The delicious feel of cool lips brushing against my ear woke me as I smiled to myself, loving the feeling of his lips against my skin. I was aware of the sound of rain thrumming down on the roof and the slowly lightening sky as I fought to wake from a heavy sleep that I was vaguely aware had been peppered with terrifying dreams.
"Good morning beautiful." Edwards s velvet voice helped bring me out of my slumber. "It's nearly 6am love, you need to wake up."
"Ugggh" I yawned as I stretched my arms and legs out lazily, feeling the haze of the heavy sleep leave me slowly. I turned over and curled up as I snuggled into Edward's chest further, which was met with a throaty chuckle.
"Come on love, you have a big day ahead of you." He started to disengage himself from me, and I threw myself up into a sitting position quickly as his words had their desired effect.
"Ohhh. Oh my god, Edward!" The memories of yesterday and the weight of the implications of the day weighed down on my shoulders. I could feel the muscles of my neck and back start to tighten as I fully woke up.
"What is happening now? How long before Mark and everyone else turns up?"
"You've got half an hour Bella, before he and Jerry arrive. Alice will be here in ten minutes though so I suggest you have a quick shower while I organise some breakfast for you."
He leaned in and held my hand as he helped me out of bed. My legs were a bit unsteady, and I wasn't sure if it was because of his proximity or just me being my usual clumsy self. As he drew me into his arms to steady me, I gazed into his liquid gold eyes and my stomach started doing its usual dance. Yes - it was his proximity doing it to me again. He held my gaze and drew me closer to kiss me. As always I was nervous of morning breath, so I planted a quick peck on his lips and attempted to gain the upper hand as I left to go to the bathroom, telling him I loved him but needed a human moment or two. I was a little bit sick of being the frail human that couldn't control my traitorous body and its reactions around him. I heard him chuckle again as he headed down the stairs. Despite the fact that he couldn't read my mind, he could however, see right through me.
The hot water pouring out of the shower head was working its magic on my shoulder and back muscles as I started thinking about the events of yesterday. I suddenly realised that I hadn't even asked Edward about Charlies' wellbeing, and the guilt started to work its way through my belly. I reasoned with myself that if there had been any problems, he would have told me, but that didn't really make me feel any better. Charlie was going through hell, or at least he should be, but somehow he had changed the circumstances of the metamorphism his body was going through. How the hell had he managed that? Edward had told me of the burning agony he had been going through and I certainly couldn't blame Charlie for wanting it to end, but how did he "decide" to stop the burning pain? It just didn't make sense. I snorted to myself as I realised that I was trying to make sense of something that had no place in the world I used to believe existed. What part of my reality made sense anyway? I was surrounded by the supernatural and although the secrets the Cullen s had entrusted me with were second nature to me, Charlie had no inkling of the world he would wake up to. I found myself hoping that whatever gift, ability or whatever it was that seemed to be manifesting itself during Charlie's change, was going to be able to help him accept his new reality, and the part I had played in keeping it's existence from him.
The mouth-watering aroma of bacon and eggs greeted me as I made my way down the stairs and into the kitchen. I had to stifle a laugh as the sight of Edward wearing the prank apron that Renee had sent Charlie in an obvious attempt to get him to start cooking greeted me. The apron was formed around an image of a very rotund drunken chef holding a beer and while it was amusing to see Charlie wearing it; it was flat out hilarious to see my bronze haired vampire flitting around the kitchen in it. I couldn't hold the laughter in as he turned to me, spatula in hand with a pout on his lips.
Alice warned me I was going to have a mishap with the oil in the pan so she suggested I wear this." He paused and thought for a moment, "Although perhaps it was just her idea of a joke?"
He said the last part as a question and as he seemed to contemplate that possibility, he started to smile and shake his head. I realised that he suspected that his last thought was probably accurate.
Before I could answer him and as I doubled over in laughter, the front door opened and Alice bounded into the kitchen, her tinkling laughter echoing through the lounge room.
"Ha - I win the bet. Emmett thought you would never fall for it! "
I hugged Alice and we both laughed as we watched Edward shrug and continue to present me with a plate brimming with eggs, bacon, tomato and toast.
"This looks wonderful Edward, thank you, although I'm never going to get through all of it."
Alice looked smug as she said "Yes you will."
