Hello to you all. To be frank, I never expected so many people to like this fanfic. I was just writing to keep myself sane after all. But if it makes you happy and help keep you sane too, then it makes me really glad.

I am sorry for the late update but I was completely drained and had no inspiration at all. People completely drained me of my energy. I just wanted to sleep after work.

Thank you for following this story and liking it. I apologise for any errors. As always, enjoy or not. Cheers.

Quote: "When you're standing at the edge so young and hopeless. Got demons in your head. We are, we are. No ground beneath your feet; not here to hold you. Cause we are, we are; the colours in the dark." – We Are by OneOkRock

Disclaimer: All characters of Twilight belong Stephenie Meyer. In no way do I own them. Only the character that I invented, Adaline, belongs to me.

Chapter 22

After that 'exciting' day, I hid myself in my room for many hours in order to get my mind back in order. I have to admit that this little kiss really destabilised me.

Anyhow, it was days later that I learned that Edward had succeeded in convincing Bella to go to the dance with him. How he did that? My bet was on the dazzling powers.… Well, anyway Bella seemed to dread and anticipate the dance at the same time. More anticipation than dread I think, because she finally bit the bullet and told dad that she was going to the dance.

In fact it was happening right now. I choked on my water as she blurted it out. Dear father, was in the same state as me, that is, choking on his chicken.

After nearly hacking a lung, he finally exclaimed, "YOU? To the dance?!"

I made myself small and concentrated on finishing my food as quick as possible.

Bella shuffled awkwardly in her seat, "Yea.."

Charlie: "I thought you hated dancing?! In fact you've said many times that you can't dance!"

Bella said unconvincingly, " Yea but I am not really going to dance. I am just going to eat, drink and enjoy the atmosphere."

Charlie: "Well damn! That Edwin must be someone extraordinary for him to convince you to go to a dance. And I am sure you are going to enjoy his presence, not the atmosphere."

Bella: "It's Edward dad!"

Charlie: "Edward/Edwin, what's the difference?"

I chugged down my water and stood up. No way was I staying for that awkward conversation. I stood up and put my plate and glass into the sink.

"Take your time talking, I am going to sleep. Goodnight to you both." I spewed as I practically ran up the stairs.

L.B

The dreaded date finally arrived. I was with Rosalie in my room. We were both nearly ready. We were together as she insisted on helping me. Alice was helping Bella in her room.

She stood behind me, styling my hair into a half-up updo. I caught her smirking and casually said, "Dear Eddy must be having the chat of his life with dad downstairs."

Edward had arrived earlier and had been promptly received by my father. With gun into his holster and all.

Rosalie scoffed, "That's for sure. It's nearly a pity that I can't watch him squirm right now."

I stifled a laugh, "Anyway, you look fabulous in that dress Rosalie. Emmett is going to be tripping all over himself."

She gave me a smirk, "Of course. You look beautiful yourself Adaline."

I scrunched my face as I looked at myself in the mirror. Under the persuasion of both Rosalie and Alice, I had opted to wear a lacy burgundy camisole top tucked into a high-waisted black trousers and black kitten-heeled sandals. The colour really made my skin and eyes stand out.

For makeup, I had only allowed Rosalie to do my eyebrows and do a simple cat-eye liner. No more than that.

Rosalie finished putting a pin in my hair before stepping back, "Here you go. You sure you don't want to wear a little lipstick?"

I shook my head, "I am going to be eating so lipstick is useless. I'll just put on some tinted lipbalm."

I stood up and put my chair back into its place, "It's nearly time for the dance. Are you guys going fashionably late?"

Rosalie: "Well, we don't really care about those things. We'll go once everyone is ready."

I grimaced, "Well good luck when you get there. I hope you have a good time. Though I sincerely doubt it."

Rosalie smiled, "Thank you. Oh! Emmett and Jasper are nearly here. I'll go join Alice downstairs."

"Hope you have a good time too." She said whilst walking towards the door.

"The probability is bigger than yours. Thank you Rosalie. Both for the wish and the help."

"You are welcome." Was the answer as she sashayed away.

