Chapter Eleven

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

A week later, it was the evening of the Spring Ball. Carlisle put on his best suit, a grey one that he'd had dry cleaned and pressed just for this occasion. Then he combed his hair. No, it does not look right, he thought to himself, parting it differently. He shook his head. That does not look right, either, he thought as his hair fell all over his face. Carlisle combed it again. His hair still didn't look as nice as he would like it for tonight.

Carlisle was happy to take Esme to her spring ball. She was obviously eager to go, particularly with him. And he had enjoyed dancing with Esme last week. Her smaller hand felt nice in Carlisle's larger one. It was a good way to be closer to Esme than was normally appropriate. Still, he was also quite nervous about attending a fancy dance. What if he tripped over something while he was trying to dance? Or worse, what if he caused Esme to trip? Was he dressed the way a gentleman escorting a young lady to a spring ball should be? His hair was certainly the least of Carlisle's problems.

Carlisle combed his hair again and looked over his suit. It was unfortunate he didn't have a pocket watch to clip to his suit like many men did. Or some cufflinks. He shook his head. Carlisle did not really look like the professional doctor he was supposed to be, dressed for a fancy party. He looked like a poor minister's son trying to be someone he wasn't. Is that what I am doing? He wondered. Did Carlisle have any business escorting Esme to this dance?

Finally, Carlisle sighed and left the building. Whether he had any business escorting Esme wasn't the issue. Esme was expecting him soon. Quicker than he thought possible, Carlisle reached the house that belonged to the Bishops'. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Mr. Bishop answered within a couple of minutes. "Good evening, Dr. Cullen. Would you like to come in? Esme should be ready soon."

Carlisle smiled cheerfully and nodded. "Of course." He tried to appear more confident than he was.

When Esme finally appeared, she was wearing the purple lace dress she usually wore to church. Carlisle was surprised, as he had expected her to be wearing a fancy ball gown (much more fancy than the suit he was wearing, that is). Carlisle reminded himself that although Esme was attending a fancy girls' school, she was still a farm girl. Esme didn't need Carlisle to look perfectly professional. He and Esme looked fine together as they were. And Esme looked beautiful in her purple dress. Especially when she smiled like that. "Hello, Carlisle," she greeted him happily. "Are you ready?"

Carlisle nodded. "Yes." He held his hand out to her. As he did so, he noticed Esme was wearing some jewelry. A brooch was pinned to her dress, just off her shoulder. And she wore a nice plain silver bracelet on her left wrist. "You look wonderful," he told her softly as she took his hand.

"You will return Esme here after this ball is over, correct, Dr. Cullen?" Mr. Bishop asked from the background.

"Of course," Carlisle agreed. And with that, they were on their way. "I'm sorry I don't have any transportation for you," he mentioned as they walked. He felt a little guilty. A young woman like Esme shouldn't have to walk everywhere just because her escort couldn't provide transportation for her.

Esme smiled at him. "I don't mind," she told him. "I walk almost every day to the school."

Carlisle nodded. But he still wished he could treat Esme better tonight. "I am trying to buy a buggy and some horses of my own soon," he added, hoping he could make up for it. "That way, I will still be able to see you when you've returned to the farm. It just wasn't ready for tonight."

Esme squeezed his hand as they walked. "It's fine, Carlisle. Really. But I am happy you're planning on seeing me at the farm as well." Her eyes sparkled as told him this.

"Of course I will. And perhaps sometimes I can bring you to the city as well," Carlisle suggested, happily. He was glad she liked the idea of seeing each other after she left Columbus. Esme was definitely happy they were officially courting.

However, as they entered the ballroom, Carlisle became nervous again. Many of the other young men and women were dressed fancier. Did he look out of place? Furthermore, all of the couples seemed to know exactly what to do as they came in. The girls greeted each other and pinned cards to their dresses. The young men held on their ladies' arms. What if I do something wrong? Carlisle asked himself.

Esme appeared confident as they entered the room, though. And happy to see several of the other girls. "This is my escort, Dr. Carlisle Cullen," she told them, as she introduced him.

Carlisle tried to appear confident as he shook the ladies hands. "A pleasure to meet you," he told each of them.

After a few minutes of introductions, many couples began dancing. Carlisle supposed he and Esme were supposed to dance as well. But what if he didn't dance correctly? What if he made Esme look foolish? Carlisle and Esme stayed near the sidelines longer than most. Then he noticed Esme's face. She seemed to look at the dancers with longing. Esme really wants to dance. He should allow her to do so. Besides, Carlisle didn't want others to notice how insecure he really was at this function. "Would you like to dance?" he asked her quietly.

