A/N: I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has enjoyed this story. I wasn't sure how it would be recieved, but I'm glad its positive. I hope you guys enjoy the new chapter!

Radiant Neptune

Disclaimer: The only thing I own is Vanessa.

Chapter Six

A week had passed since that faithful night with Carlisle that changed everything for Vanessa. And now, it was time to face the music and go back to school.

She stared down at her phone as it lay face down, hesitant to pick it up. She'd muted it after Rosalie's text and just ignored it for an entire week.

She stared at it because she was almost afraid of it. Taking a deep breath, she picked up her phone and lit up the screen.

6 missed calls

10 text messages

She sighed, looking through her missed calls. One was from Bella, three were from Rosalie...and her heart thumped as she saw two were from Carlisle. Yet, there were no voice mails.

Biting her lip, she went to her messages.

Six from Rosalie...and four from Carlisle. She decided to read Rosalie's first.

Vanessa, I know you're upset...but I just want to know if you're okay.

Please, call me back when you're feeling better.

I'm so sorry. This is the second maddest I've ever been at Carlisle.

You can talk to me, you won't have to talk to him.

I'm sorry I keep texting you...its just that you're my friend. My only friend...I hope you don't hate me.

Okay, I understand you need time. I'm not angry...Just take all the time you need. When and if you want to talk to me, I'll be here.

Guilt flooded through Vanessa. Rosalie...she didn't deserve this. Maybe...she should text her back? But, she couldn't do so without talking to Carlisle...but she wanted to talk to him. God, her head was so messed up.

Taking a deep breath, she went to Carlisle's messages.

Vanessa, words cannot describe how much I hate putting you through this. This is more pain than I've ever felt in my entire life. For the first time, I don't know what to do. I want to comfort you, but I feel unable to do so without scaring you. As much as I want to, I cannot regret telling you what I've told you. I care too much about you to lie to you. But still, I am sorry for telling you the truth.

Vanessa, please...I know Rosalie has been texting you, and if it's any comfort for my actions, she has knocked me in the head. She's very protective over you. If you don't wish to speak with me, you can speak with her. I will not interfere. I just want to know that you're alright.

I'm sorry, I can't seem to stop messaging you. I feel that I am being annoying, yet I can't stop myself from trying to contact you. I've never felt this way before. I don't know what to do. Please, tell me what to do...tell me how to make this right.

I have forced myself to say this is the last message I will send you...if you never wish to see me again, I will understand, though I can't imagine the pain I will suffer. If that it what you truly want, I will respect your wishes. However, if you ever do want to talk to me again, just know that I will answer any question you may have, about anything. At any time. If you call, I will be there. I want to gain your trust, and show you that I'm not a monster. If you'll give me this honor, it would mean more to me than my very existence. If not, then I want you to know that meeting you has been the greatest pleasure of my 300 years of existence, and I wish you nothing but happiness in life.

Yours truly,

Carlisle Cullen

A tear hit the screen of her phone, and she hastily wiped it away before wiping her eyes. How...how could she possibly ignore this? She couldn't. She wanted to be friends with Rosalie...she wanted to know Carlisle. It was like there was some kind of force pulling her to him, and he was all she could think about all week.

She knew if she cut them out of her life without knowing, she'd regret it forever. As crazy as Bella had sounded, what she'd said before she left her house that day really stuck to her.

Biting her lip, she went to one of Rosalie's texts and starting typing.

I haven't looked at my phone all week. I'm so sorry, Rosalie. I feel like hell for putting you through this. I'm just...so very confused. I don't know what I want. But, I do know that I definitely do not want to not ever see you again. We're still friends, aren't we?

She sent the message, her heart thumping. It took seconds for her phone to beep.

Oh Vanessa, thank God...yes, of course we're still friends! I'm so relieved. Don't worry, I won't tell Carlisle you messaged me...he's been sulking around for the past week and I'd like to...but I respect our confidence. You don't have to message him if you don't want to. I'll still be here...are you coming to school today? Please tell me you are, class has been boring without you.

Vanessa chuckled, shaking her head and texting back.

WELL, that depends. Are you gonna give me your BMW or what?

She smirked, hitting the message.

