Challenging Humanity
Chapter 24: Overdue Laughs
A/N: Music (need to listen to on my blog for this chapter!), Quote and Picture can be found for this chapter, on the story blog http(:/)ChallengingHumanity(.)tumblr(.)com. (take out the()
A/N: I like to thank my fastest beta Icul8er and my newest Beta, who is really pushing me for improvements, . Lots of Luv to both 3 3
Edward POV
Around two o'clock, I heard the doorbell ring in Liz's house. I jumped up at the loud sound, but carefully stood up when I saw the two dweebs sleeping on Jasper's so-called bed. I stood up and walked to the door.
Emmett and I had decided to sleep in Jasper's room while Alice took the guestroom. Alice didn't want to share the room with Rosalie since she was still being a bitch to Bella. Emmett and Jasper had already taken Jasper's bed, leaving me the floor to sleep on. I slowly walked down the stairs since the lights were closed and it was dead silent. I finally heard the voices when I made it to the living room.
"Hey, honey. Did we wake you?" I smiled sleepily to my mom. She was sitting beside my dad on Liz's couch. I shook my head and walked over to her. I lazily slumped down next to her. I saw Charlie sitting across the room. Bella was sleeping on the couch and her head was on Charlie's lap.
I sighed when Mom ran her hand through my hair, and kissed my forehead. She pushed my head on her shoulder to let me sleep.
"You should've kept sleeping, Edward." Liz gave me an blanket to wrap around me. I noticed Bella was wrapped in a similar one. I shrugged sleepily, shutting my eyes close.
"That's okay, Liz, we will take Edward with us. Alice and Emmett can come tomorrow. They have to pick up their school bags anyway." I heard my dad moving my blanket closer to my neck.
"Both kids are dead on their feet," Richard chuckled.
"I don't know why you guys just let them sleep here." Liz sighed.
"Bella can stay over if she likes, but I know she's determined to go to school tomorrow. She will need to come home to get ready, and her books. I don't want you to drive Bella to two different places. It's just easier that I take her now. I promise next time I will tell her to bring her stuff here, when she stays over," Charlie muttered.
"What's your excuse?" Liz demanded.
"Don't have one. Emmett and Alice both brought their own cars so they can come home on their own. If Edward wants to stay we don't mind," Dad answered. "What do you say, Edward?"
"I'm too sleepy to decide…" I mumbled.
"Well its okay if you want to leave. I'm so embarrassed you had to sleep on the floor. Rosalie was in one of her moods, and Alice slept in the guestroom, leaving Edward to sleep on the floor in Jasper's room." Liz's voice was filled with embarrassment and anger.
"It's fine, Liz." Mom fidgeted a little. "All the boys can adjust. They are used to sleeping on the floor. Remember last Christmas? You came to see all the boys sleeping on my living room floor, while Alice and Rosalie were spread out on the couch."
Liz started to laugh. "Yeah, and Jasper's feet were right in front of Emmett's nose!"
We all burst out laughing, but quieted down for Bella. "And the next morning, Emmett woke up saying he did smell something funny." We laughed some more.
"How was your night, Charlie?" my dad asked, once we stopped laughing.
"It was a long overdue." Charlie sighed. "All through the drive, I kept wishing I hadn't listened to Renee and actually went down to see Bella. I wouldn't have to go through hell so many years."
"I had told you before not to trust her words. I even asked Richard to find some loop hole in this custody case," Liz huffed.
"Did you find any?" Charlie's questioned silenced everyone.
"Are you serious?" Richard was all business.
Charlie let out a deep breath. "I don't know. Bella is already seventeen, in one year it won't mean anything. However, what Renee did to Bella and I makes me crazy. Do you know what Carlisle found out from her old doctor? I had to wrestle with Matt to let go of my aggression."
I wish I knew what the doctor had said.
"You could have come to my house; you know Emmett has made half of our garage into his personal gym. Just last month, he had ordered a new punching bag," Dad chuckled.
"I liked it better when he tried to order pizza from Chicago online." We all started to laugh again.
"Don't remind me," Mom moaned. "It had taken hours for me to convince him to let me make the pizza, instead of ordering for hundreds of dollars."
"That was one of the reasons I had to cut off the internet for days. Emmett and Alice both got a little crazy with online shopping," Dad joined in.
"Either way, they are good kids. I know both of them help kids around them. Emmett volunteers to go on rescue trips for the police department and Alice even suggests designs for the uniforms," Charlie murmured.
"They are good kids. I don't know how I will survive after these one or two years. I can't imagine waking up and not making breakfast in the morning or seeing my house all empty and silent. I'm so scared of them going the colleges or universities." I felt Mom's shoulders shake under my head.
