* I do not own Twilight or the characters within this story, nor the songs.

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" You've been fighting the memory, all on your own
Nothing worsens, nothing grows
I know how it feels being by yourself in the rain
We all need someone to stay

You were alone, left out in the cold
Clinging to the ruin of your broken home
Hear the falling and lonely, cry out
Will you fix me up? Will you show me hope?
The end of the day and we're helpless
Can you keep me close? Can you love me most? "

Someone To Stay - Vancouver Sleep Clinic

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Carlisle ✦ Contemplate ✦ Amnesia

I steadily whisked myself away from the scene. I had let my guard down and let myself act too closely with her.

I could sense her discomfort… her inquisitive stares. I whisked myself to my office down the hall. I would have to be more careful. More diligent in my being her doctor to her being my patient. I knew I had been inappropriate by holding her hand… But, she was family!

I felt a strong urge to protect her. I didn't want to leave her more than an arm's length. Not after we almost lost her… again. One time too many the remarkable Isabella has come close to angels' wings whisking her away to the light. One time too many, all that we had surrendered to protect her had nearly been for naught.

I couldn't help but notice, however, just how beautiful she had become. The way those umber irises sparkled as she looked my way. The way she had a gentle but meaningful smile as she spoke. The poise of her tone and words. It had been many moons since I had last spoken to the exquisite brunette. She was, after all, my age now; twenty-three. At least, she was the same age that I took my last breath. It had been three-hundred-and-seventy-one since I had taken my first. Of course, I couldn't help but notice her maturation; the contour of her bosom, the feminity of her jaw... the wisdom of her gaze.

I had detected her to blush several times upon my examination of her; the quickening of her heartbeat… the hitch in her breath. It was nothing new for me. After all, my human patients tended to swoon for me all the time. I chuckled quietly to myself at the thought. If only she knew in some alternate timeline, I could have been a second father to her.

At least she had been more receptive to my presence as a result. We vampires tend to have somewhat of an aura to make people senselessly comfortable. Everything about us… was built to seduce, to draw in. To secure a kill. A drip of venom fell onto my tongue at the thought.

I paused in my stride, immobilised; my eyes widened. I had not tasted my own venom when there had been no blood present in such a long time.

What was wrong with me?

Why couldn't I shake these thoughts?

Where are they coming from?

Disgusted, I wanted to spit it out, but I chose to swallow instead. It felt like acid as it dripped down, burning the length of my throat.

Nothing had prepared me for this in my many years on earth. Why was my thirst growing now? More than I had felt in centuries…

I must hunt soon.

I realised, it had been over two weeks since my last hunt. No wonder I was shaken up. Surely a meal would satiate me and rid me of this awful burden.

I would let no more vile thoughts enter my mind.

I peered up, composing myself, and noticed that I had reached the door to my office, my name plaque adorning the centre.

I let out an audible sigh as I entered the acquainted room. I reached into my desk drawers to retrieve my reflex hammer and Bella's notes. I caught a reflection of myself in the mirror; noting a blackened tone to what were normally glowing orbs. I let out a shallow grumble, brow furrowed. Swiftly turning on my heel, I retraced my steps back to what felt like home; the beautiful Swan.

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