If you really want it, I'll buy you one just like it.

Vanessa's mouth dropped open.

What? No, Rosalie, I was just kidding! That wouldn't be right! Besides, I'm a dodge viper girl, remember? : P

Of course I remember : ) Do you want me to pick you up for school? It'll just be me, and I'll bring the BMW.

Vanessa paused, thinking it over. It would probably be better to face Rosalie alone first before she faced the rest of the Cullens...

Sure! That sounds like fun! Bring some good tunes too. Gotta arrive in style, ya know.

Haha! Absolutely! Okay, I'll be there in a few.

Vanessa smiled, sitting her phone down and changing into a white halter top, jeans, and red plaid flats. She didn't feel like looking like a rocker chick today. But her shoes still proved that she was one.

She brushed out her hair and grabbed her bag, bounding down the steps and out the door.

She pulled out her compact, looking at her makeup. She'd actually worn it today, seeing as there was still some slight brusing. However, her lock it foundation covered that right up.

Suddenly, a red car came zooming in her driveway, blaring what she recognized as Metallica.

Rosalie had the top down, and the blonde was dressed in red, looking breath taking as usual.

Vanessa took a deep breath to steel her nerves and quickly ran over, getting in the car with Rose.

"Hey!" Rose smiled, looking over at her as she climbed in.

"Hey, Saliva?" Vanessa smirked.

"Cause' I'm a badass!" Rose exclaimed along with the song, making Vanessa's nerves leave and laugh.

Rose pulled out, going the other direction.

"School's the other way, Rose," Vanessa said, looking confused.

"Oh, we're not going," Rose smirked over at her. "We're playing hookie today. We're going to Port Angeles to shopping and a movie! Don't worry, I've already told Bella to get your work. You've already missed a week, one more day won't matter. Besides, just say you need an extra day to recover!"

Vanessa thought about it, then a smile spread on her face.

"..."

"Have I told you lately, that I love you?" Vanessa smiled, putting her hands up in the air and letting the wind go through her fingers. She needed to get away for a while...this would do her good.

"Oh God, don't let Carlisle hear you say that. He might – no, he will get jealous," Rosalie said, smiling at her.

"By the way," Vanessa said, frowning as she starting looking through Rosalie's CD's. "Does he...know about this?"

"No, as far as he knows, you are still silent," Rosalie said. "But he knows you're supposed to go back to school today...he may try to drill everyone on how you were. Well, not he may – he will."

Vanessa picked out The Pretty Reckless CD and put it in, turning it to, 'Panic.'

"Do you want me to tell him?"

Vanessa bit her lip...she couldn't hide from Carlisle forever. To hear Rosalie say that he was suffering so much...no, it wasn't fair to give Rosalie a chance and not him. Then again, Rosalie never said her blood was appealing.

"I supposed you can..." she said quietly, musing. "Maybe I'll just text him myself...letting you do it would be kind of cowardly, huh?"

Rosalie shifted. "No, not really. I mean, look at what he told you! I love Carlisle with every breath of me, but I don't like how he done it."

"He said he didn't want to lie to me...is that true?"

"Yeah, Carlisle is very noble," Rosalie smiled. "He couldn't bear lying to you...I suppose he thought by telling you, you'd still like him. Like him anyway for who he is. He didn't want you liking something he's not."

Guilt flushed through her. He...he told her because he wanted her to like him for who and what he was?

"He knew there was a chance you'd react the way you did," Rosalie assured it. "It's a normal reaction. It's how Bella SHOULD have reacted. No offense, I personally like Bella, I just can't stand the way she thinks. She's so ready to just throw her life and humanity away, all for the sake of Edward. You aren't like that. And I respect you for it. You're smart."

"Well, I do declare Miss Hale," Vanessa smirked. "Did you just compliment me?"

"Once, but don't let it go to your head."

"I haven't even considered the possibility of becoming a vampire," Vanessa frowned, going back to business. "Can you believe that when Bella came to talk to me the very next day, she was asking if I would become immortal for Carlisle?"

Rosalie looked like she was gritting her teeth, and the engine roared as she sped down the road.