I rolled my eyes and started on my breakfast, which was divine and just what I needed. I didn't realise how hungry I was until I started eating. The plate was all but empty, and I was just surreptitiously trying to mop up the remaining runny part of my eggs with my toast and still have some semblance of dignity when Alice looked directly at me and stopped me in my tracks.
"Oh for god sake Bella, stop trying to be dignified and just inhale the last bit of toast like we both know you are dying to do."
I gaped at her and Edward just laughed "It's good to see you actually enjoying your food Bella, go ahead, inhale away."
I was mortified, but the food was so good, I decided to give in and just enjoy my breakfast. I played it up a little bit, shoving a huge mouthful in at once. Edward thought that was hilarious, but Alice rolled her eyes, mumbling something about at being dressed for the part.
"Really Bella, must you?" I thought she was talking about the way I was eating breakfast, but she was obviously eyeing my favourite jeans and hoodie with distaste. Granted, the hoodie did have a tear at the seam, and I knew flannel was a pet hate of hers, but the jeans were decent. I didn't see what the problem was with the way I was dressed. Edward frowned and was about to say something but Alice held up her hand to stop him.
"Bella, I went to all the trouble to find you designer jeans that looked ratty enough for you to deem them wearable, and the blouses, vests and sweaters that I know are hanging in your closet are beautiful yet understated. Why oh why, do you keep reaching for this... stuff... when you choose your outfit for the day?" She flicked at the hem of my fanned shirt as she spoke.
Once again, Edward was about to speak, but I cut him off.
"Alice, today of all days, I figured that being comfortable and wearing the clothes, that I normally would wear would be the way to go. I am supposed to be waiting for news of my missing father remember. Speaking of which, how is he, and Sue, did she get some sleep?"
Alice was momentarily silenced and Edward had a grin from ear to ear plastered on his face. It wasn't often that anyone was able to render Alice silent.
"She has you there Alice. Bella is right and you know it".
Alice rolled her eyes at us both, "Fine, we will leave that argument for another time, but don't think for a second, that I'm dropping it altogether Bella. The determination in her eyes was replaced with happiness as she continued, "He's fine Bella, everything is proceeding as a change normally would, except of course, he is very calm and peaceful. Sue did sleep for a quite a few hours in Edwards s bed, in fact she was still asleep when I left, but she will be waking up very shortly. She is going to die when she sees the mountain of food Esme has prepared for breakfast, but Seth is in doggy heaven."
I smiled at the thought of good natured Seth tucking into the food Esme had prepared. I've seen the way those boys eat, and Esme would be positively glowing, watching him enjoy his food the way he does. It gives her so much pleasure to be able to look after people, I often think it's a shame she can't work in the hospital as a volunteer or do some kind of other community work, she would be in her element.
"So Carlisle has no concerns about Charlie - he's sure everything is ok?" I questioned Alice, needing reassurance since I couldn't be there to see for myself.
Alice reached for my hand and looked into my eyes as if to convey her absolute conviction "Absolutely Bella. Carlisle is sure everything is going well. Jasper hasn't picked up on any alarming emotions coming from Charlie. He could feel his pain earlier in the transformation remember?" I nodded, not enjoying the memory.
"Well, now he's enjoying the calm that Charlie is projecting, it is interlaced with confusion, and anger as well as a few others, but the overriding emotion is calm, peace even. Jasper is intrigued, he can't get over the change in Charlie since the attack happened and the fact that it seems Charlie is projecting the calm that he is feeling, in a very similar way to how Jasper's gift works."
I thought about that for a moment as Edward sat down in the chair on the other side of me. Charlie is projecting?
"Bella Edward said "This is an amazing occurrence, one none of us has ever seen before. We have always considered Carlisle's change to be the most amazing thing because he was able to keep himself hidden and silent for the duration. It demonstrated the incredible control and determination he has bought with him to this life. With the exception of Alice of course, our transformations are our first and most alarming experiences of our immortal lives. We all remember the pain and confusion, it was overwhelming. Charlie is controlling his emotions, even projecting calm during this time. It is simply unheard of. Jasper has seen many changes happen during his time with Maria, and he has never experienced anything like this. Carlisle is going to speak to Eleazar from the Denali coven to see if he has ever heard of this happening before. Eleazar was with the Volturi for a long time and saw many amazing things during his time there. Perhaps he will be able to offer a new perspective. He is out hunting at the moment and Tanya assures Carlisle he will call when he returns. For the time being though, we can all be reassured that Charlie seems to be ok and everything is going as well as can be expected."
