Chapter 2: Accountability
Edward's POV
Early in the afternoon, within the final minutes of the curfew, I brought her home.
Before I could even finish parking the car, it began. I could hear it clearly. Firmly.
To say that Charlie despised me would be an understatement. It would be the polite way of putting it, but it didn't reflect the anger that my mere presence produced.
I welcomed his disapproval. I respected it.
There were very few people on this earth who truly cared for her.
Her peers at school never took the time to know her. She was simply there to blame, to lust after…to betray.
Then there was Jacob.
He'd been given every opportunity to truly know Bella. But somehow he was still clouded by fantasy.
Always convinced that she didn't know her own mind. That she was the naive one. Far too young and sheltered to truly know what she wanted.
But Bella knew of the consequences that came with this life. Her blood had been spilled, skin stitched, bones broken.
Poison in her veins.
And yet, she still chooses this life.
Jacob refused to acknowledge any decision she made. Always sure he could win her over eventually. A sense of entitlement to her that always concerned me.
With all these people whispering nonsense into my mind, was it so hard to believe that I looked forward to Charlie's berating of me?
At least he knows her, loves her without conditions or expectations.
"You're a glutton for punishment," she laughed quietly as we lazily strolled up the driveway.
I smiled and shrugged in return.
Listening to his thoughts from within the walls.
"He doesn't deserve her."
"He's lucky I don't walk out there right now and-"
The door flung open, and we were met with Charlie's hardened eyes. Frustrated and angered simultaneously.
"She can't see through him. But I can." He thought as he stared at me once more.
"Hi, Dad," Bella said awkwardly, before squeezing my hand and catching my eyes with hers.
There was nothing more than a nod exchanged between us. Her kind and intense gaze warmed me until she quickly stepped inside.
We watched as she disappeared out of sight, holding our uncomfortable silence. It wasn't until she was safely behind his walls that he rolled his eyes back to me.
"Goodnight, Charlie." I offered, knowing better than to expect a response.
The grumbling sound from his chest and the flex of his jaw, were the only reply I was given,
before he slammed the door in my face.
I quietly laughed to myself and nodded. He'd never forgive me. Not really.
Eventually he would accept this. He'd respect her choices and we'd all move forward. But deep down, I knew he would hold onto this forever.
As he should, I thought to myself as I walked down the driveway.
Someone should hold me accountable.