"That girl...does not respect what it means to be human. She just...There's more to life than Edward," Rosalie frowned. "There's more to life to me than Emmett. Don't get me wrong, I love Emmett with every ounce of my being, but to be human again..."

"Is being a vampire that terrible?" Vanessa asked, turning towards her.

"It's...I suppose its not that bad, at least, after a while when you learn to control you thirst," she glanced sideways at her. "I'd much rather be human, though. I wanted a family."

"I don't think I'll ever want children," Vanessa mused. "It's not that I don't like kids, I just...don't really want to be a mom."

"See? Bella doesn't even know whether she wants children or not, but she's throwing away the possibility," Rosalie frowned. "She thinks I hate her, but I don't. I just can't stand her throwing mortality away for all the wrong reasons."

"Not saying that I want to, but you'd be okay with me becoming immortal?" Vanessa asked, tilting her head.

Rosalie seemed to think for moments.

"No, I wouldn't want your humanity stolen away from you...but if you decided to do it, I know it wouldn't be for the wrong reason," Rosalie smiled. "You're the type of girl that would do it so you could see and experience new things...go to Paris to see a concert...go to all the theme parks and beaches in the world," Rosalie laughed at her sly expression. "You wouldn't do it for the sole purpose of not wanting to be older than Carlisle, damning the consequences."

"Actually you're wrong," Rosalie gave her shocked expression. "I'd do it for the sole purpose of being able to beat all men in arm wrestling."

Rosalie's laugh sounded like bells.

"You know what, you're so different from Carlisle," she smirked. "I guess opposites attract. See, Bella and Edward got that whole suffering in silence, woe is me thing going on together-"

Vanessa let out a snort of laughter, in spite of herself.

"But you and Carlisle – day and night," she smiled. "Maybe you can make him relax more. He can be such a stiff sometimes. Well, except when we all wrestle or play baseball. He's pretty good."

Vanessa tried to stop herself from picturing the tall, handsome blonde in a baseball uniform.

"I'm not the sport type," Vanessa frowned. "I'm more of a...lets eat chocolate and watch Netflix person." she smirked.

"I wish I could eat chocolate..." Rosalie frowned, sighing to herself.

"..."

"YOU CAN'T EAT CHOCOLATE?!"

Rosalie laughed, shaking her head. "No, we can't digest anything but blood. We can swallow it, but we have to cough it up later. That dinner with you was horrible...ugh, after you left, we were all outside, coughing up mixed vegetables and meat."

"...You guys did that for me?" Vanessa frowned, feeling guilty. She remembered seeing Alice grimace.

"Yeah, we had to eat in front of you," Rosalie gave her a small smile. "Of course, Bella knew, but we couldn't ask you over for dinner and then only you and Bella eat. That would have been just a little too strange."

"Then my nervous ass hit my leg and made it bleed," Vanessa frowned, thinking back.

"Yeah, Alice saw it moments before it happened," Rosalie frowned.

"What?"

"Alice gets visions of the future," Rosalie smiled, Vanessa making a stunned expression. Bella had left that out...

"Can she look at will?"

"No, just certain things come to her," Rosalie smiled. "She saw your leg bleeding, and Carlisle running and jumping out the window at vampire speed. That would have given us away, she she intervened and pulled you away."

"So, will he always be that way around me?"

"No, he's gotten use to your scent," Rosalie explained. "The more you're around it, the easier it is. Edward, for example, couldn't even be anywhere near Bella at first and now, he can even manage to kiss her without his eyes going black at all. It still smells good, it just becomes more tolerable. Carlisle, however, has centuries of control over Edward. I don't think he'd ever hurt you, Vanessa."

"..."

"Yeah, I don't think he would either..." Vanessa said quietly, suddenly getting the urge to talk to the handsome man.

"We're almost there," Rosalie piped in, making Vanessa's eyes widen. She looked at the speedometer, seeing that she was going over 100 miles an hour. Jesus, and she thought she sped.

"So, I'm going to assume that you aren't going to wreck this car and kill me?"

Rosalie laughed. "I've got like a hundred years of driving experience under my belt. Plus, my enhanced sight, reflexes and speed... no way will I wreck this car."

"A hundred years?" Vanessa's eyes widened. She hadn't even thought about how old Rosalie was. "How old are you?"

