Chapter 20: A belated Christmas Present
Again – I don't owe anything Twilight related – I just have fun Ms. Meyer's work
EPOV
I rubbed my eyes, the time difference catching up with me. The shuttle had dropped me off at Bella's house about 20 minutes ago and I had been sitting on the front doorstep waiting for someone to come home. I saw a dark blue Buick coming up and I realized that was the "Batmobile" Bella was always taking about. Not even a minute later she jumped out the car and ran up to me.
"Edward," she said breathlessly, "what are you doing here?"
"Would you believe I took a wrong turn," I said hugging her close to me, taking in her amazing scent. I would have kissed her but realized that an older man who was most likely her father was walking towards me. He was at least my height with dark brown hair and a mustache that belonged on porn star. He came up slowly, obviously assessing me.
"You must be Edward," he said, looking at Bella, "I didn't know you were coming."
"I didn't either sir, " I said unwinding my arms from Bella so I could extend my hand.
He looked at my hand for a moment very begrudgingly shook, "Good to meet you. Call me Charlie, sir and Mr. Swan are my father. Do your parents know that you are here?"
I nodded, "I called them once I arrived at Los Angeles," I said.
"And they were okay with you just hopping a plane like that," Charlie asked, raising a bushy eyebrow at me.
"Yes," I said, realizing, that while my parents were not upset me, Charlie would have been furious at Bella if she pulled the same stunt I did. It had been a long time since I had to justify anything with my parents.
"Where are you staying Edward," he asked.
"Er – Motel 6," I answered.
Charlie started to laughed, "The Motel 6 hah – yeah – that's not happening. Listen while you are here you can stay with us." Bella beamed for a minute.
"Er Charlie," I started say, his name sounding odd on my lips, "that's not necessary. I didn't come here to impose on your hospitality."
"It's not imposition – your family has already had Bella over a few times and frankly while you are here, you're my responsibility. Now call your parents, I'm sure that they want to hear from you," he said with finality, "Bella go make up the spare room."
Bella nodded and left my side, "I am so happy to see you," she smiling, making this crazy trip worthwhile.
Mr. Swan or Charlie ushered me into their home. This definitely had the look of an American sitcom from the seventies but it had a homey feeling from it. I called my parents and informed them of my arrival. Charlie sent out Bella for coffee. I suspected he wanted her out of his hair so he could interrogate me.
Going to the kitchen, he grabbed a beer from the fridge. "Would you like a coke or something," he asked with a gesture clearly stating that beer was out of the question.
"A coke would be wonderful thanks," I said. I would have asked for milk if it got me into his good books.
"Sit down Edward, I want to speak with you privately without Bella present," he told, his face taking on an expression which I assumed was his cop face.
"What would you like to know," I asked, taking a gulp of Coke, wishing I could have one of his crappy American beers.
"What are your intentions with my daughter," he asked. Charlie gets straight to the point, I thought. Then he added, "And don't give me a bullshit answer like you think I want to hear. Remember I was once a teenaged boy myself."
"Well sir – to be honest, I love your daughter," I told him, "I want to be with her and if I was a few years older or if I didn't believe she would laugh in my face, I'd ask her to marry me."
Charlie shook his head and looked at me again, with a harder look. I had to wonder if he knew everything about our relationship, the good, the bad, and the ugly. "Bella and I have a pretty open relationship Edward. I've been raising by myself for the most part now since she was four. She tells me everything, including the way she was treated at school by you and your friends," Charlie said confirming my opinions. I swallowed hard, berating myself once again for being such an ass.
"The only reason why you're here, and not at the Motel 6 or at the airport on a plane back home is that I trust my daughter. She says you changed, well then I am going to believe her," Charlie told me, "But we need to get a few things straight since your parents are a hell of a lot more liberal than me. While you are here there will be no funny business. You will not come back here drunk, you will stay in your room at night, and you will obey my curfew. You break any of those rules your butt is on the 1st flight back to England – understood?"
"Yes sir," I said, hoping this was almost over, "I have nothing but the highest regard for Bella."
"Really Edward," Charlie, said taking another pull from his beer, "Why did my daughter come home with green hair last year? To my recollection, no one in my family or my ex-wife's has green hair so I know Bella didn't come by it genetically."
"I have been a prat to Bella in the past sir, I admit that," I said slowly, "But that was past."
"So Bella says," Charlie said, looking at me, "But I will tell you this Edward, you hurt or pressure my daughter in anyway – well let's say your chances of fathering any children naturally will be dismissed."
I winced as he continued, "Bella doesn't realize the way sound carries in this house. I know about Angela's pregnancy scare and I figure that if it can happen to the reverend's daughter then it can happen to my mine who is 5000 miles away from me."
"Sir I promise you I am not pressuring Bella for sex," I told him, my ears turning red.
