FAGEtastic Four
Written for: Cullen Cousin
Chapter Words Minus ANs: 7,997
AN: Unfortunately, I did not create these characters, but thanks to Stephenie Meyer I am allowed to play with them for my enjoyment and mold them to my imagination.
Again, special thanks to and abbymickey24 for their encouragement, support, and pre-reading. An extra special thanks to QuantumFizzx and hlsmith for their beta work.
~*~*~*~*~ Chapter 5 – Thanksgiving Weekend ~*~*~*~*~
CPOV
After the family meeting finishes, I leave for work. The tension and struggles of the week have been increasing with each passing day. The anxiety of being away from my mate, coupled with working on dominating the beast within is setting me on edge. Working with Jasper on my control and inner demon has been draining, even for a vampire, due to the mental exhaustion. I have never wished for the ability to sleep as much as I have this week.
Two in the afternoon I am filling out paperwork in my office when my cell phone rings. Wanting to continue working on the stacks in front of me and not recognizing the number on the screen, I press the speaker button instead of lifting it to my ear. "Hello." When there is no answer on the other end, I make myself known. "Dr. Cullen speaking, how may I help you?"
As soon as the voice begins speaking, I am thoroughly distracted from my once more important task. "Oh. Um. Hello." Her sweet, timid tone fills the air. "Uh, Dr. Cullen". Dead air blankets the room once more.
Needing to hear her musical voice, I speak, "Isabella? Is it you?"
"How… how did you know it is me?"
Uh, oh. Do I go with sappy and corny, or sweet and romantic? Either way, I am going to sound like a lovesick fool. "One does not forget their favorite melody. I would recognize yours in any crowd."
Minutes pass and if I could not hear her breaths through the phone, I would have thought I scared her away. "Oh! Um, thank you. You're very flattering…" She trails off and then, so quietly a human would have simply thought she stopped talking, I hear her whisper, "Whoa, that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard. Is he for real?"
I decide to tease a bit to distract her and help her relax. "Excuse me? The phone must have cut out for a moment. I did not catch the last part."
"OH! Nothing! I, um..." When the pitch in her voice rises slightly and she begins to fumble her words, I picture her blush and shift in my seat at the vividly clear memory from a week prior.
Chuckling a bit to ease her distress, "Bella, may I ask your reason for calling?"
She quietly sighs and answers, "Well, I was actually hoping you had time to help me with my Quant homework again".
I grin and actually surprise myself by pumping my fist back in a yes gesture while answering. "Sure. I have a few minutes, but I thought you were okay until after Thanksgiving. Did the teacher change the syllabus?"
In a defeated voice, she says, "No, nothing like that".
"Bella? Is there something wrong? I mean, you do not have to tell me if you do not wish, but I know you had a good handle on what we covered last weekend."
A long exhale fills the speaker. "Carlisle, I…" She sighs again, "It has been a rough day. My friend Jacob got sick suddenly and had to leave earlier than planned. I am worried about him."
"Is it serious? Did you need me to see if I could help him?" I rush out, eager to help her in any way I could and hoping it was not too fast for her to make out.
"No. I called his father. There was someone from the reservation in Seattle today, so he came and took Jake home." Uh oh.
"The reservation?"
"Oh, yes, the Quileute reservation. His dad, Billy Black, told me Jake would be okay. However, they probably wouldn't be able to make it to Thanksgiving dinner this year and not to visit until after I hear from him. He told me some other boys there have had the same symptoms and assured me he will be okay in a couple weeks, but I am still concerned." This is not good.
"Bella, I am sure his father knows what is best for him. It is probably a good idea to adhere to his advice. I would not want you getting sick", or hurt, I add quietly.
"I know, but I can't help worrying. Jake was acting so strange when we got to his sister's house. He froze in place as soon as he got out of his car, but his whole body was also shaking slightly." Criminy, is she a magnet for trouble. Taking her accident history out of the equation, first she is a vampire's mate and now this! "When I went up to him and touched his arm, it was burning up." Oh, this just gets better and better. I am trying to be patient, but the urgent need to guard and protect her is strong. I practice pushing this compulsion away as I listen. "Then when Billy told me to get into the house…"
"What happened, Bella?" I prod half a minute later, unable to wait.
"Well, I was halfway to the house when I heard this rumbling noise, like an animal. I looked around when I first heard it, but I didn't see any bears or cougars nearby. When I focused, the noise was definitely coming from his direction. I swear he was growling at me. I've never seen anything like it before. It scared me." Rightfully so, at least she has some sense of danger, but my panic has already set in.
"Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" I thought the phase shifters died out with Ephraim's generation. I will need to discuss this with the family later.
