Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, dialogue, quotes, et cetera related to the Twilight Saga are the property of Stephenie Meyer and or the property of their respective owners. Play on lyrics of Constant Craving belongs to K.D. Lang and Ben Mink. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. The original plot is the property of the author. Also this is my fictional version of Forks to help suit the story better and has no reflection on the real town of Forks, Washington whatsoever.

A/N: A tremendous amount of gratitude to my lovely beta the very talented abbymickey24; if you enjoy non-canon please check out her stories, she's fabulous. A very special thank you to Nic for starting my love of slash, I miss you my dear friend. Also a heartfelt thank you and much flove to my sisters/cheerleaders/partners in crime: Misty, Brandi and Cricket for all their help and encouragement along the way.

~o0o~

Dedicated to Brad Wade; gone, but never forgotten.

~o0o~

~Chapter 4~ The Hazard of Wearing Scrubs ~ Carlisle's point of view…

In a tired haze, I amble down the corridor toward the staff lounge in a desperate need of coffee; the past four hours of repairing Mr. Cameron's perforated ulcer has left me longing for a strong dose of caffeine.

Entering the lounge, I'm pleasantly surprised to find a fresh pot of coffee waiting for me along with an empty Styrofoam cup with Doc written next to a smiley face in blue sharpie marker. Next to the cup sits two single serving cups of caramel macchiato creamer and I say a silent thank you to Bella.

After a few deep, long sips of my liquid ambrosia, I make my way out to the nurses' station to check the board to see if anything needs my attention. The department appears to be slow at the moment; the patient board stating we have two patients who are both already being attended too.

I hear murmuring coming from exam three and look up to see Dr. Gerandy and Dr. Whitlock coming around the curtain. They stop a few feet from the room and turn to one another, discussing something.

I can't help taking in Jasper's appearance as my eyes linger over him; he's wearing a white dress shirt, pinstripe gray vest and black jeans along with black cowboy boots today. His hair is in a disarray of wavy curls that keep falling into his mocha eyes.

I find myself imaging how soft his hair would be as I run my fingers through his honey locks; cupping the back of his head, leaning every so slowly into him. My lips a whisper of a breath upon his, the softness of his lips as they finally meet mine in a gentle kiss. The kiss growing more heated by the second as his hard body presses up against mine and we get lost in exploring each other.

I shake my head and chastise myself for allowing my thoughts to wander down that unfeasible path. Even so, I still can't stop myself from staring at him. Damn it. I hate how I seem to crave him more and more as the days go by; he makes me feel as if I've turned into a damn addict.

As if Jasper can sense me watching him his eyes meet mine over Gerandy's shoulder. If I didn't know any better I would say he's brazenly ogling me. I watch as the pink tip of his tongue peeks out between his lips, wetting them as he slowly swipes it over his bottom lip, just to be followed by his teeth scraping over the pouty flesh. The look in his eyes is smoldering, causing my breath to hitch and my cock to throb to life.

He smirks and turns his attention back to Gerandy.

Fuck me. The boy is going to be the death of me; I wonder if one can perish from vasocongestion of the testicles. I would almost swear he was flirting with me. Not like this helps any with the way I already crave him and all the things I would love to do to him. I'm not sure if I can survive the temptation.

Bella strolls up to the nurses' station with a chart in hand, grumbling something about 'Grabby handed dirty old man'. She smacks the chart down upon the counter and turns to look at me; her scowl is slowly replaced with a salacious smile.

"I can drop to my knees and help you with that if you want, doc?" she says teasingly looking down at my groin, and tops it off with waggling her eyebrows at me.

Oh for the love of all that is holy. "Isss-a-bell-laa." I grouse.

Damn scrub pants. Damn sexy southern boy. Damn snarky best friend.

Scrunching my eyes shut, I try to imagine anything repulsive to get this blasted erection to subside.

I can hear Bella trying to muffle a giggle.

"Behave." I exasperatedly reprimand her, trying not to show my mortification to the fact that she caught me in a compromising position.

