Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here is chapter eighteen of 'Into the Shadows.' This chapter has some Edward/Bella. Bella and Charlie's reunion happens in this one as well. Stay tuned for chapter nineteen.

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Chapter 18: Father and Daughter Reunited

Bella listened as Emmett told her about a cougar hunting a deer he and Rosalie were watching from a distance. Edward sat beside her while holding her hand. Jacob and Seth were seated on the second bed. Carlisle and Esme stood near them. Jasper and Alice were in the chairs across from Bella's bed. Bella clasped her hands together. She ran her tongue all over the inside of her mouth.

"The cougar leapt at the deer and landed on its back. It brought the critter down with its weight and grabbed its throat. The deer died quickly. The cougar proceeded to eat the back of it," Emmett said and formed a proud look on his face.

"It's nice you and Rosalie got to see such a thing," Bella said and suppressed a yawn.

"Yes, it was," Emmett agreed.

"It's not every day you get to see a cougar hunting a deer," Rosalie added while putting her hands on her sides.

"Or any other predator hunting its prey," Jacob commented.

"Some people think that the world would be filled with fat and happy herbivores if there were no carnivores," Seth said as he rolled his eyes. "That's a bunch of bullshit. They know it."

"The world's ecosystems would collapse completely if there were only herbivores. Carnivores keep them in check," Carlisle commented.

"At least herbivores don't have to move far because their food is in one place. However, they have to move to find food in times of drought," Esme said. "Carnivores have to keep in motion because their food is always moving. They have the advantages of surviving drought because they can scavenge for good. Hyenas have the biggest advantage because they eat every part of their prey, even the bones."

"That is so bony," Jasper joked.

"Good one, Jasper," Alice said with a chuckle.

Approaching footfalls caused the entire group to look toward the door. Charlie came into view through the window and opened it. He walked in with Harry, Billy, Leah, Quil, and Embry right behind him. Bella choked back a sob.

"Dad, you're finally here!" Bella cried, her voice showing much relief.

"Charlie, we're glad to see you," Edward said and released his hold on her. He stood up. "She has been begging for you."

Charlie came to the young man's side. "Thanks for letting me know about her and keeping her company."

Edward nodded. "You're welcome."

Edward stepped aside, allowing Charlie to come closer to Bella and sit beside her. She felt tears form in her eyes and slide down her cheeks. A sympathetic expression crossed Charlie's face.

"Bells, there's no need to cry," Charlie whispered gently and took her hand into his. "I'm not going away."

"I know. I'm just sorry you had to see me like this. I never wanted this to happen," Bella mumbled, a sob rising in her throat.

"Bella, you have nothing to be sorry for," Charlie responded in a calm yet firm voice.

Billy came to his best friend's side along with Harry, Embry, Quil, and Leah. "We're so relieved to see you weren't hurt any worse than you were."

"I have no doubt the Cullens are too," Harry added.

"It seems you two haven't been properly introduced to the rest of the Cullens," Charlie said, glancing at Billy and Harry.

"You're right, Charlie. We haven't," Billy agreed.

"Guys, this is Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, Alice, Emmett, and Rosalie. You know Edward," Charlie introduced, motioning to each of the Cullens. "My friends, this is Billy Black, Jacob's father. That's Harry Clearwater, Seth and Leah's father. They're my childhood friends."

"It's nice to meet you," Carlisle said warmly.

"You too," Harry responded. "I have no doubt you already introduced yourselves to our kids and their friends."

Esme smiled. "Yes, we did. They're nice kids."

Bella wiped the tears from her eyes and cheeks. She shuddered a bit and sniffled loudly. She allowed a yawn to leave her mouth.

"Guys, would you mind leaving? I'd like to spend some time alone with my father," Bella said.

"Not at all, Bella," Edward answered.

"We'll be outside," Alice said as she, Jasper, Jacob, and Seth rose from their seats. "Let us know when you want us to come back in."