"Yes, I'm fine. No, he didn't hurt me. He wouldn't hurt me." I silently groan at this. She has no idea how much danger she was in. She continues to recount the events and relief fills me when I know, for certain, she is not hurt. Thankfully, his father took precautions by asking her to wait for his call before visiting. I will not keep her from her friend, but I also know when she is around him, I will not be the least bit comfortable, happy, or relaxed.
"I am glad you are safe." Silence fills the air between us and I already miss her voice. "So, Quant homework? With what did you need help?"
She giggles suddenly. "Right! Um, actually, I think I am good now. I couldn't focus before, but I am feeling much better. I guess I just needed to talk with someone since Charlie is fishing this afternoon."
"Anytime Sparky." I say teasingly.
"Sparky, huh? Why Sparky?"
I do not want to tell her my true feelings and scare her away. "Uh, no reason really. It was the first thing to enter my mind." I swear this girl makes me feel more human than I have felt since I was a mortal.
Snickers come from the phone. "I like it. It's sweet and unique. Maybe I should come up with a nickname for you, but I think I'll take my time." Her laughter filters through the air; it takes me back to a human memory of being wrapped in a warm blanket, feeling comfortable and content. "Well, thank you for listening, Carlisle. I better get back to studying. You've really helped me out today."
"It was my pleasure. Call me anytime. Have a good weekend."
"You too. I'll see you Wednesday. Thank you again."
"You are welcome." We say goodbye; she hangs up.
With a renewed spirit, I get through my paperwork quickly. Fortunately, there are no new patients. The ER is pretty quiet today. Before I know it, my shift is over.
When I arrive home, Emmett is in the living room playing a video game. Jasper is reading in the corner of the room. Needing to talk with them, I ask them to go for a hunt. They readily agree. Split seconds later, we are out the door. We take down our game and meet up in the familiar open meadow as usual.
"Hey guys. I did not want to say anything earlier with the protests surrounding us, but I went to see Chief Swan asking his permission to court Bella."
Emmett snickers. "Seriously, Carlisle. When was the last time you courted anyone? I mean, the only time a man asks a father's permission for anything is usually marriage. Even then it is becoming increasingly rare. By the way, they refer to courting as dating now." Jasper chuckles quietly at this.
"Thank you, Emmett, but what is done is done. It may have been true during your human days of yore, but I have not followed any dating customs since the early 1900s when I began considering companionship." Their quiet laughter stops completely knowing what the last several years have been like for me. "As I was saying, he agreed to let me take Bella on a double date so long as she agrees. Therefore, I was wondering if either of you would be interested in joining me."
"Carlisle, I would love to and as ya know, my control is much better than it has ever been. Her scent will not be an issue, obviously, but the emotional environment can be very unpredictable, especially with a large number of humans gathered together. I don't want to risk scarin' her away on the off chance somethin' overwhelms me. I'd like to get to know her first. "
"I accept your decision, but you realize I do trust you, right?" I ask due to our last conversation. He nods, but his head is bowed slightly. "You have proven you have excellent control over the years, so I really do not think it will be a problem." Feeling waves of appreciation and gratitude, I continue when he lifts his head. "You are welcome, Jasper. Emmett?"
He thinks about it for a moment. "Rosie won't be happy about it, but I know she will be on her best behavior if I ask her. Besides, I'd love to meet this girl who has you under her spell."
"You realize you will need to eat human food, right?"
Scrunching his face, "Yeah, you know I like testing human food, but I think it will take some special convincing", he waggles his eyebrows, "for Rose to agree".
"Thank you, Emmett."
"Sure thing." We then head back to the house.
Once we are home again, I call a family meeting to discuss the new development on the Quileute reservation and remind them of the treaty. It is not a problem because we never get close to their boarder, but with the possibility of new shifters, we need to stay alert.
I also inform them of my conversation with Charlie and openly ask if anyone would like to be the second couple. Emmett plays right along and volunteers, gaining a noticeable disapproval from Rosalie.
"Are we finished here?" At everyone's agreement, she takes off out the door and calls out, "Emmett". Emmett wiggles his eyebrows with a cheeky grin before following her, and then everyone else disperses except for Jasper.
"Ya ready to get started?"
"Sure am." We walk to my office and promptly begin working on my control over the next several hours. By the time we are on the last baggie, my inner demon seems to have been beaten into submission. Then I hear Edward and Esme heading to their room.
Emmett and Rosalie enter the front door just when Jasper opens the airtight seal of the glass container. As he begins pulling the plastic zipper apart, a roar erupts. Before we even know from where it came, Edward is crouching in the doorway. His coal eyes search the room and land on the bag in Jasper's hand. Prior to his forward advance, Emmett has Edward's arms pinned with his left leg wrapped around both of Edward's legs.
