A/N I apologize for the delay in chapter 2. I just graduated nursing school, and the holidays had me so busy! From here on out I plan to write a chapter a week and publish it. Also, I always open to ideas so please feel free to add them in the comments if there's something you'd like to add! Thank you for your support, and as always these characters belong to Stephanie Meyer.

I felt the cold wet ground beneath my feet as I ran. To my left was Emmett keeping the same pace as me, and behind me was Alice and Carlisle. Rose was to my right a few steps in front of me. We neared a cliff that has always been a favorite place of mine to sit and clear my mind when it became heavy. Sometimes, I wouldsit there and let the wind envelope me as if it were a hug from Edward. I hadn't been to the cliff in nearly 2 months. I was beginning to move forward with my life.

I stopped running as I came to the edge of the cliff. Alice, Emmett, and Rose made the leap and into the thick foliage they went. Carlisle stopped just a few steps behind me. I closed my eyes, and allowed myself the stillness of the moment. "Bella?" Carlisle said in a hushed but husky voice. My eyes flew open at the shivers the sound of my name rolling off his tongue gave. "Yes?" I let out in a wispy tone. "What is it? Did something alarm you?" Carlisle was used to me shutting him out, and hiding my emotions. I felt his hand touch my shoulder. I turned to face him.

"Nothing is the matter. This used to be my sanctuary. When I was overwhelmed with thoughts or emotions, this is where I came to clear my mind. The waterfall is serene, and the wind was like a hug from Edward. I haven't been here in some time. I've come to terms with life as it is, and I'm ready to move forward with whatever it is that's coming." Carlisle gave me a half hearted smile but held my gaze. How had I not realized just how handsome he is? Or how kind and loving his eyes are? Ive looked at this man so many times before but never truly SAW him. He is breathtakingly beautiful.

"Bella, no one expects you to move forward so quickly. Edward was your mate, and my son. We loved him dearly. I think of Esme often, and the gentle woman she was. She was the love of my life. I'd like to think that she is walking right beside me everyday. I feel her when the sun shines down, and I hear her voice when breeze moves." There was a sadness in his eyes but also a sparkle. Carlisle always lit up when we spoke of Esme or Edward. Without thinking I placed a hand to Carlisle's cheek. It was soft and warm as I had always imagined it to be. I felt his hand come up and cover mine. If I were human I'd be blushing profusely. The kind but intimate gesture was enough to make me lose all sense of reality. Carlisle's eyes caught mine and for a second everything else melted away.

In a husky, and breathless voice he spoke. "It's been so long since I have felt the caress of a feminine hand. You have no idea how immaculate this moment is for me." I drew in a small gasp that I know was audible to his ears. A slow smirk spread across his face, with a hint of playfulness in his eyes. "It's nice to see that after 3 centuries on this Earth I can still draw that kind of reaction from such an astonishing creature." I looked down to the ground, and back to Carlisle. "I don't think you know the effect you have on people. Your kind, and compassionate being itself draws people to you. There's a sense of security that just radiates from you. If you're worried about being alone for the rest of your existence, you have nothing to worry about." I bit my lip and looked down at my feet. Was I really finding myself lost in thought about everything Carlisle is? This was unknown territory for me. Carlisle's chuckle pulled me from my thoughts.

"Thank you Bella. I appreciate that. I'd like to think one day I'll open my heart to love someone once more. Esme loved me so completely that I worry I will never find that kind of love again..."

"You mean the kind of love that fills every single black hole of the darkest corners and just leaves you speechless...I knowexactly what you mean. But, I have to believe that one day we will find it again. Time isn't that cruel." I gave hima half hearted smile but gave him nothing but sincerity in my eyes.

"Time is all we have dear heart. But we should make the most of it, and love those here with us." He took my hand from his face and placed a gentle kiss on the back of it. Igave his a squeeze back in reply.

"We're going to be ok Carlisle. One day at a time, and baby steps. Life may never be perfect as it was before but we still have reason to exist if nothing else but family."

"When did you become so brave Bella? I don't recognize the beautiful woman before me. It's like you've changed in the blink of an eye. Surely, with you to keep me on track I will be just fine."

"Ditto. What do you say we bag a mountain lion or two?"

"Let's do it!"

From behind me I could hear a family of deer. A big strong buck that I could smell without trying.

Perfect.

I left Carlisle's side, and pushed off with all my strength. Within seconds I had my prize, and was feasting. It wasn't like me to drain my prey but I was ravenous. I knew I'd have to dispose of the carcass but that wouldn't be the first time.

I finished off my meal, and threw the dead animal over my shoulder. Iheaded toward home.

With a quenched thirst, and a renewed sense of passion for life I knew that everything was going to be just fine.

The others had managed to make it back before me. Even Carlisle. I must be moving slow these days I thought to myself. Rose and Alice were discussing landscaping while I heard Emmett busy in the garage working on his Jeep.

I took my slaughtered meal to the fire pit and lit the wood. I effortlessly tossed the dead deer in and walked away. I went inside the house, and headed upstairs. It had been a while since I stepped foot into Carlisle's house. I found myself headed towards Edward's old bedroom. Without hesitation I opened the door and let myself in.

It was still the way he had left it. Bed and all. I couldn't help but to smile thinking of all the good memories this room held for us. The peace and comfort just being here brought me was indescribable. His scent still lingered as if he had just entered the room. I placed my hand on the banister of the bed, and quietly said, "I sure miss you..." and with that I turnedto leave. As I was shutting the door I bumped into Carlisle.

"Sorry, you'd think after being immortal for so long I'd lose my sense o clumsiness." I chuckled at how silly that must've sounded.

"No worriesBella. I was just on my way to my office to catch up on some work. Did you need anything?"

"No. But thanks. I think I'm going to hang out with Alice for a bit and catch up. I erm... just wanted totake a glan-" Carlisle held his hand up and interrupted me.

"You don't have to explain. Please feel free to make yourself at home. This always has and always will be your home." Before I knew it I had Carlisle in an embrace. I felt him chuckle as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Thank you. That means the world to me." I pulled away from him but felt the emptiness where I had just held him. It was an odd feeling that brought on confusion. What is happening to me? Pulling myself from thought I looked to Carlisle, "I'm going to go find Alice. I'll see you later."

Off I wentto seek Alice but how desperately did I want that 'see you later' to be true.

What is happening to me...I can't seem to control my thoughts.

Why was Carlisle having this effect on me? What is it that I want exactly...