Sorry for the long periods between updates, but I've been super busy with school and basketball and other things! Thanks for reading, and staying updated with the chapters! I love the reviews, please keep them coming! :) Enjoy!

Carlisle had spent the better part of the night pacing around the Cullen mansion, finding odd little jobs to do as his mind replayed his previous encounter with Ophelia. She didn't know it, but he'd heard her dejected "Good night", and it had pained him to hear the hurt in her voice. He knew that Ophelia was close to figuring out that it was because of her existence that he was being a complete idiot around her. He cursed her perceptiveness, her eyes, her scent, everything about her that brought out the ravenous monster in him.

He was glad when the sun uncertainly rose at dawn, as if debating whether to make it another miserable-looking day for Forks. Little morning rays of yellow speckled the rooms, making the house sparkle. Carlisle's stomach began to flip as he climbed the stairs to Ophelia's room, something that would happen every time he was supposed to see her. He'd become quite used to it by now.

The soft sound of Ophelia's beating heart wandered the hallway and found Carlisle's ears. It was slow and rhythmic; she was still asleep. But then, another pulsing heart began to interfere with Ophelia's. Carlisle immediately knew whose heart it was, and was surprisingly angry with his granddaughter. He suddenly thought, Why should Renesmee be allowed to see Ophelia at the times when I can't? Carlisle rebuked himself silently for the selfish thought as he pushed the door open.

Carlisle had never seen a more peaceful, or beautiful, sight in his existence. Renesmee had curled into Ophelia's side, with her arms wrapped around the woman sleeping next to her. It was almost as if Ophelia's arms were form-fitted to the little girl. The newly-rising sun shined a little light on their cheeks, giving them a sunny glow. As he inspected the scene closer, he could see the small smile on both Ophelia's and Renesmee's faces. It was enough to make him smile, despite his previous anger.

As she slept soundly, Ophelia's mind became aware of a third presence in her room, and opened her eyes wildly. She saw it was only Dr. Cullen. She sighed with relief and relaxed into her pillow and little Renesmee lying next to her. She suddenly looked down at the slumbering child, and remembered the previous night. Ophelia slowly took one of Renesmee's hands with her own and squeezed it gently to wake her up. The ploy worked, and Renesmee's eyes fluttered open.

"Good morning, Renesmee," Ophelia said with a smile. "And good morning to you, Dr. Cullen."

"Hello, Ophelia. Good morning, Renesmee," Carlisle said with a knowing look to his granddaughter.

"Grandpa?" Renesmee asked, looking at Carlisle with surprised eyes.

Ophelia chuckled. "Sorry Dr. Cullen, she found me after you'd gone last night and fell asleep right after."

"That's all right, but your parents are probably wondering where you are, Renesmee."

"Damn right, we are!" a thunderous voice yelled as the door burst open.

Edward and Bella appeared behind Carlisle, fury becoming one and apologetic eyes the other. Ophelia was too appalled at Edward to remember that she didn't know him very well, and angrily cried out, "Hey! You can't swear in front of a child! What will Renesmee think, that it's okay to cuss whenever she wants?"

Edward slowly turned to the invalid girl and menacingly advanced toward the bed, growling, "I will use whatever language in front of my daughter I choose, with no concern of yours."

"Edward, stop it!" Bella cried out. She ran forward and stepped in front of her husband, who was posed over Ophelia with a fist in front of her face. Ophelia's wide eyes betrayed her terror, but she tried to shake it away and stare back with as much defiance as she could muster.

"What right does this insignificant little girl have to tell me how to raise my daughter?" he roared.

"It's called freedom of speech. First amendment. Look it up," Ophelia spat. She didn't feel as brave as she sounded.

"Will you all STOP!" Renesmee yelled.

No one heard her over Edward and Ophelia screaming at each other. Bella had given up restraining him and had walked back to Carlisle, who had put a comforting arm around her shoulders.

"Are you aware that I am about a thousand times stronger than you, and can PERMANENTLY restrict your freedom of speech?"

