This is just something I'm writing for the heck of it . I thought it would be interesting to find out what Carlisle's boyhood would have been like before he became a vampire . I don't know how long I'll make it , depends on if people read and review and if they enjoy it . Yes , in the beginning I did make his father a little out of context , but he'll show his true colors , I promise you .

Disclaimer : I own nothing in this story , only the characters I created for the preface , John , Mary , and Anne the midwife .

Memento Mori

Ita EGO exuro

' Remember that you are mortal , And so I burn '

London , England . 1645

" Mrs. Cullen ? " the midwife said softly .

Mary looked at the older woman . She had long blonde hair and soft blue eyes and pale skin . Her hair stuck to her face from where she had been sweating . The birth had been hard and painful . " Yes ? " she whispered weakly , instantly afraid . Was something wrong with her dear child ?

The midwife smiled " You have a baby boy mam . " she murmured . She gently wrapped the small baby that she held in her arms with a warm handmade blanket that Mary had made a few weeks ago . She gave the small baby to Mary .

Mary smiled as she held her son , blue eyes filled with awe for this gift that God had given her . " If it wouldn't be too difficult Anne , might you bring John in ? " she asked , referring to her husband .

Anne nodded , the midwife leaving the room . She returned a few minutes later with a anxious looking man . His gentle face lit up when he saw his wife and newborn child . He had dark brown hair and green eyes. "Mary "he breathed , moving quickly to her side .

Mary smiled at him " He's beautiful , is he not ? " she asked John .

John nodded , hesitantly touching his son's tuff of blonde hair " He is very beautiful " he murmured .

Mary carefully gave John the baby to hold " Take care of him for me John . I know you will raise him well " she said . She could feel herself fading fast .

John stared at her , eyes wide with panic " No ! Mary … please … no ! " he whispered . He understood why his wife was telling him this . Surely though , God would not give him a son to only take his wife away from him ?

Mary smiled sadly , tears brimming in her blue eyes " It's God's Will ,dear . " she murmured . She placed a hand on John's cheek " I love you , my dear John . Raise 'im right for me , name him Carlisle . Make sure he becomes a Man Of God . " she said softly .

John shook his head " Mary …. " he mumbled .

Mary's eyes closed and her hand fell from John's face as she joined the Lord in Heaven .

Tears rolled down John's face , landing on the child in his arms .

The small baby whimpered , then was silent .

Following his wife's wishes , John named their son Carlisle .

London , England . 1650

John's POV

" Carlisle ! " I half yelled , searching throughout the church for my five year old son . Where was he hiding now ? He always seemed to be finding a new place to tuck himself away in here in God's House .

" I'm here Father ! " I sighed in relief as a blonde headed five year old boy poked his head around a corner by the alter .

He looked so much like his mother , my son did . He had the same blonde hair and blue eyes , only they seemed to pierce you , look into your soul . That was how many had described them , at least . He was as gentle as his mother was as well , and just as quiet .

" What have I told you about hiding in here ? " I scalded as Carlisle came up to me . I knelt on the ground so I was eye level with him .

Carlisle looked down at his boots , hand playing with the side of his breeches " Sorry Father . I won't do it again , I promise " he mumbled meekly .

I could no longer be mad at my young son . For how could I , when he had meant no harm ? " Come along now , we must get ready to Worship . " I glanced him over , eyeing the dirt on the knees if his breeches , " And we need to clean you up . " I added .

Carlisle looked at me . He nodded " Yes sir "

I smiled . I stood back up and took his small hand , walking back to our quarters so that we could get ready to worship our Lord this wonderful day .

Please tell me what you think about this crazy idea of mine . Like I said , his father is a bit out of context , I know . My theory is that he had married Mary because they had actually loved each other . This meant that he tried to follow her wishes and raise Carlisle with gentle hands …. He won't remain this way . I promise . I have to keep this historically correct somehow .