A/N: Hello, I just want to say thank you to those who reviewed, followed, and added this story to your favorites! Also, please excuse any errors you may find, I don't have a beta.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OC.

Chapter Two

"YOU HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL AND YOU DIDN'T WAKE ME UP?!"

Vanessa shot out of bed, rubbing her eyes and blinking rapidly.

"Hunh?" she yawned, hearing Charlie clearly lecturing downstairs to Bella. He was upset that she didn't tell him she broke her wrist in the middle of the night. It was understandable, but its just how Bella is.

Looking at the clock, she raised her eyebrows when she saw it was one p.m. Had she really been that tired?!

Leaping from bed, she quickly grabbed her bag and went into the bathroom, still hearing a lecture coming from downstairs.

She quickly showered and brushed her teeth.

"Ow...OW...damn!" she hissed, pulling the brush through her elbow length hair. Her hair really was too long and a pain in the ass. But since she'd gained weight, she felt her hair was one of the few nice features she possessed, so she kept it, even though it became unmanageable after a wash.

Finally finishing, she brushed her teeth and dug through her clothing bag. She'd only brought one outfit with her. She'd have to go home and get more clothes. The only thing she had was a pair of blue jean shorts and a black Fuel tee shirt. There was NO way she was wearing that to the Cullen's house. It wasn't so much the tee shirt as much as it was the whole shorts thing. No way she was showing off her thighs.

Quickly throwing on the clothes, she quickly put on some mascara and walked out of the bathroom.

Bella was sitting on her bed, looking irritated.

"Is the lecture over?" Vanessa laughed, walking into her room.

"Ugh, yes," Bella rubbed her face. "I've been listening to that for an hour."

"Well, should have told him, I guess," Vanessa shrugged. "Oh, by the way, I need to go home and get more clothes before we go to the Cullens."

Bella gave her a confused look. "Why? What's wrong with what you're wearing?"

"Um, these shorts!" Vanessa exclaimed, pulling on the shorts as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"So? I'm wearing shorts today," Bella motioned down to herself, shrugging her shoulders.

"Yeah, but your thighs are thin."

"Oh for God's sake," Bella groaned, shaking her head at her. "You look fine. Trust me."

Vanessa scrunched up her nose. She didn't think so, but if Bella insisted, she'd think about it.

"Speaking of which," Bella smiled. "You kind of went full retard in front of Carlisle."

Vanessa instantly flushed, cringing at the memory. "That reminds me! Why didn't you tell me he was going to be THAT hot?! Jesus, Bella!"

"What did you want me to say?" Bella laughed as Vanessa fell over on her bed. "Oh, you should see my boyfriends dad! He's so sexy!"

Vanessa started laughing, covering her face. "I guess you're right. Still, I would have appreciated the warning. Damn, that man...is the most gorgeous man I've ever seen in my life!"

"You really think so?" Bella smiled, laying down beside her. "He's only twenty-three, you know...and single-"

"Please tell me you're not suggesting what would make me smack you for suggesting," Vanessa cut in, looking at Bella with humor. "If you think someone like that would ever be interested in me, you're a fuckin' psychopath."

"Don't sell yourself short," Bella said disapprovingly. "How many times do I have to tell you that you're beautiful?"

"You're one to talk," Vanessa pointed out.

"Touche," Bella smiled, sighing. "Okay, if you're really that concerned. I have some black capris that are too big for me. They might fit you." she jumped up and dug through her dresser drawers.

"Ah ha!" she said, pulling out some black capris.

"Ugh, they look like they'd be tight," Vanessa said, taking the pants and frowning. "I'll try them...I guess."

Despite the pants being a size too small than she usually wore, Vanessa managed to squeeze into them.

"Hey, those look good on you!" Bella exclaimed, giving her a thumbs up.

"...I look like I'm gonna rip at the seam," Vanessa squirmed, wiggling around in the tight pants.

"Capris are supposed to be tight," Bella said, laughing. "If they weren't, you'd look like a grandma."

"Ugh, whatever. I guess this is better," Vanessa shrugged. Did it even matter? It wasn't like it really mattered what she looked like anyway. It wasn't like she had anyone with the slightest hope of impressing.

"What time are we going anyway?" Vanessa asked, brushing her hair again.

"At five," Bella answered, laying back and sighing. "I miss Edward."

"Oh please. Don't tell me you're one of those girls that's gonna get all whiney if they're separated from their guy for five minutes," Vanessa groaned, lifting the brush threateningly. "I will hit you."

