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Disclaimer - Stephenie Meyer owns everything, not me.

Chapter 6

BPOV

Walking down the stairs, I felt as if I was entering a war zone. Charlie and Jacob were glowering with anger and irritation. I could feel the jealousy radiating off of Jacob and knew that Edward was extremely smug beside me. What did they think happened up there anyway? Charlie looked as if he was impatient to say something, so Edward and I hurried into the living room and sat down on the large couch next to a disgruntled Jacob.

"Kids," Charlie began, "it's getting pretty late outside so I think we need to discuss the sleeping situation."

I grasped Edward's hand and squeezed it nervously while I waited for Charlie to continue.

"Jacob and Edward. You two are going to have to sleep down here, I'm afraid. We've got a couple of sleeping bags in the attic. Edward, I know you enjoy camping, so this should be fun for you."

Jacob snorted and I stifled a giggle. Edward, however, managed to keep a straight face. I tried to compose myself as Charlie turned to me.

"Bella, I guess..."

I held my breath. Charlie had to let me sleep down here tonight. I mean, my room was a disaster and there were no other places to sleep in the house. Unless he put me in the kitchen, but Charlie wouldn't do that to me. Edward, maybe. But certainly not his own daughter.

"... you'll have to sleep in my room," Charlie finished.

Crap. "What?" I sputtered, confused.

"You can have my room , Bella, and I'll camp out here with the boys. It'll be just us men down here."

"No...But...Dad..." I whined. "It wouldn't be fair for me to kick you out of your own room."

I tried not to sound childish or immature, but I couldn't help it. Charlie was ruining our plans for tonight. If he slept down here, there was no way Alice would be able to come down.

"Bella," Charlie warned, "I don't want to argue right now. You need to sleep upstairs tonight, so why don't you go see if you can find any dry clothes in your room and get right to bed. It's almost midnight."

I thought it was best if I didn't argue with Charlie by mentioning that I was eighteen and it was a Friday night. Instead, I sighed loudly and tried to look sad, hoping that Charlie would take a hint.

"Bella, is there a problem?" he asked, seeming to catch on to my disappointment.

"Yes," I began quietly. I attempted to keep my voice as calm and even as possible. "I was kind of hoping that I could sleep down here tonight with... Jake and Edward." I purposely said Jacob's name first, hoping it would soften Charlie up. I also let go of Edward's hand and scooted a few inches away from him.

"Bella --" Charlie almost growled.

Edward interrupted him before he could go on. "Charlie, why don't you let me talk to Bella. Maybe I can attempt to reason with her.

Charlie dropped his mouth in shock and Jacob, who had stayed quiet throughout this conversation, looked like he wanted to argue against this. I, on the other hand, turned and glared at him in annoyance. Wasn't he supposed to be on my side?

"Um... okay," Charlie mumbled. "But no funny business."

Edward got up silently and grabbed a candle from the table. He walked into the kitchen and I hurried after him. Once we were alone, I turned angrily to Edward, about to protest, but he quickly put a cold finger to my lips, silencing me.

"Shh, Bella," he said quietly. "Charlie's mind is made up and he isn't going to budge. There is no way he's going to let us sleep in the same room tonight. Not even with my persuasive skills." He gave me a small smile.

I heard loud thumping going up the stairs and wondered what the heck Charlie was doing out there. I ignored the noise and focused my attention back to Edward. I opened my mouth to speak, but before I had even taken a breath Edward interrupted me again.

"Don't worry, Bella. I'll be upstairs the moment Charlie's asleep." He leaned forward and whispered in my ear. "Maybe then we can have some alone time."

His lips softly brushed below my ear as he wrapped his arms around my waist. I felt him smile as his lips moved slowly down my neck. I stopped breathing and had even forgotten what I was going to say. What was he doing? Edward was usually more responsible when Charlie was just a room away.

"Don't think you're getting rid of me that easily," a voice growled.

I looked up and saw Jacob standing in the doorway, looking angry.

Edward turned, but didn't release his grip on me. "I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about," he said innocently.

