grimaced.
"Oh, no, that will be just delightful," Edward moaned.
"You want to share with the rest of us?" Emmett said.
"Charlie is going to invite Edward to go fishing with him next Saturday," Alice was still giggling, "Then he'll invite him to spend the evening at their house, dinner and a game. He wants to get to know Edward better."
Everyone burst out laughing.
"Oh, Eddie, you're gonna scare the fish away for miles," Emmett laughed, "Poor Chief Swan will think his favorite fishing hole is failing him. Or he's going to think it's your fault and ban you forever for driving away the fish!"
Emmett pounded his brother on the back, and Edward quickly dodged out of his way.
"Why will the fish go away?" Bella asked.
"Animals of all varieties tend to steer clear of us," Edward explained, "Even fish avoid us."
"It doesn't really make sense," Rose said, "I mean, their blood is cold. Who'd want to drink that?"
"But it could be fun to wrestle a shark someday," Emmett said.
"Oh, Emmett, will you ever grow up?" Esme asked. But she was smiling at her exuberant son.
"Back to the subject of Charlie's invitation," Carlisle broke in, "I think it's a good idea. It's natural for him to want to get to know you, son, and fishing and sports are his hobbies. He wants to share that with you."
"But, if he goes over for dinner, he'll have to fake eating," Rose shuddered.
"Can you eat people food?" Bella asked, "Will it make you sick? Can your bodies digest it?"
"No, our bodies can't digest it," Carlisle explained, "We can swallow it, but it just sits in our stomachs till we can get rid of it later."
"That's disgusting," Bella sighed, "I'm sorry, Edward, but it is a good thing if Charlie wants to spend time with you."
Edward put his arm around her.
"Of course it's a good thing," he said, "And I'll gladly suffer through fishing, pizza and whatever game is on TV, if it helps your father get to know me and feel more comfortable with me and our relationship."
"You know what this means girls?" Alice said, beginning to bounce up and down with excitement.
"Oh no," Rose muttered.
"Girls day out!" Alice was beaming, "We can go shopping. Esme, you too, you should come with us."
"Oh, Alice, I don't need anything else," Bella objected, "It's been only a few weeks since we went shopping the last time."
"Silly Bella, you can never shop too much," Alice laughed, "Besides, you don't want to have to stay home and do nothing while Charlie and Edward are out, do you? Rose, Esme, will you come with us?"
Both women agreed to go, and the girls' day was settled.
Bella didn't really want to go, but Alice was right. She didn't want to stay home and do nothing, and this would be a chance to spend more time with all the Cullen women.
Alice saw her decision and began to bounce again.
"Thank you, Bella," she squealed, "We'll have so much fun. I promise."
"Alice, you might just take off into space, if you don't stop bouncing," Bella laughed, "Maybe I should just hug you to keep you in one spot."
Alice threw herself at Bella and hugged her fiercely.
"Oh, Bella, I'm so happy you came into our lives!"
"Be careful, Alice, you'll knock her right over," Edward hissed.
Edward was actually filled with joy seeing how Bella got along with his family. She fit seamlessly into the group, as if there had always been a place for her, and they'd all been waiting for her to arrive. He'd seen the discussion she'd had with Carlisle and Esme through their thoughts, and he was again amazed at the complete acceptance Bella had of him and his family. Carlisle and Esme felt they had a new daughter. They were overjoyed on his behalf, but they did already love Bella just for herself. Bella somehow completed them all.
"I should probably take you home now," he said to Bella.
He ran his hand lightly down her arm, then ran his fingers through her hair.
"I guess so," she agreed.
"I'll go get your things, love," he said.
As Edward went to get Bella's things, the rest of the family hugged her goodbye.
"Come back soon," Esme encouraged, "If you come over to do homework with Jasper, plan to stay for dinner. We'll miss you."
"Thanks for everything," Bella said, hugging Esme last, "I always wished I'd had a big family, with lots of brothers and sisters. You've all given me my wish."
They all smiled.
Edward came down with her things and they all walked out to his car.
"Bye, see you soon," they all called.
Bella sighed contentedly as she settled into the car and put on her seatbelt.
"I had the best time," she told Edward, "The picnic, the time with the family, this morning, oh just everything. Thank you, Edward."
He took her hand, holding it as he drove away from the house.
"It was most truly my pleasure," he told her, "I've never had such a special day in all my years."
She smiled.
"You know, you can always say no to Charlie's invitation," she said.
