LL Chapter 22

Friends, Family, and Fathers

I was just reaching up to knock on the door when it flew open and I was nearly tackled by Leah and she stormed out of the house followed by an aggravated Bella, "Leah, just let it go!"

"NO! They are going to get what they deserve for messing with my sister. And that's final."

"UGH! Go see Sam and let him calm you down." Then she turned to me, "Sorry you had to see that Edward, she's a little bit upset about Jessica and Lauren."

"If that is a little bit upset, I would hate to see her a lot upset. She just cares about you, Bella. Are you ok? I mean besides the sprained wrist."

"It's going to be a little hard to pick up Tanya with only one hand but I'll manage."

"What I meant is that, you know what they said was utter bullshit right?"

"I didn't until you all stood in front of me, you all stood up for me and protected me and Edward, I told you that everyone turned on me in Phoenix. I just don't think you'll ever be able to comprehend what that meant to me. And there's Leah who's ready to beat down on them for me. I feel so alone for so long. Dad, Sue, Leah, and Seth had work and school so they had to be here. So it was just Mom and I and she wasn't really there for me, then I was all alone and…now I have-"

"-You have a lot of people here who care a lot about you."

"Thank you, Edward. You are so sweet. Can I get you anything to drink or eat?"

"Nah, I just came from Rose's house. I managed to snag a few cookies from her without losing my fingers."

"Yeah, that girl can eat. I can see why she and Emmett are together. So why were you hanging out with her? I didn't think that you two were that close. I'm sorry; it's really none of my business. I shouldn't pry."

"We were actually planning for Emmett's birthday. It's a week from Saturday," I replied grateful that it was the truth; it just wasn't the only thing that we were planning.

"Oh yeah, what are you guys doing to celebrate?"

"We, Bella, We are going to dinner and bowling."

"We?"

"Yes, we and you can bring Tanya with you. At least you can bring her to dinner; I am not sure about the bowling. I'll ask dad."

"Edward, wait you guys don't have to—"

"—do not finish that sentence. You are officially part of the group now and you are coming to dinner with us."

"Are you sure he wouldn't rather have a big party since he is turning eighteen?"

"OH yes. I am sure. None of us want a repeat of last year. It was expensive to repair all of the damage and I think your father finally forgot all about the whole thing."

"No. I just have my intuitive theories about who actually turned Mrs. Hale's garden into a bonfire and I have been watching her," we both looked up to see Chief Swan standing in the doorway.

"Hi, dad. Where's my baby?"

"Don't worry. I didn't forget to pick her up. She's sleeping in the carrier in the living room. So, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit, Edward?"

"Oh right. I almost forgot. I brought your homework, Bella."

"Oh, thank you! I was getting worried about falling behind."

"So how did you two get onto the subject of Emmett McCarty's infamous birthday party last year?"

"His birthday is coming up and I was inviting Bella to join us."

"Oh God! You kids aren't planning a repeat of last year are you?"

"No, no, no! We are keeping it simple, Chief Swan. Dinner and bowling in Port Angeles. Bella can bring Tanya along with her if she wants."

"At least any destruction will be outside my jurisdiction this time. When is his birthday?"

"It's a week from Saturday, Dad. And I am not sure if I am even going to go yet."

"Yes, you are. You need to go out with your friends and have a good time. There's a tribal meeting that Sue, Leah, and Seth have to attend, so Tanya can stay home and keep her grandpa company. And that's final. You still need to be a teenager too. And every parent deserves a night out Bella."

"Fine! I'll go."

"I know you will," Chief Swan replied to her.

"I had better get home for dinner. I'll be here at seven to pick you up Bella?"

"Yes, that's good. I'll be ready."

"Oh and we need to find time to work on that biology project. Perhaps I could stay tomorrow when I drop you off and we can work on it and I can help you with Tanya since you can't use your wrist."

"That sounds good. Thanks again, Edward."

"I'll walk you out, Edward. I forgot the diaper bag in the cruiser." We were quiet as we walked out of the house but as soon as we reached the cruiser, Chief Swan put his hand on my shoulder and stopped me, "Edward, thank you for defending her today. She told me earlier what happened at school. I ran over to the hospital to pick her up and bring her home and she was smiling. I was about to go back in to ask your father what kind of pain killers he gave her because, I swear, I haven't seen that girl smile like that since before all this shit happened. But she told me how you, your sister and friends stood up to her, protected her, and put those girls in their place. Trust me, Lauren and Jessica are going to be dealt with and I know they won't be back in school this week either."

"That's good. It's not like they actually contribute anything positive by being there. Leah seems to be out for blood though."

"Leah always wanted a sister, but she got Seth. She's excited to have Bella and Tanya around and is very protective of them. She's actually very protective of everyone in her life. Well, I should let you get home to your supper."

"See you later, Chief Swan."

I was about half way to my car before Bella's dad called out to me, "Edward!"

"Yes Chief?"

"Call me Charlie."

A/N:

Some Big Sister Bear Leah and Papa Bear Charlie. And thanks to everyone that reviews! You guys make me smile!