Here's Chapter 2. This one is in Carlisle's point of view. I DON'T OWN TWILIGHT!

Carlisle's POV

It was a day like any other when my life changed drastically. I use the term "life" somewhat loosely. At that point in time I wasn't even attempting to be a part in the human race. I floated through time, just merely existing.

Edward had been my constant companion now for many years. Truly, he helped me through dark times where, would I have been alone, I cannot imagine what would have resulted. Though he himself could be moody and pensive, I found in him a light that burned bright and strong. His intelligent conversations and insightful views on matters saved me from going mad. But still, Edward was not enough.

I felt as though there was a gaping wound where my dead heart used to beat so many ages ago. I tried to fill the void with something, anything. Research, music, books-I tried everything that my weary mind would suggest. The dull, throbbing ache that was now my very essence continued its steady march onward.

One morning, however, would change me forever.

The sky was dark and foreboding, as rain first began to touch down and make light patters on the cobblestone path outside of the doorway. Thunder rumbled in the near distance with the threat of more to come. I loved this weather! I loved everything about it. The greenish tint in the sky, the rain drops tracing clean patterns on the window, sharp flashes of lightning. But what I loved most about this weather was the freedom it gave me. I could walk outside in the middle of the day without covering up and hiding. There would be no worries of the sun touching my skin and making it shine like a million, glittering diamonds. I suddenly, and ironically, felt full of that bright sunshine that I so dreaded. For today, I could just be myself.

"Edward, I'm going for a walk. Would you care to join me?"

Edward, who was seated nearby reading, glanced quickly out the window. "No, I believe I'll stay in today, Carlisle. Thank you."

I nodded in understanding. Edwarddidn't share my feelings for storms, but he was quite familiar with my fondness for them. Walking leisurely through the quickening rain fall, I found myself contemplating my relationship with Edward. He had become almost like a son to me, despite the fact that there wasn't even ten years' difference between the two of us. Now that I had gained Edward's trust, respect, and possibly his friendship, I thanked God for letting me have one source of light in my dark and troubled world. But dissatisfaction quickly returned followed by a feeling of guilt. I knew that I should be grateful for having Edward. Why was I not happy? Why did it seem as if I weren't whole?

I was jolted out of my reverie when I heard a thunderous roar. It wasn't the storm; it had passed and now only a light drizzle fell. Looking around, I immediately found that while pondering, I had walked so far as to come to the waterfall at the very edge of town. It was a favorite spot of mine when I needed a peaceful spot to study, write, or just to think. I almost turned around to go back towards home, when I felt a very strong urge to stay. It was almost as if something was pulling me towards the rocky banks of the water.

I walked over to the edge and looked down into the murky depths below. The mist from the falls was spraying my face in a thin sheen of water. I knew I should start walking back to the town, but I couldn't get rid of the feeling that I was missing something important.

Chuckling to myself, I started to turn around, but then something white caught my eye. It was in the water, moving slightly as if were alive. I became curious to know what it was, so I leaned further over the edge to gain a closer look. "Oh, my God!" I could make out the faint outline of what appeared to be a woman's body in the rapidly moving water. Without a second thought, I shed my vest and shirt and dove into the water below.

I hit the waves hard, crashing right below the tumultuous water. Vainly, I tried to see through the cloudiness and found I was having no success. Finally, my arms struck a solid surface and I was relieved to see that it was indeed, the woman. Praising myself for being an excellent swimmer, I pulled her up to the top of the water and laid her on the sharp rocks. She was unconscious and lost a considerable amount of blood. Being a doctor, I knew that there was no hope for this young woman to survive. But being a vampire, I knew that there was at least one chance that she would.

And so, it was here at the edge of the water where she almost died, that I had to make a monumental decision. Did I just let her die, here and now, without even trying to help her? Or should I turn her, so that she too would lead the undead life that Edward and I faced every day? Seconds turned to minutes. There was a point where I could not even turn a human. What should I do? I looked at her beautiful, pale face that seemed so young. It just wasn't fair. She shouldn't have to die like this, young and pretty and alone. And so I made my decision.

I changed her right then and there, behind a huge poplar tree that was far enough away for me to avoid detection by any curious passersby. If I could have cried, I would have been sobbing by the time I was through consuming her blood and changing her. I had just saved this young woman's life by ending it. I quickly threw her over my shoulder and ran home. The skies were dark as I came through the door to the house where Edward and I lived. The woman I was holding was writhing in pain and agony.

Edward froze where he was, standing by the bookshelf. "Carlisle, what in the hell have you done?" His face was livid with anger. I stayed silent, running up the staircase with my poor girl. He followed closely behind. "Answer me, damn it! Have you turned this girl into one of us?"

I gently laid her down on the bed; for now, she had blacked out from the pain. "I did what I had to do, Edward."

"Really? Why did you have to do this? What was so urgent that she had to be turned into a blood-sucking vampire?"

"Edward, please, you must understand. I wouldn't do this to someone if it wasn't completely necessary. I found her in the water out by the falls. She was almost dead. I had no other way to save her. I had to do it or she would have died."

"She did die. You killed her. You should have just let her die, the natural way. The way we're all supposed to die." His anger was making him speak faster and faster. I knew he sometimes resented me for turning him into a vampire. These words he spoke were like a knife twisting in my stomach. For the second time that day, I wished that I could cry. Seeing my pain, Edward calmed down. Clearing his throat, he said softly, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean those things that I said. I'm just surprised."

"I'm surprised too, Edward. I was going to let her die, but then…Then, I looked at her face and knew that she wasn't supposed to leave this earth. Not here and definitely not now. I needed to save her. I had to save her!" Edward looked at me with something like surprise on his face. But he just nodded and left the room.

The young woman was in agony for three days. Sometimes she would be unconscious, while other times she was awake moaning and mumbling in excruciating pain. I never left her side. Edward would occasionally relieve me so that I could go and hunt. But, other than that, I stayed by her side and held her hand. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me." Finally, on the third day, I could tell that it was almost time. The pain had lessened considerably and she stirred from her heavy slumber.

"Edward, come here! Quick! She's waking up!"

Edward came into the room, having heard my whispers from downstairs. He rushed in the room and looked at the girl. And, just then, her eyes fluttered open.

The next chapter will be back in Esme's point of view as she finally wakes up. I'm thinking of switching back and forth between Carlisle and Esme's points of view for each chapter. If there is anybody that is reading this story and enjoying it, please leave me a review. I need the encouragement! :)