Chapter Four

"I do not snore!" Bella exclaimed as Vanessa, Edward, Rosalie and her walked down the hallway.

"Please, I had to turn you in the middle of the night so you wouldn't inhale the drapes!" Vanessa laughed, making Edward and Rosalie laugh as well.

Vanessa chuckled, feeling slightly disappointed as her phone didn't beep. She'd half expected her phone to beep early this morning, but it didn't. She tried not to think about it. Just because he didn't text her first thing didn't mean anything...she tried not to think about him maybe knowing she thought he was gay. But, she didn't have the guts to bring it up with Edward, asking him if he told him. That would be a little too awkward. She hadn't been around Edward long enough to get comfortable enough to be open with him.

The day went by in a blur, and as Vanessa walked in Bella's bedroom, she sighed and glared at her phone. Maybe she should text him?

"Oh for the love of GOD, just text him!"

Vanessa jumped, hearing Bella yip at her.

"I-I'm...that's not-"

"Oh bullshit," Bella rolled her eyes. "You've been looking like someone took your sunshine away all day."

"..."

"He'll text you, he's probably just busy," Bella said, giving her a reassuring smile.

"...Maybe," Vanessa mumbled, falling back on the bed and sighing.

A week passed in silence...then two.

Vanessa slammed her car door with a little more force than necessary. For the past two weeks, all she did was agonize over whether or not she'd made Carlisle angry. She must have. She'd noticed that none of the Cullens mentioned him, like, ever. And she didn't bring it up.

"Yo, jelly bean!"

Vanessa whipped around, groaning when she saw Jake walking up to her house, pushing what appeared to be a dirt bike in the process.

"Stop calling me that, you hairy beast," she joked, eying the bike and crossing her arms. "Where did you get that?"

"Oh, I just built it from scratch," Jake smiled, parking it and walking into her yard. "I went to show Bella too, but she didn't seem to be too interested. She's got her head up her boyfriend's ass."

Vanessa shook her head. She could admit, she saw Bella less as the two weeks passed, and she did talk about Edward a lot...but she was in love, and Vanessa didn't blame her – not really. She had a gorgeous boyfriend that was head over heels in love with her; how could she not have her head inserted into his ass? She knew that if Carlisle...

NO! Goddammit, stop it! She hissed in her mind.

"Earth to jelly bean!" Jake's voice sounded, knocking on her head and making her swat his hand away.

"Stop it, munchkin!" she snapped.

"I'm like a foot taller than you now," Jake frowned.

"So? You use to be a munchkin and I'm five eight. You are NOT a foot taller. Go back to school nimrod," she stuck her tongue out playfully.

"Just for that, I'm not gonna let you ride my bike!" he snapped, grinning wolfishly.

"Oh no, how will I ever recover!" she said dramatically, smirking and walking over to his parked bike. "Let me have at this thing."

She jumped on, looking at the controls.

"That's the spirit," Jake smirked, showing her what to do. "Now, be careful with the gas, its touchy."

"Yeah, yeah," Vanessa smirked, roaring the engine to life and pelting down the road.

"Slow down!" Jake called after her, running after the bike.

"You'll have to catch me first!" she called over her shoulder, laughing.

She kept going down the road, deciding to go to the end before turning around and coming back. It was somewhat thrilling to ride, the loud motor vibrating under her. It was almost like an adrenaline rush as the wind blew through her hair.

Coming up to the end of the road, she went to turn, and the bike went dangerously low to one side. Panicked, she leaned over in the other direction to rectify her mistake.

It happen so quickly.

One minute she was upright, and the next, she felt the pavement hit her side with force, and suddenly, an intense pain shot through her head. Her vision blurred out, and she saw dots everywhere.

"Oh SHIT!" she heard Jake's voice coming closer. "VANESSA!" he screamed as she groaned. Suddenly, she felt strong arms pulling her into their lap.

"I'm calling an ambulance!"

"Wha – no!" she gasped, recognizing Jake's voice even though her vision was blurry. Her head felt cloudy, and she shut her eyes.

