"I know what you, Alice, Carlisle, Rosalie, Emmett, and Edward are," I said softly looking him in the eyes; my hand on his knee, "I have known for a while, about vampires. Being in the fashion business you come across many." Shock crossed his face as I spoke.
"You," he paused looking me hard in the eyes, "You're not afraid?" I shook my head taking his hand in mine, "I know none of you will hurt me. I trust you Jasper."
"But I could kill you," his voice rose an octave.
"But you won't Jasper, I have faith in you." He looked away from me as if ashamed of something he's done; or going to do. It was silent for a while.
"You should go to sleep. It's getting late." Agreeing with him I got up. Before leaving I kissed his forehead, "Goodnight." With that I left climbing the stairs to my room. Getting under my warm blankets I quickly fell asleep.
The next morning I awoke at six forty-seven. A yawn escaped my lips as I made my way to the bathroom. I finished my morning routine and went into my closet to choose an outfit for today. I decided to wear a pair of jean shorts, hi top converse, and a striped long sleeved shirt. I also grabbed my hoodie incase I got cold.
"Good morning," Jasper's smooth voice startled me. Grabbing my chest I let out a calming breath. He chuckled looking at me amused.
"Good morning Jasper." I walked towards the kitchen hoping I had enough time to eat something and get some coffee.
"I got you something from McDonald's and the coffee Alice said you would like."
"Why thank you Jasper that was sweet of you." I kissed his cheek taking the bag from him. From the look on his face I could tell he would be blushing if he could. The doorbell rang and I gave Jasper a confused look; asking him with my eyes who it was. He just shrugged causing me to roll my eyes at him. I moved passed him quickly making my way to the door.
"Carlisle," I greeted surprised, "Good morning."
"Good morning," he smiled.
"Is there anything I can help you with?"
"I'm here for Jasper." I smacked my forehead, "Right of course. Jasper." He was next to me within a few seconds smiling apologetically at his "father".
"Thank you," Carlisle said drawing my attention towards him.
"Oh it's no problem Jasper's wonderful," I waved him off with a soft smile. I hugged Jasper kissing his cheek and saying good bye to him. Jasper walked to Carlisle's black Mercedes getting into the passenger seat; leaving Carlisle and I alone.
"Hazel," Carlisle said his eyes darting away from me nervously, "I was wondering if you'd...if you'd like to go to dinner with me this evening?" My cheeks turned an embarrassing shade of scarlet, "I would love to have dinner with you Carlisle." Before I could even comprehend what was going on Carlisle kissed my cheek, "See you later."
"Yeah...l-later," I replied like a bumbling idiot in a daze. From where I was I could see Jasper's teasing smile making me blush harder and shut my door. Classes at La Push started at seven forty-five so I decided now would be the best time to leave. I grabbed my bag, shoving my sketchbook into it, and the breakfast Jasper bought me. "I have to repay that kid later," I thought starting up my car. Pulling into the parking lot I chose the parking spot closest to the school. Once again I could feel the eyes of the students on me. The lady in the front office had beautiful tan skin and chocolate brown eyes.
"Hello," I smiled holding my cold vanilla bean frap between my hands.
"How may I help you," she didn't look up.
"I'm Hazel Green," I said pulling the sheet I received from the La Push counsel, "I'm here for the assistant teacher job."
"Oh," her head snapped up staring at me in awe, "Miss Green! I umm here is your ID. And you'll be helping Mr. Rusk with history. I'll get you someone to show you around."
"Thank you Mrs. Reed."
"Leah," she said getting the girl who had just walked in's attention, "Will you show Miss Green to Mr. Rusk's room." That girl, Leah, nodded.
"Hi Leah," I smiled taken away by her natural beauty.
"Hello Miss Green," she wasn't much of a talker but nonetheless beautiful. She led me up the stairs down the hall and to the left. Mr. Rusk was a tall stoic man. He had dark brown almost black hair. His eyes had a reddish tint to them; like someone who had just smoked weed. His iris was a grey color and once I thought about it...he looked eerily familiar.
