After working things through, I decided it was better not to do it because of the change in tense/point of view, etc. I didn't want to confuse anyone (including myself) but there was one that I wrote that I thought you guys might want to read. It's unbeta'd and incomplete, but it does give you a little bit into Charlie. :) Enjoy!
June – 2008 (Graduation)
“You're sure you don't want me to come with you?” Edward asked.
Charlie nodded as his mustache twitched into a smile. “I think I can handle it, kid.”
“Alright, Pops. Be careful.”
“Always am,” Charlie smiled and squeezed Edward's shoulder.
Edward stood and watched as Charlie walked through security, knowing that these next few days could either be some of the best his adopted father had ever had – or the worst. He wanted this to go well.
Charlie boarded his airplane shortly thereafter, on his way to California for the second time in his life. To see his only daughter graduate from college. He knew that people would have disagreed with him keeping tabs on her, but he just liked knowing what was happening in her life.
And this was a moment he didn't want to miss. Even if she wanted nothing to do with him. He had been waiting for her to call, to visit – anything – for a long time, but she'd been eighteen for almost four years. It was clear that she'd made her choice, but that didn't change the love he had in his heart for his only daughter.
The June afternoon was bright and sunny, the breeze from the water in the city minimal as Charlie maneuvered through the large crowd of gowns and parents and families, keeping his eyes peeled. In his hand he held a disposable camera, something he'd seen at the airport on his way toward baggage claim.
Taking a seat, he waited for the commencement to begin, and then listened to the words of the speakers, the deans and listened until names were called and the alphabet reached 'D.'
She had grown into a beautiful young woman, her heart-shaped face very similar to her mothers. But the brown hair and equally brown eyes were all Charlie. His heart swelled and his smile was full of pride as they announced her name...
“Isabella Marie Dwyer.”
Charlie lifted the camera to his face and captured the moment on film.
As the ceremony concluded, he lingered. He wasn't sure why, but he hoped for something and when he found himself face-to-face with his daughter, she smiled at him politely and offered a polite nod of her head.
But that was it.
Charlie returned to his home with his heart a little less full.
xoxo,
