OMG! I am so sorry about the late update. I was halfway done with this when I realized that the scenario could not happen. Well...it could but then Carlisle would seem really dumb. LOL Hope this is worth waiting for!


Bella's POV

I woke the next day and looked at my ceiling. I couldn't believe what a day I had. I sat up and looked around. For an instant, last night I had thought that someone was in my room. I shivered and stood up. I walked over to my bags and smiled as I hung my clothes up.

"Nice clothes kid," Charlie said from behind me. Making me jump.

"Thanks," I replied showing Charlie before I hung them.

"Alice did a good job then?" Charlie asked watching me carefully.

"No," I replied before I thought, "Carlisle picked them out."

"Oh did he?" Charlie said with a smug little smile on his face. He took a sip of his coffee and sighed.

"It was only because I spent three hours being Barbie to Alice and Edward," I replied not looking at him, "He wanted to move on."

"Sure," He replied with a smirk. I was putting the books Carlisle bought me on my shelves when Charlie asked, "Did he buy you them books to?" Charlie was mocking me!

Frustrated I glared at Charlie and snapped, "He wouldn't let me buy them! Okay?"

"Okay," Charlie said with a laugh. Looking at me said, "It's amazing what lengths you'll go to. To hid from the truth Bells." With that he quickly left before I decided to throw things at him.

"Oh by the way!" Charlie hollered from downstairs, "Jacob and Billy are coming over to watch the game!"

"Fine!" I hollered back. Just fine. All I needed was Jacob and his crush.

I rolled my eyes and grabbed some fresh clothes, and went to take a shower. I thought about the day before and smiled. I loved spending time with Carlisle. All of the Cullens really, when they weren't trying to sit me up with Edward. He was a sweet guy, just not my type. Maybe I could put in a good word for Angela, she seemed to like him readily enough.

I walked down the stairs when I heard Jake and Billy pull up. Despite his crush I was looking forward to seeing Jake. He was my best friend, and I was determined to treat him like one. "Hey Jake!" I hollered as I ran up to him and hugged him, "Long time no see."

"I could say the same about you Bells," Jacob said with a bright smile. Suddenly the phone ran. I ran to pick it up, "Hello."

"Hey Bella," Carlisle said on the other end.

"Hey Carlisle!" I said with a bright smile hopping on the balls of my feet.

"So…." Carlisle said on the other end, "How you been?'

I laughed and perched on the bottom stair, "I saw you yesterday Carlisle."

"True," Carlisle replied. I knew he was smiling, "But you do have that tendency of hurting yourself." Was he flirting with me? Damn, his voice sounded so sexy!

"Shut-up," I replied playfully, "Nobody asked you." I was horrible at flirting. I failed utterly.

I watched as Charlie rolled his eyes at me and led Billy into the living room. Billy was giving me the strangest look, half way between fear and anger. Jacob looked at me like I had two heads and leaned against the wall. Waiting for me.

"They should ask me," Carlisle replied in a playful voice, "I am a doctor."

A very sexy, doctor at that, I finished in my head. I felt myself grow hot and had to remind myself that I wasn't alone. I had to end the flirting once and for all. I was starting to become undone. No, I could not handle flirting, especially with Carlisle.

I laughed again and said, "You got me. Now why don't you tell me, why you took the time out of your busy day to call little ole me?"

"Have you seen my wallet?" Carlisle asked bluntly.

"What?" I asked shocked. He didn't seem the type to lose anything important. But then what do I know?

"Have you seen my wallet?" Carlisle repeated. There was a trace of worry in his voice, "I remember having it in the book store, but after that nothing."

I scrunched up my face and thought. Finally I said, "I could have sworn that you put it back in your back pocket" I remembered because I had been staring at his backside.

"I checked," Carlisle said with a sigh. Suddenly it got very quiet and Carlisle then suddenly shouted, "Emmett!"

"Is there something wrong?" I asked, a little subdued.

"Emmett stole my wallet," Carlisle replied dully, "I heard him snicker as he tried to place my wallet on my desk. Without my knowing."

I laughed, but when Carlisle didn't join in I asked, "Is that bad?"

"I've been searching for it. For an hour," Carlisle replied annoyed.

"Oh," I replied still chuckling a little, "I take it Emmett is in trouble?"

"A lot of trouble," Carlisle agreed, then he sighed and said, "I should get off now, and punish him."

"You should," I agreed with a little sigh. Jake was still looking at me like I was weird and I motioned for him to go away. He huffed and went into the living room.

