I apologize again & again for the long ass wait. You have no idea how sorry I am. I got PM's asking was I going to finish and such; OF COURSE I AM. I always finish a story I start. And even if I "lost interest" or decided not to continue, I would let you guys know. So, I hope this chapter makes up for the long absence. It won't happen again, bb's. So, I'll shut up now and leave you to read! (Or if you forget where we are in the story, re-read a few chapters if it helps)
"Bella, you need to relax," Edward said, massaging my shoulders as I lay against him on my couch.
Charlie and Renee had decided abruptly that a visit two weeks after my birthday would be the perfect time to meet my boyfriend.
"I know that, but I can't. I always get twitchy when I see my parents after a long time. And they're going to be meeting you. I just want them to like you." I sighed, resting my head under his chin.
"They will, Bella. You just need to relax. And honestly? I should be the one worrying about meeting your parents. After all, I've never met them before, you know what they're like.. what if they don't like me? What if they want you with someone more.. appropriate for you."
"Edward.." I shook my head against him, my way of letting him know I disapproved of what he said.
I was about to talk again, then the doorbell rang. My breath hitched, unable to move. That was until Edward grasped my hand in his and stroked it reassuringly.
I stood up, straightened my shirt of the creases and walked to the door. I could feel my own heart thudding against my chest eratically.
I opened the door to reveal my own parents, smiling back at me.
"Bella!" Renee half-squealed, immediately grasping me in a hug, rocking me back and forth.
"Hey, Mom!" I laughed, patting her back.
"It's so good to see you, honey. Two months really is too long," she said, swaying my hands with hers own
"I know, Mom. I'm sorry. I missed you, too." I said, still laughing.
"Bella." Charlie greeted me, giving me a half hug.
Charlie was never one for much affection. Renee was always the child-like parent, while Charlie was more laid back.
"So where is this boyfriend of yours, Bells? We've been dying to meet him!" Renee smiled.
"He's right in the living room waiting for us. And.. Dad? Could you please.. be nice." I pleaded, looking up at him.
"Bells," he said gruffly, "I'm always nice. But if it makes you happy, I'll be on my best behaviour."
"Thanks," I sighed and led them into the living room.
"Mom, Dad. This is Edward, my boyfriend. Edward, these are my parents." I introduced them.
Renee was still smiling brightly while Charlie was giving the Edward the one-over. Edward, on the other hand, looked curiously at both of my parents. He was both happy and terrified to meet them.
"Nice to meet you, young man." Charlie said, extending his hand for Edward to take.
Edward shook it and tried to stand up on his own. Which lead him to falling back on the couch, huffing to himself.
"Oh my gosh! Bella, is he okay?" Renee asked worriedly.
"Yeah. It's just his.. condition." I said, running over to help Edward sit up properly.
"What condition?" Charlie asked, giving Edward the 'eye'.
"Edward's confined to a wheelchair. He can't walk, Dad." I said, rubbing Edward's shoulder affectionately.
I could tell Edward hated the attention he was getting and I wished that I could make him feel better.
"Oh. But still.. he can't even set himself up right. Why is that? How long have you been in wheelchair, son?"
"Dad!" I snarled through my teeth.
"No, Bella. It's okay," Edward said, patting my hand. "Sir, Chief Swan.. I never took physical therapy. That's why I can't.. manoveure my body around like most disabled young people."
"Edward.. why didn't you tell me this?" Bella whispered.
"I didn't want you to think any less of me." He whispered back.
I leaned my head on his shoulder, "I would never think that."
I felt him smile against my head while Charlie cleared his throat to get our attention.
"Bella.. do you think I could speak to Edward alone for a minute? You and your Mother can order in some food for us and help her get settled in."
"Dad.." I warned.
"Bella." Charlie said firmly.
"Bella, it's okay," Edward said, "go with your Mom. I can talk to your Dad."
I nodded silently, kissing his forehead and I carried the bags into my room with Renee.
"So.. that was Edward, huh?" Renee asked, sitting on the bed with her legs crossed.