I chuckled before quickly packing my small purse. I was putting on my kitten heels when Bella quickly came upstairs.

Bella: "Wow! You look beautiful!"

Adaline: " You look beautiful too Bella. That colour looks really good on you! I see that Alice failed to put you in heels."

Bella: "Thank god for that. She was tenacious. I came to tell you that we were going."

"Okay. Have fun all of you. Try not to trip." I finished jokingly.

"Haha really funny. Thank you. Have fun too. See you laters." She said before going downstairs.

I went to the window as I heard a car park in front and honk. I laughed and put my head outside.

Adaline: "Hey dunderhead number three! Don't honk, it disturbs the neighbours. Hey there to you too, dunderhead number two!"

Emmett hanged outside his window like a monkey, "Hey there Addy! I miss you! When are you coming to play again?"

Adaline: "Who knows?"

Jasper: "Good evening Adaline. And really? I am still dunderhead number two? Can't I be upgraded to Jazz at least?"

I laughed, "Nopes, sorry!"

Emmett: "You don't sound sorry at all!"

Adaline: "How perceptive of you Emmett. You are completely right."

Jasper: "Alice is still dunderhead number one too?"

Adaline: "Definitely!"

"Hey! I thought I was hellish pixie! I quite like that nickname!" Alice voiced as she stepped out of the house, with the others following behind her.

I rolled my eyes, "Both are your nicknames. "

Charlie: "Adaline please stop screaming from the window. If you want to talk come downstairs. You are also disturbing the neighbours. "

Adaline: "That's my cue to get back in! Have fun all of you! See you laters!"

Emmett: "Bye Addy! Have fun too! Come play games with me soon!"

Jasper: "Hope you enjoy your evening too, Adaline. Cheers."

Rosalie and Edward gave me a nod while Bella gave me a small wave before they got into the car.

Alice: "Bye bye Addy! I know you'll have a wonderful evening! I'll text you to get the juicy details and to answer any questions you may have later!"

With that puzzling statement, I watched as they finally drove away while my dad yelled 'there better be no juicy details at all!'.

I just laughed before closing my window.

I sat on my bed and browsed the net to distract myself from my nervousness. A few minutes later my dad knocked on my open door to get my attention.

Charlie: "Adaline. I've been called to work for an emergency so I can't see you off."

I tried to keep the relief from my face as I answered him, " it's okay dad. You already did the 'talk' to him anyway, right?"

He grunted, "I wanted to give him a reminder and add a few more words. Anyway, I trust him better than that Edwin. Be home before eleven."

I nodded, "Okay. Good luck at work."

He suddenly speed-walked to me, kissed my head before quickly turning around to leave. "Thank you. Be safe and have a good evening Addy."

I couldn't resist the small smile from his awkward affection. "Thank you dad."

I waited until I heard his car drive away before letting out the relief I felt in one breath.

"Thank merlin; Carlisle won't have to go through the interrogation and threats….again." I muttered to myself.

My phone vibrated indicating that I received a message.

Carlisle: [ I'll arrive in ten minutes.]

A: [ Okay. You, sir, are extremely lucky. My father had an emergency at work, so he won't be there to greet you. See you in a few.]

Those ten minute seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. I picked up my purse and quickly made my way downstairs as I heard the car pull up. I put on my coat before opening the door.

The good doctor was a vision for sore eyes as he stood under the porch light. With slicked back hair, a black suede coat and a box of pastries in hand, he looked like he came straight from an old english movie.

Carlisle: " Good evening Adaline."

"Good evening Carlisle." I replied nervously.

He presented the box to me, "these are for you."

I delightfully took them, "thank you!"

He gave a little laugh, "I am glad you like it. I thought about bringing some flowers too but, considering your character, I guessed that you would not like them."

Adaline: "You guessed right. I don't like receiving flowers nor plushies. What am I going to do with flowers? Watch them wither away? And ever since I watched that chucky horror film, I now have a phobia of dolls and plushies."

"No plushies then. Got it memorised now." He said with a little shake of his head.

Adaline: "You catch on quick. Let me put this in the fridge and then we can be on our way."

