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26. Charlie

After about two hours in the air, the captain announced we would be landing at the airport in Port Angeles in a few minutes. Everyone was awake and ready to get back home. There was the sad task of Sam and Emily's funeral to deal with, and then a trip to Italy. Beyond that however, was a very happy event, Jacob and Leah's wedding. I was happy and excited for them, and I couldn't wait to see my friend marry his true love. Though it was almost evening, it was a sunny day in Port Angeles, so our family would have to wait until the sun was completely down before we exited the plane. Jacob and the Quileutes wanted to go on and take Sam and Emily home. We said temporary goodbyes, and promised to see them the next day. Before they left, Leah asked me to step into the bedroom for a moment.

After I closed the door she said, "Bella, even though our ceremony isn't the traditional wedding, I would be so happy if you would be my maid of honor. I was going to ask Emily…" She stopped with a small hitch in her voice. I simply hugged her and said, "I would be so honored Leah."

She looked at me and smiled, and said, "Now I know it will be perfect."

"Just like you and Jacob," I said.

We joined the others back in the passenger cabin. As Leah returned to Jacob's side, I reached up and gave him a hug and said, we'll see you tomorrow ok?"

"He grabbed me up in a firm hug and said, "Thanks Bells. Love you."

As he and Leah headed out the door I asked, "Look in on Charlie for me ok?" He nodded and they left.

We all took a seat, and waited the 20 minutes it took for the sun to disappear behind the horizon. From the plane window, I watched it set the water and sky ablaze in brilliant oranges, reds and magentas. I felt a sense of well being I hadn't had in a very long time. As I watched the last flicker of the sun's fire go out, Edward's arms surrounded me from behind. I turned to face him and saw a similar fire in his eyes. He kissed me fervently, happy that I didn't need a break to breathe. As usual, the family politely ignored us and carried on a casual conversation. I tangled his bronze locks around my fingers thought of nothing but the sweetness of his breath. I drank it in, and wanted more. I wasn't comfortable enough to make use of our bedroom with the family here in the next room. But I looked forward to getting home to our house in Forks.

As we came up for air, metaphorically speaking, Edward, his eyes tightly closed whispered with a heavy voice, "would it be ridiculously insensitive of me considering the circumstances, to say it's been too long?"

"No," I said my voice betraying my need for him, "I was just thinking the same thing."

"Well, the sun's down," he replied, "and it's only 30 minutes to home if I drive." He had a mischievous look on his face, and I abruptly moved away from him, grabbed his hand and headed for the door. As we exited, I looked over my shoulder at the rest of the family and said, "Let's go home, Edward is driving!"

Edward laughed all the way to the car.

During the drive home, I couldn't take my eyes off of Edward. It had not been that long since we had made love, but we never been with each other without the threat of danger looming over our heads. It was like going back to the beginning, to our fist night together. It filled us both with excitement and anticipation, and it made the short time it took Edward to drive home seem incredibly long. Edward looked at me from time to time, his crooked grin on his face, but he kept his eyes mostly on the road. I assumed it was to keep a small amount of privacy over our intentions, from Alice, Jasper, and Kate in the back seat. Thinking about it, I knew it was probably a futile attempt. He did hold my hand, the entire way, bringing it to his lips every so often. As we neared Forks, Edwards sat phone rang. He reluctantly released my hand so he could answer. Smiling as he answered, he said, "Hello, oh hi Jacob. Glad you all got home safely, we…" Edwards smile quickly disappeared and was replaced by a strange apprehensive look. He looked at me almost without looking at the road at all. I had a sinking feeling, at his stare, and waited to hear whatever bad news he had to tell me. Suddenly Alice gasped, and I knew it was bad news…of course!

"Yes Jacob, yes I understand. No I'll tell her, yeah same here, thanks Jacob. See you tomorrow."

Edward slowed the car and pulled over to a stop. The others following us did the same with their cars and waited to see what the problem was. Edward looked at me with concern, and took both my hands.

"What is it…Edward? What, please tell me!"

"Bella, it's Charlie"

My mind went blank, and my heart felt like it stopped!

"No, Edward," I whispered, "please tell me he's ok, please!"

"Bella, he's fine sweetheart, really."

I felt a small amount of relief wash over me, and asked, "What about Charlie then?"

