The Way We Was

Chapter 5: Lovely Parents

Standard disclaimers apply.

BPOV

On Thursday morning I woke up to yet another dream of Edward. I didn't get to see him on Wednesday, which was both good and bad. It was good because it gave me time to figure out what was happening between the two of us. It was also good because when I told Renee what my plans for Thursday were she could prepare my father properly for when Edward arrived. I had never gone out with any one before and it was bound to have some effects on Charles.

Not seeing Edward on Wednesday was also bad. I craved his touch. I was getting to the breaking point and would settle for his presence, but instead I had to contend myself with playing my lullaby in my head over and over again. The dreams helped me fall asleep; knowing I'd get to see Edward when I closed my eyes was all it took to make it to dreamland.

Now I just had to get through the day until Edward came to take me out to dinner. I had no idea how I was going to endure the torture of waiting.

I tried reading, but it was like the books were out to get me. They featured characters who's names constantly reminded me of Edward. I couldn't focus anyway, so I quickly gave up on reading.

I decided that I would clean up the house a bit. Not that there was a lot of cleaning to do seeing as how the house was usually empty, but it was something to do. By the time I finished I still had a few hours to go until Edward would arrive. Pathetic as it was, I started to pace and play my lullaby in my head. When my father came home he gave me a skeptical look before going over the the radio go listen to the news. I knew that about thirty minutes after Charles got home Edward would be here. So I just had to find something to do to get my mind off of the whole thing for half and hour. I did the unthinkable. I listened to the radio with Charles.

My father was man of few words. He listened to the radio and went to work. That was just how he worked. He did whatever my mother wanted him to do. I took after him and not my mother. I only took after Renee in looks, something Edward deeply appreciated. But I was willing to bet that even if I was ugly Edward would probably still like me. He wasn't shallow or anything of the sort like most upper-classman. Maybe he could rub off on Renee and she would slow down on the social ladder for a while. I couldn't be sure though. She was at another party, just like almost every other day.

A light knock came from the door. I practically jumped off of the couch by the radio and ran to the door. I heard Charles say something to the effect of, "Where's the fire?" It didn't matter. Edward was here and I had to see him.

I swung the door open to see Edward's flawless face on the other side.

"Good evening, Bella," he greeted. I weakly nodded my head in response. Yet again he took the breath right out of me.

I quickly composed myself so I didn't appear to be a complete idiot. "Would you like to come in"

"I'd be delighted." Of course he would be . . . right? But Charles was in there. . . .

He swiftly walked in and by then my father had removed himself from the radio and he came over to Edward and me.

He gave Edward a quick glance over. "So, you're Edward?" Well, I was pretty sure I didn't know any other men and I certainly hadn't invited any others over.

"Yes, I am." They shook hands briskly. "You're Bella's father?"

"Charles, yes. I'm sorry my wife couldn't be here tonight. She had . . . business to attend to tonight." Right. Business. More like social climbing. I didn't mention any of that to Edward. That could wait for another time. I would have to prepare him for the woman called my mother.

I leaned toward Edward and whispered, "He's not much of a talker."

With that Edward shook Charles' hand. "If you don't mind, I'd like to take Bella out tonight."

My mother had prepared my father well. "Sure. That's fine." Ah, Charles. A Man of very few words.

Edward nodded and then took my hand and we headed out the door. He led me to a carriage and helped me in.

"You didn't have to go to all of this trouble," I told him. I didn't like to make a big deal out of things, and it was seeming like a big deal.

"It was no trouble. Anything for you." He flashed me his beautiful crooked smile and I was only able to smile weakly back. I felt like I was on a cloud way up in the sky. I could hardly think straight.

This night was going to be one to remember. No doubt about it and it was only the beginning

I'm so sorry that I didn't get this up sooner like I promised. Waiting for Breaking Dawn to come out made me all jittery and I couldn't concentrate worth a cookie. Then I got the book and wanted to read it and then I had to get on a plane to go home. . . . BUT! I finished reading the book after flying over Forks. I thought that was really cool. Anyway . . . review!