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In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. - Robert Frost, American poet

Sunday, June 29, 2008
11 a.m. - Cullen Residence

"Dad, can I ask you something?" Edward asked, peering into his dad's office.

Carlisle Cullen immediately wheeled around in his swivel chair to look over his mahogany desk and at his son, who was standing idly in the doorway. In the past, many father-son talks had happened in the office and Carlisle Cullen delighted in the times when he was able to give advice to his son. Not being particularly close with his own father, he was glad he and Edward had a fairly close relationship and liked being a guiding force for his son. It had been a while since Edward had really come to him like this over bullying at school and Carlisle was hoping this time it was something more positive his son wanted advice on.

"Sure thing," Carlisle nodded, gesturing to the seat on the other side of his desk. "Take a seat."

Edward had to admit his father's office had always interested him. In addition to his life-size skeleton, molds and models of the human brain and other body parts, Carlisle Cullen was a collector of weird knickknacks and unusual antiques. He had several medical kits from the Civil War and early 1800s containing all gruesome manner of saws, blades and instruments as well as tons of old medicine bottles and textbooks as well as a huge, antique illustration of the anatomy of man. There was a picture of Henry Gray, Thomas Linacre, John Hunter and some other famous physicians Carlisle admired throughout the room. Sometimes, visitors asked if they were Cullen ancestors, which always earned a good laugh from Carlisle.

"What can I do for you?" Carlisle asked.

"Um… well…" Edward said nervously. "I need… I need advice… about asking out a girl…"

"So, you're going to ask out Bella Swan, huh?" Carlisle asked with a slight wiggle of his eyebrows.

"Dad," Edward said embarrassedly.

"What?" Carlisle said. "She's a nice young lady and it's been rather obvious you're sort of sweet on her."

"Please, Dad, don't…" Edward shook his head. "I just… can we not make a big, huge thing about this, okay? I'm already freaking out enough as it is and… please don't tell Mom… just… not until this is a sure thing, okay? Because I really don't want her to get all excited and pester me about this only for Bella to say 'no' or tell me she thinks I'm a creep or something…"

"I don't think Bella thinks that of you," Carlisle said, "but I will respect your wishes. Your mother can be… exuberant at times. I understand that."

"Okay… so… what should I do?" Edward asked nervously.

"Well, before you even ask her I would suggest having something planned in advance… an idea of what kind of outing you want to take," Carlisle said. "Having ideas or suggestions in advance will not only show her that you have put serious thought into this and are thinking of her but it will also make you more confident when you ask. It won't be an arbitrary 'sometime' or 'some place' but a solid plan. And if she proposes something else, go with it and give her input. After all, you want her to have a good time. You don't have to do anything elaborate or make any grand gesture, but it should be a nice outing. For example, you wouldn't invite Bella to help you clean the gutters or to accompany you to a dental appointment."

"Right," Edward nodded. "Okay… so think about an idea of what to do…"

"As far as asking her, it would be best to do in private so she doesn't feel pressured," Carlisle continued. "Asking her in front of friends could end up humiliating for one or both of you. Making her feel pressured to answer in front her friends isn't a good idea. She could either accept or reject you for the wrong reasons in that case…"

"What do I do… if she rejects me?" Edward asked nervously.

"I honestly don't think that will happen," Carlisle smirked, "but if it does take it like a man. Don't badger her or pressure her or get angry with her. That's a surefire way to make sure she'll never consider you again. But, if she does say yes, be polite and make sure you discuss what you've planned. On the night of the excursion itself, I would bring her flowers or some sort of candy if you know she has a preference or a favorite. Be polite and respectful to her parents and show them you will be polite and respectful to her. And be polite and respectful to her. I don't think I need to remind you this isn't the home run derby son. Treat it more like batting practice…"

"I don't like where these baseball analogies are going," Edward groaned.

"I'm just saying, most young ladies don't appreciate a guy getting fresh on a first date," Carlisle said. "And if you have any intention of turning this into a quick run around the bases, I would suggest a different girl than Bella Swan."

"Dad, please," Edward said, feeling like he needed his inhaler so he wouldn't hyperventilate. "I'm not going to… I mean… I haven't even asked…"

"Just checking; it's my prerogative as a father," Carlisle shrugged. "Make sure you have her home on time, see her in to make sure she's safe and if at any point she wants to go home or leave, you don't pressure her into staying. You take her home safely, understood?"

"Why would she want to leave?" Edward asked nervously.

"Women are sometimes mysterious creatures. You have to be prepared for anything they might throw at you… sometimes literally…" Carlisle shrugged. "Well, have I answered all your questions?"

"And then some," Edward muttered.

"Alright," Carlisle said, clapping his son on the back. "Got get her, tiger."

"Dad!"

Monday, June 30, 2008
1 p.m. – Swan Residence

"So, what happened?" Alice demanded to know as she flopped down next to Bella on her bed.