"Nineteen in body," she smiled. "But I'm over a century old."

"Wow..." Vanessa exclaimed. She felt so young...she felt like a baby in comparison.

"...I'll tell you a story sometimes," Rosalie smiled ruefully. "But, we're here to shop and have fun! Not talk dreary things."

"I don't have much money, but I can help you pick out some things," Vanessa looked at Rosalie's chic clothes. "If you'd even want my advice. Don't think you need it."

They laughed as they pulled into a shopping mall.

"Oh God...my feet," Vanessa groaned as Rosalie sped in the dark, back towards Forks with a trunk and backseat full of bags. "How are your feet not killing you from those shoes?!" Vanessa exclaimed, pointing at Rosalie's stiletto feet.

"Oh, I could run around the world in these," Rosalie laughed. "My feet never hurt."

"Shit..." Vanessa groaned. "You're lucky."

They sat in silence for a bit, while Vanessa thought about meeting with Carlisle. She'd thought about it, and decided that she was going to meet him eventually, she knew she was...but Rosalie comforted her, and she wanted her there. She wasn't sure how to ask, though...

"Rose...I was thinking about meeting with Carlisle to talk to him..." Vanessa said, looking at her out of the corner of her eye.

She didn't seem surprised.

"You don't have to if you don't want to..." she said, looking a little worried.

"No, I want to. I know I will eventually...will, um...will you be there?" she asked hesitantly.

"Sure, if you want me to be," Rosalie said softly, looking glad that she trusted her.

"...I guess I'll message him now. But, where would we meet? No offense, but going back to your place may be a little overwhelming."

"No, I understand," she smiled. "We could just meet him in town? Maybe in the grocery store parking lot?"

Vanessa frowned. That seemed a little too un-intimate...but it would likely be empty, but it was still in town. It seemed like a good place. Far enough from prying ears, but not too far away from people.

"Okay, that works..." Vanessa sighed, her hand shaking lightly as she pulled out her phone and opened one of Carlisle's messages.

Carlisle? It's Vanessa...Um, I know its short notice, but can you meet Rose and I at the grocery store parking lot tonight? If you can't, it's okay.

Her hand hovered over send, before she finally sent it, taking a deep breath. Rosalie noticed.

"It'll be fine," Rosalie assured. "You don't have to fear me, but I will honestly say that Carlisle is the most harmless out of all of us..."

"Most harmless to me, specifically, though?" Vanessa asked, raising her eyebrow.

"...I guess you have a point, but I know Carlisle wouldn't do anything to hurt you," Rosalie comforted. "He's a good man – except for the whole you know, not being a man part."

Vanessa chuckled, running her hand through her hair as her phone beeped.

I never thought I'd be so happy to read a text message. Yes, of course, I will be there in a few minutes...Thank you, I can't tell you what this means to me.

She bit her lip, giving a small smile as she replied.

Surely you knew I'd eventually message you? I just...needed some time to think. Being with Rose today helped a lot, as she answered a lot of questions. I'm sorry, Carlisle. I feel guilty for making you worry.

No, don't feel guilty. All of this is my fault. You had every right to act as you did. I don't even deserve your attention now.

Vanessa sighed, sitting down her phone as they approached the store.

"What's the verdict?" Rose asked, pulling in the parking lot.

"He's beating himself up, not letting apologize..."

"Oh, so the usual then?" Rose smiled bitterly.

"Thank you for doing this, Rosalie, and for today and the clothes," Vanessa smiled, looking over at her. She'd denied Rosalie's offer to buy her things, but she'd done it anyway. Vanessa felt a little guilty, but it seemed to make Rose happy. If it made her happy, who was she to stop her?

Vanessa's eyes cut to a black Mercedes pulling into the parking lot at an alarming speed. Geeze, he drove even faster than Rose!

Vanessa's heart was thumping in a panicked rythem as the Mercedes parked beside them.

She felt a cold hand on hers, jumping when she saw Rose smiling at her.

"It's okay. It'll be fine, I promise," she soothed. "Your heart is going crazy." she finished, whispering lowly and making Vanessa flush.