Edward's rumbling turns into ferocious growls, eyes fixed on my mate's pants. This sets me off. I place myself defensively in front of Jasper to block the view in a lame attempt to calm him.
Jasper takes charge by pulling my right hand behind me and wrapping it around the now sealed glass container. Edward's growls fade into low rumbles as he begins sagging into Emmett, clearly under Jasper's effects.
"Get him out of here, Emmett!" Jasper commands. Emmett, Rosalie, and Alice escort Edward out with a teary, sorrowful Esme following behind. "Carlisle, I think you can handle the final steps on yer own. We will take care of Edward, but I think it would be wise to keep Miss Swan away from him. He has just scented il suo cantante."
My eyes widen at this revelation. My mate is my first son's singer? This cannot be happening. Jasper senses my despair. "Have you ever known anyone's singer to survive?"
The look on his face says all I need to know, but he answers anyway. "No, but I think we can work on it." I raise my right brow in question; then realization sets in.
Optimism and hope overcome me, "Do you think you could keep him away until Thanksgiving? Bella has a checkup appointment on Wednesday. I should be able to get a sample then. You can start the process after."
"We'll take him to Denali. I'll call Peter for reinforcement so Emmett and Rose can be back here in time. I'll keep ya informed." Then he walks away.
"Thank you." He sends me a wave of reassurance.
Once they pull out of the driveway and onto the main road, I discover a dime-sized fresh bloodstain on the lower pant leg, which explains Edward's drastic reaction. Jasper and I typically work on our project with my office soundproofed as an added security measure. With the exercise coming to an end and everyone out hunting, we opted to work openly today, which turned out to be both a blessing and a curse. Why did Alice not see this happening? I cannot help worrying what this means for my relationship with my family and getting to know Isabella.
Learning my mate's blood calls to Edward helps us to work on preventing any problems down the road and keeps us from being surprised when he meets her. However, it also forces us to act quickly against being exposed, or the wolves discovering this fact. With Bella's connection to the shifters, it makes the entire situation so much more dire, including the possibility of her joining me for eternity.
Suddenly my phone chimes.
Today had to happen. It will all work out. ~ Alice
~*~*~ WFB ~*~*~
My anxiety and the mating pull have me so wound up by Wednesday; I feel like the first jittery vampire in existence. Shortly after I complete Phase Two, Alice comes by to return the borrowed pajama bottoms.
On top of it all, I have never been this uptight, worried, or agitated. Being away from her and knowing her connection with the Quileutes has me so on edge that all I want to do is be Bella's own personal bodyguard, twenty-four seven, but I tramp down those multiple, mixed urges; biding my time until I see her again.
Fortunately, I get multiple reports throughout the day from each family member, which helps ease the pain I feel knowing there is a serious threat to my mate. Edward is unable to focus on anything and is like a rabid animal trying to get past his guards. To his dismay and my fortune, he is imprisoned by The Major and his Second in Command. There is no way he will get the best of either.
Jasper and Peter were top dogs for Maria in the Southern Vampire Wars. While they were under her control, she never lost a battle. Jasper is feared throughout our world, but with Peter at his side, no one messes with them. This does not stop Edward from trying though. Jasper keeps him under a constant overdose of his influence.
Alice, Esme, and the Denali coven bring containers of blood back for Jasper and Peter, but each day they throw a live animal in with Edward to help quell his fight and restlessness. The only one who can get near him is Esme, but other than removing the dead carcass bits and pieces, even she is not able to distract him enough from his end goal, my mate.
He repeats over and over, "I will have her. They won't stop me. MINE!"
Today, I am more than excited because I not only get to see my girl, but I can keep an eye on her for the next several days. The closer she gets, the more this constant ache of being away from her minimizes. As the faintest of tingles touches me, I begin making sure everything is clear from my schedule and head to my office. When my whole body feels like a livewire, I make my way to the nurse's desk just as she walks into the hospital lobby.
I walk up to greet her. "Hello, Sparky." Just then her father walks in.
~*~*~ WFB ~*~*~
BPOV
Talking with Carlisle on the phone is the highlight of my week, especially after the chaos of today's events. His sultry voice filters to my ear; silencing me until he speaks again. I shake myself out of my daze and quietly stumble through my words. When he says my name from those few words, I am shocked and ask how he knew. The next words out of his mouth are so sweet I am rendered speechless until I realize he is waiting for my reply. What does one say to those words? I tell him I am flattered, mumbling under my breath; it is the sweetest thing I have ever heard.
