A Talk Between Two Fathers

Chapter 3: Family Matters

[Thanks so much for the reviews. This is sort of a filler chapter. Have some more ideas that might be fun to explore, like Emmett making jewelry, but sorry can't write very fast! -- Kelli]

Carlisle Cullen

"Still thirsty?" Carlisle asked Esme as he smoothed turf back over the remains of their meal.

She shook her head. She lifted her eyes to gaze at the cloudless evening sky. "What a lovely moon. Seems so huge, so close that we could reach up and touch it," Esme said a touch of yearning in her voice.

"Makes me regret that we can fly only in myths."

"It does sound like fun." Esme turned to him with a smile. "I know, maybe we can find a couple of witches and borrow their brooms."

Carlisle laughed. He took her hand as they turned toward their home, strolling together under the soft moonlight. "I'm in no hurry to get back."

"Edward," Esme said. It wasn't a question.

"Yes." Carlisle shook his head. "We need to find some way to keep Charlie's anger at Edward from escalating. As a policeman he has access to information resources that could cause us trouble."

"Jasper said Charlie didn't seem vindictive."

"He doesn't have to hate us to cause us problems. I worry about a police officer concerned with protecting his only child. Our covers are good, but not impenetrable."

"What are you going to suggest?"

"I have no idea," Carlisle shook his head. "I've never heard of a vampire attempting any kind of romantic relationship with a human."

"Edward has always been special." Her voice reflected her sadness. "It seems unfair, doesn't it? So many years without a partner when he's been surrounded by couples. Burdened with such a terrible gift. These past years it seems like he was slipping further and further away from us."

"No matter what we've tried," Carlisle said. "I felt it the worst when he stopped playing."

They walked together in silence, perfect memories recalling too many unhappy reminders.

"It's been a joy to see Edward happy," Esme said.

"I'll be eternally grateful to Bella for insisting on becoming a true member of our family. Despite Edward's concerns."

"It can't happen soon enough." Esme shuddered. "I keep remembering what you saw on her x-rays. No wonder Edward is afraid to let her out of his sight."

"That's the problem right there, isn't it? From our viewpoint, Edward's concerns are well warranted, but from Charlie's view he's obsessed and potentially dangerous."

They were in view of the house now. Carlisle's head came up as he heard feet crunch on gravel. The wind blew the scent of a vampire their way.

It was Jasper. Making noise and standing upwind from them. A polite way of letting them know that he was nearby.

"You wanted to see me?" Jasper said Carlisle.

"Yes. I wanted to talk about our options for relocating. Esme, do you want to stay?"

She shook her head. Carlisle kissed Esme's cheek and released her hand. "Later, sweetheart." He turned back towards the woods, Jasper falling in alongside. "I wanted your opinion on our choices. If things go badly here."

Jasper didn't ask for clarification. Carlisle didn't expect him too. Jasper would know exactly what he meant. Carlisle was surprised when he didn't respond immediately. "What is it?"

"Bella." Jasper looked away. "The plans would be different if she's human. Or not."

"Oh, of course." Carlisle rubbed a finger across his lips. "Traveling with a newborn would pose some difficulties."

"My advice?"

"Please."

"In any case, we'll need to leave the country this time. Use a different last name. With the advances in technology, it's getting harder and harder to stay in modernized countries without discovery."

"Perhaps you can work up several different options? Use your imagination. Then you can present your ideas to the family. Let them decide."

"Deadline?"

"Please don't delay."

"Alice?"

Carlisle laughed. "I'm sure she's already come up with some ideas. Of course, please include her in your planning."

"I'll be glad to leave this town."

Jasper rarely spoke of his own feelings. Carlisle knew the empath would pick up his own surprise. "Why? Not exciting enough for you?"

"Exactly." Jasper gave a short laugh. "It's been educational though. Werewolves and all."

- - - - - - -

Charlie Swan

"Thanks." Charlie hefted the stack of DVDs. "I owe you."

"No sweat," Dave Anders, the chief of mall security waved away his thanks. "You've helped us out plenty in the past."

"Well, good night then." Charlie didn't quite run to his car. He couldn't wait to get to his office. He didn't dare view these DVDs at home, where Bella could catch him. She'd be furious.

It took him three days to go through all the tapes. He was lucky. The two stores where most of the action took place were the ones with the best equipment and the most cameras.

Some of the images made him physically sick. Filled his belly with anger.

Edward holding Bella's hand in the bookstore was tolerable. Barely.

His kissing her while standing between the stacks was something else. Charlie hated the way Edward bent over her, kissing her as if he were hungry. He didn't even have the decency to keep his kisses on the lips, but put his mouth all over her face. Kissing her eyelids, her temples. Even her throat. He hated the way Bella's hands reached up to cling to his neck, pulling him closer. It almost seemed as if he were the one to end their makeup sessions.

Grudging, Charlie admitted Edward appeared to take some care of her. After Edward checked his watch, he took Bella into the store's coffee shop. No, coaxed would be a better word. He put an arm around her waist and steered her toward the café. She made a break for it, seeming more interested in the music session, but Edward bent over and whispered in her ear, and led her in. He actually pulled out a chair for her at one of the tables, then fetched her some food.

The next video was from Target.

Where Edward showed his true nature.

Pulse throbbing in his temples, Charlie picked up the phone. He'd had enough. Now he was going to end it and save his daughter.

(To be continued)