I halted just before the front porch, torn between walking in or knocking. This place wasn't mine, and now that the Cullens had returned, it belonged to them. Carlisle spared me the decision as he emerged, opening the door with a warm, inviting smile.
"Bella, I don't need to read minds to recognize that expression. This is still your home, just as much as it was before we left. There's no need to knock."
"Thanks, Carlisle, I mean it. It's just... it's difficult. Pretending everything is normal feels insincere. I want to see everyone, but it seems like you'll all disappear again once Charlie is taken care of." And that was the truth. I couldn't fathom why they had returned.
"Oh, Bella," Carlisle said gently. "We've all missed you. They're all eager to offer their apologies, but I've asked them to wait until things are more settled." He placed his hands on my shoulders, waiting for me to meet his gaze. "But I must tell you now, I am sorry. Profoundly and deeply sorry for siding with Edward's decision. I strive to grant my children autonomy, yet I foresaw the impact our departure would have on you, and I didn't oppose it strongly enough. You will always be part of our family, whether as a human or a vampire, and I've always seen you as a daughter. That will never change," he affirmed with sincerity.
A small, dry sob broke from me as Carlisle enveloped me in a fatherly embrace. Moments later, another arm encircled my back, and Esme's gentle voice murmured, "Our dear Bella." I hadn't realized how much I needed to hear those words from them. I sensed Carlisle shaking his head, likely signaling to the others, probably Edward, to give us space. I didn't want to face anyone else. Just then, I was simply a child, seeking the comfort of a parent's arms.
Sam returned not long after. Edward stepped out of the house just after. The relieved smile on his face had me hopeful.
"He's not going to phase back. The Elders have granted Carlisle permission to enter the reservation and to escort you back here." he shared with me. A second later his brown furrowed, then slipped his face into a mask of cool indifference. "They've also given Sam the go ahead to adapt the treaty as he sees fit, so long as it has the safety of everyone in mind. It's up to him how he interprets that." Edward glanced at me, confusion clear on my face. "Some of the Elders suggested it, incase changing him went wrong."
"There will be no danger to anyone. I promise you that." I glared at Sam. Have a little faith.
"He said he believes you, but they're old and know how easily things go wrong. He said he's ready to go when you are." Edward informed me, turning around to look at Carlisle approaching from behind.
"I'm ready when you're ready, Bella." he replied, gesturing in the direction we needed to go.
Right. We're actually doing this. I looked at Carlisle and nodded. "Lead the way, Sam."
And off we went.
Carlisle and I slid through Charlie's hospital window minutes later, after Sam had phased back and explained the next part of the plan. Charlies face relaxed after seeing me but twists into apprehension and mild anger at seeing Carlisle. Sam had forgotten to say he was coming.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing here? Are you all back? Is he?" Charlie demanded. I winced as he swore at Carlisle. He didn't deserve that.
"Dad! You can't talk to him like that. He's here to help you!" I was mortified.
"No Bella, it's okay. He's extremely justified in his anger. All I can do is apologise on behalf of my entire family. I can assure you that Edward is remorseful and plans to make a sincere apology in person."
"Remorseful?! Remorseful doesn't make up for the shitshow he left behind. The months and years it took to get her back to as normal as she could be." Charlie shot back. He seemed to gain control of himself after that outburst, taking a deep breath and squaring his shoulders, as much as he was able to.
"Bella says you're here to help, what exactly are you going to be doing?"
"Whilst Bella is filling out your discharge papers, I will be assessing your injuries so I can find the best way to carry you. Once there, we'll get you as comfortable as possible, then I will administer enough morphine that will keep you this side of alive and Bella or myself will the begin the process of changing you. " Carlisle explained. I could already tell Charlie didn't like the idea of it being Carlisle to change him. Carlisle saw it too, because he then followed with " Bella will try her best to be the one to do it, Chief Swan, though you must remember she is days in this life and she might struggle to stop." Carlisle tried not to sound too grim but more matter of fact. The way a doctor would explain the chances of any surgery.