Edward went to the door and opened it. Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, Rosalie, Jasper, Alice, Billy, Harry, Jacob, Seth, Leah, Quil, and Embry headed out. Edward followed them, closing it behind him. Charlie glanced at it for a long moment. He turned back to Bella.

"You're lucky to have so many good friends," Charlie said honestly.

"Yeah. I guess I am," Bella replied. "How did your fishing trip go?"

"It went very well. We caught many fish. Harry wanted us, Billy, and Jacob to join him for a fish fry dinner when we got home," Charlie explained.

"Unfortunately, those plans were canceled because of me," Bella muttered sadly. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't sweat it, Bells. That fish fry can wait another day," Charlie answered quietly. He rubbed her hand very gently and gave it a light pat. "I'm glad the Quileutes were able to be in the same room as the Cullens. A few years before you came here, some of the boys in La Push boycotted the hospital because Carlisle was working there."

"They did?" Bella said in surprise.

Charlie gave her a look that showed he wasn't kidding. "I couldn't understand it because the Cullens' quiet presence was very pleasant. They had never caused any trouble. A rift formed between Billy and me. It lasted a good while."

"Wow," Bella whispered.

"The rift is gone now. Billy rarely speaks about the Cullens nowadays," Charlie said, rubbing his nose.

"That's good," Bella replied, sighing in relief. He released his hold on her hand to touch the top of her forehead and caress it with his thumb. "You won't believe this, but Billy paid Jacob twenty bucks to tell me to break up with Edward at the prom."

"Oh, really?" Charlie said, appearing surprised.

Bella nodded slowly "Jacob told me that Billy said, 'We'll be watching you.' I thought that was so weird, but I forgot about it."

"Talk about strange things happening in this small town," Charlie said and chuckled quietly. "Then again, anything can happen just about anywhere."

"When word of the rape gets out, some parents will freak out and not allow their teen daughters to go out unless they are part of a group," Bella said.

He cupped his chin in his hand. "I wouldn't blame them if they did that."

Bella nodded in agreement. She felt her father take her hand into his once more. Her body started to tremble as her thoughts drifted to Jessica, Angela, Bruce, and Karen.

"I dread how Jessica, Angela, and Mike's parents are going to react to this," Bella muttered, a sob coming up in her throat.

"We do need to let them know about this," Charlie admitted.

"Mr. and Mrs. Newton went with Mr. and Mrs. Peterson to Mr. Hartson's house for his birthday in Port Angeles. Jessica is there riding go-carts with her family. Angela is also there bowling with hers," Bella commented.

"All right," Charlie said and grabbed his cellphone. He searched through his contacts. He hoped he could reach Jessica, Angela, and the Newtons.

00000

The Cullens and the Quileutes stood outside Bella's room eight minutes later. Edward, Jasper, Alice, Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, and Rosalie were on the hallway's left side. Jacob, Billy, Harry, Leah, Seth, Quil, and Embry were on the right side. They watched a nurse walk down the end of the hallway. She did not notice any of them.

Edward leaned his head against the wall. He looked toward the door with an anxious expression on his face. He wondered when Charlie and Bella would be done talking because he wanted to be back at her side. Moreover, he and the others were beginning to get impatient in regards to the police's arrival. They wanted to get the questioning over with. The sound of the door opening caused everyone to look toward it. Charlie walked out and closed it behind him. He had a somber look on his face, which made the group concerned.

"What's going on, Charlie? Is Bella okay?" Edward asked.

"Bella's fine, Edward. I tried contacting Mike's parents, Jessica, and Angela in Port Angeles. I couldn't reach them," Charlie said solemnly.

Jacob looked a bit frustrated. "Oh, man. That sucks."

Leah sighed heavily. "It looks like we don't have any choice but to try again later."

Approaching footfalls caught everyone's attention. The group saw thirty-five-year-old Bernard Focker and forty-year-old Walter Fulton coming toward it. Bernard adjusted his black jacket and red tie. He happened to be Caucasian. He was short for a man and had light skin. His frame was rather lean. His short black hair was straight and appeared to be greasy. His dark green eyes had scars next to their corners.