The Mercedes door opened, and out walked Carlisle. She took at sharp intake of breath as she saw the feathery blonde hair and kind, but anxious face. He was wearing black slacks and a baby blue button up shirt...his usual dress clothes.

He closed the door slowly, making no move to approach her in Rose's car. He stayed where he was, his golden eyes fixed only on her.

"..."

"God, will one of you say something!" Rose eventually said, sighing. "This is getting painfully awkward, even for me."

"I'm sorry," Vanessa blurted, cringing and looking away from Carlisle, flushing.

He was silent for moments and then she heard him speak, his voice soft and gentle.

"Can I...come closer?" he asked lightly, asking her permission.

She studied his form, seeing that nothing about his posture retained anything of an aggressive nature. His lithe, tall form was radiating gentleness, almost as though he was completely helpless. She wondered why she had been more hesitant with him that Rosalie, but she could only come to the conclusion that it was because it had been him that revealed that they were vampires. She was sure that if it had been Rosalie that had revealed those startling things to her, the situation would be reversed.

Taking a deep breath, she undid her seat belt and opened the car door, shakily stepping out. This was how it had to be. She had to go to him, try to convey with her body language that she wasn't afraid of him.

She approached his tall form, stopping about a foot away from him when she looked up.

His face was mostly unreadable, but his amber eyes were swirling with so many different emotions, it would have given her a headache if she tried to decipher all of them.

Trying to look braver than she actually felt, she looked him dead in the eye before she spoke.

"I'm sorry I doubted you, Carlisle," she said gently, and before she lost her nerve, she stepped forward, gently wrapping her arms around him in a friendly embrace.

He became rigid in her arms, and she felt the heat of regret fill her veins. Perhaps she shouldn't have done this? But, she wanted to show that she did believe that he wouldn't hurt her, and coming to him and giving him a friendly hug seemed to be the best way.

His body was hard and rigid as she pressed her face into his chest, not daring to look up at him. His wonderful smell entered her nose, and she felt a sense of calmness wash over her. Rosalie gave off a different smell that Carlisle. Hers was sweet, but also spicy in a way. It was zesty to her nose. But no, not Carlisle's. His was sweet, but it was a soft, muskier smell. It was gentle, smooth, but it was also thick and heavy, sticking to the inside of her nose. It reminded her of honey, and it was calming. His scent matched his personality.

As he remained rigid, her pulse quickened, realizing she'd made a mistake. She'd meant to make him comfortable, but in the end, it seemed she only succeeded in making him uncomfortable. Just as she was about to pull away, she felt his chest move her under face, letting out his breath and felt his arms move, gently wrapping around her frame.

It took all her willpower not to tense at first, but as he settled, she realized there was nothing to fear. He was holding her so gently – as though she was made of glass. She felt...safe.

She felt safe in a vampires arms.

She tried not to let her mind wander where it had been, lest she fall back into where she was, wondering what the hell was wrong with her – questioning her own sanity even. But nothing, absolutely nothing felt wrong with this. It felt eerily...right. Him, gently holding her in his arms. Her heart swelled with emotion, and she began to wonder back to what Bella said.

Love at first sight.

No, she didn't love Carlisle. Fine, she'd admit she was extremely infatuated with him...maybe a little obsessed. She truly did care for him, but it wasn't strong enough to be love. She didn't know how vampires worked, but humans didn't work that way. Perhaps their feelings were just like any other aspect of them; extremely fast. Perhaps it was as Bella said, because he was a vampire, he noticed things humans would never even see, therefore love can come much easier to a vampire. It made sense, in a way. But, whether or not he loved her was out of her hands, and she had no way of knowing. But, by doing this, she likened it to giving in.

She was surrendering to her emotions. She wanted this, and she was letting herself have it. It may not even be the right choice; she didn't know. But what she did know was that she'd never met a man that could even compare with Carlisle, ignoring the fact that he wasn't really a man. That had nothing to do with it. It was more than that...Carlisle was a person to her, and he was a person she desperately wanted to get closer to.

A deep rumble came from his chest, snapping her out of her thoughts as she heard him chuckle and her face moved slightly.

"You seem to be in deep thought..." he mused quietly. "Should I interrupt you? If not, feel free to take all the time you need."

