Chapter 34: Charlie's Wake

(Just a small reminder, I do not own, nor am I affiliated with

anyone or anything concerning the Twilight Universe.)

Edward went with me to the Olympic Funeral Home to pick up Charlie's remains. I stood by the door with my arms wrapped tightly around my chest while Edward paid the $200 fee for incinerating my father.

The mere though of it made me sick.

The Cullens had begun to fret over my near silence. Every time I opened my mouth to speak I found myself on the verge of tears. Alice tried to get me out, to forget about things, neither shopping nor going to work seemed to help.

Carlisle insisted that I take more time off work. As long as I was staying at the house, there was really no need for me to do anything. I knew that in my state of mind, I could be a liability, and Carlisle, or the hospital could be sued for malpractice. So I agreed reluctantly.

Jacob called me to inform me that we had the okay to put Charlie's ashes by his favorite fishing spot, not in, for fear it would make the fish sick.

Esme helped me prepare the memorial at the lake, as well as a wake at Charlie's house. "Bella you understand of course, that we cannot go to the memorial. I'm sure Edward and Carlisle will accompany you to the wake, but if the Quileutes will be there..."

"Why is that?" I asked quietly.

"Nobody has told you about the treaty?" Esme replied.

I shook my head, trying to keep eye contact without tearing up. "Billy Black made it pretty clear that he doesn't like you guys though."

Esme hummed. "Must a a descendant of Ephraim's. When Ephraim Black was the Chief for all intents and purposes, he and his... pack found us hunting on their land. This was seventy odd years ago of course. They wanted to protect the tribe, and we just wanted to live somewhere, where we could remain inconspicuous.

It took a lot of convincing to make them believe that we were no like other they had come across. Eventually they believed us, a line was drawn, they cannot cross into our territory without invitation. And we cannot enter Quileute lands without risking a war."

The story confused me. What kind of power did the Tribe have to enforce such a treaty?

Billy and Sue Clearwater flanked either side of me as I released Charlie's ashes, tears in my eyes. Why did I have to do this. And why couldn't Edward be with me?

Everyone took time to say a few words about Charlie. 29 year old Mark Wilhelm was named Interim Chief, until the people voted and named the person who would replace my Daddy.

"Chief Swan, was my hero. He was named Chief when I was fifteen. He came to give an assembly about drugs and alcohol. I remember his exact words, they really had an impact on the person I became." Mark said, he eyes on me.

"When his wife and daughter left, he never strayed from his post. He was always the Chief, he even saw my dad, who was a therapist..."

I stumbled, why did he have to bring that up. A heavy sob escaped my throat, Jacob's warm arm wrapped tightly around my waist holding me up.

More people lined up to speak. I just couldn't hear any more. I wriggled out of Jake's grasp and ran to my borrowed car. I knew better than to drive. I crawled into the back seat of Carlisle's Mercedes and cried myself to dehydration.

I heard an odd crunch against the gravel, before someone tapped lightly on the window. I sat up to see Billy Black, his dark eyes were red and puffy. I opened the door as he rolled back.

"Bella, if you want Jacob to drive... your vehicle to the house - " He started I shook my head.

"I'm fine," I rasped "Just need a few more minutes. You and Jake go ahead."

Billy nodded and went to a large black truck, where Jacob lifted him into the passenger seat, before easily tossing the chair into the bed.

I took several steadying breaths before turning over the ignition. "Please, God, Gods, whomever, whatever please let this go smoothly. Please let Edward be at the house. I can't do this anymore."

I never prayed, so I wasn't sure who I was talking to. I drove the familiar roads and parked in the driveway of the house. Sue was setting up several card tables, on which food, drink, and photos were placed. She smiled warmly at me, motioning for me to join her. I couldn't bring myself to open the door.

The door opened and a pair of strong cold arms wrapped around me. I knew this hug, this was my hug, my Edward. I sobbed quietly into his chest while he stroked my hair. "Shh, it's alright now love. I'm here. Even Esme is here."

"I c-can't d-do this a-anymore Edward..." I choked out.

"Bella, it's okay, look, Renee and Phil came." I turned my head to the side and spotted my mother looking entirely appalled as Esme spoke to her.

"I should go pacify my mother." Edward sighed. I clutched tightly to his shirt, not wanting to let him go.

He lifted me, and all but carried me bodily, to where Esme, Renee, and Phil stood.

"- laying on the floor! Of all times to just vanish on her."

"Esme." Edward's voice was controlled, he sounded so much like Carlisle that Esme spun around with a look of shock. "Mom this is neither the time, nor the place. Let Renee grieve as she sees fit."

Phil's eyes narrowed at the placement of Edward's arm around me. I buried my face into his side, not wanting to face the scrutiny of the only man who was in a sense, another father. He did care for me, I knew that. But I would rather have Carlisle acting that part.

The thought shocked me, I looked back toward the Mercedes and saw Jake looking at it almost worshipfully. Billy Black and Jasper shared a quick nod, and Alice watched me with sad eyes.

Nobody was acting right. Esme was yelling at my mother. Billy was nodding at a Cullen, Alice wasn't rushing at me, and Carlisle was nowhere to be seen.

"I want to go home please." I said to Edward. This alternate universe thing wasn't helping me at all.

"Bella..." My mother's voice sounded like it always did when I was doing something wrong.

Esme turned and glared. Even Phil looked taken aback.

"Are you sure beautiful? I don't mind, but don't you want to talk to anyone?"

I shook my head. I felt dead inside. I couldn't stand to hear more people telling me what I already knew. "Charlie was a good man." I don't think I could bear hearing it again.

I just wanted to go home, to be held, to cry, to sleep for a week.

"Alright, mom, if you'll tell whoever asks. I'm going to take Bella back to the house."

Quick notice, my Beta is AWOL this week. So if I mucked up anywhere... It's her fault. *grins*

Just Kidding.

(kind of)

Also hit up my profile for the link to the Coffee Shop Library where I'm moving my

other story, Three Sheets to the Wind.

For all you lovely people begging for updates in reviews, I love you, but Blood Amongst the Roses is only updated on Mondays at Midnight PST. (It's to keep the illusion that I'm a good story teller - I always leave you wanting more...

or begging for the end...

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CHEERS!

Josephine