A/N: Ah, another chapter. I'm somewhat addicted to writing this story. Also, yes, this story was inspired from the song, 'Beautiful With You.' by Halestorm. It's a really wonderful song. Anyway, thanks to everyone that has enjoyed this so far!
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Just my OC.
Chapter Three
Beep
"Urgh..." Vanessa groaned.
Beep
"Uh..." she rolled over, trying to drown out the annoying noise.
Beep
Irritated, and still hazy from sleep, she grabbed her phone, chucking it across the floor. She lay there for minutes, before realizing she just threw her phone.
Beep
"Damn it!" she cursed, looking at her clock to see that it was five-thirty in the morning; thirty minutes before she set an alarm to be woken up. Who the hell was texting her this early?
"Bella, I swear to God..." she grumbled as she forced herself to climb out of bed, snatching her phone off the floor before falling back against her bed. She rubbed her eyes, trying to look at the phone in her dark room. It felt like looking into the sun.
She frowned at her iPhone, seeing that it was a number she didn't recognize.
"Great, I get woken up by a wrong number text...assholes," she grumbled, opening the message.
Her eyes instantly widened.
Vanessa, its Carlisle. I got your number from Bella; I truly hope you don't mind. Bella awakes at this time, so I thought maybe you did as well. If not, I truly apologize for waking you this early. When you read this, please respond so I may try to apologize for my actions from last night. I know you must be confused, and I am truly, terribly sorry for my behavior. If you do not wish to speak to me again, I do not blame you. I really enjoyed our conversation last night, and I hope that it will not be the last. However, I hope my efforts to apologize are not in vain. I'm very sorry.
The message ended with that, and Vanessa's heart felt like it was in her throat; it was beating so hard. Should she reply? Maybe he would have an excuse...It didn't seem like he was offering one, just an apology. Should she accept it? Why shouldn't she? At least he was going to apologize...he hadn't really be mean, per-say; just very rude. He randomly ordered her to leave...perhaps something had happened? She didn't know what to think; she was so confused. But one thing was for certain, she wasn't not going to talk to Carlisle. He'd even went to the trouble of getting her number from Bella, and butterflies erupted in her stomach that he cared enough to do that.
You didn't wake me. She bit her lip. Well, that was a lie...oh well. If I may ask, what happened last night?
Her finger hovered over the 'send' button, and she took a deep breath before quickly tapping it, lest she change her mind. She sat her phone down, sighing, only to rip it right back up again when it beeped, only seconds after she sent the message. She smiled that he'd answered her so fast.
I can't really say what happened; I'm sorry. But, I assure you, it will never happen again. I will never command you to leave my presence again. Does this mean you have accepted my apology, Vanessa?
Her heart was pumping erratically again. Well...she hadn't really expected him to say that he couldn't say...but did it really matter? He'd apologized, and said it would never happen again. In any case, she supposed what happened wasn't really that bad—perhaps she was overreacting? Then again, maybe something happened, and it wasn't any of her business. She'd known the man two days...how could she possibly expect him to share everything with her? Maybe something was wrong with his health, something no one but his family and Bella knew about...could she really expect him to confide in her after two days? That would explain Bella's behavior, as she was certain she knew something she didn't. Maybe she just had to be respectful and patient..and maybe one day, he'd tell her whatever it was that everyone seemed to be hiding.
Yes, of course I'll accept. You've been nothing but kind to me, Carlisle. No one is perfect. Also, I understand if you can't explain. I keep forgetting you've only known me two days. If it's none of my business, I can accept that.
This time, she didn't put her phone down, knowing he'd likely text right back as he did before. He didn't let her down as her phone beeped relatively soon.
I'm so very relieved that you say that, Vanessa. It's worried me since it happened. It is my hope that we can become great friends.
"Friends..." Vanessa whispered his word out loud. Her heart sunk a little, until she reminded herself that that was more than she could have ever hoped for.