"Sorry..." she murmured, reluctantly removing her arms from around him, and to her surprise, his arms gently let her go. She tucked her hair behind her ear, keeping her gaze down.

How is it that she'd been so scared...and now, it seemed completely insane not to trust Carlisle? What sense did that even make?

"Don't be sorry," his voice registered quietly in her ears, his velvet voice caressing her skin. Was he using that deep, sultry voice on purpose? Damn.

She jumped when she felt his cold, hard fingers move across her flushed cheek. They paused when he felt her jump, but when she made no move to get away, he must have taken her jump as simply surprise, not fear. He rubbed the back of his fingers gently down her cheek, before his fingers landed on her chin.

Gulping, she felt his fingers gently tug upwards, showing her that he wanted her to look at him, but he wasn't going to force it if she didn't want to look at him.

Gulping, she brought her eyes up to his face, her breath hitching lightly.

He was happy. Happiness was almost radiating from his face. His hair had fallen over one eye, only adding to his regal beauty. The moonlight cast shadows over his cheeks, and his teeth were almost shining in the darkness, as his thin lips stretched into a smile.

How...how could something this beautiful ever see anything in her? It didn't even make sense...She wasn't pretty enough for Carlisle. Then again, she had to remind herself that he wasn't perfect, despite him physically looking perfect. He was a vampire, so she supposed she'd count that as a might big flaw?

She had to stop trying to wrap her mind around it all at once; she was going to make her head explode. She need to take it one step at a time. And this, was the first step.

"Okay, If I could vomit, I might," Rosalie groaned from behind her, making Vanessa's eyes widen. She'd forgotten she was even there...

"Seeing who I consider my father give you those eyes is pretty gross," Rosalie made a fake gagging noise. "I take it you guys are okay now? Can I leave?"

"Rosalie!" Carlisle reprimanded, tearing his eyes away from a blushing Vanessa for the first time to give Rose a stern expression.

Vanessa made herself turn around, giving Rosalie a smile.

"Of course, I have no objections to taking Vanessa home. That is, if she is comfortable."

"I am," Vanessa said, looking at Rosalie. "Thanks for everything, Rose."

"No problem," Rose smiled. "Don't forget your bags!"

"Oh, right!" Vanessa shakily wobbled over to the car, pulling out various bags. Her eyes widened when she saw the Victoria's Secret bag there...Damn, Rosalie! Ugh, she knew that was going to come back and bite her on the ass! Because apparently, it's an abomination for girls to wear a damn sports bra in Rosalie's eyes.

She turned around, leaving that bag.

"Vanessa!" Rosalie exclaimed, reaching behind her and picking up the very bag she'd tried to abandon. "This one's yours too!"

Vanessa's face reddened, whipping around and snatching the bag, trying to hide it behind the other ones.

"Yes, thank YOU Rose!" she said, giving her a wide eyed, 'I'm going to punch you.' look.

Rose smirked knowingly. "Anytime!" she winked, before peeling out of the parking lot.

Still red, she turned with a gasp to find Carlisle right in front of her, taking the bags from her hands. She clutched on.

"N-no, it's okay. I can put them in the car-"

"What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn't get your bags for you?" he asked, smiling and dazzling her just long enough for him to pull the bags from her hands. If he noticed the Victoria's Secret bag, he didn't show it as he popped his truck, sitting them inside.

He walked up to her, looking at his watch.

"Its a quarter to nine," he said, smiling. "If you'd like, we can go see a movie?"

Vanessa was floored. Was he...asking her on a date? That was a little bold, wasn't it? Considering she'd just now agreed to be friends with him, despite what he was.

"Are you...as what?" she fumbled, not wanting to ask out-right in case that wasn't what he meant. She didn't want to feel like that big of an idiot tonight.

"Yes, on a date," he chuckled, clearly knowing what she meant anyway. "If you don't want that, though, I will understand. We can simply go as friends. It's completely up to you."

"Is there really a difference?" she smiled, twisting her hands. "I mean, as friends I buy my popcorn and if it's a date, you buy my popcorn?"

"I'll buy your popcorn, regardless," He smirked, making chills run over her at the somewhat cocky expression.

