I am SO sorry, you honestly have no idea how bad I feel for the delay. You have all been amazingly dedicated readers and reviewers, and I feel absolutely horrible for making you wait so long for this chapter. My laptop charger broke (again!) and I only recently got a new one. So my laptop refused to turn on for about 2 months of the summer, and between that and starting my senior year of high school a few days ago (almost done :D) things have been hectic. But I cranked out this chapter as quickly as possible when I got my new charger, and I hope you all can forgive me. I wanted to let you all know that I was still working on the story but of course I couldn't- FanFiction should really set up some sort of way to communicate to your readers/alerts without actually having to update a story. Anyway, all is well and hopefully I can get new chapters up much faster now (although it will be about a week between each update due to school work). Hopefully this chapter makes up for the lost time; I think everyone will like this chapter quite a bit ;) Isn't the suspense just killing you now? As always, reviews are much appreciated and forever a source of inspiration. Enjoy!

Bella's POV

I stood in the middle of the bathroom, struggling to pull a gray tank top on over my bandages. Every time I raised my arms too much, pain shot up my side. With a groan, I finally managed to yank the shirt over my torso. I threw on jeans and a dark blue sweatshirt, leaving it open, as I would probably injure myself even more trying to close it.

My brown hair still dripping slightly from the much needed shower, I made my way out of the elegant cream-tiled room and into the hallway. To my surprise, the door diagonally across from the one I just came through opened immediately. Carlisle walked gracefully over the threshold, a small smile directed at me. Although he remained as calm as always, it looked as though he were fighting to hold something exciting back.

"Bella," he said warmly, walking closer to me. "How was your shower?"

"Good," I said, now thoroughly curious at the emotions that flickered across the vampire's handsome face.

"No trouble with your bandages?" he continued, refusing to relinquish the information that I knew hung precariously on the edge of his tongue.

"None," I said, a hint of impatience in my voice now. I wanted to know what it was he clearly had to say, but tried my best to remain composed.

"That's good," he said slowly, his smile widening. His teeth, white and perfect, flashed at me as I unwittingly got lost in his features. True, it was only Carlisle, but his flawless vampire looks did not fail to dazzle me, especially right now. Was is weird of me to think that my could-have-been father-in-law was stunning? Probably, I thought, mentally cursing myself for falling into this dumb stupor. I felt myself staring, felt my jaw take on a life of its own as it began to hang open. With him standing here, tousled blonde hair and radiantly pale skin practically burning holes into my eyes, I no longer remembered what I wanted to know. I felt the sudden urge to reach out and touch this man, just to see if the unnatural beauty was real. He couldn't possibly be; he would simply vanish beneath my fingertips. How did his skin glow in the dull light of the hallway? His eyes, pools of liquid gold, turned curious as more time passed. Hard as I tried, I couldn't look away.

"Bella?" Carlisle's voice finally managed to burst into my subconscious. He placed his hand on my arm and squeezed it lightly. "Bella, are you alright?"

"Oh.. Fine," I stuttered, marveling the way his smooth voice wrapped around my name like silk. I had felt infinitely closer to Carlisle after our talk earlier, but this was a whole new level. In my tumultuous emotional state I had been able to shrug off the effects of his charming looks for the most part; now that I had relieved myself of some of the negative baggage, it was becoming increasingly more difficult. "What were you saying?"

"Well, I have something to tell you that I hope will make you feel better," he said, no longer able to hide the excitement on his face. It made him look much younger. "Now, you know that I have to go back to the family soon."

My face fell slightly, wondering how this could possibly make me feel better when he starts off like that.

"Let me finish," he said, smiling at my obvious displeasure. "Some things have changed, and a new opportunity has arisen. How would you like me to come back to check up on you in a week or two?"

"Are you kidding?" I asked, a smile breaking onto my face. I closed the short distance between us and pushed myself into Carlisle's arms anxiously. I realized how dependent I had become on the vampire as I hugged myself tightly to him. A week ago the most contact we had was barely more than a hand on the shoulder, unless he was stitching me up from one of my numerous accidents. Now I was nestled deep in his grasp and never wanted to leave. Although it may have something to do with the fact that he was the only person I had seen in the past three days (apart from Charlie), as well as my rescuer, caretaker, and the only one I could speak freely with if I chose to. Nevertheless, I had formed a strong bond with Carlisle, one I had not seen coming. Even the possibility that I could see him once more sent excitement through my veins. He had become a sort of close, impromptu friend in my seclusion. Part of me worried about that; it was very sudden and clearly based on dependence, something I hated more than anything else. It also would never have happened had there not been a tragedy. And lastly, a nagging in the back of my mind wondered if it was simply because of his son. But I ignored those ideas; I liked being with Carlisle, and if it took this turn of events to bring us closer than so be it. We obviously connected as people, not just forced together through relationships anymore. And he wanted to watch over me when no one else could or would, and that was enough to keep me pressed to his chest, arms wrapped comfortably around his cold body.