Then he asks me to repeat the last part. The heat of my blush drifts to my cheeks, but I tell him it was nothing. He saves me from the need to figure out a cover to my actual words by asking why I am calling. When I tell him I am calling for help with my Quant assignment, he inquires if there was a change in the course layout.
Unable to keep up pretenses, I let him know it is nothing about school, but he detects something in my voice and queries a reason. Knowing I really want to tell him about what happened, I proceed to explain today's events.
Throughout my tale, he is the epitome of calm and comforting, or maybe it is just his voice drawing me in, even throughout his apparent worry. He doesn't only listen and help to ease me, but also helps to lighten the mood with his gentle teasing and redirects me to what I told him is my reason for calling. I tell him I wasn't able to focus before, but should be okay now and may have just needed someone to talk to while my dad is fishing.
When he calls me Sparky, I feel the flutters across my skin. Something which hasn't occurred since I saw him a week ago, so I tease I need to come up with a nickname for him sometime and laugh. His quiet laugh warms me head to toe. I thank him, let him know I will see him Wednesday, and end the call.
The imagined buzz working through my body has me relaxed now, excited and renewed. It is easier for me to work on my lessons for the next couple hours. Looking at the clock, I realize I still need to call Charlie. He answers the phone on the first ring. Hmmm, must have been waiting for my call. I wonder if Billy told him what happened today.
"You answered quickly. Been waiting long?" I giggle.
"Not funny, Bells. Care to tell me why I had a visit from Dr. Cullen today?"
The positive emotions coursing through me plunder and morph into shock. I try figuring out why Carlisle would have stopped by to see my father. "Not a clue. When did he stop by?" Maybe it was before I called him.
"This morning." Definitely before I called, so why didn't Carlisle mention it?
"Well, why did he stop by?" He grumbles into the phone. "Dad?"
"Never you mind, it's between him and me. I just wanted to know if you knew anything about him planning to stop by since your little tutoring session in the park last weekend." The distain in his voice is quickly pushing away all good vibes I have flowing through me. What would last weekend have to do with anything?
"Dad, what's going on? You know I needed help with my math class. Why does it sound like you doubt me now?"
"I don't like it, Bells. He is a grown man with dependents. He has –". I cut him short.
"I don't know what his personal life, or age has to do with coaching me on equations, unless you care to explain." I wait and allow him the opportunity. "You should be happy I have a better understanding on a class I was barely passing. Now I might actually pull off at least a B rather than a D or a low C."
"Fine. You're right, I am grateful he helped you last weekend." He pauses before changing the subject. "Did Jake help you find a car?"
Flabbergasted, I ask him, "Don't you know already? I figured Billy would have called you by now."
"No. Why would Billy call to tell me if you found a car?"
I proceed to tell him about this weekend, including Jake's omelet contest, my new, used car, and ending with Sam taking him home. However, the way he answered the phone and how upset he seems to be about Dr. Cullenstopping by, there is no way I'm letting him know I talked with Carlisle earlier today.
"Dad, he told me other kids on the reservation have had the same symptoms. Have you ever heard of anything like it?" After a long delay, I try getting his attention. "Dad? Are you still there?"
"I'm here, Kiddo. Uh, I have no idea what could be happening, but if Billy asked you to wait for his call, I think it would be best. I wouldn't want you getting hurt after all. I'm glad you're safe." This catches my attention, having heard it for the third time today.
"Why would I get hurt if Jake is sick?"
"Did I say hurt? Sorry, must be the father in me, it hurts to see their child sick." Nice try, dad. I'm not buying what you are selling. I let it go, figuring I'll ask again when I can watch his reactions. "I'll give Billy a call to make sure everything is okay. If I think there is anything to be concerned about, I'll keep you informed. However, I'm sure it is nothing to worry about."
Uh, huh.
"If you think so." I pause. "So… what do you think about the car?"
"You mean other than your simplistic explanation of it?"
I laugh. "Yeah, except for that."
He laughs too and I am pleased to be rid of the tension. "Well, as long as it has everything we talked about and Jacob approves of the quality, I'm sure I'll like it just fine." We then merge into easy conversation. Since I have a car now, he no longer needs to pick me up Wednesday, so we agree to meet at the hospital.
~*~*~ WFB ~*~*~
These last few days have been filled with tension and stress. Talking with Carlisle was just what I needed after the encounter with Jake. As though he is a chill pill prescribed for my soul. I chuckle at the random thought. Then the call with my dad left me feeling perplexed and uneasy, a far cry from the feelings I had before I called him. Each passing day the loneliness and emptiness I have been feeling following my call to Charlie increases to a near painful level.