"He knows, Bella, he knows everything."

"What do you mean he knows?"

"He knows about us, about the pack, about you Bella, he knows about you!"

"Edward…how…did…he…how could he know?!"

"Billy Black told him Bella, he told him everything."

I could hardly think a coherent thought. I knew that Billy had been one of the biggest opponents of Edward's and my relationship early on. But we were married, there was peace with the Quileutes, and Jacob and Leah had found each other. I was incredulous.

"Why, Edward, after the wedding, and Jacob coming home, and, and everything, why would he tell him now, why?!" I could feel the anger, the fear, and the tears all at once. "How could he do that!" I finally yelled. "Why would he want to hurt Charlie and me like this? What was he thinking?"

"Bella," Edward said gently, trying to calm me, "he did it for a good reason."

"A good reason, what good reason could he possibly have Edward?"

"Where were we for the last two days Bella? How good were the chances that any of us would return? We all know the answer to that now don't we? He felt he needed to tell Charlie where you were, in case we didn't make it. He made a difficult choice, Bella, but he did it out of concern for Charlie."

I sat silent for a few minutes as the tears slide down my face. I tried to absorb the idea of Charlie knowing what I was now, and what the rest of the family was.

"How did Jacob say he took it? Did he talk to him?"

"No," Edward answered with a strained voice, and I knew there was more. I looked at him waiting for, but not really wanting to know the rest.

"He's waiting for us at home."

I suddenly felt sick; I could not imagine how I would face him, or how to talk to him about it. I knew it would be the hardest conversation of my life, and I had no idea what Charlie's reaction would be.

"What am I going to say to him Edward? How can he possibly understand, how will ever forgive me?"

Alice, Jasper and Kate had been painfully silent in the back seat during the whole conversation. Finally Alice spoke.

"He'll be very angry Bella," she said, "at first. But I think it will be ok Bella."

"You think?" I asked miserably.

"Remember Bella, he's involved with Sue Clearwater, so I can't always see him. But as far as I can see, it's going to be ok Bella; Charlie will be ok."

I looked at Alice through tears, and asked, "You're not holding anything back right?"

"I'm telling you everything I see Bella."

I broke down a bit and cried for the scene I knew I was about to have with my father.

Edward pulled me onto his lap and whispered, "No matter what Bella, I will be with you. Remember, Charlie loves you as much as you love him. He may not be happy at first, but he will always love you, and he'll get around this."

"And you'll go with me?" I asked in a cowardly fashion.

"Of course Bella, I won't leave you. Besides, it's probably a good idea…you know…just in case."

I hadn't even thought of that. I hadn't even worried about Charlie's blood tempting me. I closed my eyes and put my head in my hands. Oh my God Edward, Charlie, what if…if…"

Edward stopped me and said, "I only mentioned that out of caution Bella. You've had incredible control almost since your change. I really don't think it will be a problem. Look at your control with Emily. I know no one has said anything to you about it, you were so upset, but it was phenomenal that you could hold her like that and not lose control. You love Charlie Bella, you won't hurt him, I know you won't. Let's go face him together."

I nodded, and climbed back into my seat, and we were off. Ten minutes later we were pulling up the house. Sure enough, Charlie's cruiser was parked, and he was leaning on it, waiting for us. I looked at Edward who pulling the car to a stop, leaned over and kissed me, and got out. I suddenly felt panicked, but tried to ignore it. I turned around to Alice, Jasper and Kate and asked, "Give us a few minutes ok?"

Jasper put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Don't worry Bella, you can handle it." I nodded and got out.

Charlie straightened up as Edward and I approached hand and hand. His face was hard and wary. He looked at me as though he didn't know me. He looked at Edward as though for the first time, scrutinizing his face, like he was sizing up a criminal.

We stopped a few feet away and Edward put his hand out to shake his hand and said, "Hi Charlie."

Charlie didn't return the gesture, or say a word, but settled his eyes on me. I could tell he was staring at the color of my eyes.

After a few moments of silent observation, Charlie finally said in a strained voice, "Edward I'd like to speak with my daughter…alone."

"That is up to Bella Charlie," Edward replied.

If looks could kill came to my mind when Charlie looked at Edward, and waited for my answer.

