Chapter Eight

Vanessa moaned, rubbing her face against something cold as she stretched her fingers. Her leg was wrapped around something cool, and she moved her leg up and down for moments before settling again. She dug her forehead into the coolness, letting out a sigh of contentment as she started to doze off again.

Wait, what?

Her eyes flew open, and she looked up, seeing Carlisle's handsome face looking down at her. His eyes were no longer a golden hue, but a dark amber as he stared at her with an intense expression that she couldn't identify.

She blinked, confused for moments, before freezing in horror.

She'd fallen asleep with Carlisle next to her.

Her leg was wrapped around Carlisle.

Her leg was wrapped around him.

Her fucking leg.

"O-oh!" she gasped, moving her leg and shakily pushing away from him. His arms were around her back, though, and he didn't let go. "I-I'm s-so sorry! I didn't realize...I didn't mean to sleep– oh God," she groaned, giving up and putting her face in her hands.

"Shh, it's alright," he said soothingly in a deep voice, pulling her against his chest. "I didn't find it unpleasant, I will admit."

Vanessa turned beat red, looking down and hearing him chuckle darkly.

"I'm the one that should apologize," he said after a moments pause. "When you wrapped your leg around me and starting rubbing my leg, I should have woke you up. I hope you don't think I'm a pervert now."

"...Who was rubbing who?" Vanessa groaned. "I'm the one that feels like the pervert here."

He chuckled again, rubbing her back. "You were asleep, kitten, I was not."

"Oh..." she trailed off, looking around. "What time is it?" she asked, yawning.

"5:45," he stated, kissing her on top of the head. "I was getting ready to wake you up in fifteen minutes."

"Ugh, school," she groaned, rolling over on her back as he moved his arms. She was a little sore from having been on her side all night. "Do you have to work?"

"Yes, at seven," he frowned. "I changed my shift last night to the morning shift. I may look for a more permanent change. I considered it while you were sleeping."

"You're gonna take day shifts at the hospital?" she sat up, yawning and stretching her arms.

"Yes, though I've worked all shifts. It is hard to find doctors willing to work third, but I am, for obvious reasons," he smirked, his eyes trailing over her hair as she looked at him.

Her eyes widened and she immediately started patting her big hair down, grumbling in embarrassment.

Suddenly, he was right next to her, wrapping his arms around her as he leaned into her ear, making her freeze.

"You're still beautiful; bedhead or not," he whispered, his cool breath making chills run over her body.

"..."

"Are you trying to seduce me?" she asked playfully when she recovered, leaning away from him.

He raised an eyebrow, smiling mischievously. "Maybe. Why? Is it working?"

"Hmm, I don't think so," she scrunched her nose, giggling at the comical frown he currently had on his elegant face.

"Oh, really?" he challenged, his smile creeping back.

Her smile dropped a little, and he lunged at her, picking her up in the air with a squeal and sitting her in his lap.

She immediately panicked, trying to scramble out of his lap, but his arms playfully held her in place. Despite his brute strength, all she could think was, 'I'm too heavy for this.'

"Carlisle!" she hissed, looking at him with a pouting expression as she stopped struggling. "I'm too heavy!"

"Are you kidding?" Carlisle laughed. "You weigh nothing to me."

He proved his point by wrapping one arm under her knees, and another behind her back, all but throwing her up in the air he moved so quickly.

"Put me down!" she hissed whispered, hearing him chuckle and lower her back into his lap. She instantly locked her arms around his neck, as though that would prevent him from putting her up in the air again.

"Do you believe me now? I could run around the world with you on my back, kitten," he smiled so happily at her, that all of her frustration melted away. God's, even first thing in the morning, he was stunningly beautiful.

"...How do you not have bed hair?" she frowned, hesitantly reaching one hand up behind his head and softly touching his hair.

Yup, it was just as soft as it looked. She allowed herself a small smile as she ran her fingers through the pale, silky strands.