"So basically, my father is going to be a vampire, the likes of which none of you have every experienced before? Ok then. This is great. What about being a newborn. You have always said they are unstable, dangerous. If he has freaky abilities, how are you going to be able to control him? The pack is going to be right on hand, if Charlie loses control, what happens then?" Despite the reassurances, my fears of the day before were returning. There were too many what ifs.
"Bella it's not like that Alice tried to reassure me, "Yes he has abilities that we have never experienced before. But you are forgetting the abilities we have on our side. Jasper and Edward alone are able to know what he is thinking and feeling. I have seen for myself his awakening, and he will be fine. More in control than you can possibly believe."
"But Alice," I interrupted, the nagging fear I have had for the last day now coming to the fore "you can't see what happens until someone makes a decision, and you've said yourself, people or vampires in this case, change their minds. What about the wolves for instance, you can't even see their future at all, and they will make their decisions based on what decisions Charlie makes when he is in his newborn unpredictable body. What happens if he loses control for even just a second? We have no control over what the pack will do." Panic was returning, and I didn't like the feeling at all.
"Shhhh, Bella, calm down." Alice tried to reassure me as Edward put his strong arms around my shoulders and pulled me into his chest. His voice was what I needed to hear and Alice seemed to know that as she got up from the chair and went into the lounge.
"Bella love, I promise you we will be in control at all times. Between Emmett and myself, Charlie will have two bodyguards at his side the entire time, not even inches away from him and it will stay that way until we are sure he is in control. Carlisle and Jasper will be there as well as Rose and Alice. Sam has given his solemn promise that the wolves will be outside the house, guarding the area, but will not attack Charlie. They realise that he will be a bit... unsteady... at first, and will give him every opportunity to prove himself worthy of their trust. Remember, they are just as invested in Charlie as we are. He is their family as well. Sue's love for him guarantees that. Now, you and Sue will have to remain here until we are sure that Charlie is stable. Esme will be here with you as well as one or two of the wolves to ensure there are no other stray vampires in the area while this is happening. The wolves are stretched thin between being at our house and guarding their borders and it will make all of us feel better if you are both well protected. Alice thinks he has another day and a half to go, so tomorrow night sometime we think. The details are still a little sketchy there." He looked towards Alice who took her cue to come back into the kitchen.
"Bella, Deputy's Stain and Campbell will be here in a few minutes, you need to be prepared. They have already been down to the Quileute reservation to set up the search parameters. The Quileute s are co-ordinating with the police about which direction the search will take, having sent the police in the general direction they need to go to ensure that it is the police that find the attack site. Edward and I will stay here with you to support you and Sue will be here soon too. Jacob and Billy are picking her up from our house to bring her here shortly. We are all here to support you and Sue, and Mark will be happy to see you are taken care of while he works. Since Mark and your father have worked together for years, he wants to do what he thinks is right by Charlie and ensure you're well looked after. We, of course, are all happy to oblige." She says this with a smile, but it fades as she continues Bella, you need to think about Renee, and what and when you want to tell her."
"Oh my god. My mother! I hadn't even given her a thought. Alice, what the hell are we going to tell her?" I looked between her and Edward as panic once again set in. Renee was going to freak. There was no doubt about that. It was just a case of how bad the freak out would be and whether I could stop her from coming here straight away. The last thing we needed was having my mother here and having to hide what was going on from her. "Oh god - this is going to be a mess!"
We were interrupted as Deputy Mark Stain and Jerry Campbell arrived in the driveway.
"It's ok Bella; we will work something out as soon as they leave. We already have some ideas. You need to concentrate on the situation in front of us now though." Edward said pointedly as he hugged me and then went to open the front door.
"Are you ready?"
I nodded as I could hear Mark and Jerry closing the doors of the car. Of course, I should have known, Alice never leaves anything to chance. Between her, Edward and Carlisle they will have worked out something I'm sure and I let that thought calm me as I prepared to welcome the two police officers into Charlie s home.
The strain and worry was evident on their faces as they entered the lounge room and nodded to Edward, took in Alice's presence and the rested their eyes on me.
