I want to turn
the whole thing upside down
I'll find the things they say just
can't be found
I'll share this love I find with everyone
We'll
sing and dance to Mother Nature's songs
I don't want this feeling
to go away
Who's to say
I can't do everything
Well I can
try
And as I roll along I begin to find
Things aren't always
just what they seem
It had been 2 weeks and 3 days since I had met and survived Jacob. That time had been filled with dinners, laughter, and multiple amazing make-out sessions on the couch. I've never been happier in my life than I have been in this last month with Bella. She had turned my world upside down, taken over, and left me waiting for more. Its crazy how one silly, beautiful, intelligent, and remarkable woman can make your life what you've always wanted it to be; more than you ever thought it could be.
Today, however, was D-day, so to speak. That is, I was meeting Charlie for the first time today. I don't know how I had managed to avoid that for the last month when she lives with him but I guess she kept me at bay, waiting for the right time. I really had it quite easy in comparison to most meet-the-family dinners. All I had to handle and win over was her dad since that was her only family. She had lots of people to meet on my side, and I still wasn't sure how that would work out since we all lived in such different places. But that was a worry for another day.
Right now I had to focus on a way to make Charlie understand I wasn't in any way like Mike had been and that I intended nothing but the best for his daughter. I had to show him how much she meant to me. I knew his guard would be up and he would be on the offensive because of everything that Bella had been through, and I couldn't blame him. I was just hoping he would give me a chance and trust that I was a different person.
Bella called me a few hours before I was supposed to be at her house.
"Hello?" I answered without looking at the caller ID. I had been on a roll with my writing and wasn't paying much attention to anything else.
"Hey," Bella greeted me. I instantly focused on the phone and smiled in spite of myself. "How are you feeling about tonight?"
"Good, I think. I mean I'm nervous, but I know I'm a decent person and hope that your father can give me the benefit of the doubt," I explained. Although, my words sounded more confident than I actually was.
"Well don't you sound sure of yourself," Bella chuckled. "Here I was calling to offer you reassurance and support and you don't even need it."
"Well, at least I sound confident because I'm nervous as hell. Your support is greatly appreciated, believe me!" I couldn't lie to her and make her think I was fine when there was a small chance that I might crack at dinner.
"Aw, I wish there were something I could actually do for you rather than just say I'm here for you. That just doesn't seem like enough. I'm not going to sugar coat it though because he will be hard on you. It's unfortunate that it has to be that way but after Mike, he just doesn't trust anyone with me. Plus I'm the only child and a daughter at that. No one is ever good enough for daddy's little girl." I appreciated Bella's honesty, feeling a little more prepared.
"Bella, it is more than enough for you to be there for me. I don't expect you to be able to make it any easier. Charlie's fears are reasonable and I would feel the same way if I were in his position. I just hope he can look past all of the things that don't have to do with me and realize how much I care about you."
"If he's paying any attention at all he'll see it. Trust me." I could hear the smile in Bella's voice and I couldn't help but feel slightly reassured about everything. How had I ever made it without her?
"Thank you. You have helped whether you know it or not. I need to go though. I was in the writing zone so I want to get this chapter finished before I need to leave. I'll see you soon though," I promised. My voice had an unusual twinge to it that can only be described as pathetic. I didn't even want to locate the will to say goodbye for a few hours. What was I getting myself into with her?
"Alright," she dragged out in an exasperated tone. "I guess I can let you get back to your work. See you later."
"Bye," I smiled into the phone one last time before ripping away the receiver and gluing my hands to my keyboard.
For the next two hours I furiously pounded the buttons on my laptop and cranked out the rest of my chapter and another one. This should shut up my publisher for a while at least.
Before I knew it I was standing on Bella's porch waiting for someone to open the door. Heavy footsteps sounded behind the barrier and then the door swung open to reveal a gruff looking Charlie. His eyes were inspecting and dissecting already. I could certainly see the resemblance. Same hair and eye color. The only difference was Bella shined and he looked like he had seen one too many bad situations in his day and there would be no changing his perspective on the world.
With a smile on my face, I thrust my hand out and greeted him. "Chief Swan, it's nice to finally meet you sir."
He had an extremely firm grip as he shook my hand once and nodded, "Edward." Without another word to me, he stepped back, pulling the door with him to let me in.
This, clearly, would not be the most comfortable evening.
The door closed noisily behind me and I could feel Charlie staring me down. I looked over at him and just as I was about to speak to him again and fill the uncomfortable space with something, Bella appeared though the door to the kitchen. Thank you, God.
