12A/N: Okay you guys. I have only attempted one story before and once I read through it, I didn't think it was very good. I know a lot of people said they liked it, so I am going to try and continue it anyways. I am not really good at keeping POV (1st, 2nd, and 3rd person) so please forgive me if there are any mistakes. Below is also my (horrible) attempt at a summary.
Summary: Bella had always been the geek. She was not beautiful, but she was not ugly either. She was average. Average in every way. There was one group at school that always found someway to pick on her, though. Then, there was a bet. The popular group dared the gorgeous Edward Cullen to get close to her. To make her think he actually liked her. He did. And then her world fell apart. When she was 16 years old, he got her pregnant, then pulled everything out from under her when he told her about the dare. He never really cared for her. She was just an ugly geek. She left to live with her mother, not telling anyone what happened. After they graduated high school, Bella is back, with her two children, to live with Charlie for the summer. What will happen? Has Edward changed? Will their secret be revealed?
I do not own Twilight. Stephenie Meyer does. Nor do I own the songs.
BTW...If you absolutely HATE country music, you probably don't want to read this. Or This Chapter and possibly the next one, at least. You'll probably like the story more if you actually listen to the songs, too. I'll post them on my profile shortly. Otherwise...you can look them up on youtube.
CHARLIE POV
Pulling up to the large building, I slowed the cruiser to a stop. Today was the day that the annual town picnic was being thrown. Every year the town would gather in the large building next to Town Hall. There would be singing and dancing, followed by burgers and hot dogs. The festivities always carry on long into the night. Only some actually stay that long, though. Usually the ones without young children, or those who have sitters if they do. Today was especially exciting because tonight is the first night in a long time that my family will be all together.
It will, however, be the first time Bella meets Sue as my girlfriend.
"You ready?" I asked, turning to the woman in question.
"As ready as I'll ever be." she replied with a smile.
"Relax." I told her. "They won't actually be here until later this afternoon."
"I know that. I'm just nervous. I want her to like me."
I don't know why she feels like this; it's just Bella. They knew each other from when Bella was little and I would go fishing with Harry. Sue used to watch Bella for me.
"She already loves you."
"Charlie," she said, "its different; I'm your girlfriend now."
"Don't be rediculous."
I stared at her face, willing her to believe me. Not wanting her to worry any more than necessary, I took her hand.
"Sue. She's going to love you just as much now as she did then." The worry on her face seemed to ease after that statement.
"Now...let's go."
I let go of her hand and walked around the car to open her door.
"Why, thank you." she said as she climbed out of the police car.
"Well, your welcome." I said; a blush slightly lighting my cheeks.
As we walked closer to the building, the music being played got louder. I walked up to the doors and held one open for Sue.
The music could be heard more clearly now.
(This song is called These Are My People by Rodney Atkins.)
Then later on at the green light tavern
Well, everybody's gatherin' as friends
And the beer is pourin' till monday mornin'
Where we start all over again
As I began looking around for Emmett, Rose, and Luc, I saw Dr. Cullen and his family. They were good people, the whole family. Their kids had good grades, hung out with the right crowds, and never got into any trouble. Their daughter, Alice, was actually Bella's best friend before she moved to Florida with her mother. I guess they lost contact after that. Esmee, Dr. Cullen's wife, is an interior decorator. They mostly keep to themselves. Seeing me as he looked up, Dr. Cullen smiled and waved. After waving back, I continued my search for my son.
These are my people
This is where I come from
We're givin' this life everything we've got and then some
It ain't always pretty
But it's real
That's the way we were made
Wouldn't have it any other way
These are my people
We fall down and we get up
We walk proud and we walk tough
We got heart and we got nerve
Even if we are a bit disturbed
These are my people
This is where I come from
We're givin' this life everything we've got and then some
Ain't always pretty
But it's real
That's the way we were made
Wouldn't have it any other way
These are my people.
In the clapping and hollaring from the performance, there was one voice you could distinctly hear over the rest.
"Wooo, YEAH!"
Sue heard it, too. "Emmett." She stated, looking over at me.
"Yeah, I heard him." I said, chuckling.
Emmett, Rosalie, and their son Lucas had just moved back to Forks after living in Tennessee for a few years. They had moved shortly after Luc was born. Jasper, Rose's brother has been living with them for the past few months. He wanted to be closer to his girlfriend, Alice Cullen. Their parents are wealthy and self-absorbed; they don't really care what their children do. Jasper and Alice are both 18 and have graduated highschool. Just as Bella is, they are off to college. Rosalie is now working as a RN at Forks Hospital while Emmett finishes Law School. He only has a year and a half left.
We made our way over to where we spotted him shortly after.
"Hey, Dad!" The big, burly man said, engulfing me in a hug. "MAN, this is fun!"
Letting go of me, he made his way over to sue.