"I'll take that as a yes?" Carlisle asked, chuckling sweetly.

"Take that as a definitely," I said, looking up at him.

"You're awfully clingy today, Bella," he mused, patting me on the head fondly.

"Oh, sorry," I said hurriedly, my cheeks reddening in embarrassment. Had I weirded him out? I though fretfully. That was the last thing I wanted. What if he thought I had become too attached, and feared me being completely dependent on him? Surely he wouldn't want to fuel it… What if he changed his mind about coming back? I extracted myself from his grip and stepped back. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable…"

"On the contrary, Bella," he said warmly. "I enjoyed your enthusiasm; it brings some of the life back to your eyes. I was just noting that it seemed a little out of character, given the situation. You were in tears a couple of hours ago. Feeling better?"

"Much, now that I know you'll be back," I said, crossing my arms shyly. I smiled up at him hesitantly, and he held his arm out for me like a gentleman.

"Brilliant," he said, motioning for me to take his arm. "I bet you'll feel even better once you get some food in you. I feel like I'm not feeding you enough; forgive me, but it is hard to remember when you haven't needed human food in over 300 years."

I laughed, entwining my arm with his. The skin on his hand brushed mine lightly, ice cooling fire. We made our way down the stairs and to the kitchen.

"So what exactly happened that's giving you a chance to come back?" I asked, sliding into a chair beside the kitchen table, a smaller counterpart to the large table in the dining room. I rested my elbow on the polished wooden surface and placed my chin in my hand, watching Carlisle as he bustled around the room, opening cabinets and grabbing ingredients. "I thought you said that no one knew you were actually here because Edward would flip if he found out? If you tried to come back so soon surely someone would know something was up."

"True, but it seems that I underestimated the intelligence of my family," he said, the corner of his lips curling up into a smirk. "Esme called before to see how you were doing. It seems that she and Alice are a force not to be deceived."

He looked up from his preparation to smile at me, and I looked at him quizzically.

"Esme suspected that something was amiss, so she asked Alice to seek out a vision of me. I was incorrect in my assumption that Alice was so distraught that her visions would be cloudy, and she located me quite easily. Don't worry," he said, noticing the slightly panicked look on my face. "Edward doesn't know, and Esme promised that they would do their best to keep it from him given the current situation. No need to upset him further."

"What do you think he would do if he found out you were here?" I asked quietly.

Carlisle sighed, placing the food he was holding down in front of him. He walked closer to me, leaning his back against the granite counter and folding his arms across his chest. His expression seemed strained.

"I honestly don't know, Bella. He made it very clear that he wanted this to be a clean break; no contact allowed, no checking up on you, no memory of us left at all. He said it was better that way, and it would be safer for you. Clearly he misjudged, but his intentions were for your best interest." I managed to half-suppress a snort, and Carlisle continued. "Believe it or not, Edward was just as wounded by this as you were. It took everything he had to leave; you were the first person that had made him truly happy in his vampire years. He was alone for the longest time, and you were the best thing that happened to him. But after James, after Jasper and your birthday, he realized that he would rather have you safe than be with him, and he did this all for that reason. If he knew that I was here, jeopardizing your safety as well as reminding you of us, he would be furious. Not only would it counteract everything he sacrificed for your well being, but it would be drawing you back into our family, and that is the worst thing for him right now. To know that others in the family were interacting with you while he couldn't would kill him. To keep you safe from our world is only one reason he never wants you to re-enter our lives. He knows he broke your heart, and you can never look at him in the same way again. He doesn't want to ever have to face that, so he remains adamant that no one contacts you in order to avoid it ever happening. And this is my personal theory, but I also believe that if he knew you were in reach, and was presented with another chance of seeing you, he wouldn't be able to leave again, forever putting you in danger."

