AN: Sorry, Sorry, Sorry! I know this update is very late. Please forgive me.

There were a few problems with my account here at fan fiction, so that kind of mucked me up a bit. I am having trouble being motivated at this point, but I really do want to continue this story. I hate it when something you are reading and invested in just stops, so I will keep plugging on to get it completed.

PS: Reviews would really help with the motivation issue!

The usual disclaimer applies: I just wish the characters were mine.

We all unceremoniously piled into our respective cars. The drive over to the Cullens house was very quiet, each of us lost in our own trains of thought. Out of the corner of my eye, I was aware of Alice's small frame stiffening in the back seat from time to time. Edward would shoot her worried glances and I could see the infentisimal shakes of her head as they silently communicated. I fought the temptation to just ask them what they were talking about, because honestly, I was too exhausted to deal with whatever answer I got. I knew if it was something I needed to hear right this moment, Edward would tell me. I also knew Alice's brain was working overtime looking into the future, and I didn't want to interfere. I trusted them both to do what was best for all of us. All I could think about was just being able to sit with Charlie, and let him know I was there, that I hadn't abandoned him.

As we pulled up in front of the house, Esme appeared at my door and pulled me out of the car with vampire speed into a bear hug.

"Oh Bella, I'm so glad you're here. He is doing so well, the change is coming along perfectly!"

As Esme released me and Edward came to stand beside me and take my hand, I could see Carlisle standing in the doorway, a encouraging smile on his face.

"Esme is right Bella, I've never seen a change so peaceful, Charlie is remarkable."

As Billy, Sue and Jacob arrived, Carlisle and Esme went to greet them also. Edward tugged gently on my hand as I turned to watch them. It was a surreal feeling, watching the members of the two families greeting each other. It warmed my heart. Edward had stopped to watch as well and chuckled a little as he leaned into my ear and spoke quietly.

"Yes, it certainly is going to take some getting used to isn't it?"

I shook my head as I looked at him. "Yep, but in a good way?" It came out as a question. He laughed then and nodded his agreement.

"Come on, lets get you inside to be with you father." As we walked into the family room Jasper stood from the couch where he and Alice had obviously been "saying hello" to one another.

"Bella, I'm sure you already know, but he's doing fine. I'm getting some conflicting emotions from him, but none of them are pain. He swings from confused to angry and then relieved. I'm also picking up on a lot of frustration as well. I've got no idea what thoughts are actually bringing these on but I think we are going to get an earful when he wakes."

Alice giggled then, "Oh Jas, you have nooo idea!"

Edward cringed as Sue and the others came in the door and had heard Jasper and Alice speaking.

"What do you mean Alice, what's going on?"

Everyone could see the anxiety in her face, and hear it in her voice. Alice was quick to calm her.

"No Sue, don't worry, it's nothing bad. It's just that Charlie is, obviously, more than a little surprised by these events and I think we all know how well Charlie takes to being kept in the dark about things."

Jasper chuckled at this and Edward groaned at something he had obviously seen in Alice's mind.

"What the hell Alice? Let me in will you? Stop being a smart arse!"

Alice's light giggle was met by a glare from Edward.

"No way, brother dear. Charlie will let you know what he's thinking when he is ready. It's not for me to steal his thunder."

Everyone, except the vampires of the family who were used to this kind of conversation, were looking between the two of them like they had grown another head.

"Okay, Edward, for the rest of us here who don't have freaky vampire brains, please fill us in on what is going on."

"Alice has seen something to do with Charlie, but she is blocking me, and I am not getting anything from Charlie at all either. His mind is almost totally closed from me, although, I am getting a few choice words from him that I would rather not repeat."

Laughter rang out around the room then and Edward just stood there blinking. At the sound of the laughter, Emmett came bounding down the stairs. "Hey Bells," he grabbed me up into a hug and swung me around a couple of times before he put me back down. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Jacob flinch and Edwards head turned to him in a flash.

"It's ok Jacob, Emmett's just happy to see Bella and he has hugged her many times. He knows exactly what sort of pressure to use."

"I know that," Jacob's voice was tight, "It's just offputting to see some huge vampire pick her up like that, that's all."

