Disclaimer: Do not own Twilight

WARNING: This story contains disciplinary spanking of a teenage vampire. If this offends you in any way shape or form then don't read and don't bother flaming me!

Thoughts spoken to or heard by Edward will be italicized

A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews guys, they mean the world to me. This story will have eight chapters, in case you wanted to know.
This chapter starts out with Carlisle's POV while Edward is in town.

Chapter 2: Uncertainty

Carlisle's POV

I ran a hand through my hair, sighing while once more glancing at my pocket watch. I looked up abruptly when I heard someone chuckle softly.

"In a hurry to go somewhere Carlisle?" Dr. Reynolds asked me.

Glancing up at the kindly old doctor, I smiled somewhat embarrassedly. "Ah, yes sir. I have been leaving my nephew Edward alone at home quite frequently lately and am feeling rather guilty. I would like to make it up to him with a camping trip, so I am a bit anxious to go home and tell him the news. He has been getting a bit restless, so I know he will enjoy getting out" I explained.

He laughed softly while giving me a pat on the back. "Ah, to be young and full of energy!" he chortled, while taking a seat across from me. With a smile, he then asked me to tell him about Edward.

I responded with a smile of my own. "Edward is a very caring, responsible, and intelligent young man. He is very perceptive, and it sometimes feels as though he can read minds," I said with a soft chuckle. "He is like a son to me, and I love him dearly," I finished softly. I sighed as my thoughts once more strayed to all our recent arguments.

"He sounds like a son any man would be proud of Carlisle, so what is bothering you?" Reynolds asked me concernedly.

I glanced at the old doctor's concerned face, and could not help but feel touched. Dr. Reynolds had been very welcoming towards me since I had started working here. He was not condescending or jealous of me, as some of the other doctors were. He played the grandfather to all, and was always available to all his staff in case they needed help, advice, or just someone to talk to. I admired his good nature and ability to never let anything get him down. Deciding that it would not hurt to confide in him, I began to speak.

"He- Edward and I have been having quite a number of arguments as of late," I explained slowly, unsure of how much to say. Reynolds nodded at me encouragingly, so I continued. "He has been questioning my every decision, and has been very disrespectful to me. I have tried explaining myself to him, but he does not listen," I said with frustration, while running a hand through my hair. "He has been very willful and defiant, and I do not understand why. Everything I say to him only seems to irritate him further. When I tell him to do something he won't, and when I tell him not to do something he will do it. I have tried talking to him time and time again, but his behavior has only been worsening. Sometimes I feel as though he is purposely trying to irritate me to, and I do not know what to do…," I trailed off as I saw Reynolds giving me a knowing smile.

Giving the old doctor a perplexed look, I asked, "What? Did I say something amusing Dr. Reynolds?"

Shaking his head at me, the doctor waved his hand dismissively while saying, "Please Carlisle, call me George. We are not colleagues right now, but two friends having a chat." When I nodded my head at him, he continued. "How long has Edward been living with you Carlisle?" he asked me.

"Two years, two and half months," I answered promptly.

Nodding his head, George then asked, "And during that time have you ever disciplined the boy?"

I gave him a confused look, to which he rolled his eyes good naturedly. "Have you ever grounded him or taken the boy over your knees for a well deserved spanking?" he questioned me.

Blinking owlishly, I shook my head at him.

"I thought so," he said with the same knowing smile.

I raised my eyebrows at the man, causing him to chuckle softly before saying, "Carlisle, Edward is testing you, don't you see?" When I continued to just stare at him, he rolled his eyes once more before explaining. "Edward is pushing you. He is testing his limits to see how far he can go before you will reign him back in, and I am afraid you have been allowing him to push a little too far, my young friend," he said with a smile.

I stared at him with a furrowed brow, thinking furiously. Edward was testing me? Looking at George, I asked him to explain more.

Laughing loudly, he said, "Honestly my good man, it is as though you don't remember being a boy at all."

I smiled at him sheepishly while saying, "Sometimes I feel as though my childhood was centuries ago." I remembered very little of my childhood, and what I did remember I would rather forget, so I was at a bit of a loss as to what he was trying to explain to me.

