Maurice rubbed along my side bringing me back to reality. I took a few deep breaths trying to calm myself. Edward was probably busy. He might not have time to meet Charlie tonight. My heart was on the verge of breaking but I kept chanting possibilities in my head. I was just over reacting. I carefully stood up and clutched the counter. My legs quaked but steadied. I needed to go see Charlie.

I walked to the closet and slid my feet into my fuzzy boots. The weather was definitely changing in Seattle. My fingers also sought a warmer coat. I grabbed my phone, stuffed it in my purse before I was off.

The brisk air seemed to help me clear my head. I felt my hot face cool, along with my temper. I just needed a little time away from Edward and everything would make sense. He was not rejecting me or Charlie for that matter. He was just … doing something else. Which he had every right to do.

Charlie's assisted living complex came into sight and I felt myself calm down more. Even if Edward wasn't here, I would have a nice time with my father. I waved at the various residents as I made my way to Charlie's apartment. His door was covered in Halloween decorations and I smiled thinking about the man within the room.

I could see him sitting in his recliner in the living room reading the paper and watching the game on TV. That was our life through high school. I didn't ask him awkward girl questions and he didn't make me go fishing. I tapped lightly on the door frame and the door opened a little to reveal an opaquely brown eye. Charlie's wrinkled face lit up when he recognized me.

"Bella." His smile was so warm I was glad I came to see him. There is always something about making someone so happy. His happiness was reflected into me.

"Hey Dad, how are you?" I moved to come into cozy room. The temperature was up to 78 degrees so I immediately began to unzip my coat. I froze when I noticed that we were not alone.

Edward sat in Charlie's favorite chair drinking a cup of coffee. His eyes looked sad but the rest of his face seemed void of emotion.

"What are you doing here?" I sounded more hostile than I had meant and that earned a frown from Charlie.

"I came to see Charlie," Edward replied calmly as he contemplated the depths of his mug. I felt confused by the way that Charlie felt so comfortable with Edward's presence.

"Dad, do you know him?" Charlie nodded yes but looked confused.

"Cullen." I smiled at his response.

"Yes that is Edward Cullen, but do you know anything about him?" I took one of his papery hands in my own. I led him over to the couch across from where Edward was sitting.

"Here Charlie, I'll handle this." Edward sighed and set his coffee aside. My hair prickled again. "Bella, I have something I need to tell you." He leaned forward and we were almost touching. My unease had me scooting back against the couch to give myself more space.

"What's going on?" I directed the question to Charlie but Edward answered.

"Bella, Charlie knows already."

"How? You've only met him once, when you helped him deal with Jessica." Charlie glanced back and forth between us.

"-ella, he- not y-r boy-fr-nd?"

"Bella, do you remember that night I helped you off the fire escape?" Edward's eyes seemed to glow with intensity.

"Yeah, that's the night I told you about Charlie."

"Well, that's also the night I met Charlie." I fought to remember the details of that night. I had told him I did not know him well enough for him to meet my father, and he had gone anyway? I felt betrayal of my judgment sting my eyes.

"But, I asked you not to. Why?" the thudding in my chest picked up again and my hand rested on my sternum to stop it from escaping.

"I was curious about you. I wanted to see if your father was as wonderful as you are. And he is." Edward smiled half-heartedly at Charlie. Charlie put a hand on my arm for support. I hadn't realized I was shaking until he touched me.

"You had no right."

"Bella, I wouldn't have hurt him. I just wanted to meet him. It ended out well, we are together now and you were going to introduce me today."

"But you completely ignored my request!" I felt my anger blow up. "I say things for a reason, I may end up being wrong in the end, but it was still my decision. And you went ahead and did what you wanted anyway." Charlie's grip on my arm tightened slightly.

"I t-ink –ou shou-d –o Cullen." Charlie stood and moved between us in a protective stance.

"But, Bella, please understand, I…"

"Now." Charlie cut him off with his strong tone. I stared at my shaking fingers in my lap while Charlie led Edward to the door.

"I'll call you." Edward said before the door was shut on his face. Charlie moved back to my side and wrapped an arm around my waist. I leaned into his shoulder and let his familiar scent soothe me.

"Wa-t me get –im arres-ed?" Charlie chuckled into my hair. I smiled into his shirt at the thought but didn't respond.

The rest of my visit with Charlie was very quiet. I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts to carry a one sided conversation. I kissed him goodbye and made my way home. As I walked by Edward's building I looked up at the windows. There was a faint sheen so I knew that he was still awake. I considered going up to talk to him, but I did not want to deal with this today. It might have been my imagination, but I could feel someone watching me as I walked away.

A/N Ok, so this was a two parter, I don't want to keep going just yet but I consider these last two entries as one chapter. I hope everyone enjoyed. I found the time to write because I broke my right fibula yesterday morning, so I went home this weekend. My misfortune more chapters. Hooray… but I go back to school tomorrow so back to the never ending work.