I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
CH. 20: Truck
BPOV
"So, Bella, can I please plan your wedding?" Alice immediately asked as soon as she turned off the driveway and onto the road.
"I don't know, Alice. I don't want anything big. I'm not even sure when yet. I still have to find a way to break it to my parents without them flipping out." I sighed. I should have known that she would pounce as soon as she had the chance.
"I can do small," she insisted. I heard Rose scoff from the back and I fought to hold back my own laughter.
"Alice, you had a three-tired cake for my birthday when I was the only one that would eat it." I pointed out.
"I can work with small. A nice small backyard wedding, only family." She suggested.
"That sounds nice," I started to admit and she began to hop in her seat.
"I didn't say yes. I'm still worried about telling my parents."
"It will be fine. Renée will be happy for you and she will want to help planning the wedding." She waved me off. I rolled my eyes, but I knew I was going to give into her eventually. I knew nothing about planning weddings.
"You won't even have to worry about dress shopping. I already got your dress."
"How?" I was flabbergasted.
"I ordered it awhile ago." Alice shrugged. "It takes awhile to get a custom original from Paris. You can't wear off the rack." She huffed when my mouth dropped open. Rose was chuckling.
"When did you order a dress?" I asked, I was very curious.
"Um, the day after Edward first took you to the meadow and you survived." I swear you could hear crickets as Rose and I both just stared at her. "What?"
"I…just…wow," I shook my head in surprise. At least it works to my favor so I didn't have to try on countless dresses.
"Should I bother even shopping?" Rose snickered. She was probably glad someone else had to go though this for once instead of her.
"Nope, everyone is covered." Alice beamed.
"What about Charlie?" I asked very softly. I wasn't talking about his outfit. Alice was quiet and I turned to face her. She seemed to concentrate on the road more than usual. "Alice?"
"I'm not sure. I have visions where he will be upset, but also ones where he's okay with it. I'm not sure what affects the different outcomes. I wished we did know."
"I hope he comes around. I know how you must feel wanting your parents to accept Edward. My parents wouldn't accept Emmett, which is why we tried to elope. They wanted me not only to forgive but to apologize to Royce." Rose spoke up from the backseat.
"How can your parents be alright with the fact that Royce abused you?" I frowned, turning so I could see her better. She was looking out the window and not at me.
"Royce was from good money and he could take better care of me. It would also give my father a leg up at the bank." Her voice was sour as her response seemed robotic. "Emmett had no education and was going no where in life according to them." She shook her head sadly. How could anyone not like Emmett?
"I'm sorry for all this, Rose?" I apologized, it was my fault she had went through this again. She looked at me in surprise.
"What for? This isn't your fault and it wasn't Alice's. As much as I hate the dog for doing it; it did show me the alternative that I thought I wanted. I realize now how lucky and happy I'm to have Emmett and the rest of the family, who love me despite my bitchyness. I appreciate them more now than I did."
"I couldn't agree more. " Alice nodded. I noticed she had arrived at the house. I looked around to see that Charlie's cruiser was gone.
"I will run these up to your room." Alice grabbed the bags and disappeared into the house.
Rose stepped out of the car too and rested against it as she surveyed around the house. She kept her expression neutral so I couldn't tell what she was thinking. But I'm sure it wasn't what she was use to. She glanced at me and looked at me thoughtfully.
"So, you're protecting the mutt and letting him off the hook?" she inquired with a small frown.
"Who said that?" I answered defensively.
"You asked Edward not to go after him." She said bluntly. I understood that may be her view point but hardly the truth.
"I wasn't protecting Jacob. I did it for two reasons. The first was to protect Edward." She gave me an incredulous look.
"You think that dog is stronger than Edward?" she narrowed her eyes.
"No. Not at all. In a fight I have no doubt Edward would win. But the cost of it would worry me. Sure he may be mad enough now to kill Jacob, but what about how he might feel about it years from now. He hates his rogue period and still thinks that he was a monster for it. I don't wish for him to feel that way again, if I can help it." Rose stared at the house with her lips in a thin line.
"What is the second reason?"
"Jacob wants a fight. He has been trying to provoke Edward into a fight. Even hoping he would start it so the treaty will be broken. I don't want to give Jacob what he wants, because then in some way he does win. Stooping to his level wouldn't make us any better than him. Let him pout and sulk all he wants. Letting Jacob live doesn't mean he has won. We have already won by not fighting him. His tribe has sided with us and even given us permission to change me." I answered.
"I still think you're being too nice. What if he comes back? I made that mistake by letting Royce live." She challenged.
"Then by all means, I won't stop Edward if that is how it needs to ends." I shrugged.
Rose sighed and her eyes zeroed in on my truck.