"No, HEY!" Jake screamed, and she felt annoying little smacks on her face. "Do not go to sleep! You probably have a concussion and you CANNOT SLEEP!"

"I can't..." she mumbled, trailing off as she fell into unconsciousness.

Vanessa's eyes flew open, accompanied by a sharp, throbbing, pain in her head, making her let out a hiss and whimper.

Blinking rapidly, she looked over, seeing her dad, Jake, Bella, and Charlie all staring at her.

"AH!" she yelped in fright, not expecting to wake up and see four people standing right on top of her.

"You're awake!" her dad exclaimed, leaning down and rubbing his hand on her head.

"Are you okay, baby?"

Vanessa blinked, looking around to see that she was in a hospital room. Blinking, she looked down, seeing an IV in her arm, making her tense in fright.

Needle. She was starting to notice that she felt...strange. It was like there were little ants crawling on her. What the hell?

"I'll get the doctor," Charlie informed, leaving the room as Bella and Jake rushed up to her.

"I – urgh," she groaned, feeling pain in her head. "I'm fine."

"Well, you don't look fine baby," her dad soothed, kissing her forehead. "Your pretty face is all bruised."

"I had a fight with the pavement," she grumbled. "The pavement won."

"...They gave her some morphine," her dad told Bella and Jake at their confused expressions.

"I told you to slow down!" Jake said, panicked. "Damn, you almost gave me a heart attack...I thought you died!"

"It's gonna take more than a shitty dirt bike to kill me."

"My dirt bike isn't shit-"

"Shut up Jake!" Bella hissed, looking towards the door.

"Why am I fuzzy?" Vanessa asked, addressing the funny feeling and looking at Bella for answers.

"It's a side effect of the morphine," came a gentle, musical voice from the other side of her.

Her eyes widened, and she whipped her head around, instantly regretting it when pain shot down her neck, making her let out a whimper of pain.

"Try not to move so quickly," the voice said gently, as she opened her watery eyes, glaring at none other than Dr. Cullen.

He was smiling down at her, his gently, golden eyes full of concern.

Dick. She thought.

"You suffered quite a head contusion," Carlisle continued. "Your X-rays show head trauma, and I'm afraid I'm going to have to keep you over night for observation."

She stared at him for moments, her eyes flicking over him. He was wearing grey slacks, a button up blue shirt and of course, his white doctors coat. Her eyes rested on his, and an almost guilty expression flashed through the gentleness in his eyes.

"Whatever," she grumbled rudely, looking away and staring at Bella.

"Vanessa...!" her dad started, but was cut off by Dr. Cullen.

"It's quite alright," he chuckled. "She's suffered quite the head trauma. That, combined with pain medication—she's probably not feeling like herself."

Vanessa snorted in her head. She was fine, alright. Silence followed her thoughts and she paused.

"...Oh, I thought I did that in my head," she mumbled, still not looking at the doctor.

Jake's lips were trembling, and Vanessa caught sight of them and glared hatefully.

"...Well, get plenty of rest and we'll keep you on fluids," Carlisle said, and did she detect a hint of sadness? Good, she wasn't the only one feeling sad then. Then again, she felt kind of high, so maybe she was imagining it. How could he say he wanted to be greats friends, and then just ignore her existence for two weeks? He was an asshole, getting her hopes up like that and then crushing her and leaving her to worry.

"I'll be back to check on you again soon."

Vanessa kept her gaze away, not really sure why she was acting like a petulant child. The medication probably had something to do with it.

"Do you need anything from home, baby?" her dad asked, making her gaze go to him. She noticed Carlisle was gone, and she let out a sigh or relief and dissapointment.

"Mr. Peepers would be nice," she mumbled, making him laugh.

"I don't think you can have a cat in here, honey," her dad laughed, shaking his head at her as Charlie walked in.

"How about your pillow and a throw off you bed?" her dad asked, looking at her with concerned, green eyes that matched her own. He just wanted to do anything to make her feel comfortable.

"Yeah, that'll be good," she smiled.

