Rating/Warning(s)/Note(s): T, Shadows
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Prompt: Idol
The wedding was beautiful in its simplicity. Sue wore a sky blue, tea length dress that made her skin glow. Charlie was in a black tux with a light blue boutonniere. Leah and I were both in slightly darker dresses as Seth stood in as best man with Edward beside him. At first Edward demurred, but Charlie insisted, saying he wanted his entire family on the podium with them. He didn't say anything, but I could tell that Edward was touched.
We were joined by the Cullens and the tribe, which included Jacob and Marta. The reception was a rousing bonfire on the beach, complete with hot dogs on wire hangers, a soda chugging contest by the wolf pack, chocolate cupcakes, and many laughs.
As the night wore on we pulled sweaters on our shoulders and told stories around the fire. Tales of me growing up, how each of the Cullens became a vampire, the legends of how the Quiluetes began to shape-shift, and Charlie and Sue's dates were shared. I think my dad's eyes bugged out when he realized just how old Carlisle was, but he nodded in agreement as Carlisle came to describe his journey to discovering they could survive on animal blood.
"It takes a strong man to overcome what he's born into, how he's created, and rise above it," Charlie said, raising a glass of root beer in salute. He would be driving later, and if there's anything Charlie doesn't tolerate, it's having any alcohol before getting behind the wheel. That didn't mean there wasn't a case of beer in the trunk.
"Isn't that what we're all born to do?" Carlisle asked him. "Aren't we supposed to overcome the natural savage, demon or whatever is inside of us and look outside ourselves to serve our fellow man?"
Charlie glanced at me. "Did your father miss you, after you were changed?"
Carlisle nodded. "Yes, but he also thought I was dead. If he knew I was alive he would have burned me himself. To him, I am the devil incarnate. He was incapable of seeing beyond what I was to who I am." Carlisle also looked at me, giving me a small smile. "For your safety, Charlie, Bella shouldn't be around you shortly after she's changed." He turned back to my father. "Newborn vampires are very bloodthirsty. We've promised her to take her where she can't hurt anyone."
"She'll stay young and beautiful forever?" I could see a tear forming in Charlie's eye.
"She will. I promise it. She'll also be fast, graceful, and strong."
Charlie snorted a laugh. "Bella will be graceful? If you can accomplish that, then you're my idol."
"Okay, enough jokes about my clumsiness, dad. Remember, I didn't get it from mom," I interjected, pointing a finger at him in accusation.
"I wonder what our baby will inherit," Marta said, placing a hand on her lower stomach. For a split second there was no sound as everyone looked at her in shock. Well, everyone that was human, the vampires were all smiling.
A roar of cheers and congratulations broke the silence as we all rose to hug them both. Edward caught me when I almost toppled over backward in my folding chair, making Charlie shake his head. Stupid chair, doesn't it know when to fold and when I'm standing up?
When the chaos settled down I found myself next to Charlie. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, pulling me away from Edward.
"I'll have a word with Seth," Edward said, leaning over to kiss the top of my head.
Charlie put his hand to my back and indicated that he wanted to walk away from the group. It was colder away from the fire, so I pushed my arms through my sweater and wrapped it tightly around me.
"Thanks for not being upset over me selling the house." Charlie never was one for beating around the bush. "I thought you might want it, but it's probably better you don't."
"We don't need it." I took a step closer to him, looking for warmth, and he responded by putting his arm around my shoulders. "Yes, there are a lot of memories there, but you and Sue should have your own place to start your life together."
"Well, we were talking about the money, or what will happen with the new place when one of us goes…"
"Dad, you know I don't need any money, right? The Cullens have a large fortune." I wrapped one of my arms around his waist to give him a light squeeze. "Leah and Seth need it more. There are a few things I'd like to have, remembrances, but I don't need anything."
"Things like what?" he asked, stopping us so he could turn me and put both arms around me. I was trying hard not to shiver.
"Grandma Swan's blanket, pictures, that kind of stuff." I wondered if I would always remember the way my dad smelled. It was a mixture of woods, fish and something uniquely him.
"That's not much. Are you sure you don't want some of the money from the house?"
"No, I only want things that remind me of you." I could feel tears building. Edward said that human memories fade, and that I would be changed after Charlie passed. Would I remember my father?
"I love you too, Bella," he said, hugging me tight. We could both see Sue chatting with Seth, looking over to where we were. "I guess it's time for me to go."
"She's great, dad. I'm so glad you're going to be happy." We moved from our embrace and began to walk back, Charlie's arm once again draped over my shoulders.
"I'm glad you approve. That means the world to me, but you mean more."
A tear slipped out and ran down my face. "I love you too, dad."
The things that I've inherited that I treasure are mementos. Pictures, my great-great-grandfather's spectacles, a couple daguerreotypes of ancestors, these are the things that are of great worth.
