Chapter Info

Title: Carlisle's Truth

Number: 17/36

Warnings: Angst

Author's Note: I just want to say how humbled and grateful I am for all of the support! You are all wonderful, and I thank you all dearly! Thanks for reading! I would love to hear your reviews, thoughts, comments, and questions about this story!

animexchick, Spencebox, and Don'tBelieveInFear: I'm so glad you guys are happy with how it turned out! I hope that the rest of the story goes how you would all enjoy it! Thanks for reading and commenting!

Hannah-Rampage: I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much! :) Like I said in my A/N, I'm very humbled by the response, and to see this comment, it truly made my day. I hope it doesn't disappoint you, and thank you so much for reading and commenting!

Goldielover: Drama is my middle name, so there will definitely be drama. :D As for her becoming a vampire... I don't want to say yes or no, I think it would give too much away, but the direction will go where it's supposed to/needs to. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!

AHealingRenaissance: Honestly? I love reading your comments! Imaginary people or not, books or stories of any kind can create that kind of emotion in someone. I get it all the time for both fanfictions and published books. Plus I think it's easier to get that kind of feeling with written work rather than movies or TV. Like don't get me wrong, I love TV and movies, but it's shown for you, whereas with books and fanfiction you can picture it exactly as you want to. My fear is that my story will disappoint people, I've already seen the followers fluctuate so I know I've done something people don't like. And it honestly wasn't my intention to write Carlisle too much like Edward because, honestly, he's my least favorite character in the series, books and movies. (Carlisle and Charlie are my top two, hands down.) And like I said I don't want to say too much, but I honestly see her totally different than Bella as far as the having no backbone goes. But then again, I know the rest of the story so I see it, but I think you'll agree with me once it comes to that time. :) Anyway, I hope I at least somewhat answered your questions! Thanks for reading and commenting!

-Abigail-

They stayed together the whole night, though Carlisle did move them so they were more comfortable with him sitting against the headboard and her cradled in his lap. Since she had slept for so long, she wasn't tired, though she knew a full day at the hospital would change that. However, just as she suggested it, Carlisle let out a growl that had her immediately running her fingers through his hair in soothing strokes and she decided rather quickly that she would be calling out again that day. Plus she wasn't too thrilled about getting out of this bed let alone Carlisle's arms. And she didn't want to spend most of her day away from him, knowing how clingy that sounded and knowing she didn't care.

She had him.

He was hers.

He loved her as she loved him.

Her wildest dreams had come true.

He grabbed Jacob's phone from where he had left it on the table and handed it to her. She realized that hers was at home and his must've been far enough away that he didn't want to let her up to get it. The thought made her smile as she dialed in Forks Hospital's phone number.

"Forks Hospital, emergency department."

The voice on the line was definitely not Mackenzie and she pulled back in alarm. Dr. Jones. Her stomach clenched and her body trembled and she shook her head, seeing Carlisle's alarm grow.

"Hello, Dr. Jones." At least she didn't have to work to make her voice sound weak. Carlisle's eyes flashed dangerously.

"Abs!" She winced. She really hated that nickname. "I suppose you calling means you're not feeling well still?"

She shook her head. "No," she said simply.

"Well, maybe you should come in anyway, see a doctor. I can take a look—"

His words were cut off from Abigail's ear as Carlisle snatched the phone away and pressed it to his own. His eyes were black again. Wow, that happens quick, she thought as her fingers wound up into his hair.

"That won't be necessary, Dr. Jones," he said cooly into the phone. "Yes, this is Dr. Cullen. Abigail will be under my care. Please mark her and myself down as out for the rest of the week." Her eyes grew wide, ready to argue, but a look from Carlisle had her silenced. "Dr. Fitzgerald from the ICU should be able to cover my patients until I return. Thank you, Brett. Have a pleasant weekend." He sounded like he meant anything but, and he clicked off as soon as the words left his mouth. The phone was tossed away and he pressed his face to her neck. She could feel himself gathering his control and she ran soothing fingers through his hair.

When he finally looked up, his eyes still flashed, but they were ochre again, and he looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," he murmured. "I don't like that man. I've seen him touch you." His teeth gnashed. "I wish you didn't have to work around him."

"You and me both. He makes me uncomfortable."

His eyes flickered to hers and for a moment, she saw the danger in them. "Has he ever done anything or touched you in an inappropriate way?"

She shrugged and glanced away, but he turned her face back to him. "No, not exactly," she murmured. "I mean... I suppose most would consider it friendly or something. Touching my back, my hand..." Carlisle growled softly and fingers resumed their trek through his hair. "Nothing to be considered harassment, but it makes me uncomfortable."