"I gotta get back to work," Charlie said, smiling over at her. "I'm glad you're alright, kiddo. Remember what I told you. Motorcycles are-"

"Death on wheels, I know," Vanessa mumbled as he smiled at her.

"Are you coming Bells?"

"No, I'll stay with her," she smiled. "Edward can get me later."

Charlie looked less than thrilled, but nodded.

"I need a ride," Jake piped in. "Dad's probably worrying." he turned towards her.

"You aren't mad at me, are you?" he asked, looking guilty.

"No Jake," Vanessa smiled, offering him a small smile. "It was my own stupid fault."

"No more bikes," her dad said firmly, looking from her to Jake.

"Aye, sir!" Jake said, saluting to him and grinning in relief.

"Alright, let's go boy," Charlie chuckled, grabbing Jake's shoulder.

"Alright, I'm gonna get your stuff baby," her dad said, bending down and kissing her forehead. "I'll be right back."

"Kay'," Vanessa smiled, watching the three walk out the door.

"..."

"Damn, you gave Carlisle the cold shoulder," Bella whispered, looking at her disapprovingly.

"Why are you whispering? It's not like Cullen can hear you,"

Bella winced lightly.

"It's Cullen now? What happened to Carlisle?" she asked in the same low voice. "You guys are friends."

"Correction, use to be friends for like two seconds," Vanessa said, rolling her eyes. "He dropped off the face of the planet two weeks ago."

"..."

"He's probably been busy-"

"Don't insult me," Vanessa tried to say gently. "I'm not an idiot. That's not it and you know it. For two weeks? God himself isn't that busy."

"Vanessa, please. He cares about you-"

"No, he doesn't!" she almost yelled, immediately feeling guilty.

"I – I'm so sorry, Bella," Vanessa said apologetically. "I'm just in a bad mood...I'm mad at myself. Mad that I got on that stupid bike, mad that I even fucking care so much. I can't help it, I don't know why I do. I guess that doesn't make sense-"

"It does...believe me," Bella whispered, touching her hand with a gentle smile.

Vanessa sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm just in pain and...I don't know. Cullens my doctor and...urgh. Everything sucks."

"You sound like me," Bella chuckled.

"...How bad is my face?" Vanessa asked, worried.

"...I'm not sure you wanna see," Bella frowned.

"Let me see."

"I don't-"

"Let me see, Bella,"

Bella sighed, getting up and getting a mirror of the desk. Reluctantly, she handed it to her. Vanessa cringed as she noticed the purple bruises on her right arm.

Vanessa let out a small gasp. Half her face looked...well, horrible. From her temple to her chin was scattered in bruises, and a few scrapes littered her face. Her one cheek was swollen slightly, but everything was shiny and she knew there was medicine on it. She wondered how she couldn't really feel it, and assumed the medication was numbing, along with the morphine.

She sighed, sitting down the mirror.

"I'm ready to make my debut on America's next top model."

Bella chuckled, taking the mirror.

They talked for a while, and her dad returned. Her brought her black throw, her pillow, her tablet and to her embarrassment, her stuffed panda.

"Dad!" she hissed as he tucked it in next to her, laughing.

"What? Mr. Panda insisted on coming along," he smiled, winking at her as she groaned.

"Don't remind me I sucked at naming things as a child," she grumbled.

"It hasn't improved much," her dad chuckled. "Mr. Peepers?"

"Tis' cute," she smiled.

They all sat and talked for a while, before it got close to nine and visting hours were over.

"I'll be back first thing in the morning," her dad said, kissing her forehead. "I love you baby."

"Love you too, daddy," Vanessa smiled.

"Bye, I'll see you tomorrow," Bella smiled, reaching down and giving her a small hug.

"You'll be alright?" her dad asked as they stood at the door.

"Well, this TV doesn't have HBO or Showtime...but, I think I'll live," Vanessa smirked.

"Okay, get some rest," her dad said as he walked out with Bella. "Goodnight sweetie."

"Night'" she smiled, watching them leave.