I knew Edward was concerned with my reaction to the blood in my father's veins. With Leah, I had felt the tingling, and the burning, and the voice awakening. With my father however, none of those things came. I was strangely unaffected by it.

"Bella?" Edward asked, as he looked me in the eyes for any signs of temptation.

"It's ok Edward," I said as calmly as I could, "I'm fine, and I want to talk to my father."

Edward nodded to Charlie, kissed my cheek, and said, "I'll be in the car with the others."

Charlie shot daggers into Edward's back as he walked back to the car. Then he turned his stare back to me.

His face softened a bit, and he said, "Well I guess I should have known….damn it Bella! How could I have known? I can't even believe it! Is it really true? Are you a…are they… vamp…? God! I can't even say it! Bella, is it true?"

All I could do was nod. I had no idea how to have this conversation with Charlie.

"And you drink bl…blo…well you know?"

"Yes Charlie, I do."

He closed his eyes, and shook his head.

"But I eat regular food too."

He opened his eyes and asked, "So the rest of them, do they eat food?"

"No Charlie, only me. I'm sort of different from them. A hybrid Carlisle says."

He thought about it for a minute, and asked, "Why Bella, why on God's green earth would you choose to be a…a…"

"A vampire?" I finished his sentence.

He cringed at the word, and asked again, "Why Bella?"

"I love Edward Charlie, I have since the first minute I saw him. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him, but, well, they…we don't age. It was the only way to be with him."

"So at eighteen, you just decided to give up your life and become one of the undead?"

"Charlie, it's not like that exactly. Besides, you know the Cullen's, you know how wonderful they are."

"I know they seem wonderful Bella, but they're…and now you're…I don't know how the hell to deal with this Bella! You're my daughter, and I love you, what am I supposed to do when someone disappears, just ignore it?"

I was confused. "Dad what are you talking about?"

"What do you think I'm talking about Bella? You're a vampire! There I said it! You drink blood, you kill…peop…you know what I'm saying Bella! I'm an officer of the law, I have to protect the people of Forks, it's my job, and my duty!"

"Dad what exactly did Billy tell you?"

"He said you were all vampires, and that you drink blood, and that you were going to fight a vampire war in Alaska, and that the boys went with you. He told me about the boys being some sort of werewolves. Even Sue told me that the kids, Seth and Leah were wolves too. I didn't believe any of it until Billy had that Brady kid change or shift or whatever the hell they call it; thought I'd have a heart attack! After that, I didn't want to hear anymore! I went home, and tried to figure out what happened to my world in the last two years." Charlie started pacing back and forth, hands on his hips. "I thought I had life pretty well figured, but you sure as hell blew that out of the water! Now I don't know what to think. And what about all those people we found murdered around La Push…I feel sick Bells. I don't know what I'm supposed to do?"

I could see the anguish in Charlie's face, and I could imagine his heart breaking, worried that my new family and I were all murderers.

"Dad," I asked, "Can you calm down enough to listen to me? Please Charlie, please listen to me."

Charlie stopped, took in a couple of deep breaths, leaned back against his cruiser, and said, "Ok Bella, I'm listening."

"Billy was correct, we do drink blood," Charlie cringed again, "We do drink blood, but only animal blood Dad…NOT human blood. Edward and the family had nothing to do with the people who were being killed around La Push."

Charlie looked at me, ruminating over what I'd said. His face relaxed a bit, and he seemed a bit relieved.

"So, none of you drink…"

"No, Charlie," I repeated, "NONE of us drink human blood.

"That at least is a relief." His mind switching gears, he continued, "So, this is what Edward, who loves you, wanted for you? This is the life…or whatever, he chose for you? Just because he wanted to live this way, why did he have to bring you into it?"

I could hear the bitterness in Charlie's voice, and I had to make sure he understood that this was my doing not Edward's.

"Dad, NONE of the Cullen's chose to be vampires, all of them were changed without their consent. I am the only one in the family that chose this life."

He looked skeptical.

"It's true Dad. Edward tried to talk me out of this, from the first moment I thought of it. Even after the wedding Dad, he was telling me I didn't have to do it, and if he could have, he would have found a way to keep me from doing it, even though it's better for him that I did. I wanted this Dad ok, I…chose…this."

