A/N

Thank you to everyone who has been reading!

Just a quick note, this is set in 2005 which is when Twilight began.

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Chapter 3

Chelsea

"Its ok. I will ask Alice to bring it back home for you. As for where we should go, I think I know just the place." Carlisle said with a cheeky smile. "Let me just call Alice very quickly-"

He was interrupted by his phone ringing. I raised my eyebrows. He glanced down at the phone screen. "Speak of the devil. I will be back shortly." He gave me a tight smile and glided away. I had already listened in on him and Alice once without knowing, so I wasn't keen to do it again.

I decided to check my appearance. I quickly took out my phone and turned the front camera on. I smoothed my hair, patted the concealer creases under my eyes, and checked my teeth. I turned my phone screen off again and slid it into my pocket.

I felt strong arms curl around me from behind and my heart skipped a beat. I felt blood rising to my face. I still couldn't believe this was happening! I couldn't help but thank my luck that my car broke down. If that hadn't have happened, none of this would be. Although, if he truly was feeling the way that I was, then maybe it would have happened regardless.

I turned my head and he kissed my cheek. "Im back," he said as he continued to plant little kisses on my cheek. The feeling of his breath on my face and neck made me shiver.

"So I see… Where is all this affection coming from?" I teased lightly. God knows I loved it, but I was curious.

"Lets just say I have been waiting to doing this for a long time…" He said, slightly mysteriously. How long? Did he feel the same when he first saw me?

To my dismay, he let me go. I sighed, wishing we could have stayed that way for longer.

"We should get going, Chelsea. Your mother will be here very soon." He said with a silken voice.

I nodded and made my way to the passenger side, opened the door, and sat down. He quickly got in. I couldn't help but to stare at his perfect features as he put on his seatbelt. He looked over and chuckled when he caught me staring. I quickly looked away in embarrassment.

He turned the key in the ignition and the engine hummed to life.

"Ah, see?" He said while pointing a little further ahead of us. It was my moms car driving towards us. I felt a pang of panic in my stomach. What would she think if she saw me and my teacher in his Mercedes?

As the car started rolling forward, I decided to duck down and pretend I was checking my shoe laces so that she wouldn't see me.

"Its safe to come up now," He sounded amused. I looked at him and he was smiling at me. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of his perfect face.

"Sorry… Its just that I barely even know what is happening between us, it is probably best that no one make any assumptions just yet. Especially my mother." I tried to say without sounding to worried. "But just out of curiosity… What exactly is this?"

Carlisle sighed. "To be honest, I don't know right now. All I know is how I feel, and how I hope you feel."

"And… how do you feel?" I pressed.

He flashed me another of his brilliant smiles that always seem to melt my heart. "Lets talk about that later. Right now I want to just enjoy this without getting to serious."

I just nodded in response.

The drive was nice, and fairly uneventful. While stopped at traffic lights I saw Marianne Johnstone, my moms friend, and decided it would be best to duck down again. After we got out of the town limits I could finally relax.

After a while, I noticed we were driving up a long driveway. I could barely make out a structure through the trees. The trees finally cleared, and I could see clearly. It was a gorgeous white house, with large windows, and two levels. It was surprisingly open and minimalistic, but very modern.

"Chelsea, I just need to stop at my house for a few minutes. I have to pick something up. You're welcome to come in if you like."

"Um, alright." I said, unsure.

We pulled up near the front door and Carlisle exited the car. Almost as soon as he did, he was at my door opening it for me. He reached out his hand, which I took. He was always such a gentleman. He continued holding it as he led me up the few steps to the front door.

He opened the door, and led me inside with a grin. "Welcome to my home!"

I couldn't help but gasp. It was spectacular. Hugh ceilings, walls covered in beautiful artwork, wooden floors. Not to mention the furniture. Some pieces looked very modern, and others looked centuries old. But they all seemed to suit not just the interior, but Carlisle himself perfectly.

I didn't notice him staring at me as I was too busy gawking at the beautiful house. When I finally noticed, I looked over at him and he dropped his gaze to the floor immediately. Heat started to creep up my neck to my face.

"Would you like to see my study?" He asked. I was still feeling embarrassed from his stare, so I just nodded.

He led me up the huge staircase to the left of the room. I noticed a strange piece of art on the wall. It looked like a few dozen overlapping graduation caps. Carlisle noticed my strange look towards the artwork and hurried to explain. "Just a little family joke." I decided not to push the topic further, for my own good. It seemed like a strange topic to joke about.