She sighed, reaching down and picking up her panda. It was old, and you could tell from looking at it. She'd had it since she was one, and her mom had brought it for her. She'd call it Mr. Panda when she got old enough to talk.

Tracing a bruised finger down the panda's face, a tear escaped her eye as she pulled it to her, hugging it now that no one was looking. She'd never get rid of it. She slept with it at night, and somehow, it felt like she was close to her mom when she did. Bella and her dad were the only ones that knew how much she valued the panda that was always sitting on her bed.

There was a knock at the door, making her put the panda in her lap quickly.

"Come in," she said weakly.

Her breathing halted when the tall frame of Carlisle entered the room. He was carrying a syringe and she eyed in, feeling worry flit through her.

His smile was gentle. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I got hit by a truck," she mumbled, looking away from him. Part of her was embarrassed from the attitude she'd given him earlier.

"I'm sorry," he said gently, and either it was her ears or his words had double meaning.

"What are you sorry for?" she asked, looking down at her panda and picking at him. "It's not like you had anything to do with the bike wreck."

"..."

"Vanessa..." he whispered quietly, making her eyes widen and look up at him. His handsome face was troubled as he stared at her.

"...Yes?" she asked after a moments pause, her heart thumping in her rib cage.

"I'm sorry...I," he frowned. "It's complicated."

"What's complicated?" she asked slowly, a little confused.

"I...I'm sorry. I can't explain," his expression looked pained, as though he was begging her to understand.

"I don't understand."

"I know, I'm sorry."

"You keep saying that."

"I..." he trailed off, sighing. "I want...I mean, I'd like to – but I can't."

"You can't what?"

He didn't say anything, and she felt irritation creep into her veins.

"You can't skydive? you can't what?" she said, trying to keep the icy tone out of her voice.

He stayed quiet, his expression troubled.

"Look, I get it," she said a little harshly, looking down. "You changed your mind about wanting to be friend. You don't want to be. Whatever, don't feel guilty about it. Just, you shouldn't have..." she trailed off, huffing to herself. "You're under no obligation to have anything to do with me. Just because Bella is dating Edward, it doesn't mean that you have to pretend to like me."

"Is that what you think?" he asked sharply, gaining her attention. She gave a surprised look, finally seeing irritation creep into his now amber orbs. That was new.

"Yeah...why, it's true, isn't it?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"Now I'm starting to see the family resemblance in you and Bella," he sighed, shaking his head. "So ready and willing to throw away their own worth-"

"Did you just come in here to insult me?" she snapped, clenching her fists. "Because if that's the case, you have, so you can leave."

He looked really irritated now. "No, Vanessa, that wasn't my intention at all."

"Well, what was your intention? Because I'm a little confused," she said, pursing her lips. "And by the way, I'm not 'throwing my worth away'," she said, doing sarcastic quotes with her fingers. "If you don't like me, then fine. I don't care what you look like, I'm sure as hell not going to waste my time trying to kiss your ass. So, you're wrong. I'm not Bella."

"I never said you were Bella and I never said that I didn't like you," he said, keeping his face blank, but she could see his irritation. "I merely stated that there are resemblances, but you are right. Bella would never have said to Edward what you just said to me."

She stared at him, aghast.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" she asked, exasperated. "What...this has nothing to do with them! And in case you haven't noticed, Bella and Edward are in a relationship," she emphasized. "We're barely even friends, not even that anymore! How can you possibly compare this situation to them?"

"...It is very similar," he said quietly, his eyes darkening. "More than you know."

"Well, tell me then!" she snapped, sitting up. "Or, let me guess, you can't!"

"No, I can't," he said tersely. "It's for your own good."

"Don't fucking patronize me," she said, glaring. "I'm not a child. Whatever it is that you people are hiding, I know Bella knows," his glare cleared slightly, as though he wasn't expecting it. "Have I mentioned it to her? No. Why? Because she's a fucking shitty liar. I didn't want to stick my nose in where it didn't belong. I know she knows something I don't."

"You're very vulgar, aren't you?" he asked, his eyes darkening.

"I can be when my head splitting open and pretty boy doctors are pissing me the hell off!" she snapped, rubbing her temples.