Bella had wanted to call Alice with the news, but when the first sentence left her lips Alice insisted this was a face-to-face conversation rather than an over-the-phone conversation. Bella had waited ten minutes so Alice could drive over and they could discuss the entire thing. She hoped Alice didn't overanalyze and dissect everything because for right now Bella just wanted to be happy. After all, she would have to tell her dad about this when he got home and she had a feeling Charlie Swan wasn't going to be too enthused about this latest event in his only daughter's life.

"I was at the supermarket with Mom," Bella said, "you know, buying stuff for dinner tonight… groceries and…"

"Boring!" Alice pronounced.

"And his Mom had sent him there to pick up flour and some butter because she was baking and ran out of…" Bella started again.

"Ugh! Come on, Bella!" Alice groaned. "Get to the good stuff!"

"I'm getting to that point," Bella rolled her eyes. "Anyway, he asked me if I had seen that comedy… you know the one with…"

"He asked you to see a movie?" Alice said.

"No, he asked me if I wanted to see it," Bella snorted. "Then he said he wanted to see it too, and he said that maybe we could go see it this weekend…" Alice squealed. "And then I asked him if he wanted me to ask you and Rose…"

"Oh my gawd, Bella you didn't!" Alice groaned.

"I didn't know he just wanted to go with me!" Bella insisted. "Then he said 'Well, I guess you could ask them, but I kind of thought it would be better with just the two of us.'"

"Go, Edward!" Alice grinned.

"And I said 'okay' and asked him when he thought would be good," Bella said. "And he said Friday night if I didn't have anything else. You know, the theaters are crowded on Friday nights, but since this one's been out a few weeks it won't be as crowded…"

"The highlights, Bella," Alice said. "Give me the highlights."

"I'm just telling you what he said!" Bella insisted. "Anyway, I told him Friday night was fine and he asked if I wanted to get dinner beforehand because we could do it here or there. And I told him there's a lot more options in Port, so we both settled on Bella Italia because we both like Italian food…"

"I thought you didn't like that restaurant because it has your name in it?" Alice said.

"It's got good food," Bella said. "I don't like how you always call it 'my' restaurant and try to tease me into making a scene and telling everyone that I'm Bella Italia. It's childish."

"Your dad thinks it's funny," Alice shrugged.

"My dad thinks Jeff Foxworthy is the greatest comedian who ever lived and misquotes him constantly," Bella pointed out.

"Well, this is exciting! You're going on your first date!" Alice squealed. "We have to plan your outfit!"

"Come on, Alice," Bella rolled her eyes. "You know my dad. He's going to kill Edward Cullen tonight after I tell him…"

"Tell your mom first. She'll back you up," Alice shrugged. "I mean, seriously, of all the guys in town I can't see Charlie flipping out over Edward Cullen. He wears argyle sweaters, plays the piano and is extremely polite to everyone."

"What are you trying to say?" Bella asked.

"Nothing," Alice shook her head. "He's just a nice guy. Besides, he kind of did save your life. You might want to remind your dad of that if he gets too out of hand."

"I don't know if that will help," Bella sighed. "You know how Charlie Swan logic works: the worst thing that can happen will. I'm sure he's just going to decide to clean his guns for the summer Friday night. And Dad has insisted I'm living at home and remaining a virgin until I'm forty or he's dead, whichever comes last."

"He just says that," Alice shook her head. "My dad wasn't exactly over the moon that I was going out with Jasper, but the two of them get along pretty well, now. And he likes having another guy around to back him up whenever Mom, Cyn and I gang up on him. Now, let's find you something sexy to wear."

"Because Dad will really let me out of the house if he thinks I'm trying to look sexy," Bella sighed.

"Come on! Be excited!" Alice encouraged her. "Now, pants or skirt? Decisions, decisions…"

6 p.m.

Bella had no clue how she was going to approach her father about her date Friday night, but luckily she had her mother to back her up like Alice had suggested. Renee had been excited when her daughter told her about Edward Cullen. After some tears over the fact that her daughter was growing up, she had quizzed Bella about what she was planning to wear, where the two of them were going, and any piece of trivia she could procure about Edward Cullen himself. Renee determined he had to be a nice young man, not only because he was respectful and had good parents but because he was one of the main reasons her daughter was still alive. Renee was just as romantic as Alice in some ways, and thought it was sweet the boy who had saved her daughter also had a crush on her.

However, Bella was so focused on how her father would react to the entire thing to even think about the excitement of going out with Edward. Charlie Swan had arrived home at the usual time to the smell of his wife making his favorite chili and a cold beer waiting for him in the fridge. He was a little suspicious as to why his wife was making his favorite meal. She even had made a chocolate cake for dessert, which was something she had reserved for special occasions only after Charlie's cholesterol and high blood pressure report the last time he went to the doctor. Renee was very bubbly and greeted him at the door, encouraging him to make himself comfortable at the dinner table after getting something to drink. Bella was nervously setting the table as his wife brought over the meal for the evening including the large pot of chili and plate of cornbread she had made. When they both settled into their own respective seats, Charlie leaned back in his own chair and sighed.