Charlie looked at me then. So full of love and trust and held out his hand. "I believe in you Bells, you've got this." he said as I took his hand.
"Okay, I'll go and start his paperwork. Carlisle will look you over now." My throat was tight, I didn't trust myself to speak anymore.
The paperwork was completed quicker than I had hoped. Having a doctor who understood Charlie's situation was both a blessing and a curse. Charlie was as ready and comfortable as possible, though it was clear he was embarrassed to be in Carlisle's arms. Fortunately, the window was large enough to avoid any difficulty jumping out. He swallowed hard and cast an anxious glance my way.
"Don't worry, Dad, you'll barely feel a thing. Just close your eyes," I said with an encouraging smile.
"Oh sure, nothing to worry about," he muttered to himself. Carlisle offered further reassurance to Charlie, then suddenly exited through the window and descended to the ground. I quickly followed and couldn't help but smile at Charlie's expression. The drop was so quick he hardly had time to process the fall.
"The easy part's over. Chief Swan, it might be best to close your eyes for the run; it can be quite disorienting at these speeds," Carlisle advised, deliberately not looking at Charlie, aware that he wouldn't want to feel patronized.
"Let's get this over with," Charlie responded. Carlisle just nodded.
"I'll be right beside you, Dad. We'll arrive in no time," I reassured him, placing my hand on his leg as we set off for the house.
The door was open for us when we got back. Luckily the journey had largely been uneventful, with Charlie gasping at the speed we could run, wondering aloud why we needed cars.
A section of the living room had been modified to fit an electric bed, surrounded by several monitors ready to record Charlie's final heartbeats. Carlisle gently laid him down, easing him into a more comfortable position. I stood aside, allowing Carlisle to work his medical expertise.
Edward joined me, quietly observing.
"It's strange," he murmured. "Alice foresaw this scene long before you came to Forks. The details were unclear, and Carlisle always obscured the figure. Now it's clear. I've never been one for fate, but it seems we've been heading to this point all along," he said, offering a sorrowful smile before glancing at Carlisle.
"What did he say?" I demanded, knowing Edward was listening to thoughts.
"It's nothing, Bella. You should be with your father," he dismissed, attempting to leave. I caught his arm firmly.
"So, our earlier conversation by the river was just more lies? You vowed to treat me as an equal, with respect, yet here you are, concealing things again. He's my father, Edward. This isn't your place to decide. Stop shielding me. Help me," I insisted, releasing him. It was the first test, and he was already falling back into old habits. Once Charlie was transformed and settled, I'd ask Esme about a place for us to stay—close, but with enough distance for space. Edward's nostrils flared. "Fine. Carlisle says your father won't make it through the night. We have less than five hours to change him, or he's gone," he retorted and left abruptly. Esme called out to Edward, clearly shocked by his outburst. She rushed to my side, beginning to apologize, but I stopped her.
"Esme, no apologies necessary. He's accountable for his actions. Let it be. Instead, could you find some clothes for my dad? And does anyone know how to cut hair?" I asked, managing a faint smile as she assured me it could be arranged.
I took a seat beside his bed and observed him closely. Over the past year, he had allowed his salt-and-pepper hair to grow longer, a short beard now taking the place of his usual mustache and stubble. The lines etched around his eyes and mouth were more pronounced than before. I knew that my... absence... had deepened them. I wondered, would vampirism smooth them out too much? Would I lose the characteristics of my dad's face that made it uniquely his?
"Hey Dad, it's, uh, almost time, and there are a couple of things that need to be explained before we begin," I said gently, not wanting him to have second thoughts at this crucial moment. In the time between Esme's and Carlisle's embrace and Sam's arrival, we had a brief discussion about transforming Charlie. He shared some insights that he believed Charlie should be aware of prior to the change, along with some steps that could facilitate an easier transition.