He was quiet, and she looked up at him. His eyes were trailing over her bruises, and regret flashed in his eyes.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there to stop...Right when I decided to stop..." he trailed off, seeming like he was talking to himself. "Edward was right – the second you look away..." he sighed, sticking the syringe in her IV.

"What is that?" she asked hurriedly, her voice high-pitched.

"Morphine."

"...What were you talking about?" she asked, almost quietly. "You're sorry for not stopping what? This?" she waved her hand over her face. "You couldn't, not even Jake could, and he was right there."

"..."

"Are you not talking now?" she mumbled, feeling fuzzy again. "...wouldn't be a change though, would it?"

"...I'm sorry, Vanessa," he said quietly, pulling a chair up to her bed and sitting down in it, much to her surprise. "I wanted to be in here the whole time you were here, but I wanted to give you time with your family. And also, I was working. You have no idea how I..." he trailed off, sighing.

"Aren't you working now?" she asked, her voice slurring slightly as she looked at the stunning man. Wasn't she mad? She thought she was.

"No, I'm off," he said, looking at her face. "I will stay with you tonight. So you won't have to be alone. You can yell at me all you want—I deserve it," he whispered, looking down at her hand. "But I won't leave. I have to know you're okay."

Her throat felt tight, guilt swarming into her mind. He didn't seem to be waiting for a reply. Her breathing stopped when she saw him stretch forward a pale, long fingered hand towards her injured hand.

She tensed lightly as she felt his cold hand, and he paused, but she made no move to pull her hand away. He then wrapped his hand around hers, the coldness of his skin soothing the bruises.

"You're cold," she said lightly, her vision a little hazy. "You can use my blanket."

She heard his melodious chuckle. "I will be fine."

Her heart thumped harshly as she felt his thumb stoke the top of her knuckles. He was looking at the bruises on her arm with a troubled expression.

"It hurts me to see these bruises on your lovely skin..." he said so quietly, that she almost didn't pick up on it.

"Why's it...hurt you?" she asked, yawning as she continued feeling the fuzzy feeling.

"...it hurts more than any pain I could experience myself," he said quietly, looking up at her.

"I don't...why?" she whispered, knowing that half her mind wasn't even processing his words. Maybe that was why he was speaking this way; he knew that she'd be too messed up to fully grasp his words.

"Because..." he whispered, his eyes trailing up from her hand to her face.

Almost hesitantly, he reached up, gently swiping his fingers across her forehead to move her hair out of the way. A chill ran through her body, and she was sure her hair was a mess. Though she was too out of it to care. She felt his fingers lightly run through her long hair as he pulled his hand away.

"Lovely," he whispered, looking at her with such tender eyes that held such an etheral glow. Her heart jumped lightly, despite her haziness.

"Go ahead, go to sleep," he said quietly as she struggled to keep her eyes open. "I'll be right here."

With what energy she had, she lightly squeezed his cold hand, a sense of comfort rolling through her. Before she fell into unconsciousness, she swore she felt him squeeze her hand back.

"Vanessa, can you hear me?"

"Burrhh," she groaned, irritated at the light in her eyes.

Blinking rapidly, her vision cleared, seeing Carlisle's handsome face above hers was rather startling.

"Eek!" she gasped, jumping back slightly and making him chuckle.

Carlisle chuckled, making her glare a little at him. But then again she couldn't be mad. Waking up to the most handsome man she'd ever seen never hurt anyone...

"I'm sorry to wake you, but I wanted to do so before your father came," he smiled, making her blink. "Also, I need to leave the hospital soon."

She blinked, looking at the clock and her mouth falling open as she saw it was six a.m. W-was he here all night?!

"Were you here all night?" she asked, flabbergasted.

"Yes, I said I would be," he said quietly, looking at her reaction.

"Wha-why?" she asked, startled. She faintly remembered him saying he wasn't going to leave, but it was kind of blurry.

"I told you. I didn't want to leave you alone," he answered quietly, staring at her intensely. Wait, what?

"B-but I was just sleeping," she said in a defeated voice.