"Mr. Rusk," Leah's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, "This is Miss Green, she's your assistant."
"Miss Green," he said as if he knew something I didn't, "Yes it's wonderful to see you."
"You as well," I politely smiled.
"Odd," I thought, "He said nice to see you not meet you...have I met him before? And why does he look so familiar?" Leah, feeling that her purpose was served, turned to leave. I followed her, "Leah."
"Yes," she half turned to look at me.
"Have you ever given any consideration to modeling?" A light blush covered her cheeks, "N-no."
"Why don't you come by my store with your mother or father. I would like you to model for me. If you're interested please come by Saturday at eleven." She nodded scurrying away. Sitting in the desk that I was supposed to use I felt uncomfortable alone with Mr. Rusk. My skin crawled with the burn of his gaze on me. He never spoke he just stared. Soon the bell rang and students started to floor in. I sighed in relief. Thank god I only had to stay here until lunch. The first class went by smoothly and so did the second class. It wasn't until his third and fourth that there was a problem. It was mid-way through; this class was a block because it held his seniors. The class, even though it was two days in, was having a heated debate. The topic was about the American Revolution and whether or not the American's were being spoiled brats.
"So you're saying it was okay for the British to tax the Americans," Sam Uley asked raising an eyebrow.
"I'm saying that the American's were long overdue for taxation and that they should of had more respect for their mother country."
"That's bull I mean what about the troops that the British sent to all the towns? Or the tax collectors?" Mr. Rusk got frustrated his face turning red; he didn't have a comeback, "Detention Mr. Uley."
"Wait a minute! He did nothing to get a detention," my silence broken. I noticed several students jump startled by my voice.
"This doesn't concern you!"
"No! He's right what about the citizens that would be forced to house soldiers? Some would rape women and steal. So I think Mr. Uley has a point." Lucky for me the bell rang signalling the end of class. I ripped up the detention slip that Joshua had written up for Sam and threw it away. I hid a smile as I made my way out the building; loving the shocked look that crossed his face. When I arrived home I pulled into my garage and quickly got into the house. There was a message on my answering machine.
"Hey Hazel Alice and I will be there at four to help you get ready for your date," Rosie's voice wafted through my house. I could hear Alice giggle in the background. A blush covered my face as a warm feeling washed over my body. With the thoughts rolling in my head I blushed harder. The doorbell brought me out of my trance.
"Yes," I asked opening the door, "Oh! Hey girls."
"Let's get you ready," Rosie barged in pushing something into my arms. Alice glided in behind her.
"What...what is all this," I asked flabbergasted. Alice giggled, "To make you extra gorgeous...we know where Carlisle is taking you; so we decided to help."
"That's really sweet of you girls but," I was cut off by Rosie.
"But we're going to help now show us where your room is." She demanded but not in a harsh was just in a no-matter-what-you-say-we're-staying way. Sighing I led them down the hall and up the stairs to my room. I was slightly embarrassed because there were still some boxes that needed to be moved to the attic. Looking at them I rubbed my wrists dulling the phantom pains I got.
"Here," Alice shoved a towel into my hands, "Go shower and wash your hair please." Knowing I would lose in an argument over this I quickly went into the bathroom shutting the door. I had no problem with the girl's seeing me, but there were just some things I needed to keep private. Under the warm stream of water I relaxed. "Something about Joshua Rusk makes my skin crawl. Just like my- NO!," I thought aggravatedly shaking my head as if I were in an argument with myself, "There is no connection between those two and I need to stop thinking about that. I should be happy; after all I'm going on a date with Carlisle." Thoughts aside I took the washcloth in my hand and began to squeeze Apple blossom scented soap on it. The next thing I know the bottle clattered to the floor; startling me and my hand was shaking.
"Hazel are you okay," Rosie asked I could hear her trying to turn the doorknob.
"I'm fine," I lied, "The bottle slipped out of my hand." After that I rushed to finish in the shower almost forgetting about my hair. I wrapped the dark blue towel around my body walking out. I sat at my vanity table looking at them, "So what am I wearing?"