"Hey, Sue! Lookin' fine tonight!" He said, hugging her.
"Emmett!" I scolded, "Manners."
"It's okay, Charlie. Boy tells the truth." She said, with a wink.
This, of cours, caused Emmett to burst out in laughter. That's my son, for you. A 5 year old in the body of a 23 year old.
"Where's Rose?" Sue asked.
"She took Luc to grab something to drink."
"Here she comes." I said.
Suddenly, a little boy came running at me. "Grandpa Charlie!" he souted.
"Aaaahh! Little Lucas!" I called, scooping him up in a hug. He is the cutest thing ever. He has dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. He will be quite the heartbreaker when he grows up, if I do say so myself.
"How have you been?"
"Good." he said with a smile. "Mommy and daddy just bought me a new toy! Its a Lightning McQueen racecar!"
"Really? Was it for somthing special?"
"Yeah! I was good ALL DAY and I didn't whine when mommy took me to the doctors!"
"Thats great, Little Man! Did you get to see Dr. Cullen?"
"Uh-hmm! He's reeeeallllly nice! I even got a lollipop after!"
"That's awesome!"
"Yup! Hey, look! Jason's here!" he said, wiggling out of my arms.
"Lucas, don't you dare go running off!" Rose warned her son. "You need to stay where I can see you."
"Kay, mommy!" He threw over his shoulder as he ran.
"Are Renee and Phil here yet?" I questioned, looking at Emmett.
"Nah, they called and said they wouldn't be able to make it 'till later tonight. Bella, however, called also. She said that she and the two munchkins would be here in about a half an hour. She really seems to want to meet this penpal she's been emailing. Said her name is Amanda."
"Really? That's great! They have been talking for about a year now. I'm really happy that she's coming earlier, too. I haven't gotten to see the twins since they were born. I took time off for the births and flew up to Florida, but I haven't seen them for over a year. I wonder what they look like now. I'll bet they're just as cute now as they were then. Bell still refuses to tell us who the father is, though. If I knew, I would hunt him down and beat the living daylights out of him. She probably knows that, too. I have a feeling Rose knows something, but she won't tell me anything either. Damn girls and their secrets.
"Okay, everyone!" Came a voice over the loudspeaker. "Now for the open-mike portion of the night!"
"YEAH!" Yelled Emmett. "PICK ME, PICK ME!"
The announcer chuckled. "Okay, how about the loud one, over there."
"Yes!" Emmett yelled, running up to the stage.
He eagerly took the mike once he was onstage. He walked to the band as the announcer left the stage. After some heated whispering and exuberant hand gestures, he walked back and faced the crowd.
"Alrighty! Here we go." he said, winking at the crowd.
(This song is Tattoos on This Town by Jason Aldean.)
There's still black marks on that county road, where we drag-raced our pick-ups and mustangs
And weathered all the sun and rain
And to this day up on that overpass, even underneath the new paint, you can still see,
"Rosie, will you marry me?"
Take a ride, look around
There ain't no doubt
It sure left it's mark on us, we sure left our mark on it
We let the world know we were here, with everything we did
We laid a lot of memories down, like tattoos on this town
There's still a rope burn on the old branch, that hangs over the river, I still got the scar
From swinging out a little too far
There ain't a corner of this hallow ground, that we ain't laughed or cried on, it's where we loved
Lived and learned real life stuff
It's everything we're made of
It sure left it's mark on us, we sure left our mark on it
We let the world know we were here, with everything we did
We laid a lot of memories down, like tattoos on this town
Like tattoos on this town
Everywhere, it's where we are
It gets me right, in my heart
It sure left it's mark on us, we sure left our mark on it
We let the world know we were here, with everything we did
We laid a lot of memories down,
And we'll always be hangin' around, like tattoos on this town
Like tattoos on this town.
As the song died down, a mix of laughter, hooting and hollaring, and clapping ensued. Oh, that song is so, so ture. Only Emmett would think to propose that way. His antics raised hell in this town. The memories brought a smile to my face. Sue noticed, and wrapped an arm around my waist, smiling. I squeezed her hand, letting her know I appreciated the gesture.
"Oh, that silly man." Rose said, laughing.
As the announcer came back onstage to take the mike from Emmett, the crowd began yelling "ENCORE, ENCORE!"
Smiling, Emmett shooed the announcer offstage, which sent Rose into a fit of hysterics, and once again spoke in hushed voices to the band. He soon returned to center stage.
"Okay. So, this song is about something in my life that has happened with myself and my son in the past few weeks." He stated. He nodded to the band and the music began to play.
(This song is called Watching You by Rodney Atkins.)