"I promised Edward I would check out the truck. Can I see your keys?" I dug into my backpack and handed it to her. I was grateful because after everything I didn't trust Jake anymore.
She took the keys and heading to the truck. I stood back as she hopped in and started the truck. She cringed at the loud sound.
"What happened to your new radio?" she frowning looking at the blank spot. "It looks like it was clawed out. Did someone steal it?"
"Um….actually I was very mad at Edward after he left. I sort of did it one day. I'm sorry." I felt immediate guilty since she was one of three that gave it to me. To my surprise she snorted with laughter.
"I'm not mad. Just a little surprised, I didn't know you had it in you. But then you did punch the dog." She popped the hood as she stepped back out of the truck. She opened the hood and looked in. She stood staring in for a few minutes touching here and there.
"Did he mess with it?" I asked looking next to her. I spotted the black object that Edward had taken out of my truck.
"Surprisingly everything looks very good. I will give this to the dog, he took good care of the engine. Although I can tweak it, so it doesn't make that loud sound when you start it, if you want. It could also use an oil change." Rose looked at me for answer.
"That would be great." I nodded. "Should I bring it to the house soon?"
"No need. I have the tools I need in the car. Alice already said Charlie had lifts so I can get under the car." She walked around the perimeter of the truck looking at the rust spots.
"Have you thought about selling the truck?" she asked casually.
"No, I doubt I would get very much for it." I answered her.
"Actually if we take care of the rust and then give it a good paint job, you could sell it to an antique collector. It won't hold up much longer for long drives, but someone might like it for showing." Rose shrugged.
"Are you serious?" she had to be joking. When I thought antique, I thought Model-T not Ford truck.
"She is, in fact you could easily get more money for it than what it cost Edward to get his beloved Volvo." Alice appeared next to me smiling evilly.
"Can you imagine the look on his face if she did that?" Rose laughed as she was now putting a pair of mechanic overalls on over her clothes.
"Oh I have seen it," Alice smile grew wider and she laughed. "You would be able to afford to get your own car of your choosing. Instead of the one Edward is going to insist on buying you soon." I frowned. I had told him no cars.
"What is he trying to buy her? Usually he talks to me before he buys them." Rose asked placing bottles of oil, a pan and some other tools on the ground in front of the truck.
"A Mercedes Guardian." Alice answered with her eyes twinkled in amusement as she started to giggle again. Rose started to laugh as well.
"What is wrong with it?" I asked cautiously.
"Apparently the car can handle a tank driving over it, flame throwers, and bullets and that is just the start." Alice explained. "Not to mention it's usually a car driven by drug lords and foreign diplomats."
"You have to be kidding me. He wouldn't." Alice and Rose exchanged a look and their giggles increased. "Ugh…he would." I groaned.
"Would you help me fix the truck?" I asked Rose.
"Sure." She agreed with a smile.
"I can help with the upholstery." Alice offered.
"That sounds great." I smiled back. There was no way I was letting Edward get me that Guardian. What would the people around here think about the Police Chief's daughter driving a car meant for a drug lord?
BS&EC
Rose was still under the truck when Charlie arrived home later. He got out and headed over to us.
"Hey, Bells, when is the last time you saw Jacob?" He asked looking very worried.
"Friday afternoon." I answered shrugging.
"He ran away yesterday." Charlie informed me watching my face for a reaction. I wasn't sure how to respond since part of me was glad that he wasn't around to cause more problems.
"I'm sorry to hear that. How is Billy taking it?" I asked not quite meeting his eyes.
"He doesn't seem too concerned, neither do you for that matter. What is going on?" his eyes narrowed on me.
"I don't know why he left." I shrugged absentmindedly playing with the brace on my hand.
"What happened to your hand?" he asked.
"I hurt it when I punched Jacob for kissing me against me will." I answered.
"You assaulted him for a simple kiss." Charlie looked incredulous.
"It wasn't just a simple kiss. I told him no and I didn't like him that way but he forced me to kiss him anyways. I tried to push him off me, but he wouldn't budge. It took me kneeing him in the balls and biting his tongue, that he so rudely shoved into my mouth, to get him to back off. Then I hit him, but don't worry I'm the only one showing any signs of damage. Jacob then had the audacity to tell me that I had liked it and tried force me to stay in La Push when I wanted to leave. If Sam didn't show up I would still probably be there." Tears burned in my eyes as I snapped.
"I'm sure you must have misinterpreted things. The boy just has a crush and probably wasn't thinking properly." My mouth dropped open in shock when he said this.
"I'm sorry, but you just didn't give her the 'boys will be boys' excuse, did you?" I had forgotten that Rose and Alice was witness to our conversation. Rose was still on the ground sitting in front of the truck glaring at Charlie. Judging from Charlie's expression he had forgotten they were there too.
