clean slate | charlie swan

~ the one with a birthday

Charlie pulls a face as he stirs the lumpy pancake batter unsure of where he went wrong. He grabs his phone and calls Bella. "Just a quick question..."

"Hello to you too dad." Bella rolls her eyes. "What's up?"

"Can I make pancakes with lumpy batter?" He asks.

"How did you... No never mind. Dip your finger in and see how it tastes. If it tastes fine, put the batter through the seive - third drawer. If not, I'll come and make some." She says.

"I'm capable, I'm capable." He tuts, tasting it. "Ugh, how the heck did I mess that up!?" He gags.

"I'm on my way. What's this in aid of anyway?" She rolls her eyes.

"It's Alex's birthday and I wanted to cook for her since she's on bed rest." He says, pouring the lumps mix into the trash. "She's only been home 3 days and Cammy has sent food every meal time. I told her I had today covered."

"Well, I'll come help but you can cook them. Please tell me you bought a cake." Bella says.

"Yes, I did... One from the fridges at the store." He says. "I even got it to say happy birthday on it."

"Wow, check you out Mr independent." Bella grins as she drives. "Okay, I'll be there soon. Don't touch anything."

Charlie rolls his eyes and hangs up, leaning on the kitchen counter. He gets everything else ready, such as a glass of water, some coffee, her medications. He sets the tray up and cleans the dishes he used, drying his hands just as Bella comes in. "I'm stepping away." He says dramatically.

Bella rolls her eyes and sets her jacket on the chair. "Idiot." She mutters. "Plain pancakes?"

"Yeah, I gotta at least make her think it was me who cooked it, if it's too fancy she'll know." He grins. "Atta girl." He grabs the paper and sits at the table.

Bella makes 3 decent sized pancakes and plates them up, adding butter on top. "There, go, while it's hot."

Charlie kisses her cheek and grabs the tray, rushing upstairs. He juggles the tray and pushes the door open, setting it on the dresser while he leans over the bed and kisses Alex's cheek. "Happy birthday." He whispers.

She stirs and smiles, stretching. "Mmm thank you. Can I smell - oh pancakes!" She gasps, sitting up.

Charlie brings the tray and sets it on her lap, sitting beside her. "Dig in, birthday girl."

"Yummm." Alex hums, taking a big mouthful of pancakes. "So what are the plans for today?" She asks, chewing slowly.

"The same as yesterday, sweetie." He grins. "Bed. And rest."

Alex groans. "Come on, it's my birthday."

"Nope."

"Charlie, I am 35 years of age. I've rested, I'm fine, I want to do something." She pouts. "Please."

He takes a deep breath and sighs. "Fine. I suppose we can go for a walk along the beach."

Alex grins. "Yay! Thanks for the pancakes Bella!" She calls.

"You're welcome!" Bella calls.

Charlie looks shocked as Alex grins. "I heard your phone call, darling. Thank you for trying though."

He rolls his eyes. "Get dressed, loser."

Alex laughs and gets up, grabbing some leggings and one of his tshirts. She bunches the t-shirt up and tucks the knot in on itself, shortening the top. She grabs one of his shirts and shrugs it on, finally slipping her shoes on. Charlie waits downstairs, throwing his keys around and catching them. Bella is going to go meet Edward and join them later.