"Hello Mark, Jerry." I greeted them "You know Edward of course, and this is his sister Alice I gestured toward her and she smiled her greeting, momentarily stunning the two men.
Deputy Mark regained his senses first and responded to Alice, "Hello, pleased to meet you." Jerry just nodded and smiled numbly in her direction.
"Good morning Bella, you've heard nothing from your father I gather?"
"Not a thing Mark. Something has happened I'm sure of it. Charlie would never stay away all night and not let me know he was ok." It wasn't hard to infuse panic into my words.
He just nodded his response before saying "Ok then, well, we have search parties set up to go over as much territory as possible, the Quileute s are affording us every resource they have. They know the area even better than we do and have accompanied Charlie on his fishing trips as much as I have, so I have allowed Sam Uley to take control of the search. Billy Black tells me he wants to come up here to be with you. He should be here shortly. Jerry and I are going to go back there to join the search. We just wanted to touch base with you and let you know that we are doing everything we can. We will find him Bella. The weather is co-operating thankfully"
I registered that it had stopped raining and it didn t escape my notice that he didn't assure me that Charlie would be ok. I could see the worry for his friend etched on his face. I felt guilty for making them all go through this ordeal, but there was just no other way.
Edward spoke then, interrupting the difficult moment, "Thankyou Deputy Stain. We will wait here for word from you. "
The two men looked like they were about to take their leave when Jerry seemed to remember something and said to me, "Bella, what about your mother, would you like me to call Renee for you?"
Jerry, Mark and Charlie had been friends for years, and both men had been there for Dad when Mum and I had left. They knew Renee, although I know talking to her would be difficult for them and I was touched when Jerry suggested this. I just wasn't sure what to say in answer to him.
Luckily Alice stepped in and said to them both, "Actually, we were just talking about that when you gentlemen arrived. I think Bella would rather wait a little to see if we have any news before she calls Renee. Is that right Bella?"
I threw Alice a grateful glance and agreed "Yeah, I think you both know how Mum will react," I wasn't surprised to see a knowing glance pass between the two men as I continued "and I really would rather not upset her until we know some more. Thank you so much for the offer though Jerry, it means a lot."
He nodded and said "That's fine Bella; just know that we are here to help in any way we can."
"I do, thank you." I replied.
"Ok then, we'll be off now. We'll let you know as soon as we hear anything."
We all thanked them again and they took their leave. I finally let out a huge breath as the police cruiser left my driveway. Thank god that part was over. I went and sat on the couch where I was joined by Edward, I snuggled into his chest, neither one of us needing to speak, just enjoying the comfort that action brought. Alice was walking a patch in the rug and I was wondering what was going through her head. As if in response to my thoughts, she stopped and looked at me.
"That was very well done Bella. I'm impressed."
"Well thanks Alice, I'm glad you bought it. I just hope they did. I nearly died when Jerry suggested phoning Renee. Thanks for saving me by the way. So what happens now, and what are we going to do about Renee?"
Alice looked pensive as I said this and shared a look with Edward.
"We've got a little time up our sleeves love; we can put off phoning Renee until this afternoon at least." I started to get suspicious as Edward seemed distracted and was looking at Alice. I realised she was having another vision so I decided to just shut up and wait to see what was going to happen next.
Alice snapped out of it then and Edward knew that I was aware of their silent communicating, so he tried to explain to me what was happening "Charlie is not making conscious decisions at the moment, so that makes Alice s visions a little ... off. She is getting flashes, but nothing is very clear at the moment except that Charlie will be very much in control. She has seen that you and Sue are going to be very safe in his presence, so that is not a concern. As usual she can't see what the wolves will do exactly, but she has seen that Charlie will have a friendship still with Sam and Billy."
As Edward said this it made me realise something that I had wanted to ask earlier.
"Edward, Alice said before that Billy and Jacob were coming with Sue, does this mean Jacob is ok with all this."
He grimaced as he said "Well I guess we'll find out in a minute, they're here." I wondered what the grimace was for until I was met by the sight of Jacob wheeling Billy in through our front door. As soon as Billy was settled, Jacob came straight towards me and took me into a huge bear hug.