"Yeah. I'm sorry I had to spring it all on you so fast. And that little.. cliffhanger Edward dropped." I said, making a face.
"Bella, are you sure this is what you want?"
"Mom." I said, rolling my eyes and dumped her bag on my bed.
"No, Bella. Listen. He can't walk. As he said himself, he never took physical therapy. Who knows if he ever will? You'll have to take care of him. His disability doesn't allow him to take care of you. You know I love you, and I just want you to be happy. But.. I don't know."
I rocked back on my heels, frowning at my Mother's half speech. I just knew her and Charlie would pull something like this. It was to be expected.
"How about we order in, huh?" I asked, distracting her.
We ordered in some Chinese and unpacked some of her clothes while we waited. They were only staying for the three days. So, there wasn't that much that she brought.
"Hey, boys," Renee greeted Edward and Charlie as we walked into the living room.
They seemed to be in a deep conversation before we arrived. Edward didn't look so scared anymore, and Charlie didn't seem to be pissy about Edward.
"Hey, beautiful," Edward said, kissing my cheek as I sat down.
The door bell rang just then and I went to get up but Charlie pushed me back down.
"Your Mother and I will get it. You relax with Edward." He said, smiling.
"Okay."
"So.. nice talk?" I asked as Edward wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
"Very nice. I like your Dad, a lot. He wasn't.. as mean as I thought he was going to be. Considering he's a police Chief and everything." Edward smirked.
"Bella? Where are the plates and cutlery?" Renee called.
"First cupboard and second drawer!" I called back, relaxing against Edward.
"He's been worried about you out here, you know? He really just wants the best for you. And he has nothing against my.. condition."
"That's good. And I'm.. sorry. For putting you in that position earlier. I should've warned them."
"Bella, shh." He said, putting his index finger against my lip, immediately shooshing me.
"Really, it couldn't have been helped. I should have been honest with you about the therapy. And I'm sorry I wasn't," he kissed my temple.
We didn't get to talk much after that because Charlie and Renee brought our food in. Renee and I knew our guys well, so we ordered in for them.
We ate quietly. Not an awkward silence, a rather comfortable one. Charlie striked up a conversation with Edward about sports and I immediately shut off. Talking to me about sports is like asking what brand of cigarette's a non smoker likes.
At the end of the night, I walked Edward out until the taxi appeared.
It was too late for the buses and Edward didn't feel it was right spending the night. He felt like he would be intruding.
"Tonight was nice. Your parents are really good people, Bella." Edward said, twining his fingers with mine.
"I'm glad you think so. But Edward.. please tell me you will give this physical therapy some thought. I don't want you to think I'm pushing or that you have to do it. I just really want the best for you, achieving the best you can do. But.. why didn't you do it before?"
"I don't know, Bella," he sighed, "I just felt like.. it was pointless. I thought I was worth nothing. And what would happen if I was able to suddenly walk again? Would the people and my parents accept me back? Needless to say, I was hurting and I was selfish. I didn't want to try."
"Edward.. I never want you to feel like that. Ever. I know I'm probably going to sound like some corny cheeseball when I say this, but.. I would really like for you to try. Even if you somehow, someday get a chance to walk again.. wouldn't that be great? But even so, if that never happens.. wouldn't you feel better knowing that you tried?"
"I guess," Edward nodded. "I guess I could give it a shot."
"Thank you, Edward. And you know it makes no difference to me, right?"
Edward nodded again and I sank down to my knees, hugging him tightly.
"I love you, Edward." I whispered into his neck honestly.
He pulled back from my arms and said to me the last thing I expected him to say,
"I love you too, Bella Swan. So much more than you'll ever know."
The parents! -gasp- How was that for you guys? Did you expect Bella's parents to act like that? They will be staying for a chapter or two, so what do you think will happen? What would you like to happen? Review with your thoughts.
Btw, Dismantle and Repair didn't win that award. And that's okay! After all, I don't write to win awards. I write, to write. :]