Well that escalated quickly. Get ready for some Charlie love!

The song for this chapter is Lost Boy by Ruth B.

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Disclaimer: I'm only doing this for a friend. I don't get anything from it but her undying appreciation. I certainly don't get to have fun with Emmett and the boys in my head.

Chapter Four: Lost Boy
BPOV

"Have you even bothered to get the whole story, Howard, or did you immediately jump to the other student's defense because you don't know my daughter?" Greene went crimson but remained silent. Charlie turned to me again, pulling on me to sit.

"Jessica and I were talking before class started and she started to say some very derogatory things about the Cullen family, including a very serious and disturbing accusation about not just his children but about Doctor Cullen and his sister."
"What did she say," he asked calmly.

"She said that the whole family engages in relationships with each other because Doctor Cullen and his sister are engaged in an incestuous relationship." Charlie's frown deepened while Principal Greene shifted in his seat uncomfortably.

"What else," Charlie asked.

"I told her that it wasn't okay to say things like that. She started yelling at me, saying that I haven't been here long enough to know anything since…" I trailed off, not wanting to bring up the memory of when my mom left and took me with her to Charlie but he nodded encouragingly, "...since Mom left you," I muttered and I noticed the slight tightening around his eyes. "So I stood up and told her that it was her bad attitude that was the reason one of the Cullen boys won't date her. I did call her a bitch, which I realize is not appropriate language for school," I said pointedly to Principal Greene, who sneered at me, "but I was prepared to come here for that. But then she said… she said that I-" I stopped. Tears started to cloud my eyes and my throat felt tight but I knew that if Charlie knew, he would understand why I had done something so out of character. "She said that at least her mom hadn't shipped her off to live with her dad because she didn't want her anymore like I had." I buried my head in my hands as the tears started to stream down my face. I felt Charlie's hand on my back, rubbing soothingly.

"Really, Miss Swan, you can dispense with the theatrics. You are hardly the victim here," Principal Greene berated.

"On the contrary, Howard, it would appear that Bella was targeted by a classmate simply for calling her out on rude and unfounded gossip about a distinguished family in our community," Charlie said evenly.

"Regardless of what Miss Stanley may or may not have said, violence is simply not tolerated. Something I think you can agree with, Chief Swan."

"And I do," Charlie said simply. "Bella is not a violent person and I fully condone punishment for her attacking another student." I sat up and nodded, wiping my tears on my sleeve. "However," he said and his voice hardened into what I recognized was the voice he used at his job, "my daughter's attack was far from unprovoked. Specifically the part about her mother. Had any of the members of this community bothered to simply ask why Bella moved here to live with me instead of just assuming and spreading whatever tall tales they wanted, they would know that Bella's mother passed away of cancer not even two months ago." Principal Greene paled visibly and began to fidget, unable to meet our eyes now. "Bella saw her through her treatment and is still grieving the loss of her mother as well as having to start over in a new place and leaving behind everything. Regardless of what she believes the reason is, Miss Stanley had absolutely no right to make such an ignorant and heartless accusation about my daughter." I looked at Charlie gratefully. His eyes softened and he placed his hand on my knee. "So, we understand that you will have to punish Bella for reacting violently but I fully expect Miss Stanley to be punished for not only sharing inappropriate gossip -gossip that should it be spread would be very damaging to an important member of this community -but for intentionally provoking my daughter to anger."

Principal Greene looked between us awkwardly, fiddling with a pen on his desk. "I understand, Chief Swan," he finally said. "I will have to get statements from her teacher and some of the other students, of course, but it would appear that your daughter was not the only one at fault." I sat back, folding my arms while he pulled papers from his desk. "Miss Swan, you will be suspended for the remainder of the week and the following week. You can have your father or another student get your assignments from your teachers and any questions can be addressed through email."

"And Miss Stanley's punishment," my father asked.

"Miss Stanley will be suspended for the remainder of the week for starting a fight and forced to apologize. I will also be meeting with her parents to address the gossip she shared. I am sure they will contact you but how you handle that is your business."

"Yes, it is," Charlie said quietly. "This town is small and gossip is inevitable, Howard. But it is imperative that men and women in leadership positions like you and I set an example and ensure that we don't allow that kind of toxic behaviour to spiral out of control." Principal Greene nodded and then stood, coming around the desk.

"Thank you for being so understanding, Chief Swan. And I'm, er, very sorry for the loss of your mother, Miss Swan, " he said, avoiding my gaze.

"Thanks, Principal Greene," I said quietly and followed my father out of the office.

"Mrs. Cope will accompany you to get your things," he said. Mrs. Cope stood and led us out the door. Jessica was sitting in the seat I had vacated, an ice pack pressed against her left eye. She glared at me as I passed.

"See you in a couple weeks, " I whispered sweetly. Her eyes widened and I walked out the door. Charlie gave me a disapproving look but I noticed his mouth twitching. The class went silent when I entered. I grabbed my backpack and walked out silently, my head held high. The bell rang and students flooded out of their classrooms. Everyone eyed Charlie and I as we walked toward the door.

"I don't really want to let you drive home," he said finally. "But I'm not sure when I'd be able to get your truck home."

"I can drive her truck home," a cheery voice said behind him. He turned to reveal a smiling Alice Cullen. "After all, it's the least I can do for a friend who defended my family."

"How would you know about that," Charlie asked, crossing his arms.

"Please, Chief Swan, even with classes in session, news travels faster than light in this place," Alice teased and Charlie chuckled.

"You must be Alice," he said, holding out a hand for her to shake. She took it and shook daintily before turning to me.

"Seriously, Bella, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you standing up to Jessica on our behalf. I'm also sorry she… well I'm sorry she said those things about your mom. That was really out of line."

"Thanks. And really, it was no problem," I said, shrugging off her thanks uncomfortably.

"Well, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, Alice, I'd be grateful," Charlie interjected a bit too loudly.

"No trouble at all, Chief Swan. I'll drop it off after school." She smiled brightly and Charlie gave her an answering smile. I pulled out my keys and handed them to her. She took them, wrapped me in a tight hug and then danced off with a wave. Charlie and I stared after her before heading for his cruiser. I felt people dawdling and watching us, whispering to each other.

Charlie was silent the whole drive home. I unlocked the front door and dropped my backpack by the door and headed for the stairs.

"Hey Bells," he called before I could go up.
"I know, Dad. I'm sorry that I made trouble for you. I know people expect things from you." He shook his head at me and I could see his eyes shining a bit brighter than usual.

"I just wanted to tell you that I am so proud of you for standing up for your friend and her family. And I'm sorry that things took the turn they did. I didn't realize how outlandish the gossip would be about you moving in. I'll address it directly from now on." I nodded, throat tight. He moved toward me and pulled me into his chest. I held onto him a little tighter than normal. After a moment, he gently pushed me away. "Well, I have to get back to the station. Will you be okay here alone?" I nodded. "Okay. I'll see you later tonight kiddo. We'll talk about this suspension then." He left, shutting the door behind him and I locked it before sliding down to rest against it.

It felt like my life was slipping out of control.

And I didn't know how to stop it.