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Chapter 24: Forks
Bella's POV
I was both excited and scared for this weekend. I hadn't seen Charlie in months. This wouldn't have been unusual the past few years, but it was now. Jasper and I had been spending the past few weeks talking about my relationship with Charlie. I had taken care of him from the day I arrived seven years before. I could see how I needed that, needed to feel needed, needed to be the caretaker. That was the only way to get parental love. They loved you for doing things for them. At least, that's what I had believed.
I could see now that parental love was unconditional and given without qualification. I wanted to have a real relationship with Charlie. I wanted to see him as a father, someone that was to take care of me; not the other way around. Jasper and I had been talking about letting him know what happened with Jacob and what happened in Phoenix. Jasper thought one reason I never told Charlie about these incidents was that I didn't trust him to protect me. Maybe this weekend we could start working towards that trust.
Everyone was able to get the time off to travel to Forks. However, Angela and Ben would be in Port Angeles. They had wedding plans to do with her family. They were close though and we had discussed meeting them for a movie. They guys were in Edward's Volvo for the drive while we girls were in Rosalie's red BMW M3. With the way Edward and Rosalie drove, we made it to Forks in two and a half hours. We were stopping at the Cullen's houses first since everyone was staying there but me. Edward would drive me to Charlie's.
We pulled into a hidden driveway, and I honestly thought he might have taken a wrong turn off. There was no house in sight. We turned a bend up ahead and the house finally came into view. It. Was. Huge. The three-story log cabin looked more like a mansion. There were windows everywhere. I got out of the car and grabbed one of Alice's bags from the trunk. Everyone had a bag as Emmett and Edward ushered us to the door. Esme was standing on the front porch with a wide smile on her face.
I walked towards the house with my face trained on the third floor. The house was so tall. I'd never been to one so big. Unfortunately, it was at that moment I had a typical Bella moment. While looking up, I tripped over something and fell flat on my ass. I could feel my cheeks heat up and chose to keep my eyes shut not wanting to see the amusement on everyone's face. I wasn't spared the embarrassment however. I could hear them all laughing then felt Edward lifting me back to my feet.
"Are you okay?" he asked with concern, but I could hear the laughter just under the surface.
"I'm fine," I answered while brushing off my pants. "I know I should watch where I walk."
"Come on. Just ignore them." We walked up the stairs where Esme pulled me into a hug.
"It's so good to see you again, Bella," she said. "Everyone come inside. I'll show you to your rooms."
The inside of the house was even more spectacular than the outside. We walked into atrium that was the first and second floor. A catwalk boarded the entire room with thin black railing. There was a couch and two armchairs in front of a stone fireplace and a sleek, black piano positioned at the back of the room. It looked very modern but homey at the same time. The whole house looked so light and open. If I thought windows were abundant in the front there were so many more on each side of the house.
"I know it's a long ride from Seattle," Esme said. "Can I get anyone anything to drink before I show you to your room?"
"Could I get water?" Alice said. "I'm thirstier that I thought."
"Of course. Come with me." She turned to me. "Why don't you join us, Bella? I want to show you the kitchen."
I followed eagerly knowing if the kitchen was half as amazing as the Great Room, it was going to be spectacular. It was located off the left of the great room. When we walked in, I immediately fell in love. It was done in black granite and a deep mahogany for the cabinets. There was a large island with vegetable sink and ample cabinet space underneath. The in-wall oven and microwave were next to the stainless steel refrigerator surrounded by even more cabinets. On the other side of the room were the sink, stove, and a large amount of counter space for food preparation. I could only stare in wonder. It was the perfect kitchen.
"Bella," I heard Esme say. "Bella, are you okay?"
"Huh?" I asked as I finally focused on her. She was smiling though. "I'm sorry. I was just admiring. This is amazing."
"Thank you dear. Carlisle and I designed the house. We knew Forks was it for us. We decided to build exactly what we wanted. I know it seems large for just us two, but we wanted to have room for our kids and grandkids when the time arrives."
"It's lovely."
"You haven't seen anything yet. Come on. I'll give you the grand tour." Alice looked at me and smirked. I ignored her and followed Esme. We went back into the Great Room where she told everyone to grab their bags. I grabbed Alice's extra bag, then Esme took us to the second floor. "The only other room on the first floor is mine and Carlisle's. The second floor has three guest rooms, two bathrooms, and a game room.