Charlie gave me one of his, he knew me too well to doubt me looks, and said, "Ah god Bella, you did choose it didn't you?"

I just nodded and added, "And just so you know, if Edward hadn't changed me, I'd be dead right now. I would have had him do it anyway, but he did it when he did, to save my life."

I looked at my father, wanting so much to hug him, and know that I could still have him in my life. I had accepted losing Charlie from my life; a cost of being with Edward that I had been willing, if not happy to pay. But having him in front of me, I knew now that I couldn't imagine my life without him.

"Dad?" I said reaching out my arms to him.

Charlie's eyes filled with tears, he opened his arms, and said, "Come on Bells."

I rushed to his arms, forgetting my strength, and promptly knocked him over, catching him before he fell.

"Dad, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I wanted to tell you but I couldn't, not without putting you in danger."

"Damn Bells, "he said, "You're strong! And your cold, and well, sort of hard and ah…wait, what were you saying about danger Bella?"

I didn't want to upset him more; I was afraid to go on.

Sensing my reluctance to tell him Charlie said, "Bells, I just found out my daughter and her new family are vampires, and my fiancée's kids are werewolves, how much worse can it get?"

"What dad, what?! You're fiancée?! You asked Sue to…"

"Yeah, yeah," he said rubbing the tears from his eyes, "We'll talk all about that after you explain the whole danger thing."

I started from the beginning of my relationship with Edward, and the attack by James. I moved on to my trip to Italy to stop Edward from forcing the Volturi from destroying him when he thought I was dead. I told him about the war with Victoria, and it's connection with the murders around La Push. Then I told him about Irina's attack on me, and Edward having to change me to save me. Then finally, I told him about the battle in Alaska. Charlie listened without interrupting me. He was Chief Swan taking a witness's statement, nodding and shifting his eyes as though trying to visualize what I was saying.

Finally after I finished the events of the past two years and the odyssey of Edward's and my relationship, Charlie spoke. "So you went through all of this, to be with Edward?"

"I love him Charlie." It was all I could say.

"I guess you do Bells; you never have done anything half way, and I guess I owe him for saving your life…a lot. Well, I guess I should talk to my…son-in-law, why don't we get him."

"Just wait a second," I said. As soon as I was done speaking, Edward quickly walked up to Charlie and I.

Charlie looked a little confused.

Edward answered the questions in his eyes. "I can read people's thoughts Charlie."

"Uh huh," Charlie said nodding and looking Edward up and down. "Guess you know then this is not what I dreamed of for my daughter's future."

"I never wanted it for her Charlie," Edward answered. "But you know better than anyone how stubborn she is."

"I guess I can't deny that," Charlie laughed bitterly. "I always knew there was something…eh…different about you Edward."

"I'm sorry if I've hurt you Charlie, I never wanted to do that. I only wanted to be with Bella. I love her more than anything else, and I want you to know, that everything I said to you at the wedding, I meant every word of it."

"Well, Charlie said, "So I guess this means you won't have to leave the area quite a soon as you planned yes?"

Edward and I looked at each other shocked, and then back at Charlie.

"You knew we were leaving Charlie?" I said. "How long have you known?"

"Well I sort of just figured it out. I mean you said you don't age, so how long can you stay in one place before people start to notice? And since I'm guessing you weren't planning on telling me about any of this, you must not have intended on seeing me again, hmm? So, I assume you were going to leave pretty soon right? Sooner than you would have otherwise?"

Edward laughed, and said, "Well I can see where you get your talent at figuring things out Bella. You're pretty good Charlie."

"Hey…" Charlie laughed, "Police Chief, remember. They don't pay me the big bucks for nothin'."

It was a funny statement considering the meager pay my dad had been content to accept for his loyal services.

Charlie got suddenly very serious. He looked at Edward and said, "I want your word Edward that the people of Forks, La Push, and this entire area have nothing to fear from you and your family."

I knew at this point, Edward would tell Charlie the truth. There was no point not to.

"Charlie," he began, "I know Bella explained, that we don't drink human blood; we are what in our world are referred to as vegetarians."

"Yeah, go on." Charlie said without emotion.

"We hunt animals, but the call of human blood is still there for us."

"And just how strong would you say that call is Edward?"

