Chapter Sixteen

Bella

I couldn't quite believe it, I had a date for the barbecue, well almost a date, at least I wouldn't be arriving alone and that was a nice thought. I perked up and went into the house where dad was getting ready for work.

"You're looking happy young lady."

"I am. Did you eat? I left the pot roast ready for you"

"Yes I had some, it was very nice. Now remember to lock the doors and make sure the windows are shut. I wont be home until about four in the morning, we've got some business to attend to. You sure you're gonna be OK on your own?"

"Dad I've been on my own overnight for years. I'll be fine really."

"Yeah and I'm sorry about that. What time are you going tomorrow?"

"Ah, about two."

"Do I detect something in that answer?"

"Well, Jasper Hale asked me if I'd like a lift and I said yes."

"Hale? Oh you mean Dr Cullen's boy well...is there something I should know?"

"No, its just he was going on his own and he thought I might like a ride so I didn't show up alone that's all."

"OK Good, you're too young for that kind of thing anyway."

"Wasn't my mum engaged to you by the time she was my age?"

He blushed and turned away flustered,

"That was different, just don't go getting involved with boys yet Bella, concentrate on school."

I laughed and have him a hug,

"Its not a date dad, I don't suppose for one second he's interested in me"

"Why not?"

He sounded indignant now and I couldn't help giggling,

"Dad! Go to work I'll be fine"

He nodded and went off mumbling to himself but truly it wasn't a date and I couldn't see someone like Jasper Hale being interested in a mouse like me. He was gorgeous and there were plenty at school who would look far better on his arm than me. Mind he was hot...

I got myself some dinner still thinking about him, the way he smiled, the sound of his voice, and found myself rubbing my chest, it ached and I really hoped I wasn't getting a cold or worse the flu so I'd have to miss the barbecue. I even fretted it might rain and mean the barbecue was called off. After dinner I cleaned up in the living room and dusted round before putting the laundry on and getting the ingredients out for the pasta and mushroom salad I was taking tomorrow along with a couple of home made dips and started the mixture for the rolls. I liked cooking, it was soothing and made time go fast.

I turned the radio on but it was on a country station so I turned it off again not wanting to lose dads channel for him although I knew he wouldn't really mind. Leaving the dough to prove I ran upstairs and sat at my computer to do my homework. There was an e mail from Angie asking if I needed a ride for tomorrow so I answered it quickly without telling her who I was getting a ride with then looked down the rest which were mainly junk until I saw one from my mum and suddenly I felt sick, the happiness sliding out of me as I clicked on it.

Bella,

I hope you haven't been telling your father lies about me. I had a letter from his lawyer demanding proof of purchase for the car and computer. Unfortunately all the paperwork was lost during the move so you can tell him that. I never thought you could be so ungrateful. Don't bother replying to this as I wont read anything from you, you little bitch"

That was it, my mother hadn't changed at all but I had to smile at Dad trying to fight her now. He wouldn't win, she always had an answer still I was out of there and grateful for that. As I closed the e mail program I suddenly found myself shivering. I got up and checked the heating but it was on as always. I had the strange feeling that there was something dangerous close by and went through the house checking the doors and windows and pulling the drapes although it wasn't really dark yet. Maybe it was a reaction to Renee's e mail but I felt uneasy and it didn't go away for about half an hour when suddenly I felt the weight had lifted although the ache in my chest which had eased up while I was scared was now back again, I must be sickening for something after all but just let me be well enough to go tomorrow.

I made hot chocolate and sipped it as I slid the rolls into the oven to bake, the smell making the kitchen seem more homely. While I waited for them to cook I went through to the living room and picked up a book I was reading for school, Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. At first I hadn't liked it much but now I felt empathy for poor Tess, thrown out by her family and treated like dirt. When the timer went off I jumped, I had been deep in the story but I put the book down and rescued the rolls which had risen well and turned a beautiful golden brown. I put two aside for dad when he got home and left the rest to cool on a rack covered with a clean tea cloth and went upstairs to shower before carrying on with my home work and then getting an early night.

I didn't want to look like death warmed up when Jasper picked me up even if it wasn't a date, but I could pretend for tonight. My dad rang just as I was getting into bed to check on me which was nice, it was good that he cared enough to make sure I was OK. I told him about the rolls I'd left out for him and that I'd see him in the morning before climbing into bed picking up Max who I had vaguely remembered much to Charlies delight and cuddling him to my chest where it ached,

"Do me a favour Max, work a little teddy bear magic tonight and keep me from being sick tomorrow only I really want to go to the barbecue."

I kissed his furry little nose then turned the light off and snuggled down thinking about the huge changes in my life over the course of one week and yes, I cannot lie, about Jasper Hale too.

When I woke up the next morning I felt fine, except for the ache that was still there although it hadn't gotten any worse which was something. I pulled the drapes back expecting to see it hammering with rain but instead a weak sun was shining and it was dry, were these good omens? I showered and ran down stairs to find dad asleep in his chair, still wearing his uniform and with an empty plate and mug on the floor at his side. I made coffee before waking him and he sat up guiltily,

"Sorry Bella I must of dozed off"

"What time did you get home?"

He looked at the clock,

"About an hour ago, we had a collision off Harpers Road, a drunk hit an elk and believe it not both got off with minor scratches but it meant a lot of paper work. Anyway how did you sleep?"

"Fine"

"The rolls were mighty good, thanks for saving me some. You're gonna make someone a good wife one of these days...but not too soon" he added hastily.

I wondered whether to tell him about Renee's e mail but decided it would be best to do so and he wasn't happy.

"Yeah I thought she'd find a way to wriggle out of it. I was happy to send money for things you needed but to find out she lied and I was financing her fancy clothes and outings pissed me right off. Still never mind, to hell with her. She'll come round with you"

"No she wont, she doesn't need me any more. I can't supply her with money and she's got a husband who hates me but I don't mind. I'd rather be here with you."

He smiled in genuine pleasure at my words as I went into the kitchen to get myself some breakfast feeling just a little excited at the thought of this afternoon.