I held Sue's hand as we entered the Cullen's house and led her up the staircase. She didn't hesitate at all as she entered her tribes mortal enemy's home, I don't think she was even aware of the luxurious surroundings. As soon as we crossed the threshold of the room where Charlie lay thrashing on the bed in silent agony though, she paused and took it all in. Esme and Rose had been sitting in chairs by Charlie's bedside. Esme was holding his hand and talking to him soothingly. They stood as we entered the room and regarded us both with intense stares. Esme face broke into a welcoming smile while Rose looked at the floor as she left the room.

"Hello Sue. My name is Esme - I'm Carlisle wife." Both Esme and Rosalie had obviously heard what had gone on outside, and Esme was being her usual compassionate self, attempting to make Sue comfortable in what was obviously difficult situation for her. She looked at Charlie as she continued, "He has been quiet for a little while now, talking to him seems to comfort him somewhat, although I'm sure your words will have much more effect than mine. Bella," she looked at me "I'll be just downstairs. If you need anything, just call."

"Thanks Esme." I smiled at her gratefully as she made her exit.

Sue and I made our way over to the recently vacated chairs. She took Charlies hand in her own and kissed his cheek. His thrashing slowed visibly so she started talking in earnest, her lips close to his ear. As I took in the sight in front of me, the obvious love Sue felt towards my father radiating from every pore of her body, I couldn't help but feel guilty for not being aware of the depth of the feelings they obviously shared. Charlie was still now, undoubtedly because of Sue's close proximity and loving words. At that moment, I felt I was intruding on what should be a private moment between the two and went to leave the room. Sue's voice calling me halted my retreat.

"Don't leave Bella, he needs us both." Sue implored me, her eyes bright with unshed tears. I hesitated, not sure what the right thing to do was, but decided on sitting back down and returned to my chair. As I took Charlies other hand I was aware of how much cooler and smoother his skin was. I wondered if Sue noticed. A silent moment passed between us as I looked at her and she nodded slightly. Yes, she obviously did notice, but I could see that she was determined to still support and love my father, no matter what temperature his skin was. Sue resumed talking and I just sat there and observed her. Her words were sweet, assuring Charlie that she loved him and that as soon as he was able they would be together. She then made a comment that made my heart leap. She mentioned that he may just provide the bond that the two tribes needed to come to a full and long lasting friendship. I looked at her as she continued talking, not really understanding her reasons for mentioning that now although the hope that flared in my chest filled me with warmth.

Did she really think that a friendship between the two was possible? I had always hoped it was, and after their defeat of Victoria and her army by fighting together, I was optimistic it would happen. I couldn't understand why the Quiluetes seemed determined to keep their distance from the Cullens even though it was obvious that a few members of the pack had warmed to them noticeably. Seth was an obvious example – he and Edward had formed a bond fighting together and I know Edward considered Seth a friend. Jarred and Quil were able to openly joke around with Emmett and seemed to enjoy sparring with him and Jasper. The Cullens were still meeting with the pack on occasion to give them advice on the best way to bring down vampires. Some of the wolves obviously weren't happy with this arrangement but Sam had questions after the fight regarding the instincts and reflexes of vampires and Jasper, Emmett and Carlisle were happy to help out. Emmett loved any opportunity to flex his muscles and show off his strength and Carlisle was impressed that Sam was willing to work with them. Rosalie, as expected, was disgusted that her husband was "playing with the dogs" and insisted he shower for at least half an hour to get rid of their horrendous scent when he returned.

Edward seemed reluctant to be involved and when I questioned his reluctance he simply shrugged and said "Being in their heads isn't an enjoyable experience Bella. Emmett , Jas and Carlisle have it covered, they don't necessarily need me there so I'd rather not subject myself to it." He then proceeded to show me the things he would much rather be subjected to and suffice to say, any further questions I had flew right out of my head.

I was pulled reluctantly from my pleasant memories then by movement beside me. Charlie had started to writhe in pain again and my eyes flashed to Sue's anguished face. We both started to talk to Charlie at once, so I stopped awkwardly and nodded for her to continue. I held his hand and stroked his arm, hoping to project my love and need for him through my actions.

Edward appeared in the doorway and as I looked at him I felt an overwhelming need for his strong arms around me, supporting me. I patted Charlie's hand, and said to Sue "I'm going to go downstairs for a bit to give you some time together. Will you be ok?"