Her beautiful smile brightened my mood considerably. "Hey Edward," she greeted, coming over to give me a hug. I half-heartedly returned it, taking in Charlie's glare at my hands anywhere near his little girl. Bella kissed my cheek quickly before stepping back
"Dad, I see you already met Edward." She gave him a hard look before turning back to me. "Are you ready to go? I'm starving!"
I laughed quietly. "I'm ready if you are," I gave her smile.
"Let's get going then," Charlie stated. I tried to keep a smile on my face for Bella's sake as I grabbed her hand and we walked out the door. I felt slightly put off by his demeanor, even if it was what I expected. He was set on hating me no matter what I did or who I was. Oh how I love paying for others mistakes. As we all climbed into my car I told myself to man up, because even if he didn't like me, Bella did.
Charlie insisted sitting in the back, but something told me it wasn't because he wanted Bella and me to be able to sit together. There was an uncomfortable silence as we got on the highway, heading for Port Angeles.
"So," Bella said, filling the car with her wonderful voice, "did you get your work done today?"
"Yes!" I told her excitedly. "I actually pumped out two chapters today so I should be okay for a little while. The sharks will be holding off."
"Oh good," Bella smiled. "Daddy, how was work last night? Anything big happen?"
"Bells, you would have heard about it by now if something big happened. You know as much as I do that no one in this town can keep their mouth shut. Today was just another boring day at the station."
"Sorry to hear that. School was boring too so don't feel left out. Good news though, a month and a half until I graduate! I think I'm going to spend the summer working at the diner and relax a bit before I run out and find a real job. I'm not sure I want to be a boring adult yet." She and I laughed and I squeezed her hand.
"That's great honey," Charlie told her from the back seat.
Bella spent the rest of our trip talking about projects and papers for her classes and I offered to help her proof an essay she was nervous about. I watched Charlie through the rearview mirror every once in a while but we hadn't spoken to each other since saying hi. I had to do something.
I parked and helped Bella out of the car. Charlie snorted behind me and Bella gave him a death glare. Really? He was upset that I opened her door? How can I possibly please someone who's too busy playing papa bear to have any damn sense?
"Table for three," I told the hostess after we walked in. She walked us to our table and I pulled Bella's chair out, earning an eye roll from him this time. Was he aware that he was acting like a child? I felt bad about thinking those things about Bella's father, but this was beginning to get slightly absurd.
Our waitress appeared right away and then left just as quickly to get our drinks.
The awkward silence from earlier was back with a vengeance, and rather than look at the menu, I was desperately wracking my brain for some way to make this better. Bella's hand reached over and soothingly squeezed my leg. Apparently I was terrible at hiding my nerves.
"Alrighty guys, are we ready to order," the bubbly girl asked as she set down our drinks.
"I'll have the chicken sandwich and vegetables please," Bella told her.
"Ribeye and baked potato," Charlie said in a brusque tone. Well, the good news was that he wasn't just being short with me.
I panicked and just doubled Bella's order. I looked up at Charlie and resolved to make him like me. Bella and her father were close, very close, and I didn't want his opinion of me deterring her from our relationship. Here goes nothing, I thought.
"So Chief Swan, Bella tells me you love your job. How long have you been with the police department?" I figured he might talk about his job since it was his territory.
"A little over twenty years now. I started right after Bella was born. She tells me you're a writer. How much money do you make doing that?"
"Dad!" Bella shouted. People from other tables looked over and Bella lowered her voice. "That's none of your business." Her beautiful face was molded into a scowl and I couldn't help but notice how cute she was when she was fired up.
"Bella," I soothed, "it's alright. I'm sure he just wants to make sure I'm good enough for you."
Charlie muttered under his breath but I still caught it, "You'll never be good enough for her." Then there was a small thump and he jumped in his seat.
"I make a good living sir, I assure you. I love my job too, surely you can relate to that. I do it because it makes me happy. The money is really just a perk."
"See dad?" Bella scolded. "He makes more than enough money. Now can we move on to a more pleasant subject?" Everyone was quiet for a moment as they eyed each other. Returning to work related topics, I tried again for a conversation.
"Can you please tell me more about what you do, Chief Swan? I'd be interested to hear what it's like in a police station." Maybe if I kept him talking about what he loved he would get off my back for a minute.
"Nothing much since Forks is a quiet town. I generally sit at a desk all day and fill out paper work. I get to do the easy work now since I don't patrol anymore. What kind of books do you write, Edward?"