I opened my eyes to see tears in Mom's eyes. I wiped them away. "I won't leave you, Mom. I will take you with me." I kissed her shoulder.
"Sorry, son. In the real world, you will be on your own. I think we will finally have time to buy a dog. What do you think, Esme? I think it will be easier to train it than Emmett." Dad smirked, making all of us laugh.
"Mom..." I whined, "Dad's replacing me with a dog. You won't let him do that, right?"
"Well..." Mom smiled. "I always wanted one of those German Sheppard..."
"Moooom..." I whined again, making her chuckle and the others around her.
"Don't worry, baby. I can't ever replace you." She kissed my forehead.
"Charlie," Richard spoke up when I put my head back on Mom's shoulder. "If you're serious about finding a loophole, just let me know. I have studied your case very carefully. I just need some information from your side."
Charlie nodded. "I'm happy with the way things are. I just want to make the best of time I have with Bella. I don't even know what she would like to major in." His voice grew sad.
"You will, Charlie. Whatever she will do, she will be the best at. It's one quality of yours that she has." Mom smiled.
"She is the best. She is the best daughter I could ask for. I wouldn't change one thing about her." Charlie ran his hand softly on her head, as to not stir her. She was in very deep sleep.
"I was surprised too. She is completely like you, Charlie. It makes me upset to think Renee not letting her meet you sooner." Liz moved over her blanket over Bella's feet.
"Believe me, talking to her today and explaining everything was one of the hardest things I had ever done. I left a message to the therapist to give me the next appointment as soon as possible." He sighed. "I can feel myself on the edge."
Therapist? I looked at Charlie in surprise.
"Oh, Charlie. Why don't you take tomorrow off and go hang out with Billy? I don't think you should work right now with your mind all mixed up." Liz moved over to him.
He nodded. "I know. I'm waiting on my therapist, but I already informed Matt I might not come to work tomorrow."
"I think it's about time we leave. Come on, Edward, get your clothes together." Dad took away the blanket from me.
I nodded ,standing up and stretching with a long yawn.
"Bella...honey, come on...time to go." Charlie carefully shook her and stood up.
"I can carry her to your car?" I suggested.
Charlie nodded looking down at Bella; she had snuggled closer in the couch. I carefully took her in my arms, and carried her to Charlie's cruiser.
After a few minutes, I found myself sitting comfortably in my dad's car while he drove us home.
oOoOoO
Bella POV
I woke up with the alarm beside my bedside. I whimpered silently and got up. I felt so tired. I didn't remember how or when I got to my bed last night. Stretching my legs, I stood up and quickly started to get ready. I went downstairs to the kitchen and found Charlie's note, saying he had to leave early and drive carefully to school, if I woke up on time...
I shook my head sometimes for a cop, Charlie had a very funny sense of humor. I looked inside the refrigerator to find some milk to pack for lunch. I froze when something caught my eye, hidden in the corner was six pack of beer.
I closed the refrigerator in shock. All the way to school, I thought about the beer. It did belong to Charlie, and Charlie was a grown man. However, for days now, I have been living with him. How could he bring that in the house knowing I was here? We needed to talk, a long one.
By the time I made it to the office doors, I was very disappointed in Charlie. I expected much more from him.
I went to the office to see Ms. Cope. I wrote down on my notebook, asking who is in charge of the announcements. Mrs. Cope looked curious, but thankfully didn't ask. She let me know it was Ben. I smiled in relieve, that made my plans very easy. I went to my classes and got all my makeup work. It wasn't much; I finished all work in my other classes. It surprised me that AP classes had more stuff to read than actually write anything. The teachers didn't call on me for any answers. Having enough, I wrote answers big and clear in my notebook and raised it up for everyone to see, until the teacher finally got it and called on me.
Right before lunch, I saw Angela and Ben waiting for me by my locker. Angela looked as if she was waiting for me to yell at her. I smiled and hugged her to tell her without words I'm not mad.
"How is your bruise? Did you meet Tanya? Were there any comments about Fair Day?" Angela fired away questions.
I moved away to show her my cheeks. It was getting better. I had rubbed some ointment right after I had brushed in the morning.
No comments. I wrote down. But Tanya was whispering something to her wannabe when I came in this morning.
I chuckled silently with Ben when Angela rolled her eyes.
I need a favor, Ben. I took out the CD from my backpack. Can you play the first track on the school speakers? I looked at him pleadingly.
He shrugged. "What is it? Will I get in trouble?"
I nodded. It would get him in trouble.
Angela laughed. "Blame it on Newton."