Carlisle slowly swallowed, but he nodded and she could see that he was fighting the urge to do or say something more. She cupped his cheek with her free hand and gazed into his eyes tenderly. God, what did I do to deserve this man? she wondered. Her heart clenched and as she looked at him, she could feel all the broken, bruised, and bloodied pieces of her heart stitching themselves slowly back together. He was her dream, her everything. There as nothing she wouldn't do for him, nothing she wouldn't give up to be with him. She loved him, he was her whole heart.

"I love you," she whispered and she felt pride, elation, and wonder at her own power that she saw everything melt from him in an instant and his gaze was just as tender and as adoring as hers was.

"I love you, too, my sweet Abigail."

They stayed upstairs alone for another hour until her stomach growled. She tried to say she was fine, but the look on his face had her scurrying in to the shower. Her hair was gross and greasy and she yelled herself silly, admonishing herself for not fixing it before he saw her. Silly, he doesn't care, she thought, after all he admitted his love for her even though she looked gross. But she cared.

She had grabbed clothes from the closet before she went in—whose clothes even are these? she wondered as they fit like a glove—and once she was done and dry, she pulled them on. Khaki pants that were just tight enough not to need a belt, a white camisole, and a soft cashmere sweater over it that V-ed down enough to see the lace of the camisole peaking through. Her hair she dried and brushed and left wavy, and she slipped into some black flats that were similar to the others she had at home that Alice had given her before.

Usually she didn't care about her looks, she didn't care what she wore. She didn't think herself attractive—though compared to the Cullen girls she knew she looked like a troll—even though she tried. But now... She felt different. She liked what she in the mirror, and the radiant glow to her skin made her smile. She knew Carlisle made all the difference; he brought her to life in ways she never dreamed possible. And she knew without a doubt that he was her reason for existing, the reason she was put on this planet. To love him and be loved by him. Take care of him and let him take care of her. Spend her life with him.

Smiling shyly as pink invaded her cheeks, she moved back into the bedroom where she could feel her love waiting for her. She carefully set her pajamas down by the bed and looked at him shyly as he seemed to let out a shaky breath and move for her like she was tugging him. He had changed into a pair of black trousers and a light blue button down with a scarf, and he never looked more handsome. Maybe that's because I know he's mine, she thought giddily. Her thoughts were so different from the ones before the kiss, when she was convinced it would never happen. But now that she had him, now that she knew what it was like to be in his arms, she didn't know how she survived before without him.

He guided her to him gently and pressed his lips into hers tenderly. "You look exquisite, my darling," he purred, stepping back to take a very appreciative look over her and it made her already pink cheeks darken.

That word, "exquisite," it brought back to mind her dream and she desperately wanted to say something, but she couldn't, not yet. She didn't want to seem crazy. Because the fact that the line was directly from her dream was just a coincidence. And it didn't mean she didn't enjoy hearing it.

"You're entirely too ridiculous," she said with a playful grin making him chuckle as he pulled her closer once more. "But thank you. You look rather dashing yourself. I love the scarves on you." She fingered the one he was wearing, a light gray one, and for a moment she just pondered it.

"Thank you, my darling, I love it." He grinned at her as he held up the scarf she had wrapped so lovingly the night before. "I have no idea how you managed to work out my birthday after all these years."

"With Emmett and Edward's help." Abigail smiled and leaned up to nip at his bottom lip. "After all, it's not everyday your husband turns three hundred years old. It's a special day."

"So, a scarf?"

"Damn right, a scarf. And you love it, too." She scoffed as he smirked and he simply pulled her in for a loving kiss.

Abigail blinked, hearing Carlisle say her name, and she looked up at his worried eyes. How long has she spaced out?

"What? Sorry I..." She trailed off because she had no logical explanation.

"Are you okay?" His palm was cupping her chin, tilting it up as if to look for signs of distress and she nodded, taking his wrist and kissing his hand, smiling softly.

"I'm perfect, my love. Shall we?"

Carlisle studied her for another moment before offering her his arm. She tucked her hand into his elbow and he led her downstairs, not catching the moment of panic on her face.

Jacob was nowhere to be found, but she couldn't think to hard on it as the moment she stepped off the stairs, she heard a loud squeal and then she had her arms full of pixie. She was shocked for a moment and then she laughed, arms wrapping around Alice's body and hugging her tight.

"Finally!" the girl squealed and Abigail raised an eyebrow.