"Alright, you two," he said. "What's going on?" Renee and Bella shared a look between them and Charlie smirked to himself. They were pretty good as a team, but after nearly seventeen years of watching the two of them conspire together on everything from surprise parties to the time Bella and Alice broke the living room window playing badminton inside the house, Charlie could tell when his girls were up to something.

"Well, Bella was going to tell us about her plans for this Friday," Renee said, giving her daughter a slight nudge. Bella colored bright red and started pushing her supper around on her plate, not able to look her father directly in the eye.

"What's going on, Bells?" Charlie prodded.

"Um…well… Mom and I were at the store today grocery shopping," Bella began. "And I ran into Edward Cullen and he. KindofaskedmeoutforFridayand Isaidyes."

"I didn't get that last bit, Bells," Charlie gruffed.

"Charles," Renee glared at him. He sighed.

"I'll think about it," he said.

"Think about what?" Renee asked.

"Whether or not she can go," Charlie said simply.

"Charles!" Renee grimaced. "She's already said yes and he's coming to pick her up."

"Renee, that's hardly enough time to do a thorough background check," Charlie said.

"I certainly hope you're trying to crack a joke," Renee said. "Perhaps we should have just sprung this on you when he showed up to pick Bella up, hmm?"

"Well, when is he coming over?" Charlie sighed.

"Five-thirty," Bella said.

"I'll have to get off work early," Charlie nodded. "He better have you home by ten…"

"Midnight," Renee said.

"Ten," Charlie said.

"Eleven-thirty," Renee compromised. Charlie grumbled, but didn't argue any more, but grunted in the affirmative.

"I want to see him before you leave. And I want his cell phone number just in case," Charlie directed. "And you might tell him to show up a bit early so I can talk with him…"

"Dad, please don't ruin this for me," Bella begged.

"I'm your father and it's my job to make sure you're safe," Charlie replied sternly.

"Don't worry honey," Renee smiled. "You just focus on having fun, okay?"

"Not too much fun," Charlie instructed, leading Renee to roll her eyes. She changed the subject from their daughter's impending date to local town gossip, which was sufficient to distract Charlie until after supper. It was only after Bella left the room and the two of them were doing the dishes Charlie brought the subject back up again.

"I don't like this," Charlie informed Renee.

"You can't stop our little girl from growing up," Renee pointed.

"No, but I can stop her from going out with boys as long as she's living under my roof," Charlie snorted.

"You really want to deny her a typical teenage experience?" Renee rolled her eyes. "This is Edward Cullen we're talking about. He's not exactly dangerous. He has good parents, makes good grades and he's never in trouble. He doesn't even speed when he drives."

"Yeah, well, he could be hiding something," Charlie said. "I might want to give Dr. Cullen a call tomorrow… just to iron something out…"

"This is a date in high school, Charlie, not an arranged marriage," Renee sighed. "You know as well as I do he's a nice young man, and Bella could do a lot worse. She could have brought home one of those boys who has a file in your office as thick as a dictionary. Besides, he did save her life, Charlie. Even you can't deny that. You know he didn't have to…"

"Alright, alright, Renee," Charlie sighed. "She can go out with the boy, but that doesn't mean I have to like it and it doesn't mean I have to treat this kid like the sun shines out of his ass. He's going to know he better treat my little girl with respect."

"Fine," Renee acquiesced, "but you do realize if you scare him off Bella will never forgive you." Charlie muttered something under his breath as he turned on the dishwasher, leaving Renee to creep toward the back of the house where she found Bella waiting on the stairs.

"So?" Bella asked worriedly.

"He'll be fine," Renee assured her daughter with a hug. "It's just hard for him to see you're almost an adult. I think the day a boy came around asking for you was the day he's feared most since you were born."

"I know," Bella sighed.

"Just be extra sweet on him this week," Renee instructed. "You are his only little girl."

"Thanks mom," Bella smiled. "For everything."

End Note:
Parents are an important contributing factor when it comes to bullying, according to the National Education Association. Children and teenagers who have parents that offer little emotional support, fail to monitor activities, or have no involvement in their child's lives are at a greater risk for becoming bullies.

Parents who are extremely permissive or excessively harsh with their discipline can also increase the risk their child will become a bully. Children's home discipline often establishes a pattern for how they interact at school. Studies found children who were disciplined with yelling or hitting was more likely to yell or hit other children when angry. Boys, especially, are more inclined to physically attack other students in anger if they witness their fathers do the same at home.

If a child sees a parent threatening, intimidating or bullying school administrators and personnel, it will teach the child to treat their classmates and schools. This study found, however, that parents who engage in bullying activity towards school personnel often engage in this type of activity toward their own children.