The Learning Curve

by Amethyst Jackson

AU and AH. Short chapters with daily updates. When Bella's boyfriend brings up the issue of her virginity with his ex, she decides to take charge of her own fate. Now complete with occasional snippets to come.

109. Chapter 109

The Learning Curve: Chapter 109

Forks Police Department

I'd never been so nervous in my life.

I was standing outside the police station, working up the courage to talk to Chief Swan. Bella didn't know I was here. She'd talked about tackling him together, but I felt it was my responsibility to broach this with her father. Besides, if he was ever going to consent to me marrying his daughter, he had to know that I was the kind of man that could face things head-on.

With one more pat-down of my hair and a quick prayer to whomever was listening, I went into the station house.

His deputy, Mark, directed me to his office, which I would have found within two minutes anyway; it was a small building.

I cleared my throat as I stepped into the doorway. "Chief Swan?"

He looked up from his computer screen, a crinkle in his forehead eerily similar to an expression Bella often made appearing as he assessed the situation. He seemed puzzled to see me, but not irritated. It was a good start.

"Afternoon, Edward. What can I do for you?"

"I was hoping I could talk to you for a moment." I hoped he didn't notice my voice wavering.

"All right," Charlie said slowly. "Have a seat."

I reluctantly lowered myself into the plastic chair, realizing that this would impact my getaway time should this conversation go badly.

"Sir, as you know, Bella and I are planning to attend Dartmouth together in the fall. I know you're worried about her going so far away, but I want you to know that I really only want what is good for her and what will make her happy."

Charlie leaned back in his chair and nodded, waiting to see where I was going with this.

"I want to take care of her, sir. To support her through the good and the bad. And that's why...that's why I'd like to marry your daughter."

Charlie looked at me blank-faced, and I pressed on. "I know we're very young, and I know it won't be easy for us...but I also know that this is right, and there's no good reason to wait. Sir, can I...have your blessing?"

Charlie crossed his arms over his chest. "Son, I respect the courage it took for you to ask me that question - but get the hell out of my office."

I gaped back at him for a moment, searching for any sign of humor hiding in his eyes or beneath his mustache. When I found none, self-preservation took over, and I high-tailed it out of the station.