All characters from The Vampire Diaries belong to L.J. Smith as well as all characters from Twilight belong to Stephanie Meyer. I own nothing but my version of events.
Chapter 33 No More Secrets
It was Thanksgiving today and my dad was flying in from Forks. I was so excited to get to see him again since it'd been so long since I have and video calls were simple not enough. I'd also been too busy lately and haven't been dedicating enough time to talk to him over the phone. This was my chance to make it up to him. Having him here though would change the dynamics between my friends and I, we wouldn't be able to talk about or use our supernatural abilities around him and that was going to make things difficult.
It were times like these when I wished my dad knew about the supernatural. I had made everyone promise to be on their best behavior and begrudgingly asked them to act more human. I hated the fact that I needed to ask my friends to act like something they weren't, being supernatural was part of who we all were and I hated asking them to hide their true selves. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do to change that so I tried to ignore the guilt within me.
"You know we really don't mind Darlin'. Now can you please stop feeling so guilty?" Jasper asked me as he walked up behind me and pulled me into his chest, wrapping his arms around my front.
I released a long heavy breath. "I can't help it! It's not ok what I'm asking everyone to do, just because my dad doesn't know about what I really am."
He kissed my temple as he spoke again. "It's not like you're trying to keep it from him because you want to. Sam asked you not to tell him and he's your alpha, technically you can't say no."
"Hmm… I guess that's true." I mean he wasn't wrong, Sam did ask me to keep it from him so he wouldn't find out about the wolves. I hated not telling him but I also wanted to keep him away and safe from all the supernatural dangers that surrounded me. It was the only way to secure his safety. I leaned my head back on his shoulder and got up on my tippy toes to kiss him on the chin. "Thanks Jazzy, you're the best."
He chuckled and leaned down to kiss my forehead, "I try."
"So you're coming with me to pick up my dad, right?" I asked in confirmation. I wanted to make sure since I knew he was a little nervous about my father's reaction to him. I hadn't told my dad about the ex-Cullens coming back into my life so it was definitely gonna be a surprise.
"Yes. Though I still don't think it's a good idea." He grumbled.
I giggled lightly at his demeanor. "You don't have to come, Jazz, but I am going to tell my dad about you guys either way. I keep so much from him already that I don't want to add another thing to my long list of secrets… plus I want to spend the holidays with all of you too."
He twirled me around to face him and wrapped his arms around my back. "I want to as well and I'm sorry for making you feel otherwise Darlin' it's just that…"
"That what?"
His eyes shifted to the side as if he didn't want to say the next part but he gave up and looked into my eyes. "It's just that your dad is a little scary."
I immediately burst into laughter at his words. Jasper was a vampire and he was scared of the Chief of Police of Forks.
"Stop laughing, your dad may be human but that mustache and police glare he's got would make any man nervous." He reasoned.
If anything that made it funnier. "Don't worry Major Whitlock. I'll protect you from the big bad cop." I teased.
He narrowed his eyes at me but I could see the small lift on the side of his mouth indicating he was trying to hold in a smile. He leaned forward to bite my lower lip with his teeth and then pulled me forward to capture my mouth.
His tongue slid easily into my surprised mouth and I welcomed him, our lips and tongues intertwining. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pushed myself further into him.
Not feeling like it was enough he leaned down without breaking the kiss and squeezed my ass as he went lower to grasp the back of my thighs to lift me up. I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist and he walked forward until my back hit the wall. He ground his jean covered member into me and I was about to respond in kind when there was a loud cough coming from my bedroom doorway.
"How many times have I told you guys to close the door before you start doing that?" Caroline said in an annoyed voice. "You guys just make the rest of us jealous."
I pulled away from Jasper and giggled as I turned to look at her. Jazz let my legs drop to the floor and took a step back, though he maintained a smile on his face.
"Stop being a hater Care Bear and get one of your own." I said as I reached up to kiss Jasper on his cheek and walked towards Caroline.
"Well it's not as easy as you make it sound." She grumbled.
I rolled my eyes at her as I reached her. "Oh please, anyone would be lucky enough to date my beautiful cousin with the adorable personality."
It was her turn to roll her eyes as she started heading down the stairs. "Yeah… adorable personality… just what every guy wants."
Just as she said it we reached the second floor to find Emmett opening Angie's door. "I love an adorable personality."
"That's because you're mated to Ang, she's as adorable as they come." Care argued.
"Hey!" Angie complained as she stepped out behind Emmett. "I resent that."
"Why babe? You are adorable and I love that most about you." Emmett reasoned as he bent down to kiss her.