"Yet," Carlisle said hesitantly, "I do not feel much like getting off."

"Why is that?" I asked, trying to hide my surprise.

Carlisle sighed and replied, "I like talking to you." I smiled and he continued, "It's calming."

"Thank you," I replied with smile. That was really nice of him. Though, not exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm claming? That pretty much meant I didn't stimulate him in the slightest. Suddenly feeling the need to get off I said, "Well…I have to go. We have guests."

"Oh," Carlisle said, but he sounded disappointed, "Well…if you have guests."

I felt horrible, but the damage was done. He really seemed upset, so I asked, "Carlisle is there something you wanted to tell me?"

"What?" Carlisle said, "Oh…maybe…" He took a deep breath and exhaled, "Yes."

"What is it?" I asked.

"I really do not want to tell you over the phone," Carlisle replied again, "When well your friends leave?"

"Well…" Bella said looking at the clock, "After the game dad, Bill, and Jacob are going fishing. That'll be around two. Why don't you come over then?"

Carlisle was quiet for a second when he sighed and said, "Sure. I'll call before I come."

"Alright then," I said getting excited, "I'll see you then?"

"Yes," Carlisle replied, "Bye Bella."

"Bye," I replied. Then Carlisle hung up.

I replaced the phone and jumped when Jacob said, "Who was that?"

"Oh," I replied, smiling, "That was Dr. Cullen."

Jacob gave me a strange look and he asked, "Why would Dr. Cullen call you?"

"He was looking for his wallet," I replied with a laugh, "Emmett hid it on him. Making him believe that he left it at the mall."

"Oh," Jacob said with a sigh, "But, wasn't something more in that conversation Bella?" He sounded unsure, and suspicious.

"Yeah," I replied with a sigh, "He's upset about something. He's coming over to talk about."

"Why would he talk about it with you?" Jacob asked following me into the kitchen, "Wouldn't he rather talk to his wife about it?"

I hid a wince and said thoughtfully, "I don't know. Maybe it has something to do with Esme?"

"Which goes back to the first question," Jacob went on, "Why would he want to talk about it with you?"

I looked at Jake and said like it was obvious, "We're friends."

"You're friends with a much older, married man?" Jacob replied doubtfully.

"What do you think we are Jake?" I asked jokingly "Lovers?"

Jake didn't say anything and my eyes widened, "Jake!"

"I'm sorry," Jake said as I advanced on him, "It's just that phone call sounded like you were flirting with him."

"Ugh!" I growled throwing my hands up in the hair, "Why does everyone say that!"

"Maybe cause it's true," Jake replied crossing his arms, "Dang Bella, he's married."

"I know he's married," I snapped. My hands were now firmly placed on my hips, "I know Jake."

"You do like him," Jake stated. He looked worried

"Yes I do," I admitted with a sigh and a forlorn look, "But nothing will come of it."

Jake smiled and said, "Then why don't you go out with me."

I gave Jake a look and said, "Jake…I don't think so."

"Why not?" Jake wined.

"Jake…I can't go from a thirty three year old to a sixteen year old," I replied pacing and moving my arms about in useless gestures. I so wanted Jacob to understand; "I can't go from mature to immature. I'm sorry."

Seeing Jakes dejected look I hugged him and said, "You'll find someone. Besides it's not your fault that you're immature. You're just sixteen."

Jake laughed and said, "I'll get you one day."

"Sure you will," I laughed, then sighed, "Why can't you just be happy about being my friend."

"I am Bella," Jacob replied with a bright smile, "I just want more."

I looked Jake in the eye and said, "Sorry Jake, but it's not going to happen." I silently added to myself, "Because I'm in love Carlisle."


Carlisle's POV

Strangely nothing changed. After our family meeting, we all went hunting. We came back in the middle of the night and Emmett and Jasper began to fight over which game to play on the X-Box. Alice curled up on the couch to read Hamlet for the two hundredth time. Literally. Rosalie went in search of Edward, which was not unusual because Edward was always stomping off like a hormonal driven teenager, and Esme and I retired to our room. I sat on the end of the bed and watched her tidy the place up. She always used human speed when she was cleaning the house. She said she liked it. I understood that. I always did my medical reports like a human. It made me feel normal.

"Are we okay Esme," I whispered. I did not want the children to hear. So I spoke softly. I was thinking about sound-spoofing the walls. I was finding that everybody deserves some privacy.

Esme smiled and perched on the bed with me, "Yes."

"Are you sure?" I asked. I hated that I had hurt her.