"Rosalie, I thought you might like this room." She motioned to the first door on the left.
"Esme, this is beautiful," Rosalie said as we all took a peek inside.
"Thank you." The room was quaint with a queen-sized sleigh bed with matching night stand and chest at the foot of the bed. There were three windows lining the wall that gave a gorgeous view of the backyard. Rosalie sat her bag on the bed then started to unpack a few things while the rest of us followed Esme. "Alice, Jasper, I thought you might like this room."
She motioned to the first door on the right. We all walked inside, and Alice gasped. Upon entering, the room looked like a living room with a couch and armchair. Directly ahead there was a door leading to a decent sized porch overlooking the backyard. One part of the room looked to be blocked by a log wall. There was an archway cut into the logs; inside was a queen-sized four-poster bed. There was a large window on the sidewall overlooking the woods.
"Esme, this is gorgeous," Alice gushed. I smirked at her and she looked sheepish. "I love the fake wall feature. It's so intimate."
"Thank you," Esme said politely. "Go ahead and get settled. There's no rush." I placed her extra bag on the couch and we left. "I'll show you the rest of the rooms, Bella." I followed her with Emmett and Edward trailing us. "This is Emmett's room." It was the door on the right at the end of the hall. "Sweetie, is it tidy enough for her to see?"
"Yes, mom," Emmett answered with a bit of whine to his voice. I giggled at the interaction.
"Good." She opened the door and I peered in. The room was long and narrow. The king-sized bed with overly large headboard faced a large window and corner fireplace. On the back wall, two French doors opened onto a balcony as well. I was slowly falling in love with the backyard. Emmett's room seemed to fit him. It was large but warm. He tossed his bag on the bed and ushered us out so he could get cleaned up.
"Everything is gorgeous," I told her. "I never thought about a log cabin as anything other than a small cabin. This is…gorgeous. I feel like I'm saying that a lot." She just laughed.
"It's okay. I love that you love it. Sweetheart, why don't you show Bella the third floor before you leave." Edward nodded, and she hugged me again. "I hope to see you again this weekend.
"You will. I'll be back tomorrow. I at least want to spend some time in the backyard, particularly the gardens. They look beautiful." She beamed with pride.
"I'll show you everything." She turned to Edward. "Will you be back for dinner?"
"Yes," he answered. "I'm just going to drop Bella off." She said goodbye to me then left Edward to finish the tour. "Third floor?" I nodded at his question. He switched his bag to the opposite shoulder and took my hand. He led me to the stairs and let me walk up first. He opened the door on the right and let me look in. "This is an empty guest room." The king-sized bed was the focal point of the room placed in the center. There was a large window across from the bed and a door leading to another balcony on the back wall. It was fairly simply and looked to be rarely used, but still looked amazing.
"It's nice," I answered. "What else is up here?" He smiled and tugged me to the other end of the hall.
The last door on the right sat open. I walked into a very uniquely shaped and very romantic room. On the left was a king-sized bed facing a corner fireplace and large entertainment center. There was a pentagon shaped cut out to the side of the bed; at first glance, it looked like a sitting area. At the back of this area, though, was a door leading to another balcony. I walked out on the balcony that overlooked the backyard. All four balconies were separate and you could not see them. It was truly private. The gardens looked lovely, and if I looked far enough in the distance I could make out a small stream. The dense woods sat on each side giving off a very secluded vibe.
"So?" Edward said as he walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.
"So?" I asked back with a smirk. He chuckled.
"What do you think?"
"I think I'm falling in love," I answered honestly. "This house is incredible, the seclusion is ideal, the grounds are breathtaking, and your mother is wonderful. I couldn't imagine having such a perfect family. You're truly blessed."
I wasn't in love with Edward, but I had lately been wondering if these feeling I was having were headed in that direction. I felt so connected with him. I needed him in ways I didn't know I needed another human being. I had always taken care of myself, taken care of others. I didn't rely on anyone for anything. I had walls built to protect myself from letting others hurt me. Only recently was I realizing those walls were keeping me from letting people love me.
"I know," he answered softly. "I have wonderful people in my life." He kissed me neck. I shivered and smiled. "Let's go. I don't want to make you late for Charlie." I sighed and reluctantly nodded. "You'll be back."