"Ha!" he exclaimed. "You should always hold onto a bit of your childish self Carlisle, for it will keep you healthy. Don't grow up too quickly, and always try to find the humorous side of things so life does not bring you down."

I took his words to heart, and nodded my head at him.

"Now, in regards to your young Edward, as I was saying, the boy is testing you Carlisle. I highly doubt he realizes it himself, but he is trying to see how far he can push you before you step in. He is trying to see if you care enough to stop him, and if you will be the father he needs and wants. You told me the boy lost his parents, so now all he has is you. You need to step up and be the parent Carlisle. Edward is your responsibility now, so it is up to you to teach him wrong from right, and how to be a man," he explained seriously.

I took in everything he said, while nodding my head.

"It's not an easy job, let me tell you. I am a father of seven and grandfather of nine, so I know how trying it can be at times. However, if you continue to let Edward walk all over you, there will be no stopping him. He is young and bound to end up into trouble, so you will do well to nip this bud now before his misbehavior becomes worse than disrespect and defiance," he finished explaining with an understanding smile.

I frowned, while taking it all in. What he said made sense, but I was unsure of how to 'nip the bud', as George had mentioned. I really could not ground Edward, as I had nothing to ground him from, and I was hesitant to spank him. Memories of my father washed over me, and I grimaced internally.

"What should I do George?" I asked, desperately hoping for an answer.

He responded with raised eyebrows, while saying, "That is up to you Carlisle. He is your boy, not mine." When I continued to look at him, he asked, "Well, what would your father have done if you had acted like Edward?"

I grimaced before looked away briefly. Looking back and seeing George's raised eyebrow, I responded somewhat stiffly, "My father would have taken a whip to me until I was nothing more than a bloody mess. I will not do that to Edward." I immediately regretted saying this when I watched the amusement leave George's eyes to be replaced with surprise and then concern. I looked away uncomfortably. I had never talked to anyone about my father, and so was unsure of what to say now.

"Ah," he said in dawning understanding, "I see your problem."

When I gave him a curious look, he expanded. "You are afraid of becoming like your father. You are afraid of hurting Edward, am I right?"

I nodded my head at him. "I have considered spanking Edward, but am unsure as how to do so. I have only memories of my father to go off of, and he is not the best example," I explained. "I know when administered correctly and for the right reasons how effective a spanking can be, but again, I am unsure of how to do so. I do not want Edward to fear me."

Tapping my arm, George said, "Carlisle, listen to me. I have been watching you for nearly a year now, and I have seen how you interact with your patients and other people. You truly care about each and every person who comes through this hospital. You are an extremely compassionate person, my friend, and Edward is very lucky to have you. Talking with you today I have gleaned that you care a great deal for your charge, and so I can tell you with the utmost sincerity that you will never be like your father. It is not in your nature to be cruel, and I know that even if you were in a towering rage, you would not harm Edward."

"How can you know that?" I questioned desperately.

"As I have told you, I have been watching you. I have seen how the other doctors have treated you, and any lesser man would have retaliated by now, yet you have done nothing. You have never let what they have said bother you, and nor have you retaliated. You have never lost your temper or given into panic in stressful situations. You have amazing control of yourself. You are a good man Carlisle, and that is why I know that you could never intentionally or unintentionally be cruel. It is not in your nature," he said with a kind smile. "You already know how to be a good parent Carlisle, so just trust yourself. This self-doubt does you a disservice, so stop it."

I could hear the sincerity in his words, and knew that he truly believed what he was telling me. But did I believe his words? I did pride myself on my self-control. It was something I had learned over my many years, and a great asset in the stressful life of a doctor. Nodding my head to myself, I decided that George was right. I would never be like my father because I did not want to be, and I would never be cruel to Edward because I did not want to.

Giving George a grateful smile, I said, "You are a wise man George, and I thank you deeply for your advice and words of encouragement."

With a laugh, George pulled himself out of the chair, while shaking his head. "No need to thank me Carlisle, I was just helping a friend in need. Now, why don't you get a head start on that camping trip you had planned? You have been working yourself too much, and I feel sometime with Edward will do you good, so I do not expect to see you here for at least a week, am I clear?" he asked with a mock-stern expression.