"Finally?" she wondered. Alice just pulled back to smile at her mysteriously before tugging her into the kitchen. Rosalie was there with Bella and Carlie. Bella cooked and the others sat at the table and they all looked up expectantly as she walked in. Alice still held her hand, but Carlisle's hand was on her lower back so it made her more at ease.

The other three looked very pleased she was there and welcomed her to the table, making her blush yet again. It seemed to her like all the air of tension was gone. Maybe it was just around her and Carlisle before, but it felt a bit easier to breathe as she eagerly accepted her pancakes and eggs from a smiling Bella.

"We've already eaten so it's all yours," she said warmly. Abigail's eyes lit up and she thanked her profusely before digging in. Alice was to her left and Carlisle to her right, never really letting his fingers leave her even as she reached for more. Emmett, Edward, and Jasper soon wandered in and began conversation with the others. It was soft and just what Abigail needed right then even though she was mostly quiet except for feeding her face.

Halfway through she realized there were eyes on her and she looked up and saw Emmett at the other end of the table smirking at her, a glint in his eye she couldn't place, but it was gone as soon as he realized she was looking.

"What?" she asked self-consciously after swallowing another bite of fluffy pancakes. Baby boy, she suddenly thought, remembering the barrage of weird images that flashed through her dreams. She missed Edward's sudden snap of the head, the way he stared at her in wondering disbelief, the way Carlisle caught his gaze over her head.

"Never seen you eat so much," Emmett said.

Abigail raised an eyebrow. "I slept for twenty-four hours, what do you expect?"

But suddenly Emmett's face changed as if she had slapped him and she looked at him in alarm, unaware that while they were talking, Edward hearing her thoughts and whispered, "She remembers 'Baby Boy,'" to him. It was so soft her human ears couldn't pick it up, but all of the others could and the emotions ranged from shock to wonder to horror to confusion.

"What's wrong?" she asked, watching as he stood up and his whole body shook. She stood up, too, and he took a step away and her eyes became hurt. "Emmett..."

He turned and stalked away then, fists clenching at his sides and the front door slammed. She winced and her appetite was gone. She sat back and dropped her fork, staring at the table for a moment before her watery eyes lifted to Carlisle's stunned, yet soft ochre hues.

"What did I do?" she wondered softly, her voice breaking. He shook his head, eyes growing sad and tender and he reached up to cup her cheek.

"Nothing, sweetheart. He just... He got some news earlier he wasn't ready for and he's still taking it badly." She wasn't sure she fully understood or believed him, but she knew she should so she nodded and let him pull her against his chest. The room was quiet for a moment before Rosalie moved, coming to place a hand on Abigail's shoulder. Abigail glanced up, caught Rosalie's smile, and then the blonde moved to go after her husband.

Abigail sniffled a little and Carlisle wiped at her tears and kissed her tenderly. "Don't worry, my love, he'll be okay." Abigail nodded and couldn't help but glance out the door he had went through. She wanted to go after him, everything in her wanted to, but she knew Rosalie would get him to come back, and she had a feeling he didn't want to see her right then. She was going to try and talk to him later, and she desperately hoped he would let her.

Slowly the conversation picked up around her again, unaware of Edward quickly murmuring her newest dream to the family, as she slowly ate though it was with less enthusiasm. She didn't want to waste food, though. But Carlisle picked up on her mood rather quickly and gently pried the fork from her fingers and moved them to the stairs.

He led her back up them and she expected to head back to her unofficial, official room, but instead they went the opposite direction. She was able to take in more of the house and realized how beautiful it was. There was minimal decoration, but it suited the place. It was them and she adored it.

The room he picked out was away from the others and when he opened the door, he let her in front of him. It was dark, the drapes closed and she squinted, but blinked a moment later as the light ahead clicked on.

It only took her a moment to gasp as she took in the room. Three of the walls, other than where the windows were, had floor to ceiling bookshelves covering them with books covering every inch. A large mahogany desk sat in one corner with a large leather chair behind it. A couch sat towards the opposite wall and, like the bedroom, it had light hardwood floors covered by an area rug.

"Oh my gosh," she murmured, taking her hand from Carlisle for a moment to go study the books. To her greater shock, most looked like first editions—oh my, that's a first edition Pride and Prejudice—and she pulled her hand back, afraid to touch them. She turned in a slow circle and she had assumed the wall with the door would also have the bookshelves, but they held instead many kinds of paintings, all different eras. So many styles, none of the paintings the same size. One, curiously, had what looked like a black cloth made from silk covering it, and she frowned for a moment before looking back to Carlisle. He was looking at her with an almost guarded expression, and she wasted no time after seeing that to hop back to him, throw her arms around his neck, and kiss him deeply.