Apparently he didn't want to talk about me. "Uh, well…" This was going to be tricky. I didn't want to lie but he was going to have a field day if I told him the truth. "I actually write romance novels. It sounds ridiculous, especially for a man, but I like doing it and it's easy. Plus, it more than pays the bills and leaves me with time for things I want to do and time to see my family."
His eye grew more incredulous with each word I spoke and I was quickly losing hope that I would be able to salvage myself in his eyes. "Romance huh? You sure you're not gay?" The waitress walked up with our food, just in time to hear his last comment.
Grown men don't normally blush, but I couldn't do a thing to stop the color creeping onto my face. I just shouldn't have said anything, but I couldn't take it back now. I bent my head and shook it slightly, amazed at how this was going. I could feel Bella squeezing my leg again but it wasn't helping that much.
The waitress tactfully ignored the apparent uneasiness and kept a smile on her face. "Does everything look alright?" the waitress asked.
"Looks great!" exclaimed Charlie. Food, it seems, was the way to this man's heart. At least he would be happy for a few minutes.
As soon as the waitress left, Bella descended on her father and I could do nothing but stare. Her finger was pointed in his face as she began her rant. "Dad, I do not appreciate the way you are treating Edward. He has done nothing wrong here or any other time I've been with him. He treats me better than any guy I have ever been with, or been around for that matter. So what if he writes romance novels! He's good at what he does, he makes a good living, and he's a good man. Just trust my judgment here and know that he is nothing like Mike. Can you be nice or do we need to leave now?" It was almost as if she were talking to her child rather than her father.
The look on Charlie's face was priceless as he listened to her and he merely nodded before returning to his food. Bella looked at me apologetically and I just smiled at her. We both turned to our food and we all ate in silence for a few minutes, tension thick in the air. I only ate a few bites before I decided I needed to stand up for myself. It wasn't right to let Bella make waves with her father and not say anything on my own behalf.
"Sir, I understand your apprehension where I am concerned. I know what Bella has been through, and I can promise that I am not that kind of man. I also know that Bella deserves so much more than she has been given before, and I am prepared to give her everything she has been missing out on and more. I know it's only been a month, but I care about Bella a lot. So please, have faith in me to do right by her. I will not let you down, because I refuse to let her down." I looked at Bella and smiled. She was staring at me with an awed expression before she spoke.
"Thank you, Edward. That means so much to me." She leaned into me a little and held my hand tightly beneath the table.
"We'll see Edward. You seem sincere enough but so did the last jerk, and I won't stand for her getting hurt again. You seem like you have good intentions but only time will tell. That's the best I can do." Charlie spoke with conviction now instead of careful disinterest, and it was intimidating.
"Thank you, sir. That is all I can possibly ask for. I find it wonderful that you and Bella have such a good relationship and your approval means a lot to both of us. I promise not to let either of you down."
"We'll see," he said again. "Now, can I get back to my steak before it gets cold?"
This was clearly not a question he wanted an answer to as he resumed stuffing his mouth. Bella and I exchanged another look before returning to our own meals. She kept in constant contact with me through the rest of dinner. Either her hand was on mine, or her leg was against mine. I reveled in the feeling and was content finally.
"Edward," Charlie addressed me, "tell me about your family."
I swallowed my bite before speaking. "My parents are Carlisle and Esme. My father is a successful doctor. He too loves his job and is excellent at what he does. My mother is wonderful, kind, and well-liked. She does some design projects on the side, it is her passion. She is quite talented and I owe how great my house looks to her. I have one sister, Alice. She's a designer too, but she sticks to clothing. She and her husband live in LA. Her husband's name is Jasper and he's a Marine. He's a little quiet, especially for our family, but a wonderful man."
Bella was beaming at me when I looked over to her. "What?" I asked her.
"Nothing. You just speak so passionately about them," she explained.
"It seems like you have a great family," said Charlie.
"That I do sir. I am very blessed and my family is very important to me" I continued.
"That's good," he said. Charlie was a man of few words but he was being civil now and he looked thoughtful rather than annoyed.
The bill came and I snatched the check right before Charlie could pick it up. "Now Edward, I don't need you to pay for my meals just because you're a well-to-do author. Hand that check over, I've got this."
"Sir, please allow me to pay. I dragged you out of your house tonight," I told him as Bella placed her hand on my arm.
"I think you've given him a hard enough time tonight, Dad. Just let do this," Bella warned.