Emmett glared at him while holding me protectively. "Don't worry mutt, I didn't take offence. Just FYI, I know exactly how much pressure is needed to crush heaps of things, dogs included."

"Emmett! That's enough!" Esme's eyes were flashing with indignation "Jacob is a guest in this house and I will not have you speak to him so. Apologise now!"

Emmett glared at Jacob, who glared back just as hard, but a smile was tugging at the corners of his mouth. "It's ok Mrs Cullen, there's nothing to apologise for, I'm sure it's just his way of challenging me to another wrestling match - in the hope's he might win next time." Jacobs eyebrows rose as he regarded Emmett's reaction to his challenge.

Emmett guffawed. "Yeah right mutt, like you didn't cheat last time! In case you forgot, it was a draw remember. Bring it on though, I'm ready whenever you are!" Emmett clapped a huge hand on Jacobs shoulder then and they both laughed.

Esme was still still staring daggers at Emmett although you could see she was softening, when Carlisle suggested we go upstairs to visit with Charlie.

Edward and Jasper were laughing and shaking their heads at the two of them and Billy joined in. "Interesting times ahead I think" was all he said as Jacob lifted his chair easily and we all made our way upstairs.

As we entered the room, I was surprised to see Rosalie sitting with Charlie, an unopened book in her lap. She stood as we entered, and gave a typical huff, "Bout time you lot got here." Her demeanour belied her gruff words as she gazed at Charlie, and then looked at me. "He's boring company." She deadpanned as she left the room.

Alice smirked and a look passed between her and Jasper at Rosalie's words. I decided to file the question that was at the edge of my lips away for a later time. Sue and I went to Charlie, each taking one side of the bed while Jacob and Billy took up positions beside us. Edward stayed at the end of the bed, watching Charlie closely. I realised the rest of the Cullen's had left the room to give us time alone with him.

The change in Charlie was dramatic. His skin colour was noticeably paler, and his hair looked like he had just left the hairdressers after a colour treatment. It was a rich dark brown, with rust coloured highlights through it that gave it a beatiful shine. I was pleased to see there was still a touch of grey at his temples and was mesmerised by the contrast of the glossy hair and pale skin. He looked bigger somehow too, more filled out or something. He definately seemed to be broader across the shoulders than what he used to be. As I touched his hand I was met with the cool skin I had become accustomed to. When I laid a hand on his chest that was rising in shaky breaths intermittently, I could feel the steady thump of his heart that hadn't yet stopped beating.

I looked over at Sue and saw the tears that were silently falling down her cheeks. I held my hand out to her over Charlie's chest so she took it and gave a squeeze, then rested our joined hands softly on his chest. Jacob was beside me and I felt his warm hand gently descend on my shoulder. It gave me great comfort as we sat at the side of my dying father.

I don't know how long we had been there, holding silent vigil over Charlie, when I looked up to see that Edward was no longer in the room. Jacob was still beside me, his hand now holding mine as he realised who I was looking for.

"He left a little while ago, I don't think he will have gone far though. Go on, go find him. We'll stay here with Charlie."

I didn't want to leave Charlie, but I also longed for Edward's embrace. Nothing comforted me more than his strong arms around me. Sue looked up as Seth entered the room, telling us he had finished his turn on patrol and was eager to see Charlie. Sue was obviously glad to see her son and then said "Go on Bella, we probably all need to stretch our legs actually, I think a cuppa would do us all a lot of good also."

The words were barely out of her mouth when Esme entered the room with a tray of hot coffees for all of the humans. Alice was right behind her with what looked like a mountain of cakes and sandwiches. Seth shot her an appreciative glance and eyed the food. "Thanks Mrs Cullen, I heard that cake you baked this morning was excellent!" Esme's tinkling laugh filled the room, as she told Seth it was her pleasure to have people to cook for that had an appetite like his."

"Yeah, it's not like you need to be psychic to work out that food kind of rules your world Seth." Alice laughed. They laid the food and coffee out on the small table that had appeared in the room seemingly for this express purpose and they all helped themselves while profusely thanking Esme. Alice came to me and took my arm, "Come on, Esme is in her element here, lets let her enjoy it. I've got important things to discuss with you." Edward appeared in the doorway then and only had eyes for me.