Esme nodded eagerly. They danced for several songs, and Carlisle managed to avoid tripping or cause her to trip. As they moved together, the rest of the room disappeared and all he noticed was Esme and how he was able to hold her. Carlisle decided he liked this ball.

Eventually, Esme mentioned she would like to sit down with a beverage. So Carlisle took her hand (as he saw all the other gentlemen escorts do with their ladies) and led her to the drink section. Almost all of the drinks smelled like alcohol. It made Carlisle incredibly uncomfortable. He remembered what his father told him about that. "Liquor is for sinners. It makes us all into sinners." Carlisle was well aware that not all the things his father taught him were correct. After all, the man also believed dancing and functions like this one were immoral Carlisle realized there was nothing wrong with dancing. But Carlisle also remembered the way the liquor had affected him when he'd tried it. He was inclined to

believe his father was correct about alcohol. He picked up a glass of coke - cola instead. It was much safer than alcohol, particularly considering the cocaine they used to put in the drink had been removed in the last few years.

Esme seemed to have no problem with the alcohol, though. She picked up a glass of wine and sipped it. Carlisle wasn't sure what to think. As she sipped her wine, another girl sat down next to Esme. Carlisle tried to remember her name. Candace? Cathy? Sandy?

"So now that school is ending, what are you going to, Esme?" the girl asked.

Esme shrugged. "I'll be returning to the farm, of course. Like I always planned." She sipped her wine again.

The girls smile faded a little. "I see. I was hoping you'd find a way to stay in the city so we could meet each other more often. I was offered a position here, as Miss Jenner's assistant. So I'll be staying in Columbus."

Esme smile grew. She was obviously delighted for the other girl. "That's wonderful, Cindy! It's a great opportunity for you."

"Yes," Cindy replied happily. "Still, I'll miss seeing you."

Esme sipped her wine again. "Don't worry about that. We can write to each other. Besides, I've been told I might be coming back to the city occasionally next year." She looked right at Carlisle as she said that. Carlisle nodded to her, happy she was still looking forward to seeing him in the future. "So maybe I could see you then," Esme finished. Carlisle nodded again. He would be happy to arrange things so Esme could see her friend.

Just then, a young man approached Esme. "Hello. I know you have an escort, Esme, but as you can see, my name is still on your dancing card. Shall we?" The man held out his hand to her.

Esme shrugged. "Of course, Charles," she replied, placing her hand in his.

Carlisle watched as Esme danced with the other man. Carlisle didn't like his hands on Esme at all. But he couldn't help but notice how much better a dancer this Charles was than Carlisle. He began to feel insecure again. Would she decide Charles was better? "I didn't understand before," Cindy commented, looking at Carlisle.

"Excuse me?" What was she talking about?

"Why Esme kept turning Charles down," Cindy replied. "Charles asked to call on Esme several times. I told her he looked pretty good to me. Handsome. He's even attending business school. He also has one of those new automobiles." Carlisle felt even more insecure after hearing that. He wished he had been able to buy an automobile as well, instead of a new buggy. Esme was going to change her mind about Carlisle. He just knew it. She needed someone more cultured, like this Charles.

"But after seeing her here with you, I know why she didn't want Charles," Cindy continued. "You're twice as handsome as he is. And you're already a doctor! And you're so quiet. Most men I know want to control the conversation. You let Esme and I talk to each other, without any trouble."

Carlisle smiled. He wasn't sure if he was as good as Esme's friend claimed, but it was nice she thought so. Maybe Esme wouldn't choose Charles, after all. Still Carlisle would feel better if Esme would finish the dance with Charles. Soon. He finished the coke.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

XXXXXXXXX

Esme said goodbye to the Bishops. She thanked them for letting her stay with them and told Samuel and Andrew she'd liked to see them again sometime. (She only wished there was a way to do that without seeing Mrs. Bishop as well.)

Then she returned to the farm. She took care of the horses, the laundry, and her younger siblings, just as she always had. Camille had begun doing many of those chores as well, though. Esme was also surprised to see that Alan had moved back home while she was gone. Her father took that opportunity to buy 20 new acers of land and some new farming equipment. Her home was different. Although she performed the same chores she always had, Esme wasn't sure where she belonged anymore.