He slowly closed his eyes, leaning back into her touch. Seeing that was permission, she smiled and put her hand on top of his head, running her hand all the way down to the top of his neck.

"You're a guy, you aren't allowed to have better hair than me," she frowned playfully as he opened his eyes, revealing his amber orbs once again.

Vanessa gulped at the intense look in them, only inches from her face. She forced herself to look at the clock, seeing it was already 6:05.

"I...I have to get ready for school," she said quietly, removing her arms from around his neck.

His grip tightened on her slightly, and before she could even blink, his head was buried in the crook of her neck.

She tensed slightly, remembering he was a vampire that was at her neck...but she had to remind herself that this was Carlisle, and that he wouldn't hurt her.

He sighed sadly into her neck.

"I don't want to leave you," he grumbled deeply, making her heart flutter annoyingly. "Edward is lucky, he can see Bella at school and after wards." he hold on her tightened a little more, before he released her, and she scrambled awkwardly off his lap, flushing.

"I'm half tempted to pretend to be a student again," he frowned, looking over at her. "What do you think? Can I pass as a high school student?"

She smiled, looking over his lean frame and masculine, chiseled features.

"No, I don't think so," she giggled, shaking her head. "You don't really look boyish like Edward does."

She sighed, but then he smiled, getting off her bed.

"Alright, I'll go...but only if you promise me that you can see me after my work ends," he said quietly, stalking up to her with a serious expression.

"Y-yeah, that's f-fine," she stuttered. She didn't have butterflies in her stomach, they were more like bats.

In a quick movement, his arms were around her lower back, and she paused, her hands resting on his biceps. She stopped herself from squeezing the hard muscle she clearly felt under the fabric of his shirt.

She inhaled sharply as she felt his cool, soft lips press to her temple. He kept them there for moments, inhaling her sent. She bit her lip lightly, her pulse hammering against her veins.

"Goodbye for now, and please be safe today, kitten," he said in a low voice, and in a flash, his presence was gone. She whipped around, seeing he was gone out the window. She walked over shakily, grabbing it and slowly closing it.

As she got ready for school, her mind wandered annoyingly. Did she really just spend the night sleeping in Carlisle's arms? But, she had to remind herself that it wasn't the first time she'd slept all night in his presence. At the hospital, he had stayed all night, holding her hand. That night seemed like ages ago for some reason. She'd trusted her gut, and she had been right. She was safe with Carlisle, he hadn't harmed her in anyway.

This was going so fast that her mind was whirling. They held each other as if they'd known each other for years, not weeks. And it didn't even feel strange. It felt right, like it was what they were supposed to be doing.

She frowned after her shower, staring in her closet. She knew that she really didn't fit on the arm of Carlisle, as he looked so...professional. She usually looked like she just got home front a rock concert. She contemplated wearing different clothes, but decided against it. She wasn't going to change who she was. If her style changed, it would be because she alone wanted it.

She quickly grabbed a red, plaid skirt, black leggings, a black Five Finger Death Punch tank top, and her knee high square boots.

She brushed out her hair, pulling the long locks into a high pony tail, with a few strands hanging around her face. She put on a black choker with a rose on it, and quickly put on some eye liner and mascara. She put in some dangly, silver skull earrings. She wondered why she was decking herself out, but she figured it was because it was her first day back at school. So, maybe she wanted to dress up?

Looking at her reflection when she was done, she sighed as she tried to picture herself on Carlisle's arm. When she was on his arm, it felt right and perfect...but when she pictured it her head, it looked strange. Was that what she was doing? Trying to make herself up to really show she wasn't meant to be on Carlisle's arm? Was she trying to drive him away? Maybe she just wanted to see his reaction when he showed up and she was looking like a 'freak.'

She shrugged, throwing on her studded belt and bracelet before grabbing her bag and running out the door.

She looked around as she stepped outside, amazed it wasn't raining for once. Of course, the day she wore boots, it wasn't raining at all. But of course, it was overcast, as usual.

She got in her convertible, putting the top down. As it wasn't raining, it was a good chance to take advantage of having a convertible.