My dreams have been all over the place and crazy, with a basic theme in each one – horse-size wolves going up against the people with red-eyes and my sexy, protective doctor over some unknown being. Each night they gradually build and reveal something new. Unfortunately, I wake with a racing heart before I can get any real glimpse to clue me in on the mysterious stranger Carlisle guards so fiercely, putting more importance on than his life.
I now know the person is a female with dark hair, but other features are difficult to place since the entire scenario is in the blanket of night. I also know something draws me in; even though I am dreaming of a tense moment, I feel safe and happier than I have ever been. I wake with a start each time the wolf moves to attack.
I have no idea what is going on with me, but I feel like I am riding down a river heading toward a waterfall. Just before I drop off the steep edge, I am pulled to safety by an unknown force. Then all is right with the world again, only for the process to begin again. As I drive back to Forks, the feeling of being pulled back from the water's edge courses through me and relief flows within once again. Getting closer to Forks, I chalk it up to coming home since I haven't been back in over two weeks.
Finally pulling up to the hospital, I park in an open space and decide to meet Charlie inside rather than waiting in the chilly November air. Really, I am a little jubilant to see the only man to make my hard rule of dating while going to school waiver. Just as I am walking up toward the entrance, I see Charlie pull into the lot and park. As the automatic doors pull open, my eyes instantly set on the sexy doctor ahead. I slowly walk forward admiring the sight before me. The flutters across my skin return with vigor, and then he speaks.
"Hello, Sparky." Looking into his bright butterscotch eyes, I smile in delight at the nickname.
"Sparky?" Charlie cuts in. I turn to look at my father and see his eyebrow raised, eyes narrowed, and glaring at Carlisle. "What's with the informality, Dr. Cullen? Do we need to ask for another physician?"
Looking back at Carlisle, I quietly giggle at his widened eyes. "Uh, no sir, s-s-sorry."
I decide to save him from my father. "Dad! Would you cut it out! He didn't do anything wrong."
"Didn't do anything WRONG? Mind telling me when he started calling you, Sparky, or the reasons behind it?"
I decide to quote his words back at him with a slight mocking tone, "Never you mind, it's between him and me". When he doesn't move, I continue. "I called him to help me with a new equation for class." I am not about to add fuel to the fire by telling him about our actual conversation.
Something tells me he will not take kindly to the fact I talked to Carlisle about what happened with Jacob before him. He is apparently buying it, to an extent anyway, but he is still shooting eye daggers at the very doctor I am hoping will remove my cast today. "Do I need to ask you to stay in the waiting room?" I glare back at him. He shakes his head. "Okay then, can I trust you to be on your best behavior?"
He sighs, nodding his head, "Yes, Bells. Sorry, but –" I cut him off before he can finish.
"Enough!" I lean into him and whisper, "Unless you want to tell me what his visit was all about." I wait for my father's answer. "No? All right then," I pull away and in a normal voice, "let's see if I can get this dreadful appendage off, shall we?"
"Um, okay, follow me. We will take a look at how your fracture is healing." Carlisle says, but looks a bit unsure after Charlie's little overprotective display.
Charlie and I follow him to the same exam room as before. I gently elbow him in the side and gesture with my eyes toward Carlisle. He lets out a long, slow breath. "I'm sorry, Dr. Cullen." He just couldn't resist adding a little nudge by emphasizing on doctor. His way of letting me know he will do what is right, but is not happy about it.
"It is quite all right, Chief Swan. There is nothing to forgive. You are just trying to be a good father by looking out for your only child."
With a bit of surprise in his voice, "Well, yes, thank you for your understanding".
"Okay, Miss Swan." Clearly not wanting to rile Charlie up again, he returns to formality. "We should first take a blood sample in order to ensure there are not any reasons for concern due to an unknown infection from the cut to your head. Then we will get an x-ray of your arm to make sure everything is healing as is should."
"Sure." I remove my coat and roll up the sleeve on my left arm.
"Actually, since the break is on this arm, it will be easier to gather a sample from your right arm." I proceed to roll up my other sleeve. He takes the necessary samples before I am lead by Nurse Linda to the x-ray room.
Twenty minutes later, my cast has been removed with a brace in its place. However, I don't miss the teasing words when he announces I no longer need the cast, or the effect they have on me. He explains the proper way to secure the wrist and arm support and then tells me, "You need to keep the brace on with the exception of showers and baths, but you may take it off for short periods of time so long as you are not being active. No more than three times a day and no longer than twenty minutes at a time."
