No song lyrics this chapter. Thanks for the support!


Chapter Two: Pencil Skirt and Button Up

Carlisle's POV

It had been over an hour since I'd gotten my little peep show. I turned off my music and was both glad and sad to only hear the heartbeat of the dog coming from the house at the bottom of the slope. It was probably for the best though… Even though Esme and I had signed the divorce papers roughly five years ago the thought of any relationship, even one-sided on my part was painful.

Most of the time Esme would do the grocery shopping, but since that wasn't going to happen I'd have to be the one to keep up appearances.

The fifty minute drive to the city was silent. The grocery store was horribly similar to all the other ones I've seen in the past decade. I got mostly canned goods, things I could donate, as well as a gallon of milk and some bread. Usually we just dumped the milk and left the bread in the forest for the animals. It was… all very routine.

By the time I was done at the grocery store it had just hit noon. Had the days always been this long? It was so strange to live alone after so long.

With a sigh I decided I might as well just tour the hospital, get my bearings and the like. It was a newer establishment, under five years old. I could tell just by looking at it once I pulled up. I introduced myself to one of the receptionist as the new doctor.

"The board is in a meeting right now, but they should be getting out soon. I am sure one of them will want to give you the tour since they're the ones who hired you." She said as she typed away on her computer, not even looking up from the screen. "Just take a seat. They should be out in five. I already sent a message to the head of the board so they know you're here."

I sat in one of the plastic chairs and picked up one of the many worn out magazines. A few minutes later I heard the clicking of heels.

"Ms. Swan the new doctor is just over there." I didn't look up at the receptionist's words since they would be out of a human's hearing range. As I flipped through the pages I could feel a pair of eyes on me.

"I believe your name is Dr. Cullen?" A woman asked as she approached me. I looked up and was surprised. It was my neighbor, this time fully dressed. She wore a tight black skirt that stopped just below her knees, a light blue button up shirt, black heels that no doctor would wear, as well as a pair of black glasses. I hid my surprise and put on a professional smile as I stood.

"Yes, I'm Dr. Cullen. And you are?" I held out my hand and she shook it without hesitation.

"Ms. Swan, Head of the Board. I was under the impression that you didn't start till tomorrow." She looked up at me with a questioning look. I cleared my throat, not used to feeling embarrassed.

"That's correct. I was hoping I'd get the layout of this place today so I can jump right into my duties tomorrow." Ms. Swan gave me a big smile and I had to stifle a groan, my mind flashing back to her naked form.

"It's good to see someone excited for their job. First things first, I need some coffee. Listening to those old men prattle always tires me out." She laughed to herself then glanced at me as she led me down the hallway. "You won't tell them I said that, will you?" She looked genuinely concerned.

"Of course not, Ms. Swan. You're the first one I've met here. It would be foolish of me to make you an enemy, especially someone in such a high position." Without realizing it I had started trying to flirt. She was unaffected and I was disappointed with myself. "You must be good at your job to have such a high position at such a young age. You don't look older than 23." Her shoulders immediately stiffened and I regretted my words.

"We all have our talents." She said in a low tone before continuing the tour. Ms. Swan started rattling off facts about the hospital and which doctor belonged to which department.

"Obviously this is the hospital cafeteria." She went to the counter then looked back. "Would you like a cup? Doctors drink free." I shook my head no. The kid behind the counter was quick and had her cup ready before she could even place her order. "Thanks Pete." She pulled out a sleek black credit card from a purse and handed it to the younger man. "Sadly this is the best coffee place in this city. We have three McDonalds and yet no Starbucks. I'll never understand this world."She said lightheartedly. I followed her around the building until we were back where we started. "So how are you enjoying the city life so far?"

"Actually I live outside of the city in the forest right off Mormount Road." She perked up.

"Do you perchance live on Ronpark Drive?"

"Yes, how'd you know?" I pretended to be surprised.

"I believe that would make us neighbors. I was wondering who bought the house on the hill." She took a sip of her coffee. "I'll have to be sure Jake doesn't wake you up at night?"

"Jake?" I asked, slightly disheartened.

"My dog. He's prone to barking at squirrels at night."

"I'm a heavy sleeper." I lied and she nodded.

"Perfect." She smiled and once again I was transfixed. "Oh, would you like the number of the guy who cuts my lawn. I know he is always looking for more work." Ms. Swan pulled out her blackberry, presumably looking for the number. I placed my hand over her typing one.

"No thanks. I like to do my own lawn work." I removed my hand when she looked at me curiously. "Although I'd love getting your number," she gave me a look of suspicion, "in case I ever need to borrow a cup of sugar." I said in a light tone and she laughed. From her purse she pulled out a business card.

"I usually have my phone, but I don't answer on the weekends." I glanced down at the card. So her first name is Isabella.

"So Ms. Swan, you never told me in which department you work in." She didn't respond immediately. We were standing in front of the hospital, almost in the parking lot.

"I volunteer in the Physical Therapy wing. This hospital is renowned for that department. Since we live near an army base we get a lot of wounded veterans." I nodded and she drained the last of her coffee.

"You should come over some time for dinner." I offered and she tossed her empty cup into a trashcan, her eyes had hardened.

"Sorry I don't go out with co-workers." I had the feeling she wasn't telling me the complete truth so I bent my meaning around a bit.

"What I meant was, you're the only person I know around here and you're my neighbor. It would be nice to learn more about this place from a friend." She looked at me skeptically before shrugging.

"There is a deli on 8th Street that I go to for lunch every Thursday at noon. You can meet me there if you like." I grinned even though today was Friday. "You should go introduce yourself to Dr. Paxter. He's the one who suggested we hire you and who you'll be working under."

"Good idea." She pulled out a key from her purse and clicked a button. A stunning dark green Bugatti Veyron chirped back.

"Have a good day, Dr. Cullen." She waved back at me without looking.

"You too, Ms. Swan."


So Ms. Swan has an interesting history/life. I look forward to writing it out for you all.

Next chapter will be a bit dirty…

I write for myself, but I post for you guys. Show me that there is enough of you out there who want me to post! Review!