He hummed as he returned the favor. His arms were tight and comforting around her as he nearly pulled her off her feet and she grinned, standing up more on her toes as a way to indicate that he could do that. After all, Jacob and Charlie did it, and Emmett did it without needing her permission, so he surely could, too, especially if that meant being closer for kisses.

He grinned back and took her hint, pulling her off her feet so she dangled nearly a foot off the floor, her legs kicking back and her shoes flopping off, but she didn't care. For a moment she wondered if holding her up would be too much, but he didn't even seem to strain so she was content in staying right there.

Too soon, he reluctantly pulled away and she pouted, causing him to laugh and kiss her again, but just a peck. He set her on her feet and she found her shoes quickly.

"While I would love to kiss you for eternity, I have to talk to you about something, my sweet Abigail."

While he didn't seem to be nervous himself, those words filled her with dread and her smile quickly faded. She stared up at him fearfully and it seemed to take him only a second to realize why her expression changed and quickly his eyes widened and he shook his head, taking a step to her to fill in the space between them.

"Oh god, baby, no. No, I'm so sorry. It's not a break up talk, no. Definitely not. Never. No." He was so adamant and so troubled by that thought that her body relaxed and she let out a breath, leaning forward to cling to him.

"Sorry. That's usually what people say when it's bad news."

"I would never leave you," he murmured and though her head, her rational side, told her that he could never promise that and he'll get tired of her soon enough, her heart, the less rational side to her, believed him and knew that he never would go back on his words. This time, she followed her heart.

"Nor I you, my love," she whispered. He tilted her head up and a flash of pain crossed his face, but it was gone as soon as it was there and she might've imagined it. He cradled her cheeks in his palms, her arms around his waist, and he kissed her again. Slowly, passionately, pouring all his intentions into that kiss.

As before, it was over too soon and when she tried to follow his lips, he smiled and gently eased her back. "Let's sit, sweetheart." She nodded as he took her hand and led her to the couch. She realized as she sat that the door was closed and she was glad they had this privacy. She loved how close this family was—she craved it—but sometimes even she needed privacy.

He never let go of her hand and she felt that was a good sign. But he looked troubled as if he didn't know how or where to start, and she tilted her head to study him. He tried a couple times to speak, but it didn't come out and she frowned. She hated seeing him like that. He never had trouble saying what he meant and so her instincts, the need to make him feel better and take care of him, had her crawling into his lap and nuzzling against his neck. If she could purr, she sure as hell would because he needed it. As it was, what she gave seemed like enough because he sighed and wrapped one arm around her, the other he used to tilt her chin back up to him.

"The time you've spent in La Push... Did Billy Black ever tell you the tribe legends?"

Abigail rose an eyebrow and nodded. "Yeah. A long time ago, but I remember some of them. Like the tribe turning into wolves." She grinned. "Not so much a legend anymore."

Her grin faded as he looked pained, hand making soft motions on her hip. "Do you remember why they turned into wolves?"

"Sure. A threat to the tribe. It came from them once being spirit warriors."

Carlisle slowly nodded. "Do you remember the threat?"

That had her pausing her her nose scrunched up a little as she thought. Her mind went back to the bonfires out on the beach, sitting around with Jacob, Billy, Charlie, Old Quil, and Sam, and hearing about how an enemy attacked the tribe so they turned into wolves for protection. Another enemy came for revenge and almost killed the last wolf, but then the Third Wife stabbed herself in the heart to distract the enemy and the wolf was able to kill it.

"Cold Ones," she murmured, not even realizing she said it aloud as she remembered the name Billy had said to them. She only realized when Carlisle's grip tightened a little on her hip and she looked up at him. His face was pained again and she frowned, fingers finding his hair. She was unsure how she knew that his having his hair played with would be of comfort to him, but as usual, it worked.

"Yes," he whispered.

"But that's a legend, too, right?" She paused. "Though, I guess we established that the wolves aren't just a legend anymore. So chances are, the Cold Ones aren't either." Carlisle looked pained again and slowly shook his head, but said nothing. His fingers slipped ever so slightly under her shirt.

They were warmer to her ever since they got together, but she knew to everyone else they were cold as that was proved when he sewed up her arm. Unnaturally cold, actually. Like Alice. And Emmett. And Edward...

"Oh," she said suddenly, her stunned eyes turning up to that of Carlisle's. "Oh."