"I still think if you like Carlisle, you should talk to him," Bella suggested, making Vanessa's face tint pink. "You never know...opposites attract."

"Thanks for the advice, Paula Abdul," Vanessa smirked, falling back on her bed. "I don't have a chance in hell. Even IF I was super thin and beautiful...I'm not his type. I'm a rocker chick, close to being a damn metal head for God's sake. I cuss like a sailor at times, and he seems like he's a damn... I don't know. An aristocrat or something...sipping tea in his golden tailored robe."

"You don't even know him though," Bella said, turning towards her and propping her head on her hand. "He may surprise you."

Vanessa snorted. "I highly doubt I'm wrong. He needs a...lady. I'm not a lady. I'm a weird girl. He needs a lady with class, sophistication, and elegance. A woman that eats caviar as she flips through Vogue."

"You're ridiculous," Bella laughed though.

"Shit, if I wasn't terrified of needles, I'd probably have tattoos and piercings too."

Bella cringed. She feared those things as well.

"I need a cigarette," Vanessa mumbled, her nerves about that evening getting to her. She didn't smoke everyday, but it was a bad habit she indulged in when she got nervous or upset. It calmed her nerves.

"Nooo, you don't!" Bella scolded, disliking her occasional habit.

"Ugh, you're trying to kill me..." Vanessa huffed.

Together, they spent the next few hours talking and joking around until it came to be four-thirty. Vanessa's heart felt like it was going to pound from her chest in nerves.

As they got in her car and drove off, Bella looked at her knowingly.

"You have nothing to worry about," she said gently. "But I know that will fall on deaf ears...I know how I felt when I first went to Edward's house..."

"Well, if you did it, I suppose I can," Vanessa sighed, turning onto the dirt road that Bella pointed to.

"Are we almost there? I feel like we've been on this road for a damn eternity," Vanessa grumbled, finally seeing a large, expensive house come in to view.

"Well...shit, that's a nice house," she remarked, not too terribly surprised.

Bella chuckled. "Wait till' you see the inside."

Bella jumped out of the car as soon as it stopped making Vanessa sigh. Almost shakily, she opened the car door and followed Bella to the door. Before she could knock, it was opened to a smiling Edward.

He quickly kissed her, making Vanessa look away awkwardly, shifting her feet. Did they really have to do that in front of her? She was suspiciously starting to feel like a third wheel.

"Come in Nessa," Bella exclaimed, snapping her attention back to her. She gave a sheepish smile and stepped into the Cullen's home. Her eyes widened. It was large, and very expensive looking. All the furniture was sleek and black, decorated in a modern fashion. It was almost creepily clean, every decoration completely immaculate. A large, spiraling staircase led upstairs and a TV so large it almost covered the entire wall was in the living room. Damn, how much did doctors really get paid? Maybe she should think about doing it...

"Come, Vanessa, you can meet my family," Edward's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

She smiled back at him, following him and Bella in the kitchen. To her surprise, everyone seemed to be in there, cooking.

"Hey there tinkerbell!" A big, burly guy said, rushing up to Bella and lifting her off the ground with a squeak.

"That's Emmett. Ignore him," Edward murmured to Vanessa as she laughed.

"What're you laughing for girl? You're next!" Emmett said to Vanessa, making her eyes widen in shock as he charged over to her, instantly lifting her off the ground as if she weighed nothing.

"Emmett! Put our guest down! Are you insane?!" Edward reprimanded.

Vanessa found herself being gently sat on her feet. It had happened so quickly and shocked her so much that she hadn't even had time to react properly.

Vanessa gaped. Words failed her as she stared at the large, handsome man. He was pale as Edward and his father...with golden eyes like Edward...

"I'm Emmett," he nodded to her, smiling goofily. "Rose, get over here!"

Vanessa's eyes widened as a golden blonde girl elegantly strode over. Her stiletto heels clicked against the floor as her flawless face remained stern. Her face...and her body was perfect as well. She looked almost like a real life barbie. Emmett put his hand around her waist, and Vanessa assumed they were in a relationship.

"I'm Rosalie," she said, her voice sounding like bells.

"I'm Vanessa," Vanessa said kindly. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

"Likewise," Rosalie said, her eyes flicking boredly over her and making her feel uncomfortable. She felt like she was being judged.

Suddenly, a small, pixie like girl hopped into the room, coming straight towards Vanessa. She smiled, but her eyes widened as the small girl wrapped her arms around her in a hug. Not really being sure of what to do, Vanessa hesitantly wrapped her arms around the girl, patting her on the back.