Bella giggle-snorts at my reprimand. "What? No friends with benefits? You know lips are lips and by that impressive outline you're sportin' there you can't blame a girl for asking." she remarks blithely, looking entirely too happy with herself. "Okay, better idea, why don't I mosey on over and ask Doctor Whitlock if he'll be happy to take the swelling out of your neck instead."

"You wouldn't dare." I chide her, narrowing my eyes.

"Pfft... You should know better than to say that." she challenges, as she turns to walk towards Jasper.

I hastily reach out for her upper arm and yank her back to my side. "You're not going anywhere near him, little girl." I retort gruffly.

"Fine, be that way. I won't go anywhere near him, geesh." she relents.

Just as I relax and exhale a long relieved breath she looks to me with a devilish grin.

"Doctor Whitlock?" she hails as he starts to walk away down the corridor heading towards his office.

I give her an incredulous look as he turns at his name being called.

"Nurse Swan, is there something I can help ya with?" he asks politely, as he steps closer to us.

"Carlisle and I are going to head over to Mill Creek Bar and Grill for a drink after our shift and we were wondering if you would like to join us?" she offers pleasantly, with a bright smile.

If her father wasn't the Chief of Police I would have happily killed her where she's standing. Instead I try to remember all the reasons why I love my meddling, pain in the ass friend.

"That sounds mighty fine to me. I'll meet y'all there say a bit after six?" he replies graciously.

"Great, we'll see you there." she concurs cheerfully.

She waves and he nods at us as he turns and starts back towards his office. I watch as he walks away, his ass looking incredibly bite worthy in his tight jeans.

I hear a light snigger from Bella and turn my attention back to her, "I swear if I knew you wouldn't like it so damn much I would put you over my knee for that little stunt. What the hell were you thinking, Bella?"

"Damn, you know me so well." she chortles as I glare at her. "Oh lighten up, doc, it's just drinks. It's not like he'll bend you over the pool table for the whole town to watch, well unless you ask him nicely too."

I scowl at her, letting her know I'm not amused. "You need to stop meddling and leave this alone, you of all people know nothing can come of this and furthermore you also know I don't drink ever."

She rolls her eyes at me. "Iced tea is still considered a drink the last time I checked and I think you two could be phenomenal together if you'd stop being such a stubborn ass." I watch as she gives me an imploring look, "In all the years that I've known you, doc, you've never been this enamored by anyone, probably even more so than you were with Liam too from what you've told me about him." she says sincerely. "And besides, until Jasper came along I wasn't even aware you had a penis and a spectacular one at that." she cheekily wisecracks and just like that my smartass friend is back.

I groan and scrub my face, trying to take in what she just said. I knew deep down what she's stating is the truth, even the snarky comment. The feelings I have for Jasper are unlike anything I've ever felt before. We haven't even been together and the boy already owns my cock. And if I was to be truly honest with myself, there's nothing I want more than to be able to surrender to the desires I have for him.

"Fine, we'll go have drinks. You're just lucky I love you." I concede querulously.

"Aw, doc, I love you, too. Trust me it will be a fun evening," she encourages. "And if it will make you feel any better I'll tell Masen I've been a very naughty girl when I go to Sequim this weekend."

Shaking my head, I give her a dubious look, "Like that would be any sort of punishment. I was thinking more along the lines of sponge baths and bed-pan duty with Alice for the next week. Now get back to work and meet me at my car at six."

"You wouldn't dare. That's beyond punishment having to work with that PITA (pain in the ass)." she sneers and narrows her eyes at me.

"Don't push your luck, little girl." I threaten, giving her a stern look in return.

"Damn, alright you win. Six at your car it is, Sir." she rolls her eyes and huffs, spins on her heels and heads down the corridor grumbling under her breath.

~o0o~

Sharply at six I find Bella perched on the front of my Lexus with a shit-eating grin plastered across her face. I hit the button on my key-fob and unlock the doors. I open the passenger side door for her and help her in, choosing to ignore her enthusiasm.

Less than a minute later, I'm in the driver's seat and pulling out of the staff parking lot.

