Second chapter of the night guys, just as I promised for being MIA for 2 weeks! Sorry (yet again) for not updating for such a long time, but as you can figure, I was wicked busy. LalalalalLOVE you all!
We arrived in my driveway, and quickly went inside. The china was already set on the table from Edward and I's earlier visit, so all that was left was to begin to make the dinner itself. As I began to take some lamb from the fridge, the phone rang. I picked it up as soon as the lamb was gently frying on the stove.
"Swan residence," I said cheerfully. "What can I do for ya?" I heard Charlie chuckle.
"Good to hear from you Bells. Just checking in before I arrived home; I'm bringing Billy with me, and we're going to pick up Jake on the way home. That okay?" I smiled at the thought of Jake.
"Sounds great! I'll just make a bit more food for everyone," I said, "When do you think you'll be here?"
"Um, about thirty minutes?" Charlie guessed "That sound good?"
"Yup, see you then." I said, and hung up the phone and turned my attention back to the lamb that was currently browning in its pan.
"Who was that?" Alice said, appearing suddenly in the room. Edward leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a semi-curious look upon his face.
"Charlie called to inform me that he was coming home with Billy and Jake for dinner, so I should prepare more dishes." I laughed. I'd have to make more than just a few extra dishes; if Jake was coming over, he was going to eat at least five pounds. I did love my baby, but his appetite was greater than the werewolf that he transformed into.
"If that's the case," Edward said stoically, "Then we would probably be doing the best to leave." His tone went cold at the mention of Jake, which was immature in more ways than one.
"No, stay!" I said, "Charlie'll want to ask how the week went."
"And what do we say when he asks us why neither of us are eating?" Edward said wryly. My brow furrowed in confusion. I hadn't thought of that.
"Oh…" I said, my voice trailing off. I turned my attention to the lamb now fully cooking in the pan. "I guess then you guys better go." I got hug tackled by Alice.
"It's fine Bella! Don't worry, I'll kidnap you tomorrow and make sure that you get to dress up at the mall!" I rolled my eyes.
"Sounds like a boatload of fun" I said sarcastically. She just smirked in response. "So I'll see you tomorrow then." She squeezed a tight little hug around me and then waved, disappearing around the corner. Edward sauntered towards me, a half grin, half frown on his face.
"I'll see you later?" He said, running a hand through his hair, "Today was fun…we should do it again some time." And then, he was gone. I pursed my lips and shook my head at him. He was indecipherable, and I didn't even try to figure out why he was so cryptic. I just let myself know him, bit by bit, solely by the pieces of himself that he chose to show me. I continued letting the lamb simmer on the stove, and then I went into one of the cabinets and got out a sack of potatoes. I peeled them and let them soak in water before I finally mashed them. By that point, the lamb was cooked perfectly, and I put it on a covered platter next to the bowl of freshly made mashed potatoes on the table.
As I was setting water glasses on the table, I heard the door open. In came Charlie, Billy, and of course, my beloved Jacob. Charlie came over to me quickly and hugged me stiffly.
"Good to see you Bells," he grumbled, trying not to show his father instinct kicking in. I simply rolled my eyes. It was typical Charlie. Billy tipped his hat at me.
"Bella." He said as a greeting, and wheeled himself over to the table where the food awaited. He had no patience, and just began to serve himself. I just smiled and laughed. Typical Billy. Charlie released me, and I finally saw him; my Jacob. A smile broke out upon his face and he rushed towards me, arms open. I rushed towards him, and my smile instantaneously increased as soon as I was within his arms. I breathed in his scent and burrowed and nestled closer and closer into his chest.
"Bella," He said lovingly, stroking my hair. Charlie and Billy were forgotten; we were in our own little universe, separate from the rest of the world.
"Baby," I crooned. "How was your day?" He breathed onto the top of my head, sending warm flurries of his breath onto me. I got goosebumps from the sudden rush of air.
"It was good; but it's better now that I'm with you." I smiled and reached up for a kiss which he gave to me without a moment's hesitation. It was moreso two smiles meeting than a kiss, but the feeling of absolute happiness meant even more than the tenderness of a kiss. "Yours?" He inquired.
"I'll tell you after dinner," I said, not wanting to mention my skipping school in front of Charlie. Jake looked down at me curiously "Don't worry," I assured him. "It's nothing bad." He just looked at me with questions in his eyes and I laughed. "Really, there's nothing to worry about. Now, let's eat, shall we?" He nodded, and we sat down next to each other, across from Charlie and Billy.
Dinner went swimmingly. It was peaceful and full of conversation; Billy and Charlie both had horror stories from the Chief convention that they had attended. Apparently Jake's week had been boring; just staying with his friends, going to bed at the correct time, et cetera, et cetera. Somehow I doubted that it was as innocent as they made it sound. After all, they WERE teenage werewolves. Charlie turned to me
"How was your week Bells? Hopefully not too crazy?" I nodded
"It was fine Dad; the Cullens were wicked inviting and I had a great time. I told them thanks for you too, and I thanked them myself." He nodded.
"Good, good. Well, the game's about to come on. You don't mind cleaning up while Billy and I watch it, do you Bells?" I smiled. Life was back to normal.
"Sure Dad. Of course I don't mind."