He led me through to a large dark wood door, with an beautifully detailed christian cross hanging on the front. He inserted a key into the small lock, and pushed the door open. It was gorgeous. There was a large mahogany desk, carved with intricate designs on the legs. And a towering bookcase holding hundreds of books. "This is where I spend most of my time." He explained.

"I can see why. Carlisle… Its beautiful in here." I couldn't help but notice the strange painting on the wall above the desk. It would look normal to anyone else, but I couldn't help but fixate on one figure in the painting. He had golden eyes, golden hair to match, and the same god-like perfect features. It couldn't be Carlisle… This painting looked centuries old!

"I had it commissioned by a friend…" He said quietly. It seemed like he had an excuse for everything. I looked up into his eyes, which were on me. All my doubts melted away. I found myself lost again in his butterscotch eyes. He brought his hand up to my face and stroked my cheek. I closed my eyes and focused on the sensation of his smooth, cool fingers against my burning cheek.

"I am going to go down to get some things. I will be right back." He kissed the top of my head and left me alone in his study. I walked over to his desk.

I ran my fingers along the smooth wood and smiled. I wonder how many hours he has spent at this desk, I thought. I imagined him sitting in the antique looking chair, immersed in his work. I imagined walking up to him while he was there and running my fingers through his hair, kissing his neck, breathing in his scent of spice and books and sunshine. I felt my body flush at the though, and shook my head to get the images out.

I sat down in his chair. It smelled so much of him that it felt like he was holding me. I closed my eyes and leaned back into it, sighing contentedly.

"You look comfortable." I heard a familiar, silky voice say. My eyes snapped open. I began to get ready to stand up. "You can stay there if you like." He laughed a little as he said.

Remembering that we were supposed to be going somewhere, I decided to get up. Carlisle was leaning against the door frame, his hair slightly tousled. I saw he was holding a blanket and a basket.

"Are we having a picnic?"

"Would that be ok with you?" He asked.

"Of course! A picnic sounds wonderful." I walked towards the door frame where he was standing and looked up into his eyes. We were only inches away from each other now, so I decided to return what he had done to me earlier. I reached up and ran my hand through the front of his hair, smoothing it back. He closed his eyes and a soft growl sounded in his chest.

When his eyes opened again, there was an almost unreadable emotion in them. Need, maybe? I decided to give him what I thought he needed.

I tilted my head up to his and stood on my toes. He immediately began to bend down to reach my lips.

When our lips touched, the electric spark had come back. I needed more. I pressed my lips harder to his, and opened my mouth. My tongue lightly licked his bottom lip, and he responded by opening his mouth.

When his tongue found mine, I sighed in pleasure. I let my arms move up this chest, feeling the perfect muscles that were there, to his shoulders, to around his neck. He dropped the blanket and basket and pulled me in closer to him. My body was pressed against his. It was very hard, and very defined, but not uncomfortable. Mine seemed to fit his perfectly.

One of my hands went to the back of his head, into his hair. I tightened my fist very slightly around a handful of his flaxen hair. He let out another growl, louder this time, which made my body follow suit. I let a small moan out at his reaction. This made his grip on me tighten.

We stayed this way for another minute or so, until he pulled away. He apparently had much better self control than I did.

I was struggling to breath calmly. Carlisle placed his lips against the top of my head and took a deep breath. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the closeness. I breathed in his now familiar scent. I wish I knew what he was thinking.

"Chelsea, at this rate we will never leave for the picnic."

"Mm… I know, but this is so nice." I replied. I felt him begin to pull away and my heart sank. But he was right. And I was looking forward to the picnic.

I pulled away from his arms finally and straightened myself up. He picked up the basket and blanket again with one hand, and held out his other to me.

"Shall we?" His voice was as silky as ever.

"Yes, Carlisle." I took his hand and smiled.

He led me back out to the car and opened my door for me. I settled into the seat as he put the picnic things in the back.

When he opened the door and took a seat next to me, I took a chance to ask him where we were going.

"Oh, nowhere too far. In fact it is still on this property. Unfortunately, we cannot just walk there though. It would be too far for you." I briefly thought that was a strange thing to say, it being too far for me, but thought nothing of it when the began to move.

We drove for about 10 minutes up a winding steep dirt road. He parked the car, and turned to me.

"We will have to walk for a few minutes. Is that ok?"

I nodded. "Of course! I cant wait to see where you are taking me." I gave him a quick smile before we both exited the car. I let myself out this time, as he was gathering the picnic basket and blanket.

He came to my side and took my hand. I was expecting it, but the physical contact still made my heart skip a beat. He squeezed my hand briefly, and we began walking.