"I am not saying you are but the fact is my daughter left home last summer with every intention of coming home next fall to attend college. Bella couldn't stop talking about how excited she was to be returning stateside. She dates you for a few months and all the sudden she is talking about going to school England," Charlie told me evenly.
I took another breath, "Sir if going to school in the US is best for Bella then I will encourage her to do so," I said, "She is the most amazing and talented person that I have ever met."
Charlie started too laughed. He shook his head and looked me, "Edward, you don't have to tell how beautiful and talented my girl is. I know that all too well myself." For a brief moment he looked sad, glancing at what I guessed was a kindergarten photo of Bella.
"The thing is Edward, I can't be Bella a lot of material things but the one thing I can give her is unconditional love and support. That included me pushing her to take that scholarship to that school because it was an amazing opportunity. And that killed me to do it," he said looking me straight in the eye, "And if she takes something that isn't in her best interest, I'll know why."
Charlie was laying all his cards on the table. I nodded, "Like I said Charlie – if Rhode Island is the best choice for her, I'll support her and push her if need be," I said, knowing it was going to break my heart.
We could hear a car down the street signaling Bella's coming return. "Good – we understand each other," Charlie said, and cracked the first genuine smile I had seen from him. It was Bella's smile, just a more masculine version, "Lets watch the game, and the Army-Navy game is on."
We made our way back to the living room where I saw more of Bella as a child to young woman she now was. I was more interested in this American football. Charlie turned on the big screen TV that seemed to dominate the room. For a moment, I wished my family were there. Alice and my mum would have stroked seeing this tacky thing. My father would have plopped on the seat next to Charlie and worshipped the big screen. Bella came in a few minutes later.
"Bella why don't you order pizza for dinner, hon," Charlie called out.
"Sure Dad," she said, "Edward want to come over and help me?"
"Yeah – Edward go help Bella dialed the phone," he snickered, reminding me of his comment of remembering what it is want like to be 17.
"Dad," she snapped.
"Just joking Bella – remember – leave the door open," he said.
Getting up the sofa, I walked back to the kitchen, looking at the wall. Charlie obviously adored Bella. He had dedicated this entire wall to her. All of her school portraits were hanging there and with various awards she had earned off the years. I dubbed it the Walk of Fame. From the way she was blushing, I could tell Bella felt about this wall like I felt about the trophy room in my father's study which held similar things items about me and Alice.
Looking me for a minute, she threw her at me again. I held her tight, aware of the fact her father was in the next room and would probably have my balls if I tried anything under his roof. I knew the odds of anything happening like the night at the Inn was were not in my imminent future but damn it felt good to hold her in my arms again.
"I'm so happy to see you," she whispered, "Don't take this wrong way but what are you doing here?"
"Long story love," I whispered back.
"Hey kids," Charlie called from the living room, "Why do you go and order it directly from Domino's"
"Great idea Dad," Bella said getting her jacket and purse, "C'mon Edward."
"Yeah – this way at least I'll get dinner soon," he said winking at his daughter.
"Dad!" she barked.
I laughed and walked into the garage with her and saw the ugliest truck ever in the history of mankind. It had to be at least 30 years old, was a rusted out red. Seriously this looked like it should be in a junkyard. I didn't even know if it was even safe to drive. "Bella – this is your car," I asked, hoping this was some sort of restoration project that Charlie was doing with his friends.
"This is my truck," she said narrowing her eyes, correctly interrupting my thoughts, "And if you don't like it – you can sit on the couch with my gun toting dad."
"No – this is quite alright," I said opening the door for her.
"Thank you," she said dryly, getting in.
Going over to the other side, I climbed in and dug out a seat beat. "Sorry," she said, looking anything but.
"No worries," I said buckling myself in. Looking at the truck while she backed out, I realized it was in perfect working order. It was just old and noisy.
"I misjudged your vehicle," I said, rubbing my fingers on her hand that was resting on the gearshift, "Much like the owner."
"What do you think of them now," she asked, her eyes on the road.
"That I am an arse," I replied dryly, getting a chuckle.
"Well the truck forgives you. She realizes that you are new to all of this," she said, kissing my hand, sparks shooting my crotch.
I smiled at her, realizing I was forgiven for the being. "So Edward, as happy as I am to see you, what are you doing here? Your parents must be freaking out," Bella asked as we drove into the town center.
"I didn't like how we left things on the phone," I answered her truthfully, "I was pretty fucking miserable and I just wanted to see you."
"So was I," she replied looking at me as pulled into what I guessed was the pizza place. A rotating sign proclaiming Dominos was spinning around as she found a spot.
We looked at each for a moment and I pulled her on my lap. Moving Bella wrapped her arms around my neck and we started to kiss. I felt her tongue moved into my mouth and moaned. Bella would have been too shy to this a couple of months ago but now she initiating it. I loved this more aggressive Bella.
"Love – we need to stop," I said panting, "As much as I love this – we're in a car park where anyone can see us."