Oh no, this was not good. She didn't like how much she liked that expression on his face...damn teenager hormones.

"Well, let's just see who ends up buying the popcorn," she smiled teasingly. "If I beat you to it, then its just as friends. But, if you beat me to it, its a date."

He laughed as she walked up to his car, and he followed, opening the door for her.

He walked at a human speed to the other side of the car, opening the door and getting in quickly.

Vanessa wiggled in the comfortable, black leather seat. Damn, this car kind of put her Mustang to shame...

"You do realize how fast I am, right?" he grinned over at her as he started the car. "Should I assume that you know I'll beat you, and you want it to be called a date?"

"See, that's where you're wrong," Vanessa smiled sweetly as she buckled her seat belt. "We'll be in public, so no super speed for you. Seeing as you're a proper doctor, I don't see you running childishly through a movie theater. I, however, have little shame. Therefore, I could quite possibly beat you."

Carlisle raised his fair eyebrows, amusement crossing his face.

"Ah, but for you, I can run through a theater lobby if I have too," he smirked again, making her heart rate increase. "I'm sure my career with remain intact by morning."

"Hmm...well, we'll just see, now won't we?" she said, raising a playful eyebrow. It was amazing how easily and quickly she fell into comfort with Carlisle again. The fact that he was a vampire, and the fear that came with it seemed to vanish almost the moment she was in his presence again. What had this man done to her?

"Oh yes, we will," he smiled playfully, pulling out of the parking lot.

Her attention finally focused on the music playing. It was classical or something, and a little depressing.

"..."

"Are you a part time hearse driver?" Vanessa asked, nodding her head towards the radio and making him chuckle.

"Unlike Edward, I suffer rather blatantly," he shook his head. "I tend to be pretty obvious when I'm upset. I don't try to hide it from my family. Even if I did, they'd know anyway."

"Edward with his unfortunate mind reading thing," Vanessa said, trying to change the subject to something lighter. When he'd said that, her guilt ten folded.

"I'm very use to Edward knowing my every thought," Carlisle elegantly shrugged. "After about a hundred years, you get use to it."

"...I don't think I ever could," Vanessa scrunched her nose as he glanced at her. "I think weird. I feel like I'd be screaming Britney Spears lyrics in my head around him at all times."

Carlisle chuckled. "That's exactly what Rosalie does. He knows when she's trying to hide something from him. She picks something she knows he hates, then screams it in her mind. This causes Edward to mostly shut her off as much as he can."

"...and here I thought Rosalie and I didn't have too much in common," Vanessa chuckled, that sounding about right.

"Oh God, I have to face Edward tomorrow," Vanessa groaned, putting her face in her hands. "Knowing now that he's heard a lot of my thoughts is humiliating."

Carlisle looked interested now. "What were you thinking about?"

"..."

YOU.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" she smirked, crossing her arms.

"Of course I would. That's why I asked," he retorted, raising his eyebrows.

"...Are you sassing me?" Vanessa was startled. His playful side was coming out again...she liked it.

"Whatever do you mean?" he put on a mock-confused expression. "I would never do such a thing."

"You do know that a few hundred years have passed since you were a teenager," Vanessa laughed. "You can talk like everyone else does. You're so proper."

"I know how everyone talks now," Carlisle chuckled, pulling into the theater parking lot. "I just chose not to speak that way. I so can, like, talk that way though. But whatev's, I don't wanna."

"..."

Vanessa blinked, then roared in laughter. Carlisle looked like he cringed after saying that, but laughed along with her.

"Please don't tell my family I said that," he said bitterly. "I think they'd pack their things and leave in shame."

Vanessa couldn't stop laughing, even as he parked the car. She wiped her eyes, trying and failing to breathe.

"Oh..my God!" she finally managed to stop, then looked at him and started all over again. "I am not okay...that was pure gold."

Carlisle didn't look offended that she was laughing at him. On the contrary, he looked ecstatic that he was able to make her laugh that much.

"I'm glad I could amuse you," he said, seeming a little embarrassed.

"Whatev's?" Vanessa raised an eyebrow, still chuckling lightly. "I don't think that's been a popular saying for a few years, Carlisle."