Ben started to laugh too. "Okay, you guys go to the cafeteria and save me a seat. I will get Newton somehow to the media room."
Angela took some of my books and walked with me to lunch. "So, what's on the CD?" she whispered as we walked.
A little payback. I wrote down smirking.
"Bella! Angela! Over here." We looked toward Alice's table. She was waving to us. "Edward, move over." She moved his half eaten lunch over to the other side of the table.
"Alice!" he glared, while people around them laughed.
Angela looked at me, waiting for me to decide. I nodded taking Angela to sit with me. I smirked at Tanya on the other table, waiting for my plan to take place. I didn't have to wait long. The school speakers went on full blast.
(Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne)
Hey, hey, you, you, I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way, I think you need a new one
Hey, hey, you, you, I could be your girlfriend
Hey, hey, you, you, I know that you like me
No way, no way, you know it's not a secret
Hey, hey, you, you, I want to be your girlfriend
You're so fine, I want you mine, you're so delicious
I think about you all the time, you're so addictive
Don't you know what I can do to make you feel alright?
Alright, alright, alright
Don't pretend, I think you know I'm precious
And so yeah, I'm a hey, hey princess
I can tell you like me too and you know I'm right
I'm right, I'm right, I'm right
She's like so whatever
You could do so much better
I think we should get together now
And that's what everybodys talking about
Hey, hey, you, you, I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way, I think you need a new one
Hey, hey, you, you, I could be your girlfriend
Hey, hey, you, you, I know that you like me
No way, no way, you know its not a secret
Hey, hey, you, you, I want to be your girlfriend
I can see the way, I see the way you look at me
And even when you look away I know you think of me
I know you talk about me all the time again and again
And again and again and again
So come over here and tell me what I wanna hear
Better yet, make your girlfriend disappear
I don't wanna hear you say her name ever again
And again and again and again
Cause she's like so whatever
And she could do so much better
I think we should get together now
And that's what everybody's talking about
Hey, hey, you, you, I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way, I think you need a new one
Hey, hey, you, you, I could be your girlfriend
Hey, hey, you, you, I know that you like me
No way, no way, you know it's not a secret
Hey, hey, you, you, I want to be your girlfriend
Oh, in a second you'll be wrapped around my finger
Woo, 'cause I can, cause I can do it better
There's no other, so when's it gonna sink in?
Hey, she's so stupid, just what were you thinking?
In a second you'll be wrapped around my finger
'Cause I can, cause I can do it better
There's no other, so when's it gonna sink in?
She's so stupid, just what were you thinking?
Hey, hey, you, you, I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way, I think you need a new one
Hey, hey, you, you, I could be your girlfriend
No way, no way
Hey, hey, I know that you like me
No way, no way, you know it's not a secret
Hey, hey, I want to be your girlfriend
No way, no way, no way, no way
"This song is dedicated to Tanya, and Rosalie!" The speakers turned off.
Everyone started laughing and clapping. Rosalie shrugged it off, and looked at Emmett.
I was disappointed since I was waiting for a reaction. My little wish was answered when Tanya screeched and stomped out the lunch room.
She demanded who had done this? This caused a new round of laughs.
Everyone grew quiet when the principal announced Mike Newton to come to his office. They started to laugh once again. After a few minutes, Ben came in with my CD and a huge grin. Angela moved over on the window side to make some room for him.
Every guy gave him hi fives.
"That was great man. How did you pull it off and blame it on Newton?" Tyler smiled at him.
Ben shrugged. "It was easy, once I saw him sneaking around in the principal's office. I just mentioned I saw him leave the media room to Ms. Cope. Rest was just getting the CD." He smiled giving me the CD.
Everyone gasped in understanding, besides the Cullens, which was confusing.
"Damn, girl, you're a sneaky Swan. I like that." Tyler winked at me causing my face to go red.
"You know what they say; it's always the quiet ones that are trouble." Rosalie's comment caused my face to blush in rage.
You know what they say about bitches. I wrote down and showed it to Angela and Alice, making them both laughs loudly.
"So, what's the plan for today?" Eric asked biting down on his apple.
"Grounded." Emmett huffed.
Everyone chuckled.
"Yeah, Mom found our dirty clothes from yesterday's game, and plus we were messing around a lot this week. So all three of us were warned about a lecture after school and grounded until further notice. But Alice will be saved, as always." Edward grumbled.
Alice shrugged. "It's not my fault. I'm Daddy's favorite."
He began to copy her in high pitched voice, making all of us laugh.
oOoOoO
After school, I decided to get some groceries and wait for Charlie at home. I couldn't get those beer bottles out of my head. Alice and Angela both asked me to come over but I used the grocery as excuse.