We travel the short distance in companionable silence which I'm thankful for. I'm nervous enough without her adding any smartass comments right now and I think she knows me well enough to understand that.

We pull into the Mill Creek Bar and Grill parking lot and I cut the engine, exhaling a long breath.

I soon notice Jasper leaning up against his gunmetal gray Dodge Challenger with his long, lean legs crossed at his ankles, his hands in his pockets with his thumbs laying lazily over the outside pocket. He's looking every bit the alluring sin he is and I can feel my cock start to awake at the mere sight of him.

Lord please help me get through this without making a complete fool of myself.

My perusal of Jasper doesn't go unnoticed by Bella and I know she's not going to let me live this down anytime soon. Nonetheless, before she can say anything I give her a pointed look and shake my head, and thankfully she huffs and leaves it alone for now.

I reach up and pull the knot free on my tie, pulling it from around my neck and tossing it into the backseat, then unbuttoning the top two buttons on my oxford shirt.

I hear her snicker from the passenger seat.

I narrow my eyes at her and she returns my look with one of angelic innocence.

"Come on, doc, it won't be that bad. Trust me." she encourages with a soft smile.

I just nod and get out of the car, stepping around to the passenger side to open the door for Bella, giving her my hand to help her out.

"Always the gentleman," Bella says sweetly and takes my hand, entwining our fingers together and leading me over to Jasper.

Jasper looks down at our joined hands and for a split second I think I see him frown, but before I could think more on it he greets us both with a benign smile.

"Shall we boys?" Bella asks and waves her free hand towards the entrance.

When we reach the main door, Bella taps her finger on a printed out flyer that's taped to the glass.

"Oh look. I forgot about it being Taco Tuesday. I've heard Angela say they're pretty good. What do you guys say to getting a bite to eat along with our drinks?" Bella asks us looking hopeful.

"Sure thing, Swan, sounds good to me. I haven't had tacos in ages and it keeps me from trying to figure out what to rustle up once I get back on home." Jasper replies gladly.

I give Bella a pointed look and let her know I know what she's up too; she didn't forget anything. Her and Angela were joined at the hip back in high school and still hang out when time allows.

She just gives me that 'who me' look in return. I'm surprised she didn't bat her damn eyelashes at me.

"Sounds good," I agree and open the door to the establishment then follow them both inside.

The place is decorated in a rustic logging theme, dimly lit with country-oldies playing lightly over the sound system. The main bar runs the length of one wall and there's a dozen round tables scattered along the hardwood floor. Two pool tables are in the far back corner of the room. The place is only about half full, leaving us several tables to choose from.

Bella points out a table and we nod our agreement before following her to it. I pull out her chair and she sits down; I take the seat next to her and Jasper does the same on her other side so he's sitting in front of me.

Angela comes right over to our table and politely greets us all a good evening before she turns her attention towards her friend. "Hey, Bella, it's great to see you." Angela leans down and gives her a quick hug. "What can I get for ya tonight, sweetie?"

"I'll have a Seagram's calypso colada, Ang." Bella replies.

Angela looks at me, "How about you, Doc Cullen?"

"Sweet tea for me, please," I reply with a cordial smile.

"Okay," she scribbles on her order pad. "And what can I get for you, Doctor Whitlock?"

"I'll also have a sweet tea, ma'am." Jasper drawls, causing Angela to flush a pretty pink and she nudges her glasses back up her nose.

Angela scribbles on her pad again then looks back up, "Is there anything else I can get you three tonight?"

"Yea, Ang. We all would like to get an order of tacos." Bella replies.

"Sure, would you like the chicken, tri-tip, pulled pork or ground beef?"

"Hmm, they all sound good, how about one of each." Bella answers as her stomach growls.

We all laugh at Bella's bashful expression.

"What? I can't help it if I'm hungry." Bella tries to poorly defend herself.

Angela scribbles down Bella's order shaking her head and looks to me, "How about you, Doc Cullen?"

"I'll have what she's having." I reply.

Before Angela can ask Jasper he replies, "Me three."

"Okay, I'll go place your order and be right back with your drinks." Angela affirms with a smile.