"This," Alice pulled out a lovely off white black lace trimmed dress. Next to her Rosalie had a pair of heels with a bow tie front.
"You guys didn't have to buy me a whole new outfit. I mean I'm grateful but I have clothes."
"We wanted to," Alice said, "Besides I saw this dress and thought it would look fantastic on you." Not knowing what else to say I took the dress from Alice's hands and headed back to the bathroom still clutching my towel tightly.
"Where are you-," I shut and locked the bathroom door. Shedding the towel I put lotion and deodorant on. The dress was soft against my skin. The sleeves went passed my fingers. I reentered the room, "Sorry about that. I just like my privacy."
"Right," Rosie said dryly though there was a hint of humor in her voice, "In your haste you forgot these." She held up a black bra and thong. Cheeks crimson I took the garments from her and scurried back into the bathroom; Alice's giggle followed me. Once that was situated I was gently pushed down in front of the vanity. One started on my hair the other on make-up. That's what the container Rosie put in my hands earlier was. I sat as still as I could with all the tugs and plucks.
"Okay open," Alice said after a few minutes of silence. I looked like a doll. My eyes smokey and my fair skinned face framed with red curls. My lips were a darkish cherry red.
"Oh," was all I could say. I was stunned. In the mirror I could see Rosie and Alice's wide smiles.
"Carlisle won't be able to keep his hands off you," Rosie smirked winking. I looked down trying to hide my face muttering a thank you. The doorbell rang and my tummy fluttered with nerves.
"I'll get it," Alice said, "Put on your shoes and get your purse." In a nerve filled hurry I slipped on my shoes and grabbed my purse Rosie's hand.
"Relax. You're gorgeous; perfect," she reassured me, "Now let's go make an entrance." Rosalie walked in front of me; the only sound heard was the click of my heels against the hardwood floors. I tightly gripped the hand rail so I wouldn't trip from nerves. Carlisle turned to face me, stopping whatever conversation he was having with Alice. His beautiful face broke into a smile.
"You look wonderful," he breathed taking my hand. He was wearing black slacks and a button down light blue shirt.
"So do you," I smiled brightly.
"Our work is done," Alice said leaving with Rosie.
"Bye girls." The called one back before peeling out of my driveway.
"So Dr. Cullen," I said turning to him, "Where are we going?" He opened the car door for me.
"There is a restaurant in Seattle that I thought you would like." I nodded watching the scenery pass. "Did Jasper tell him? From the way Rosie and Alice were acting I would have to guess no. So do I tell him he doesn't have to keep up his human charade? No," I shook my head looking at him from the corner of my eye, "That's not something you just say on a first date." I realized how psychotic that sounded and chuckled to myself.
"What's so funny," Carlisle smiled briefly looking me at me then back at the road.
"Nothing just a silly thought...So Carlisle tell me about you."
"I'm twenty-seven, I'm a doctor, and I have five children," he said, "Tell me about yourself."
"I'm twenty-two, I'm a fashion designer and part time teacher's assistant, and I have one brother." I saw him nod but he remained quiet. Questions swirled in my mind and my throat burned; wanting to ask. We drove in a comfortable silence and arrived relatively fast. The restaurant was some French name I couldn't pronounce. Carlisle opened my door and led us in. The matradee was a young woman who was absolutely stunning; too bad her attitude wasn't, "Can I help you?" Unfazed Carlisle spoke as if waving her off, "Cullen party of two." With an eye roll she led us to a secluded table and placed our menus in front of us before leaving.
"Why did you decide to adopt," I asked after a long moment of silence.
"My ex-wife couldn't have children so we decided to adopt. Rosalie and Jasper are twins and Emmett, Edward, and Alice were siblings. They all seemed to get along so we thought why not," he explained unable to hide the sadness as he spoke of his previous spouse.
"Do you miss her," I asked my voice like that of a small child.
"I would much rather be here with you than with her," he smiled looking me in the eyes, "But to answer your question; no." He didn't want to disclose too much information about what had happened. And I could understand.