Arriving at school, she groaned, stepping out of her car and seeing Bella and the Cullens around the parking lot.

Rose was the first to notice her, and she waved her over. She trudged over, and she saw Alice's gaze travel up and down her outfit, approval washing through her golden gaze.

Bella lifted an eyebrow as she saw her, and Vanessa approached, feeling a little awkward. It was like all the Cullens had been watching her and Carlisle on a big video screen.

"Welll, check out the punk rock princess," Alice exclaimed giddily, clapping her hands together and grabbing onto her mute boyfriends arm. "That outfit definitely has the Alice stamp of approval."

"Yeah, its totally cute on you," Rose smiled, nodding her head. "I've wanted to dress that way, but I'm not sure I could pull it off."

Vanessa scoffed. "Rose, please. You could pull off a trash bag and you know it."

They all laughed, and Rose just grinned, amusement in her gaze.

Vanessa had a hard time meeting Edward's gaze.

Oh God, he can read minds! Er – OOPS I DID IT AGAIN, I PLAYED WITH YOUR HEART, GOT LOST IN THE GAME, OH BABY BABY-

Edward groaned, and she finally looked over at him, seeing amusement and annoyance on his face.

"Can you please stop screaming Britney Spears lyrics in your head?" he shook his head, chuckling as the rest of them laughed. "You're too much like Rose. She does that to me and it drives me crazy."

Rosalie laughed, walking away from Emmett and going up to Vanessa, looping her arm through hers.

"See? I didn't tell her that," she smiled. "That's why we're friends, we're alike."

"I'm getting ignored," Emmett frowned at Rose playfully, making her smile and ruffle his hair, causing him to give her a wolfish grin.

"Oh God, I don't need two of your minds," Edward smirked. "Besides, Vanessa's mind is nowhere near vain and self-absorbed like yours is. Hers in generally kind, when she's not cussing everything in existence in her mind...even then, its amusing."

Vanessa's mouth dropped. "Well, why don't you just go public with that shit Edward!" she scowled as he chuckled.

Vanessa looked at Bella.

"Put a leash on your boyfriend and make him be quiet!" she smirked jokingly, making Bella laugh and Edward look scandalized. Rose was smiling at him with an expression that said, 'Please do that.'

"So, did you like the Evil Dead?" Rose asked, pulling her along towards class.

"No, she thought it was disgustingly disturbing," Alice's voice popped in next to Vanessa.

"Did you see that?" Vanessa asked, startled and looking at the pixie girl.

She chuckled. "I saw you look disgusted and grab onto Carlisle is a vision," she smiled as Vanessa's face went red.

Jasper walked beside her, looking ahead with his face looking pained.

"Don't be embarrassed, Vanessa," Alice smiled gently. "We're all happy to see Carlisle happy. Well, he was suffering pretty bad," she frowned, making Vanessa flinch. "It was so bad, he even listened to G-Unit..." she whispered, making Vanessa's jaw drop.

"..."

"He didn't like it."

She bust into laughter with Rosalie, who looked equally stunned.

"What?!" they both blubbered in between laughter.

"Yeah, he did while we were all at school," Alice chuckled. "He listened to all the music that Vanessa listed that night at our house. He liked a few songs by Avenged Sevenfold, Green Day, and Five Finger Death Punch." Alice smiled, pointing to her tank top.

Vanessa's heart fluttered. Did he really do that?

"Have you been smoking?" Alice blurted, looking at her.

"...Yeah, I smoked one of the way to school," Vanessa frowned, looking down and flushing. "Everything with Carlisle and just...my nerves are out of whack."

"I understand. You don't need me to tell you its really bad for you," Alice shrugged, giving her a small smile. "But don't let Carlisle smell it on you. It should be gone by the end of the day, but if he smells it...he'll probably panic. He won't want you smoking, at all."

Vanessa rolled her eyes. "I figured he wouldn't. Being a doctor and all. But, if I want to smoke every now and then, I will. He's not controlling my life-"

"Hell yes!" Rose exclaimed beside her, giving her approving smile. "Now, that's what I'm talking about. See, Alice?"