"My ego is a little bruised I must say," Esme said with a sigh and a small smile, "After all, I've been replaced by a younger model."

"What?" I almost shirked, "Is that how you see it?" I hated that I had made her feel that way.

"Esme," I said and I took her hand, "Bella never could replace you. You are my best friend, and next to Bella the most important person in my life." I kissed her forehead and said, "You will always be one of the people I turn to for advice."

Esme smiled and kissed my cheek, "I know. I was just messing with you."

I threw her a dirty look and said, "You are an evil woman."

"I know," Esme replied with a bright smile. Turing to me she said, "Truth be told…I feel good about this. Like a…"

"Weight has been lifted?" I asked.

"Yes," Esme replied with a sigh. Smiling ruefully she asked, "How could we have been so blind?"

"We were lonely," I replied with convection, "Loneliness can make a person do strange things Ezzy."

"Yes," She agreed. Finally she stood up and said, "Alright… tell me about Bella?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well we have to plan a strategy," Esme said to me like it was obvious, "Edward has the advantage of seeing her every day at school. What is your advantage?"

I looked at Esme and smiled. She was an amazing person. I stood up and hugged her tightly and said, "Thank you."

"Don't mention it," Esme replied with a bright smile, "I expect you to do this for me when the time comes."

"Don't worry," I replied with a wicked smile, "I'll kidnap the man if I have to."

Esme laughed and hugged me close. It really was like we had never had the discussion of divorce. I sighed and pulled away. Looking at her I ask, "How are we going to go about signing the papers?" I refused to say divorce out loud. Divorce implied all of the nasty fighting and scheming. Ours was simply a lack of romance and romantic feeling. I could not say I did not love my wife, but I could say that I did not have any romantic feelings for her. Did that even make sense?

"Actually," Esme said with a sad smile as she went over to her top drawer. She pulled out five papers and handed them to me.

"We've been on this road for a while now," Esme went on, "Even if I did not want to admit it, I knew. This week you've been so far away and I knew that it was coming. Part of me always knew we were on this road. So a week ago I sent for the papers. Just in case." She smiled at me and said, "I honestly thought we would work it out like we always do, but…I didn't count on you falling in love."

I looked at her sheepishly and said, "Sorry."

"Don't be," She replied with a bright smile, "I hope to fall in love someday. Seeing you and Bella together makes me long for the day that I will find my soul mate."

"Bella doesn't love me," I replied quickly.

"Sure, sure," She said handing me the papers.

I looked down at them and was suddenly unsure. She had not signed them. My hand trembled a little and she said, "Why don't you go and sign them in your office." I looked up and gave her a grateful little smile. I scurried off like a rat and darted into my office, shutting and locking my door. Then I sat down in my chair and stared at the papers in front of me.

Nothing would change. Esme and I would still live together. We would still be together, but each of us would be open again to the idea of a soul mate. Instead of tied to a person that we could only love with our hearts. For I loved Esme with all of my heart, but none of my soul, Bella I loved with my very being. She was everything to me. With out her, I would simply cease functioning.

Edward, I knew. Would profess in a fit of, what Emmett calls, tragic lovers syndrome, that he would go to the Volturi and have them kill him. It would be nothing like that for me. I would simply shut down. My family would have to put me in a reinforced room and bottle-feed me. I would, quiet simply; lose my mind.

I looked out the window and sighed. What would I do if she did not love me? Would I suck it up and let Edward have her? Or would I become an angry bitter old man for the rest of this life. Or would I cease functioning like I would if she died? I honestly did not know. I knew that Bella could either make me the happiest vampire that ever lived, or turn me into a shell of my former glory. It was really up to her.

I shook my head and ran a hand through my blonde hair. I stood up and began to pace. I stared at the papers and groaned. There was only one thing that I knew for sure. I did not want to be alone again.

I was just about to go into full panic mood when I realized that my wallet was no longer in my back pocket. Frowning I began to search my office. It wasn't there. I went to my room. Nothing. I searched the kitchen, living room, and hallway, still nothing. I even searched the children's rooms. I could not find it anywhere. Sighing I began to suspect that it was in the woods somewhere. I retraced my steps. I searched that forest until I was certain it was not there. I was beginning to get worried. It wasn't that I was afraid of losing money. I just didn't want to have to deal with bankers if someone stole the damn thing.

Groaning I ran back home and questioned everyone that was there. Still nothing. I groaned and ran back to my office and slammed the door. Damn! Maybe Bella knew where it was? Or at least she would know if I left it at the mall? I picked up the phone and had halfway dialed her phone number when I suddenly hung up. I couldn't do this.