"Ugh! I'm surrounded by couples everywhere! It's so annoying." Caroline huffed out as she started going down the last flight of stairs. Jasper and I trailing behind her.
"I'm single too and I don't mind." Damon said from the kitchen as we reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Yeah but you're a giant hoe bag. You love to be single." Caroline argued.
Everyone that was already in the living room laughed at our conversation. Most of them were supernatural's with super hearing and were apparently listening to our banter.
"Change in conversation but I can't wait to see Uncle Charlie." Jeremy butt in. "I haven't seen him since I was like, what, 11?" He asked, not being sure.
"Yeah it's been a while since he's been to MF. I'm happy he's coming back." I said.
"So how do you think Father Swan is going to react to all of us together?" Tyler asked.
"He'll be happy."
"Even though we're here?" Emmett asked.
"Umm, yeah. I've already come up with a good story that I'm sure he'll believe. He might take a little push to warm up to you guys but I'm confident my dad will accept you guys once he sees how well we all get along." I said, I was positive he would be ok with it but he just needed a bit of time. I also felt like something else was going to happen but I had no indication of what that was. It didn't feel like anything bad though so ignored it and figured I'd enjoy the surprise instead. "Alright bitches we gotta go. I want to get some snacks and something to drink before we make our way to the airport, it's a long trip and I get antsy."
"You mean because Jasper puts on his country music and we all have to fight to stay awake?" Angie asked as Emmett helped her put her coat on.
I giggled at her comment as Jasper narrowed his eyes at her. "Country music is great, especially compared to the screaming nonsense Bella listens to."
It was my turn to narrow my eyes at him. "Don't hate and this time we're taking turns on the music selection so shut it." I said as he helped me put my coat on and we said goodbye to everyone as we left. I was so excited to welcome my dad to my new home, I couldn't wait to see him in person again.
I caught sight of my dad walking out of the terminal wearing his customary flannel and jeans with boot clad covered feet. I'd stolen a flannel from my dad's closet before I left and wore it every once in a while when I couldn't bare the distance between my dad and I but the shirt could not compare to actually seeing him live with my own eyes.
I ditched Angie and Jasper running towards my dad and pulling him in for a tight hug.
"I've missed you so much Daddy!" I yelled at him.
"I've missed you more Baby Girl. I feel like I haven't seen you in forever and we haven't been talking as much as we used to either." He complained.
I suddenly felt bad for neglecting him, I'd just been so busy with my powers and in Volterra. "Sorry dad, it's just been hectic around here. I'll be better, I promise."
He simply nodded and walked with me towards my companions.
"Charlie!" Angie screamed as she too hugged my dad as soon as we got close enough. I laughed at their interaction. My dad had become like a second father to her back in Forks and my dad treated her like another daughter as well. I'd even heard her talking on the phone with my dad too since moving to Mystic Falls.
"You look well, Angie. I've missed you kiddo." He said fondly.
She giggled and released him, "I've missed you too."
My dad then looked behind her and found Jasper, looking at him in complete surprise but before I could make the introductions my dad spoke.
"Jasper Cullen?" He questioned angrily.
"Actually, Jasper Whitlock. Nice to see you again Chief Swan." Jasper said politely, though I could tell he was nervous.
"Wish I could say the same." My dad grumbled out.
"Dad! Be nice. Jasper and a couple of his siblings were coincidentally attending Whitmore as well. We reconnected and we've let bygones be bygones. No hard feelings or anything."
"And Edward?" My dad asked suspiciously.
By the look on his face I could tell he thought I had taken him back, I was offended he would think that of me.
I scoffed. "Oh please, like I would even entertain taking him back again." I said rolling my eyes. "He's not at Whitmore. Esme and Carlisle got a divorce soon after leaving Forks and Carlisle took custody of Edward and Alice. Jasper, Emmett and Rose were already adults and attending Whitmore so Esme decided to move closer to them."
We had already thought of a cover story to explain their appearance, I didn't want to hide them from my dad so I needed to make it a good one. Jasper and Angie looked at me in wonder, admiring my wonderful lie. Honestly I was proud of myself too, I was usually a terrible liar.
My dad nodded in understanding but still looked suspiciously at Jasper. I guess it would take him a while to warm up to him. We all silently made our way to the car until Angie broke the silence by engaging my dad in a conversation.
I let out a sigh of relief as we drove in a better mood back to Mystic Falls. I wanted my dad to get to know them again before passing judgment on them. Abandoning me wasn't their fault, they were victims just as much as I was. They were different people now and I loved having them in my life. My dad needed to accept that.
