Chapter Song: Who Are You, Really by Mikky Ekko
Bella and Charlie were just finishing eating their cheesy grits in the living room as they watched the Today Show, when she took his empty bowl and placed it down on the coffee table.
"More coffee?"
He shook his head, actually showing teeth as he smiled.
She stacked their bowls together, debating with herself on how to start. "Uncle Charlie..."
"What, sweetheart?"
"I'm almost done with finals and will be graduating in a week and a half—"
"Don't remind me." He grumbled, but he was still smiling with a question in his eyes.
Bella sighed. "And I'm worried about you."
"How come?" He was truly shocked and confused.
"Because you'll be alone."
She would still be around, but not leaving with him anymore since her and Edward were splitting rent on an apartment with Kate. Bella had offered to pay for it in full, but they'd both refused, encouraging her to invest her money. Which she did, with the help of a professional.
His whole face softened. "It's not something new for me, Bells."
Bella nodded. "I know, but you deserve to be happy."
"I am happy."
Bella shook her head. "That's not what I mean."
His thick eyebrows came together to form something that resembled a large fuzzy caterpillar. "What are you getting at then, kiddo?" The question was terse, not in aggravation, but in bafflement.
Bella rubbed her face. "I think you need someone in your life...someone to date."
"Date?" He repeated as if she'd told him he needed to stop fishing.
Bella nodded. "Yes, date. I think it will be good for you."
"Who in the world could I date?"
"Mrs. Dwyer."
"She's married."
Bella shook her head. "Not anymore."
"Since when."
"Since way before I came here."
"Really?"
Bella nodded, looking at him oddly. "You seriously had no idea?"
Charlie shook his head.
"And you still looked at her like she was a stack of flapjacks?"
Charlie looked insulted for only a moment, before hanging his head. "Never said I was prefect."
Bella touched his arm, patting it a little. "It's okay. You technically didn't do anything wrong."
He looked up at her, smirking as he rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the supportive words."
"Anytime. But for real, you should ask her out."
He looked nervous all of sudden. "I don't know."
"I do. Don't scare yourself out of a good opportunity. I can get her cell phone number from Kate for you—or better yet, we can set up a date for you two."
"God no!" He softened his voice when he saw her slightly hurt expression. "You're a doll, but I'll...pursue her in my own way, when and if I want to."