He smiled, his lips stretching to reveal his too perfect teeth.

"I must say, I like all the interesting sides of your personality," he said, throwing her off. "Last night you were a lioness, ready to tear my throat out. But now, you're a timid gazelle."

"..."

"What?" she blurted, flushing. Then, it hit her...she'd...she'd bitched at him.

"Oh my God, I bitched at you!" she said, horrified as she covered her mouth. God, why did she have to do that? She needed to learn to keep her mouth shut.

He stared at her, then burst into laughter, much to her dismay.

"It's quite alright. Now, I feel I understand you better," he smiled, but it soon turned into a frown. "I shouldn't have done what I done...it seems my attempts were futile. With this happening, well, I will not allow it to happen again."

"..."

"Urgh. It's too early for your cryptic crap," she groaned, closing her eyes and rubbing them. "Please, don't do this to me."

He chuckled. "I'm sorry, Vanessa."

"It's kay," she sighed, removing her hands to find him still watching her.

He continued watching her, and she looked back into his face. What the hell was he looking at? It was like he was studying every inch of her face, as though he wanted it instilled into his memory.

It was making her uncomfortable, thinking maybe she had a double chin in this position or something. Like when she was laying in bed, looking at her laptop and she got a glimpse of herself...it was depressing as hell.

"What?" she asked weakly after a few moments of this.

"Nothing, I am simply torturing myself over not protecting you," he said sadly.

"...What? How could you have possibly prevented this?!" she asked, waving over her face as her heart thumped harshly.

"Trust me, I could have," he whispered, regret filling his eyes as he glanced at the clock, sighing. "I have to leave. With your permission, I'd like to come by your house this afternoon to check on you. Is that alright?"

"I'm sure I'll be fine..." she mumbled, her eyes wide.

"I insist," he said, looking very much like he wouldn't take no for an answer.

"I suppose...if you feel like its necessary," she mumbled.

"Good," he smiled, walking up to her. "When you get home, please take your pain pills and ice your face when you can. Put the prescription creme on twice a day and after bathing, okay?"

"Yeah, okay..." she mumbled, flushing as she looked away.

He still stood, hesitant. Suddenly, he walked closer to her and took her injured hand. Her eyes widened.

"I'll see you tonight," he whispered, and placed his cool lips lightly to her knuckles. Her mouth fell open against her will, as she stared at him, at a loss for words.

He gently let go of her hand, placing it back on the bed. He gave her a stunning smile, before walking up to the door and he paused, turning back to her.

"By the way, Vanessa, I can assure you that I am not gay," he smiled at her one last time before leaving the room.

She continued to stare at the door with her mouth hanging open like a gaping idiot.

There were no words. No words at all the express the absolute shock that was going through her body. Was...was Bella actually right? My God, did Carlisle like her? And not just like her...like, like her. God, it felt so juvenile to think of it that way, but her mind couldn't process anything more complicated than that.

Her mind was in shambles when her dad arrived not long after that. She was forced to force down all thoughts of Carlisle Cullen, as she could not keep her focus if she didn't. Her dad would worry that something else was wrong with her.

Vanessa yawned in her own bed. It was nice. Her dad had been waiting on her hand and foot. She'd told him that Carlisle was going to stop by later, but of course, her dad didn't mind. It wasn't like he suspected anything, and even if he did, considering how successful and polite Carlisle was...he would probably carry him to her bedroom.

But, her dad had nothing to worry about, she was sure. Her mind was still completely unaccepting. No, she refused to believe that beautiful man liked her that way. How could he believe she beautiful? What was he, a chubby chaser? No. She must have read the signs wrong. Even though she was a person that hated to admit she was wrong, she would in this instant.

She looked over at the clock as she woke up from her nap, seeing that it was already seven. Carlisle still hadn't came...did that mean he'd lied? She swore to God after last...if he didn't give her answers...well, she wasn't sure she'd actually do anything about it, but she bitch to anyone that would listen.

She sighed, grabbing her remote and turning on her TV to drown out her panicking thoughts.