"I'm Alice and I have a feeling we're all going to be great friends!" she said excitedly, holding Vanessa's hands in her cold ones.

"O-oh, I'd like t-that," Vanessa stammered timidly, thinking he had a rather strange family. Nice, but odd. Well, she definitely hadn't been expecting this...

"And this is my Jasper," the small, brunette girl said, bouncing back to a blonde man with curly blonde hair. She looped her arm through his and smiled up at him adoringly.

"Hello," Vanessa said kindly, her eyes taking in the similarities of all the Cullens...her gaze flicked over to Bella for moments. Surely, she had noticed the similarities? They all had perfect features...all had golden eyes. Well, except for Carlisle. If they were adopted, how could they possibly all look alike if they all weren't really related? Bella had told her that the two blondes were twins, which made sense...but still, it didn't really explain ALL of them looking so similar. What, did Carlisle only adopt teenagers that were oddly beautiful or something?

"Ah, it looks as though our guests have arrived."

Vanessa almost tensed at the voice. She turned around, seeing Carlisle elegantly coming down the flight of stairs. He was wearing black slacks and a button down white shirt that was tucked in. He smiled as he crossed the room, his eyes falling on Bella and her.

Wait, his eyes? Vanessa was floored. His eyes were...golden?

What the fucking hell is going on here?

She was taken aback. She was positive that he had dark eyes. She had been staring at him intently...his eyes had been a really dark brown or something...not the current amber color they were.

She tried not to show her inner turmoil as she gave, what she hoped to be, a kind smile, trying not to display her inner emotions.

"I hope you're both hungry," he smiled warmly, motioning towards the dining room. "Please, come sit down."

Vanessa smiled as Bella and Edward walked in front of her. As she started walking, she tensed, feeling his hand lightly touching her back, as though he was gently guiding her into the dining room.

"I apologize," he said gently, withdrawing his hand, clearly feeling the tension.

"I...It's okay," she mumbled sheepishly, turning red. "I was just, erm, surprised."

He was being a gentleman, and she had to go and ruin it with her awkwardness. He pulled out her chair next to Bella's and again, she was surprised. No, she shouldn't look into it. Edward had done the same for Bella. They were just very polite men in this house...well, except for that Emmett man.

"Thanks..." she said quietly, quickly sitting down.

"You're welcome," he said kindly, walking to the head of the table, which happened to be next to her, and sat down.

Great, this is going to make me even more tense...

"I hope you both like filet mignon," he said conversationally, crossing his hands in front of him.

"We love filet mignon," Bella said, answering for her and making her feel eternally grateful.

Vanessa just smiled, looking over to see Rosalie, Alice, Jasper, and Emmett carrying multiple dishes of elegant looking food. Alice picked up the dish of filet mignon, and started putting one in everyone's plate, following with steamed vegetables and a dinner roll.

Vanessa looked down at her food, internally sighing as she picked up her glass of water, taking a sip.

"So, Vanessa, won't you miss L.A?" Alice piped in suddenly, taking her seat. "I mean, all those shopping places! It must have been heaven there!"

"Oh, yeah," she chuckled. "It was nice for a bit...but after a while, it kind of wears on you. All the people, traffic, and the fact that its always busy everywhere you go gets kind of old."

Vanessa didn't mind missing out on all the designer stores. It wasn't like she could fit in any of the clothes anyway...

"So, you prefer small town life?" Alice asked, taking a bite of vegetables. Was it Vanessa's imagination, or did she grimace as she did so? Hm, she probably just didn't like vegetables was all.

"Yeah, I do," she answered, taking a bite of food. Her nerves didn't really want her to eat, but she knew she had to, lest she be rude. As she looked around, all the Cullens were slowly picking at their food and only her and Bella were really eating...that was strange.

"I prefer it as well," Carlisle chipped in, making Vanessa's eyes snap to him. He was looking at her, holding his fork elegantly.

Vanessa stared back for moments, stunned by his beauty before blinking and looking back down at her plate, flushing embarrassingly.

"Why? It's so boring here!" Alice sighed. "There's not even any good shows to go too!"

"Yeah, that's one thing I will miss..." Vanessa said quietly. Socially awkward or not, she actually loved going to rock concerts.

"Ohh, who have you seen live?" Alice piped in, looking excited. Vanessa had a feeling the bouncy, designer clothes wearing girl wouldn't like the same type of music she did...

"Well, I went to Ozzfest and Warped Tour a few years ago," she said, avoiding Carlisle's stare. "I also saw Avenged Sevenfold with Deftones. Oh, I also saw Green Day and My Chemical Romance when I was fourteen..." she finished sheepishly.