I matched my actions with my words and swiftly returned.

"Shall we?" He said whilst gallantly presenting his arm to me.

I closed the door and took his arm, "we shall."

He opened the door for me as we reached his car and I got in after a quick 'thank you'.

'As always, his car smells really good.'

"My father said to be back before eleven." I let out nonchalantly as he fastened his seat belt.

He hummed in acknowledgement as he drove, "I'll make sure you are back before that then. Don't want chief Swan to pay us an unexpected visit now, do we?"

L.B

I let out a gasp as we reached his house.

He turned off the ignition, "like it?"

"It looks so beautiful!" I whispered as I took in all the fairy lights.

The only source of illumination were all the fairy lights in various designs. They deliberately did not put that many so that it made a stark contrast with the complete darkness of the forest. There were some even winded around the trees. It looked like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

I took off my seat belt as Carlisle opened the door for me, "I am glad that you like it. Let's go inside."

'Okay Adaline. You can no longer burrow your head in the sand. That is definitely not something you do for a mere dinner…Merlin help me.'

I followed him inside and was dumbstruck by the scene. Gone were the rug and sofas. A small table and two chairs took their place. The lone candle in the middle of the table gently illuminated the porcelain tableware inlaid with gold that were generously filled with food.

There were also candles situated all around the room to create a 'romantic' atmosphere.

'It's just a fire hazard waiting to happen. If one day someone had told me that I would be on the receiving end of a candlelit dinner, I would have laughed in their face.'

Carlisle: "May I take your coat?"

That snapped me out of my daze, "oh, yes; thank you."

I distractedly allowed him to take my coat as I took in the big bouquet of flowers that were placed above the fireplace.

' This has Alice written all over it. I wonder if the candles and fairy lights were her idea too.'

I turned to ask the good doctor, only for my words to get stuck in my throat. He had that intense look in his eyes again.

'And sweet merlin; how can a simple white button-down look so good?'

The shirt was obviously tailored to his body and the buttons at the collarbone were undone.

He casually took my hand and kissed the back of it while keeping eye contact, "you look beautiful as always Adaline. That colour looks particularly fetching on you."

I awkwardly cleared my throat, "is that so? Thank you. You look handsome, as always, too."

'And thank you for making me flustered just by seeing your collarbones…. That is just pitiful Adaline.'

"Thank you. Let's not allow dinner to get cold, shall we?"

I allowed him to guide and help me to my seat with a small 'thank you'.

"You may start eating." He said as soon as he was seated.

I did just that and watched with amusement as he took his glass of champagne. He never drank from it; he just twirled the liquid.

"So Adaline, your sister has been rather proactive in knowing our 'secret'. Would like to confirm your suspicions too?" Carlisle asked while twirling his champagne.

"I do believe I already gave you an answer prior to this?" I replied after swallowing.

"Then, please answer this." He said while leaning back in his seat and looking straight at me, "Adaline, I wish to tell you our secret. Will you allow me to?"

I took a sip of champagne to give myself some courage and asked even though I already had a vague idea, "what does it entail?"

Carlisle: " Having you keep this secret to yourself and never divulge it to anyone; in the best case scenario. In the worst case scenario, death or being made into one of us."

'Like I thought…'

Adaline: "Would this secret directly put my family in danger."

Carlisle: "Directly? No. It is highly improbable."

Adaline: "You and your family?"

Carlisle: "It is highly probable."

Adaline: "You will still tell me anyway? What about your children? Are they okay with this?"

Carlisle: "We already discussed it. They gave their approval; some grudgingly. But they nonetheless support my decision. One of you already knows anyway."

I let out a shaky breath and nodded, "I had already made my mind way before so the ball is in your court now."

Carlisle: "I would like to hear it from your mouth. What am I Adaline?"

I swallowed nervously, "….the cold ones from the Quileute legends."

He sat as still as a statue, "yes. But more commonly known as….?"

'That was it. There was no going back.'

"Vampire." I whispered breathily.

Carlisle stared at me unblinkingly before a slow smile appeared on his face, " Your hear rate is quite high. Are you scared?"