Alice rolled her eyebrows. "Get over your feminist way of thinking for two seconds, please."

"I am not a feminist," Rose piped in, making Edward snort behind them.

Rose turned and glared.

"Oh Lord, I've started something," Vanessa smirked, glancing to see that even Jasper had a small smile on his face.

"So...Carlisle listened to G-Unit?" Vanessa asked, her lip trembling as she wanted to laugh again. She just could not picture that for the life of her.

"Yeah, he listened to the whole album, 'Beg For Mercy,'" Alice laughed. "He was trying to figure out what song you liked, and he decided on, 'Stunt 101.'"

Vanessa raised her eyebrows in surprise. That was the song she liked...wow.

"He was right, wasn't he?" Alice smirked at her surprised expression.

"Well, yeah..." she answered. "I'm just surprised he was able to figure it out."

"As you can imagine, Carlisle isn't that big of a rap or hip hop fan," Alice shook her head. "It's far too violent for someone as gentle as Carlisle. He can't stand it when Emmett and Rose listen to it."

Vanessa shrugged. "I don't listen to it too much. I think a few of the older rappers...Tupac, Biggie...things like that. But, I love Eminem."

"Me too!" Rose exclaimed, smiling at her.

"Even I like Eminem," Alice chuckled, smiling at her. "Just don't be surprised to see Carlisle scowling if you try to listen to it in front of him."

"I'll keep that in mind," Vanessa said mischievously as they arrived to their class.

Alice laughed, looking at her with gentle eyes. She seemed to be truly happy with her...erm, relationship? with Carlisle.

"I'll see you guys at lunch," Vanessa smiled, winking at Bella, feeling bad that she hadn't talked to her that morning.

Bella didn't seem to mind as she smiled at her, clutching Edward's arm and walking away with him.

The day passed by quickly for Vanessa, talking with Carlisle's family and Bella. It wasn't nearly as bad as she thought it would be. She didn't feel uncomfortable at all like she thought she would. Bella was right, they were good people.

She smiled as she walked through her front door, smiling at her dad.

"Hey baby!" he smiled, looking over her outfit and shaking his head. "Going to a rock concert?" he asked, laughing.

"Nah, I'll probably stay in tonight," she smiled, walking in the kitchen and grabbing an apple, biting into it.

"I ordered us some pizza for dinner. It's Friday night, after all," he smiled. "I still have a lot of work to do, though." he frowned, clearly feeling guilty that he wasn't able to spend much time with her.

"It's cool dad," Vanessa shrugged, finishing her apple and throwing it in the trash.

"Extra mushrooms, right?" her dad smiled. "You can invite Bella over too, they'll be enough for all of us."

She shrugged. "That sounds good. I'll give her a call or text." she began walking up the stairs.

"Alright, I'll let you know when the pizza's here,"

"Kay!" she yelled back pulling out her phone.

She opened a text, pulling her pack of Marlboro Menthols out of her purse and lighter.

She went next to her window, opening it and sitting on the ledge.

She lit the cigarette, taking a big drag and blowing it out the window, sighing contentedly as she felt the nicotine go through her system.

She looked at her phone, putting the cigarette in her mouth.

Hey Bells, wanna come over for some pizza?

She sent the text, raising her eyebrows when her phone beeped instantly. She smiled, it was Carlisle.

I'm on break. How was your first day back, kitten?

She smiled down at her phone, taking another hit off her cigarette.

Hey, it was good. Did you listen to G-Unit today too?

...Oh great, you know about that? Alice needs to be stopped, but I doubt she can be.

No, it was...sweet. She also semi lectured me for smoking.

Vanessa sent the text, going ahead and getting it out of the way. No doubt he'd smell it on her, and she didn't want to go through that in person.

You smoke?! Vanessa, that is detrimental to your health, not to mention it smells just awful. Please, stop. Those things destroy your lungs.