Edward put his hand on Charlie's shoulder, and said, "I don't want you to worry Charlie, but I want to be completely honest with you. We have been here a long time Charlie, since before you were born. We have always made sure to do our best not to hurt humans. But it would be dishonest of me to tell you that there was absolutely no risk. Having said that, I speak for our entire family, and I give you my solemn promise, that we will not cause any harm to the people here, or anywhere else for that matter."

He looked at Edward with a face harder than I'd ever seen on Charlie as he asked, "And you think even with that risk, you can keep that promise?"

"I give you my word Charlie."

Charlie stood looking at Edward his face remained hardened, deciding whether or not to trust the vampire. Charlie was a very simple man, a regular Joe, he would say. His biggest loves in life besides me, and now Sue, were fishing, sports on TV and most importantly his job. He was fiercely dedicated to that job, and the people it was his job to protect. Forks, being a painfully quiet town, Charlie never had had to worry about much more than the occasional car or hunting accident. Very rarely, he might have to deal with a rogue grizzly attacking people. Since my relationship with Edward had begun, Charlie had seen more death in Forks than he'd seen in almost his entire career. Knowing there was now a potential deadly risk to his citizen's he was not going to be soft about it.

His face relaxed a bit, and he said, "Edward, Bells loves you; and she also trusts you. So I'm going to trust you. I hope you won't make me regret that trust?" He shook Edward's hand, and nodded. Then the entirety of Edward's statement dawned on him.

"Wait," he said, "You've been here since before I was born? How old are you Edward?"

"I was seventeen when I was changed."

"And how long have you been seventeen then?" Charlie pushed. Like daughter like father I thought.

Edward looked at me, obviously thinking the same thing, and smiled. "I was born in nineteen-O-one; I was changed in nineteen-eighteen."

"So you've been seventeen for eighty-nine years?!"

"Yes Charlie, that's correct."

"Well, I'll be damned," was all Charlie could manage.

Before Charlie could say anything else, Carlisle and Esme joined us.

"Hello Charlie," Carlisle said.

"Hey Doc," Charlie said. He still seemed to be comfortable with Carlisle, which made me feel better.

"You must be quite overcome with all of this Charlie."

"You have a talent for understatement Doc," Charlie said humorously.

"I know this isn't an easy thing to digest Charlie," Esme said.

"Well, yeah it's not the usual dilemma is it?"

"We are still the same family you met before Charlie," Carlisle said, "you just know…a little more about us now."

"Well, Edward's given me his word you're not a danger to the people here, so I guess that's good enough for me. I just gotta get used to idea of Bella's…ah…new…ah lifestyle choice."

"She is a comfort to us all Charlie," Esme said, putting her arm around my waist. "She's made Edward happier than he's ever been."

Charlie just shook his head and said, "I think it's gonna take me a long time to get used to this."

"Why don't you come inside," Esme said. "You must be hungry."

"Well," Charlie said, I could use a bite…I…I mean something to eat," he said uncomfortable with the word he'd used. "I ran out on Sue yesterday before she could feed me. Wait, a minute, do you…ah…have food?"

I couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Dad, remember I told you, I eat food? Come on let's eat."

After we got inside Esme whipped up a couple of sandwiches for Charlie and I. The rest of our family and Kate's, retreated upstairs, realizing Charlie could only take so much at one time.

As Charlie and I were eating, I reminded him to tell me the story of him and Sue. I knew it would be hard for Charlie; it was that whole less is more thing.

"Well, you know Bells after the wedding, Sue was so great about bringing over food for me. She knew that you did most of the cooking. And she knew what kind of cook I was, since I made the mistake of having her and Harry over for dinner a few years ago. She started bringing food for me more often, and I guess we both realized how much we liked being together. It was so hard for her after Harry. She was really lonely, even with the kids there. I was too, especially after you left. I never realized I was lonely until then. Anyway, she and I took a few walks at La Push, and around town, just talking. We went to Port Angeles for a couple of Movies. She actually went fishing once with me and Billy; she was a real sport about it. I know it's only been a few weeks Bells, but she really is wonderful, and I really love her. She feels the same way. She came over to make me dinner the other night, and I asked her to marry me, and she said yes. I'm really happy Bella, we both are."