"On, don't play dumb," Jacob said. I'm pretty sure he was rolling his eyes, but being in the dark I couldn't tell. "Charlie sent me to spy on you two to make sure you didn't try anything behind his back. I've been watching you the entire time."

"I know," Edward replied, tapping his temple.

Ah, I thought, understanding. That explains the sudden display of affection.

"If you think you can ditch me once Charlie's asleep so you can sneak upstairs to snuggle with Bella, you've got another thing coming, leech." Jacob was whispering furiously now.

Jacob must have been picturing himself teaching Edward a lesson, because Edward's smile widened as he sneered, "I'd like to see you try, pup."

"I don't have to sleep you know," Jacob spat. "I can stay awake too. And I'll be watching you." His body was beginning to tremble.

"Hey, you guys!" Charlie yelled from the living room. "You all need to hit the hay now. It's really late."

I couldn't tell if Charlie was rushing us because he was afraid we were conspirating against him, or if he was just afraid to be alone in the dark. Nevertheless, we all turned and exited the kitchen. I saw Jacob childishly stick his foot out as Edward walked past him. Edward apparently saw this coming and without looking down, he gave Jacob's led a swift, sharp kick.

"Edward!" I gasped and slapped his back hard. I most definitely caused more pain to myself than I did to him, but I didn't care. I was shocked at his immature behavior.

Edward ignored me, however, and turned to Jacob.

"Don't push me, Jacob Black," he said quietly. His voice was full of menace.

I looked up at Edward's face and saw for the first time tonight how truly thirsty he looked. The already darker-than-usual circles under his eyes were intensified in the dim candlelight, and his eyes were a shade darker than onyx. I decided to excuse Edward's behavior for now. He wasn't completely himself at the moment.

Jacob looked frighteningly threatening as well. His body was racked with dangerous tremors as he shot death rays at Edward with his eyes.

"KIDS!" Charlie shrieked, sounding hysterical. He was definitely afraid of being in the dark by himself.

We quickly scrambled into the living room, but I stopped in my tracks when I saw what Charlie had been up to. Charlie had gone all out to make the living room look as close to a campsite as possible. All the furniture had been pushed against the walls, leaving an open space in the middle. Three sleeping bags were laid out on the floor, along with a large piece of fabric, which I believed to be a tent, that Charlie was struggling to assemble. If we had any wood, I swear there would have been a roaring bonfire in the middle of the room.

That's why he called us out, I thought. He needed help.

"Dad," I asked, "Don't you think you're taking this 'male bonding' idea too far?"

"Don't be silly Bella!" he responded. "Why do you say that?"

"There's a tent in the middle of our living room!"

"Well, I wanted everyone to be as comfortable as possible," Charlie replied. "The couches are lumpy and the floor is too hard. Besides, I knew Edward would be in his element. Speaking of Edward, come here m'boy!" Charlie continued enthusiastically. "Give me a hand with this. You're our camping expert after all."

Edward looked at Jacob and smirked before saying to Charlie, "It's usually Emmett and Jasper that set up camp. I'm not very good at it at all. You're probably doing better than I could have."

"Nonsense, son!" Charlie responded. "You're just being modest. Get over here!" He ushered Edward forward with a free hand, grinning wildly.

"Dad," I said carefully, "are you feeling okay?" I had no idea why Charlie was acting so hospitable, if not too hospitable, towards Edward when he had made clear earlier today that he wanted Edward gone as soon as possible.

"Of course, Bella," Charlie answered. "Why do you ask?"

"Umm...no reason," I lied. "I think I'm going to head up to bed now. Goodnight guys."

"Goodnight Bella," three voices said in unison.

I selfishly took the large flashlight off the floor. The boys would be okay with just the candles. I gave Edward a look that said, "I'm sorry about my dad's behavior," before ascending the stairs.

As I left the room, I heard Charlie say, "We're gonna have a great time tonight boys. I got a couple toothbrushes and some of my old PJ's from upstairs. I don't know if they'll fit..."