I usually only smoke every now and then. Alice told me you wouldn't like it.

Vanessa sighed. She could almost feel his disapproval.

It doesn't matter. Just one hurts your overall health. Please, don't smoke kitten. I suppose I can't tell you what to do, but if I see you do it, I will be annoyingly persistent in trying to get you to stop.

I figured. Don't worry, Carlisle. It's fine.

She took another drag, her phone beeping. It was Bella this time.

Sure! I'll be right over.

Vanessa smiled, seeing another text from Carlisle popping up.

Are you smoking right now?

…Maybe.

Vanessa, please don't. You have no idea how many people I've seen die with smoking related illnesses over hundreds of years.

I'll be okay. Don't be such a worrywart.

I can't help it. My every instinct tells me to do everything I can to make sure you're in the best health.

"Surprised you haven't said something about my weight, then," Vanessa sighed, answering him.

I'm already overweight. If that's the case, do you worry about that?

No, you may be overweight, but it is not to the point where it would affect your health. Besides, I like how you look. You're so soft, kitten.

Vanessa coughed out smoke, her eyes watering. Did... he really mean that? Her heart fluttered, half believing his words.

I'm soft? Yeah, I guess fat is soft. But still, its not very attractive in most peoples standards.

Vanessa...it doesn't matter to me. I'd like you, even if you were 400 pounds. I'd feel the same way. But then, I must admit I'd try to get you to lose weight, as I'd worry about your health, kitten. But, that's not the case. You're nowhere near that weight, but you're full figured. It's beautiful. I'm more attracted to that than very thin women.

"Chubby chaser..." Vanessa muttered, smiling lightly to herself.

So, in other words...you like big boobs, big hips, big booty, and big thighs? Well, amazingly, I lack junk in the trunk.

...Vanessa, you're going to be the death of me. What I like, is what you have.

Are you sure you REALLY looked at what I have?

She didn't understand how he liked what he saw. Perhaps he hadn't really looked at her body closely?

For the sake of not sounding like a pervert, I'm disinclined to answer that question.

That's pretty much the same as admitting it, Carlisle.

Vanessa laughed out loud, flicking her cigarette out the window and walking over to her bed, collapsing on it giddily.

...Is it? I wasn't aware. Oh no, I'm found out!

I think I can forgive you, but just this once... : )

I'm glad, kitten. I get off work at seven. Do you have any plans for tonight?

Well, other than seeing you, Bella is coming over in a few to eat pizza with me and hang out a while.

Speaking of which, she heard her dad yell from downstairs that the pizza and Bella were there.

That's good. Have fun. I have to get back to work now. I will come a little after seven, unless you tell me not to.

She smirked, walking out of her room and down the stairs.

Now, why would I do that? I'll see you at seven, Carlisle.

She walked in the living room, seeing her dad and Bella in there already digging in.

"Damn pigs,"Vanessa smiled, sitting down on the couch and grabbing a piece of mushroom pizza. Luckily, her and Bella preferred the same pizza.

Bella stuck her tongue out as Vanessa bit into some pizza.

Her dad grinned at them, grabbing some and walking back to his desk again.

"Wanna go upstairs?" Vanessa asked, grabbing the pizza box. She didn't wanna disturb her dad while he was working.

"Sure," Bella shrugged, grabbing her coke.

"Thank you, girls," he dad called as they walked up the stairs.

They went into her room and sat on the bed, grabbing more pizza.

"So...I heard you went on a date with Carlisle last night?" Bella asked, raising her eyebrows.

Vanessa flushed a little, chewing. "Yeah, so?"

"SO? How was it?"

Vanessa looked down. "Amazing, alright? You were right. Is that what you wanna hear?"

"Yup," Bella smiled, taking another huge bite of pizza.

"..."

"...He stayed the night with me last night," Bella instantly coughed, looking at her with huge eyes.

"You had sex with him?!"

Vanessa's eyes widened. "What? No!" she shook her head. "Besides, it was an accident. We were talking and I fell asleep."