He shrugged. "I use to hear nurses say it at work. At first, I had no clue what it meant. Then, I realized it meant, 'whatever.'. I was confused as to why it was a popular saying."

"...I change my mind, I prefer the proper Carlisle," she laughed, getting out of the car with him. "I'll be the hip one from now on, okay? I don't think my ribs can take that again."

He looked relieved. "Thank God. That sounds good to me." he shot her a sideways grin.

"What do you want to see?" he asked, pausing in front of the theater as they scanned the movie titles.

"Well, considering I don't really want to put you through some chick flick...The Evil Dead?" she asked, glancing over at him.

"If you want to see the girl movie, I don't mind," he shrugged lightly. "Whatever you want to watch, Vanessa."

"...I pick the scary movie," she smiled, and he nodded, walking up to the window.

The woman behind the glass had been staring at Carlisle, her mouth hanging open. It looked like her wad of gum was about to fall out.

"Two for The Evil Dead, please," Carlisle said politely, pulling out a leather wallet.

The woman shook her head, then looked confused, before looking and seeing Vanessa standing there. Her eyes raked over him and her, looking astounded.

Yeah, you and me both lady.

"Uh...Er, t-that'll be um," the woman shook her head, her cheeks reddening. "12...12.95."

Carlisle handed her a $20, which the woman shakily took. Carlisle turned to her, giving her a wink before he turned back, getting the change from the shaky woman.

Vanessa's eyes widened at his public display of flirting. She looked down, her face redder than a baboon's ass.

When she finally looked up, Carlisle was gone. Her mouth dropped open as she looked around, seeing that he was inside...at the counter.

The bet!

She darted inside, running up to the counter, only to see him handing the money to the less impressed man behind the counter.

He looked over at her flushed cheeks, smiling almost wickedly.

"You..." she almost growled, crossing her arms and playfully glaring. "You did that on purpose!" she hissed, raising her eyebrows as he got a big tub of popcorn and a coke.

"Whatever do you mean?" he said innocently—too innocently.

"A date it is, then," he whispered, handing her the drink, which she took almost reluctantly.

He reached down, grabbed her hand in his, entwining their fingers together and making her jump in surprise.

"This is what people do on dates," he explained, as though he was pointing out something she had no clue about. She could tell he was playing with her, though, by the glint in his eyes.

Vanessa flushed, giving him a mock-glare.

"Is it really? Thank GOD you're here, Carlisle. I would have tried to hold your ankle."

He laughed, gently pulling her down the hallway and towards the door. She couldn't help but to notice some girls they passed were giving them some startled expressions...that is, when they weren't ogling at Carlisle.

A little bit of pride swelled within her. That, and a little bit of embarrassment. As though the girls were wondering what that lump was doing with such a breathtakingly gorgeous man.

He pushed the double doors open, pulling her into the dark theater. Since it was Forks, only a few couples were sitting here and there.

"Front or back?" Carlisle whispered, looking over at her.

She stared for a minute, noticing the dim lighting did nothing to hide his beauty. His golden eyes practically glowed, taking her off guard.

"Ugh, back," she mumbled finally. "I'm far sighted."

He nodded and pulled her along the back row, sitting in the middle as she slowly sat down next to him.

He flung up the arm rest in between them, and she raised her eyebrow at him. He took no notice, and slid his cold arm around her shoulders.

She tensed a little, but relaxed a little more.

"..."

"You're a lot smoother than you let on, aren't you?" she asked, taking the popcorn he handed to her.

"Am I? I wasn't aware," he smiled, his eyes sparkling.

"Lies," she said playfully, popping popcorn in her mouth.

He chuckled, his hand that was around her shoulder gently rubbing the skin on her upper arm, making a chill run through her at the cold touch.

The previews started, the lights going out. She settled down, feeling Carlisle's eyes on her.

"The movie is in front of you," she whispered jokingly, side glancing at him.

He said nothing, but she felt him chuckle lightly, moving his arm around her a little tighter. She felt his gaze move away and look straight ahead, much to her relief.

She bit her lip glancing at his perfect profile out of the corner of her eye.

Was this really happening? She wanted to pinch herself, just to make sure. Yes, she definitely made the right decision.