"And are you aware that you are demonstrating horrible parenting skills? I can't even begin to comprehend how Renesmee is so well behaved when you gallivant around the place with swear words coming out of your mouth!"

"I will not hear anymore of this!" Edward roared as he stormed out of the room.

Bella looked worriedly back and forth between her husband's retreating form and the terrified girl lying next to her daughter. Bella said, "I'm so sorry about Edward" as she quickly went after her husband. Ophelia, astounded at what had just happened, started to shake when she thought of the underlying threat in Edward's words. Renesmee felt the vibrations and hugged her; Ophelia hugged her back without delay and started to sob quietly. Carlisle stood by the door, completely unsure of how to act for the first time in…well, a long time. The only thing he could think of was to go to Ophelia's side and rub her shoulder comfortingly, saying, "You're all right. You're all right now."

Ophelia soon stopped crying and started to laugh. She'd never felt sillier in her life and hastily wiped away the stray tears. Renesmee was still hugging her, but was confused. "Why are you laughing?"

"I feel so silly for crying after a little argument. I can't remember the last time I cried for something as stupid as a spat!" Ophelia chuckled.

Renesmee still didn't look convinced. "I don't know. Daddy seemed very angry with you. You shouldn't have argued with him."

Ophelia smiled tenderly at Renesmee, saying, "All I did was stand my ground. If your father can't respect that, then he's a…a…well, something I can't say in front of you."

"Ophelia, Renesmee is right. You did a very dangerous thing by arguing with Edward. His threats can sometimes be empty, but that doesn't mean they always will be," Carlisle said. "I don't know if you realize that Edward truly is a thousand times stronger than you, and can hurt you very easily."

"I know, Dr. Cullen. That's why I'm going to completely forget about everything that just happened," Ophelia said, finally calmed down.

Carlisle shook his head. "I'm afraid that isn't good enough. I think you should apologize to Edward."

"Why should I apologize to him? He clearly overreacted! If anything, he should apologize to me!"

"That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that, for your own sake, you should apologize to him."

Ophelia sat as Carlisle's words sunk into her, and realized that Edward wasn't the only one in fault. True, he had overreacted, but then again, she had too. Swearing in front of a child was considered bad parenting, but arguing in front of a child could be considered bad for a child too. Ophelia quickly resolved to apologize to Edward soon, be it for her own safety. She also remembered three other witnesses to the scene.

"Renesmee, Dr. Cullen, I should apologize to you as well. I'm sorry for the way I acted, especially in front of you," she turned to Renesmee. "That was very bad of me, and I'm sorry."

Renesmee smiled at her and quickly replied, "I forgive you!"

Carlisle chuckled and said, "I believe it's time for your breakfast, Renesmee. Esme's cooking pancakes, I hear."

"Yay, my favorite!" Renesmee chirped as she dashed out of the room.

Ophelia was left alone with Carlisle. She turned to him and said, "I'm sorry, Dr. Cullen. That was poor behavior on my part."

"Yes, but I've always admired people who stand up for what they believe in," Carlisle said with a smile.

Ophelia grinned with relief and sank into the pillow. She closed her eyes while Carlisle just stood there, looking upon his patient. Every word he'd said was true; his admiration for Ophelia had only increased when he watched her stand her ground to possibly the most terrifying debater to ever live in Forks. If Carlisle had been human at that moment, he would have surely run to the forest for shelter from his son. But he couldn't think about that now. He thought, Edward, come up here. Ophelia has something she needs to say.

An instant later, Edward burst through the door. He looked relatively calmer, not like he would get into another shouting match. His voice matched his controlled emotions.

"What?"

Carlisle smiled and stood by Ophelia's bed side so Edward could see her. "Ophelia would like to tell you something."

Edward looked expectantly at the girl in the bed, who had started to twist her fingers uneasily. Ophelia looked up at Carlisle, a definite Do I have to? look in her eyes. Carlisle returned it with a stern nod. Ophelia's shoulders sank.

"Oh all right!" she said finally. "I'm sorry I argued with you about Renesmee. Okay?"

