here's the second chapter then... have fun!

CHAPTER 10: Parting Ways – Esme's POV

I lay in my bed and though I was tired sleep wouldn't come back. I had dreamed about Carlisle. It was a good dream at first, but then it changed. Carlisle and me were walking through a park, talking, like we did this evening, but then suddenly Carlisle said he had to go. He left me in the middle of the forest, all alone. I woke up and tried to calm my frantically beating heart. But then I realized part of the dream was true. I would be released in the morning and never see him again. After coming to that really heartbreaking conclusion it was impossible for me to fall asleep again. I spent the rest of the night listening to the sounds outside, half hoping he would peek inside to check if everything was alright. But I knew better. He was trying to catch some sleep, as he said earlier. And also, why would he come inside my room in the middle of the night? We were friends, kind of, but he surely didn't feel this exaggerated kind of affection I felt for him. He was 12 years older than me. A grown man to whom I was only a girl. A girl that he was nice to and cared for, like a friend did, but nothing more.

I watched the sky change it's colour. Slowly the twinkling stars faded and the dark blue lightened to azure. In the east a faint trace of the morning light could be seen. I watched the sun rise outside.

Finally a nurse came inside to bring me breakfast and inform me that I had my final examination scheduled for 9 am. I took my time eating the breakfast though it didn't really taste good. I just wanted time to pass and because I had nothing to do I ate slower than usual.

At 8 am another nurse came into my room to help me change into a skirt and a dark blue pullover. She also packed my bag for me because it would have taken me hours by myself and my parents hadn't arrived yet. I was very grateful for that, because I so also had some company.

Carlisle's books were still lying on the nightstand but I put them in a smaller bag which only contained my personal belongings. I would have to give the books back to Carlisle and therefore I kept them in the smaller back with me and not in my travelling bag.

Finally I was wheeled into the exam room and got onto the table. And then I waited. I didn't even know if my parents had arrived, I hadn't seen them.

I then heard some talking outside in the hallway. I recognised Carlisle's soft voice and the deep rumbling of my father. Just a minute later it knocked on the door and Carlisle stepped inside.

"Hello!" I said and smiled at him. "Good morning!" he replied. "How have you slept? Not too good according to the circles under your eyes…" I looked down and blushed. "Is it that obvious?" I asked him. "No, it's just because I know how you spent part of your night, I guess…" he assured me. I smiled at him and suddenly noticed the black circles under his eyes. He looked like he hadn't slept for days. And he was worried about me? "Well, you look far worse." I said simply, only afterwards realising it was quite impolite. "Haven't you slept at all?" I wanted to know. He really looked bad, almost ill with the pale skin. And this weren't just dark circles under his eyes, they looked more like bruises, according to the colour. "A little." He murmured but was avoiding my gaze which made me think Carlisle was lying. I felt sorry for him. It must be hard to work as a doctor, especially when you worked the night shifts and then also had to do a double shift. He had to be tired.

I didn't really register what I was doing until I felt my fingers touch his face. I knew what I was doing was completely wrong but I couldn't draw my hand back. His skin was smooth, but also hard and cold. I wasn't bothered by the coldness but it surely felt strange. My fingers traced the circle under his left eye, wishing to erase the mark the lack of sleep had left. "You should sleep. You must be terribly tired." I murmured and cupped his cheek. Carlisle closed his eyes as of relishing in the feeling of my hand on his skin. It felt so good touching him. I didn't know where this boldness was coming from. I would have never gone so far under normal circumstances, but this was different. I felt drawn to Carlisle like a moth to the light. The closeness of even touching him sent a shiver down my spine.

Suddenly Carlisle's eyes hot open and I quickly pulled ma hand back. He startled me a little. An awkward silence stretched between us. Carlisle must have felt it to, because he coughed nervously and then said: "Well, I will have to take a look at the cast…" "Go ahead." I murmured unintelligible and felt foolish just after the words left my mouth.

Carlisle seemed to be completely in his doctor-mode now. His playfulness and the personality we had shared was gone. He asked a few question about my condition but didn't make small-talk like usual. Had I maybe done something? Had I gone too far by touching him and now he was all professional to show me my mistake? Had I maybe destroyed or companionship with one foolish action?

"Well, everything seems good to me." Carlisle said after he had examined the cast carefully. "Your leg will be fine in about six weeks. Until then I recommend you to keep it elevated, don't walk to much and only on crutches. In six weeks you should get back to the hospital to have the cast removed…" He rambled on in his professional tone but I did not really listen. This was not the Carlisle I got to know these last days "…ready to climb trees again, just promise me to not fall out a second time." He added in a playful voice and as I looked surprised up he winked. I bit my lip and blushed a little. The Carlisle I knew was back. His smile and playful tone mad eme instantly happy.

Suddenly I remembered something he had said. "Will you remove it?" I asked. Carlisle looked up at me, a bit puzzled. "Sorry?" he asked. "The cast. I wondered if you will be the one who removes it…" I explained to him. I knew instantly that I had hit a wound spot. Carlisle sighed and looked down, shaking his head slowly. "No, I am leaving…" he mumbled.