"Driving through town just my boy and me
With a happy meal in his booster seat
Knowing that he couldn't have the toy
Till his nuggets were gone
A green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my breaks and mumbled under my breath
His fries went a flying and his orange drink covered his lap
Well then my four year old said a four letter word
That started with "s" and I was concerned
So I said son now where'd you learn to talk like that
Rose gasped in disbelief, then burst out laughing. So, I'm gonna take a wild guess and say she knew nothing about this.
He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you
Looking over at Rose, I could see the tears in her eyes. I can imagine how she must be feeling. The same thing happened to me; with both Emmett and Bella. Renee wasn't around enough for Bella to have that type of relationship with her.
We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said Lord please help me help my stupid self
Then this side of bedtime later that night
Turning on my son's Scooby Doo nightlight
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
And spoke to God like he was talking to a friend
And I said son now where'd you learn to pray like that
Rosalie was openly crying now; listening to her husband's touching song.
He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We like fixing things and holding mama's hand
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you
Light shone in as the buildings wide double doors were open. Reflexively, my head turned to see who had come in. In walked a beautiful young woman of average height. She had long, wavy brown hair that had a slightly red tint to it. You could only see the red, however, because of the setting sun peeking in behind her. She was holding the hand of a young boy and carrying a young girl on her hip.
Bella.
Untangling myself from Sue, I began walking towards my daughter. I could see her scanning the room, looking for the family. Finally; finally, her eyes caught mine. When they did, a huge smile lit her face.
"Dad!" She shouted. The little boy looked up at her, curiously.
"Bells! It's so good to see you!" I said. "And who might these little ones be?" I asked.
Laughing, she picked up my grandson and held him on the hip opposite his sister. I looked at her and raised my eyebrows, impressed. It would be hard for me to do that; even at her age.
"Noah, Maddy...this is your Grandpa Charlie!"
"Gampa." Noah said.
"They're adorable, Bells. Can I hold him?" I asked.
"Sure." She said. I didn't ask to hold Maddy. She was busy falling asleep on her mother's shoulder.
Once he was in my arms, he reached his arms out for Bella and started tearing up.
Seeing the look on my face Bella intervened.
"Don't worry about it dad. He just needs to get used to you. Both of them do. You're not doing anything wrong."
That's a relief. "So, Bells. Do you want to go see everyone else? Your mom and Phil called. They won't be here until later tonight, but everyone else is here."
"Sure." she said. Noah had just stopped fussing and we began walking over towards Rose and Sue.
When I can do everything you do
Cause I've been watching you.
"Oh my God. Is that Emmett?" She asked, laughing.
"That, it is. He was the first up for open mike."
"OHMIGOD! BELLA!" Rose shouted when she saw the four of us approaching.
"Hey, Rose! I missed you so much!" Bella said, half-hugging Rose.
"They are so adorable! Have you been talking to them about Aunt Rose? You better have been talking to them about Aunt Rose!"
"Of course I have been! They need to know their favorite aunt!"
"Can I hold her?"
"Sure, but careful. She's still asleep."
Seeing that Sue was a bit uncomfortable just standing there, I said "Bells, you remember Sue, right?"
"Of course! You used to babysit me when Charlie went fishing! How are you?"
"That I did," she said, smiling. "I'm doing great!"
"Bells, Sue and I are seeing eachother now."
From where I was standing, I could see her eyes widen and mouth drop open, just slightly.
"Seriously?" she shouted. "That's great dad! Sue, I'm sure your just what this old man needs to keep in line." She stated, winking at Sue.
Sue laughed with relief, glad that Bella did, indeed, like her.
"...so I would like her to come up on stage and sing everyone a welcome home song!" We heard Emmett yell in the background.
I looked around and saw most of the people around us, staring at the family.
"Beeeeela." Emmett said. "We're waiting. Get your butt up here."
"What?" She said, fear clearly evident in her eyes.
Tired of waiting on her, Emmett ran offstage, came over, and took Bella's hand. He then proceded to drag her onstage.
As they were making their way back onstage, you could tell they were having a very heated argument. When they were once again facing the crowd, however, they were nothing but smiles. You could tell that Bella's was strained, though.
"My dear sister has just arived from Florida and decided she wants to sing a song for everyone!"
"YEAH! Woo-HOO!" The crowd hollard.
Emmett handed the mic to Bell and ran offstage, her shooting him withering glances all the while.
"Hi," she said. "I hadn't really planned on anything, but...here goes."
She turned around and whispered to the band before walking back and facing the crowd.
Okayyyy...soooo...did you like it? Yes? No? Well, let me know what you think. REVIEW, please. Yes, I'll know that you like it if you subscribe to the story, but I won't know if you really thought it was good or not. If you review, I will know weather or not I should ACTUALLY continue the story or not.
This chapter didn't really get into too much but I'm getting there. Let me know what you all think.
PS. Ya'll should know that most of the chapters to come probably won't be this long. This one is only because I'm sick and am laying in bed with nothing really to do. Fair warning.
Thanks bunches!
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