Walter blew a bubble in his gum and popped it. He was Caucasian with his skin being somewhat tanned. He was quite tall and almost as muscular as Emmett. His short dark brown hair had a shagginess to it. His eyes were light blue, and the right one had a scar underneath it. He and his partner stopped before the group. They looked toward Charlie, giving him sympathetic looks.

"Charlie, it's good to see you home," Walter said.

"It's good to see you and Bernard, Walter," Charlie said, shaking the hand of each of his friends. "I wish it didn't have to be under these circumstances."

"So do we," Bernard answered as he and his partner glanced at the Cullens and Quileutes.

"I'll introduce Bella's friends. The Cullens are Carlisle, Esme, Edward, Jasper, Alice, Emmett, and Rosalie. That's Billy Black and his son, Jacob. This is Harry Clearwater and his children, Seth and Leah. Those two are Embry Call and Quil Ateara," Charlie said, gesturing to each member of the group. "Everyone, this is Detective Bernard Focker and Detective Walter Fulton."

"It's nice to meet you all," Bernard said.

Edward stepped forward. "It's nice to meet you too."

"Have you found any sign of Mike?" Emmett asked.

"Please, say you have," Rosalie added.

Walter shook his head. "Unfortunately, we haven't. We've sent out a search party to find him. We have officers combing the wilderness area around Forks. We even have officers looking for him in La Push and the Quileute Reservation."

Emmett growled and gritted his teeth rather tightly. He formed a fist and punched it into his hand.

"That bastard is such a coward," Emmett said and flared his nostrils.

"Did you have any luck reaching Mike's parents?" Leah wondered.

"We tried, but we couldn't reach them," Bernard answered regretfully.

"I got the same result with them as well as Jessica and Angela," Charlie added.

"We need to put the coffee on. It's going to be a long night," Walter commented truthfully. He and Bernard rubbed their hands together. "Okay."

"We need to ask you some questions about what happened to Bella. Would you mind that?" Bernard asked.

"Not at all, sir," Jacob answered.

"The hallway isn't the best place for questioning. Do you think we could use an empty hospital room?" Bernard wondered.

"Of course," Carlisle said. "I know of an empty room down the hallway."

Walter turned to Charlie. "I'd like to speak with Bella and get her account of the rape. Would that be all right?"

"Sure, Walter," Charlie said.

Edward showed a bit of anxiousness. "Could I come in the room too? After all, I am Bella's boyfriend."

"Could I come as well?" Alice asked, raising her hand. "I feel she could also use my presence since she's my best friend."

"That's fine with me," Walter said.

Carlisle waved his hand. "If everyone else will follow me."

Carlisle led Bernard, Jasper, Alice, Emmett, Rosalie, Billy, Jacob, Harry, Leah, Seth, Embry, and Quil down the hallway. Charlie opened the door and headed inside along with Edward, Alice, and Walter. Bella sighed in much relief as he closed the door behind him.

"Dad, Edward, you're back," Bella said.

"Yes, we are, love," Edward responded and took her hand into his.

Bella looked at Alice in surprise. "Alice, what made you come in here?"

"I just wanted to see you. That's all," Alice answered, holding up her hands.

"Bella, this is Detective Walter Fulton and Detective Bernard Focker. They are taking on your case. They have officers searching for Mike," Charlie said, motioning toward Walter.

"Mike's gone on the run?" Bella whispered fearfully.

"Unfortunately," Walter answered, a heavy sigh leaving his mouth. "Now, I need you to give me details of what he did to you. Are you up for that?"

"I think so," Bella said while nodding.

"If you start getting upset, you can stop. I won't push you," Walter whispered gently. "I'm going to ask Edward and Alice some questions as well."

Bella sniffled. "Okay."

Bella started talking about her and Mike's evening. Walter pulled his notepad and pen out of his pocket. He proceeded to write down what she said.