The Dilemma (prologue)

'But this is a fantastic opportunity and it's totally free!' Carlisle complained, throwing his hands in the air in an attempt to win favour. He wasn't usually so dramatic meaning if he acted so, it must give an insight to his passion.

The headteacher looked over the desk frowning, he had long, straight dark hair, dark eyes and a reputation for easily frightening the children with little more than a stare and a change of mood.

'My hands are tied, Carlisle, I'm sorry,' Aro said, with a frown that didn't at all look like he was sorry.

He threw a large wad of papers on the desk, some crumpled, some neat, so that it fell with a thump.

'Look at all those consent forms! The 12 children have already been selected! We're meant to leave any day!'

Three days. Three days until the trip was meant to commence, there was no need to be over-theatrical, he needed to reign in his attitude. Aro said nothing just watched, uninterested.

'It's not my problem.' He muttered, unsympathetically as he leaned back on the hind legs of his chair. I hope it bloody falls! Carlisle thought angrily.

'But this will do wonders in terms of publicity for the school. We've been fighting a bad reputation for a long time, this will win us back some credit' He promised.

'Carlisle, if the staff do not want to help then there is nothing I can do. Simple.' Aro eyed the door, waiting to see if he would get the hint and give up. He either didn't or he ignored it.

'What about if I ask the parents? Someone must be available!' It was a small shot.

'So compassionate, so passionate. But no. No-one is free. Admit when the battle is lost, brother, it might make things easier.'

'The only thing lost is a chance of a life-time!' He argued vehemently.

'Four of the children of that list are in foster care, the other seven have parents who either work all day or have other children to devote their time to. You will just have to cancel.' Aro ignored the last child, maybe in an attempt to ignite a flame, maybe to test Carlisle's reaction.

'But by law there only needs to be 2 adults per 6 children and all of them are well-behaved, I can find one more person!'

'The law will soon change.' He said, looking him straight into the blue eyes.

Aro was right, it had been planned ahead for the near-future that it would be one teacher to look after every four. He didn't see why, you had parents with over four children and they coped well. What was the difference as teachers?

'And yet, the guardians have all agreed for their child to go. I can replace Tanya, give me the chance,' he pleaded.

'You will not find someone to replace Miss Denali in a day, Carlisle,' Aro laughed arrogantly.

Carlisle sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He'd asked everyone he could think of and yet, they seemed uninterested in an enjoyable week camping. There was nothing he could do about that, his interest were his interests, it was just a shame that of all the staff in the school not one had taken the chance. It wasn't even like they had to be first aid trained, he was a doctor for God's sake!

At that moment, Miss Platt walked in, wearing sensible but feminine shoes and a tight pencil skirt with a long black cardigan. She wore numerous pencils threw the low bun her hair was twisted in.

'Oh, Doctor Cullen!' She smiled, hiding her gaze. 'I'm so sorry, I didn't expect you to be in here.' She began to retreat, her face flushing a light shade of pink.

'No- no- please, don't mind me Miss Platt. I was just leaving.' Carlisle said dejectedly, watching Aro with unblinking eyes. Aro only laughed and turned his attention to Miss Platt.

'Ooooh, he's so touchy isn't he?'

This ignited a plan.

'Miss Platt!' He spoke up, bounding back into the centre of the room even though he'd barely taken three steps back. 'I don't suppose you are free next week?' The excitement was glowing in his face. It was now Aro's turn to look annoyed.

'What? For the bank holiday? Actually yes, I was planning to see my family but that's been cancelled. Why? Is there anything I can help you with?' Her smile was genuine though shy, her voice melodic but quiet.

Carlisle met Aro's eyes, letting himself raise an amused eyebrow. He was met with no emotion.

'I don't suppose you like glamping?' He asked, gently. It was no use tricking her into something that she wouldn't want to do. He wanted someone to be as excited as the children were, as he was.

'I can't say I've ever heard of it?' She pushed, edging him on with a smile.

'Well it's kind of like posh camping. The school's been offered the chance to take twelve children, twelve seven year-olds that is, for free to a local site with opportunities for hiking and ice skating and camping-well, glamping -and lots of other things. But it's for the week starting Monday. Miss Denali was intending to come with but unfortunately she's had to cancel...'

'And you're wondering if I would take her place?' She filled, guessing.

'Well, urm, yes…?'

Aro's old eyes watched the interaction between the pair, staying silent and reserved. Miss Platt was a dainty thing, she taught art and was always dressed formally. It was very unlikely that she would-

'I can't say I'd be very good but sure, I'd love to come. Sounds like an adventure!'

'Really?!' Both men seemed to question in shock.

'Sure, just give me the paper work to fill out and your number then all is good!'

'Oh my, Miss Platt, I cannot thank you enough- you have saved me by the skin of my teeth!' He whooped and kissed her on the cheek surprisingly nearly everyone in the room.

'You will not regret this!' He promised, dancing out of the room with a spring in his step.

Aro rolled his eyes, watching him bound out of the room and suspiciously eyeing the female who seemed to currently be flustered in finding paper work, her cheeks were stained pink, pinker than earlier. He would let Cullen have his fun, it was just a nuisance when the man was usually so obedient and so willing to take over the Aro's own paper work for the week.