"I'm sorry, who are you?" he asked shifting uncomfortably under her glare.
"Rosalie Hale. I'm curious to know that when your daughter tells you she was pretty much sexually assaulted why you'd shrug it off. Does that normally happen in this town when a girl reports an assault to you?" she asked. Charlie opened and closed his mouth like a fish.
"Charlie, Bella wouldn't get this upset over nothing. The few times I have seen Jacob he has been nothing but rude, verbally abusive and manipulative." Alice spoke up as she came up to me and wrapped an arm around my waist. Charlie looked at me before closing his eyes for a moment. He opened them and looked at me contrite.
"I'm sorry, Bells. They're right. His actions were uncalled for, especially if he ignored your protests. I will make sure I speak to Billy in case he comes back. Unfortunately I can't do more than that since I have no jurisdiction at the Reservation." Charlie looked more apologetic. "Is your hand going to be alright?' he asked sounding more genuine.
"Yeah, it will be fine. Carlisle checked it out." I answered.
"Carlisle and the boys are back? I thought they weren't getting home until today." Charlie looked suspicious.
"They got back late last night after we passed out from our long drive and shopping trip." Alice answered. "We didn't see them until this morning."
"I'm all set with the truck. We should get going." Rose exchanged a look with Alice.
When they left I followed Charlie into the house. Charlie stopped me before going up the steps.
"Does Edward know what happened?" Charlie frowned.
"Of course he does. I wasn't going to lie to him about it." I answered turning on the steps to face him.
"What does he have to say about it?"
"He was angry with Jacob. He doesn't want Jacob anywhere near me anymore. He doesn't trust him. Which doesn't matter anyways since I have lost all trust in him too. I told Jacob we couldn't be friends if he couldn't accept Edward." I answered. Charlie ran a hand over his face looking tired.
"Tell Edward to leave it alone and not to confront Jacob. I don't want to have to throw him in jail." Charlie sighed.
"What the hell Ch…Dad, you forgive Jacob just like that, but Edward you continue to hold this grudge against." I huffed crossing my arms in front of my chest.
"Calm down. I wasn't saying that because I wanted to arrest Edward. Just the opposite. I know the boy cares for you and I was concerned he was going to get hot headed and do something he would later regret."
"Oh," I blushed in embarrassment. "He already promised me he won't. He decided to take the high road knowing that fighting him won't make things better."
"Well, it sounds like he was thinking with a good head." Charlie nodded.
"He's a great guy and I love him. He's in my life permanently. I just wish you will give him a chance." I stared him right in the eyes.
"I can see that. You're so young though, Bells, to make a decision like this. You were so hurt not so long ago from him." Charlie shook his head sadly.
"Because he's my soul mate. When he left it felt like a piece of me was torn out. He was hurting too. I only felt completely better when he came back. Jacob was a good friend but he could never take Edward's place in my heart. I tried staying friends but he made it too difficult. It was hurting me, him, and Edward too. I needed to let him go. I don't even know who he's anymore, he's not the friend I once had." I stated, being more honest about my feeling with Charlie than I think I ever have been.
"I have known that boy since he was in diapers and I don't even recognize him half the time either. The boy I knew would never have forced himself on a girl. I'm sorry that happened. I will make sure Billy does something about it if Jacob shows back up." Charlie gave me a sad smile.
"And Edward?" I pleaded.
"I will try harder to get to know him better. He likes baseball, right?" Charlie asked.
"Yes, I believe it's his favorite sport." I smiled.
"Well, I guess that is a starting point." Charlie shook his head but smiled slightly. "Perhaps I can get him tickets or something for graduation. What is his favorite team?"
"I'm not sure?" I was taken aback by his gesture. "I know he's originally from Chicago so maybe either the White Soxs or Cubs?"
"Find out for me. By the way, maybe I should look into getting you so some self-defense lessons." Charlie glanced at my hand again.
"I already know some basic stuff. Jacob just has a hard head, that's all." I scowled.
"Still, with you going off to college it will make me more comfortable." He gave me a look that said no arguing.
"Okay," I agreed.
"Speaking of which, something came for you." He walked into the kitchen then came back quickly. He handed me an envelope with a Dartmouth logo. When I took it in my hand I noticed it had been opened.
"Did you open my mail? Isn't that a crime?" I waved the envelope smirking.
"So shoot me," he shrugged. "I think we should have dinner tonight at the Diner or the Lodge to celebrate. Your choice."
"I take it then I don't have to read it to know that I got in?" I snickered.
"Congratulations, kiddo, I'm proud of you." He beamed happily. My smile wavered slightly because I wasn't entirely sure I would be going come Fall.