I had listened to Carlisle patiently, resisting any urges I had to interrupt him. I knew that Edward had only the best intentions by wanting to keep me safe, but I could not believe that he was in as much pain as I was. I could never have left him, knowing that it would emotionally kill both of us. If I was the only thing that had truly made him happy, he would never have hurt me so badly by leaving. He never listened to me, and in that he didn't fully love me since he couldn't factor in what I wanted as well. I still loved him, and I don't know what I would do if I was presented with the opportunity to see him again, but at this moment I didn't want to even think about it. And I especially didn't want to think about what he would do if he found out Carlisle was here with me, even if it was to save my life. My guess was that he would either run here in a blind rage to extract every trace of the Cullens from my life again, or he would run to the Volturi to end his own life since he wouldn't be able to leave me again, but wouldn't want to risk my safety. Neither was an option I wanted to face anytime soon, so I cleared my throat awkwardly and changed the subject.

"So you talked to Esme?" I asked curiously.

"Indeed," Carlisle said, resuming his cooking. "She was just checking up and making sure everything was alright. She does not oppose me being here, but she is worried about Edward finding out as well. However, she knows that you need someone here with you right now, and she is going to help think of an excuse for me to leave again in a week or two so I can come back. She sends her love, by the way."

"Oh," I said, feeling both pleased and embarrassed at the affectionate message. Esme was always so caring, and quick to embrace me as a part of her family. Oddly enough, while I saw Esme in a sort of motherly fashion, I could not view Carlisle in a respective fatherly position. Not that I was any less close or fond of him; it was just a different relationship. I silently wondered that if the two adults' places had been reversed, would Carlisle have sent his love? Probably not, I thought. But not for lack of meaning it; just because he was a man, and it was usually women who sent their love and men who made sure the women were ok. Then again, Carlisle was not your average man.

I idly twisted a lock of chocolate brown hair around my finger, too lost in thought to notice that Carlisle was standing behind me with a plate of food in hand. My head shot to the left when I felt a hand on my shoulder, only to jerk back to the right as an arm wound its way around me to place the food on the table. My heart nearly jumped out of my body from the vampire's proximity; that vanilla and clean laundry-esque scent swirled around me once again. I looked anywhere but at the pale face hovering just above my right shoulder, inches away from my own, and settled on staring down at my plate. His hand was right next to it, keeping me trapped between his arms. My heart continued to pound inexplicably fast, and a dull blush crept over my skin in embarrassment. The tress of hair, which had still been wrapped around my finger, was now tugged lightly from my grasp and delicately pushed behind one ear.

"Don't think so hard about it," Carlisle said, most likely referring to Edward, his soft voice blowing coolly against the bare skin of my neck. I shivered slightly, although I wasn't really that cold. "No need to pull out all your hair over something that may or may not happen. Now eat up."

And with that he moved away, heading towards the sink to clean up. I watched him curiously; what he must have meant to be a comforting motion had left me feeling thoroughly confused and a bit out of breath.

XXXXX

"Carlisle?"

"Hmm?" The vampire, sitting quite comfortably in the armchair near the piano, looked up from the book he was reading and ran a hand through the blonde strands of hair that had fallen into his face, pushing them neatly back into place. I was beginning to notice more and more how often he did this. I wondered if that was because he himself was doing the slight action more frequently, or if I had just become more observant and in tune with his behavior.

I shifted in my seat on the couch, setting Carlisle's copy of Wuthering Heights (that thing hadn't left my hands in the past three hours!) down next to me. I was becoming quite restless, as it was my last night here and soon I would be on my own until the next time the man adjacent to me could leave his house without raising suspicion. I decided to make the most of the time I had left with someone I could speak openly with.

"What are you doing at your new home?" I asked unobtrusively, struggling over the last two words. "Are you working at another hospital?"

"Actually, no," he said, sighing. He closed the book and placed it in his lap. "It's a bit hard to find work where we've relocated. And we have only been there for a few days; I think everyone just needs to relax and settle into the sudden change for awhile."

"And where is it that you're staying?" I asked, trying to sound innocent.

"Bella," Carlisle said, a warning tone in his voice despite the small smile fighting to be seen on his lips. His eyes locked onto mine, telling me it was better not to know. His irises were a dark gold, nearly black; I don't think he had hunted at all since he had stayed here with me. That couldn't possibly be good for him. Edward's emotions were always slightly out of balance when he hadn't hunted. But surely Carlisle was stronger than that, after years of practice and self-control. I found it hard to hold his gaze and averted my eyes down, staring instead at the shiny scar that was beginning to take over the gash on the inside of my wrist, a constant reminder of what had happened.