We all simultaneously tell Angela "Thank you" as she turns and scurries off towards the kitchen.

As the three of us start to exchange small talk Angela quickly returns with our drinks along with fresh tortilla chips and chunky salsa, placing both in the middle of our table. We thank her again and discuss how our day went while enjoying the chips.

Not long after, I notice that the majority of the other patrons are either straight out staring or giving sideways leers towards Jasper as most whisper amongst themselves. I overhear a few speaking a bit louder making homosexual slurs and I'm even more surprised when I hear Garrett's name mentioned a few times. I'm so beyond tired of all the narrow-mindedness in this town.

We all continue to share small talk while waiting on our dinner to arrive. I notice Bella scowl and glare at a couple across from us. Jasper just seems oblivious to it all and I'm envious that he can tune them out the way he does.

"Judgmental pricks." Bella gripes vehemently, giving them a dirty glare.

"Bella, its okay, don't mind them. I'm use to it. In my military career I've seen and dealt with a lot worse than these homophobic bigots, it's nothing I can't handle. So don't let them ruin our evening." Jasper tries to appease her.

Before Bella can reply, Angela appears and starts setting our plates down in front of us asking if we need anything else. We politely tell her no and she heads off to take another order.

I have to admit the tacos do look really good and smell even better. We all start to eat mostly in companionable silence with a few complements about the tacos thrown in here and there.

"Dang, they were good, best tacos I've had in awhile. Now I need to work all of that off." Jasper groans causing Bella to giggle.

"Well on that note, you boys up for a game of eight-ball?" Bella asks as she pushes her empty plate away and gives me a wink.

"I might be a bit rusty, but I'll shoot a round with ya." Jasper agrees willingly.

Settled on playing pool we all toss some money on top of the bill and leave Angela a generous tip. Bella gives me a sly knowing look as she glances at the pool table and back to me and I begin to contemplate on how I can torment her meddlesome ass later on.

We all get up ignoring the other patrons' leers and walk over to an empty coin-operated pool table in the far back corner of the bar.

I try to surreptitiously watch as Jasper unbuttons the wrist cuffs of his dress shirt and rolls the material up his tone forearms. I glimpse a bit of black ink on the inside of his right wrist. It's two bold black matching horizontal lines that look like the equal sign and suddenly I know what it stands for as Bella also has one in a different style.

Jasper notices where I'm looking and runs the tips of two fingers over the tattoo. "I'm all for equality." he says with a smirk and a wink.

"I agree. Bella also has one, just in a different design." I reply cordially.

"Bella also has what?" she inquires walking over to us carrying three pool cue sticks.

"An equality tattoo," I answer her.

"Oh, yeah," she nods her head smiling then hands each of us a pool cue.

"When did ya get yours?" Jasper asks her.

"About six months ago." she tells him as she starts pulling up the hem of her scrub top and moves down the elastic band of her scrub pants to reveal her lower left hip along with her equality tattoo. Bella's tattoo is a black outline of a heart with the word equality written inside the top right side arch and an outline of the equal sign right under the word.

"That's awesome, Bella, love the design." Jasper says with a grin.

"Thanks. I got it because I believe we all should have the right to equality and to love who we want to love. My brother, a very dear friend and I to some degree don't really fit into our town's notion of norm, so this is my little way to show my support." Bella explains to him as she straightens her clothes.

I also notice Jasper looking towards me at the mention of Bella's very dear friend and wonder if he realizes she's referring to me. He turns his attention back to Bella. "Have to say, you piqued my curiosity, Bella. What degree would that be?"

"Let's just say I have a subservient lifestyle that most would frown upon if they knew." she tells him in a lowered voice.

"Ah… Nothing wrong with a little kink in my book, glad you're being true to yerself, Bella." Jasper pauses and looks at me, "So ya like a little kink do ya, Carlisle?"

"Um-sure," I reply a little hesitantly, wondering what he's thinking, which gets me to thinking...

The image of him kneeling before me naked and sucking me off flashes in my mind, my fingers woven tightly in his hair as he bobs vigorously upon my cock while I'm telling him what a good boy he is.