I started pacing again, but this time I was staring at the phone. I loved her. I knew that. I also believed that she did not love me. So what? We were friends, kind of. I enjoyed speaking with Bella, and I did need to find my wallet. There was nothing suspicious in this phone call. Nothing that Bella could pick up on, nothing at all. I simply wanted to find my wallet, and if we happened to discuss other topics. It meant nothing. Friends did that. I looked at the clock and saw that it was now nine o'clock. Surely she would be up by now? I sighed and sucked in an unneeded breath. I picked up the phone and dialed her number at super speed. I heard the phone ring and then Bella's husky voice, "Hello."

"Hey Bella," I said. I hoped that I sounded normal.

"Hey Carlisle!" She said. She sounded happy to hear from. My stomach flipped. She was happy to hear from me? Maybe she did like me more then I thought?

"So…." I said. I wanted to make this phone call last as long as I could. Lord, I have it bad, "How you been?'

She laughed and I smiled. I loved her laugh. She said, "I saw you yesterday Carlisle."

"True," I replied. I smiled and said smugly, "But you do have that tendency of hurting yourself."

Oh good lord I was flirting with her!

"Shut-up," She replied playfully, "Nobody asked you."

And she was flirting back! Maybe….I hoped so.

I sat down in my chair and leaned back. Even if I was making a fool of myself by flirting with her, she still made me feel comfortable at times. Strange though it was. Her voice was such a comfort

"They should ask me," I replied in an equally playful voice, "I am a doctor."

I suddenly had an image of her in one of those sexy little nurses outfits sitting on my lap…. I sat bolt upright and would have blushed if I could have. Now when did I start having those types of daydreams? I fugitively looked around and prayed that Edward wasn't home yet. That was not something I wanted to share with him, or anybody for that matter. Feeling a little hot I focused more on the conversation, maybe I shouldn't have called?

Bella laughed again and said, "You got me. Now why don't you tell me why you took the time out of your busy day to call little ole me?"

"Have you seen my wallet?" I asked bluntly. Thank you Bella and your curious nature!

"What?" She asked shocked. She really seemed shocked that I would lose something that important. Well…if I did lose it at the mall it was her fault. She was so damn distracting.

"Have you seen my wallet?" I repeated. I thought of having to deal with bankers and I began to worry all over again. I did not like dealing with bankers. Sometimes they were worse then lawyers, "I remember having it in the book store, but after that nothing."

She was quiet for a moment. Finally she said, "I could have sworn that you put it back in your back pocket"

"I checked," I said with a sigh. Suddenly I heard a snicker and I looked at the door in time to see Emmett running away. I looked at the desk and growled. My wallet was sitting neatly on the edge. Angry I stood up and shouted, "Emmett!"
"Is there something wrong?" Bella asked, a little subdued.

"Emmett stole my wallet," I replied dully. I must have really been distracted not to notice that Emmett stole it from my back pocket. He was not that smooth, "I heard him snicker as he tried to place my wallet on my desk without my knowing."

She laughed, but when I did not join in she asked, "Is that bad?"

"I've been searching for it for an hour," I replied annoyed. I was beginning to pout. What the hell was that about? I never pouted! But then I never had Bella there to make me feel better.

"Oh," She replied still chuckling a little, "I take it Emmett is in trouble?"

"A lot of trouble," I agreed. Oh yes that boy was in serious trouble. Unless Esme saved him, "I should get off now, and punish him." I did not want to. If I did I would have to eventually get back to the divorce papers. I cringed away from that

"You should," She agreed with a little sigh. Did she want me off the phone so badly? I was beginning to feel bad for taking up her time.

"Yet," I said hesitantly. What was I doing? "I do not feel much like getting off."

"Why is that?" She asked. She actually sounded surprised. I did not know how to handle that.

Might as well get it out in the open. I sighed and replied, "I like talking to you." Someone shoot me, 'It's calming." What kind of complement was that? Great what every woman wants to hear, "I like you because you're calming." I was an idiot sometimes.

"Thank you," She replied. I could tell she was flattered…kind of. There was still something in her voice that suggested…disappointment? I shook away that thought and rolled my eyes. That was wishful thinking. She was suddenly talking, "Well…I have to go. We have guests."

"Oh," I said. I knew I sounded disappointed. I really wanted someone to talk to, and I did love her. Ugh…. I probably scared her off, "Well…if you have guests." I am an idiot!

She must have noticed how upset I was because she asked, "Carlisle is there something you wanted to tell me?"