Sue looked at Edward and then at me as she said "Sure Bella. We'll be fine. I guess you need to work out what the next move is?" She looked to Edward as she said the last bit.

I exhaled the breath I had been holding in a rush and looked at him also.

"Yes. The pack is still here Sue and we need to check a few details with Bella. Seth is downstairs and would like to see Charlie, would you mind if I send him in?"

Sue nodded feebly as tears began to well in her eyes, and I couldn't help but go and give her a hug. She grasped my arms tightly around her as her tears began to fall. "You go and get everything sorted Bella, we need you to be strong for us all now. We'll be ok here."

I stood up and took a deep breath and headed over to Edward who took pulled me into a tight embrace. I snuggled my head into his stone chest and took strength from the comfort I immediately felt. He kissed the top of my head and murmured to me. "It's alright love. Come with me."

We headed out the door to see Seth waiting at the top of the stairs.

"Go ahead Seth. We'll be downstairs shortly. If you need us, just yell." Edward motioned to the door of the room and Seth went in. I was confused as Edward turned me around and we went up the next flight of stairs that led to his bedroom. He led me inside and closed the door behind us. I looked up at him with questioning eyes and he pulled me down to sit on the couch beside him.

"I just thought we needed some alone time. It's been such a stressful day, I thought you could do with some time out for a little bit. I've missed you and I'm worried about you." I looked into those golden eyes and my heart melted as the stress from the day bled through me.

I grasped his shirt to me as I sucked in huge breaths of his comforting scent, "Just hold me please" I begged him, "Don't let me go." The tears started then, huge wracking sobs tore through my chest as I let the emotion of the day take me over. I held onto Edward for grim life as he rocked me gently and hummed my lullaby. When my sobbing started to ease, Edward whispered to me "I was so proud of you downstairs you know. "

I wasn't sure of what he meant, and my confusion must have shown on my face so he continued.

"When you gave your impromptu speech - your words were heartfelt and they had a real effect on Sam and the elders. Billy was even proud of you also!"

I realised what he was talking about and I could feel the blush as it creeped across my face.

"I don't know what came over me. I just get so frustrated with this whole mortal enemies bullshit that they all carry on about. Why can't they see that you all stand for the same principles. Your family has gone against their very nature to live the way they do, to keep humans safe. It's almost as ridiculous as racism!" I could feel myself getting all worked up again and took a deep breath to calm myself.

"They can't help it Bella, their distrust of us is built into their DNA. It is their reason for being. I don't blame them really, although it does frustrate the hell out of me. But honestly, I can't really blame them, because it is just as hard for me at times to trust them, and I have the advantage of knowing their true thoughts. I have to say, they have impressed all of us with their willingness to go along with allowing Charlie to live. It is a huge leap of faith for them. Thank god Charlie means as much to them as he does to us."

I came back down to earth with a thump then as the reality of the situation weighed down on me again.

I sat up straight then and absentmindedly tried to straighten Edward's shirt where I had crushed it in my fists. "So," I breathed a huge sigh as I said "Where do we go from here. I guess I had better get myself pulled together huh?"

Edward's brow creased together with worry as he nodded. "You sure you're up to this?"

I sighed as I shrugged and ran my fingers over his worried brows "What choice do I have?" His brows furrowed together further and he started to speak but I stopped him with a finger on his lips.

"I'll be fine Edward. It's ok. Thanks for thinking of the alone time. I really needed to feel your arms around me."

He smiled at me and said "Anytime love. You know that." His brow furrowed again and I had the feeling that he was keeping something from me. I wanted to ask him what it was but he grabbed my hand and headed for the stairwell. As we passed the landing that led to Charlies room, I could see Seth and Sue in there and it surprised me to see Billy there as well. He turned as he heard us passing and came out to follow us downstairs.

We continued until we arrived in the living room where Carlisle and the rest of the family were gathered. Billy came to a stop beside us and looked at Carlisle apologetically.

"I wanted to know what Bella thought of our plan."

I couldn't believe that Billy was standing in the Cullens living room and he hadn't been brought here by force! Edward noticed my shock and squeezed my hand as the corner of his mouth turned up in a smile .

Carlisle smiled at him "Of course Billy, actually we need your input anyway. Bella, we think it's best if you leave shortly to go home. You are going to have to ring the police station to let them know that Charlie is missing. We thought Billy could be there with you and Edward, as he would have been the first person you called when Charlie didn't come home anyway. We thought that it would be natural for him to come to your house to wait for news with you. Seeing as the police know Charlie so well and know that Billy is his best friend, that would be expected. Sam would be there also and this way they can help lead the police in the right direction."