Once I made it to the grocery store, I didn't get out of the car. I remembered I forgot my money at home. I wondered how Charlie eats without groceries. My stomach grumbled in agreement. My temper was flaring minute after minute.
I made it home, and decided to make a sandwich. While waiting, I started to work on some homework and emailed to all my friends on what was going on. I replayed all the conversation that I had with Charlie. I didn't mention the beer bottles, because first I wanted to hear what he had to say for them. The time went fast after I read all my emails. Kevin's email brought tears in my eyes. Cherry was still suffering. They were all at loss on what to do. Kevin was worrying she might overdose on painkillers on purpose. Kevin's mom had lost hope too. I said a little prayer for her in my mind.
After my emails, I went downstairs to make cookies. Charlie had come in and smiled when he saw I was making more chocolate chip cookies. I pointed to him to sit on the chair. He shrugged taking off his coat, and sat down.
I sighed, wiping my hands on the apron and went to the refrigerator. I pulled out the beers and placed them on the table. I looked at him with raised eyebrows.
Charlie looked at me sternly, "Bella, I am not sharing my beer with you."
A/N: I know I am bad, but inspiration has been a b** to me. However, this time I am completely in order. I wrote out all my chapters for this whole month. Every Friday you will get an update. The 20th reviewer will get a teaser for the next chapter.
I am also actively participating in the fandom and writing one shots. Please read and vote for me. My entries could be found under Fandom One Shot Contest and Final Countdown entry. Please check out all my entries. Mostly are funny and fluff! Rated M for language!
I am active in tweeting too. Join me in tweet world (at mehek18). I am buried under banners this week!
Review Winners (Love you all soo much *smiles*) (I will post winning reviews in TwificPimps (dot) com on Wednesday Hump Your Readers, too.)
.BEASTXx
I absolutely, positively, craziltivultily love this story! I've read the entire thing in such a short time it's craziness! I love how you incorporated so much information about Charlie intothe story and then Bella's entire background. I love it. But please let Edward and Bella realize they like eachother. I know iight be just a little impatient. But hey! We all deserve to be at times. Please update soon. Can't wait!
Harry Albus Potter Dumbledore
Truly amazing. This is one of my favorite stories every. The details that you show in this story is brillant. Update soon.
asherandjeanclaude
This chapter was great. I really love how you go into detail about EVERYONE's PAST not just on persons. I feel for poor Jasper because Rosalie is spoiled and selfish. I feel for Carlisle and Esme because they have been through a lot. I annoyed at Emmett for being a pansy and letting Rosalie get her way. I think Jasper should confront Rosalie very strongly about her behavior. It's a bit tedious that Alice always get her way. Can't she just not shop for once? This Bella is great because she is very strong and noble, but she can stand up for herself. I like this Charlie because he is more open and closer with Bella. Renee sucks! And Finally I feel for Edward being between a rock and a hard place wanting to ask Bella out. Please update ASAP
VampyMusiK
Okay so basically i love this !
I stayed up till the early hours of the morning reading!
after lots off caffine and sugar i read the story!
So then i sleep through my alarm miss my first period!
Forgot to do my homework! so that is dedication i missed school for this story! So i love it! Yeah, this is a long review! but now you know how awesome it is xxxx
Ema11
Hi,
You know that you made me register to the website only because I thought you deserved a review?
Your story is amazing! I like a lot of things:
-the way manage to stick to the books but at the same time to do something completely different. Like for you characters: you keep the way they are in the book (exagerating sometimes, like renee that become too excentric!) but manage to change them somehow!
- The way you seem to know very well the books and try to keep some part of the action. Like James, Laurent and Victoria...
-The attention you pay at the details. I am usually really good at seeing the mistakes of the plot. For yours, I was confused because you described the cullens' first day of school, and they were already old and after, you said charlie had know them since Alice was a kid! But after this chapter, everything is cleared up!
- Besides, you write very well! I am often desapointed by stories I read because it's often full of mistakes and I just stop reading after a while. But yours was something! I couldn't stop! (even at 3 AM :( )
All that to say: Thank you and good luck! I will be waiting for the continuation!
mommyof3boys
As always great chapter. I love this story. It's one of my favorites. I love that it makes people aware if children/people with disabilities. Being a mother of a special needs child myself, I appreciate the wonderful job you're doing and the time you've put into the research and everything. So once again, thanks and keep up the good job.
Mommyof3boys (James, Benjamin and Taylor)
Thank you all for the wonderful reviews! I will be posting more reviews on twificpimps (dot) com on Wednesday for appreciation! Love my readers!