"What made you decide to go into the fashion business?" A smile formed on my face when I thought about how I had accomplished that, "My brother supported me a lot and he was interning at one of the White House Black Market headquarters and I came to visit him. Their designer happened to be there that day and saw my outfit. She asked me where I had bought it from and I told her I had designed it myself. She said she thought I had potential and to give her a call. Well," I paused taking a sip of the water that was already on the table, "I thought it over for a couple of months and took a chance."
"You're really passionate about it," Carlisle said softly placing his hand on mine, "Your face lights up when you talk about it." He chuckled at the blush that formed on my cheeks.
"Hello," a young woman said, "I'm Natalie and I'll be your server today. Are you ready to order?"
"Yes," Carlisle's smooth voice answered looking at me, "What would you like to eat Hazel?"
"Umm I would like your seafood alfredo with extra parmesan on top," I smiled.
"And for you sir?"
"I would like the lobster stuffed ravioli please and thank you," He replied closing his menu and handed it to her along with mine. The waitress left leaving Carlisle and I alone once more.
"What made you want to go out with me," I asked looking down briefly.
"I feel…a connection to you. You just…something about you draws me in," he answered trying to get his thoughts together. Not knowing what to say I looked away for a second then looked back at him.
"Was that," I thought paranoid, "No! No it couldn't be. It wasn't him. You just need to calm down Hazel."
"Are you okay?" He must have noticed my little freak out moment
"Yeah, I mean yes I'm fine." He looked like he didn't believe me but before he could say anything Natalie came with our food. Unraveling my silverware I dug into the mouthwatering food.
"Mmm," I moan in content, "This is delicious." He smiled taking some of his into his mouth faking it for me.
"You should try this," He held out his fork for me to taste. The lobster was sweet inside ravioli and it was paired with a creamy sauce.
"That is good," I agreed. A loud clatter startled the lady next to us when my fork slipped out of my hand back onto the plate.
"I'm sorry," I said to her lightly rubbing my wrist. She nodded stiffly, as if aggravated by me, and turned back to her date.
"Are you okay," Carlisle asked slowly slipping into doctor mode.
"Just a sore wrist," I smiled rubbing my wrist lightly. He held out his hand asking me to give him my wrist with his eyes. Hesitantly I handed it to him.
"You have muscle weakness, tissue and nerve damage. Did this happen recently?" He was lightly pressing my wrist.
"When I was younger I ummm got into an accident," I said knowing my voice sounded unsure. Carlisle beckoned the waitress over.
"Can we get two to go containers please."
"Yes sir," She said turning and quickly leaving.
"What happened in the accident that damaged your wrist so bad?"
"It damaged both my wrists but it was a car accident," I smoothly lied. I felt horrible for lying to him but there were just some things I would rather keep in my past. And he was keeping something from me too. After packing over food up and Carlisle insisting he pay; we headed to my place. The sun was just starting to go down panting the sky pretty oranges, purples, and yellows. I felt something clasp around my hand; looking down I saw Carlisle's cool hand around mine. We smiled at each other as we quickly made it down the highway.
"Thank you," I smiled at Carlisle as we stood in front my door. I knew he had a shift tomorrow so he wouldn't want to come in, "I had a lovely evening."
"As did I," he said softly. Turning around I unlocked my door. When I turned back around Carlisle cupped my face pressing his soft lips to mine. We stayed lip locked for a few minutes before I had to pull away to breathe.
"Good night," a sly smirk came to his face.
"G-good night," I stuttered blushing. His chuckle filled the night as he walked back to his car. I shut the door biting my lip in content.
"Good night?" a voice asked from my left. Screaming I gripped my chest, "Holy Shit!"
"I'm sorry," Jasper smiled not sorry at all, "I didn't mean to startle you."
"I'm going to get you one of those bells that they have cats wear," I muttered making him chuckle, "And yes Jasper I had a good night. I even have leftovers."
"That's good," he followed me to my kitchen sitting at the island. Jasper spent the rest of the night with me. It was like he didn't want to be home.