"I LOVE Green Day!" Emmett spoke up suddenly, giving her an approving, wolfish grin.

"I wanted to go to Warped Tour," Alice frowned. "But I couldn't. Who all was there?"

Vanessa widened her eyes in surprise. Alice actually wanted to go to Warped Tour?! That was oddly...surprising. Maybe they actually would be friends...

"Um, a lot of bands. I'm sure I've forgotten a few," she gave a small smile. "There was Rancid, Avenged Sevenfold again, A Day to Remember, Five Finger Death Punch...that's all I can really remember right now. There were a lot of little known bands there."

"I LOVE Five Finger Death Punch!" Emmett piped in again, making Vanessa laugh.

"You would like that loud, obnoxious band," Edward grumbled, rolling his eyes at Emmett.

"Oh shut up, Edwardo," Emmett snapped, laughing. "Your music is so damn boring. Debussy, really? Jesus Christ, listen to something with a little amp to it!"

"That music has no talent," Edward said tonelessly.

"Well excuse me for not wanting to listen to some dude banging on a piano at all times," Emmett scoffed. "Even Carlisle doesn't listen to that instrumental shit all the time."

"Now, don't drag me into this," Carlisle laughed good naturedly. "I appreciate all types of music."

"Really?" Vanessa blurted accidentally, wanting to fall in the floor and die when she realized what she said. Did she really just direct a question towards him?

His eyes fell on her, smiling warmly. "Yes, I do. I really love music, so I can usually find at least one song that I like in every genre I come across."

"Even bluegrass?" Vanessa asked, scrunching her nose and feeling a little more comfortable. She was doing it! She was talking to him!

Carlisle chuckled at her, shaking her head. "I think it requires talent, but no, I haven't come across a bluegrass song I like. Though, I'll admit, I don't really look for it. My favorite as far as rock music goes, though, is alternative."

"Me too," Vanessa blurted, surprised. "Well, erm – I mean my favorite band is Avenged but...90's alternative is my favorite."

"Well, looks like we have something in common then," Carlisle said kindly, giving her a stunning smile that made her heart start racing slightly as she gave him a small smile, looking back down at her plate.

"Do you still like the Spice Girls?" Bella piped in, making Vanessa's head whip towards her as Bella took a sip of water.

"Gee, I dunno," Vanessa said sarcastically, trying to ignore her flush. "Do you still drool over the Backstreet Boys?"

Bella promptly coughed, turning beet red and glancing at Edward.

"Vanessa!" she snapped, glaring amused daggers at her cousin.

"Well, you brought up the Spice Girl thing..." Vanessa smiled innocently.

"..."

"You like G-Unit."

Vanessa gaped. How dare she bring up her guilty pleasure. Gods, she was embarrassed of that...

"Liking one song can hardly be classified as liking a group," Vanessa snapped, her face turning as red as Bella's.

Emmett was roaring in laughter, making Vanessa pout as Alice chuckled at them both.

"Okay, I'm sorry," Bella laughed, her eyes glittering.

"Urgh, don't talk to me you backstabber," Vanessa mumbled, looking down at her plate, trying to keep a smile from spreading on her lips.

"This is hilarious," Emmett laughed. "You two are completely different, yet similar in funny ways."

Vanessa chuckled, finishing up her meal with watching Bella, Edward, and Emmett banter back and forth. He seemed to be the most easy going of the Cullens. Well, besides Carlisle. But, Emmett seemed more likely to joke around. Rose and Jasper, however, did not look amused and were the only ones that stayed quiet the entire meal. Every once in a while, she felt Carlisle's eyes on her, and she began to wonder if she had a piece of broccoli in her teeth.

As Alice rose to get the plates, Vanessa stood up, already feeling guilty that the small girl had already served everyone their food.

"Here, let me help you," Vanessa said, picking up her and Bella's plate.

"Nuh uh uh," Alice smiled, taking the plates out of her hands. "You're the guest. I refuse to allow you to help me."

"Are you sure...I mean, I don't mind helping..." Vanessa said hesitantly.

"Yup! Now, you all go in the living room and I'll clean up!" Alice said, bouncing around and getting all the plates before hopping in the kitchen. Vanessa raised her eyebrow as her silent boyfriend quietly followed her.

"How about a game of billiards?" Carlisle asked, standing and motioning towards the back room. "We have a game room back here."

"Sounds good, Carlisle," Edward answered, smirking at a dreading looking Bella. Well, that's something her and Bella shared in common...they sucked at pool.