I'd like that very much, Carlisle. I'm sorry you were worried. You didn't have to be. I'm a very forgiving person.
"Great friends..." she repeated, sighing to herself. Maybe that could change – wait, no – what the hell was she thinking? Of course it wouldn't change! She wasn't his type at all. Even though she didn't know his type, she knew it wasn't her. He was so nice...
"Oh my God...he's gay!" she exclaimed out loud, the sense of deja vu going over her. That would make a lot of sense. Why else would he want to be great friends? Guys like him weren't interested in girls like her...in any sense; friendship wise or romantically. The only gorgeous guy friends she'd ever had were gay! Maybe that was something he was hiding? In a small town, it wouldn't be unthinkable that he would hide his sexuality.
Even though her heart sunk, she was almost positive in her assessment. She'd had enough past experience with things like this to know that in all likelihood...he was definitely gay.
I had hoped you were. With your permission, I'd like to keep your number and text you to get to know you better. Would that be alright?
Vanessa smiled weakly. Yeah, he was gay. There's just...no way. In her experience, straight men weren't this nice and polite. Usually, most men didn't want to be great friends with any girl without some sort of interest in them at some point. True, that wasn't always the case...but it had always been that way for her. Maybe after they became great friends, he would come out to her? Of course, she'd be totally excepting in every sense of the word. She'd feel honored if he trusted her enough to tell her.
Of course! Feel free to text me whenever you please. I won't mind at all.
She really wouldn't. Even though he was gay, she still wanted the chance to get close to him, even if it was just as best friends.
Sighing, she got up and started getting ready for her first day at school. Her phone beeped again before she got in the shower, and she checked it again. She still didn't want to make him wait...
The same goes for you, Vanessa. If I don't respond quickly, don't worry, its because I'm busy at work.
Vanessa still felt giddy as she turned her stereo on in her bathroom before replying.
Same for me. Except school, of course. Phone's aren't allowed in class. If they catch you with one, they'll throw you in detention for the afternoon. I would know.
She almost added, 'lol' but suddenly, that felt too juvenile. She didn't want to make him go away. Her phone beeped quickly.
Perhaps you should be more sneaky? : )
She stared at her phone. Did he just send a smiley face? And also, did he just encourage her to be sneaky so she could talk to him during class? No...he was probably just being playful like he was in the pool room last night.
You'll soon learn I'm not a very sneaky person, haha. Are you encouraging me to text during class? Fine, but if I get caught, you're serving my detention because I'll blame you : )
She bit her lip, turning the shower on and telling herself that she'd get in after she replied to his next text...
Of course not. I'd feel pretty guilty if you were to get in trouble because of me. If that's the case, I'd be honored to serve your detention.
Vanessa allowed herself a small giggle, but she really needed to shower.
Sounds like a plan to me! I hate to go, but I really have to shower and get ready for school now...but yeah, text me whenever you're free : )
She stared at the phone, opening the text the second it beeped.
Since I have your permission, I will do so this afternoon after you get out of school, then. I hope you have a great first day, Vanessa.
Still feeling giddy, she quickly text him back her thanks and jumped in the shower. As she washed, she didn't hear her phone beep again. She was slightly disappointed, but then again, they did technically say their goodbyes for now.
She was in an exceptionally good mood as she finished getting ready and drove to school.
((O))
"Wow, this school is like a frickin' ghost town," Vanessa observed as she walked the barely crowded hallways with Bella and Edward.
"Yeah, tell me about it," Bella mumbled.
"I love it!" Vanessa smiled. "I hated the crowded hallways in L.A. This is a nice change."
"Alright, here's my first class..." Vanessa stopped outside of her Calculus class. "I'll see you guys at lunch?"
"Yeah, we'll be there," Bella smiled, and Edward gave her a small smile as well.
"Bye!" she said happily, walking into her first class and looking around. Something caught her eye, and she saw Rosalie sitting in the back, by herself.