Adaline: "Yes and no."

He tilted his head in question.

Adaline: "I am not scared of you per se. But I am scared of the other vampires roaming this earth. And who knows what other beings are out there."

Carlisle: "Are you that sure that I won't hurt you?"

Adaline: "Carlisle, I think that I have a good grasp of your nature by now. You won't voluntarily hurt me. Of that I am sure. For merlin's sake! You work at a bloody hospital! You wouldn't work there unless you have tight control over yourself."

He leaned forward on his elbows, "thank you for your confidence in me. And you are quite right. I would never hurt you….You may ask any questions you have."

I took another sip of champagne, "how old are you really?"

Carlisle: "I was born in 1640 in London and was bitten at when I was twenty-four."

Adaline: "Dear merlin, you are ancient."

He chuckled, "to you, maybe. But not so much amongst vampires. There are some that are even older than me."

Adaline: "So you do not age at all…. Did it hurt?"

Carlisle: "The turning? Yes it did. Tremendously. I think all those who have been bitten will agree on one thing; it is so painful that you would prefer to die directly. It feels like your blood is boiling inside your veins and being burnt alive."

I grimaced, "yikes."

Carlisle: "Exactly. Are you not curious our diet?"

Adaline: "You drink blood, right?"

Carlisle: "We do. But not from humans. Others mockingly call us 'vegetarians'. We feed on animal blood. That is why our eyes are this colour. If you ever meet a vampire with red eyes, be wary, as their diet is mainly human blood."

Adaline: "Good to know. So feeding on animal blood is not the norm?"

Carlisle: "No it is not. Those who choose this lifestyle do so because they still retain empathy towards humanity and don't want to hurt people; wish to live in society as normally as possible or because their ability makes it difficult for them to do so."

Adaline: "Ability?"

Carlisle: " Yes. Some people's dominant traits can be amplified during the turning, resulting in an ability."

Adaline: "Do you have one?"

Carlisle: "I don't."

I squinted my eyes, "Edward, Alice and Jasper?"

Carlisle: "You got it right. Edward can listen to thoughts, Alice has the ability to glimpse at a probable future and Jasper has pathokinesis; he can sense and manipulate emotions."

Adaline: "Edward can read my thoughts?!"

Carlisle laughed out loud, "Actually, you and your sister are the only exceptions. He can't listen to your thoughts at all. And Jasper can't properly sense or manipulate your emotions."

"Thank merlin for small mercies." I muttered under my breath.

'That explains those constipated looks he had at times. '

Carlisle: "I have to say that many would envy you for being able to keep your thought private."

Adaline: "I guess that Edward's ability doesn't work because Bella and I have always been very protective of our thoughts. As for Jasper's,well, my need to be in control of my emotions has always been very strong."

Carlisle: "Yes. It is rare to exhibit traits as strong as this while still human. They will undoubtedly become stronger if you are ever turned."

I hummed, "wait. Does that mean that the Quileutes can really turn into wolves too? That big black wolf that we saw on that day…"

He nodded, "yes , they can. The wolf you saw was likely one of the shifters. The genes must have been activated due to our presence."

Adaline: "Are there any other beings out there or is that all?"

He chuckled, "that is all. I have never come across other beings till now… But who knows? Maybe there are other beings out there who are experts at hiding or are better equipped to blend in society?"

L.B

The rest of the hour passed with me quizzing him about his past and other relevant topics. At the end of it I was tired. I had my doubts but it was still a lot to take in.

Adaline: "So… abilities, enhanced hearing, super speed and extremely tough, sparkly marble skin…How can there not be a bloodbath? Unless there is a governing body? There always have to be one that wants to control others and be in power."

Carlisle: "You are quite perceptive. There is a coven of 'royalty' called the Volturi that reside in Volterra. They enforce the law and execute the offenders."

Adaline: "I knew it. What are the laws?"

Carlisle: "Properly dispose of your prey after feeding, creating immortal children is prohibited, hunting is prohibited in Volterra, not to be caught in open sunlight, each creator is reponsible for their newborn's behaviour and teaching them the laws and, finally, if a human becomes aware of our existence, the vampire at fault must silence them either by killing them or turning them."