Alice groaned and let me go. "Ok, fine, you two can have some time then, but I really need to speak to Bella and Sue too, as soon as I can." Sue heard and turned to look at us questioningly.

"It's nothing to worry about Sue, it's just that Charlie is going to need new clothes, shoes and things, since the change alters the shape of your body somewhat. I just wanted your input and to know if it was ok to go ahead and order him some stuff." She looked innocently between Sue and I and I groaned.

"Alice, am I correct in assuming that you have already seen what we would want in these things for Charlie and what his needs would be?" Sue asked.

Alice nodded enthusiastically in reply "Yes, but I thought it was rude to go ahead and order it all without asking you guys first."

"Then go ahead. Thank you for thinking of these things for us."

Alice gave a little squeal and hugged Sue and I quickly before disappearing out the door in a flash.

"Oh, Sue" I groaned again, "You have no idea what you have just set in motion!"

Sue looked worried and Edward, Esme and I laughed while telling her it was nothing to be worried about, but that she needed to just go with the flow when it came to Alice and her shopping habits. At her raised eyebrow, I realised she still didn't understand.

"Put it this way Sue, when it comes to shopping, Alice never does things by halves."

This comment was met by a laugh down the hall where Alice was already hard at work decimating the stock of the shopping sites she frequented.

Esme left to go back downstairs as I ushered Edward out the door and led him towards his room. I had barely heard his door close behind us when I felt cool arms around me, enveloping me in his heady scent.

I leant back into his embrace. He picked me up and deposited me gently on his bed, his cool arms never breaking their hold on me.

"Mmmn, it's been too long since I held you like this" he said as he laid down beside me, his cool breath fanning my skin as he peppered soft kisses behind my ears and down to my throat. "I've missed you."

I revelled in his cool embrace, enjoying the feel of his body spooning mine, sighing contentedly as his hands roamed my body, and his lips worshipped my throat.

"Me too." I said as I pulled his chin up to meet my lips. He kissed me hungrily, as our bodies entwined, our legs wrapped around each other. I whimpered as my hips automatically pushed up to meet his, grinding myself into him. He responded with a growl and moved his hand up to cup my breast under my shirt. I needed the contact with him desperately, and almost cried as I felt him pull away slightly, hating the small distance between us instantly.

"Bella, we can't, we are in a house full of supernaturally gifted people. Now is definitely not the time."

"Oh god, Edward, I don't care!" The words were out of my mouth before I realised I had thought them.

He chuckled as he lay back down beside me, turning me to face him.

"Yeah you do, trust me." He said quietly. "Jacob is just a few doors down the hall remember. As much as I would like to rub it in, I'm sure you dont."

He whispered the last few words, but I wasn't sure that that would stop Jacob or Seth hearing him. I could feel the blush rising to my cheeks and instantly regretted my actions. Edward was right, this was not the time or the place.

It wasn't so easy to convince my body of that though, so I sat up and moved away from Edward's embrace. The small distance between us wasn't enough, so I stood and paced his room.

He adjusted his position on the bed so that he could watch me, I could see the conceited grin pulling at his lips, and for some reason it made me angry.

"Oh cut it out Edward!" I picked up a cusion we had dislodged from bed and threw it at him. Naturally, he caught it easily and then placed it back in it's original position. I huffed and continued to pace.

"I'm sorry love, I don't mean to upset you." He patted the bed beside him. "Come, sit with me. We haven't had much time alone together, I don't want to waste it with you halfway across the room from me."

I sat back down on the bed, but didn't lie beside him. I didn't trust myself enough to keep my hands to myself otherwise. Even so, I couldn't help leaning in to him a bit and sighed with contentment when he reached up and started rubbing soothing circles with his thumbs on my shoulders.

"You're so tense Bella, try and relax a little. Are you hungry?"

I shook my head no, but his question made me realise that he hadn't hunted for days. I turned to look at his eyes, they were darker than their usual gold and a purplish hue marred the beaty of his skin under them.

"What about you? You haven't hunted in almost a week. Maybe you should go out now before Charlie wakes."