Rosalie hadn't been very welcoming to her, but maybe she wouldn't mind if she sat next to her as she walked towards her. Rosalie noticed very quickly, snapping her golden eyes to her.
"Hey Rosalie," Vanessa said kindly, smiling at the beauty. "Do you mind if I sit here?" she asked, gesturing to the seat next to her.
Rosalie was quiet for moments, her pretty eyes raking over her.
"Sit where you want," she replied tonelessly, looking away.
"Okay!" Vanessa replied brightly, ignoring the girls uninterested tone. She wondered what her problem was? Probably just stuck up. Her messaging with Carlisle that morning had her on a high, and not even Rosalie's sour attitude could bring her down at the moment.
Rosalie looked back at her, her expression giving away mild shock at first, before it melted away as she looked away.
"I hate calculus," Vanessa huffed, throwing her notebook on the desk in front of her.
"Most people do," Rosalie actually replied, taking her off guard.
"I take it that you hate it as well?" Vanessa asked, looking over at her.
"I don't really care," she replied, picking at her nails. "I wouldn't say I enjoy it, though."
"I like art," Vanessa continued, wondering if she could somehow bond with the girl.
"...That's my favorite class," Rosalie eventually said.
"Oh, do you paint? I do occasionally. I use to do it all the time," Vanessa responded, amazed that she'd possibly have something in common with the girl.
"Yes, I paint," Rosalie said, cutting her eyes over to her with a somewhat interested expression.
"Oh, that's cool..." Vanessa said, not sure what else to say.
"..."
"Is that Mustang you drove to our house yours?" she asked after a moments pause.
"Oh, yeah. You like it? I love that car. It damn sucks the weather is so dreary here. I love putting the top down," Vanessa smiled. She loved talking about her dark blue Mustang. She'd got it for her birthday last year, almost having a heart attack in the process.
"Yeah, I do. I like cars. You have a pretty good ride...what year is it?" Rosalie asked, actually turning towards her.
"It's last years model. It's a five speed as well," Vanessa smiled, seeing approval shoot through Rosalie's eyes.
"I have a red, BMW M3 convertible," Rosalie bragged, giving her a prideful smile.
Vanessa let out a low whistle.
"Now THAT'S a nice car...Wanna trade?" Rosalie actually laughed with her. "I'm just kidding, I'm too attached to my baby."
Rosalie's laugh sounded like bells.
"I feel the same way," she smiled, hesitating before saying, "Carlisle drives a black Mercedes S55 AMG."
"Wow..." Vanessa raised her eyebrows. Yeah, she could see Carlisle driving something like that.
"You guys have some nice cars," she mused. "I've always wanted a white Dodge Viper convertible, with black interior...but I highly doubt that'll ever happen. Unless I strike it rich and win the lottery." she chuckled.
"I approve," Rosalie smiled. "That's a nice car. Maybe you'll get one one day."
"Hah, at over a hundred grand..." she chuckled. "I doubt that."
Rosalie smiled, opening her mouth to say something, but the teacher cut her off.
After a somewhat embarrassing introduction, causing all the class to turn and look at her, he started with the lesson.
"What class do you have next?" Vanessa asked Rosalie at the end of class.
"Literature," she responded simply, actually waiting for Vanessa to pack her bag.
"I have that as well," she smiled, and to her amazement, Rosalie and her walked to the next class together, talking about cars and makeup all the way there.
((O))
"Ohh, grapes!" Vanessa said, piling some in her plate as Rosalie mimicked her. She noticed she just grabbed whatever she grabbed. That was a little strange...
Vanessa's mind was blown. She had thought that out of the two girl Cullens she would be the closest to Alice...but it seemed like her and Rosalie were getting along famously. Go figure.
"What foundation do you use?" Vanessa asked as the walked towards the table where her family was sitting. "I'm pretty pale as well, but I have a rose tint, not beige. It's damn near impossible to find a foundation that doesn't make me look like I'm wearing a mask of ugly. Elizabeth Arden's full coverage is pretty pale, but it wipes off your skin too easily."