"Okay," I answered. "Let's go." He pulled me into his side as we walked to the car. I said bye to everyone as we passed their rooms then told Esme to tell Carlisle I said hello when he got in from his shift.
Edward held the door for me as I sat down into the car. Once I was in, he shut the door and took his place behind the wheel. He turned the car around and took my hand as he sped down the driveway. The ride was quiet, as we didn't need to fill the silence. I was grateful for the silence since it gave me time to think. I had just said that without thinking. I think I'm falling in love. I hope I didn't give him the impression I was talking about our relationship. I wouldn't be opposed to taking it that direction. I just wasn't there yet and didn't want to make him feel like he needed to say anything to that affect as well.
I hadn't realized we were in my driveway until Edward shook me lightly. I looked up and it finally dawned on me, but how did he know where I live? I'd never told him how to get here. He must have seen the confusion on my face, because he told me how Esme had given him directions over the phone. She was that person that believed in being prepared. It wouldn't have surprised me if Emmett and Edward had been boy scouts.
"You okay, baby?" he asked as he ran his thumb over my cheek.
"I'm fine," I answered with a smile. "Just thinking about how this weekend will go. I hope it goes well. Jasper and I have been talking about telling Charlie. It scares me to think about what he might say." He placed his hands on either side of my face and pulled me to him for a soft kiss.
"It's going to be fine. He loves you, and I'm going to be right here with you. You're not along. Okay?"
"Okay." I looked back at the house to see the door opening. "Let's go. That's Charlie."
Edward got out and jogged to my side. I reached back to grab my overnight bag. He opened my door, took my bag, and then offered a hand to help me out. He pulled me to my feet. As we walked to the house he didn't let me hand go. We walked up the stairs to the open front door. Charlie was watching us with a dubious eye. When I reached the top of the porch he stepped forward with a smile and pulled me into a hug.
"Hey Bells," he said. "It's so good to see you." He pulled back, and I was still stunned from the action. We were never very affectionate people. "How was the drive?"
"Good," I answered. "Rosalie, Alice, and I rode together. It was fun." He was looking at Edward who was standing back politely. "Ch-Dad, this is Edward." I pulled Edward up next to me. "Edward, this is my dad, Charlie."
"Hello, Chief Swan," Edward said as he extended his hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Bella talks about you often."
"Nice to meet you, Edward," he answered as he shook his hand. "Will you be staying for dinner?"
"No, sir. I'm going to have dinner with my family. I wanted to give you and Bella time to catch up before I'm thrown into the equation. I'll be here for lunch tomorrow though, and mother would like to know if you and Sue would join us all for dinner tomorrow at her house."
"Oh. I'm sure Sue and I can do that, and I appreciate the time with my little girl." I flushed at the sentiment. He had never called me that before.
"I'll see you tomorrow Bella. 11:30, right?"
"Yes. I'll see you then." He leaned toward me causing me to panic. The emotion was unnecessary. He kissed me cheek lightly then pulled back.
"Sir," he said in departure. Charlie took the bag from Edward and ushered me into the house.
"How have you been, Bells?" Charlie asked as he sat my bag on the couch. I walked to the kitchen to see if there was anything to cook. The pantry was well stocked, and I was shocked until I remembered Sue. I wondered if they were considering marriage.
"I've been good," I answered. "We spent a week in Disney World, Alice finally went to LA to work with Valentino, I talked to my advisor about my thesis, and Emmett was accepted to Med School. It's been really busy."
"How is Alice? I've missed that firecracker." His smile was adoring. "She's coming to lunch tomorrow, right?"
I had to turn away and roll my eyes. Charlie had a soft spot for Alice. She had him wrapped around her little finger from the first day she stepped in the house and called him Chief Charlie. I told him about her LA adventure and my meeting with my advisor. He was genuinely happy for me, and I could see unmistakable pride on his face. It warmed me to know he cared so much. I mean, I always knew it, but now I could see it. We talked for a few more hours before the yawns started getting us both. He told me Sue would be joining us for lunch before excusing himself to go to bed. He carried my bag to my room before turning in.
I went upstairs and got ready for bed as well. I unpacked my stuff while smiling at my room. It hadn't changed at all since I left. The same pictures and notes were taped and tacked to the wall. That's how I kept track of story ideas and assignments. The bedspread was the same blue and purple one Charlie had the store clerk to pick out before I moved from Phoenix. The books were still in the bookshelf and the ancient computer I did everything I could to avoid having to use it was still perched on the edge of the desk. I got into bed after plugging my cell charger in and called Edward. He answered on the second ring laughing.