"How about you, Vanessa?" Carlisle asked kindly, clearing not wanting to force her if she didn't want to play.

"If everyone else is, I'm game," she shrugged, smiling. "I just pity whoever is on my team. Hope they don't mind losing."

Carlisle let out his deep laugh, making her heart rate spike at the melodious sound.

"Nonsense, Bella can play with Edward and I will be your partner," he smiled, walking into a room where a large pool table set with all the cues.

"Oh, okay..." she laughed nervously, her heart thumping as something caught her eye.

An old Mortal Kombat arcade game sat in the corner and Vanessa's eyes widened, almost forgetting that she was going to partners with Carlisle as she walked over to it.

"Damn, I haven't seen one of these in ages!" she exclaimed. "Where did you get this?" she turned, looking at Edward as he walked up to her, smiling.

"Ebay, actually," Edward chuckled. "That one's actually mine. It's programmed to not need money, obviously."

"Sweet," Vanessa said, pulling away. "Can I play it sometime?"

"Sure, feel free," Edward laughed, walking over with her to get pool cues.

He handed her and Bella one as Carlisle racked the balls.

"Carlisle and I splitting up will make it more even," Edward smiled. "You said you weren't good. If you play like Bella, I believe you."

"Shut up, Edward," Bella murmured, making Vanessa laugh.

"I'll break," Edward smiled, walking up and hitting the ball with force. The balls all broke apart, two solids going in a hole. He smirked, walking around and hitting one again, but it looked like he hit it too lightly and the ball didn't go in.

Did he do that on purpose? Vanessa wondered.

"Do you want to go first, Vanessa?" Carlisle's voice broke her out of her musings.

"N-no, that's okay. You c-can go first..." she smiled weakly, her cheeks flaming.

"Alright then," Carlisle smiled, walking elegantly around the table. She watched, lightly biting her lip as he stretched across the table, hitting the ball smoothly. She tried not the look at the muscles on his back flexing as he did this.

Not surprisingly, he shot a stripe in. He smiled, walking around the table and repeating the process. By the time he'd done it three times, Edward looked irritated and spoke up.

"Oh come on, give Bella and I a chance!" he said, making Carlisle smile and look up at him as he hit another one, sinking in a ball.

"Show off," Edward muttered so lightly that Vanessa's ears barely even picked up on it. Was Carlisle really showing off?

Once again, looking intentional, he scratched the next ball.

"Thank you," Edward grumbled. "Go ahead Bella." he smiled, stroking her hair.

Vanessa bit her lip, glancing at Carlisle. She had a feeling that if it was just him and Edward, he wouldn't have stopped. He only scratched so Bella and her would have a chance to play...she was almost certain of that. Her heart warmed at that thought.

Bella groaned, struggling with the stick as her cast made it difficult. She aimed her pool stick, hitting the ball with way too much force. Vanessa's eyes widened, and in the blink of an eye, the ball came off the table and popped her in the stomach.

"Oh God! I'm so sorry!"

"Damn it, Bella!" Vanessa groaned, looking over to see Carlisle had stepped out, and Edward was glaring at him as if to say, 'No.'

Carlisle came to her side very quickly. "Are you alright?" he asked with a concerned expression, gently taking her arm and making her heart rate increase once again.

"Uh, yeah," she chuckled. "It didn't really hurt. Just more alarming than anything. It was my fault. I shouldn't have stood right in front of where she was hitting," she laughed sheepishly, looking at Bella with humorous eyes.

"If it hurts, I can take a look; if you need me too," he offered gently.

Her eyes widened, making her jump back. Bare her stomach to Carlisle? She'd rather be shot! She had stretch marks on her hips and everything...it would probably disgust a man as beautiful as him.

"N-no! I'm fine. I promise," she smiled, wrapping her arms around her stomach defensively.

"Alright, if you insist," he smiled warmly. "I do believe its your shot." he gestured towards the table.

"Oh, right..." she grumbled, grabbing her cue and walking around the table. She didn't see any clear shots and she sighed. "I'm not going to get anything."

"That's fine. Just do your best," Carlisle encouraged, coming to stand near her. She tensed lightly, not really wanting him so close. Her hands were shaky as it were.

Sighing, she hit the ball, making a few balls roll across the table. Her mouth fell open when she got one in...only problem was...it was one of Edward and Bella's balls.

"Hey, thanks!" Edward laughed as her cheeks erupted in flames and she groaned.