"I'm so sorry Bella. Sorry for everything that has happened," he pleaded with me as he released me from the hug. "But I'm especially sorry for my behaviour yesterday. I just couldn't help myself, I know it hurt you to see me angry but I just had to get away and run for a while, get it all straight in my head, you know?" He was looking intently at me, hoping for my forgiveness, but there was nothing to forgive as far as I was concerned. It was a horrible situation that none of us were prepared for, how could I be angry at Jacob, when he was grieving for everything my father had lost?
"Don't be stupid Jacob" I mock punched him on the shoulder and immediately regretted it, "I understand how hard this is for you, and I haven t forgotten how you stood up for Charlie to the tribe either. I was just worried about you, are you sure you're ok?"
His smile lit up the room. "Yeah, I'll survive; it's just weird you know? It s a lot to take in. But what about you? I'm sorry I wasn't here for you." He really did look like a puppy at that moment, his big brown eyes full of emotion and worry for me.
I looked around the room and everyone was looking straight back at me, waiting for my reaction. "Yeah, I'll be fine once this charade is over and I can see Charlie again." I looked at Sue and Billy and realised I hadn't said hello to them.
"Hello you two, how's Charlie, Sue?"
"He's much the same Bella; he just looks like he is in a peaceful sleep. It's very eerie though." She brightened as she looked at Alice and Edward. "Thank you for the use of your room Edward, I slept well, and the breakfast your mother made me was amazing. I don't think Seth will ever want to leave."
The tension in the room was broken as we all laughed, and I went to make myself busy in the kitchen by putting coffee on for everyone. Alice joined me as Sue sat with Billy and I noticed Edward and Jacob having a tense conversation. I started to go to intervene but Alice stopped me.
"It's ok Bella; he just needs to remind Jacob whose job it is to make sure you re alright. Give him the chance to assert his dominance just this once. It's not like Jacob will take any notice of him anyway." Edward turned to us as he obviously heard Alice's remarks and she just smirked at him. I was worried, but I decided that they needed to sort out this one on their own; I really didn't have the energy for it at the moment.
Billy and Sue moved into the kitchen and seated themselves around the table. Edward and Jacob had obviously finished their discussion and both moved into the kitchen scowling at each other as they did so.
I rolled my eyes at them both as I set down the tray of coffee cups on the table and then went back to cutting up the cake that Sue had bought with her from Esme. Edward had taken up his position of leaning against the kitchen sink with his arms folded, while glaring at Jake. Alice was sitting on the kitchen bench near him, her legs dangling down and swinging. Billy was eyeing off Edward and Alice, as if summing them up, and it was turning into a glare fest between the three of them. It was beginning to feel like battle lines had been drawn with me being right in the middle of it all.
Sue tried to keep up a cheerful banter, talking about Esme's cake, but it fell short as I took my chair. It really was beginning to feel very uncomfortable and I felt I couldn't bear any more of it.
"Okay you lot, enough! Please, can we all just try to get along? We have a lot at stake here today, can we all just think about Charlie, and what is best for him? He doesn't have any idea what he is going to wake up to. It would be a lot better for him if we could get this tension out of the air between all of us. I thought we were making headway last night Billy. You too Edward, please I need this to stop. Jacob, I appreciate that you are here supporting me, but I don't need this hostility. Charlie is our priority. We have already established that you are all going to work together, let s start putting that into practice shall we?"
Edward jumped down and came to put his hands on my shoulders. "I'm sorry Bella, of course you are right. Jacob, Billy, I apologise, my protective nature towards Bella sometimes gets the better of me."
A long look passed between Edward and Jacob before he snorted, saying "You got that right Edward. You do tend to go a bit overboard, but if I'm honest, I guess I don't make it very easy for you sometimes." He laughed as he held his hands up "Ok, truce time hey? Let s start over. I'm wondering what a chocolate cake made by a vampire that doesn't eat food will taste like." He proceeded to take the biggest piece off the plate and shoved as much of it into his mouth as he could manage. He was making appreciative noises as he chewed and Alice couldn't take any more.
"Jesus Jacob, you could give Bella a run for her money in the inhaling food competition. Could you get any more gross?" Sue and Billy both laughed and assured her it was nothing compared to what the whole pack was like when they got together. The tension had lifted a little and I had to admit it was all I could ask for in the current situation. This really was a unique situation and getting along was never going to happen overnight. I appreciated that they were all at least making an effort.
