Carlisle

Today seemed exceptionally long. Maybe because this makes three consecutive weeks I've worked double shifts in the emergency room. I may be a vampire, but performing the same tasks over and over again really gets old. Don't get me wrong. I love my career as a physician. Helping people has always been a passion and my long life has afforded me the ability to practice for the last two hundred plus years. However, if one more lady comes into the ER perfectly healthy just to try to seduce me, I may have to consider talking to the guys about moving to a new town.

I really need a change.

For a vampire, change doesn't come easy. What kind of change would make me a happier person? Moving to a new town? Trying another career? Oh, it just makes me weary even thinking such thoughts. Besides, it's not just about me. I'd have to consider the impact to the others.

Living with three other vampire men has had challenges, but we are all glad to be able to share this immortal life together. I consider them all Brothers; although, sometimes I feel Edward may look at me more like a Father figure. I've had to play the Father role several times for him in society, especially since he continues to attend high school in every new town. All high school students have a parent or legal guardian and I step in to fulfill the requirement.

All of us are different and that is probably why we get along without much trouble. Edward is the youngest in human years at seventeen and has been a vampire for 97 years. He is a very gifted individual. Not only did this new life give him the ability to hear others thoughts, but he excels at anything related to music. His piano skills could rival the world's best concert pianists. Like me, Edward is single and has never had a female companion. We share many of the same morals and ethics, but we do have some interesting discussions regarding religion. I guess that's one topic which provides controversy no matter if you are a human or vampire. Most people would probably describe him as shy or a loner. Their perception would be derived from the fact he doesn't have human friends and tends to prefer to stay quiet and alone in social settings. At home, Edward is one of the guys and socializes just fine.

Emmett is second youngest at a human age of nineteen. He is the happiest vampire you would ever want to meet. No matter the situation, Emmett can find the silver lining. Most would consider him a non-gifted vampire, but I disagree. I believe his physical strength, loyalty, and sense of humor are all gifts. He considers himself our protector because he intimidates people just by his sheer size. No one needs to know he has a heart the size of Texas. Emmett never fails to brighten all our days. Well, except when he's in a mischievous mood and decides pranks are in order. Oh, those times can be a little trying on the patience, but in the end we always have a good laugh.

Jasper is the last of our little group. He was turned at the age of twenty during the Civil War. His sire was a very power hungry woman who commanded an army in the Southern Vampire Wars. His time in the vampire wars was horrendous. Because of his gift of empathy, he was able to progress to second in command very quickly. This turned out to be a blessing and a curse. The things this man has lived through are truly unfathomable. When he joined us about sixty years ago, he was so unsure he would be accepted because he was a human drinker. Even though the rest of us drink from animals, we welcomed him into our group letting him know his diet was his choice to make. To this day, he hunts animals with us and humans when alone.

I have no desire to complicate any of our lives. Asking them to pick-up and move just because I can't handle a little flirting seems ridiculous. Maybe I just need some time away from the hospital; a little vacation, perhaps? Humans usually take one or two vacations a year. I haven't taken a single day off since I started here almost three years ago. Yes, that is exactly what I'll do. Take a vacation.

I headed to the administration office and filled out my vacation request for next week. As good luck would have it, the hospital Administrator was in the office when I turned in my request. He immediately approved it making certain to tell me I work too hard and how he appreciated my dedication to my craft.

So, now what to do with my days off….