I let that soak in before blandly saying, "so basically, we are screwed if they discover it."

Carlisle: "Indeed. I have to add that Aro, one of the three kings, has a more in-depth ability similar to Edward's. Edward can only read surface thoughts while Aro can see every thought or experience you had in your entire life with a single touch."

Adaline: "We are doubly screwed. That's not fair! How can he have that sort of OP ability?! He must have been extremely nosy when he was human! Most intrusive person ever!"

Carlisle burst out laughing.

Adaline: "Stop laughing! It's not funny!"

Carlisle: "I assure you that it is! I can just imagine his face if he read my thoughts in the future and saw this scene!"

Adaline: "Bloody hell! I pitted myself!"

I waited for him to stop laughing before asking, "did you take the risk of telling me because you are willing to change me if the situation arises."

He abruptly appeared next to me and took my hand, "let's move to my office. We can talk more comfortably there."

My heart skipped a beat at the vampire speed, 'that will take some getting used to. He dropped the act pretty quickly…not that he tried hard to hide it.'

I blinked at him before allowing him to guide me upstairs. I made myself comfortable on the sofa before facing him.

Carlisle: "The answer to your question is yes. Believe me when I say that I pondered restlessly for days and nights before coming to this decision. Ultimately, I am a selfish being too. But the final decision would be yours. If you don't want to be turned then I will never force you. "

I fiddled with my pants, "thank you…May I ask why?"

Carlisle: "Why I made this decision?"

I nodded.

He got up from his seat and kneeled before me, "because I want to pursue a romantic relationship with you."

I unconsciously took a deep breath. My heartbeat seemed abnormally loud in the silence that ensued. I leaned back in my seat and asked him seriously, "you really mean it?"

Carlisle: "I do. I would never do this on a whim. You may not be aware but vampires have a sixth sense for their 'mates', if you will. That person will be the most compatible with them and will have the capability to evoke their most animalistic instincts. Of course, we are free to ignore those instincts and choose someone else. But it definitely wouldn't be the same.

Marcus Volturi, who has the ability to see the emotional ties between individuals, has confirmed it during my time in Volterra. The ties between instinctual mates are stronger and more difficult to break.

Believe me when I say that I have never been attracted to any other women during my lifetime. Some have tried to seduce me and offered me companionship, but I refused them all. I was never interested and preferred to concentrate on my work and books.

There was one human that succeeded in briefly evoking some of my instincts; but it was very faint. While she was dying, it never came to my thought to turn her. In fact, I was resigned to being alone for the rest of my life….Until I met you.

The first time I saw you, I finally understood what Marcus tried to communicate to me during our discussions. The intensity of my emotions nearly overwhelmed me. And my instincts roaring at me to get near you was frightening. I had never felt so vividly and never had my emotions so out of control. If only you knew how difficult it was to hold myself back that night…

Anyway, after talking to you and getting to know your personality better, that intensity has only increased. I want to know you even more and be with you as much as possible. I want to hug you, cherish you and have long talks about random things with you. And I am sure that these feelings will never abate or fade away. If others felt as much as I felt when I met you but could still walk away, well, it boggles me how they managed to find the strength to do so.

That is how I am sure that you are the one for me Adaline. There will be none that can replace you. Whatever your decision is, I will respect it. Would you give me the honour of wooing you? I do believe that the modern word for it is 'date'."

I pulled my trembling hand in my lap as I thought. To be frank, I was scared as hell. I had never been in a relationship after all and had never thought that I would be in one. And it won't be a normal relationship either. I would be going in completely blind.

'What is there to think Adaline? Haven't you already made your decision; albeit unconsciously. You even already have your father's approval. So don't fool yourself anymore because you are emotionally constipated.'

I licked my dry lips and replied in a hushed voice, "yes, I would be delighted and honoured to date you."

He gave me a big smile and took my trembling hands into his.

"Thank you Adaline." He said almost reverently as he kissed my hands.