Edward grinned, reading her thoughts that opposed the apology. Carlisle started to laugh as Ophelia's head banged against the headboard and she started to moan, "Why? Why me?"

"Come now, it wasn't that painful," Carlisle said with a smirk.

"It was agonizing!"

Edward chuckled. "Her thoughts are practically screaming in pain."

"Because I am in pain! You have no idea how hard it was for me to say sorry to a guy like…" Ophelia stopped short. She would have to keep herself in check to make sure she didn't anger Edward again.

"Like me? I can actually see where you're coming from. I wouldn't want to ever apologize to a man like myself. I guess you could say I'm very…intimidating."

"Try beastly!"

Carlisle watched the playful banter with happy thoughts. He'd known that Edward would enjoy Ophelia's outspoken conversation.

"Wait!" Ophelia sat straight up in her bed. "You never told me if you forgive me or not."

Edward tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I'm not sure; I might have to think about that one…"

Ophelia rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Take your time. I'm not going anywhere."

"That's true. I have plenty of time to ponder this."

"I'll be waiting for the answer." Ophelia sat silently, fidgeting with the comforter she was under. After a few minutes, she said exasperatedly, "You do know it only takes a simple 'yes' or 'no' right?"

"Yes. I just wanted to see you become angry again. It was really quite amusing," he grinned wickedly.

"Glad I could be of service," she replied sarcastically.

Carlisle noted how Edward had seemed to throw himself into the conversation with Ophelia. He was facing her now, had moved down to her eye level, and was only a few feet away from her face. Hmm, interesting…

Edward stood up suddenly. He turned to give his father a harsh look. "You know that's not the case. I could never do that to Bella."

Ophelia looked up wonderingly at Carlisle, questions in her eyes. Carlisle shook his head, hoping she could read his eyes saying, later, later. She understood quickly.

Edward turned to leave the room, muttering, "I have to tend to Nessie now."

"Can I come see her?" Ophelia asked suddenly.

Carlisle's eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. Edward turned so slowly, it was as if a movie had been put into extreme slow motion. "What?" he said thickly.

"Can I come and see her?" she repeated, not knowing the wrong she was making.

Carlisle was quick to come to her side and rub her shoulder gently. "Not today, my dear, maybe another time," he soothed, like a child. Ophelia's eyes flashed.

"I'm not a little kid. If I want to see her, then I can!"

"But, your legs! We can't give you opportunity to injure yourself even more!" Carlisle said. A little too worriedly.

"They feel fine! Watch!" she replied with hard determination in her voice.

Then, as carefully as she could, she slowly swung her legs over the side of the bed. Ophelia was preparing mentally for the excruciating pain that was sure to come from her broken legs. But she couldn't feel them in the bulky walking casts Dr. Cullen had fitted for her. She put slight pressure on them and smiled in a self-satisfactory way. She had only felt a little soreness. Perfectly fine to put all of her weight on them…

Ophelia almost collapsed with the pain. She quickly grabbed onto the bed to steady herself, with Carlisle rushing to her side. He helped to lift the pain off for a little bit by holding her up on his feet. Ophelia tried to restrain a hysterical laugh, but it came out sounding like a choked up cough.

Edward stayed where he was, watching with a smooth façade for a face. Ophelia looked hard, and could actually see worry in his eyes. It was hidden deep, but somehow, she saw it. She smiled widely at Edward.

"See?" she gasped. "Perfectly fine."

"I think not," Edward snorted. "Unless the collapsing bit was an act. Then, I say bravo!"

Carlisle sat her back up on the bed and turned to look at her. Ophelia cringed, feeling like she was about to be scolded. The doctor drew back a bit at her flinching, but retained the same look in his eyes, one of authority.

"Ophelia. You cannot go see Renesmee like this. It would make it much more difficult for your legs to heal."

"But I have to see her! I have to, I have to!" Ophelia wailed.

Edward threw up his hands in defeat. "Fine! I'll bring her up here! Good God, if I have to hear that whiny, earsplitting voice again I will shoot myself!"

Ophelia giggled. "And I would mourn for you. But only for a few days!"

