Chapter Eight

Charlie

I tried my best to hide my fear from Bella but she was sensitive and knew something was wrong.

"Are you OK dad?"

"Sure, just work. Sometimes it gets me down. So, you ready for the dance?"

"It's a party dad not a dance."

"Sorry I don't get the distinction. Don't you dance at parties these days?"

She just looked at me but I'd distracted her which had been my aim. I hoped I wasn't being over optimistic thinking I had a couple of days before there were any "animal attacks" my side of the mountains. Bella would be on her way back to Florida by then but of course if she agreed to my proposal she'd be back again soon enough. Was I being fool hardy? Should I try to stop her coming back to Forks or did vampires hunt in cities too? Cities like Jacksonville? Bella could be safer here where I knew the score and understood when it was unsafe for her to be out on her own, I was torn.

I waited until we sat down to dinner, I loved it when she cooked for me, it made me feel like we were really family, and then broached the subject.

"I spoke to your mum a while ago and she told me something I guess we should discuss."

She looked up from her plate,

"If it's about her marrying Phil I already know, she didn't tell me but he asked me how I felt about it."

"Oh right. Well it was connected with that. Has your mother said anything about after they get married?"

Her fork stopped half way to her mouth,

"No, why?"

"I hate to say it but your mum wants to travel with Phil for a while"

She put the fork back down and looked at me as if waiting for the other shoe to fall.

"I thought maybe you might consider coming to live with me here bin Forks. You could enrol at Forks High, it's not as if you don't know anyone here and I'd really like it if you'd at least think about it."

"Mums idea? To get rid of me?"

"No, my idea to get you home with me. I guess I saw an opportunity and jumped but I understand if you don't want to"

She pushed her chair back and I was afraid she was going to run but instead she smiled at me,

"Is this for real?"

"Of course. You're my daughter and I'd love it if you came home to live."

"I think I'd like that, so long as you promise no more surprise parties or dances or whatever you want to call them"

"I promise Bella, no more surprises."

Bella

I was thrilled at the idea of moving in with my dad, life with him was far less stressful and I knew I would be able to give more time and attention to my school work here in Forks. Dad was right about not being a stranger too although I'd been the new girl so often that it didn't bother me quite as much any more. I wondered when Renee was planning on telling me she was off on her travels with Phil? He had mooted the subject when he and I had our chat but I got the impression Phil thought I would be going with them. I think he liked my presence more than my mother did. Would I miss her? Sure, she may be lazy, scatty, and totally disorganised but she was still my mum and of course I'd miss her but not the roller coaster ride that was her life. I just hoped this would work out so I could move here at the start of a new term. I hated changing school mid term, it made things so awkward but we'd see. I wouldn't get my hopes up too much, I knew Renee could change her mind in a heartbeat. I decided not to say anything to anyone until it was official but I did feel lighter as I got ready for the party/dance.

We picked Angela up and met the guys outside then Charlie made an excuse to leave us alone for which I was thankful. As we approached the door I could see fog curling its way under from inside and as Mike opened it stepping back to let Angie and I in first I saw the only lights were red and green filtered by the fog issuing from the machine by the far wall. There were ghosts and devils, zombies and vampires all over the place but I not many mad monks. Finding a table away from the dance floor Angie and I took a seat while the guys went to get us drinks.

"I think Mike likes you Bella."

"Oh don't say that Angie. I was just beginning to enjoy myself."

"Don't you like him?"

"Yes he's OK I just don't think I'm ready to date yet. I haven't met the right guy."

"Not even in Phoenix? No one at school?"

"Nope, they all know me too well in any case. The girl with two left feet and both of those tied together with elastic."

Angie was soon up on the dance floor and I knew Mike was dying to ask me but he couldn't quite pick up the courage for a while. When he did eventually ask me I couldn't disappoint him so I hiked up my robe and joined him groaning as the music became softer, a slow dance, just what I needed, R.E.M with Everybody Hurts as a zombie pictures were projected onto the far wall. The only good thing about a slow dance was that I was less likely to fall, I could cling on to Mike and I did, praying this wasn't the long version of the song, but of course with my luck, it was. The robe wasn't heavy but I had to push the cowl off my head, I was just too hot otherwise.

After the dancing I was ready for a drink so Mike went off to get refills while I fanned my face with my hand watching Angela and Eric who were still on the dance floor. Angie looked hot in her red cat suit and I saw she was drawing some admiring glances from various parts of the room. I would never have the courage to wear something like that but then I didn't have Angela's figure either. Suddenly there was a glass on the table in front of me and I turned to thank Mike only for my words to stick in my throat. It wasn't Mike standing there but someone I'd never seen before. He had long dark hair and unless that gladiator suit came with false muscles a body like a male fitness model.

"I thought you looked hot, I hope I'm not intruding"

"Oh, thank you no of course not. I'm..."

"Bella Swan, I know. I'm a visitor myself but I heard some others talking about the Police Chief's daughter coming for a visit and you looked as if you didn't really feel comfortable here. See how quick I am?"

I laughed,

"Well Marcus Aurelius, thank you for the drink."

"Its Garrett actually, and the pleasure is all mine"

He bowed his head and walked back across the dance floor while I watched until he was lost in the crowd the other side of the room.