Chapter 19

When they were twenty-two, tragedy struck their lives. There was an accident, and a life was lost.

"Babe, wake up." Edward said sleepily. "Phones ringing." He gently shook her, trying to wake her up. She still hadn't moved so he decided to just answer it. He reached across her body to the nightstand where her cell phone lay. He glanced at the screen before answering it.

"Hello?" He said, his voice still thick with sleep.

"Edward!" It was Renee, and she sounded like she had been crying. "Edward, thank god you answered."

"Renee? What's wrong? What happened?" If he wasn't awake before, he definitely was now. The tone of her voice scared him.

"Edward, its Charlie." She whispered. "He was in an accident."

"Oh my god, is he alright?" He asked.

"Edward, he's gone." Renee let out a choked sob. "Charlie's g-gone."

Edward froze, tears forming in his eyes. He looked over at Bella, who was now sitting upright in bed, staring at him with a worried look on her face.

"Edward, what's going on…?" She asked, reaching for his hand. "Edward, say something!"

"Charlie's gone." His voice cracked.

Bella's face immediately twisted into a pained grimace. "W-what?" Her eyes filled with tears and they brimmed over, sliding silently down her cheeks.

Edward reached for her and pulled her into his side as she sobbed.

"Renee… What happened?" He whispered.

"Charlie was d-driving home from a late night at the station when he was crossing an intersection and a drunk driver t-boned the driver's side. He was killed on impact." She sobbed again. "The damn driver got to walk away without a scratch."

Edward gasped, his eyes filling with more tears. He had known Charlie for almost twenty years and he had been like a second father to him. Edward pulled Bella tightly to his side as she gripped the collar of his t-shirt and soaked it with salty tears.

"Oh my gods Renee… are you on your way to Forks?"

"Y-yes, Phil is arranging a flight right now."

"I'll work on getting a flight to Seattle as soon as possible. We'll see you soon." Edward said, his voice breaking again.

"Okay. I love you, son. Tell Bella I love her too."

"I will. We love you too Renee."

And with that, she hung up.

He quietly closed the phone and leaned back on the headboard, staring straight ahead without seeing. He couldn't believe Charlie was actually gone. The second best man he had ever met, right behind his own father, mauled down by a drunken idiot.

He wrapped both of his arms tightly around Bella, kissing her hair.

"I'm so sorry Bella. So, so, sorry." He whispered, the tears finally brimming over.

They sat there for an immeasurable amount of time, just sitting and holding one another as the cried. Eventually, Edward said

"I'll arrange a flight while you pack. We need to get to Forks." She nodded quietly. He took one last look at her before untangling himself and leaving the room.

OoOoOoOoOoO

Five hours later, they sat together on a plane set for Seattle, Washington. Bella had bags under her eyes and was quietly crying into a tissue.

Edward was rubbing her back soothingly, but his mind was elsewhere.

His mind was two years in the past, when he had asked Charlie about Bella moving in with him. Charlie had agreed much more easily than he had expected. When he had asked why, Charlie said,

"Edward, how do you see your future?"

His answer had been quick and sure:

"I see myself marrying your daughter, becoming a doctor, and starting a family." Edward looked up to see Charlie's mouth crinkle into a smile. "What made you ask?"

"I was hoping you would say something like that. I always hoped you two would end up together." Then he got up and reached into the table beside the couch. He drew out a small black box and placed it in Edward's hand. His eyes widened when he saw it.

"Grandma Swan's ring?" He asked in disbelief. Charlie smiled.

"You know how much she loved this ring as a kid. I've always said that if you did end up asking me for her hand, then I would ask that you give her this ring. I know you didn't even ask me and it might be a little early in your relationship, but I want you to promise me that you'll give her this ring when you propose to Bella." Charlie smiled. "I would really appreciate it."

Edward looked up at him. "Thank you Charlie. I would be honored to give her this ring." He opened the small box and Marie Swan's wedding ring was revealed.

"Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable or anything, Edward." Charlie said, chuckling.

"No, not at all. To be honest I've been thinking about asking you for her hand, even though I probably wouldn't propose until she graduates, just to know that you would be okay with me marrying your daughter. I love her very much and I promise to make her happy for the rest of our lives. Thank you."

Charlie smiled. "I know you love her, son. And I know she loves you very much too. I'm glad that you'll be my son-in-law one day." Edward smiled at his sincerity.

"Thank you Charlie. For the ring, for your permission, for everything." Charlie just smiled.

That was one of the last face-to-face conversations Edward ever had with Chief Charlie Swan.

The next few days were some of the hardest. Edward helped Renee and Bella with the funeral arrangements. Members of the Swan family were arriving every day, many whom Bella had never even met. They all spoke highly of her father, telling her what a good man he was and how much he will be missed. Bella knew her father, he was a great man, but it still made her feel better to know how well loved he was by his friends and family.

She tried to keep a strong face at the visitation and funeral, but that night Edward held her as she cried. He didn't say anything; he just comforted her and let her ruin his shirt with tears.

Well that was sad. Poor Charlie ):

It took me forever to rewrite this chapter, I'm sorry. I'm an awful author. ):

I PROMISE, I will update sooner next time because I'm on summer break now.

I still don't like this chapter that much… oh well.

PLEASE let me know what you think by leaving a review.

You guys are the best!

PREVIEW OF CHAPTER 20:

When they were twenty-three, Edward took the plunge.

Xoxo, Emmyscool10 :)))))