Edward turned to his father, an incredulous look on his face. "What on Earth persuaded you to take in this banshee?"

"I don't know," Carlisle answered, as if taking the question seriously.

Ophelia heard it. The awe, fear, and affection in his voice. She looked up to see Carlisle staring down at her, as if trying to concentrate very hard on something.

"I've asked myself that same question many times," he said again.

Ophelia was starting to become restless with the sudden serious mood. She cleared her throat and asked timidly, "So, I'm a banshee then? Or can I be something cool, like…a vampire or something?"

She saw the frightened look pass between father and son. Something she'd said had hit them hard, but what?

Edward wiped his face clear of any previous emotion and replied stoically, "Nope. You'll always be a raging, annoying banshee to me."

"If you'd prefer the screaming and wailing over the blood-sucking, then sure. Your choice."

Edward grimaced. "Can we please talk about something else? This morbid subject has gotten me rather depressed."

"Sure. So when can I expect Renesmee?" Ophelia asked cheerfully.

"Tonight, after dinner. I'll bring her up. Plus, I think Bella would like to introduce herself."

Ophelia nodded. "Fine. Will you come too, Dr. Cullen?"

Carlisle smiled down at the girl. "Not tonight, I'm afraid. I'm going…out with a few friends for a hike."

"At night?" Ophelia's face twisted as if she'd eaten something horrible. "Won't you get cold? Will you be able to see? Dear God, please don't tell me bears are in season!"

"I have no problem with wandering the woods at night," Carlisle replied cheerfully. And he was right, in a sense. As long as he didn't break the borders set by the Quileutes, there was no possible danger. Or danger he couldn't handle, at least.

"Aren't there…wolves?"

Carlisle's mind swerved to an image of Jacob, snarling over his granddaughter in a protective stance. Something must have flickered across his face. Ophelia's eyes had widened. "There are wolves? Aren't you afraid?"

"No, my dear. I know how to handle myself when a wolf comes by."

Ophelia had become real quiet. She stared motionless at the wall, and recalled a childhood memory regarding wolves in the forest. She shuddered at the memory. Now, nightmares about one particular wolf frequently flitted around as she slept. Midnight black fur, with a white blob-looking thing on his forehead. Then, she thought of a brown wolf she saw running around the Cullens' property quite a few times, with another russet-brown wolf and a female. He was the smallest, but seemed to be the most energetic of the three, always yapping about with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. She smiled at this memory; she rather liked the small brown wolf.

"Never mind. Have fun then," Ophelia said, meaning to sound enthusiastic, but ending up sounding half-hearted.

Carlisle suddenly had the impulsive urge to touch the girl. He lightly ruffled her hair, feeling an energetic spark flow through his limbs. The look on Ophelia's face told him she'd felt it too.

"Silly girl, I'll be fine. There's no need to worry about me," he chuckled.

Downstairs, a musical voice called out, "Edward? Edward, where are you?"

"Oops, that will be Bella. We were supposed to take Nessie to the park today," Edward explained as he left the room.

Once again, the silence between doctor and patient was uncomfortable for both. Carlisle wanted to touch her again, and Ophelia wanted nothing more than for that to happen. As she looked at his pale white hands, long and slender, she drifted off into fantasies. Fantasies that included herself, and Carlisle. She imagined him smiling at her, completely dazzling her with his perfect teeth. Then, he'd sweep her up into his arms and hold her forever, with no one that could break such an ultimately lovely moment. As they would stand there, standing so close they looked like one soul, he would whisper, "I love you, Ophelia Westcott. I will never let you go."

Ophelia shook her head violently. She couldn't think that! Not about a man who was about ten years older than her and married! Not to mention he was her doctor, and she had confided in him her trust, something that she hadn't given to many people. He'd seen her through all her ups and downs in mood swings, laughed with her at silly, trivial little things, and helped her cope with the pain of her injuries. She'd trusted him explicitly, more than she'd ever trusted any one person in her entire life. Now Ophelia wondered if she'd placed it justly. She had to ask herself the burning question that was consuming her thoughts.

Was she in love with Dr. Carlisle Cullen?