Smirking, she saw that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was on. Thinking about her conversation with Carlisle, she turned it to that.

As she lay there watching it, after about twenty minutes, her dad knocked on her door.

"Baby? Doctor Cullen is here," her dad said, making her eyes widen. He actually showed?

Sure enough, Carlisle walked in with his hands tucked into the pockets of his slacks. She took in a deep breath as she saw his lab coat was missing, and he had the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his pale skin. He look like a model on a Calvin Klein ad only...more handsome. This look had a casual elegance that Vanessa knew she could never achieve.

"I'll be right downstairs," her dad said, smiling. He knew that her and the Cullens were friends, but she didn't miss that he left the door open. She wanted to roll her eyes.

"How are you feeling?" Carlisle asked, walking over to the bed and sitting on the edge.

"I – you came," she said, her voice clearly surprised.

"I said I would," he said, frowning slightly.

"Right..." Vanessa mumbled, looking down and shifting a little. "I'm fine."

"Here let me check you for tenderness," he said scooting closer to her and making her pulse spike.

He raised his hands, lightly pressing his fingers into her temples. Suddenly, an elegant smell entered her nostrils. It was...sweet. And alluring, pulling her in. He smelt of honey, but at the same time, it was masculine in a way she couldn't explain. It was sweet and soothing, though. Her pulse calmed down as he prodded at her head. It was an unusual scent for a man, though she found it very pleasant. She inhaled, almost sighing in contentment at the lovely, calming smell.

God, he smells so good...he looks so good. Why does he have to look so good? It's not fair...

"There's some mild tenderness, but everything else looks good," he said suddenly, pulling her out of her trance and he pulled his hands away from her, much to her disappointment.

"You should be fully healed within the next week," he smiled. "But as your doctor, I strongly advise you to stay home from school this week to recover and rest. You could ask Bella to get your assignments for you."

"Already did," she smiled. "I'm one step ahead of you."

He chuckled. "It would appear so."

His eyes flicked to the television, where Buffy was currently beating the hell out of some vampire.

'My name is Buffy...and you're history!' she exclaimed before staking him and watching him turn to dust.

Vanessa cringed lightly at the cheesy line.

"So, I take it that this is Buffy the Vampire Slayer?" he asked, glancing at her with amused eyes.

"Oh, yeah. This is the first season, so its a little cheesy," she chuckled. "But as it goes on, it gets really good."

Not long after that, the dark haired vampire, Angel, came on the screen.

"Is that the one you fancied when you were younger?" he asked, curiosity in his voice as he looked at her with amber eyes.

"Um, yeah..." she chuckled, her face flushing in embarrassment. "I had a big thing for him back in the day."

"So, you prefer brunette men?" he asked after a moments pause, watching her with intense eyes.

Hell no, I prefer you.

"No...not necessarily," she shifted uncomfortably, looking down. "I don't have a type..." she trailed off. Should she say it? It was a good opportunity.

"...Do you?" she asked, trying to seem as neutral as possible.

"Not in particular," he asked, still staring at her. "All women are beautiful in different ways. A beautiful face does not always guarantee beauty on the inside, where it really counts."

"Most men only care about looks," Vanessa smiled ruefully. "If you don't look like a runway model, they're not interested."

"Then they are fools," he said quietly, watching her face as she flushed.

"I'm sorry if I'm about to make you uncomfortable, and if I do, I sincerely apologize," he said quietly as her heart raced. "But, I was wondering if I could come back tomorrow tonight? I...feel as though I have wasted so much time and I'd like to rectify it."

Her mouth fell open. "C-come back tomorrow night?" she asked, flabbergasted. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I'm an excellent climber," he smiled, making her face flush.

"I – uh..." she didn't know what to think. Did he literally just ask to climb in her window in the middle of the night? What did he expect? Did he want her to...?

"I would never harm you, Vanessa," he said quietly. "I would never take advantage of you. Despite my ignorance on my conflicted emotions, I hope that you at least know that of me."

