The Learning Curve: Chapter 34
Bella Swan's House
When I got home from Edward's house, Charlie's cruiser was already in the driveway. He was home early.
I grimaced.
He would want to know where I'd been. I was a horrible liar, and even if I did say I'd been somewhere in town, he would have driven past most of them on the way home. I would have to tell him where I'd really been, and he wasn't going to like it.
"Hi, Dad," I said cheerfully when I walked in the door. Maybe if I acted totally normal, he wouldn't ask questions. I poked my head into the living room. "Early day?"
Charlie wore a stern expression beneath his mustache, and I knew I was in trouble. "Come in here, Bella."
I went meekly to the couch.
"I heard something at the station today. Something about you."
I swallowed.
"Bella Marie, are you dating Edward Cullen?"
I turned beet red. "Um, sort of?"
Charlie leveled a gaze on me. "What do you mean, sort of?"
"It's just...you know, kind of new. We aren't serious yet."
"Were you with him this afternoon?" he asked severely.
"Yes," I admitted.
"Bella." He shook his head at me. "I know we talked about this. I want to meet him, and I want to know where you are at all times. No sneaking around."
"Okay. I'm sorry," I acquiesced.
"Are you sure it's not serious? The boy's already gotten into an altercation over you."
"An altercation? Really, Dad? It was a locker room fight."
He scowled. "Physical violence is always serious."
"Dad, we haven't even been on an actual date. We're just...hanging out," I lied. I didn't want Charlie to ever know what we'd really been doing.
"Fine. He'd better show his face here before that happens. I know what teenage boys are like."
"Okay." I didn't even want to think about relaying all this to Edward.
"Go do your homework, then. Pizza's on the way."
I slinked upstairs without even inquiring into the flavor of the pizza. I'd hide up there all night if necessary.
A/N: Quick update for today. Now I'm taking my annual post-turkey nap. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate it!