"I would not want to do that. It means so much to me that your father wants to get to know me, and that he is inviting me to join him in the activities that he most loves. I will go fishing with him."
"Ok, fishing is good," she said, "But, dinner, Edward, you'll have to pretend to eat."
"I know, love, but we're good at faking that kind of thing. Don't worry. Even if I have to swallow a little pizza, I can manage that, if I must. Getting Charlie's approval means more to me than avoiding a little human food."
"You are a very special man," Bella said.
"If I could blush, Miss Swan, I'd be doing so now."
He laughed and squeezed her hand.
"Anything I have to do to be a part of your life is worth it to me," he vowed solemnly, "I've never been happier in my life."
"Me either," she whispered.
He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it gently.
"Hey kids," Charlie greeted them when they walked in to her house.
"Hi Dad, did you have a nice weekend?"
"I did," he said, "What about you? Did you two have a nice picnic?"
"It was great," Bella answered, "And the evening with the rest of the Cullens was so fun."
"Everyone was thrilled to have Bella visit," Edward added, "They all hope she can come again, and often. She won the hearts of all my family."
"That's great," Charlie said.
"Yeah, so much so, that Alice invited me on another shopping trip," Bella pretended to grumble.
"Oh, Bells, and I know how much you just love shopping," Charlie laughed, "But you always have fun with Alice."
"Yes, I do. And Rose and Esme are going. So, it will be all the girls shopping next Saturday."
"Well, good, because Edward, I was planning to ask if you'd like to go fishing with me Saturday," Charlie said, "If Bells is with Alice and the rest, then maybe you'd like to go with me."
"Certainly, Charlie, I would like to accompany you to do some fishing," Edward answered, "But I've never gone fishing, not that I remember."
"There's not much to it. I've got some extra rods, so don't worry about having to get any equipment. I've got everything we need."
"I'll plan on it then," Edward said.
"Oh, and afterward, why don't you come over and have dinner with us and watch the game with me?" Charlie continued, "We can just have pizza, since bells will be tired from shopping."
They all agreed. Charlie went back to watch TV, and Bella and Edward went up to her room.
"I think you made Charlie's day," Bella said.
"He did seem pleased. His thoughts are often difficult to read. I know now where you got your silent mind. His is not completely silent, but he's harder to hear than most."
Edward sat in her rocking chair and pulled her down onto his lap.
"Let me know if you get cold sitting with me," he murmured, "I can wrap a blanket around you."
She snuggled as close as she could get.
"I like sitting here this way," she said, 'I like having nothing between us."
She blushed, thinking how that statement could have been taken. She felt tingly all over being so close to him. His arms around her felt strong. She ran her hand over his chest, loving the feel of his toned body.
"Mmmm. You can't imagine how good that feels," he breathed into her hair.
He ran his hands down her back, through her hair, down her arms. Her heart was racing, and he only wished his could race too, so she could know how she affected him. He wanted to pull her closer and closer. He wished she could become part of him, and he could become part of her, so close that you couldn't tell where each of them began.
She sighed and smiled.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
He suspected he'd be asking her that question many times. How often had he hated his gift, and now how he longed to be able to read the one mind he could not.
"I'm so happy, Edward, you've really changed my life."
"As you have changed mine," he replied, "I know about the conversation with Carlisle and Esme, so you know how alone I have felt in my life. You've given me life, Bella. I will never be the same, and there is nothing I would not do for you."
"You know, I've often been very alone too," she said, "I've told you all about taking care of my mom. But I didn't have a lot of friends in Phoenix. I was so shy in grade school. I remember many days standing outside the classroom at recess. The kids were afraid of me, so they didn't play with me. I was too shy to know how to help them get over their fear and too shy to push my way in to the social circles. I knew a few girls in my high school, but we weren't particularly close. I never had a friend like Alice, or even Rose. And you, well, never anyone like you. So, yeah, you've changed my life too."
"You need never be lonely again," he promised.
Edward's whole being ached as he listened to her story. How sad to think of young Bella, standing alone, wishing she could be part of the fun going on around her, and not knowing how to make it happen. He would do anything he had to do to make her happy, to keep that sweet smile on her face and to let her know she was loved beyond anything or anyone else in his world.
Bella felt embarrassed that she had told Edward all that. She'd never shared that with anyone before, not even her mother. Renée would have worried but not known how to help Bella change it. She couldn't feel embarrassed for long though, because she couldn't feel too shy with Edward. She knew it was safe to tell him anything.
