Chapter 4: Stories
Bella's POV
I walked into Carlisle's office feeling nervous despite the shot of confidence Jasper gave me. I can't believe I'm really going to tell Carlisle how I feel. I just hope Emmett and Esme are right and this doesn't ruin everything. I couldn't take that. When I walked in I found that I couldn't even look at him without losing my nerve. "I need to tell you something, but don't know how you're going to take it."
"I doubt it can be that bad" he said as he started to take a step towards me. Oh if only you knew Carlisle. Before he could even take a second step I blurted out "I'm in love with you" I had to get it over with before he reached me. I wouldn't be able to otherwise. I heard him start walking towards me again and felt his hand on my chin tilting my head up. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened my eyes again I saw his beautiful golden eyes staring straight into my soul. He began to lean in. Oh my god. Was he really going to kiss me? What did that mean? Does he just want to see what it is like? Does he want to give me one happy memory before he shoots me down? Then I heard him whisper "I love you too Bella" and I forgot to breathe. I have a bad habit with that I know. His lips felt so cold on mine, but they made me so warm and happy. It was nothing like kissing Edward. Edward was always so tentative and afraid. Carlisle was gentle but passionate. It was like he was pouring all the love in the world into that one kiss. I reached up and put my arms around his neck to pull him closer and felt the tears flowing from my eyes. Great. Now I'm crying. I'm just so happy that I can't hold it in.
When he pulled back and saw my tears he pulled me close to him and wrapped his arms around me. I held him close and put my head on his shoulder. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine feeling this way. "I love you so much" I told him. He whispered back, I love you too my dear sweet Bella. More than you could ever know." Oh I think I know, but I didn't tell him that. It seemed too corny. He led me to the couch to sit down and pulled me into his lap. I curled up with my arms around his neck and rested my head on his shoulder. This was so comfortable. I expected to be cold laying up against him, but for some reason I wasn't.
I thought about something then. "What do we tell everyone?"
He laughed lightly. That beautiful perfect laugh. I could feel it against his chest as well as hear it. "To be honest I hadn't thought that far ahead" he told me. I wondered if he was nervous about what they would think. At least I could reassure him a little bit. "Well I don't think they'll have a problem with it. I know Emmett, Esme, and Jasper knew how I felt and were supportive." If I were honest with myself though I was still worried. Sure they seemed supportive when I was in love with Carlisle, but maybe they thought there was no way he could feel the same and wouldn't support us together. I was especially worried about Rosalie. She never supported me and Edward, though I understand her reasons it still worries me.
"We'll tell them later. Right now I just want to be here with you." He told me. Perfect answer I thought as I sighed and nodded as I looked up at him. When he kissed me again it was a million times better than the first. It was so confident and sure with even more passion than before. We just sat there for hours until I felt myself falling asleep. I half felt the strong cold arms carry me up to my bed, but I couldn't wake enough to say anything. I hope he stays.
Jasper's POV
I was watching television with Alice, Em, Rose, and Esme when I felt the overpowering love flowing from upstairs. I could tell that it came from both of them and that they were close together. With the television going I couldn't hear what was going on of course, but I had a pretty good idea. I had sent Bella the strongest burst of confidence I could but I could still feel her nervousness. I must have had a goofy grin on my face because of all the love flowing because Alice was looking at me questioningly. I nodded at her and mouthed "I think so" and she smiled and turned back to the television. We would have to wait for tomorrow and see if they told us anything.
Carlisle's POV
I watched my beautiful Bella sleep all night. I heard her heart speed up as she began to wake. I wasn't sure whether I should leave and not let her know that I stayed all night, but I couldn't make myself leave. I want to be the first thing she sees when she wakes up. I saw her open her eyes and glance around the room. When she saw me broke into a huge smile. It reached her eyes and lit up the room. I did the right thing by staying. "Carlisle" she breathed. "You stayed." She sounded relieved.
"Of course I did my love. I didn't want to leave you."
"I was afraid it was all a dream" I reached out and ran my fingers through her soft hair. "It wasn't a dream my beautiful Bella. I'm here and I will always be here." She tugged a little on my arm and I knew she wanted me to lay with her so I got out of the chair and laid next to her. She wrapped her arms around me and laid her head on my chest and sighed. This feels so right. Laying with her in my arms. I never wanted to move, but I knew I had to when I heard her stomach growling. I chuckled. "I'll let you have your human moments while I go make you some breakfast, alright love?"
