Two Angry Parents

Bella's POV

"Mom! Dad! What are you doing here? Together?" Esme held the door open, while I just stood there open mouthed staring at my mom and Charlie.

I had called mom earlier this week and explained the whole running away to college story, and after about three hours on the phone with her, and several follow-up emails I was able to convince her I was ok. The following day I had visited Charlie, and he seemed happy that I was staying in Forks. Charlie seemed to have a really high opinion of Dr. Cullen, and was pleased to know I would be staying with his family. He did offer me my old bedroom at his house if I preferred, and I almost took him up on the offer, whether the Cullens liked it or not. In the end I decided not to, although I'm still not sure why.

"Bella! I was so worried! Your dad called me to assure me that everything was fine, but I needed to check on you myself." She stepped into the house, and hugged me. I hugged her back. It was great to see her. Throughout this whole crazy ordeal I worried more for my poor scatterbrained mom than for myself.

"I'm ok mom, everything is fine." I'm living with seven blood thirsty vampires, but I'm just hunky dory.

"Good, because Bella dear, your grounded for life! What were you thinking just taking off like that!? I went to pick you up and you were gone, nowhere to be seen!" Mom was still hugging me, she wasn't letting go anytime soon.

"I know mom, and I'm sorry. We've been through this before and I'm really really sorry!"

I barely got those words out before mom started jabbering on again. "And who is this Alice girl you told me about? How come I never met her before? I don't even remember you telling me about her. Are you sure it's a good idea to come to school here? Won't you miss Phoenix?"

I looked at Charlie, and noticed how uncomfortable he looked. It must have been hard on him to have mom show up at his door asking where her daughter is. I looked around the entrance and noticed that the rest of the Cullens were gathered around us. "Oh mom, I'll tell you everything later, I promise. Mom, I would like you and dad to meet the Cullens."

Mom finally released me from her death grip of a hug, and for the first time she noticed that there were other people around. She put on a big smile, wiped a few tears away and waited for the introductions.

"Carlisle, Alice, I believe you already know my dad, Police Chief Swan, and this is my mom Renee." Carlisle reached out and shook dad's hand. Alice gave Charlie a small wave and sheepish look. Dad obviously recognized her from her speeding incidents, but he just nodded, a slight smile forming at the corner of his mouth. Mom shook their hands, eyeing Alice up and down. "Mom, Dad, this is Carlisle's wife, Esme and their children, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper and Edward."

Esme took my mom and led her into the sitting room. Esme went on and on about how happy they were that I decided to stay with their family. If anyone could placate my mom, it would be Esme. Esme was the most motherly, sweet and caring person I had ever met. Carlisle followed Charlie into the sitting room, talking about some recent vandalizing sprees that had been going on in Forks.

Alice went into the kitchen to make coffee for my mom and Charlie. The rest of the family went off outside. Well everybody except for Edward. Edward followed me into the sitting room. I looked up at him and noticed that his eyes were slightly darker than usual this afternoon. He glanced down at my lips and he smiled at me. I was reminded of our kiss from earlier and I felt my face flush.

The sitting room was beautiful. It had large windows just like the rest of the house. Beautiful white curtains were drawn. Fortunately, it was overcast out, so the Cullen's didn't have to worry about trying to hide their secret. Who would have thought vampires would sparkle? Their was a leather couch, with a matching love seat and arm chair placed around a great big old fashioned fire place. No fire burned today, because it was still too warm for a fire to be necessary. A great big Persian rug covered the hardwood floor, and the walls were decorated with art. Exotic ferns grew from large planters. One plant had large pink and white flowers growing from it, the smell was intoxicating.

Mom and Charlie sat on the love seat, as far from each other as possible. Esme was sitting on the armchair, with Carlisle perched on the armrest beside her. Edward and I sat on the couch, leaving enough space for Alice for when she came back with the coffee, which she did in no time. She also carried in a couple of pieces of fresh blueberry pie that Esme had made for me that morning. The Cullens were definitely doing everything they could to butter up my parents.

We spent the afternoon discussing my irresponsible and rash decision to take off to Forks. Alice took some of the blame, saying she had talked me into it. I apologized profusely to my mom, and blamed it on a stupid adolescent whim. My mom knew me better than to buy that B.S. but what more could she do? She wouldn't outright call me a liar, and I seemed safe and happy, there was nothing more for her to do. She was glad that I was staying in Forks, and that Charlie was here if I needed him.

We also talked about school, and Forks and etc. Charlie remained quiet for the majority of the time, occasionally breaking off into conversation with Carlisle about different things going on in Forks. Edward was very quiet as well. He was probably listening to everyone's thoughts. Thank God he couldn't read mine.

After a few hours mom and Charlie got ready to leave. I walked them to the door. I gave them both long hugs, Charlie told me to call him soon, and then walked to his cruiser to wait for my mom. Mom was fighting back tears, and gave me this long speech about how her and my dad were here for me if I changed my mind and wanted to come home, either to dad's or to her house in Phoenix. She admitted to me that she was staying at the little motel just outside of Forks, and that she would be leaving in the morning. She looked like she wanted to say more, but she didn't. There were more hugs and then they left.

Edward came up behind me and pulled me into his arms.