Rosalie gave a small laugh as they sat down. Emmett's and Bella's mouth was hanging open, whereas Edward looked mildly surprised. Alice, however, didn't look surprised at all, and was smiling at them warmly.
"I know, right?" Rosalie laughed, flicking her hair back. "I tried that foundation as well. I didn't care for the fact is was perfumed either."
"Ugh, I know!" Vanessa laughed. "It smelt like my grandma."
"I use Kat Von D's Lock-it tattoo liquid foundation," Rosalie smiled. "As you can see, its very pale and doesn't stink; nor does it come off."
"Amazing," Vanessa muttered. "I'll have to order some of that-"
"Uh, what's going on?" Emmett cut in, looking back and forth from his girlfriend to her in surprise.
"Makeup. Do you wanna join in the conversation, Emmett?" Vanessa laughed with Rosalie, making Emmett look even more flabbergasted.
"No thanks," Emmett grumbled. "But whaddaya know, my Rose finally found herself a friend!" he smiled, making Rosalie's smile drop and glare daggers at him.
"...I think you're about to be tossed out the window," Vanessa snickered. "Head's up."
Emmett scoffed. "This girl can't take me," he winked at Rose, nudging her with his elbow playfully.
"Never underestimate the power of an enraged female," Vanessa pointed out, smiling as she took a sip of her water.
Rosalie smiled wickedly at this, and Vanessa instantly pegged her as a feminist.
"Yes, she is correct," Rosalie said, raising a brow at her boyfriend.
Vanessa's phone beeped, and she was laughing as she pulled it out. She grinned goofily at her phone, seeing it was Carlisle.
How is your first day so far? If I remember correctly, I believe it is lunch time.
"Who is it?" Bella asked, looking at her questioningly.
"Um...ah, its...no one," she mumbled. She would have told Bella, but she didn't want to say, 'oh, its your adoptive dad.' to the Cullens.
It's been good so far. I'm getting along really well with Rosalie. I like her a lot.
She sat her phone in her lap, still smiling goofily. She looked up, seeing everyone's eyes on her. She instantly dropped the smile.
"What?" she asked, trying to seem innocent.
"It's Carlisle," Bella nodded in affirmation, making Vanessa's jaw drop and her cheeks flush.
"So? He was just sorry about last night," Vanessa said defensively. "He just wanted to apologize and ask how my first day was. That's all."
Alice and Bella looked elated. Whereas Jasper, Rosalie, Emmett and Edward looked slightly wary. Was Alice the only one of the Cullens that wanted her to be friends with Carlisle?
Her phone beeped again, but this time, she tried to slowly and non-nonchalantly read it, keeping her expression as neutral as possible.
Really? Well, I cannot tell you how happy I am to hear that. Rosalie...well, she doesn't get along with many people. If you're forming a friendship with her, I definitely approve. I'm glad your first day is going well, Vanessa.
The bell suddenly rang, pulling her out of her thoughts of Carlisle. She quickly text him back.
Thank you, Carlisle. Lunch just ended, and I'm going to class now. I'll tttyl! : )
((O))
At the end of the day, she got in her car, exhausted. Her and Rosalie had exchanged numbers, much to her surprise. She promised to call or text her later. She wasn't sure, but she thought Bella was irritated with her friendship with Rosalie...why should she be? She was close to Alice.
Shrugging it off, she drove home, keeping her ears open in case she heard her phone go off. Of course, she could always text him...but she didn't want to seem too needy.
"Hey baby," her dad called as she walked in the door. "How was your day?"
"Good," she yawned, looking at her dad that was sitting at his computer desk, flipping through papers. "I'm tired, though."
"Well, take a nap honey," he smiled, pushing his glasses back up his nose as he went back to his papers.
