Charlie was unaware of a critical detail. His list was completely unnecessary. I was not blind. I knew that she cared for him and she trusted him unwaveringly. Her eyes lit when she said his name, she murmured it in her sleep, and even in my arms, with his betrayal fresh, she’d reached for his hand, his touch, and his embrace. Of course, she’d still been wild with anger about the bike, but anger is merely a secondary emotion. She was deeply hurt by Jacob Black.

Charlie was aware, however, of the tension in their relationship. He'd sensed the affection Jacob held for Bella, of course, but he was unaware of the depth and the intensity. And, so, tonight, Charlie was intent on broaching the subject of Jacob and Bella's strained situation with her tonight.

Although – he did not intend to verbalize his views explicitly, he was planning to present his point of view in some way this evening. Was this were the list would come in? He kept changing his mind, so I wasn't sure. His thoughts were scattered and uncertain. He'd been planning this discussion for quite some time, which is the only reason I was even aware of his intentions. But, did I really need to be here? Shouldn't I be more secure in the depth of our connection.

I should have, but I wasn't. It wasn’t that I distrusted Bella. But, despite the secrets of her mind, I knew her nature well.

Bella was too kind, too loving, and too good. She could have room for us both in her heart. And, I hated the very thought of it. I had no right to, but I couldn't escape it.

The hatred was irrational and beneath my dignity, but it was also very powerful. It drew its strength from so many other intense emotions: regret, jealousy, resent…

In fact, before I could stop myself tonight, I'd found myself driving here much too early, ready to hear the truth – anxious to listen. Curiosity, or desperation, had forced me to park and wait, hoping to discover her true feelings. Even now, I was unsure as to what I would actually do with this information; I only hoped it would help me prepare and strategize.