Edward sat in the chair next to me and moved it close to mine so our legs were touching and took my hand. A move not missed by Jacob I could tell. His eyes narrowed but he said nothing. While I didn't like flaunting our relationship in front of Jacob, I couldn't help but be calmed by the cool comfort that Edwards proximity gave me. It was all I could do to not crawl into Edwards lap and I could tell from the look in Edward's eyes he felt the same way. I could also tell that he knew that was all we would manage for the time being and the fact that we were touching would be enough.
Once again Alice broke the building tension and asked Billy if he knew what Sam's plan was for leading the police to the attack site. I was reminded of the fact that Alice couldn't see what the wolves were doing.
"The search is involving a lot of the territory to the north west of the reservation, where Mark has been fishing with him often. By natural progression, Sam is thinking they should discover the attack site around midday. He doesn't want to push too hard in any one direction, letting the police search party find it themselves."
"What's going to happen when they do find it, how is it going to play out? I would like to get over to see Charlie sometime today if I can." I posed the question to nobody in particular, but wasn't surprised when Alice answered.
"Bella, the deputies will come here to tell you in person. As far as I can tell, they won't stay too long, to give you and Sue some privacy. From there, it will be classed as a missing person, presumed dead case. Carlisle and Edward will handle all the details with the police for you. No-one will expect to see you out and about, although there will be the usual people coming or calling to check on you. I will see that and we will deal with that as it comes. People will assume that you are just spending your time between us and your friends at La Push. Over the next few weeks you will be able to spend plenty of time with Charlie and not raise any suspicions while we work out the details of what is going to happen, where Charlie will live etc. In the short term though, once he is about to wake up, I still think it will be safer for you, Sue and Billy to stay here and let him come to terms with the first few hours on his own." I was about to argue with her and she knew it, so she stopped me before I could start.
"We know he is going to be amazingly controlled, but honestly Bella, it is such an overwhelming experience, it is better to not take any chances. You all will be safe here and Esme will bring you all back to our house as soon as we are absolutely sure it is safe. Once that happens, we will just have to play it by ear from there."
Billy huffed, obviously the thought of being looked after by a vampire didn't sit well with him, but he didn't argue. Instead he asked "So Carlisle is happy to have Sam and Jacob there at the house when this happens?"
Edward answered him "In the spirit of co-operation, he appreciates that there is a need for the pack to be there, but we all feel for the safety of both the wolves and Charlie, that they stay outside the house and keep their distance until we can fill Charlie in on the details of our agreement with the pack and check on his condition. We don't want any accidents happening. Charlie has been able to understand a lot of what we have been telling him throughout his change, which is amazing in itself. I have experienced the turmoil of my family's changes, and their thoughts were not nearly as coherent as Charlie's. I am still not sure though of how he will react to the scents and sounds that will assault him when he awakes, as these can be very disorienting. No matter how much he understands, it will overwhelm him at first."
Jacob spoke then "Will his first instinct be to attack us?"
"No, firstly Alice hasn't seen that happening and your scent is not appealing to us in that way at all. As long as there are no humans around, his thirst will be secondary to the sensory overload he will experience. It will be something he has to deal with though and taking him on a hunt will be one of the first orders of business to help him feel more comfortable. That is why we will need your brothers to search the surrounding area, making sure there are no humans in the vicinity of where we will take him to hunt. We don't want to push his control so soon after he wakes."
They continued to talk about the semantics of hunting and what to expect from Charlie. I couldn't take it anymore; I had to get some space between this conversation and myself. I got up from the table and took my cup to the sink. Sue joined me there.
"Want to come outside for a bit with me?"
I nodded and looked at Edward, "We'll just be outside for a few minutes ok?" He looked like he wanted to join us but a look from Alice stopped him.
"Ok love,if you need me just yell." It was Jacob's turn to roll his eyes now and I had to suppress a giggle as I opened the back door and walked out to the bench in our back yard. I realised it was a relatively sunny day and thought about how ironic it was that the one day the sun was shining in Forks was the day we would pronounce my father missing, presumed dead.
A/N: I am breaking this chapter here because if I keep going now this one will never end! I already have half the next one written and will post it as soon as I can.
To the people who have reviewed and added Changing Destiny to their alert list a very big thank you. Without your thoughts and messages it would be very hard to continue, so please let me know what you think of this chapter.