Twilight Fanfiction - Written in Third Person
The Forgotten Child – Chapter 21
Carlisle Ends his Story
Carlisle's Ending
Carlisle had finished his story and sat unhappily with his family. He looked around the dining room table at his beloved wife, Esme, his sons, Edward and Jasper, and his daughters, Alice and Bella.
Carlisle put his face in his hands and said, "I've been such a pompous idiot all these years. I thought I was 'perfect' but now I know that I am not."
Esme looked with concern at her husband and said, "None of that matters any more, Carlisle. You have and always will be a good person. I've made my own mistakes as the rest of us. I was also married and had a child just as you did, so none of this matters to me."
Jasper gazed at Carlisle with sad eyes and said, "Carlisle, knowing all this actually makes me feel better. I now know that all the family has had their troubles. I was always trying to compare myself with you and I was always lacking and coming up short. I still love you as much as a father than what I ever have…perhaps even more.
"I wonder why Christopher kept coming back?" wondered Alice aloud.
"That's a good question…but unfortunately none of us knows the answer," said Edward.
The family all got up and went on their separate ways.
Carlisle knew that he'd have to explain all this again when Emmett and Rosalie returned. Or perhaps Edward could explain it all. It just hurt to think about his 'true' past right now.
Carlisle also knew he was hurting because he had lost his beloved Helena.
Vampires don't change…but when they do, it's permanent
Although he loved Esme beyond all practical reason, he couldn't help but also miss his darling Helena. It would be a love that Carlisle would endure for ever.
The days passed by and turned into months…then into a complete year.
Rosalie and Emmett had returned and Edward had filled them in on Carlisle's story.
Carlisle's past was still something he had difficult dealing with. He couldn't help but think of Christopher…and if he'd ever see him again.
Edward finally spoke to Carlisle and what he said to him would leave Carlisle with a lasting impression.
"Why are you having such a hard time dealing with your past?" asked Edward.
"Well…pretty much because I was a thief and murderer," admitted Carlisle
"And to be perfectly honest," Carlisle said, "there were many instances when I enjoyed it."
"So…you think you're a monster now… Right?" Edward confirmed.
Carlisle could only nod his head in agreement.
"Just always remember this," Edward said with feeling, "If Christopher loved you enough to forgive you…then you should love yourself enough to forgive your own self."
"Don't let his forgiveness go in vane…for nothing," Edward finished.
Carlisle could only hug his son…he had no words left to say at that moment.
However, the next day would be a HUGE surprise for the Cullen family...especially for Carlisle.