After her finished telling his and Sue's story, he waited for my reaction.

"I could not be happier Charlie, for you and Sue. You two are perfect for each other. She is so down to earth and sweet, and you deserve someone who makes you happy, and so does she."

"Well," Charlie said, "I wasn't sure how you'd feel about it."

"I think if you can accept my situation, there's no way I could complain about yours. I'm just happy I can share it with you Dad."

"Thanks Bells, it means everything to hear you say that. I have to admit it was a little difficult to hear about the wolf thing. She was worried I'd be angry at her for not telling me about it."

"She was just trying to protect the people she loves Charlie; her kids and you."

"Yeah, I know that, it was just so off the map, you know?"

"Dad you really need to go see Sue, she's probably miserable."

"You're probably right, but I'm glad we talked Bells, and I'm glad I haven't lost you. I will have to get used to those eyes, they really are different."

Charlie and I laughed, and then his face got serious again and he said, "Wait a minute, what are we supposed to tell your mom?"

I hadn't thought about Renée, in days. She too, was supposed to be gone from my life forever, and now I had the potential task of telling her my secret.

"For now, I don't think we should tell her anything Dad. She's preoccupied and happy with Phil, I think she'll be satisfied if I call her once and a while. I'm supposed to be away at school remember? If the day comes when I have to see her, hopefully by then I'll have a good explanation worked out."

Charlie didn't look happy. I knew he didn't like the idea of lying to my mother, especially after their parting on such good terms at our wedding. Nevertheless, he could see there was no other option at this point.

"I guess you're right; I'm not sure I even like knowing, but I like seeing you Bells, so that's that."

It was getting late, and I wanted dad to smooth things out with Sue, so I suggested he go see her while he had time.

"Yeah, you're right, I don't want her to stew all night over this." He said with concern.

"We'll see you tomorrow at the funeral right?"

I suddenly remembered despite my happiness at being with Charlie, there was a sad task the next day.

My voice obviously gave away my sadness. "Yes we'll be there Dad."

"It's such a shame about Sam and Emily; they were such nice people Bells, I'm so sorry they're gone."

"I know Dad, I was there when…" I felt the sadness over their death, coming back.

"I'm sorry you had to see that Bells, I wish you hadn't had to experience that."

Despite everything I had told him about that last two years, Charlie was still my dad wanting to protect me.

I hugged him, and said, "Thanks dad. Now go see Sue, and please tell her I said congratulations."

Charlie stood up and we walked to the front door. Charlie stopped and gave me a hug. "I'm glad I didn't lose you Bells. Promise me you'll keep me in the loop in your life ok?"

"It will be easier now Dad. I love you Charlie, and now that I know I can have you in my life, I'm not about to lose you."

Charlie just put his hand on my cheek and nodded. Edward came up behind us and held out his hand to Charlie again. This time Charlie not only shook Edward's hand, he pulled him into a hug and said, "Thanks for keeping Bells safe Edward…" Then he released him and added, "…and for giving me your word about…ah…the other thing."

Edward laughed a little and said, "You're welcome Charlie."

Charlie walked to the cruiser, waved goodbye and left.

As we closed the door, without a word about Charlie's visit, Edward spun me around and crushed his lips to mine. He ran his hands under the oversized flannel shirt, pulled his lips away and said, "Sorry, but I thought he'd never leave!"

Without letting me down Edward was flying up the stairs to our room. Without stopping we were on the bed and he was kissing me again with even more fervor. He stopped long enough to rasp out, "Bella, I've missed this, I've missed you!"

I said nothing but allowed all the passion I'd kept locked away in Denali, wash over me, and onto him. I returned every kiss with as much passion as he gave it. Like on the plane, I drank in the sweet fragrance of his breath again, which sent fire through my veins. His hands gently caressed my throat and my shoulders, but when they reached the buttons on my shirt, they moved ferociously to remove it. I returned in kind with his, and we spent the night caressing, wrestling and exploring each other. There was nothing I could compare to the way we made love that night; his lips on mine, his hands everywhere at once and his eyes. His eyes like the sunset, amber and gold fire, held me in a trance the whole night. Every feeling, every physical response was heightened and intensified as I looked into his eyes. I was pulled into his stare and lost myself, I never wanted to be found.