"I did not mean to do that..." she looked over at Carlisle, expecting him to be angry or something. But to her surprise, he was laughing along with Edward at her blunder.

"Well, you said you wouldn't get one in, but you did," Carlisle smiled, apparently trying to console her mistake.

"Yeah, think I would have been better off not getting one in though..." she chuckled.

Edward walked around the table, aiming his stick. Right as he went to shoot, he scratched, and his eyes widened, looking over at Carlisle. First shock appeared on his face, then anger.

"You did that on purpose!" Edward frowned, making Vanessa confused as she turned her head to look at Carlisle.

"Did what? I haven't moved? Come now, Edward, just because you scratched, it doesn't mean I had anything to do with it."

"Well you..." Edward's eyes traveled towards Vanessa, and he sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Alright Carlisle, take the game."

"With pleasure," he replied, giving a mock bow and walking around the table with a playful expression.

Vanessa wondered how it could be Carlisle's fault. What had he done? Make a funny face at him or something? Even so, Edward wasn't looking at him until after he scratched. It was probably just as Carlisle said: Edward was a teenage boy, so its not completely implausible to think he might have been trying to blame Carlisle for his blunder.

She watched Carlisle dunk the other balls in, and her heart warmed. Just now, she'd seen a side of him that she didn't think was there, based on her visit to the hospital. He was playful, young, and energetic. Of course, she had to remind herself that the man was only twenty-three. Not that he didn't look like he wasn't – far from it. He looked amazingly good. Just like a young adult should. It was his behavior that made her forget his age. The fact that he was so proper, neat, and punctual. Also, the fact that he had opened his home to multiple teenagers as well. They referred to him as their father, even though he only had a couple of years on them. It was a little odd, but she supposed she could see why. Carlisle, despite his age, did seem very fatherly and way more mature than the others. He didn't act at all like a regular twenty-three year old man usually would have. Hell, Vanessa had seen thirty year old men act less mature than him.

"Looks like Vanessa and I won," Carlisle said, smiling at everyone.

"Yeah, yeah," Edward grumbled, putting everyone's cues away.

"Maybe next time we should just let Bella and Vanessa play while we watch," Carlisle chucked. "I feel bad that they only got to shoot once."

"It's alright," Bella laughed. "We're no good at pool anyway. If it was just me and her, we'd be sitting here knocking balls around all night."

"Or I'd just sink all yours in and I'd lose," Vanessa shrugged.

"Do you want to go up to my room?" Edward asked Bella, looking over at Vanessa. "You're welcome to come too. We're just gonna hang out."

"Um..." Wow, the third wheel feeling was really kicking in now. She wasn't exactly comfortable sitting in Edward's bedroom with him and Bella...she knew without a doubt she would be interrupting something. Surely, Edward was only inviting her to be polite. But, at the same time, what else was she supposed to do?

"Do you like reading?" Carlisle asked her suddenly.

"Um, yes, I do..." she said, giving him a small smile.

"Excellent. How about I show you our library? It's in my study."

"Well, I-...I don't want to intrude. I mean, you don't have to if there's other things you need to do..." Vanessa stumbled, feeling guilty. Great, now Carlisle was probably gritting his teeth to spend time with her alone just to do Edward a favor. It was so embarrassing. She highly doubted he'd want to spend time with her.

"Oh, not at all," he smiled as they walked out of the room. "I'd enjoy it, and I'm all free today."

"Oh...alright then," she smiled, seeing that he actually seemed sincere. She caught Bella's eye, and she gave her a mischievous grin that said: 'I told you so.'

Vanessa gave her a playful glare as they all walked up the stairs. Thankfully, Carlisle was walking in front of her. It was good for two reasons. One: she wouldn't have to worry if her ass looked fat, and two:...she could look at his.

Smirking to herself, they finally reached the top.

"It's right through this door," Carlisle said, opening the first door on the left for her.

Bella and Edward continued walking down the hallway, talking quietly.

Smiling lightly to Carlisle with her heart pumping, she hesitantly walked in the room. The room was fairly large, and every wall was a book shelf. It seemed that every single space was taken up. God, he had a lot of books...in the middle sat a large, wooden computer table with a huge computer monitor sitting on it. He had a big, black, leather chair that looked really comfortable.

"Wow, you have a lot of books," she chuckled, running her fingers over a few of the spines.

"Yes, I have even more, but these are the ones I and the others like...but sadly, most are mine," he chuckled.

"Is...Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince yours as well?" she smirked, plucking the book off the shelf as waving it at him.

He chuckled, leaning back against his desk with his hands in his pockets. He looked...too beautiful. Vanessa flushed and looked away.