My body has felt like a live wire is coursing through me from the near constant touch as he works. I am eager to get out of here before I die of embarrassment from a new discomfort forming in my nether-region. Even though I personally haven't experienced it at this level, I have a pretty good idea what is happening and mentally thank Jess once more for her vivid and detailed accounts during high school; a mental image of her I never wanted. Her intimate life did serve as a good learning advantage for a scholar like me.
When his eyes finally meet mine again, I notice they are much darker than they were earlier. I have never seen anyone's eyes shift colors like his. My research on this did not find any cases as I have seen with his eyes. This just serves to intrigue me further. I want to get to know everything I can about the man before me. My decision is made. Though it is highly unlikely, should the opportunity present itself, for him I will forgo my dating rule instead of letting it slip through my fingers.
The thought of this possibility and his fingers touching me, sends a new thrill throughout; I realize I really need to get out of here before I completely embarrass myself. As it is, my cheeks have been constantly warm with the not so PG thoughts running through my head. As I process this, I nearly miss the slight shifting of the object of my fantasies. I can't help wondering if I am affecting him as he is affecting me. Another rush flows within me.
"You are all set. Remember to schedule a follow-up two weeks from today."
"Thank you for your help, Dr. Cullen." I opt for formality too, trying to distance myself from these highly inappropriate feelings toward someone, whose only interest is the well-being of a patient.
I hop off the exam table and head for the door, Charlie tight on my heels. "Care to explain what that was back there?" He hisses.
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"Riiiight. Your face was flushed nearly the entire time we were in there. Is there something going on you're not telling me?"
I look at him in shock and maybe a little awe, realizing I certainly didn't get my observation skills from my mother. "No. I've told you everything." With the exception of my feelings and the real reason behind a certain phone call, I add mentally. "There is nothing else to tell and nothing going on. Now, can we drop it and head home?"
He eyes me suspiciously. "Sure, would you like me to go to the store with you to help carry the bags?"
"Nah, they will carry them to the car. How about you pick up something for supper and help me unload the car when I get home?" He agrees. We stop by the appointment desk to schedule my next, and hopefully last, check-up.
Once I am home and all the groceries are put away, I begin preparing tomorrow's dinner. The Blacks may not be coming any longer, but the Clearwaters will be here. Hoping Jacob is feeling better, I still plan for fifteen people, rather than ten, since the boys tend to eat at least twice what the girls do. Each year, Sue and I coordinate who will make what, but pretty much stick to the same things. The night before, I prepare the fresh turkey, stuffing, and cold salad ingredients, make a Jell-O salad, some deviled eggs, and the pumpkin pies. Sue makes the pecan pies, muffins, and rolls.
Early Thanksgiving morning, I put the turkey into the large roaster oven, which keeps the stovetop oven available. The Clearwaters arrive around nine. Harry and Seth settle into the living room with Charlie where there is a cooler of beverages next to the couch. The television is already showing one of the many holiday games. Sue and Leah head to the kitchen. We all work together chatting and preparing everything else, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
We get through preparations smoothly and sit down to eat by noon. The rest of the day is spent with banter and easy conversations. The Blacks never do show, which gave us a lot of leftovers. We put together some containers so they can drop them off to Billy and Jacob. After I told Rachel of her brother's illness, she chose to spend the holiday with some friends in Seattle instead.
Sue and Leah help clean up the kitchen. Anything we hadn't packed for the Blacks is divided between our two families accordingly. It is just Charlie and I once again by eight. I start a load of laundry, grab my schoolbag, and join Charlie in the living room while he watches the last game of the evening. We spend the rest of the evening in companionable silence.
When I hear the washing machine end, I look up to see Charlie asleep in his chair. After moving the laundry into the dryer, I kiss Charlie's cheek, which startles him awake. "I'm heading to bed and thought you might be more comfortable in your own bed."
He blinks his eyes and turns off the television. "Thanks, Bells." Then a yawn overcomes him. As he stands from his chair, I am already halfway up the stairs.
"Good night, Dad. Sleep well."
"Good night, baby girl. Sweet dreams."
~*~*~ WFB ~*~*~
I actually allow myself to sleep in the next morning. With nothing, except housework, on my plate, I am in no hurry. By nine, I am awake, showered, and ready for the day. Charlie's twelve-hour shift started at seven, so I plan to bring him lunch and something packed for the supper hour. I send him a text to meet me at the station around noon.
Keeping an eye on the clock, I start another load of laundry and fold the towels as I pull them out of the dryer. Once they are put away, I decide to change the bedding and do some light housework before preparing lunch and meeting dad.
After I return from meeting Charlie, I turn on the stereo, dive right into the serious house chores left untouched during my absence, and lose myself in the tasks. I stop abruptly mid-dance move and wait to see if I really did hear something. A few seconds later, I hear a rap on the front door. Putting down my makeshift microphone, otherwise known as the mop, and turning down the music, I go to answer the front door.