The walk wasn't too bad. The trees were very dense, but they smelled wonderful and fresh. I loved being outdoors, even if I didn't get to enjoy it often.

Carlisle began to slow down, and then stopped eventually. "Chelsea, I want you to close your eyes and wait here. I will be back in a few seconds." My heart rate quicken at the thought of him leaving me alone. In the short time we had spent together, I had felt overwhelmingly attached to him. He seemed to sense my discomfort. "I promise. It'll only be a few seconds. You can count, and I can assure you, I will be back before you get to 20." I nodded and closed my eyes. He dropped my hand and was gone.

"One… Two… Three… Four… Five… Six… Seven… Eight… Nine… Ten… Eleven… Twe-"

"See. I told you I would be back before you knew it. Don't open your eyes yet!" His velvet voice called as he got closer.

I felt his hands slide over my eyes to make sure they were closed. His hands were so cool, yet it seemed to leave a trail of fire wherever he touched me.

"Ok now I want you to walk forward. Be very careful." His voice was in my ear sending shivers down my spine. I took a few small steps forward. "Thats it… You're doing wonderfully." I couldn't help but smile at how pleased he sounded with me. I mean, I only took a few steps. Its not like I walked on the moon.

We continue to walk slowly for another 20 or so seconds. Carlisle slipped his hands from my eyes. "You can open them now." He breathed.

I opened my eyes slowly, and blinked a few times. The scene before me took my breath away. It was something straight out of a fairytale.

The trees had cleared, the cold dirt ground had changed to soft grass, and there was a beautiful stream running not too deep into the trees to the left of the clearing. The sound of birds and the stream filled the air. It was warmer here, too.

Carlisle had set up the blanket on the grass, an assortment of breads, cheese and olives were assembled on a thick wooden board.

"Carlisle…" I began, struggling to find the words. "Its so…"

"I had hoped you'd like it." He replied with a kind tone.

"Like it? I love it!" I whirled around to face him. "No one has ever done anything like this for me."

He stroke his fingers against my cheek, sending a shiver through me again.

"Well I hope to do things like this a lot more for you."

He moved away and lead me towards the blanket. I took a seat on it and watched Carlisle do the same. "Are you hungry?" He asked while motioning toward the food before us.

"I am, thank you."

"Please, help yourself."

Everything looked so good, I didn't know which to try first. After the long debate in my mind, I settled on some Brie with some ciabatta bread. I took a bite and moaned. It was the best tasting cheese I had ever had.

I suddenly felt very self conscious when I looked over at Carlisle and saw he was staring at me. His expression was hard to read. He didn't even look away when I turned to him. Maybe there was something on my face?

I swallowed my food and licked my lips to check for crumbs, and I saw his eyes tighten when I did this.

"Is something wrong?" I asked. "Do I have something on my face…?"

His expression softened immediately. "No! Not at all. I was just watching you…"

I looked down, feeling a little embarrassed.

"How about we play a game? We will each ask each other questions and we have to answer them honestly." He said a bit more cheerily.

"Ok! Sounds fun." I replied, as I put my bread down. "You start."

"Hmm… ok. Let me think… Ok, have you always lived in Forks?" He asked, after a moment of thinking.

"Yes. Well I was born is Seattle, and moved to Forks when I was 1."

"Your turn now, my dear." He said with a smile.

"I already know from school that you move around a lot… So my question is, where has been your favourite place to live so far?"

He looked thoughtful for a moment and crossed his arms. "I would have to say Forks is my favourite so far."

"How come?"

He hesitated slightly before answering, "Because you're here, Chelsea." His eyes bore into mine and I had to look away. My hear started beating wildly again. "My turn." he said as I looked away. "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?"

Now was my turn to think. "I want to visit many places, Peru, Nepal, Russia, but most of all, Antarctica."

"Why is that?" For some reason he had an amused look on his face.

"Well I love cold weather. Plus I think its beautiful from what I have seen. And there are lots of penguins. They're my favourite animal."

"Why penguins?"

"… Well. Apart from being cute… I heard they mate for life. Some penguins sing a song to each other, and if the other likes the song, they are mates for the rest of their lives. I think its beautiful." I was looking into my lap as I said this, and when I eventually looked up, I saw Carlisle looking at me with a loving expression.

"That is a lovely reason, Chelsea," He said quietly.

"Its my turn…" I struggled to even find the words to say that, I was so lost in him. "Have you ever been in love?" The question was out of my mouth before I could even think. He smiled at the question and sighed.