She nodded and as I went to get up she held onto my hand. When I looked back at her she said "I love you" I stepped back towards her and bent down and kissed her. "I love you too" I whispered and went downstairs.
When I entered the kitchen I could see my entire family sitting around the table as if waiting for news. I sighed. I should have known they would already know. They looked more excited than upset though so that was a good thing at least. "I'm going to start some breakfast for Bella" I told them hoping they would get the hint that we would tell them when she got downstairs.
I made her some pancakes and was just finishing up when she came downstairs, hair still wet from her shower, and saw everyone sitting around the table expectantly. She blushed bright red and I figured I should go rescue her. I walked over to her, put my arm around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her temple. "Breakfast is ready love." I told her. As soon as the words left my lips Alice squealed and ran over to Bella, hugged her and swung her around in circles. Rose was right behind her waiting her turn. If anything she turned even redder. Esme walked over and gave her a gentle hug "Congratulations sweetheart. I knew everything would work out for you." Emmett and Jasper both clapped her on the back as she sat down at the table.
"Well now that we all know the news we're going to go hunting. Be back in a few hours." Jasper said as they left Bella and I alone. After the reaction of my family I was much happier. Not only because the accepted it, but also because Alice obviously saw Bella and I being happy together. She would never be THAT excited over something that she knew was going to cause us pain. Rosalie's reaction also helped. I knew she never supported Edward and Bella because it was never real love, so her support of me and Bella definitely meant something. I was also glad that Esme was happy for us. I was a bit worried that she would feel replaced since we spent so long pretending to be married. I wonder if it's too soon to talk to Bella about our future.
Jasper's POV
Everyone's happiness was infecting me making me giddy. I was so excited but I was also worried. I turned to Alice as we came into the woods. "I'm worried about Edward. If he finds out he's not going to give her up so easily."
Alice sighed. "You're probably right. I can't see anything though because there are too many decisions that can affect it, but this could get ugly. I don't know what we can do though."
"We can rip Edward apart if he even tries to hurt them" Rosalie snarls. She's never gotten along with Edward.
"As much as I like Edward, I have to agree with Rose. Bella and Carlisle deserve to be happy. We can't let him ruin it for them." Emmett chimed in.
"I think we just have to be on our guard. Alice keep an eye out for Edward coming back and we will do what we can to help." I told them. As someone who had intimate insight into Edward's feelings I knew that it was going to be bad. He was so possessive and controlling of her. He would never let anyone else have her, especially not another vampire, especially not Carlisle. He would see it as a betrayal, especially since Carlisle wouldn't hesitate to change her now. I only hope we aren't forced to kill him to protect ourselves. That would hurt us all.
Alice apparently decided to change the subject. "I can't believe how fast things happened with Bella and Carlisle though. I mean I always knew they would be drawn to each other, but I never believed it would be that strong."
"I know what you mean Alice. I was surprised too. Carlisle has always been one to consider things so carefully before doing anything. I'm surprised he accepted his own feelings so easily. Especially with the Edward situation." Esme said happily.
We spent more time talking than we did hunting, but we needed to give Bella and Carlisle some time alone this morning. Bella was so embarrassed about the situation so we need to give her a chance to get used to it before we all get involved.
Bella's POV
I can feel Carlisle watching me while I eat, but for some reason it's not making me self-conscious. I feel so comfortable around him. He actually makes me feel like I am worth something. Like I'm special. Like I'm loved. I like this feeling. I could totally get used to this. Once I finish eating I start to get up to take the dishes to the sink, but Carlisle beats me to it. We sit down on the couch and he puts his arms around me as I lean into him. He is just so comfortable. It feels so right. Like I was made to fit here with him. "I was wondering. Once we finish discussing my change and I know everything you want me to know and all, when do you think we should do it?"
"Well I think it should at least wait until after you graduate. That way you can tell your family you are going off to college and they won't worry about not seeing you anymore. I would like it if you could catch up to my age before you change though."
"How old is that?" I asked him, realizing how much I didn't know about the man I love.
"I was bitten when I was 23."
"That's five years away. I think I can live with that, but you have to make me a promise. If my being human puts anyone's life in danger you have to change me anyway no matter the time. Even if you have to pretend that I'm dead to my family. I couldn't live if any of you got hurt because of me. Also if I get bit again like with James, don't stop it. It hurts so much I don't want to have to deal with it three times."