"Sorry," I muttered, my face flushed in embarrassment.

"Don't worry about the small things, Bella," he said gently, moving fluidly from his spot in the chair to sit beside me on the couch. "It will not do you any good. Instead, try to be content with the fact that I will be back; I promise." He tapped his icy fingers under my chin, making me look up at him. His white teeth flashed brilliantly as he smiled, and I gave him a small grin in return. Even in the soft light cast by the floor lamp, the only source of illumination in the living room during the darkness of late evening, Carlisle seemed to have an ethereal glow. Momentarily dazzled, I tried to think of something to say that made any sort of sense.

"So, umm.. How is everyone else doing?" I spluttered. This was the problem with vampires; their beauty not only made you unbelievably envious, but it also made you either speechless or inarticulate. "The family, I mean. How is Esme?"

"She's… doing well," Carlisle answered, his voice sounding a little strange.

"Is everything alright?" I asked, confused.

"Of course. Well, not that there's anything wrong exactly, but…" For the first time in my life, I saw the ever calm-and collected doctor nervous and unsure. I watched him carefully, wondering what could have possibly gotten him this offbeat. He took a deep breath, regaining his thoughts, and continued. "You see, Bella, Esme and I are-"

At that moment a shrill ringing interrupted Carlisle's rushed statement, and he drew out his cell phone inhumanly fast.

"What timing," he said, chuckling awkwardly and casting me an apologetic look as he flipped open the phone. "Hello? Oh, Esme, what a coincidence, we were just speaking of you… what? Are you absolutely sure? …How soon? Alright, I'll handle it… Goodbye."

"What's wrong?" I asked apprehensively, watching his brow furrow as he snapped the phone closed.

"Alice had a vision," he said, his usually velvety voice rushed. "Those twin vampires have suddenly decided to stop by here before heading east."

"Is that bad?" I asked, my own voice raising almost an octave out of nerves.

"Most likely not," Carlisle said quickly, although his tone was not very reassuring. "But you always have to be cautious with vampires you don't know. Think of it as talking to strangers," he said, grinning through the concern. "I just don't know why they suddenly changed their minds and decided to come here first. According to Alice, they were not planning on it until a few moments ago, and her vision changed. They are running close by, and should be here in a few minutes… Bella, are you alright?" I honestly wasn't sure. I liked those other vampires well enough when we first met, but if Carlisle was a bit perturbed then I didn't know how to feel. Especially when I though back to their burning red eyes…

"I'm fine," I said quickly, watching the dark-eyed vampire take long strides across the room, putting away books and pulling back the curtains to check the front yard. I couldn't see anything through the darkness with my human vision, but no doubt Carlisle could sense something rapidly approaching. Moving away from the window, he walked up in front of me instead, putting both hands on my arms.

"Bella, you remember what I said to those vampires the first time we met, correct? About you and I?"

"Yes," I said slowly, recalling the moment perfectly. "You said I was your mate."

"Exactly. And you remember why, right? Because we do not know these vampires' intentions, and it is safer to say you already 'belong' to me, in a manner, so they do not try to claim you as their own." Carlisle was looking at me quite seriously. I bit my lip awkwardly and stared up at him. "So please follow along with that tonight. Do not feel strange or embarrassed, because it is for your own safety. For all these vampires know, we are happily married and mates for life. As far as whether or not you will be changed into a vampire, we'll say that we are waiting for you to complete school first. Understand?"

"I don't have a wedding ring," I said meekly.

"Ah, but neither do I," Carlisle retorted, grinning smartly and holding up a bare ring finger. "Most vampires do not symbolize a life-long relationship with metallic bands anyway, no worry."

"But, where…" I faltered, peering at the barren finger.

"No time for questions, Bella," the man said quickly, releasing my arms and positioning himself before the front door. "And no matter what happens, just go along with it."

Feeling completely rushed and bewildered in the sudden turn of events, I just clamped my mouth shut and stood in the middle of the room, tugging on my sweatshirt sleeves and eyeing the front door expectantly. A little sooner than I would have liked, three swift knocks sounded on the other side of the barrier, echoing sharply in the room. Carlisle gave me one more brief smile before he pulled on the brass knob and opened the door.