Once we arrived at my house it was already filled with people, everyone welcoming my dad, and my new Mystic crew introducing themselves for the very first time. Everyone had agreed to have Thanksgiving at my house this year since it was the biggest and Angie, Emmett, Rose, Damon and my Aunt Liz had decided to prepare the dinner.
"Uncle Charlie!" Caroline yelled out as she entered the room and went to hug my dad.
My dad squeezed her and then pulled away, moved back but held her hand as he twirled her around in a circle like he used to do when we were little. Caroline let out a loud giggle. "Wow… is that really you Little Carrie? You're all grown up." My dad said blinking rapidly as he looked at her. "It's been so long since I've seen you kiddo."
"Yeah but I'm so glad you're here now."
"Charlie!" exclaimed my Aunt Liz as she too left the kitchen cleaning her hands on a rag and going straight for my dad to welcome him. "It's good to have you back in town."
"I'm glad to be back." He said as he released her. "You've done a great job raising Little Carrie over here."
My aunt chuckled at his comment. "Not so little now is she? or Bella for that matter. Our kids are all grown up and I still can't believe it."
"Can you guys please reminisce another time. Thank god we're not home or mom would have pulled out the photo albums by now." Caroline grumbled out.
I cringed at her words. "Ugh, I forgot about those. Remind me to find them and burn them."
"Definitely! I've got some pictures in there I'd love to get rid of too." Jeremey said.
"Jeremy!" My dad exclaimed this time. "Where's my little boy at? All I see is a grown man before me." He reached over and pulled him in for a man hug, leaving an arm hanging over his shoulders. "But still not as tall as me I see, good try though." He chuckled.
Jeremy laughed at his words. "Well at least a tried. Bella gave up after the age of 14."
"Hey!" I exclaimed as I punched him on the arm. "I just didn't want to be tall."
"Of course not Belly, or else who would be able to lead the Oompah Loompah parade this year." Caroline added.
I narrowed my eyes at her preparing to argue back when my dad spoke up again.
"But I guess some things never change, huh Lizzy?" My dad said, nudging her with his elbow as they laughed at our bickering.
I rolled my eyes but in the inside I was excited to have everyone here.
My house was full of love and laughter, everyone getting along and my dad's initial animosity floating away when he realized how nice and how well everyone got along with the Cullens… or ex-Cullens since now they were all going by their own last names. Esme still hadn't arrived but she would be here shortly, dinner was almost ready and I knew she wouldn't miss it.
Suddenly my front door burst open and in walked Esme, bringing in with her a giant dog. She had started donating her time at the pound after I'd gifted her with her cold daylight ring and since now animals didn't instinctively fear them anymore she loved interacting with them daily. We'd always find her fostering random animals from time to time.
"Sorry I'm late but this one was putting up a fight in the bath. He needed one desperately, especially if he was going to spend Thanksgiving with us." She announced.
I laughed at her flustered movements. "Hey Esme!" I said as I pulled my dad with me to greet her. "Dad, you remember Esme right?" I asked but I was met with complete silence. I frowned in confusion until I looked at my dad, who had the most mesmerized look on his face.
He looked like he'd never seen the sun before. When I looked at Esme she had the brightest smile on her face. My mouth fell open in complete surprise at the realization of what had just happened or at least of what I thought had just happened but I needed confirmation just in case.
"Is this really happening?" I asked anyone who would answer.
"Yes, definitely the look of finding your true mate." Emmett confirmed for me.
Holy shit.
My dad suddenly shook his head as if finally coming back to reality. "True mate? What are you talking about?"
Oh crap, I bit my lip in worry. I guess this was that weird feeling I had felt earlier…
My dad would have to know the truth about me and my life now. I knew he was going to do something to force me to tell him my secret and I guess this was it. I was so happy I didn't have to hide myself from him anymore, I hated keeping secrets from my dad and I was elated with the idea of finally being open with him once again. Sam would have to understand. I also didn't mind that Esme turned out to be my dad's mate. She deserved to find happiness after being abused by both of her previous husbands. I knew my dad would never treat her that way and my dad also deserved someone as good as Esme.
Unfortunately I was also scared of how he would react. When Aunt Liz had found out about Caroline… it wasn't pretty. I didn't want to experience the same thing, it would break my heart if my father rejected me.
"Let's sit down dad. There's a lot we need to discuss." I said as I pulled him back down to the couch and sat with him. "I guess I should start at the beginning…"
I told my dad everything that had happened to me since moving to Forks: Edward, James, finding my ability, Victoria. Then I transitioned to what has happened since moving here to MF and finding out about being a witch, the Cullens appearing, the Volturi. By the end of my explanation my dad was sitting there with a look of complete understanding, not at all surprised by what I had explained to him.