"Hello, beautiful," he said.
"Hi, handsome," I answered back. "What has you laughing?"
"Emmett. He's being an idiot." I heard the background noise fade then the distinctive click of a door. "How did things go after I left?"
"Surprisingly well. We talked about what I have been up to and Alice. Charlie's always had a soft spot for her." My voice got quiet. "I told him about meeting with Katelynn. He said he was proud of me."
"I knew he would be." His voice sounded happy, and I could hear the smile. "He loves you, Bella. He truly does."
"I'm seeing that. How are things at your place?" I leaned back against the headboard and pulled the covers further over me.
"They're going great. Everyone's laughing and having a good time, but we're all missing you."
"I appreciate it, but I could hear everyone. They're having a blast whether I'm there or not."
"It would still be more fun if you were here." I laughed enjoying the lightness of the conversation.
"I just wanted to call and say goodnight."
"You're going to bed already?" I waited for him to realize the time. "Oh, damn! I didn't realize it was already 11:30. I should hit the sack too. I have an important lunch date tomorrow."
"Well I shouldn't keep you up. She might not like that I hogged your sleep time."
"No, she might not. I wouldn't want her to think it isn't important to me."
"I think she knows."
"I hope she does." He let out a long breath. "I'll let you go this time. Sleep well, and call me if you need anything."
"I will."
"Buona notte, il mio angelo." I smiled at his now standard goodnight.
"Buona notte." I hung up the phone and snuggled down into bed. Sleep found me quickly.
I woke the next morning to my dad's heavy footsteps on the stairs. I looked over at the clock and realized he had slept late. It was 7:15. I got up and decided to resurrect our old Saturday tradition I had told Edward about. Once dressed, I went downstairs to find Charlie making coffee. He looked lost in thought for a moment before turning to me with embarrassment on his face.
"How many scoops?" he asked. I couldn't hold in the laughter.
"Dad," I said between chuckles. "I know you drink coffee. How do you not know the answer to that?"
"I wait until I get to the station. Lois makes it before I get there. If I have it at home…Sue makes it." His voice was quiet at the end.
"Go watch television. I'll make the coffee and breakfast. I'll bring you the coffee when it's ready." He kissed my forehead then left for the living room. The affection was unusual but not unwelcomed. I could get used to an affectionate Charlie.
I guessed at how strong he would like the coffee and set it to brew. I searched the cabinets until I found everything to make eggs, bacon, and blueberry pancakes. I pulled out two frying pans and the griddle and mixed the batter while each heated up. I poured a cup of coffee for Charlie and took it into the living room. He was watching some sports game. I hoped he wouldn't mind changing the channel later. The bacon fried quickly and once I ladled the last pancake onto the griddle I fried up the eggs. Once everything was cooked, I plated the breakfast and carried them into the living room.
He took the plate and sat it on his lap. I sat down on the couch with my own food. He reached for the remote that sat on the coffee table. He flipped to Cartoon Network where Tom and Jerry was playing. He sat the remote down and ate his breakfast. I smiled, warmed that he remembered our Saturday tradition. We hadn't done this for years. Once I left Forks, and especially after Jacob raped me, I avoided this place at all costs Just thinking about that night brought a chill to me. The irrational fear that I would run into him crept back into my body, and I could feel my chest constrict. I took a quiet, deep breath to calm myself. He didn't know I was here. He wouldn't do anything with Charlie around. Edward said he would protect me. I would be okay.
Once we were finished eating I took the plates into the kitchen and cleaned everything. I joined Charlie in the living room again and we watched two more episodes before he started talking. He asked about my novel and wanted to know when he would get to read it. He asked about my job, and I told him about Jason. I asked about the station and to tell me more about Sue. His face lit up like I'd never seen before, and he told me all about her, Seth, and Leah. Sue would make it to lunch, but Seth and Leah both had to work. I asked what he wanted for lunch. He didn't have anything specific in mind so I decided to see what he had.