"It's ok, I will go later this evening when you are asleep. Jas and Emmett will probably come with me, but the others will stay here with you while I'm gone. We all will be going at one point or another before Charlie wakes."

"So, I'm staying here tonight then?"

"Yes, Sue is too I think. Charlie won't wake for 30 or so hours so you both have some time to rest before you will need to leave for while.

My stomach knotted and an unfamiliar weight of despair fell on my shoulders at his words. All of a sudden, it was real. This was really happening. Fuck! I thought I had accepted it, but suddenly it hit me -
Charlie will be a vampire!

He will know all about Edward and his family, the truth about everything that has gone on in my life since I moved back to Forks. Oh god! I couldn't for the life of me guess how he was going to react about all that, let alone the fact that he was now a vampire. He had only just started to accept Edwards presence in my life and now his life would be intertwined with the Cullens for eternity! Holy Shit! I think I liked it better when my befuddled brain wasn't processing things properly.

I groaned and put my head in my hands, breathing in through my nose noisily.

Edward stopped his ministrations on my shoulders and turned me around so that he could look at me. "Bella, what is it? What's wrong?" He gripped my shoulders tightly, worried dark eyes searching mine.

"How is he ever going to cope with this?" I wailed.

"Everything he knows about his life is over. He is the type of person who wouldn't believe in the supernatural even if it jumped up and punched him in the face. Now he is going to be the living proof of it! His daughter and the woman he loves have known about it and been involved in a supernatural world right under his nose. He isn't going to take any of this well Edward!"

Edward snorted at me in reply. I'm sure my eyes must have nearly popped out of my head, because Edward was apologising profusely as I tried to work out who the hell this guy was in front of me, and what had he done with my Edward.

"I'm sorry love! It's just that "he isn't going to take this well" is a huge understatement of his reaction if the small part of Alice's visions I've been able to see are anything to go by."

He now had the good grace to compose himself as he earnestly tried to make his point.

"Alice has been keeping me out of her head recently, so I haven't seen her more recent visions, and the ones I have seen were sketchy at times. We are guessing that's because of the wolves involvement. It was very clear from early on though, as you know, that he will be very controlled as far as his blood lust goes." He says this part quickly, I'm guessing because he wants to reassure me. I sit quietly, waiting for him to continue.

"Having said that though," now he hesitates and looks at me nervously before he goes on "from what I did see, he is going to be angry. I mean really pissed off, with Carlisle and myself and Billy. It's another reason why we don't want you or Sue anywhere near him until he has, umm, calmed down a bit." His words come out more quickly than I am used to hearing and I can't help but wonder what he has seen to have him so nervous.

Before I could question him further the door was flung open and in pranced Alice. I don't miss the look that passes between her and Edward, but am prevented from pressing him further by the maniacal pixie dragging me out of his room.

"Oh come on Bella, you two have the rest of eternity together to canoodle, right now we have things to discuss!"

I know what she is doing and can see Edward hesitate as he stands up, ready to stop Alice dragging me out of the room.

Alice stops of her own accord and looks between the two of us.

"It's ok Alice, you don't need to rescue him. Edward, I get it. Charlie's not going to be happy," I sigh as Alice lets go of my arm. "I didn't expect that he would be, and I don't blame any of you for this. Obviously Charlie is going to though, at first anyway, and I'm sorry about that. It would have happened whether I was involved with you guys or not. Vampires exist. There is nothing any human can do about that, even if they did know about them. As humans, we are at risk. If I hadn't been involved with you Edward, then Charlie's life would have ended, and I would be without a father."

I narrowed my eyes as I realised something else. I pointed a finger at Edward, "Don't you even think about feeling guilty and blaming yourself for this happening either! I mean that Edward. Now I can have my father with me for eternity. It may take a while for him to accept his fate, but he will. I'm sure of that. Without you and your family, he would have been killed and I would never have understood why. So promise me. Promise me you will not go down that path again!"

Tears started to pool in my eyes and I felt helpless as I realised that was exactly what he would do if I couldn't convince him otherwise. He and Alice both took one hand each and helped me to the couch near the window.

"Shhhsh. It's ok Bella," Alice soothed "He's a hard headed prick, but believe it or not, my brother is able to learn from his mistakes." She glared at him over my head and I felt rather than heard him suck a deep breath in. "Aren't you?" she challenged him.