A giggle escaped my lips as I arrived in the upstairs hallway and slowly made my way to Charlie's bedroom. I plopped myself on the bed, and exhaustion washed over me instantly. I hadn't even known I was so tired. I turned off the flashlight and closed my eyes. I didn't know if I was going to be able to stay awake with the whole gang tonight. I rolled over onto my side and suddenly realized that I was very uncomfortable. I thought about it for a while, before remembering that I was wearing a pair of stiff jeans. I groaned loudly. I really didn't feel like getting up right now. I let my thoughts wander, and before I knew it, I was asleep.

"Bella," a voice whispered loudly, waking me up and causing me jump up in surprise.

I grasped blindly in the dark for the flashlight, only to have it thrust in my hand.

"You human's are so blind," Alice's voice said again.

I could only barely make out her small shape in the darkness, so I turned the flashlight on and shone it in the direction of her voice.

"Hey, Alice," I said groggily. The bright light hurt my eyes, so I squinted as I looked at her.

Alice smiled at me, most likely finding my sleepy appearance amusing. She tossed a bundle of clothes on the bed.

"I thought you might need these," she explained.

"Thank you," I sighed gratefully at the sight of the comfortable tank top and pajama pants Alice had salvaged from my room.

I changed into them quickly, desperately trying not to trip over myself as I did so. Then, I ran into the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I was done, I went back into Charlie's room and gratefully flung myself onto his large bed. Alice was sitting cross-legged beside me smiling widely.

"So what do you want to do?" she asked, a little too perkily for my taste.

I was almost dead from fatigue, but I didn't want to hurt Alice's feelings by ignoring her and falling asleep.

"I don't know, Alice," I answered dully. "What do you want to do?"

"Well we could --"

" Alice," I stopped her, "We're not doing anything that involves me getting up."

"But I --"

"No," I said simply. I knew all too well the ideas Alice probably had swimming around in her mind right now. Manicures...makeovers...dress-up...ugh.

"Fine," she said, pouting. "Maybe we can just talk."

"Talking's good," I replied. "So how's it not being in the dark, so to speak?" My speaking was slurred and I didn't even know if Alice could understand me.

"It's much better than being at home with no one to talk to. Thanks again for letting me stay."

"You're welcome," I mumbled.

"So Daddy didn't let Bella sleep downstairs with the big boys, huh?" She teased.

I narrowed my already half-closed eyes at her and grunted an incoherent reply.

Alice gently stroked my hair, attempting to comfort me. It only made me sleepier.

"Don't worry, Bella," she said. "You and Edward will get your alone time soon enough."

I had no idea how that was possible, but nodded my head anyway. Neither Jacob nor Charlie would let Edward out of their sights for even a second, and even if Charlie did fall asleep eventually, Jake was determined to make it an all-nighter. Besides, Alice was humming a sweet tune softly in my ear and I figured I only had another ten minutes before I was out cold.

"In fact," Alice continued, "it might be even sooner than you think."

I heard the evil smile in her voice and was instantly alert.

"What is that supposed to mean Alice?" I asked suspiciously.

"You'll see," she said evasively. "But I had better leave. Edward and Jacob are coming up the stairs now...with Charlie."

"What?" I questioned her, sitting up in bed.

I shone the flashlight around the room and found that Alice was already gone. I heard footsteps and indistinct arguing coming from the staircase.

"Be careful," said a musical voice, which I recognized as Edward. "Support his head."

"I am, bloodsucker!" an angry, husky voice hissed back in reply. "Stop telling me what to do!"

"I am simply saying that if we don't want Charlie in the hospital with a concussion, you should stop shaking so much and learn to control your temper."

I got out of bed and quickly ran to the top of the stairs. I tripped in the process, but managed to grab hold of the railing before hitting the floor. I shone the flashlight down the stairs and saw Edward and Jacob carrying Charlie up the stairs. Edward was in the front and somehow managed to hold a candle in one hand, while holding Charlie up with the other. Jacob was in the back, looking extremely fed up.

"What do you two think you're doing?" I whispered loudly. If Charlie woke up, there was going to be a lot of explaining to do. Not to mention if someone dropped him and he ended up in the ER.

"Relax, Bella," Jacob replied. "Your dad's an incredibly deep sleeper."

So what do you guys think? Pretty long chapter, huh? I'm so proud of myself! Snaps for me!