I'm brought quickly out of the fantasy when I feel the tightening in my slacks and try to will my burgeoning erection away; damn traitorous cock. I soon realize I might not be the only one with said thoughts when I make out Jasper's prominent erection in his skin tight jeans.

"Thanks for being considerate; however, if you could keep that tidbit to yourself I would greatly appreciate it." Bella says appreciatively bringing me back to our present conversation.

"Sure thing, Bella, I understand that all to well and you can trust its safe with me." Jasper reassures, giving me a sidelong glance.

"Thanks, cowboy, now which of your asses am I going to run around the table first?" Bella taunts cockily placing her hand on her hip.

"I'm more of a horseman, though, I suppose cowboy will do." he teases Bella at her new nickname for him. Jasper looks to me and I just shrug my shoulders. He looks back to Bella, "I'm game. Want me to rack'em?"

"Sure. You wanna call shots or play slop?" Bella asks.

"Slop works for me. I'm bound to be rusty." Jasper answers her as he starts racking the balls in perfect order.

"I'll play the winner," I state and lean back against the wall where I'll be out of their way.

Bella breaks and pockets three balls, two strips and one solid. She studies the table and walk around to the other side sinking the number-ten ball. Jasper chalks his cue as he watches her and the table.

She moves down to the far end, bends and lines up her next shot, aiming for the thirteen ball. She hits the cue ball a bit too hard and the thirteen ball bounces off the rail next to the side pocket and ricochets into a cluster of other balls breaking them up.

"Dang it," Bella grouses.

"I thought it was a great shot, Swan. Thanks for lining me up." Jasper quips.

"Yeah, yeah. Just take your shot, this isn't over yet, cowboy." Bella gripes.

Jasper steps up to the table and bends over right in front of me. I can't help but look and my gaze lingers on his tight denim clad ass. Jesus the things I would love to do to that ass.

He slowly strokes his cue stick between his fingers setting up his shot, pulling back on the stick; he shoots and sinks the number four ball in the far left corner pocket.

"Great shot," I applaud and Bella agrees.

He straightens up and looks over his shoulder, "Thanks."

Jasper moves over to the side of the table and looks to the blue number two ball, he gazes up at me and I swear he looks straight at my groin. I wonder if he can tell just how hard he's making me and I think I get my answer when he gives me a lopsided smirk, making his cheek dimple.

Jasper licks his lips and then hits the cue ball perfectly; sinking the number two ball in the middle pocket. Shit if he keeps this up that won't be the only blue balls around here. I swear the boy is out to kill me.

"Lucky shot." Bella goads.

Jasper's next shot misses as the ball comes to a stand still an inch in front of the pocket.

Bella assess the table and walks around to the far side. She bends over the pool table ready to make her next shot.

I internally groan when I spot Mike Newton staggering up behind Bella and figure he's coming over to accost her. Mike is Bella's version of Esme; we all know he's beyond infatuated with her. I've heard he use to follow Bella around high school like an obsessive, faithful golden retriever; always at her heels, and begging for her attention.

Right as Bella goes to make her shot and before Jasper and I can stop him, Mike reaches out and grabs her hips pulling her back into his groin, and causing her to scratch the shot.

Bella jumps looking downright pissed. Spinning on her heels, she tries to step back from Mike only to be pinned up against the edge of the pool table. I see a flash of anger cross Jasper's face as he leans his pool stick up against the table and takes a step in Bella's direction.

I quickly grab Jasper's arm stopping him from taking another step. "Give her a second. Trust me, she can handle him; Charlie taught her well." I assure him.

We watch Bella pull Mike down to her level by his plaid shirt and whisper in his ear. Just a mere moment later all the color drains from Mike's face and he stumbles back away from her with wide-eyes, looking a bit more sober and dare I say fearful.

"Do we have an understanding?" she coolly asks Mike out loud.

"Y-ye-yes, wee-we doo-do." Mike slurs at her warily still backing away towards the bar and holding his hands up in surrender.

Once Mike is about five feet from Bella, he turn around and stumbles back over to a bar stool. He looks once more in our direction before turning his back to us.