He looked me in the eyes, dazzling me once again. "I promise Bella, I will not let my insecurities ever come between us again. You make a good point, it would have happened whether or not you and Charlie knew us. I'm just glad we are able to be here for him. He's going to need us all."

Alice jumped up, dragging me with her again.

"Now, I really do have things to discuss with you and Sue, come on!"

Edward sighed with resignation, "You go, I need to speak with Billy and Carlisle anyway. I'll see you in a bit." He kissed my temple and smiled as he followed Alice and I out into the hallway where we were met by Sue coming out of Charlies room.

She shrugged, "Billy, Jacob and Seth are in there. I thought I'd give them some boy time alone with him. So, what were you wanting to talk to us about Alice?"

Sue and I were swept up in the whirlwind that was Alice in a wardrobe organising frenzy for the next hour or so. I think I drifted off a little during it all but was impressed when I realised that Sue was able to reign Alice in somewhat. I made a mental note to ask her sometime how she did it. We then spent some time with Esme in the kitchen. Sue was comparing recipes with her and telling Esme about some of the traditional Quileute favourites. I was beginning to get the feeling that Sue and I were being 'handled', but pushed the feeling aside.

To my surprise, time was passing quickly, and as we once again found ourselves in Charlies room I noted that it was dark outside. All of the Cullens were there, Billy and Seth also. Jacob had left to go on patrol for the night. Leah had been in to sit with her mother for a while but was now out on patrol also. I think she found it very uncomfortable to be here and was touched that she would make the effort at all.

Charlie was so peaceful, I would have sworn he was sleeping. I couldn't help the yawn that I tried to suppress and Edward didn't miss it either.

"Come on love, time for the human to get some sleep, yeah?"

I nodded and remembered that he was going to hunt while I was asleep, so I didn't need much motivation to get myself organised for bed. Everyone seemed to take that as their cue and Billy and Seth took their leave, apparently Embry was on his way to pick them up. They both promised to return early in the morning.

Sue stood up and Esme offered to show her to the room she had made up for her. I was a little surprised she wasn't staying in here with Charlie, but didn't say anything. I would ask Edward later. Alice turned to look at Edward and they conversed silently again. I couldn't help but wonder if it was about me and my decision to ask Edward about Sue's sleeping arrangements.

I didn't have to wonder long. After we said goodnight to everyone and Edward and I returned to his room, he explained that yes, Alice had seen me ask the question.

"Carlisle didn't think it was a good idea for Sue to stay in Charlie's room in case he woke early. There is no reason to believe that he will but really, we are taking a risk having you both in the house as it is tonight. Alice's visions aren't as reliable as they usually are, so we are just being careful. It is better to have a little distance, just in case."

"Oh, ok, fair enough I guess." I was just happy that I was here tonight. I'm not sure I could deal with being at home without Edward while he went hunting. At least I would be able to sleep here, knowing I was surrounded by people I love.

"So, are you leaving now then, to go hunting?"

"Just as soon as you are asleep love."

He folded down the covers and after I showered and changed I fell gratefully into the deliciously comfortable bed. Edward lay beside me, combing his fingers through my hair while he hummed my lullaby softly in my ear. His soothing presence chased away the worries that inevitably build in my head as I lay there and it wasn't long before I felt my eyes grow heavy and my body relax.

I think I hear him chuckle as I tell him I love him but am partly aware it comes out as a mumble. Oh well, his chuckle tells me he knew what I meant and that allows me to finally fall over the edge and succumb to a much needed sleep.

-00000-

"Bella, wake up, Bella!"

I was aware of Edward shaking me, I just couldn't get my body to respond to what my mind was asking it to do. I groaned and was able to force my eyes open with a herculean effort. Well one eye anyway.

"What, huh? Wh.. what's going on?"

Both eyes were now open and I was aware of early morning sunlight filtering into the room, lighting the room enough for me to be able to see Edwards worried eyes pleading with me.

"Bella, Alice had a new vision. Charlie is waking earlier than we expected. GET UP!"

AN:Ok we're moving on now! Please,Please, Please leave a review!