Her family listened eagerly as she told them about the school, particularly all the new art techniques she'd learned. They told her they would love to see more of her pictures, but…Esme wasn't sure they really understood her. She and Mother disagreed even more than they used to. Esme had missed her family, but she would almost rather be in the city again. At least she could still write to Cindy. Carlisle promised to take her to Columbus occasionally, as well.

Carlisle. How could she explain him to her family? Father knew they were courting, of course. Carlisle had written to him. But the rest of them…what would they think? Esme had been home for less than a week when she realized she would be forced to find out. "I've invited your Dr. Cullen for Sunday dinner this weekend, Esme. I think it's time the family got to know him better."

OOOOOOOOOOO

Most of the family had met Carlisle before, of course. But Esme knew they would be paying much more attention to him this time. Alan was particularly interested in meeting "this city doctor." He even convinced Junior to come for dinner as well. "So when is 'this city doctor' coming, Esme?" Alan asked that morning on the way to church.

Esme shrugged. "Father invited him for dinner, so sometime in the late afternoon, I assume."

Alan nodded. He didn't look very happy.

"It's too bad you weren't being courted by one of the locals, Esme," Junior commented. "We know most of those fellas. We don't know anything about 'this city doctor.'"

Esme tried to look confident as she replied, "Well, that's why Father invited him today. Besides you do know something. He fixed my leg a couple of years ago." Esme wiggled her leg a little to show how well Carlisle had done that.

Alan and Junior were silent after that. But they still didn't look happy. They'll like Carlisle when they meet him, Esme thought to herself.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Esme's sisters, on the other hand, thought it was great that Carlisle was coming to their house today. "I remember when he was here too years ago," Camille told Esme on the way home from church. "The two of you seemed to get along well."

"He was so nice to me, too," Linda added.

"He made me laugh. I think I can remember that," Camille commented.

Esme thought that was rather strange. She'd never known Carlisle to tell a lot of jokes. Still, if Camille remembered him being funny the last time she'd seen Carlisle, Esme supposed that was a good thing.

OOOOOOOOOOO

The day before, Esme, Camille, and Mother had all cleaned the sitting room from top to bottom to prepare for Carlisle. Today, they would be preparing dinner. "I hope the room is clean enough for this fancy doctor, Esme," Mother commented as she looked around. "I'm sorry I can't make the room look more formal for him, but it is still a farmhouse."

Esme sighed as she beat the egg yolks for the fried chicken. "Carlisle grew up a minister's son Mom. I don't think it will bother him that our sitting room doesn't look like the White House."

Esme's mother sighed. "It would just be easier for everyone if you were willing to be courted by one of the local farm hands, like I told you before." She put the cornbread in the oven.

Camille mixed the brownies for dessert. "Do you think Dr. Cullen will like the brownies, Esme?"

Esme nodded. "I'm sure he will."

OOOOOOOOOOO

They were almost done preparing dinner when they all heard horses outside. Carlisle! Esme thought. She hoped her family would appreciate him. "Well that must be the doctor, now," Mother commented. "Why don't you let him in, Esme?"

Esme was already at the door. Mother certainly didn't need to prompt her on saying hello to Carlisle.

Father went to the door as well. "I think I should go as well." She and Father went out. Carlisle's buggy was a nice – looking white buggy which would fit at least three people (possibly more, depending on their ages). It was pulled by two large black colored horses. "Hello, Dr. Cullen," Father said holding out his hand. "We're happy that you'll be joining us today."

"Hi, Carlisle," Esme smiled. "It's good to see you again."

Carlisle's smile grew as he looked at her. "It's good to see you, too."

"That's a nice team of horses, Dr. Cullen," Father told him, looking them over. "Let me show you where you can put them in the barn."

"Thank you, Mr. Platt," Carlisle replied, getting out of the buggy and leading his horses to follow father. "You know, I'm not visiting your home as a doctor. I'm visiting as a friend, to get to know your family. Esme calls me Carlisle." He looked over at her as he said that, showing how much that meant to him. Esme nodded. "I think it would be more appropriate if you address me my first name." He tied the horses up in the empty stalls.

Father looked Carlisle and nodded. "All right. Carlisle. Why don't we go in and eat some dinner?"

So they all did just that. Esme introduced Carlisle to her family and they all sat down to dinner. After a brief prayer, they all began eating.

"So you're a doctor in Columbus?" Alan asked Carlisle as they munched on the food.

"Yes."

"What hours do you work?" Junior asked.

"Monday through Saturday, 8 AM through 5 PM, normally, although sometimes I must work nights."

Junior sighed and nodded.

"You don't look very strong. If someone attacked my sister, would you be able to protect her?" Alan asked.