Despite him not talking to her for two weeks, she knew that she could trust Carlisle. She trusted him with her body, as she was certain he'd never physically hurt her. But, trusting him with her feelings was a completely different story. Bella trusted him with her life, and she knew that Bella was not wrong. If he said he just wanted to spend time with her...then that was exactly what he meant.

"I'll say yes if you promise to tell me why you ignored me for two weeks," she said lowly, keeping her eyes down.

He was quiet for moments, before he sighed. "I...I'm not sure that's a good idea, even though I feel it is too late."

"Too late for what?" she asked, tilting her head up. "Whatever it is, I can handle it."

"...You have no idea, Vanessa," he whispered quietly, and sadly. "I don't...I don't want you to be afraid of me. That would-"

"Afraid of you?" she asked, flabbergasted. She'd been mad at him, but afraid? Someone as gentle and kind as Carlisle? "I doubt I could ever fear you."

"You say that now..." he said, almost bitterly and looking down.

"What secret could you possibly have to make me fear you?" she asked, looking at him with curiosity. "What, are you schizophrenic? Psychotic? Multiple personality disorder? Off your meds?"

He shook his head, chuckling at her. "I'm afraid I do not have any mental disorders, Vanessa."

"Well, I would ask if you killed a guy or something," she smirked. "But, you said you weren't psychotic so..."

"Vanessa..." he groaned, putting his head in his hands almost tiredly.

"...I'm sorry. I – I guess I have no right to pry, do I?" she asked sadly, looking down and worried that she was annoying him.

"No...you have every right to ask these questions. Especially when I'm-" he stopped, looking at her. "Your dad is wondering why I'm taking so long. I should probably leave, lest he get suspicious."

"How do you know that?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. It wasn't like her dad was yelling from downstairs. "Is that why you want to climb through my window? Cause you know my dad will get suspicious if you just hang out with me?"

"Well, I am a twenty-three year old man," he smiled, making her heart race. "And even though you are an adult, it would look a little strange for the ER doctor to hang around in a high school girls room. I don't want your father getting the wrong impression of me, or disliking me."

"...I see," she said, her heart thumping as she had problems making eye contact with him. Why did he care if her dad liked him? Unless he was...

"So, do I have your permission?" he asked quietly, looking at her seriously. "Do not be afraid to say no. If you do, I will not come. You have my word, nor will I be offended. I want what you want."

Vanessa thought about it, looking down at her lap. Was – was she really considering allowing this man to climb through her window? She knew Edward did with Bella, that was a given. She finally admitted it to her, but she wasn't surprised nor would she tell. She just...wanted to be around Carlisle. She wanted to see him, wanted to talk to him...just wanted him in her presence. A month ago, if you said she would be allowing this, she would have thought you were insane. Logically, she knew it seemed insane to let a man she barely knew a few weeks to climb in her window...but at the same time, it seemed completely reasonable. What she that obsessed? Then again, she'd let Jared Padalecki crawl through her window at any time. And she'd never even met him. So, was Carlisle really any different? She really shouldn't compare this situation to her fan girl tendencies, but considering how beautiful he was, she couldn't help it. He was the type of man that only liked her in her dreams.

"I..." she frowned, blushing. "I suppose that would be alright. I'm a little wary of it, though..."

"I understand," he said softly. "I will come at midnight, okay?"

Her heart was racing. Was she really allowing this?

"Oh – okay."

"I really need to go," he said, looking out her door as he walked towards it.

"Wait, how did you know my dad felt that way?" she interjected before he could leave.

"I'll tell you a story sometime," he smiled charmingly, dazzling her for moments. "Sweet dreams and goodnight, Vanessa."

He winked at her, catching her off guard as her mouth fell open. She didn't even get to say goodnight, words had failed her. She continued staring at the door where he had been, faintly hearing him speak with her dad downstairs.

"What the hell is happening in my life?" she whispered to herself, falling back on her bed and looking at the ceiling.

A sense of giddiness was rising in her. A girlish, immature giddiness. It left her with the urge to roll over, press her face in the pillow, scream, laugh and kick her feet like an idiot.

Her pride barely held her back.