Checking the narrow side window to the right of the door, my eyes widen at the sight before me. Thankful he is looking straight ahead, I quickly turn to check myself in the entryway mirror. I gasp quietly.
"Bella?" SHOOT!
I turn toward the back of the house in an attempt to sound like I am not standing right next to the door. "I'll be right there." I quickly smooth the hair to have escaped my ponytail and lift my shirt to wipe of the dust settled under my eyes and across my cheeks. A minute later, I am looking only slightly better and pull open the front door. My eyes meet his amber ones and I fight to keep my mouth from falling open.
When I don't say anything, he speaks up. "Good evening, Miss Swan." At my non-response, his brow furrows slightly. "Um, are you okay? Did I come at a bad time?"
Shaking my head, I snap out of my stupor. "OH! No, I'm fine. Thank you for asking. I was just working on some house chores. Would you like to come in?"
He hesitates, "Actually, I was wondering if I could speak with your briefly. Would you mind coming out here for a couple minutes?"
"No, it's fine. Let me grab my jacket." I grab my winter jacket, step out on the porch, and close the door just as I notice the darkened sky. "Um, do you happen to know what time it is?"
He glances at his watch. "A few minutes past six."
"Okay. Thank you. I didn't realize it had gotten so late. What brings you by this evening?" Suddenly the normally composed man is slightly fidgety and unsure while looking toward his shoes. "Is everything okay, Carlisle?"
"Yes!" He sighs, takes a quick, deep breath, and continues a bit calmer. "Yes, everything is fine. I came by because I wanted to ask you something."
Another minute passes. It seems he needs a bit of encouragement to continue. "Um, what would you like to ask me?"
Suddenly he squares his shoulders, straightens his back, and turns to look me in the eyes. He is obviously working up the courage to ask whatever it is he came here for. "Miss Isabella Swan, would you do me the honor of allowing me to take you out for an evening?"
This time my mouth does drop at his words, freezing me in place. My mind is swirling at the words I just heard. Then I see his shoulders fall slightly while he maintains his posture, but his eyes give him away. He is gearing himself up for a major rejection. I can't have that. Didn't I tell myself a couple days ago I wouldn't let an opportunity like this pass me by should it arise? Reaching my left hand over to my right forearm just under the winter coat, I pinch the skin there. "Ouch!" Okay, I'm not dreaming.
"Bella! What is wrong? What happened? Are you okay?" He rushes out in a panic.
I chuckle before breaking out in a small giggle fit. His face begins to relax again, seeing I am just fine, but I let him know this anyway. "I'm fine. I was, uh," I giggle some more. "I was just pinching myself to make sure I am awake."
He raises an eyebrow at me. "You are standing on your front porch in the cool winter air. Why would you not be awake?" Poor thing looks completely perplexed.
Between giggles I explain it to him, "No… I-I… p-pinched myself."
"Why would you pinch yourself?" This stops me short.
"Really? Haven't you ever heard the old adage, 'Pinch me, I must be dreaming'?" He shakes his head. "Well, I did this because everything seemed so surreal in the moment. Therefore, I decided to check if I am awake by pinching myself to see if I felt the pain. They say if you do this in your dreams, you won't feel it." I then grin sheepishly.
He looks slightly stunned. "Why would you think you are dreaming?"
"I never thought you would be interested in me in any way other than as a doctor to his patient."
"Oh." Disappointment drips heavily in this one word before I realize I haven't answered his first question yet, so I decide to put him out of his misery.
"Yes."
His eyes move to mine in a flash. "Yes?" He questions.
"Yes, I would love to spend an evening with you, Carlisle Cullen."
His face brightens, absolute joy shining from his eyes with a wide, ecstatic smile. If he were a female, he would probably have squealed and rushed to hug me in the same moment. As it is, he seems a bit unsure what to do with himself. Next thing I know he looks into my eyes and nervously asks, "Are you free this Saturday?"
"Sounds perfect."
He looks like a kid in a candy store, but quickly composes himself. "Thank you. Would it be acceptable if I picked you up at four?"
"I'll be ready then. May I ask where you plan to take me? I would like to know how to dress for the evening."
"I am sure whatever you wear will be perfect, but I would like to keep it a surprise, if it is alright with you."
Uh, Oh! Those never end well for me, but seeing the twinkle in his eyes, I can't find it within me to tell him no. "I'm not big on surprises, but I can't wait to see what you have planned."
"Thank you. I will see you tomorrow evening, Sparky." He then gently grasps my right hand and in a gentlemanly gesture, kisses the back of it. "Good evening, Miss Swan."