I laughed, while acquiescing. "Of course George, and thank you," I said sincerely, while standing up. He patted me on the shoulder before waving a dismissive hand. "Quit thanking me and go before I change my mind," he joked while walking out.

I quickly grabbed my jacket and briefcase, and headed out. The conversation with George had filled me with confidence. If Edward continued to behave as he had, then I would act as I should have ages ago. I had to trust myself to know how to take care of Edward. He was my responsibility now, so I had to be not only his friend, but his parent as well. Edward would never truly 'grow' into adulthood, so I would have to guide and teach him for as long as we both lived. However, that thought did not really bother me all that much.

Walking through the town I froze when I caught the familiar scent of Edward. Frowning, I followed the scent as it led me towards the forest at the edge of town. A strong sense of foreboding hit me when I saw a group of boys running towards and then past me in a panic. Picking up my pace, I hurried and froze once more when I found Edward stalking towards an unconscious boy on the ground. I could smell the blood from here, so I knew what Edward was after.

"Edward!" I screamed, trying to get his attention. He either did not hear me or was ignoring me. Edward! Edward, stop! I thought to him, hoping he would snap out of it. When he looked about ready to pounce, I ran quickly and crashed into Edward, dragging him into the forest and away from the bleeding boy.

When we were far enough away I stopped while Edward continued to struggle. He snarled and tried to bite me, but I would not give in. When he finally turned to look at me, he froze, and I used his momentary lapse to pin his arms behind his back and shove him to the ground.

Edward's POV:

I winced as Carlisle shoved me into the ground roughly. I no longer bothered to struggle for I was slowly coming to my senses, and no longer ravenous with thirst. No, right now I was beginning to feel guilty and scared for myself.

"Are you under control now?" Carlisle asked me quietly.

"Y-yes sir," I gasped uncomfortably. Carlisle immediately loosened his grip on me and helped pull me up.

Fighting with human boys, I cannot believe him! And after I had expressly forbidden him from leaving our house!

I winced at his angry thoughts. Carlisle was furious with me, and I didn't know what to say or do to make things better. I went to pull away, but his grip on my arm did not loosen. Gripping it tighter, he pulled me close until our faces were inches from each other. I could see his eyes were pitch black and furious with me.

"What in God's name were you thinking Edward?" he asked harshly, shaking me slightly.

I cringed at the glare he was giving me. "I-I was- I mean-I-I'm sorry Carlisle!" I stuttered pitifully. I stared up at him fearfully, wondering what he was going to do.

Reading his thoughts, I saw my fearful face flash through his thoughts causing him to immediately release his hold and turn his back to me. I watched him cautiously as he pinched the bridge of his nose, while taking deep breaths.

Calm down, calm down, calm down. I cannot be angry when I deal with him.

I took a cautious step towards him so as not to startle him. "Carlisle?" I said tentatively.

Turning around to face me, I relaxed slightly when I saw that his eyes had lightened up to dark amber. I was opening my mouth to say something, but closed it when he held up a silencing hand.

"I want you to go straight home and to your room Edward, do you hear me?" he asked sternly.

I stared at him, trying to find the right words to say to explain what had happened. "Carlisle I," I started to say before he cut me off with a growl. I took a step back, while giving him a wary look.

Closing his eyes, Carlisle took a deep breath before speaking to me. "You will go home and wait for me in your room. I am too angry to deal with you right now, and I have to go tend to the boy you left bleeding back there. Now go," he ordered, giving me a stern look.

I stared at him worriedly, trying to read his mind to see what he planned to do. However, all I gleaned was that he was furious that I wasn't listening to him.

"Do you hear what I am saying to you Edward? Go home now!" he said, taking a threatening step towards me. God almighty, why won't this boy just listen to me and do as he is told? Why must he fight me on everything?

I hastily backed up several more steps. "I'm sorry Carlisle, I don't mean to!" I answered in response to his thoughts.

Taking another step towards me, he pointed in the direction of our home. "Go home NOW!" he yelled, while giving me a dangerous look.

Flinching at his tone, I hastily ran towards home as fast as my legs would take me. Once there, I shakily walked to my room and threw myself onto my bed.