"Firstly, your hair and beard. Once you transform, they will cease to grow. Whatever state they're in at the time of your passing is permanent. If you cut them, that's final. You'll need to make a decision regarding that, and we can proceed accordingly," I said with a smile. "You may have noticed there will be a slight alteration in your appearance. It might seem strange to see your reflection, almost as if you're looking at an artist's rendition of yourself. Carlisle has proposed that the rest of the family, whom you've not yet met, should formally introduce themselves and spend time with you before the change. This way, you'll be accustomed to them and won't feel threatened upon awakening." I concurred with Carlisle's suggestion. Jasper or Emmett might otherwise be intimidating. After my explanation, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper entered, each introducing themselves, offering apologies, and extending a warm welcome. Emmett even made a joke, saying, "You'll resemble a vampire version of Tom Selleck. Guess I'll have to nickname you '5-0' once you wake up." as he winked at Charlie. With a subtle influence from Jasper's abilities, Charlie even chuckled.
"I understand it's overwhelming to accept that vampires and werewolves are real, but you should also know that some vampires possess unique abilities," I explained. Charlie scoffed, then let out a laugh that slowly faded. "You're serious, aren't you?" he asked. I simply nodded in confirmation.
"Alice can foresee the future, Jasper has the power to affect emotions, and Edward can read thoughts. And there are others with different powers," I said, scanning the room.
"Do you have any powers?" Charlie inquired.
"It's debatable. Edward couldn't read my mind when I was human, and it seems that hasn't changed since I became a vampire," I replied, turning to Carlisle. "Is there someone who can identify the abilities of other vampires?" I asked, recalling a past conversation.
"Yes, Eleazar from the Denali coven, whom we consider our extended family. He has the ability to detect the presence of a vampire's power, if they have one," Carlisle answered. "Perhaps, once Charlie has had time to adjust, we could invite them over," he suggested with a smile. That remained to be seen.
Edward rejoined us in the living room, keeping a healthy distance from me. Charlie looked back and forth between us, his brows knitting together. "You two even spoken to each other since they got back?" He whispered to me.
"You don't need to whisper Dad, we have extremely good hearing." I told him. "And yes, we've spoken. Some habits die hard when you're immortal, apparently." I rolled my eyes in his direction.
"I saw that." Edward said quietly. "It's been only an hour or so since our conversation. Give me a break." I rolled my eyes again.
Charlies mouth set in a determined line. I knew that look. "What ever you're going to say to him, make sure you remember it as a vampire." I said to him, receiving a quick nod back.
"I saw that." Edward said quietly. "It's been only an hour or so since our conversation. Give me a break." I rolled my eyes again.
Charlies mouth set in a determined line. I knew that look. "What ever you're going to say to him, make sure you remember it as a vampire." I said to him, recieving quick nod back.
"Edward, I'd like a word with you." Charlie stated. Edward stood and was suddenly by the bed. In a blink, I assume to try and ruffle Charlie. It didn't work.
"If you think rushing over here like your the flash or something is going to scare me boy, you think again. Charlie looked Edward up and down. "And I don't give a rats ass if you're a vampire. You hurt my girl, bad. I've been a police officer for a long time, seen all manner of crime, including domestic abuse. I've seen women with black eyes, split lips and fractured ribs. But I have never, NEVER seen someone so broken like Bella was. You took the light and life out of her, then come sauntering back in to her life, especially now she's like you and expect to fit right into the slot you left, you can think again." The entire room was silent, nobody pretending to not listen, all eyes on the bed where this showdown was happening.
"Since she ran off to Phoenix and got hurt, to say I haven't liked you is an understatement."
I winced, Edward flinched and Charlie guessed right that nothing happened the way we told him. He looked between the two of us and narrowed his eyes. "Judging by your reactions, it didn't happen the way you said it did and after this, I want to be told everything.
The long and short of it Edward, is I fear Bella is set on forgiving you at some point. When, I don't know. But believe me when I say I'll be having words about it with her. You have a lot of making up to do. And forgiveness doesn't come quick, not from me. You have your issues." He paused. Studying Edwards face.