"Damn him, he made me miss my shot. It's your turn, Jasper." Bella says agitatedly like she just didn't scare the life right out of Mike.

"Okay, but first, what the hell did ya say to him, Swan." Jasper inquires with a curious expression.

Bella looks towards Jasper, "I told him that he would rather jack-off with a hand full of razor blades than to ever touch me again." she replies mirthfully, grinning from ear to ear.

I see Jasper's Adam's apple bob as he swallows hard. "Yeah, like that don't paint a pretty picture. No wonder the jackass looked deathly pale." Jasper snickers, looking a little in awe with Bella. "Remind me to never piss ya off, Swan."

Bella lets out a gleeful laugh, "You should be fine. It's your shot, cowboy."

Jasper glances down at his arm and then back to my eyes, his lips curl into a lopsided smirk. I'm momentarily confused until I realize I'm still holding onto him. It feels so right to be touching him and I hate the thought of having to let him go. I release my hold with an apologetic expression.

Jasper just smiles and picks his pool stick back up, turning to study the pool table before he leans over to make his next shoot. I incline back against the wall once more trying to deal with my conflicting emotions.

~o0o~

The whole night is pretty much tortuous and I don't know how much more I can take of watching Jasper bending over to take shot after shot. Bella's words from earlier in the day play back through my mind as I watch his ass in those tight Wrangler jeans bending over the table, making me want to step up behind him and thrust deep within him as I fuck him over the pool table.

Just when I think I really can't take anymore, we decide to call it a night and head on home.

Jasper and I chuckle as Bella gloats about winning all three games as we walk back out to the parking lot; I swear she's a sneaky little pool shark.

The three of us exchange good nights and see you in the morning. Bella and I wave towards Jasper as he gets into his car and I help Bella into mine.

I barely get out of the parking lot before Bella twists in her seat, giving me an anticipative look, and I know the reprieve she granted me earlier is now over.

"You really need to put a stop to this whole celibate thing. Overworked and underfucked isn't any way to live your life. You deserve to be loved and to be happy, doc, and I think you should take a chance with Jasper." Bella states matter-of-factly.

"Bella, you know I love you and value your opinion, but having this conversation again is just like beating a dead horse into the ground and you know it." I reply exasperatedly.

"No, it's not. You're just being a stubborn jackass and won't admit the truth to yourself and see what's right in front of you." she counters with a huff. "Why do you always have to be so damn uncompromising?" Bella asks irritably.

I feel like I want to beat my head into the steering wheel.

"We can never have a relationship, not in this town. Even more so when I'm still tending to my father; you know he's all I have left and I can't risk that just because the boy makes my dick hard. Furthermore, he's out and proud and I seriously doubt he'd want anything to do with my closeted ass." I retort indignantly.

"Ugh, okay, I get your point, really I do. Although, you're wrong; First off Eli isn't all you have, you'll always have me, Garrett and Charlie, plus you might be surprised by a few others that I think would be supportive as well. Secondly, I think you're underestimating Jasper's feelings towards you. I've seen how that man looks and reacts around you and you would have to be blind not to notice it. For what I know of him he seems like a really great guy and if you would just be upfront with him I think he would understand and be discreet." she assures wholeheartedly.

"That all sounds good in theory, however, there's no such thing as discreet in this town. You know as well as I do the local gossiping biddies are way too observant around here and I can't risk anything getting back to Eli; he's already giving me enough shit about you and working at the same hospital as Jasper. I don't need this stress right now."

"I just want you to be truly happy and have a chance to be in-love. I loath the fact that you continue to give up so much for that insufferable man and the majority of the time he doesn't even treat you like his son." Bella says morosely with a touch of venom.

I glance at her before looking back at the road. "I know that and trust me I love you for it. I would think you of all people would understand my situation better than most; I don't see you rushing to out your lifestyle to Charlie and setting up fishing trips for the two of them..."