Charlie nodded and ate his last few pieces of steak.
The waitress moved with lightening speed when it came to processing the bill. I signed the receipt and Charlie leisurely got up from his seat, patting his stomach. I helped Bella up and, instead of a snort, Charlie looked like he appreciated the care I took with Bella. I followed them out the door of the restaurant, my hand resting gently on Bella's back.
Once we were on the road again, Charlie piped up from the backseat. "Can we turn the game on, please? I'd like to know the score."
"Sure," I told him, quickly turning the dial to the right station and raising the volume a little.
"Dad," Bella called. "How is Billy surviving the game without you?" She laughed for a moment before he responded.
"I think he's at someone else's house on the reservation tonight. Billy is never alone, don't worry." Charlie's words were quick and sounded distracted.
"Sorry, I'll shut up," Bella told him.
Charlie mumbled something unintelligible from behind us before growing silent again. He groaned when the score announced the Mariners were behind two runs and the announcers took a commercial break.
"Charlie, I used to play baseball. I was short stop on my high school team. I haven't watched it in years but I would like to get back into it." I was grasping for a way to relate to this man, trying to make sure we stayed on good terms.
"Yeah, I think Jake mentioned something about that while he was still here. You should come watch a game with me and Billy one night."
"Ok, thanks," I told him. I'm in, I thought. I felt triumphant suddenly.
"Great," Bella chimed in sarcastically. "Someone else to yell at the TV." She was smiling brightly at me and I knew she was happy about the break through. The game came back on and we were mostly quiet the rest of the ride home. The only exceptions were when Charlie was feeling opinionated about something the announcers had said.
I helped Bella out of the car again and turned to follow them up to the door to say goodnight. Bella stopped me by holding onto my arm. "I'll be inside in a minute, Dad."
"Alright Bells. Edward, nice to meet you." He shook my hand firmly again but gave me a small smile.
"You too, sir."
He walked into the house a few seconds later and Bella let out a sigh. I turned to look at her and she was shaking her head in an exasperated manner.
"I'm so sorry about tonight. I never would have done this if I knew he was going to be so rude. Thank you for being so wonderful about everything. First the interrogation with Jake and now the wrath of my father; you weathered the storm pretty well." Bella pulled me in for a hug and I kissed the top of her head, my arms sliding around her waist.
"Bella, I expected it to be hard. You are more than worth a few hours of being uncomfortable. I can handle it. Thank You for standing up for me at dinner. I'm glad you feel that way about everything." I tried to reassure her that I wasn't mad.
"I don't know about all of that. I mean, who's really worth that kind blatant rudeness? Besides, he was out of line and it was going to take me to put him in his place. I went crazy for a minute though," she said with a giggle. She pulled her head back and looked at me.
"Trust me, you're worth it," I assured her. She didn't understand how important she was to me in this short amount of time. Either that or she didn't want to believe it. "Don't worry about the mini lecture though. It was kind of sexy seeing you all flustered like that." I smiled slyly at her and bent my head to kiss her. I could feel her smiling against my lips and then her tongue darted out to smooth over my bottom lip. My arms instinctively pulled her closer for a moment before I came to my senses. Her father was probably watching us and I had just gotten on his good side. I didn't want to screw up already.
I pulled back and we both sighed quietly. "I think you're mad but if you want to think that then go right ahead," Bella joked. She was laughing again as I kissed her lips gently one more time before taking her hand and walking her to her door.
"Thank you again," she said.
"Anytime for you," I told her. She hugged me quickly and then slipped inside of her house. How did I get so lucky? She impressed me more every time I was with her and I knew it was only going up from here.
You don't have
to believe me I'm just speaking my mind
you look lovely as always
you get that all the time
you don't have to believe me when I tell
you that I'm impressed
but you sure better believe me when I say
you deserve the best
I don't want
nobody else
And nobody else is gonna treat you the way they ought
to
And that's what you deserve
If I could make you see it
So
you can truly believe it
So you won't even need it
You don't
have to believe me
And I continue on
You've still got the
potential
That you've had all along
You don't have to believe
me when
You're shaking what you got
But you sure better believe
me when
I tell you your mind's what's hot.
*******
Yay for surviving Jake and Charlie! Hope this went okay! I know he was a little OOC but that's where the character took me! PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW OR CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM!
The two songs for this chapter are: 1- "Upside Down" by Jack Johnson, 2 – "You Don't Have to Believe Me" by Eric Hutchinson.