I stared at him. Speechless. He had never said anything like that before. Why would he leave? "Leaving?" I echoed, shocked and sad. Carlisle nodded. "Yes… I got an offer from a hospital in Chicago…" he said. I looked away. I had to admit that I was a little hurt. I thought he trusted me, or that we were friends on some level. Had he lied with other things too? "You didn't tell me…" I murmured hurt. "I am sorry, really." Carlisle explained and looked at me. "I guess I just didn't want to think of it… spoil our time together…" he explained. Our time together? My heart probably skipped a beat out of happiness. "I really enjoyed talking to you…" Carlisle went on. I smiled. I hadn't imagined things. "Why are you leaving?" I asked Carlisle. I couldn't really imagine why he would want to leave. I always got the impression he was happy here. That he enjoyed his work. "Well, it's a great chance for a young doctor like me…" he replied. I nodded. Carlisle was probably right. He was young and if he got a job offer which would help him in his career he would of course accept it. Carlisle had no wife and family so it wouldn't matter too much where he lived. "I guess it is, good luck then." I wished him but couldn't completely ban the hint of sadness in my voice. Carlisle smiled sadly. "Thank you."

"Well, I think it is goodbye now…" Carlisle started slowly. I sighed inwardly. I didn't want to leave. Everyone else would be happy to get out of the hospital, but not me, at least not under these special circumstances. I had enjoyed these last days so much. Carlisle listened to me and what I wanted. He wasn't like other people I knew. "Yes." I agreed very lowly. A lump was forming in my throat, making it hard to speak. "Goodbye Carlisle." I whispered. "Goodybe, Esme." He replied. Carlisle looked me in the eyes and I felt my heart beating faster. We stared at each other and time seemed to stop. I looked at Carlisle wanting to remember this moment forever. His pale skin, the face like that of a marble statue, his eyes which were always shining with love and compassion, the silky blond hair. I watched how Carlisle became completely still, staring at my lips. My breathing stopped. I must be dreaming this, because it couldn't be possible that Carlisle wanted to… maybe…

Suddenly Carlisle jumped from his chair. He startled me and I flinched. "Sorry, I thought I heard something…" he muttered apologetically. I nodded.

Carlisle smiled down at. "Well, Esme I wish you all the best… I am sure you will become a wonderful woman and a great teacher." He said. I smiled. Carlisle was actually the first one who was supportive of my dream. Everyone else just told me to stop being childish, that I would marry and keep the house and care for the children, not teaching at school. I felt myself blushing at his compliment and nodded shyly. "Good luck in Chicago." I mumbled and leaned on my crutches to stand up.

I slowly turned to the door but then stopped dead in my tracks. His books! "I still have your books…" I said looking at Carlisle. He smiled. "Keep them." I blinked. "What?" For a moment I thought my ears had played some trick on me but when I saw Carlisle smile at me I knew what I heard was true. "Really?" My whole face lit up. I would keep these books like the treasure they were. Something to remind me of these days with him forever… "But promise me not to break more bones when reading them in the trees." Carlisle added with a wink. I blushed again. "Promised." I whispered and turned towards him. I needed to thank him for this gift.

But as I stood in front of him all logical thoughts left me. I didn't know where this boldness was coming from, probably the knowledge of never seeing him again but I threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly. What I hadn't counted on was that once I was so close to him I didn't want to let go ever again. His stone hard body and coldness wasn't bothering me. I held him tighter, inhaling his scent and enjoying the feeling of his body so close to mine. Carlisle put his arms around me and held me for a short while, before he stepped out of my embrace. "Goodbye… Esme." He said slowly, sounding strangely hoarse. "Goodbye… Carlisle Cullen…" I replied and looked up at him. Carlisle smiled. He handed me my crutches back and then opened the door for me.

My parents stood up from two chairs as I hobbled outside of the exam room. My father immediately put his arm around my shoulders in a protective way. I sighed inwardly. "Well, I am sorry the examination took a little longer, but it seemed like there was a crack in the cast, but it is fine. Your daughter should return in six weeks, Mr Platt, to get the cast removed. Until then she should not walk too much and keep her leg elevated and cooled if necessary." Carlisle explained to him, being polite as ever. "Thank you, doctor." My father said and shook his hand. I noticed he flinched from the cold touch of Carlisle's hands. My mother only nodded. She was silent, as always in the presence of my father.

"Goodbye, come Esme." My father used his arm on my shoulder to lead me away… I was forced to look straight ahead. Just before we turned around the corner I broke the grip of my father and looked back. Carlisle stood still in the hallway, looking at me. I smiled at him. He looked so sad. As he saw me smile at him he winked. "Bye, bye Carlisle…" I whispered under my breath.

My father squeezed my shoulders a bit harder and I had to follow him outside. Leaving the best days of my life behind…

so, I hope you liked it but even if you didn't tell me! I want your reviews!

And again I would like to know if you are interested in a sequel... tell me!

PS: for my other story "missing moments" I'm working hard on a chapter (part II of Renesmee with the baby formula this time) but I don't have much time... I can't promise anything but I try to post it before sunday... I hope you stick with me and aren't too mad! xD