Chapter seven: Round Two

Walking up to the house we were laughing and hugging like old times, like friends. When we reached the front porch of Jake's house our fathers were there and we both stopped. I looked at Charlie, crossed my arms and gave him the most severe look I could to let him know I was very upset with him. I could tell that Jake did the same to Billy. I wanted to laugh but I had to stay serious for the ride home. "Good night Billy, it was nice seeing you again," I said without taking my eyes off of Charlie.

"Have a safe drive home Charlie," Jake said in the same approach I had just spoken. I walked to the cruiser and got in with my arms still crosses waiting. Charlie said bye to Billy sheepishly and got into the cruiser. Jake helped Billy back into the house and once the door was closed he started giving him an earful.

Our drive started silent and Charlie was twitching his fingers on the steering wheel. I looked straight ahead not even looking at him despite the fact that he was taking glances at me from the corner of his eye. "What did you think you were going to achieve by taking me there today?" I finally asked.

He cleared his throat with a cough, "Well, uh…well it looks like you two," he started but I quickly interrupted. "It doesn't matter what you saw. I want to know what you thought you were doing by planning this," I snapped with just enough anger so he could take me seriously.

"I…I just wanted. I wanted you to see that you have feelings for that boy too. To prove to you that Edward is not your one and only." Now he was getting steamed, but that just egged me on more.

"You think I needed you to do that to show me that I love Jacob?" I could tell that this caught him off guard. I couldn't believe that he thought that I didn't believe that I could love someone other than Edward. "Well dad, you sure don't get it do you. I know Edward is not my only love, but he is my love. He is my choice. I love Jacob, but he is not my match…Edward is. Why can't you accept that?"

"He hurt you really bad Bells! Do you think I want to see you with that loser who broke your heart?"

I scoffed, "Oh you are one to talk."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Think about it dad," I was fuming.

"No Bella you tell me now," his grip tightened on the wheel in frustration.

"Okay well why should I listen to you about not falling for someone who hurt me when you can't let go of the one who hurt you?" he was quiet.

"That is not fair Bells," his voice had lowered.

"Oh and why not? I bet if mom came to you telling you she was sorry and that she made a mistake, you would take her back like that," I snapped my fingers.

"But I am your father," he tried to justify.

"Yes and I am an adult and I can choose whoever I want," I couldn't believe I played that card but it was too late to take it back. We had pulled up in front of the house and once the car was in park I bolted inside the house almost tripping a few times. It was a miracle I didn't fall. I was about half way up the stairs when he called to me, "Isabella Swan get back down here NOW!" I cringed I knew this was not going to end well.

I walked back down to the first step and looked at Charlie. "You may be an adult young lady but you are my child."

"Yes but I am not a child. I am free to make decisions on my own."

"Oh so you think you know the world? You think that you are going to live happily ever after with this guy? Well let me tell you something life is no fairytale," his cheeks were red from anger. "I am your father and you will listen to what I tell you."

"I will listen, but it does not mean that I have to put up with it or do what you say."

"That is exactly what it means Bella; you live here in my house, under my roof and with my rules and you will not marry Edward."

"What? How can you say that?" I was stunned I could not believe he had just said that to me.

"Like this, Bella as long as you are living under my roof you will do as I say and I am telling to you call of your engagement."

"No…I am going to marry Edward," I was so hurt by his insensitivity and that he could not really accept my love for Edward.

"Not if you are living with me you are not."

"Why can't you accept that I love him more than any other man?!"

"Because you have not met any other man and the one you did get to know you broke his heart. Jacob is a good guy…"

"Edward is a good guy too. So it's not the fact that I am getting married that you are upset with, it's the fact that it's not Jake. Well that is too bad dad 'cause I will never marry Jacob no matter how hard you push him or any other guy on me."

"Now you listen to me, you are going to call Edward and tell him the wedding is off or…"

"Or what? Huh?" I threw my hands up in frustration.

"Or I don't want you in this house a second longer!" he pointed his finger to the door signaling that he wanted me out. That hurt me so much, but if he wasn't going to accept my decision I was going to have to leave.

"Fine! I'm gone," I spat back and ran up the stairs, into my room and slammed the door. I fell onto my bed and began to cry. I could not believe that he actually told me that he couldn't have me around if I did not give up Edward.

It wasn't long before he was in my room and pulled me onto his lap. I buried my head in the crook between his neck and shoulder and wept. I cried harder than ever, I was losing my father. A father that at first I didn't understand, but a man I grew to love.

I finally stopped crying and pulled away from Edward. I looked into his eyes and he wiped the tears from my eyes. He gave me a sympathetic smile and I knew he wanted to ask if I was still making the right decision, but I spoke. "I told you, I knew where I would be at the end. Charlie is choosing his involvement. I tried," I felt like I was going to cry again, "I tried so hard, but he won't let up, and I can't let you go." He wrapped his arms around me tightly and kissed the top of my head.

After a few minutes I stood from the bed and pulled out my suitcase. I walked to my closet to pull out the clothes that I had stored in there and what little I had in my drawers. Sniffling and wiping my eyes I filled my luggage and heard Charlie's bedroom door close. I looked at Edward, "He doesn't want to fight you anymore. If you want to go he is going to let you."

"Really? He is going to be considerate and let me leave in peace," I said in a hushed voice. I scoffed and zipped up my bag. "Alright, well can you go get the car please?"

"Alice is on her way. She is a bit worried about you," he said placing a hand on my cheek.

"Well I am fine," I did not sound convincing.

"Are you going to let Charlie know you are leaving?" I heard the doorbell ring.

"No, I am not strong enough to face him again."

"Bella you need to say good bye."

"I'll leave him a note on the kitchen table." I grabbed some paper and a pen from my desk and pulled my suitcase down the stairs. Edward opened the door and took my things to the car and I sat at the kitchen table to write my letter.

Dad,

I love you, but you are wrong about me marrying Edward. He is good to me and for me. He will take care of me. People learn from their mistakes and Edward made a mistake and he knows now that he

needs to be here with me and I want to spend forever with him. I love you Dad and I hope that you will

accept us in time for you to walk me down the aisle because even though I just started to relate to you I can't

see anyone else walking me.

Love,

Bells

I finished my letter and set the pen down. Edward was standing behind me and I looked up from my letter to his face. "That is very sweet love," he pressed a light kiss to my lips.

"It's the truth," I shrugged. Edward stood me up from my seat took my hand in his and we walked out the front door and we went home.