Suddenly I heard the murmur of Charlie’s thoughts from down the road. I sat up quickly, moving Bella away from me.

“Charlie?” she asked.

I smiled. The cruiser pulled into the driveway. Bella reached out and grabbed my hand with a smug look on her face. I could hear Charlie struggling with something in the car. He reached the door, finally, and walked inside. He was carrying a pizza box. “Hey, kids,” he smiled at Bella. “I thought you’d like a break from cooking and washing dishes for your birthday. Hungry?” he asked.

“Sure. Thanks, Dad.”

Bella’s hand left mine as she got up to help Charlie with the pizza. She grabbed a slice out of the box and took a bite. I continued to watch her eat. I didn’t know how they could eat that food. It was absolutely disgusting.

When Bella was finished she returned to my side, warming me immediately. I looked at the time. I realized that Alice was probably going to go insane if I brought Bella over any later than seven.

“Do you mind if I borrow Bella for the evening?” I turned my gaze to Charlie. I watched Bella’s eyes turn to Charlie. Hope was apparent on her face.

Charlie’s thoughts were usually a light humming or murmuring in my head. Sometimes his thoughts were as clear as a picture and other times they were completely unreadable. I never told Bella that his thoughts were usually half-way hidden from me.

“That’s fine – the Mariners are playing the sox tonight,” Charlie explained. “So I won’t be any kind of company…Here,” Charlie picked up the camera and threw it towards Bella. He should have known better. She didn’t even get close to the camera when she tried to catch it. I reached out effortlessly and caught it.

“Nice save,” Charlie exclaimed. “If they’re doing something fun at the Cullen’s tonight, Bella, you should take some pictures. You know how your mother gets – she’ll be wanting to see the pictures faster than you can take them.”

I was instantly gratified by him recommending this activity, “Good idea, Charlie.”

Bella fiddled with the camera, pointed it in my direction. It flashed. “It works.” Bella noted.

“That’s good. Hey, say hi to Alice for me. She hasn’t been over in a while.” Charlie smiled.

I suppressed a chuckle at Bella’s reaction. “It’s been three days, Dad,” she paused. “I’ll tell her.”

Charlie was ready to have us out of the house. He wanted to watch his game and I wanted Bella to receive her gifts from everyone.

“Okay. You kids have fun tonight,” Charlie called out, marching to the TV.

The corners of my lips went up as a smile broke across my face. It took all of us to finally get her out of the house! At least Alice wouldn’t be angry at me for not bringing her. That is one vision she didn’t have to worry about anymore. I’m sure she could see it clear in her mind now, anyway.