I can't take my eyes off him as he walks away and curse the mid-thigh trench coat for blocking my view. After he gets into his car, I head back into the warm house so I can finish my chores.
Charlie arrives home about forty-five minutes after Carlisle leaves. I spend a couple hours with him before I retreat to my room for the evening, but not before I inform him of my plans tomorrow evening. The displeasure is clear on his face, but he doesn't give me any grief, with the exception of asking me to be home by midnight the latest so he doesn't have to worry about me. I agree to try, which relaxes him slightly. I kiss his cheek, wish him a good night, and head to my room a little after nine.
~*~*~ WFB ~*~*~
The next morning, I awake by eight and change into a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt. I brush my hair, but forgo the shower until later when I need get ready for tonight. Charlie is already at work. At nine, there is a knock on the door. When I answer I am met with a simple, but not overly done bouquet of flowers with roses, lavender, lilac, and it appears to be jasmine.
"Isabella Swan?" The man asks.
"Yes."
"These are for you. Could you please sign here?" I sign his clipboard. He hands me the vase. "Have a nice day." He says and walks away.
I take the fragrant flowers into the kitchen to read the note.
Lavender for your Beauty
White Jasmine for your Amiability
White Lilac for Youthful Innocence
Red, White, and Yellow Roses telling you how much I care
These four combined make up the most glorious aroma,
a bouquet reminding me of you.
Wear your dancing shoes.
I want to display my beautiful bouquet.
I read his sweet words again and then look at the flowers once more, noting the rose colors. The white and dark red roses are solid in color, bunched together toward the back with the greenery. The jasmine and lilac spread throughout the middle. The lavender and yellow-orange tipped roses are in front. I check the card again. Maybe the flower shop didn't have solid yellow roses. Letting this thought go, I lean forward to take in their perfume.
As I make some eggs and toast for breakfast, I mentally figure out what I should wear based upon my hint and realize the dress I recently bought will work out nicely. Before I left, Rachel insisted I bring it with me this weekend because "You never know, Bella". I roll my eyes at the echoed words of my roommate and friend.
I am actually excited about the possibility of dancing with Carlisle tonight. For the last three years, Rachel and I would take the occasional adult dancing classes offered by Seattle's Community Adult Education Program. It offers various computer, language, craft, exercise, self-help, and dance classes for a small fee. We took classes such as Square Dancing, Salsa, Ballroom, and even Belly Dancing throughout the years. They were not only fun, but also helped me learn balance, coordination, and how to be lead across the dance floor. The classes weren't meant to turn us into pros. They were taught by Seattle citizens with regular, full-time jobs willing to share their knowledge with others.
When I have finished eating and cleaning up, I take the flowers with me to my room and spend the rest of the morning studying. When one o'clock rolls around, I begin my preparations to get ready, showering, shaving, and putting on lotion. I roll my wet hear in some curlers, which will stay in until half an hour before he is due to arrive. I set to all the finer details, keeping the makeup simple and light, while each passing minute my nerves and excitement build within me. Suddenly I realize I may have to rethink my outfit because I don't have shoes to go with it.
By three, I remember my perfect dancing shoes with a four-inch heel. The shoes I wore to the senior prom I didn't want to attend, even though each of the boys in our class promised to save a dance for me with each of their girlfriend's permission. Jessica and Angela had asked me to tag along with them to help find their dresses, secretly hoping they could change my mind about going. When they started looking for shoes, my eyes fell upon these silver beauties. They knew because of my obsession with the movie Dirty Dancing I could be easily swayed at that point.
At three-thirty, I remove the rollers, gently run my fingers through my hair, pin the sides back, and give my bangs a simple side-sweep style with a touch of hairspray for a slight hold. I put on my mock sapphire heart earrings, followed by my necklace of a sterling silver heart with a mock sapphire stone in the center. Thankfully the brace is black.
At a quarter-to, I am zipping up my dress and putting on the metallic, strap heels. Even though they are a completely open style and winter has begun, I opt to wear them anyway since we will most likely be spending most of our time inside.
The doorbell rings promptly at four and with butterflies waging war within my stomach, I carefully descend the stairs to open the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ WFB ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N – I am taking creative license on the cast situation in this chapter.
Thank you for reading. Reviews are very much appreciated, so please let me know your thoughts so far.
09-20-15 - As suggested in a review, I fixed an area with "il suo cantante". This phrase is the 'proper' phrase in the context of the sentence and replaces the well known fanfiction phrase "la tua cantante". Rather than saying "your singer" it is saying "his singer".
Posted: 06-13-12