Carlisle's POV:

I watched as Edward raced home, sighing in relief that he had finally decided to obey me. I felt a twinge of guilt at the look of fear he had given me, but did not focus on it as I was too angry at the moment. Taking a few breaths, I pushed my anger and all thoughts of Edward out of my mind.

Running back towards town, I quickly reached the unconscious boy. Checking him over, I sighed in relief that the only injury was the cut on the back of his head. Thankfully, the cut was not very deep, and would only need a few stitches. Picking the boy up, I walked quickly back towards the hospital. Once inside, I set him on a gurney and allowed the nurses to take over.

Staring down at my blood stained shirt and hands I sighed heavily and walked towards the men's restroom to clean up, ignoring the annoying stares of the nurses and doctors. Don't they have anything better to do, I thought angrily, like helping someone? Once in the bathroom, I scrubbed my hands clean and grimaced at the large stain on my shirt. Thankfully I had an extra shirt in my office. As I was walking out I narrowly avoided running into George.

"Carlisle!" he said in surprise. Then looking at the stain on my shirt he asked concernedly, "What happened? I heard the nurses mentioning you brought in an injured boy, it wasn't Edward was it?"

I shook my head at him, feeling a warm glow inside me at his honest concern. "No George, it was not Edward," I reassured him. "Now, if you will excuse me, I need to change my shirt before I go home," I said while heading towards my office.

George followed me, closing the office door once we had entered. As I changed my shirt, he watched me silently. If I were not a vampire I would have been shifting uncomfortably from his gaze.

"What has happened Carlisle?" he asked. "You look stressed, which is unlike you."

I gave him a small, reassuring smile while inside I was surprised he had noticed so much. I would have to be more careful around him if he were able to read me so easily. When he raised his eyebrows at me, I chuckled humorlessly. How I wished to ask him for more advice, but I could not tell him what happened in case the injured boy or his friends reported anything strange about their attacker. I did not know what Edward had done, but to have caused the group of boys to run away in a panic, it most definitely was not normal by human standards.

Walking towards George, I gave him a smile while patting his shoulder reassuringly. "Nothing serious George, so do not concern yourself. I just found the boy lying injured in the street, probably the result of a fist fight. You know how boys are," I told him nonchalantly.

He narrowed his eyes a bit at me, and I repressed the urge to sigh. Let it go George, just let it go.

"Well then, it is a good thing you found him then, isn't it?" he eventually said with a small knowing smile. Giving me a once over, he opened the door to leave and said, "Well, I shall leave you to it then. Have a good time with your boy Carlisle."

"Thank you," I responded, all the while worried about how much he knew. How had I not noticed how perceptive this man was before? Running a hand through my hair, I suppressed the urge to groan in frustration. There was nothing I could do about it now though, so I would just have to wait until next week to see how much he knew. If worse came to worse, we would pack up and leave.

Heading towards home, I now began to think on my errant son. I had long since cooled down and so was able to think much more rationally. However, with that rationality came an upsurge of guilt. I clearly remembered Edward's terrified face cowering away from me. I should not have let my anger get the better of me, I thought guiltily. Now Edward is probably terrified of me, which is exactly what I did not want.

As I neared the edge of town, I picked up my dropped briefcase, jacket and the books my son had no doubt dropped during the fight. Looking at the books, I began to piece together what had probably happened. Edward, in his infinite wisdom believed he knew better than I, and so he had come to town to buy some books. Then on his way out he was probably surrounded by the group of boys. I had recognized the injured boy as leader of a small gang, so I knew they had probably harassed Edward. Edward, losing his temper most likely, had fought them and done something to frighten them. Then, catching the scent of blood he had lost control.

I sighed before running towards our home, hoping that Edward had not dared disobey me once more. Upon arriving, I sighed internally when I noted he was home and in his room.

A/N: So, there you go, what did you think? Please please review!
I really liked the idea of Carlisle getting some counseling. He's never been a father and he didn't have a good father, so getting advice from a man who is just seemed to fit. I also like the thought of Carlisle losing his temper a bit. I'm trying to show that he's not a perfect dad, but that he's trying.