"Don't tempt me, if I knew you'd be one-hundred-percent serious about it I'll tell Charlie the moment you drop me off as long as you stayed close by to either treat his massive heart attack or to save me from his verbal tirade, but it would all be worth it to see you happily in-love." she replies with pure sincerity.

I blow out a long breath knowing we can continue to go around in circles all night long.

"It truly means a lot to hear you say that, sweetheart, even so, as for right now we just need to agree to disagree on this one, Bella. Please for the sake of my sanity just drop it." I plead as I pull up in the little brick driveway of the two-story house she shares with her father.

Leaning over the console, Bella pulls me in for a tight hug that I return wholeheartedly.

"Okay, doc, I'll drop it for now." she releases me and slides back down onto the passenger seat. "You know, it's truly a crying shame to let that go to waste." she looks down at my lap, trying to keep a straight face and fails miserably.

"Brat," I chide halfheartedly, shaking my head chuckling. "I'll be by come morning to pick you up for work."

Bella just breaks out in giggles, "Okay, okay. Thanks for a fun evening. Goodnight and see you in the morning, doc."

I smile at her, "Goodnight, sweetheart. Sweet dreams, sleep well." I farewell, then head on home.

~o0o~

Pulling up to the curb I notice both porch lights on. I take a quick look around and breathe a sigh of relief when I don't see Esme's Volvo. I turn off the ignition, get out of my car and lock it up for the night.

Walking up the porch steps, I find my father looking rather peevish sitting in his teak rocking chair. He folds up the newspaper he was reading and lays it in his lap and stares me down with his narrowed blue-gray eyes.

I internally cringe and curse, figuring the sooner I can get this over with the better. "Father, you enjoying the evening or were you waiting up for me?" I inquire pleasantly.

"I got several calls tonight informing me that you were out with that harlot and the sodomite, in a bar nonetheless, and you were breaking bread and conversing with them." Eli replies in a scolding tone.

"Don't start. I'm not in the mood to deal with your bigotry. They're both wonderful people and they don't deserve your intolerance. I have shared many a meal with Bella over the years and I will continue to do so and if Doctor Whitlock would care to join us again then he's more than welcome too." I rebut earnestly.

"I raised you better than this, Carlisle." Eli chides in a condescending tone.

"No you didn't, if you had I would be just as hateful and closed minded as you are." I retort, so tired of this bullshit.

He roughly slaps the newspaper against his knee. "Watch your mouth, boy, I'm still your father and I deserve your respect." he chastises as he narrows his eyes, his face set in a stern sneer.

"Yes, you are. Trust me I haven't forgotten that fact. I've sacrif..." I huff an exasperating breath, cutting myself off, knowing I can't finish what I was about to say. I take a cleansing breath and look him squarely in the eyes, "When will you finally see me for the man I am and not the little boy that you still want to hold under your thumb?"

He sits up straighter and gives me a harsh look. "You want me to treat you as a man then prove it to me, do your obligatory duty. Become a husband and a father; carry on our family name and traditions that you so willingly disgrace. Strive to become better than you are and stop all your depraved foolery and associating with heathens. Become a man worthy of the Lord." he preaches righteously.

My emotions instantly war with one another, vacillating between pissed and hurt. I want to both punch him and wash my hands of him completely, but I'm fucked because I know I could never bring myself to do either one. However, that isn't going to stop me from voicing my indignation. "The only reason why I moved back here was to help you, Father, if I'm not man enough, worthy enough, I can always return to Seattle-"

He quickly interrupts me, "Don't speak such nonsense. Go inside, Carlisle, it's late. We'll deal with this problem tomorrow, subject closed." he dismisses me pretentiously as if I'm a scolded child being sent to bed without supper.

Before I can even protest, Eli stands up and points towards my front door as he heads inside his home and roughly closes the door behind him.

I'm left standing on the porch feeling utterly vexed and wondering why I've sacrificed so much of my life to a man that will never be proud to call me his son.

~o0o~

A/N: So am I the only one that hates Eli? I hope y'all enjoyed the chapter. Thank you all for your wonderful reviews, favs and follows, they all mean more to me then mere words can express and I truly appreciate them all. Until next Friday, have a great week.