"How are you handling this so well?" I asked him, curious to know what the hell was going on in his head.
He shrugged his shoulders, unbothered by my question or anything else I had just divulged. "It all just makes sense Bella. I always knew my mother was a bit different, I knew she was keeping something from me and I was ok with that. When she met you though, I knew she had let you in on her secret. You seemed so happy though that I didn't question you or her about it, just accepted it as it came... and living in Forks I've seen a lot of unexplainable things. The Cullen's always looked different and they always made me feel unnerved by their presence, they seemed too perfect to be real and the Quileute's? Let's just say I've seen some of the boys in La Push running around in the forest naked, I've also seen some giant wolves running around in the forest but have kept quiet about it. I know their legends, Billy thought I had forgotten them but one could never forget stories like those. Once I got a good look at the guys I figured they weren't as far from the truth as I had initially thought but like everything else, I've accepted it silently."
"Why?" I asked bewildered.
"Because, it didn't affect me in any way and I figured if I expressed my knowledge of the supernatural I would be exposed to it as well and I wasn't ready for that. Though now that I know how Edward almost killed you at the hospital and that you had a vicious vampire trying to kill you I wish I could have said something earlier or that you could have said something to me. I want to be mad at you but I can't be because I acknowledge I also have my own fault in this when I didn't say anything about my suspicions either." My dad lamented.
"Its ok dad, I'm glad you weren't involved in any of it. At the time I could only protect myself but I couldn't protect you. The wolves helped me do that though. They followed you everywhere you went, making sure that Victoria didn't get to you." I said and then asked him the one question I feared the most. "So you don't care that I'm… different?"
My dad looked at me and held my hand. "Sorry to break it to you sweetheart but you've always been different." Chuckles were heard all around the room at his comment. "I've accepted you since the moment the doctor placed you in my arms. I figured early on you were destined to be something more, so when you became involved in the supernatural I didn't bat an eye. Still, I wish we had both come clean sooner and not have waited for something like this to happen to be truthful with one another."
I looked sadly at him, feeling ashamed of not telling him sooner. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner dad. I just felt like I needed to protect you from all this mess. Being surrounded by the supernatural is dangerous for humans, just ask Angie and Matt. I couldn't risk your life by involving you in my mess. I love you too much to see you hurt because of me." I admitted.
He pulled me in for a fierce hug. "Don't feel guilty Bella. I know that's the reason why you kept it from me and I appreciate your concern for me. Now though I want us to be open and let me in completely into your life. Good, bad, or Supernatural."
I nodded into his chest and said, "Promise."
"Good." He said, right as Damon walked in announcing dinner was ready.
"Did I miss something?" He asked.
We all rolled our eyes and laughed as we made our way to the dining table to have Thanksgiving dinner. My dad instinctively holding on to Esme's hand as they walked. I have to admit, it was weird to see and I never would have imagined things to turn out like this but I was happy for the both of them. I mean my dad hadn't dated since…
"Wait!" I announced as we were all taking our seat. "Aren't you seeing someone already?" I asked my dad, there was no way I would let him be unfaithful to anyone. He was my dad but I would still call him out in his wrong doing, just as I'm sure he would do to me.
"What?" Esme exclaimed as she released my father's hand.
My dad coughed uncomfortably but shook his head. "No." He stated. "Well last time we talked I was seeing someone but it ended a couple of weeks ago. I haven't talked to you much Bella so I hadn't had the opportunity to fill you in." Then he looked at Esme. "I am 100% single now."
She smiled brightly at him and took his hand back. "Good." She said.
"Ok cool. Sorry I called you out like that dad." I apologized.
"Seriously Bella. You're messing with your old man's game, so not cool." Tyler joked.
My dad laughed at his words. "I have no game but thanks anyway I guess and you don't need to apologize baby girl."
"Ok! Now that that's over. Who will carve the turkey?" I asked.
"Wait, shouldn't we all say what we're thankful for or something?" Caroline asked.
"Oh good idea!" my aunt Liz agreed.
Numerous groans were heard around the table, including my own but then I started thinking about all that's happened in my life and especially today. I definitely never thought this would be happening so soon but I was happy my dad knew now and that I didn't have to keep my real identity hidden from him anymore. It felt freeing to know that I was truly out in the open now and I didn't have to watch my words in fear.
I looked around and realized I was surrounded by everyone I loved, of course we were missing the pack but I knew that no matter the distance they would always continue to be my family. This Thanksgiving I found I had a lot of things to be thankful for.