"Alright..." she sighed, walking up the stairs. She'd always been close to her dad, as her mom had died in a car accident when she was two...but he was hard to talk to. They were close, but at the same time, she felt like the older she got...the less they communicated. It wasn't like she was pulling away from him, she tried; it just seemed like they ran out of things to talk about years ago.
Going to her drawers, she pulled out a long tee shirt, ripping off her clothes and throwing it on. It wasn't like she was going to go anywhere that night.
Her phone beeped, and she instantly grabbed it, rolling over on her back as she stared at her phone.
How was your day?
She smiled, rolling her eyes. He seemed to be very concerned on whether her first day of school went well or not.
It was fine. Rosalie and I talked a lot today. We exchanged numbers and everything.
She paused, wondering if she should tell him about Bella?
For some reason, I felt like Bella didn't like me getting close to Rosalie. She just looked...a little put out I suppose. I'm a little concerned about that.
Bella looked...almost jealous. Was she worried that she'd ditch her and run around with Rosalie? Surely, Bella knew her better than that. Bella would always be her best friend; no matter what. Her phone beeped.
Have you spoken to Bella about it? If you want my opinion, I think I know why.
Yes, I'd like to know what you think.
Well, Bella has tried to be close to our entire family since she's been with Edward. For the most part, she's succeeded. We're all very fond of Bella, and we consider her a member of our family. However, Rosalie is the only one she couldn't really shake. Bella has tried to be friends with her, but Rose is a very difficult person at times. Then, you come along and in two days you've managed to achieve what Bella hasn't in a year. It's nothing personal. She's probably just frustrated with that.
"Oh Bella," Vanessa sighed. "Not everyone on the planet has to like you..."
I see...that makes sense. I was worried that Bella thought I'd just drop her and become BFF with Rosalie. But I had hoped that she knew me better than that. I think you're right. I won't worry about it in that case.
I'm glad to hear I've relieved your worry. May I ask you something?
Vanessa raised her eyebrows, her heart spiking a little.
Of course. What is it?
Can you tell me about yourself? Anything will suffice.
Her heart thumped loudly.
I don't mind...I'm not very good at speaking about myself on the spot, though. I may bore you to tears. Ask me anything and I'll answer.
Very well. Let's see...what's your favorite color?
She actually laughed out loud at this. She wasn't good at talking about herself, and he wasn't good at asking.
Hmmm. I'd have to go with either blue or purple. And what about you?
My favorite color is green.
She took a sharp intake of breath. Her eyes were green...
Hey, that's good. Seeing as my eyes are green!
I noticed. They are lovely. But also, green is the color of leaves and grass. To me, its the color of nature and beauty.
"I like it because it's a Christmas color...but okay," she chuckled, flattery rising in her as he said she had lovely eyes.
I like green because it reminds me of Christmas and I love Christmas.
Is it your favorite holiday?
She paused. She might have said that Halloween was her favorite...but she didn't want him to make the connection to candy with that...yeah, Christmas was better.
Oh, yeah. I love Christmas. Not really about the gifts...I just love the lights, music and decorations. I love Christmas trees. It's always just been me and my dad, though.
If you don't mind me asking, what about your mother?
Vanessa took a deep breath.
She died in a car accident when I was only two. I don't even remember her...
Oh, I'm so terribly sorry, Vanessa. If it makes you feel any better, my mother died in childbirth with me. I do not remember my mother either. I was raised by my father, and he was a priest.
"Is he religious?" she wondered. That surprised her. She wasn't sure why, but looks like they had another thing in common.
Oh, really? My father is a lawyer. He's always been busy with work.
My father wished me to take over for him. I tried to, but it did not work out. I then decided to pursue the medical field. Do you know what you want as a career?
To be honest, I haven't gave it much thought. When I was five, though, I wanted to be a ballerina...I don't believe that will work out.
Why not?
"...is he really going to make me say it?" she asked, rolling her eyes.