"What?" I asked. I probably squeaked it out really. Did I have something to tell her? I did feel a little sad about the divorce, but was it okay to talk about it with Bella? I looked up and Esme was staring at me and whispering, "Talk to her!"

"Oh…maybe…" I said. I took a steadying breath and said, "Yes."

"What is it?" She asked. No I did not want to talk about this over the phone. Not with Esme there.

"I really do not want to tell you over the phone," I replied, "When will your friends leave?"

"Well…" Bella said. She was quiet for a second and then said, "After the game dad, Bill, and Jacob are going fishing. That'll be around two. Why don't you come over then?"

I was quiet for a second. I honestly did not know what to do, but Esme was giving me a death glare and would berate me if I did not go so I said, "Sure. I'll call before I come."

"Alright then," She said. Funny it sounded like she was excited about it, "I'll see you then?"

"Yes," I replied, "Bye Bella."

"Bye," She replied. Then I hung up. It was only then that I realized that we were going to be alone. I looked at Esme and she smiled smugly, "I knew one of Emmett's ideas would work eventually. It took you long enough to call her." Then she was gone.

My mouth hung open and I groaned. They had planned the whole thing! Evil, evil people. Then I smiled…. I loved my family.


Nobody's POV

Edward was sitting on the edge of a cliff just watching the sunrise when Rosalie found him. He didn't want to talk to anybody, especially her, but he knew that she wouldn't go away. Glancing at her he asked, "Why did Carlisle do this? He knew how I felt about her."

Rosalie rolled her eyes and said, "She just a human. I don't know why you and Carlisle are having such fits?"

"She's is my singer," Edward snapped, "She is mine."

"I doubt Carlisle will see it that way," Rosalie replied with an eye roll, "Besides Carlisle said that he could smell her too."

"Oh please," Edward growled condescendingly, "He can't smell blood anymore. He doesn't know what he's talking about."

"Really?" Rosalie was kind of pissed. No one talked about Carlisle that way. Especially in front of daddy's little girl, "Than why did Bella follow Carlisle around like a puppy dog yesterday?"

"She didn't," Edward snapped, "Carlisle interfered.

"She didn't look too happy to be around you," Rosalie went straight for the jugular, "In fact her eyes were shinning with love for Carlisle…" Edward through a rock and threw it at her. Rosalie laughed, "You are pathetic Edward. Get over it. Carlisle wants her, and lets face it. Carlisle will get her."

"What makes you say that?" Edward yelled standing up. He eyed his adoptive sister with malice.

Rosalie rolled her eyes and said, "You may have mystery and intense good looks, but Carlisle has much more then that."

"Like what?" Edward snapped. Really what did he have that Carlisle didn't have?

"Carlisle is kind, sweet, caring, selfless, and loving," Rosalie said, and Edward was about to interrupt when Rosalie went on, "He would do anything if you asked him too, and he protects his family no matter what. He has never liked taking another beings life, even if said being was a monster, and he is way beyond smart." Rosalie smirked at Edward and said, "Plus he is the one vampire that hasn't tasted human blood, that believes in himself and God to find a way for us. Besides the man is gorgeous. Really, it's no contest."

Edward slumped onto the ground again and sighed. Rosalie felt bad and sighed, "Maybe she's stupid. If that's the case then she'll pick you."

Edward glared at her and Rosalie barley stopped the impulse to smack her self. That was not what she had meant, but then again it was the truth. Rosalie didn't have a gift like Edward, or Alice, or Jasper. She wasn't as strong as Emmett or as compassionate as Carlisle, or even as nice as Esme, but what she did have a talent for was recognizing the truth, and she knew that Bella loved Carlisle and that Edward was only going to cause unnecessary trouble.

"Are you coming home with me?" Rosalie snapped, "Or are you just going to sit around and mope?"

"Bella is mine," Edward growled stubbornly, "She's my singer. We belong together." Looking at Rosalie he said, "I'll win her back from Carlisle. She was almost mine before that damn accident with the car."

That was true. Bella had been intrigued by Edward, given time she could have fallen in love with him, it would have been the most gag worthy love story ever. But the love story had taken an unexpected turn. Hopefully it wouldn't be sappy.

Rosalie sighed and ran home. She was not babysitting Edward. Not now, not ever


Okay....what I really wanted it to be was Carlisle leaving his doctor's bag, but then it had been a week since the first chapter. Didn't realize that until later. LOL I know Bella's POV was shorter, but Carlisle was more conflicted. LOL Hit the little button.