"Thank you. I'm going to go finish unpacking. Call me when you're ready to leave." I started up the steps.
"Bells," I turned to look at him. "Why don't you give Edward a call and see if he wants to join us." I nearly fell off the step and grabbed the handrail for support.
"I will," I smiled before heading up the steps to my room.
I entered my room and started to take off Edward's sweatshirt I was wearing and decided to change my top too. I had the shirt almost over my head when I heard a clearing of a throat. I gasped and whirled around dropping the shirt and sweatshirt so they fell crookedly on me.
Edward was stretched out across my bed with his hands behind his head. He gave me a sheepish grin but his eyes betrayed him with the lust that they showed.
"Edward Cullen, when did you get here?" I hissed softly trying to fix my clothes.
"When Alice and Rose left. I thought you heard me and Alice earlier. I'm not taking chances of leaving you by yourself."
"Why didn't you say something when I entered the room?" I whispered blushing that I almost undressed in front of him.
"You caught me off guard. I didn't expect you to start changing." He gave me an apologetic pout. "But by all means don't let me stop you." His pout became a wolfish grin. I scowled at him. "Would you like me to step out, love?"
"No, just turn around or close your eyes or something." I ordered.
"As you wish," he turned and I pulled the shirt and sweatshirt off quickly. I grabbed a new top out of the closet. Alice had been quick enough to put everything away for me.
I turned to tell him I was all set when I caught his eyes in the mirror. He gave me a wink.
"Edward," I chastised.
"I was good," he gave me an angelic smile I wasn't sure I trusted.
"Uh huh. Have you done that before? Spy on me when I'm getting changed." I was suddenly very curious.
"No. I can't say I haven't been tempted though. You're a beautiful creature, my love. Beside, after last night could you blame me?" Edward got up and came to me and took me in his arms. He kissed me deeply enough that I started to forget I was irritated at him. Especially when his hand slipped up my shirt and cupped my breast. I leaned into his hand moaning slightly while parting my lips. Edward's tongue slowly pushed his tongue into mine entwining it with my own. I felt us slowly moving backwards to the bed as the touching and kisses grew more heated. Edward's phone buzzed and he pulled back. He checked it quickly and shot me an apologetic smile. "Sorry, that was Alice warning us to stop before we are caught."
"Right. Speaking of Charlie, he has invited you to go out with us tonight." I gave him a hopeful smile and kept my arms around his neck. "I understand if you don't want to come. I mean you might have to eat. I know you hate that, but it still was very nice of him. I'm glad he's giving you a chance." I started to ramble.
"Sweetheart," Edward interrupted and I stopped and bit my lip waiting for him to speak.
"I will love to join you two. Do something for me though?" he asked dipping his fingers below my collar and pulling up my necklace. "Give me a few moments alone with Charlie this evening." He kissed the ring before dropping it so it hung outside of my shirt.
"I don't want to upset him just as he's starting to like you." I chewed on my lip nervously.
"I won't upset him, just test out the waters and ease him into the idea by asking for his blessing to ask you. It will be out of order but he doesn't need to know that." Edward's eyes started to dazzle me. I shook my head and blinked my eyes. He chuckled and kissed my nose.
"Fine, but don't try dazzling him. I doubt it would work as well as it does for me." I giggled as he blanched.
A/N: It was mentioned that Bella asking Edward not to fight Jacob was siding with Jacob. That wasn't my intention so I hope Bella's conversation with Rose cleared that up.
I had someone comment they were stop reading because of the truck. I founded it amusing simply because I think the truck is symbolic of canon Bella as the Volvo or Vanquish is of Edward. I looked up the value of Bella's truck just for fun afterwards and found it valued from $15,000-$45,000 depending on the condition. So I decided to have fun with it in the story and have little girl bonding over it. I'm sure if the girls, with Rose expertise, could get it looking good. With Rose or Alice doing the negotiation they could get to the higher end for it. Edward's Volvo goes for around $31, 000.
I had to set Charlie straight in this story. It bothered me in Eclipse how he reacted to the force kiss. At least he's going to try now with Edward.
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Preview Alert
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Preview:
"What did you and Charlie find so funny near the end of dinner?" she asked.
"Charlie was commenting in his head about the boys you attract without realizing it. I was laughing at the nicknames he gave a particular three." I chuckled again.
"What was he thinking?" Bella looked slightly amused by demeanor.
"That would be Fig, Crash, and Poodle." I snickered. Bella looked confused as she mouthed the names silently.
"Okay, I pretty much figured out Fig and Crash. But who is Poodle?"
(I am sure Fig is fairly easy. Any takers on who Poodle is?)