Carlisle's smile faded. "I'd like to think I could if I had too. Esme doesn't deserve that kind of treatment. But personally, I believe in solving problems with words rather than fists. Haven't you ever heard the saying 'the lash of the tongue is mightier than the thrust of the sword?'"

Esme was proud that Carlisle was willing to stand up to her brother and explain his beliefs.

Alan shrugged.

Mother narrowed her eyes at Carlisle.

Carlisle took another bite of fried chicken and cornbread. "This is an excellent meal. It's been several years since I've had home cooking. I've missed it."

His words warmed Esme's heart.

Camille smiled at him. "I hope you like the fried chicken best. Esme made that herself."

Carlisle smiled. "It's the best fried chicken ever."

Esme's heart soared.

"I still don't like green beans! Why do I haveta eat'em?" Timmy asked.

Mother whispered that wasn't proper behavior in front of a guest, especially a fancy guest. Esme tried to explain to Timmy why green beans were so important.

Eventually they finished their meals. "Why don't you show Carlisle around the farm a little while Camille and your mother do the dishes, Esme?"

Esme nodded eagerly led Carlisle outside. From inside, Mother seemed to be yelling at Father for the suggestion but she quieted down soon. "You see Mother hasn't changed at all," she told Carlisle, referring to her yelling inside. "If anything, she's worse. Everything I do is wrong!"

Carlisle nodded. "I know it's hard Esme, but think of what you do have. A whole family."

Esme shook her head as they walked around the farm. "A family that doesn't know me anymore and I don't know them. Everything's different since I came back, Carlisle. Mother's the hardest, of course. But even the others…I'm just glad you'll still be nearby."

Carlisle nodded. "Of course. I'm thinking of coming every Sunday. We could come for dinner here, or drive around the countryside, or I could take you to Columbus."

"Sounds great," Esme nodded. It was a great plan.

"But about your family, Esme. I'm sure it will get easier as time goes on. You only came back a week ago, after all."

"Yes. I just thought…when I came back, it would be the same old farm. And it isn't. I mean it is but…"

Carlisle nodded. "I had the same experience when I came back to the hospital. I visited the hospital in Columbus and Dr. Pinero when I was in high school frequently. Then I went to college and I returned as doctor. The hospital had all kinds of new equipment, and I was a doctor instead of a student…"

Esme nodded, glad Carlisle had so many of the same experiences.

"But I'm still glad you have a family, Esme. They may not understand you as well as you'd like, but they love you. They welcomed you back when you came home. My father told me to leave and never come back when I decided to become a doctor." Carlisle tried to sound nonchalant, but Esme could hear the pain in voice when he said that last statement.

Esme tried to picture what her life would be like if her family told her she couldn't live on the farm anymore. Sometimes she'd thought that would be better this past week. But to actually be told she couldn't come back? "You're right, Carlisle. I'm glad I have my family. Thank you for reminding me."

"A pleasure," he replied. "Honestly, dinner went better than I thought it might. Most of them seemed to accept me."

Esme shrugged. "True. Oh, look, there's the tree! I mean my favorite tree…" Esme pointed to the tree she used to climb all the time as a child. The one she'd climbed again two summers ago.

Carlisle looked. "Is that the tree you fell out of?"

Esme nodded.

"I can see you falling off it. I'm sorry you got so hurt because you wanted to have fun."

Esme shrugged. "I see it differently now. If I hadn't fallen out of the tree, you wouldn't be here with me today, Carlisle."

Carlisle smiled. "I suppose that's true." His eyes looked straight into hers.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Before Carlisle left, Esme heard her father say Carlisle could call him "George," so she knew he definitely approved.

So what did you think of that chapter? Please keep the reviews coming.

Here's some responses from the last chapter.

Srhittson: Thank you.

Cheeky Monkey: Thank you.

Those Stories: Thank you. I hope you enjoyed the Spring Ball.

Cris P: Yes, Mr. Bishop is much nicer than Mr. Bishop and the reason why they're married…Samuel was born about seven months afterthe wedding. (I'm not sure whether Mrs. Bishop did that on purpose or not at this point, but there you go.) I think this may be the last time we see the Bishops in this story, but I'm going to try to put them in some of my sequels to this one, so we can see some of their marriage problems. I like the idea that not all of my marriages are happy – go – lucky. (Oops. Did I give away my secret?)

That's what I thought about Esme teaching Carlisle how to dance, too.

JIBBS6351: Thank you. I hope you continue to enjoy it.