Well, I'm not thin enough to be a ballerina. Even if I was, I don't want to be one anymore.
You look lovely as you are.
"Yeah...he's gay," Vanessa frowned, having been told that by gay guy friends before.
You don't have to say that, I know I'm overweight. I've tried to lose it, but it seems like no matter what I do, it stays.
So? Weight is just a number. You should not worry about it. You're lovely as you are, Vanessa. Don't let anyone ever try to tell you otherwise.
Thank you, Carlisle. You're too kind.
It's true. Don't you believe me?
She wondered if he could read minds.
No, it's not that. I just know where I stand in the appearance department.
And where is it that you believe you stand?
She bit her lip...how did they get on this topic again? She wasn't very comfortable texting this with a man as gorgeous as Carlisle. That's what she didn't like about texting, it was easy to forget who was on the other end. She became too open.
I'm...I don't know. I'm just kind of...there, I suppose. I don't think I'm hideous, but I don't think I'm beautiful, either. If that makes sense.
It truly hurts me to see you say that about yourself, Vanessa. It isn't true at all. Is there anything I can do to convince you otherwise?
"Yeah, be interested in me," she mumbled to herself. But seeing as he was likely gay, she didn't want to put that awkwardness on him.
I'm not sure...I'm awfully stubborn : )
Well, I will just have to strive to change that, then : ) I don't wish to go, but my shift starts soon. I will message you when I can. I hope you have a lovely evening, Vanessa.
Vanessa was a little saddened by this. She didn't want him to go, but of course, she understood. He was a busy doctor, after all. He couldn't sit around messaging a teenage girl all night.
Of course. I hope you have a good night, Carlisle.
Sighing to herself, she went through her contacts, her thumb hovering above Bella's number. Resigning it to herself, she hit call.
Ring
Ring
Ring
"Hello?"
"Hey Bells," Vanessa smiled. "Do you have time to talk?"
"Yeah, sure. Do you want me to come over?"
"You're an angel," Vanessa sighed, smiling lightly. "Could you, please?"
"Yeah, I'll be there in about ten minutes," Bella laughed.
"Good, bye,"
"Bye."
Vanessa ended the call, rolling over as her phone beeped.
Thank you, Vanessa.
She smiled, wondering if she should text back...but eventually decided against it. She didn't want to bug him...
Her door suddenly flung open, with Bella walking in.
"Oh God..." Bella murmured, her eyes wide. "I know that look...That was the same look I had on my face when I first started talking to Edward."
"...I'm in trouble, Bella," Vanessa frowned. "I...can't like Carlisle."
"Why not?" Bella asked, sitting down on her bed with a concerned expression.
"Because he's so...and I'm just...you know?" Vanessa said, desperately trying to convey her meaning.
"You don't think I went through this same thing?" Bella asked, raising her eyebrow and understanding perfectly. "You don't think I went through a really long period of denial? Trying to convince myself that there was NO way that someone like Edward could EVER like me? But you know what, he did. He loves me now."
"But that doesn't mean that the same will happen for me," Vanessa said sadly. "This is completely different and besides...I have a theory about Carlisle."
Bella seemed to tense at this. "W-what is i-it?"
Vanessa frowned. Maybe she shouldn't say? But she always told Bella everything.
"I think Carlisle's gay," she admitted, looking at her face for a reaction.
"..."
Bella suddenly roared in laughter, catching Vanessa off guard as her jaw dropped.
"Bella, what the hell?" Vanessa exclaimed, irritated as Bella struggled to breathe in between her laughs.
"I can't...oh...my God...I...gay!" and started laughing all over again.
"Are you always this articulate?" Vanessa snapped, crossing her arms and starting to get irritated. She had a lot of reasons why she thought that.
"I'm sorry," Bella said, wiping her eyes. "But...why on earth would you think that?!"
