A/N: Okay, everyone. Ready for chapter three of Eternal Night?

Chapter 3 – Leaving

The next few weeks were hectic, even for a family of vampires. Every single possession we owned had to be packed up, ready to go. It was so sad to think that we were leaving Forks forever. This was our home, the place I'd met Edward, the place I'd fallen in love. And once we left today, we would never be able to come back.

But I knew, deep down, we had no choice. Edward and the others had been in Forks for twelve years now and it wasn't surprising that people were suspicious of us. Especially Carlisle. The nurses at the hospital didn't seem to understand how a man in his late thirties still had the face and body of someone ten years younger. So now was the time to go. The days flew by and all too soon, it was Friday. We were leaving for Alaska in approximately 6 hours. There was only one more job left to do on my enormous list. Say goodbye to Charlie.

I went alone; Edward, Jasper, Carlisle and Emmett were out hunting – trying to catch one last mountain lion – and Rosalie, Alice and Esme were out shopping, treating themselves to a whole new wardrobe that would suit the colder conditions of Alaska. I jumped out of my car and as I walked towards the front door of the small house I knew so well, I couldn't help but think this was the last time I'd see it.

"Bella! What a surprise!" Charlie grinned at me, opening the front door.

"Hey Charlie. Listen, do you mind if I come in? You're not busy are you?" I asked timidly. I'd noticed that Sue Clearwater's car was still parked outside this morning.

"Sure," he seemed a little shocked I was here. Now that I lived on a diet of blood, I didn't tend to visit him often. Accidents did happen. I walked in and sank into the couch. Unnatural, for me. Charlie looked tense. He knew something was up. He knew I wasn't telling him something."

Bella, what's wrong? Nessie and Jake made it to Brazil alright, didn't they?" panicked Charlie.

"Yes, they're fine. I have something to tell you," I confessed.

"You're worrying me Bells." Charlie looked deadly serious.

"Okay, here's the thing. You know that we, I mean the Cullens aren't exactly your average family."

"That's an understatement!" Charlie interrupted. "But, Bella, I don't understand. You came here to tell me that they aren't normal? You just have to look at them, at you, to see that."

"No, Charlie, just listen. Please. We can't keep up this human charade in Forks any longer. People are getting suspicious of us and if anyone finds out, well, I can't guarantee your safety. We're leaving. I'm sorry."

For a few minutes, Charlie said nothing. He just stared at the fireplace. Then, as tears flowed down his soft, wrinkled cheeks, he sat down beside me and pulled me into a tight embrace.

"I'm gonna miss you Bells. So much. Will you ever come back?" he whimpered.

"I can't. I'm sorry, but it's for the best. I just want you to be safe. So, you're not angry at me?" Charlie seemed relatively calm. To be honest, I was impressed to see that he hadn't marched straight over to Carlisle's with his gun fully loaded, searching for Edward.

"Angry? Of course not. You're a grown woman, Bella. You have the right to do whatever you want with your life. If you have to leave, then I'm not going to stop you."

"Charlie..."

"I guess I should be grateful. All these extra years with you when I should have lost you ten years ago, like all the other parents here did when their children went to college. Where are you going anyway?"

"Prudhoe Bay, Alaska."

"Oh, well, that figures. Somewhere cold and rainy, right?" He tried to crack a smile.

"Yeah, pretty much," I sniggered.

"Just promise me one thing. Don't forget me."

"I promise, Charlie. I mean...Dad."

I hugged my father one last time and rose from my seat and left. I didn't know if my heart could take any more. I ran outside and slammed the door of my midnight blue Ferrari closed. Without bothering to abide by the speed limits, I raced home.

Edward was waiting for me. The sweet scent of his skin distracted me and calmed me down. At least Charlie was safe now, I thought.

"Time to leave," Edward said as he caressed my cheekbones.

"Yes. Time to leave" I replied.

And with that we took one more look at our beautiful little cottage, our home, and walked away forever.

A/N: Thanks again to everyone who reviewed! Sorry guys, but I'm not going to be able to post chapter 4 tomorrow, BECAUSE I'M SEEING TWILIGHT!!!!! Ahhh, I've never been sooooo excited!!

Jaliceforever xxxx