AN: Hi Everyone. So heres the next chapter...Charlie is in this one. Enjoy! More to come soon...

Disclaimer: You know the drill...these characters are not mine.

Chapter 3

"Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes"-Gloria Naylor

Bella's POV

After our phone call, I staggered to the steps of my front porch and slowly sat down. I could not believe how much my life had changed in a matter of less than an hour. I, Bella Swan, the clumsiest girl to grace this planet, was going to Harvard University, one of the most prestigious universities in all of North America. To top the cake, I was going there with the smartest, most compassionate, and not to mention the most handsome man ever.

It was starting to get dark before I was snapped back to reality by the sound of my cell phone ringing. I looked at the caller ID before flipping the phone open. It was Rosalie. I couldn't wait to tell her my good news and catch up with her.

"Hi Rose!" I spoke quickly into the phone.

"Bella! Congratulations on getting into Harvard! You must be so excited!" she said with great enthusiasm.

"Thanks Rose! Wait, hold on. How did you know…."

"Oh Bella! Edward told me today when he paid me and Emmett a visit at the house! He's so excited about it!"

"Aw, what was the visit about?" I asked with a hint of suspicion in my voice. It was unlike Edward to not tell me he was heading over to Rose's and Emmett's place.

"Oh nothing really. He wanted to catch up with Emmett and talk to us about the twins. Bella you have no idea how badly they are kicking! Sometimes you can see their feet pushing on my belly. You should come over soon and help me and Emmett go over baby names! We are at each others throats. I could really use another female around here to take him down" she laughed a whole hearted laugh.

"Rosalie that's an awesome idea! Maybe I can come over tomorrow once Edward drops me off. Apparently were doing something that requires me to be up at the crack of dawn. I'm sure I'll be home before dinner though. How does that work for you?" I asked

"Bella you know what?" she said with quite a bit of hesitation. "Tomorrow may not be the best time. I'm super busy with work. I desperately need to get some paperwork done before I take my leave from the office. Look I'll phone you about a get together within a couple of days. I better get going…I think Emmett broke something in the girl's nursery. I'll talk to you soon Bella, love you!". And with that the conversation came to an abrupt end.

"That's weird" I thought to myself. It was unlike Rose to rush off the phone with me. Usually we talked for hours on end. Sometimes we'd even call Alice and have three way conversations. But apparently tonight wasn't going to be one of those nights. It didn't matter anyways, I needed to head inside to do some laundry and cook dinner for Charlie.

I grabbed some pizza dough out of the fridge and preheated the oven. Within ten minutes I had two pizzas ready and placed them into the oven. Charlie would be home in about twenty minutes so I was making good time. I threw some clothes into the washing machine and before I knew it I heard Charlie pull into the driveway.

"Hi Dad" I yelled as he walked into the kitchen.

"Bells, it smells amazing in here! Mhmmm, pizza my favourite!" he said with excitement.

"I know" I said with a giggle. I pulled the pizza out of the oven, cut it into pieces, and placed a piece on a plate for me and Charlie

As we sat quietly and ate I wondered how I was going to tell Charlie I was going to Harvard with Edward.

"Bella, you look perplexed. Is something bothering you honey?" Charlie asked.

"Yeah…um…Dad there's something I wanted to tell you. See, its really good news! I got accepted to Harvard!".

"Oh my God Bella! That's amazing! Congratulations sweetheart! That's a great honour. I didn't know you had even applied there!". Charlie seemed thrilled.

"Oh…yeah…well…um I decided I didn't want to tell anyone. I didn't think I was going to get in" I said looking down knowing I was telling a little white lie.

"Well, no matter! This calls for a celebration! What should we do? How about dinner at the Lodge next weekend? My treat!"

"Dad that sounds great! But there's something else I want to talk to you about." I looked up at Charlie and saw him smiling from ear to ear. He nodded for me to continue speaking.

"Dad, as you know Edward is going to Harvard too. When I found out I got into Harvard I called him right away. We had a discussion about finances…" Then Charlie interrupted me.

"Bella don't worry about the money! I'll find a way to make this dream come true for you. There has to be a way…" I saw a bit of worry in his eyes as he spoke. I knew he barely had enough money saved to put me through one year of college at Seattle University.

"Well that's just the thing Dad, you won't have to worry. Edward has offered to pay my whole tuition! What do you think about that?" I was somewhat nervous to hear his response.

" Oh you mean as in he'll lend you the money and you'll pay him back once you get a good paying job?"

Without thinking about the words that were going to come out of my mouth I replied " Yes Dad exactly!" I knew I was lying. But I didn't want to push the subject any further. I desperately wanted to go to Harvard and I knew Edward would never ever agree to let me pay him back, but Charlie didn't need to know that.