"Well..." Vanessa shifted, her reasons not sounding so good in her head anymore. "Its just...everything. How he talks, how polite he is...the fact that he's so handsome, but doesn't have a wife or girlfriend...He wants to be great friends with me. And lets face it, guys like him don't like girls like me. Why else would he want to become friends? Nine times out of ten, the guy usually likes the girl and you know its true."
Bella scrunched her face. "Yeah, I guess I could see why you thought that. I'll admit, the same thing crossed my mind about Edward...but I'm like, 99 percent sure that Carlisle isn't gay."
"Have you ever seen him with a woman?"
"Well, no-"
"See?" Vanessa pointed out. "Look how good he looks! There's just no way; the only men that were handsome that wanted to be my friend before...were gay."
"That doesn't mean that Carlisle is gay!" Bella exclaimed, laughing. "Is it COMPLETELY implausible to think that maybe, just maybe; he likes you?"
"..."
"Yes."
"Oh, for God's sake," Bella groaned, rolling her eyes. "He is not gay! If he was, Edward would have told me. I'm sure of it."
"...I'm not convinced," Vanessa concluded. "I'm going to continue to think that until I'm proven otherwise."
Bella sighed, pulling out her phone and pushing buttons, holding it up to her ear.
"What are you doing?" Vanessa squeaked, staring at her with wide eyes.
"Hey Edward, is Carlisle gay?"
Vanessa's mouth dropped.
"Bella!" she hissed quietly, trying to grab the phone from her.
"Uh huh. Yeah, that's just what I thought. Now, I'll try to convince Nessa otherwise."
She hit the end button with Vanessa glaring daggers through her.
"How the hell could you do that?! Now Edward is going to tell Carlisle that I think he's gay!" Vanessa screeched, horrified. "IF he's not gay, he may be really mad and won't want to be my friend anymore!"
"Oh, no he won't," Bella smiled. "Edward said he definitely wasn't. Even if Edward does tell him, he wouldn't get angry. Besides, if he likes you...he may work extra hard to prove you otherwise-"
"Oh my God, Bella!" she hissed, her face turning red. "I swear, if he confronts me on this, I'll drop dead."
"Trust me! This will end up being a good thing."
Vanessa cut her eyes angrily. "Did Edward find it as amusing as you did?"
"Actually, he didn't laugh AS hard. But yeah, he laughed," Bella chuckled, making Vanessa groan.
"Great, now all the Cullens are probably laughing at me,"
"No, they aren't...say, Vanessa, are you...in love with Carlisle?" Bella asked hesitantly.
Vanessa stared at her, flabbergasted. "What?! No! I don't even know the man, really. How could I possibly be in love with him? I'll admit, I have a crush on him, but that's it."
Bella looked down, looking a little ashamed.
"Okay, serious boy talk," Vanessa smiled, jumping up and going to her stereo and turning on Halestorm. "We have to have music for this."
She jumped back on the bed as Bella chuckled.
"So, what's with the shameful look?"
"..."
"I fell in love with Edward almost instantly," Bella chuckled, looking up at her. "Well, of course, it took me a while to realize it...but yeah, it was practically love at first sight."
Vanessa blinked. Sure, Carlisle had made one hell of an impression on her, but...was it love at first sight? No, she highly doubted that. She didn't really believe in that. It wasn't human. She did believe in infatuation at first sight, though, and that was quite possibly happening to her.
"I..." Vanessa frowned. "I really don't think that's what is happening."
"...Are you sure?" Bella questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not sure of anything," Vanessa sighed. "But we're talking about – what – love at first sight? Again, I don't even know Carlisle. How can you love someone you don't know?"
"I know him," Bella smiled. "I will honestly say that if you're waiting for that, he's one of the most beautiful people I've ever met. Inside and out."
"Yeah, believe me...I've gotten the impression that he is definitely that," she smiled.
Vanessa and Bella talked way into the night, despite it being a school night. The two girls kept talking, unaware of the eyes that watched them from behind Vanessa's window.