"Right..." Bella smiled. "Well, Edward was in my room all night before I even knew he liked me."

Vanessa paused. "What?"

"He...would watch me sleep."

"..."

"...Creepy," Vanessa muttered, rolling her eyes.

"Oh, come on. Carlisle is a vampire too, and completely smitten with you!" Bella exclaimed, throwing her arm up. "If you really think he hasn't been watching you-"

"Has he?" Vanessa paused, her hand halting.

"Probably! I don't think he's snuck in your room like Edward did," Bella frowned. "But, he probably watched you from a distance."

Vanessa was floored, remembering their conversation in the hospital.

'Edward was right, the second you look away...'

He HAD been following her, but he decided to stop, and that was when she got hurt...with his vampire speed, he could have stopped it. That's why he was feeling so guilty about it!

"Are you okay?" Bella asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah..." Vanessa frowned. "I'm not really sure how I feel about that."

"Don't worry, Carlisle would never invade your privacy," Bella frowned. "He was confused about his feelings, and he thought by seeing you, it would make sense to him. That, and he probably felt the need to protect you. You see, to Carlisle and Edward, we are very fragile and breakable. They can't really help but to feel the need to protect us, you know?"

"...I guess," Vanessa frowned, shrugging. She wasn't going to worry about it now. She was just going to ask Carlisle about it when he came over.

They spent the next few hours talking and eating pizza. When it got to be 6:45, Bella said she better get going.

"Have fun..." Bella smiled, making Vanessa flush and push her playfully out her door.

"You have fun with Edward," she said quietly, raising her eyebrow and making Bella flush.

"Yeah, I'm sure he's waiting for me..." she muttered, then smiled and waved bye.

Vanessa closed her door and locked it, looking around her room. She picked up the empty pizza box, bending it and putting it in the trash.

She went up to her iPod dock, turning on In This Moment.

Not bothering with her shoes, she fell back on her bed, tucking her arms behind her head.

"Do you always listen to rock music?" a smooth voice said from behind her, making her jump and lurch off the bed, clutching her heart.

There was Carlisle, standing in his dress clothes as he was smiling, looking over her outfit.

"Don't do that!" she hissed, taking a breath and trying to get her heart rate to go down.

"I'm sorry," he said, but he didn't look very sorry as she pushed a few strands of hair out of her face.

His amber eyes were still flicking over her outfit, and she started to fidget, glancing down at her outfit, suddenly regretting it.

"Well, if its not too bold of me to say-" he said deeply, and in a flash, he was in front of her, wrapping his arms around her startled frame. He leaned down towards her ear, and she gulped, her heart hammering against her chest.

"-but you look very sexy today," he breathed quietly against her ear, making her eyes widen and her cheeks burst into flames.

"This is a little bold," she murmured, beyond embarrassed.

"I'm sorry," he muttered lightly, running his finger tips up and down her back gently.

"...Do you really think think so?" she asked quietly. "I figured you would think I looked...I don't know – like a freak."

"I would never think that about you," he said quietly but firmly. "I like your style."

"...You do?" she asked, shocked. "But you're so...so...formal."

He chuckled, his cool breath traveling over her ear and neck, giving her chills.

"So? It doesn't mean that I like only things that are exactly like me," he whispered, pulling back and looking down at her, putting his fingers under her chin. "Would you prefer me to dress like you, or how I already do?"

"I don't ca-" she stopped herself, her eyes widening as he smiled knowingly. She'd basically just said the same thing he did. But, it was different...Carlisle looked so good that he could pull off just about anything.

"Well-" she started again, as if determined to change her answer. "If you starting wearing my clothes, I may object slightly."

He chuckled, shaking his head, making a strand of pale hair fall in his eye again.

"Don't worry, I have no desire to wear women's clothing," he smirked. "Does that help?"

"Very much so..." she bit her lip, drawing his eyes to her mouth. But no, she had to ask him something.

"Actually..." she pulled away from his embrace. "I wanted to – ask you something."