"Carlisle!" I heard Kindra's melodic voice exclaim a greeting before I saw her pass gracefully over the threshold. She was wearing the same clothes as the last encounter, but they still looked as though they had been freshly laundered. After kissing my "husband" once on each cheek she spun around until she faced me. Walking over quickly, she took both my hands in hers and beamed, revealing her perfect white teeth. "And how is the beautiful Bella?"

"Um, good. And yourself?"

"Just wonderful, dear. Washington has simply been charming, and we had to stop by and say hello before we began our journey east. Isn't that right, Andrus?"

I whipped my head back to the door just in time to see Kindra's stunning twin glide smoothly into the room. Just like his sister, he was in the same clothes as the last time I had seen him, but the dark emerald vest and the creases in his slacks were still flawless. After shaking Carlisle's hand he caught my eye and his mouth broke into a brilliant grin.

"But of course," he said, his attractive accent delicately caressing each word. "How could we pass up a chance to see our new friends, the gracious Carlisle and his ever-lovely wife, Bella?" I blushed lightly and his smile grew wider.

They were speaking as though we were all old companions, reuniting after years of not seeing each other. Although a bit strange, it was king of heartening. Perhaps this was just the way they treated each other in Estonia.

"Hello, Andrus," I said shyly, leaning towards him slowly as he too came forward to kiss either cheek. Despite his frost-like lips, my face burned in the spots where he had just kissed me. Carlisle made a small noise from where he stood by the door, and Andrus stepped back towards his sister, arms folded across his muscled chest. My eyes swept over his lean body before traveling back to the blonde.

"Please, have a seat, won't you? Bella was just about to make some tea for herself, I'm sure neither of you want any?" He chuckled and flashed me a smile, but his eyes told me to follow along. I smiled awkwardly at everyone and made my to the deserted kitchen. I bustled around the room quickly, pulling out a mug and other ingredients, remembering where everything was from watching Carlisle prepare things for me. I was eager to get back to the living room; why had Carlisle sent me out right away? He seemed a bit on edge, most likely from the sudden intrusion, but it felt like more than that. His eyes held a dark glint to them, and I wondered if it was only due to thirst.

Once my tea was poured and cooled off I set out towards the main room quietly. As soon as I stepped into the area all three faces turned to look at me. Embarrassed, I hurried to sit down next to Carlisle on the couch, noticing how odd it was that he chose to sit here instead of his usual armchair, which was now occupied by Andrus. Kindra sat comfortably in the chair nearest the front door, smiling amicably at me. Settling into the sofa, I brought the mug to my lips and took a sip of tea, the herbal spices swirling tastefully in my mouth and warming my body. Andrus titled his head and looked at me, smile still plastered to his face.

"So, Bella," he began; I felt Carlisle shift slightly beside me. "We were just speaking of our plans to travel east across the states. Our final destination is New York; have you ever been there?"

I blinked once, taken off guard by the simple question, and swallowed before answering.

"Uh, no I haven't. I've always wanted to visit there, though. It seems so exciting; I like the idea that there is always something new to do there."

"Ah, as do I. Maybe next time you could accompany us there. And Carlisle too, of course," he added pointedly. Carlisle's lips curve into a hard smile as he leaned slightly closer to me.

"Next time?" I asked, confused.

"We have only a month here before we return to Estonia," Kindra explained, diverting the attention back on herself. "But I am sure we will be back soon after; we love it here already. And a only a month to explore hardly does this country justice." She crossed her long legs and tapped her fingers idly on the arm of the chair, her sharp nails drumming out a steady beat. Her scarlet eyes were lit up in anticipation at the thought of another adventure.

"So what exactly do you do in Estonia?" Carlisle spoke up for the first time since I had returned from the kitchen. "You mentioned that you were part of the royal family?" "Indeed," Kindra said brightly. "We help our father in dealings with other nations and neighboring vampire covens, settle disputes, plan for the future. It sounds enticing but a lot of the time it is just drab political business. That is why my brother and I prefer traveling. We get to scope out areas we have never been in and report back to our father about things such as where other vampires reside. He would be very interested to hear about you two," she said mysteriously, her eyes twinkling. She let out a small laugh and again I got to hear that beautiful, wind chime-like sound echo around the room.

