Bella : What ifs are for Us ✔️

Chapter 7: Charlie's Tears

My eyes moved around to see if anyone else was there. No. When I looked him over, he seemed serious. My throat felt parched but I did nothing but stare at him, incredulous.

"You want me to be your girlfriend?"

I didn't want to believe it. I didn't. Surely...

"Yes." There was no hesitation in his voice. "I want us to be a couple."

My eyes narrowed. "Why so suddenly?"

In response he sighed with his body slumping down significantly. He had told me he had a rare genetical disease which made him vulnerable to anything and everything. Despite this...my heart sank.

"Edward?" I said and his eyes met mine. Their deep amber had diluted significantly making me even more nervous than before. But my resolve was stronger.

Edward's eyes were twinkling with tears and I felt my heart break with every word.

"I will be your girlfriend. But, are you sure?"

He blinked. "Yes. I'm sure. I'm just not sure if you're serious or not."

His voice held some odd emotion I was feeling a bit wary of. Still, I was resolved. Not to mention, my curiosity was piqued.

"I'm sure." I said. My voice was firm. "I will be your girlfriend."

He smiled and my stomach flip flopped. "Thank you."

"But..." I said and his eyebrows narrowed. "You have to promise me a couple of things."

His face was skeptical. Oh well, he knew how I felt then. Deserving punishment.

"What are those?"

I shrugged. "Oh, nothing special. I just have to introduce you to my Dad and believe me he's deadly. I also have to meet with your family if I'm going to be your 'girl' friend. Plus," I looked him straight in the eye. "I need to know the truth. What aren't you telling me, Edward?"

My instincts were on point and when I turned them against Edward Cullen, they were giving me mixed signals along with an odd vibe which made it difficult for me to pinpoint what the truth was.

Edward measured me up while I stood my ground. Today's talk be damned. Our similar interests and my relief be damned. Even if I remained friendless...damned be all the emotional and psychological consequences. I wanted to know the truth. And I won.

"O—Okay. I—

He sighed. "I will tell you."

My eyes narrowed. "You're good with all of this?"

I wasn't sure if he was lying or not. He was very smooth about it. Then I saw his spastic hands and my conscience rested with the victory while Edward nodded affirmatively.

"All right by me." I smiled and gave him my hand. "Deal."

He looked a bit nervous but I felt safe with the knowledge he was. Nervous was better than lying in my book. And I never did anything outside of my rules...most of the time.

"So," I winked. "Wanna make out?"

His eyes turned to saucers but his composure was back quickly. "Only if you're up for it." With those words we laughed our hearts out and started towards my house for a family dinner meeting.

Charlie was in for one hell of a surprise.

Yes, he was. And I smiled knowingly at Edward before turning the key to my house.

Let the dominance wars begin.

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"He's here."

Charlie was looking at me with murderous intent. He was upset. Mostly pissed.

I grinned. "Yes, he is."

Edward looked smooth when I gave him a side-eyed glance. He was looking sharp.

Nice.

"Dinner?"

I nodded absentmindedly before working up to the dining hall. My ears perked up in attention while I handled the silverware silently.

"You're the Cullen boy."

"Yes, sir."

"Good. I know Cullen well. He's a good man."

"Yes." There was hesitation in his voice which even in such distance I managed to register. "Yes, he is. He's all I've got."

My heart ached but I was better in concealment than anyone gave me credit for. I called them over for dinner and presented the beauty which was my dinner "dang it" casserole with mashed potatoes and KFC coleslaw.

I was careful with my presentation with Edward. So far, I knew he had an upset stomach. However, my gut told me he didn't want much food. Thus, I had one up my sleeve this time round.

I gave him a bowl of chicken soup. Yep. Soup. Dad was just pissed before. He was mad now. I could tell from the atmosphere. It sank to bottom levels when I finally sat down and faced him. His beady black eyes were showing the small twitch. Danger.

"Dad?"

His eyes met mine. "You're dating." It was a statement. I nodded.

"Yes, Daddy."

The Daddy part probably softened him up a bit. His eyes were twinkling and my guts rumbled with uncertainty.

"Dad?" My voice was wobbly. I couldn't help it man! He looked like he was about to burst. Edward's silverware stopped clanking and I could feel his eyes boring at me. Still, I couldn't stop it. I was feeling something. Some form of oddness. And it was from none other than Charlie.

My eyes were glued to him when a single drop of tear rolled down his cheeks. I felt baffled. I felt a bit awed. Charlie was crying. Chief Charlie Swan was crying.

...but for what?

I looked at him with more bewilderment than Edward who was looking rather sane to me. "Daddy?"

And then it started. The tears flowed with memories of Mama. Mama with her odd quirks. Mama with her beautiful mane of purple braids. Mama...with her no commitment no nonsense mentality...

"You're settling for the first time." He said finally when Edward and I were done consoling him. It was a rather odd one for me since Charlie rarely cried. I could deal with angry Charlie, mad Charlie, sweet Charlie, and even scared Charlie. But this was...

New. And with a start I realized it was a good new.

"Dad, I'm not Mama. I was settled with Jacob. Remember?"

Charlie looked at me with his piercing gaze. "I know you, mon Cher. You're settling."

His gaze and mine met with Edward's calm ones. I saw the slight dilation in them and my heartbeat quickened. He was...

Mine.

I blinked and the feeling remained. The feeling of completeness. I looked to meet my father's gaze. He was smiling while tears of happiness rained from his eyes.

"You see?"

I nodded, awed with the revelation. I felt scared but the assurance in Edward and Charlie's dual expressions made me calmer than the sea. I was sitting within the center of a storm.

And the storm...was...Edward. 

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I hope y'all are enjoying this series. I'm feeling rather chipper with this. I wonder how you're feeling. 

Let me know by voting and commenting. 

Have a great time. Chapter 8 will come soon hopefully.💕