"I have read the series, but I'm afraid that would belong to Alice," he chuckled. "It seems she was correct. Out of all the books in this library, you picked the one series that belongs to her."

"Are you fond of Wuthering Heights as Bella is?" he asked conversationally.

"I've read it. It was alright..." Vanessa smiled. "Did you know that Emily Brontë died only a year after it was published? It was her only novel too. I thought that was really sad; she was only thirty."

Carlisle raised his eyes in surprise. "For someone that didn't really care for the novel, I am surprised that you know that. Yes, I was aware of that."

"Eh, I look up odd stuff sometimes..." she laughed awkwardly. "I'm on Wikipedia, and one minute I'll be looking at a lead singer of a band, and somehow end up reading on the 16th century Spanish Inquisition."

"Oh really?" Carlisle smiled.

"Erm – yeah, I know a lot about Mozart and Beethoven as well. Even though it is extremely rare for me to listen to their compositions," she smiled. "It's not that I don't like classical music, I just have to be in the mood for it."

Carlisle opened his mouth, a look crossing across his face before closing it. It looked as though he wanted to tell her something, but thought better of it, changing his mind at the last minute.

"You prefer them to Debussy, I take it?" he asked, but she knew that wasn't what he was going to say.

"Not to sound typical, but yeah," she smiled. "I also like Chopin."

"I'm fond of him as well," he grinned charmingly, his eyes flashing. "Well, you're full of surprises. You're a unique girl."

Vanessa immediately flushed. "Think think 'weird' is a more appropriate term," she chuckled awkwardly, looking back at the books.

"No, I wouldn't say that at all," he said politely, making her flush more.

"..."

She put the Harry Potter book back on the shelf, continuing to browse the shelves. Her eyes widened and she blushed furiously when she saw a copy of the Kama Sutra, hoping to God he didn't see her pause in front of it as she continued her browsing. A lot of the books she didn't recognize, but some of them seemed to be related to medical things, one way or another.

"Have you read all these books?" she asked, wondering how some of them didn't bore him to death if he had...then again, if he got too bored, perhaps he pulled out the Kama Sutra and read that. She was sure that was just...riveting. Why did he have that anyway? Sure, it was a popular ancient text...but still. Wait, why did it matter anyway? If he brought women to his house, what difference should it make? It shouldn't matter to her. No doubts he could have any woman he wanted...he was kind, generous, smart, funny...and not to mention, beyond gorgeous. The man could have Megan Fox at his feet – she was sure of it.

"Believe it or not, yes, I have," he said warmly, surprising her. What did he do? Spend ALL his spare time reading? Maybe she was wrong, maybe he didn't get laid often.

"Wow...I'm pretty sure there's more books here than I've read in my lifetime. Well, unless you count fan fiction," she said, bending down to look at more books.

"Fan fiction?" he asked, sounding curious.

She froze. Did she really just say that? To him, of all people?!

"O-oh...well, um...you see, its stories by everyday people," she murmured, not looking at him. "Fans write their own stories with characters and things that they're a fan of. I guess its...kind of lame. But, I mean, its interesting to see what people do with the characters, giving them a completely different story."

"Hmm, I could see how that could be interesting," he commented, sounding like he was thinking. "Perhaps I'll look into that."

Vanessa wanted to groan. Great, she was going to turn the man of her dreams into a fan girl.

"Fictional characters...hmm, so there's Dracula fan fiction?" Carlisle asked after a moments pause.

"Personally, I haven't read any...but I'm sure there is," she smiled, looking over at him. "I mean, I know there's Interview with a Vampire fan fiction...and Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

"Do you read either of those?" he asked, chuckling.

She wanted to lie—she really did. But for some reason, it just didn't feel right.

"Honestly, I've read Buffy fan fiction," she said sheepishly. "I was a huge fan of that show when I was younger."

"Oh, really?" he asked, smiling. "Who did you root for? The vampires, or the slayer?"

"Oh, Buffy of course," she laughed, wondering if he liked that show. "She was bad ass. The only time I rooted for the vampires was if it was Angel or Spike, but that was only because I was really-" she trailed off. She didn't want to say: 'because I was really crushing on them.' God, it sounded lame.

"-Um, but unlike other stories, vampires weren't really romanticized in that show," she shrugged. "Other than two characters, all the vampires were evil demons."

"Is that the proper view of vampires for you?" he asked quietly, turning her attention to him. He had a contemplative look on his face as though he was asking her something of great importance.