I rummaged through the cabinets until I found everything to make Chicken Havarti, sautéed squash, zucchini, and onions, and a spinach, strawberry salad. Why Charlie would have specialty cheese was beyond me, but I assumed it was Sue and just smiled. I looked at the microwave clock to see it was 10:45. Everyone would be arriving in 45 minutes. I needed to start cooking soon. I cut up the vegetables and placed them into the sauté pan. They would take the longest to cook. I added the spices then started preparing the chicken. The meal was simple, but just took time. I heard the front door open then Sue yell. "Honey, I'm here." Charlie greeted her at the door with a kiss. I turned away to give them privacy.
"Hello, Bella," Sue said as she walked into the kitchen. "It's good to see you again. Your dad's been talking about this visit for weeks now." I hugged her back when she pulled me to herself.
"It's good to see you too," I answered as I pulled back. "How have you been?"
"I've been good. So I hear we get to meet Edward today." She leaned against the counter and smiled knowingly while I watched the chicken to ensure it didn't burn.
"You do. He'll be here at 11:30 along with Alice and Jasper. Did you know Charlie has a soft spot for Alice?" She laughed.
"I could hear it in his voice when he talked to her the day of the accident. Is there anything I can help with?"
"Could you cut up some strawberries for the salad?" She retrieved a cutting board and the strawberries from the refrigerator. I handed her a knife. "I caught Charlie trying to make coffee this morning." She giggled.
"Was it any good?"
"He didn't get that far. He asked me how many scoops. I took over after hearing that. Then I made a big breakfast while we ate in the living room and watched-"
"Tom and Jerry." She smiled over at me. "He won't watch Saturday cartoons with anyone else. Seth and Leah came over for breakfast one morning. Seth turned cartoons on, and Charlie immediately changed the channel. He said no cartoons unless you were here." I blushed at her admission. "It's okay dear. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. He loves you."
We were interrupted by a knock at the door. Before anyone could answer it, the door flung open and Alice popped through. I could only roll my eyes at her. She always felt comfortable enough just walking in. I'm sure it was Jasper or Edward that had knocked. She hung her coat by the door as I yelled hello. I could hear Charlie's footsteps upstairs. When he heard Alice's voice, I could hear him descend the stairs. He turned the corner as Jasper and Edward were hanging up their coats.
"Hi Chief Charlie," Alice said with a huge smile. "Long time no see." Charlie smiled widely and pulled her into a hug.
"How have you been Alice?" he asked.
"Great. How about you?"
"I'm doing well. Bella was telling me about your dress you made. That's big stuff, kiddo. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks." She sniffed the air. "Something smells good, Bella." I laughed.
"Lunch is almost ready," I answered. "Why don't you and Jasper set the table?" She pulled Jasper along to do as asked. Edward greeted Charlie with a handshake then they chatted in the foyer too low for me to hear. I didn't know what they were talking about, but it was making me uncomfortable. "Edward, come meet someone," I interrupted their conversation. He walked over and kissed me on the cheek in greeting. "Edward this is Sue, my dad's girlfriend. Sue, this is Edward, my boyfriend."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Edward said as he took Sue's extended hand. Instead of shaking, he raised it to his lips for a kiss.
"You too," Sue answered. She looked at me with a smirk. "He's a charmer."
"You have no idea," I answered as I pulled the chicken from the stove. I heard Charlie clear his throat. I looked back to see him looking pointedly at Edward.
"You need help with anything, Bells," he asked.
"No, dad. Sue and I have everything under control. Go ahead and have a seat at the table. We'll bring everything in just a moment." He nodded and clapped a hand onto Edward's shoulder.
"Why don't you join me?" he asked, but there was no question about it.
"Sure." They both walked out of the kitchen to the dining room, and I looked over at Sue.
"Let's hurry up and get this to the table. That tone makes me nervous." Sue just laughed.
"Oh, honey," she said. "Let him play overprotective father. When has he ever gotten to do that?"
I conceded. Edward was important to me, and so was my father. He would have to pass any test that Charlie had if he was going to stick around. I wanted them to get along. Sue and I found some serving dishes and placed the food within. We filled glasses with ice and poured water for everyone. Jasper came into the kitchen and helped us carry the dishes into the dining room. I walked in expecting to see Charlie interrogating Edward or for them to be locked in a heated discussion. However, they were both laughing at something from their conversation. The scene was nice, but I wondered when the unpleasant questioning would begin.