Bella nodded and climbed off my lap slowly. She pulled her mirror on the dashboard to fix herself up while I thought of both my grandmothers in bathing suits to calm down the growing problem in my trousers. A banging on the window quickly accomplished that as some bloke my age with blond hair was by Bella's side.
By the way Bella was turning beet red I really hoped he wasn't one of Charlie's colleagues. "Jazz – one sec," she pushing her hair back.
"Bells – who is this guy," he asked.
Slipping out of the car with a half a stumble, she said, "Jazz – that's Edward."
The gears started moving in my lust and jet lagged mind. Jazz – this must be her friend Jasper. With another adjustment to my trousers, I got out of the trunk.
"Hallo," I said putting my hand, "I'm Edward Cullen, one of Bella's-"
"Yeah – I know – classmate, recent boyfriend," he said eyeing my hand for a moment for a before taking it. He obviously knew my history with Bella as well but was too polite to say anything in front of his friend. "Listen – Angie and Ben are inside – I know they would loveto meet you."
I now know how Bella must every time she started the school year at Trent. The only saving grace I had here with these people was that I was Bella's boyfriend. Here I was the outsider. I had only been a few hours and I was already out of sorts. It gave me a new appreciation for home and a better understanding of why she was so reluctant to extend her stay in the UK.
"Cut it Jasper," Bella said, punching her friend. He just smiled at her and grabbed her. If it didn't remind me of Alice and me my hackles would have risen. A taller girl with long dark hair and glasses like Bella came over to us.
"Bella – who is your friend," she said beaming, she knew who I was.
"Angela – this Edward," Bella said, and then point to a shorter boy, "This is her boyfriend Ben."
We ended up hanging out at the pizza shop together, making plans for the following day. Bella wanted to take me around the area and try getting as much into the visit as she could. Since I was only here for 4 days, I didn't care. I just wanted as much time with her as possible.
"Your friends are lovely," I told her as we got back into the truck.
"Thanks – I know – they're best," she said obviously beaming with pride, "So you never did tell me – how are your folks with you being here?"
"They were surprised," I said, thinking that was putting it mildly. My parents argued with me for about hour when they realized I was serious and on route to the airport.
"Bella – I am 18 – they're first tell you I have to make my own decisions," I explained.
She shook her head, "Charlie would have had a cow if I did that."
"That he would have," I agreed, having the man, the myth, Charlie.
"I just want them to like me," she admitted to me.
"Don't worry Bella – they love you," I told remembering how happy my family had been with the portraits she painted of Alice and me. Even my Grandmother and Grandfather Platt loved them and they rarely loved anything homemade. They had thought that the portrait had been privately commissioned.
"Well tomorrow we're going to hit State Street, the beach and the missions," Bella said, "And if you're up for it we'll hit Universal Studios."
"Bella – I'll be back – we don't have do all of this," I said truthfully. She needed to know I would always come back for her.
"I want give you a touch of California," she said, "I really want to take around the state but we don't have time for that."
"I can't wait – are your friends coming too," I asked. With the exception of Jazz and Ben cornering me to say if I pulled any shit with Bella they would hunt me down, they had been great.
"We'll see, they are working during vacation to save for school," she explained.
"Ah," I said, realizing how different my life and for that matter, Bella's life, was from theirs.
"Oh – one thing I wanted to check with you," Bella asked, "I was going to spend New Years Eve at a bonfire. Would you be up for it?"
"Sure – I don't care as long as we're together," I said giddy of the prospect of kissing in '96 with Bella, especially if we were alone.
"Great – the only thing is that Charlie is going propose to Sue on New Years," she explained, "so don't say anything."
"Wow the sheriff isn't going to be a stag anymore," I said wiggling my eyebrows.
"No and watch it, only her kids and me know this is going down," she smacking my shoulder as we pulled into her driveway.
"My lips are sealed," I told her pulling her in for a quick kiss before her dad came out.
AN: And there we have it Edward has decided to join Bella in California. Poor Edward, having to deal with an overprotective father. How many of you saw it coming? I know this seems a little clingy and unrealistic and maybe a little predictable, other then artistic license, there is a little truth to this. He has access to unlimited funds. His parents have given him a generous allowance and a credit card. He is also a legal adult, at least according to Wikipedia; he is of legal age in Switzerland where he was staying and in the UK. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Edward could anywhere he wanted as long as he had a passport. I had a friend whose father did something similar. When his girlfriend flew to Europe for the summer he flew over to meet her at the airport to meet her on the flight home. He said, "I only want to travel with you." I always thought that was really sweet and romantic.
For the record, I love Google. It has enabled me to find some of little facts, that I have put in the story, like the actual temperate in December 1995 and legal age in Europe where I have no frame of reference. Thanks everyone for staying with me and the reviews last week. And for those you have asked, yes it would interesting to see how Bella would react to the bet at this point….hmm…