"I love you, Bella," Edward said, kissing her tenderly, "You are my life now."
"I love you too. I think I'd have to say, you are my life now too."
"I need to tell you something," Edward said, feeling uncomfortable with what he was about to confess.
He knew he had to tell her about his nightly visits. He could not keep this from her. He was afraid though. Would she be furious and ask him to leave, maybe for good? He'd acted like the worst kind of stalker. What would she think of him, once she'd heard the truth?
Bella turned in his arms. She reached up to touch his face. She'd caught the note of trepidation in his voice. Whatever it was, she knew it wouldn't make any difference to her feelings for him.
"Go ahead."
"Well—um, I need to let you know that I've been coming here at night, coming into your house, and into your room, watching over you through the night."
If Edward could blush, he knew he'd be every bit as red as Bella often became. He never fumbled for words, and there he was, not knowing how to start, then just blurting it out.
Bella was quiet. Somehow, she didn't feel surprised. Had she always sensed his presence? She supposed she should be shocked and disgusted. If anyone else told her they'd been sneaking into her room at night, she'd be screaming for her father and telling the guy never to speak to her again. But this was Edward. She just couldn't be angry with him. She even felt oddly comforted by the idea that he had been there, watching over her, as he said.
She took his face in her hands.
"Edward, it's ok. I don't mind."
"Do you mean it?" he asked, hardly daring to believe her words.
"Of course I mean it," she laughed, "I never say something I don't mean. Yeah, I know I should be upset that you've been sneaking into my room, but I just can't be. It actually makes me—glad and sort of comforted."
He hugged her tightly.
"How have you been getting in here anyway?" she asked.
"I've been coming in your window," he admitted, "At first I did it to try to get used to your scent. Then I just had to come here every night. I had to be with you, had to watch over you. I can't explain it better than that."
He guessed it must be part of the mating thing. He couldn't be far from her. It was almost painful when they were apart.
"Well, from now on, don't sneak in," she began.
Edward felt his whole being would break apart with her words. But, of course, it must be disconcerting for her to think he'd been watching her. He didn't think he could stay away.
"If that's what you wish, I'll try," he said, sadness filling his voice.
"I didn't mean it that way," she reassured him quickly, "No, I meant, don't sneak in, but you can come in if you want. You know, when Charlie goes to sleep. I'll leave the window open, and you can just come in. I don't think I can sleep very well without you now."
He sighed with relief.
"Thank you," he said, "I would have stood out in your backyard watching out for you."
"No need to do that. I'll expect you whenever Charlie goes to sleep."
They sat there for a while longer. They kissed and talked and kissed again. They each felt they'd never get enough of being together. Each of them wanted to stay there forever, kissing and touching, sharing their lives.
But the time came when Bella needed to start cooking dinner for Charlie, and Edward decided he should go home for a while, giving the Swans time alone together.
"Come back later," she whispered, as they stood at the door saying goodbye.
"Of course I will," he said, "I'll be outside by around ten, and as soon as I can tell your father is asleep, I'll come through your window. Will it frighten you when you hear me coming?"
"No, I'll know it's you."
"Very well, 'till later then, my Bella."
He kissed her goodbye and left.
"'Till later, my Edward," she whispered.
She stood in the open doorway, listening to the sound of his car as long as she could hear it. She knew she wouldn't feel quite at ease till he came back later that night.
Edward drove away, wishing he need not leave. Appearances were important, but he had never hated those appearances so much as he did now. He would count the minutes till he could return to her.
That night, as Edward was climbing through Bella's window, down at La Push, with the assistance and supervision of Sam Uley, Jacob Black phased into his wolf form for the first time.
Author notes
Several of us have recently created a new fan fiction award, called the Sunflower Awards. This award is to honor stories with less than 1000 reviews, stories that really make your day when you read them, the ones you rush to when you get an update. Please check it out. Nominations begin soon.
I've signed up to write a piece for the fandom for tsunami fund raiser. Thousands of people have died or are missing, thousands are homeless since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Please consider contributing to this cause. From me, you'll get what I call a Pre-take of this story from Charlie's point of view.
Rec
I've just got one rec this week, and this is a great one!
Distractions, by Wind Chimes
New Moon AU. After Edward leaves Bella, she finds the things he left under her floorboards and realizes the truth about his feelings and why he did what he did. She decides to find him. This is one of my very favorite fics and favorite NM AU. The author is writing a new story now, but Distractions is lovely and wonderful. Check it out.
www fanfiction net/s/5759303/1/Distractions