"Of course. I wish you wouldn't worry so much about us though. We can take care of ourselves and you."
"I know you can. I trust you. I just don't want to take any chances. I'd rather be too careful than not careful enough and risk losing you. I don't know if I could survive that." I really meant that. If I lost Carlisle I don't think that I could go on. It would destroy me.
"Don't worry my love. You'll never lose me. You are everything to me. I will protect you no matter what I do. I couldn't go on if I lost you either. You are my eternity." I melted. This man definitely knew what to say to make me swoon. Waiting five years as a fragile human wouldn't be easy, but I would do anything in the world to make Carlisle happy and I know he would do the same for me. As long as I still have my eternity with him that's all that matters.
"You know you can never tell the humans in Forks about us though right? It has to be kept secret. They'll never understand."
"Yeah I know. I mean you're supposed to be in your 30s and Edward's father. That would be really awkward. There are a few guys with a thing for me and it will be tough to keep them away without a good reason, but I'll just tell them that I'm not over Edward yet, so if you hear anything like that don't worry. It's not true."
"Don't worry Bella. I trust you completely, but I am glad that you told me to expect it. I might have gotten confused otherwise."
"You are the love of my existence and nothing and no one could ever compare to that." I told him as I leaned up to kiss him. I felt his tongue on my lips begging for entrance and I gladly complied. I tangled my fingers in his hair as he kissed me deeply and I felt his arms tighten around me. I threw my leg over and straddled his lap to get a better angle. When I pulled back to breathe and he moved his lips to my neck and down to my collarbone while his hands ran up and down my back. He moved his lips back to mine and began exploring my mouth again. I moved my hands from his hair and began running them over his chest and shoulders. I heard him moan as he pulled away. "You're killing me here Bella." He breathed as he rested his forehead against mine. "Sorry" I laughed. "I got a little carried away."
"Don't be sorry love. I did too." He shifted me so that I was sitting in his lap instead of straddling it and I laid my head back on his shoulder.
We just sat there for a few minutes and I realized how curious I was about Carlisle's life. I knew so little about him. "Tell me about your life?" I asked him hoping it didn't sound as stupid as I thought it did. He pressed a kiss to my forehead and began to talk. "I grew up in England in the early 1600s. My father was a clergyman and a fanatic. Back then humans were more aware of the supernatural and we knew all about vampires. My father hated the very idea of them. He said that they were monsters and abominations and they should all be eradicated and set me on the job. I agreed that they needed to be stopped since they killed people, but beyond that is where my father and I differed. Back then no one dared disobey their parents though so I had to go hunt them down. I found a group of them hiding underground and took a mob to kill them. In the fight I ended up getting bitten and left for dead. All of the vampires we sought out were destroyed along with about half the mob I brought with me. I knew what I was becoming and I knew that I would die if anyone found me so I managed to crawl back into their cave and complete the change silently. Once I woke up and felt the thirst I was horrified with myself. I didn't want to hurt people. I tried to deny myself, but found myself growing weak and my will to survive was too strong so I went into the woods to keep myself away from people. Then I found a deer and couldn't help myself anymore and drank from it. That's when I realized that I didn't have to kill people and be a monster. I could just live off animals and so I did. I stayed in the forest for about fifty years still afraid to be around people in case I couldn't help myself."
"So you almost let yourself die so slowly and painfully just so you wouldn't hurt anyone? I didn't realize anyone could be that strong." I was more in awe of this man every day.
"I always wanted to be a good person. Even when I wasn't even human anymore. After that I traveled for a while and found myself in Italy and spent some time with a coven that called themselves the Volturi. They are basically the rulers of the vampire world. I'll tell you more about them some other time. They found my fascinating because I never drank human blood. I tried to get them to switch to the vegetarian diet to no avail." He laughed at that. "I spent about a hundred years with them and they helped me to become a doctor and I've been doing that ever since."
"That's an amazing story. I can just imagine all the things you've seen in your life." We sat there for the rest of the morning talking about Carlisle's life and I told a few stories about my short boring life. The others came home as I finished eating lunch.
We spent the afternoon ice skating again, but this time I enjoyed it more because I spent the entire time with Carlisle keeping me up. When we finally went in I was exhausted but this time I was awake enough to ask Carlisle to lay down with me while I slept. I made sure I had extra blankets in case I got cold with him so close, but for some reason I never needed them. I mean I could feel the cold from his body, but it never made me cold. I slept better that night than I ever have before.