Billy then spoke "We will offer to start a search tonight, the police won't be equipped to start searching until first light in the morning. Naturally we won't find anything though, we will leave it to them to find the attack site in the morning."

Alice chimed in at this point, "This way Bella, you will be able to be waiting at home for news and will be able to get at least some sleep in your own bed tonight."

I started to argue that I wouldn't have a hope of getting any sleep tonight but the little pixie was adamant. "You WILL get some sleep tonight Bella." She tapped the side of her head meaningfully as she glared at me "I have seen what happens if you don't, and it's not pretty. You need to have a clear head and your wits about you tomorrow when the police find the area Charlie was taken. We are all relying on you being coherent." She shot a curt glance at Edward as she said this and he nodded his understanding.

I realised arguing was futile and that she did have a point. A feeling of dread spread its way across my chest as I wondered if I was up to the task. Let's face it, my acting skills were nonexistent!

Carlisle noticed my disquiet and regarded me with an encouraging smile.

"Bella, you are more than capable of convincing the police of our story, look at what you have been able to achieve for your father today. Did you ever think you would see Billy standing here in our living room of his own free will?"

Edward and Alice nearly choked and Emmett guffawed. I looked at Jasper to see if he was using his abilities to affect the room and he smiled as he shook his head slightly.

Billy laughed out loud, and agreed with him "Carlisle is right Bella, between you and your father, the tribe has a vested interest in what has happened here today and I must say that he would be proud of the way you stood up for him to the entire tribe. I know I am. You certainly have your fathers determination!"

Everyone in the room was looking at me as my cheeks were flushing bright red. I couldn't look at anyone so I concentrated my attention on the floor and thankfully Edward started talking to take the attention away from me.

"So, Bella, BIly and I will leave shortly to start the show. Billy, do you want to come with us now?"

He nodded as he spoke "We will need to bring my car around to Charlie's house to make the story believable. Sam and I will meet you two there. May I just spend a little more time with Sue and Charlie before we leave?"

Carlisle assured him it was fine and led the way upstairs as he wanted to check on Charlie anyway.

The room was filled with a buzz of what felt like electricity. Edward left my side to go and speak with Jasper and Emmett but kept throwing worried glances my way while Rose Esme and Alice came and sat on the couch with me. Esme positively glowed with anticipation, and Alice was doing her own impersonation of an energiser bunny. Even Rose had an air of excitement around her.

I couldn't understand the change in the atmosphere of the room. My father was upstairs in agony and the future was an unknown entity really thanks to the fact that Alice's visions relied on the decisions people made. Nothing was set in stone and Charlie being a newborn vampire meant that he would be extremely unpredictable. My heart thumped in my chest as I realised that they would all be leaving soon and taking my father with them. I would still have Edward with me of course, and that was beyond a comforting thought, but I was still overwhelmed with the knowledge that my entire family would be gone for an unknown length of time.

"Esme, Alice – what the hell is going on? Why is everyone so excited?"

Alice squealed as she bounced up and down and grabbed my hand. The boys noticed what was going on and cut their conversation short to came over to the couches and join us. Edward's eyes didn't leave my face and I wondered why he looked guilty as Alice continued.

"Bella, I don't see us leaving anymore! We are staying here – Charlie is going to be fine! We are all going to be the happiest, biggest and most beautiful coven there is!"

I couldn't understand what the hell she was talking about, how on earth would that be possible? Edward was shaking his head at Alice but a beautiful smile was building on his face and Jasper was looking at me with a knowing smile.

"It's true, Bella," Jasper said. I suddenly realised he was here in the room with us and didn't look like he was in any pain at all. Charlie's pain had been pervading his senses since this whole mess started but now he looked like the cat that ate the canary.

"I don't know how Charlie is doing it, but his pain has just disappeared, it is almost as if he had just decided that he had had enough and it was done! Gone!"

Edward was full on smiling now and even Rosalie looked happy. I sat in stunned silence and tried to wrap my brain around what was happening now. I looked straight at Edward and said "Ok Edward – spill! What is going on with my father!"

Ok, sorry to leave on this cliff hanger, but if I keep going this chapter will never end and there is so much to go into the next one!

Where do you all think this will go from here – I'm open to all suggestions! Please leave me some words and let me know what you think.

I will try to update within a week, probably next Saturday or so.

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