"Yes; never has father encountered a vampire with a human mate. Although I'm sure he would understand as soon as he saw Bella," Andrus murmured. I felt the skin on my chest flare up red in pleased embarrassment. He must have noticed, for he smiled and locked his eyes with mine. I was transfixed by his crimson orbs, radiantly pale skin, and aristocratic features. True, I was in no way over Edward, but I couldn't help but feel smitten by this charming, foreign vampire. "If you don't mind me saying," he continued, turning his gaze to Carlisle, "I have noticed that you and Bella do not act quite like mates. While I can sense the emotion there, you remain aloof. Why is that?"

"Now Andrus, don't intrude on their personal lives," Kindra said sternly, but her eyes reflected a similar interest.

"No, it's quite alright," Carlisle said, sitting up a little straighter. "To be honest, we aren't usually like this, are we, Bella?" He looked down at me lovingly.

"Um, no. Not at all," I replied slowly.

"We just did not want to make you uncomfortable by being too physical. Some people here in the states do not approve of seeing couples being too affectionate in public."

"Oh no, please. Do not let our intrusion stop you from doing things routinely," Kindra said apologetically.

"Well, if you insist," Carlisle said indulgently, and with that he wrapped both arms around me and pulled me gently into his lap. Surprised, I nearly fell off of him and shot my arms around his shoulders to balance myself, burying my face into the side of his neck. My nose was cold, pressed against the icy skin over his throat. One of Carlisle's hands ran up my back; the other slid carefully down my side and stopped on my hip. I inhaled deeply, taking in his scent before I pulled my head back to look at him.

Carlisle was looking at me like I was the only girl in the world. Like he didn't have a wife. Like he was truly in love with me. Even Edward had never gazed at me with such adoration. I would have silently applauded his acting skills if I wasn't so thunderstruck by him. I couldn't tell if my heart sped up or completely stopped beating. I felt dizzy every time I tried to look away from his smoldering golden eyes, his glossy blonde hair, his clear, snowy skin. His eyebrows raised a fraction of an inch, and for some reason I finally regained feeling in my chest as my heart skipped a beat at that small movement. Warmth spread from the inside of my body to the surface of my skin, numbing my fingertips and melting the chilly hold the vampire had on me. It didn't even matter that he was a vampire; this man, who naturally looked like he had walked straight off the red carpet, could dazzle without inhuman help. Doctor Carlisle Cullen truly knew how to steal a girl's heart, whether she wanted him to or not.

"Bella, love?" Carlisle looked at me meaningfully and pulled me a bit closer to him. I stayed silent, trying to fight the strange, overwhelming urge I had to run my fingers through his silky blonde hair. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I managed to say, looking around the room with a weak smile. Kindra looked puzzled; Andrus threw yet another smile at me, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I just feel a little light-headed."

"Aw, you poor dear," Kindra cooed. "I can't even remember what it is like to have human hindrances. You are fortunate to have such a wonderful husband to take care of you, right Andrus?" No reply came from the other vampire in the room.

"Yes, quite fortunate," Carlisle murmured, more to himself than in response to Kindra. His voice was barely more than a whisper, and I found myself leaning in to hear him. Or maybe that was him leaning in? I couldn't tell at this point. All I knew for sure was that soon we were mere inches apart, Carlisle brushing strands of chestnut-colored hair from my face. His cold hand cupped my chin softly, guiding my mouth to his ever so slowly. The last thing I saw was his eyes shining with determination before our lips met, molding together perfectly. I expected his lips to be colder, but they were delectably cool as they moved against mine, the velvety curves of his mouth parting my own lips tenderly. I reached up to his face and brushed against the svelte curve of his jaw with my fingertips, feeling it move as he kissed me. It felt like ages since the kiss had begun when Carlisle started to pull away. Finally his lips left mine and he gazed at me, a fleeting, wondrous look on his face before he composed himself with a calm smile.

I couldn't tell what everyone was feeling after that moment. I could only see the expressions etched on their faces. Kindra looked mildly surprised. Andrus was no longer trying to conceal his annoyance. Carlisle still hid his true emotions with a placid smile. And I couldn't begin to guess what my face must look like right now. I wasn't even quite sure how I felt, except it seemed like fireworks were going off in my stomach, chest, and brain simultaneously. But there was no time to recover from the sudden action as Carlisle opened his mouth to speak yet again.

"So, Bella… Are you feeling better?"