"Do you love her?" he demanded. If Edward was uncomfortable with the direct question, he didn't say
"More than I could possibly express." Edward declared. "I have existed for decades and never felt anything for anyone. I have waited decades for Bella to come into this endless life, I just didn't know it was her I was waiting for."
"THEN WHY DID YOU LEAVE!" Charlie roared.
"Because she was human and being around us was endangering her life. I wanted her to stay human. To live a normal life. I never would've left if it was going to make it worse." he said sadly.
"That's not true Edward, I shower you what would happen to Bella if you left her. That vision never wavered or changed. You still decided to leave." Alice interjected.
"Bella," Charlie croaked. Carlisle rushed to him, checking his pulse. He voice was calm but I could see the slight panic in his eyes.
"We have to do this now. The angry outburst spiked his blood pressure. I'm going to give him morphine now, whatever you have to say, say it now."
"Dad. Dad. I love you, this will work. I'll see you when you wake up, I promise." I said through a tight throat. "I love you, Bells. Do me a favour," he requested weakly. "You mentioned my human memories will fade when I wake up. Write down everything that's just happened. I want to remember, so we can finish this discussion." I rolled my eyes but smiled.
"Stubborn. I will." I promised him as Carlisle pumped him of morphine. As he slipped under, he gave my hand one last squeeze.
"I'd say it's safe to start, if you'd still like to try Bella." Carlisle informed me.
I looked around the room, terrified of everything that could go wrong. Meeting everyone's eyes. I lingered on Alice, a silent question in my eyes. She simply nodded, went to jasper and whispered in his ear.
I was suddenly overcome with disinterest. I tried to get panicked over biting Charlie but I couldn't.
"Emmett, can you hold my around the waist please. I'm going to start at his elbow, then move to his neck. If Alice tells you to pull me back, do it." He obliged wrapping his massive arms around me.
"I got you." he said.
I picked up his right arm, limp but warm. Along with his breathing, the only sign he was still alive.
I lowered my mouth to the bend of his elbow and sank my teeth in.
Blood gushed into my mouth. I fought the urge to swallow, I could only guess at the sheer pleasure drinking it would bring me. But even then, knowing it was my father's blood halted me. I couldn't swallow this. This blood that was part of me too.
Edward appeared at my side with a bucket just as I pulled away to spit it out. I met his eyes, finding only compassion in his eyes. I went back to the wound I had made and ran my tongue over it, sealing the venom in.
I stepped back and surveyed the room. Everyone bar Carlisle, Edward and Emmett had cleared out. To avoid the smell of blood or to just simply give us space,i was grateful either way.
"Carlisle, am i able to wash my mouth out after this? Will that work?" I closed my eyes, trying not to taste.
"I'll send Alice out to ge-"
"I've already got some." She said quickly and threw the bottle to Edward. "Just make sure you don't swallow it." She sped back out the room.
"Three more times. Edward, can you follow around with that bucket please."
The first bite at the neck was worse. The blood flooded my mouth hotter and with force as his heart beat faster. I knew what to expect with the other side, managing to seal the bite with more venom before too much got in. I finished at his left elbow, quickly stepping back to wash my mouth out. Esme had darted in with a bowel of warm water, a cloth and some soap.
"Esme thought you'd like to be able to wash the bites" I nodded, first wiping my face.
I methodically wiped the bites, gently cleaning them to not hurt him further. I looked up at Edward.
"Can you read his mind?" I asked him fully expecting him to pretend he didn't.
"Yes, thought it's not as clear as others. I can get the general impression of his thoughts, like it's murky." he said softly.
"What can you pick up?" Did I want to know?
"Pain, as you can imagine. But also, need to protect, you I assume, anger, me." He chuckled dryly. "His love for you and annoyance with me is battling with the pain."
"Go and talk to Alice, Bella. She'll be able to tell you how long it'll be." He urged me towards the back doors.
I rose, walking to the backdoor. Instead of going straight for Alice, I sunk to the floor. Overwhelmed with everything but..
Charlie would be proud and at the end of the day, that's enough.