"Yay, food," Alice said excitedly. Charlie laughed at her and pulled Sue's chair out for her, just like Jasper and Edward. "This looks and smells amazing Bella."
"Thank you," I answered. "Let's eat before it gets cold."
Everyone began to eat. I got compliments from each. The sautéed dish was one I made often, but I hadn't put enough basil and a little too much oregano in. I said as much and Alice scoffed at me. She said there was nothing about my cooking that needed critiquing. We ate in silence, but once everyone slowed down, conversation began. Charlie asked Alice to fill him in on what he had missed. If she had ever needed a place to stay, Charlie would have taken her in without question. Alice asked what Charlie had been doing since his vacation to Yellow Stone.
"I haven't been doing much really," he said with a shrug. "The station and Sue keep me busy." Sue smacked his arm with an incredulous look on her face. "I'm just kidding. You know I love you." I smiled a tight smile and looked away. I wanted him to say that to me. He hadn't told me he loved me since the day I graduated high school. Edward rested his hand on my knee and squeezed. I looked up at his confused face and just shook my head. He patted my leg before pulling back. "Other than that, I've been fishing with Billy. The fish have been biting like crazy recently."
"How is Billy?" I asked. Even if Jacob wasn't a nice person, his father was always friendly.
"He's doing good. Jacob is still at home, taking care of him." I stiffed when Charlie mentioned him. Something was off with his tone. "Billy says Jacob really misses you."
"Not now Ch-dad." I felt Edward stiffen next to me.
"Bells, the boy just wants to talk. I don't know what happened, but he seems really upset that you won't talk to him. Every time I see him, he asks about you. He just wants to talk."
"Dad! Really, not now." I could feel my heartbeat pick up. I grabbed my plate to escape to the kitchen.
"I'm not saying you two should get back together, but you should talk. You were friends before you started dating. Maybe you could get that friendship back. He's only going to talk." I stopped walking toward the kitchen and turn back to him.
"What do you mean going to talk?"
"I told Billy you were going to be here this weekend. He told Jacob, and Jacob asked me if he could come over and talk to you for five minutes. I agreed. I don't like that things are so strained between you two." My breathing picked up at the thought Jacob could be there any minute.
"You did what?" I said between gasps, my anger rising.
"Bells, what's wrong?" Charlie stood up from his seat and took a tentative step towards me. My panic only rose. I dropped the plate without realizing it and clutched my chest. It was so tight. Edward and Jasper both stood and walked over to me. Edward placed my hand on his chest and tried to get me to control my breathing.
"I can't do this," I whispered as I looked at Jasper. "I can't see him. Not now." I looked over at Edward. "Don't make me. I can't do it. You said you'd protect me."
"Get your breathing under control, and we'll go from there," Edward said, redirecting my focus. I followed his chest movements and felt my breathing slow; my heart remained at a quick trot.
"Bells," Charlie said. "What's going on?"
"Call him, and tell him he can't come over. Please." I begged him. "Dad, he can't come here. I can't be around him. I can't handle it. I'm not ready."
"What do you mean you're not ready? It's been three years. He only wants to talk." I could feel my anger just under the surface. I can't believe he did this without talking to me. "Bells, just listen to him. You dumped him remember? It's the least you can do. It's not like he's going to hurt you."
"Jacob talks with his hands!" I yelled. Realizing what I said, I clamped my hands over my mouth.
"What do you mean?" I could feel a few tears leak onto my face.
"This isn't how I wanted to tell you. This isn't how it was supposed to happen."
AN: I'm early!!!! I'm on vacation at the lake this week and had ample time to write.
Deep breath...and release. Things are about to get interesting. Can I just say, I heart Charlie. I think he's a great character, and he's a great father to Bella in his special way.
Do you have any theories about how Charlie will react? Let me know what you think in a review. Everyone that reviews gets a sneak peek at the next chapter.
On a side note, I need your opinion. I posted a one-shot titled "Sweet and Spicy." It's a submission for the Love for the Unloved Contest. It's smut, something I've never written before. I would like for you to read it, and let me know what you think. I'm really nervous about it. I want to know if it's any good at all. I was planning on having an outtake for "Gradual Healing" when Bella and Edward get to that stage, but if I'm no good at writing it, I don't want to butcher it in an attempt. Therefore, let me know what you think about what I wrote, then I'll decide if I'm going to write Edward and Bella's.