"Well I like that idea a great deal. No worries about interest or bank loans. This looks like it was meant to be sweetheart! I'm so proud of you!" He got up and kissed me on the forehead." You know what Bells, you go upstairs and get yourself ready for bed, I'll worry about the dishes tonight".

"Really Dad? Are you sure? I don't mind helping". I smiled at him.

"Really Bells, you deserve a night off!"

I told my father thank you and the headed off to the stairs. Before I made it to the first step though I ran back into the kitchen and gave my dad the biggest hug I think I ever have. "Dad I love you very much" I said softly and then I ran upstairs to take a shower. In that moment in dawned on me how much I was going to truly miss my father while I was away at school…

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Charlie's POV

I had just finished drying the dishes when the phone rang. I knew Bella was in the shower so I lifted the receiver and heard a familiar voice.

"Hi Charlie. This is Edward Cullen"

"Edward! I was hoping I'd have an opportunity to talk to you over the next couple of days. I heard what you are doing for Bella regarding her tuition. I'd really like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this for her. I'm kind of in a bind with money and I wouldn't be able to send her to Harvard without you. I really appreciate this. It just further exemplifies how much you care for my baby".

"Charlie it is my pleasure to do this! I'd do anything for Bella…you know that! Sir, I am very much in love with your daughter…". There was a few second of silence before Edward began to speak again.

"Umm Charlie the reason I phoned was to go over something with you. See, when I found out Bella was coming to Harvard I decided that Bella should actually visit the campus and surrounding area before the fall. My parents have paid for tickets to Boston leaving tomorrow morning and coming back Tuesday night. They also have paid for the hotel suite in Boston. I was calling to ask your permission for Bella to join me…"

I was in shock. What was this boy playing at? There was no way I was going to let my baby go to Boston with just him!

"Well Edward as nice as that sounds, I'm afraid I won't be letting Bella go with just you to Boston. You both are only eighteen. This is a big step. I should probably be the one taking her down there…" I let my voice trail off…

" Chief Swan I totally understand where you are coming from but I want to assure you that nothing is going to happen to you're daughter. I would really like to do this for her. Please Charlie everything is set…" he said pleading with me.

"Edward this is a bit of an awkward situation". I felt myself giving into Edward, why did this kid have that effect on me? "Cullen? This suite at the hotel…will Bella have her own room?" I asked

"Of course! My parents would never allow for any other set up. The suite actually has three bedrooms and bathrooms. Bella will have her own space and so will I. Charlie does this mean you will let Bella accompany me to Boston tomorrow?"

"Well Edward, I think it does". Why had I given in so easily! Should I be able to trust this boy with Bella? He would never try any funny business with Bella right? "Look Edward, as embarrassing as this is for me to discuss with you, I have my daughter's best interest at heart. Do you understand me when I say that you are not to try any funny business with Bella. Do you understand what I mean Mr. Cullen? Nothing whatsoever".

"Chief Swan I would never dream of it. I know exactly what you are talking about. I promise you can trust me with your daughter. Charlie, thank you for helping me with this. I appreciate your understanding. I have one more favour to ask of you however".

"What is it Edward?" I asked

"Don't tell Bella about this surprise. I have everything covered. Alice is buying her a whole new wardrobe for the trip and I have already arranged to pick her up bright and early tomorrow. I just need you to throw her passport in her purse tonight. Is that okay with you sir?"

"Yes Edward that is fine" I said much to my begrudge.

"Excellent! Charlie I cannot thank you enough for allowing this trip to happen! I will be seeing you when we return to Washington on Tuesday night. I'll drive Bella home so you won't have to worry about it. Have a good night Sir".

"Goodnight Edward" I spoke softly and hung up the phone.

"What have I just agreed to?" I asked myself as I headed for the fridge grabbing a cold one and flopping down in front of the TV….

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Bella's POV

I stepped out of the hot shower and wiped the steam off the mirror. I examined my figure in the mirror. I wasn't that bad looking of a girl. I was well proportioned. In other words, I could fill out a dress pretty well. I wasn't skinny. I had hips and a chest but I felt comfortable with myself for the first time in years. That's the effect Edward had on me. He made me feel beautiful inside and out.

I threw on a pair of boy shorts and a silk cami and then headed off towards my room. I knew it was only 11.00pm but I had to get up bright and early tomorrow.

I turned down my bed and slipped in. I set my alarm clock for 5.30am. I'd have plenty of time to get ready before Edward came and got me. I curled up amongst my sheets and slowly drifted of to dreamland where I of course dreamt of my knight in shinning armour…