"Well, I'm not sure," she said slowly, studying him. "I've never really thought about. I suppose when I think 'vampire', I do think 'evil' to a degree...as I tend to link vampire with Bram Stoker's Dracula. I guess it depends on the literature. If they were portrayed in a more positive light in a different writing, I would be less inclined to think that way. Besides, there's a good of everything, right? Its no different than writings about people in general. There's evil in everything, not just so called, 'monsters'. People are just as capable of being as evil as things that supposedly go bump in the night. I see no difference."

He was quiet for moments, making her feel a little tense as he watched her. Was he even blinking? His face was gentle, but was also musing. Did she say something he disapproved of? Perhaps she said too much...should she apologize?

"...I think those are very wise words, Vanessa," he said gently. "The difference is; not all human beings have the need to commit evil in them. That is the difference between humans, and those that are referred to as monsters. Monsters have no choice in the matter, as evil is what they are made to commit."

"Everyone has their own personal demons," Vanessa said quietly. "Some are just more severe than others. I believe everyone has light and darkness in their hearts, but it is their choice whether or not they chose to act on it. It's not what you are, or what you're born into that defines who you are...its the choices you make. Your choices show who you truly are – your decisions."

Carlisle was looking at her like he'd never clearly seen her before, and her face flushed. He remained quiet for moments as she turned to look at more books, hitting her leg on the edge of a table.

"Ow...shit..." she hissed, clutching her leg.

"Are you alright-"

Alice suddenly burst into the door.

"Carlisle!" she said strictly, confusing Vanessa and apparently Carlisle as well...for about a half a second. His eyes widened, and he instantly turned around.

Alice rushed up to her, pulling her arm. "We have to go—now."

"Wha-" Vanessa started, confused at the tense look on Alice's face.

"Please, go Vanessa!" Carlisle said sternly, his voice getting loud. She saw his white fists clutched at his sides, and Vanessa flinched, blinking confusedly as she allowed Alice to pull her out of his office, slamming the door behind her.

Alice rushed her down the stairs, and she saw Bella and Edward were at the bottom. The rest of the family was nowhere to be seen. What had just happened? Why had Carlisle...yelled at her?

"I'm very sorry," Alice said, giving a confused Vanessa a warm smile and squeezing her hand. "I promise we'll explain later."

Vanessa was aghast. What the hell was going on?

"I'll see you at school tomorrow, Bella and Vanessa," Edward said, offering Vanessa a small smile before he kissed Bella bye.

Before she knew it, her and Bella were standing on their porch, alone.

"Well, lets go..." Bella murmured, bouncing off the steps and towards the car. Like a zombie, Vanessa followed her and got in.

She was so stunned, she was quiet as they pulled away from the Cullens.

Finally, she glanced over at Bella.

"Do you know what happened?" she asked, her voice quiet.

"No...I'm not sure," Bella said, not making eye contact with her. "I will tell you though, don't worry. Carlisle is fond of you. Don't take this the wrong way, please."

"But...he yelled at me," Vanessa whispered, her throat constricting as she tightened her hands on the steering wheel. "Maybe...I don't fucking know...maybe I said something that pissed him off-"

"No, you didn't."

"And how do you know, Bella?"

"I just do..." Bella answered quietly as they pulled in her driveway.

"..."

"I'll pick you up before school tomorrow," Vanessa mumbled, a little hurt that Bella was obviously keeping something from her.

"What about your bag?"

"I'll get it tomorrow."

"..."

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow morning..." Bella trailed off, getting out of her car.

Vanessa instantly pulled out, driving to her house with speed. Now that Bella was out of the car, she didn't even try to stop the tears that leaked out of her eyes.

Quickly, she pulled into her yard, running inside, up the stairs, and into her room, slamming the door behind her.

Breathing heavily, she ripped off her shirt and pants, putting a night gown on. Her leg stung as she looked down, seeing a little bit of blood. She must have torn the skin slightly when she hit her leg on that sharp edge. No wonder it hurt so bad.

Sighing, she fell into her bed, a few tears still falling.

Carlisle's cold, demanding voice rang through her head. He had been so nice...why had he yelled at her like that? Even more so, why did it hurt her feelings so bad? After all, she didn't even know the man – not really.

"You're a fucking idiot," she groaned into her pillow, wiping her eyes and trying to get comfortable enough to fall asleep.

The night carried on as she lay there, trying to think of any reason for him to act as he did. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind. She couldn't think of one logical reason as to why he'd suddenly yell at her that way.

After hours of pondering, her mind finally got hazy and she fell into slumber.