She Gives Me Religion
Chapter Twelve
Teaser
I go into the living room and pretend to scan the new books on the bookshelf. Really, I'm just waiting for Carlisle.
I feel him approach.
"I've only known her a week," I say quietly. Carlisle says nothing, but when I glance at him standing next to me, I see he is slowly nodding. He too, stares straight ahead, feigning interest in the books.
I lean in close to him and roughly whisper my defense, "What am I supposed to say, 'Hi Bella, I know you're going through a hard time, but can you put that on hold so I can tell you my sob story?" Quickly, I look over my shoulder hoping my voice didn't carry. Carlisle looks back, too. We listen to them laughing in the kitchen. They didn't hear, but they might.
When I meet his eyes, I see no trace of the disappointment I feared. He purses his lips in a firm line, but I think he might understand that my situation is difficult, my choices necessary. Maybe.
"Carlisle, you know I don't like telling her… you know… not the truth, right?" His eyes flash—long enough for him to say the word 'lie' in his mind.
He tilts his head towards the front door and, after I nod my consent, he calls out in a light voice, "Edward and I are going to grab some more firewood from the shed."
"Great idea," Esme calls back, "let's keep the fire going."
Carlisle takes his time slipping on a jacket. He doesn't look at me again until he offers me my own, which I decline. Already reevaluating his disappointment in me, I'm far too warm for a jacket. I'm starting to perspire.
.
.
A/N:
Good news first or bad news? Good news? Okay:
Good news—this is going to be a long chapter.
Bad news—I think you'll have to wait until Saturday. One week.