"No, I have not. I have loved people before, my father, my children… But I have never found a woman who I have fallen in love with. I did try, many many years ago. When I saw her, I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I took her in, and tried to fall in love with her, but neither of us felt it. She has remained with my family though, as a motherly figure. I am sure you will meet her one day."

I was starting to feel confused. Carlisle had referred a few times to things happening a long time ago. And he took this woman in? So he just found her on the street and invited her to come live with him? My train of thought was interrupted by his next questions;

"What is your favourite food?" It seemed like he could sense the confusion, so he tried to lighten the mood back up again with a normal question.

"Eggplant parmigiana." I replied without even having to think. "Carlisle… How old are you? And remember you said each question had to be answered honestly…"

His expression changed to one of concern now.

"Chelsea…" He began slowly. He looked down to his lap as he spoke. "I am… 23."

Bull. Shit.

"Carlisle, why do I get the feeling you are not being honest with me?" I asked accusingly.

"I am being honest with you. Biologically, I am 23."

"Biologically? What does that even mean? Do you honestly expect me to believe that you are merely 23 and a successful doctor, teacher, and have adopted four teenage children? Not to mention taking some woman in…" I couldn't help but sneer at the last few words. I will admit, I was a little jealous. He seemed to notice this.

"There is no need to be jealous of Esme. There is nothing between us. As for what you believe, I cannot change that. But as much as I would like to, I cannot tell you everything right now."

"Tell me what?!" I was beginning to feel a bit fed up with his riddles.

"I cannot say right now. Please, I need you to trust me." He moved closer to me and placed a hand on my thigh. I looked into his pleading eyes, and all my frustration melted away. I sighed and placed my hand on top of his.

"Okay, Carlisle. I trust you. Its your turn."

He gave me a small smile. "Did you ever think you would be here with me like this?"

Now it was my turn to smile. "Well, right here? No. I didn't even know it existed." I laughed awkwardly. "But, I know what you mean. To be honest, I had hoped. I tried very hard to ignore the pull that you seemed to have on me. I even thought about leaving biology. And I felt terrible for even imagining us together… You're my teacher. Its so wrong… What about you?"

"Well, I knew we would be like this eventually. But I didn't think it would happen while you were at school. Let alone while I was your teacher. I have been harbouring a lot of guilt over my feelings for you. I sometimes feel very ashamed of myself, like I am taking advantage of you. You're so much younger than me-"

"Im not that much younger. You are apparently only 23, remember?" I teased.

"…Yes. I know. But we are in very different stages of our lives."

"I know what you mean. But I also disagree. I think we are very similar stages. I have never been interested in people my own age, for friendship or otherwise. I have always found myself getting along better with adults. My mom says I am an old soul." He seemed to smile at this.

"I think you are too." He said. I returned his smile.

"My turn… Where do you see yourself in 10 years?"

"To be honest, I don't know. I know I wont be in forks any longer than another three years-

"What? Really?"

"We have to move around a lot…"

"But why? Why don't you just stay?"

"Chelsea, I cant explain that right now."

I felt a stab of anger and made sure he knew it. "Whatever, Carlisle. I would never lie to you about something like this. It seems like whatever secret this is would be a very important factor in our… relationship? I don't even know what to call it. In this thing we have."

He seemed to sadden when I said this. I didn't mean to make him sad, but this was crazy.

"… I might be able to tell you."

"Please Carlisle…"

"Let me just call Alice first. She will know what to do." I gave him another strange look. What was she, a magic 8 ball or something?! He took out his phone just as it started ringing. He answered it right in front of me, not walking away this time.

"Alice! Yes… She is here…. I need to ask you-…. Okay…. Are you sure?…" He took a deep breath. "Thank you, Alice."

I just continued staring at him. This day was becoming so bizarre.

"She said I can tell you everything… But I need you to stay calm."

"…Okay."

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. After a few seconds, he opened them again and they bore into mine.

"Chelsea… I am not 23… Well, I am. But I have been 23 for a long time." He spoke slowly while watching my reaction. As he said this, my stomach churned. I knew it. I knew something was strange.

"…How long?" I tried to ask calmly, but my voice cracked.

"… Are you sure you want to know?"

"No. But tell me. I need to know…"

"1663." He kept his eyes on mine. My own eyes widened. I felt sick. I could hear my heart beating in my ears. "I am 342 years old."

"But… But how?"

"I dont think you're quite ready for this part."

"Just tell me, Carlisle."

He sighed again and looked down, as if he were ashamed.

"I am a vampire." Was all I heard before everything went dark.