His face pulled into a look of concern as he watched her sit on her bed. He quickly followed suit, sitting next to her.

"Of course, you can ask me anything," he smiled again, playfully tugging on her pony tail and making her smile.

"Well, I was wondering...um," she scratched her arm, twisting her bracelet. "Before...um, we started talking again...did you – uh – follow me around?" she said the last part quickly in one rush of breath.

"..."

He was quiet for moments, before she heard him speak.

His eyes looked pained, as though if he confirmed it, she would send him away and never look back.

"...I cannot lie to you. Yes," he said quietly.

She had no words, her mind was starting running a million miles an hour.

"I'm so sorry," he said, looking at her face with desperate eyes. "But I've been watching you the past few weeks...I apologize; I couldn't help myself. The day you got hurt, was the day after I told myself and forced myself not to come around anymore."

"W-watching me?" she gulped, finally able to speak. "Watching me, what?"

"I have never watched you get dressed, or anything like that. Just little things...like watching you cook dinner or watch TV." he smiled at her, making her eyes widen. He'd seen her chocolate purge in the kitchen last week?!

"What's so interesting about that?" she mumbled, looking down.

He was quiet for moments, and then she felt his cool fingers gently touch underneath her chin, tilting her face up. To her surprise, she didn't feel the urge to pull away at all. In fact, she somewhat leaned into his touch.

"Because, you're beautiful," he said quietly, his eyes staring into hers. "I love watching your expressions, hearing you voice, your opinions, and I love to see you laugh with your friends. You're enchanting, Vanessa. I just wish you could see that."

Her eyes widened and her face flushed even more as she looked down. Well, if he was trying to sweet talk her, it was working. Why...why wasn't she freaking out that a vampire was watching her? Shouldn't she be asking more questions about that? Not wondering if he saw her chocolate binge.

"O-oh..." she said stupidly, staring at his face. "I feel more astounded than anything...like, how can I be this calm? Shouldn't I be more freaked out by this? I mean, that's the logical reaction, isn't it?"

"Not everything has to be logical," he whispered quietly, rubbing his hand gently on her back and causing chills to run up her spine. "Every person is different, and some are more accepting than others. Bella reacted about like you, but she figured out what we were on her own. She had her freakout by herself."

"Bella told me everything the day after you told me..." Vanessa smiled, taking a deep breath.

"Yes, the day of the accident, Edward tried to reason with her, saying she hit her head and didn't know what she was talking about...but it was too late. She was stubborn, and knew what she saw."

Vanessa chuckled, looking down. "Yeah, Bella is pretty stubborn. Once she starts thinking something, it takes and act of God to convince her otherwise."

He laughed earnestly, making her gaze become unfocused as she turned towards him, staring at his sparklingly white smile. As she watched, his smile slowly fell, and he turned as well, his eyes narrowed in on her face. She watched as they went from a golden hue to a darker amber. Did that...was that supposed to mean something?

They flicked down towards her mouth, and his arm that had wrapped around her back tightened around her, pulling her slightly closer to him, making their noses brush. She let out a small gasp, feeling that his nose was just as cold as his hands.

"Vanessa..." he whispered huskily, as she felt his fist tighten in her shirt as he exhaled. His sweet breath washed over her face, and all of a sudden, she just didn't care.

Was this how Bella felt? In that moment, she didn't care if he was a vampire, she didn't care that she'd only known him for a few weeks. All she wanted to do was grab the front of his dress shirt, and slam his face on hers—consequences be damned.

Suddenly the moment was broken, his eyes widened and he was gone.

"Car-"

There was a knock on her door.

"Baby?"

Her dad! Vanessa gasped, looking around the room, wondering where Carlisle went before she opened her door to see her dad standing sleepily there. Carlisle must have heard him...

"I just wanted to tell you I'm going to bed," he smiled, rubbing his eyes. "I gotta head out of here at four in the morning."

Vanessa blinked. "But, tomorrow's Saturday."

"I know baby," he smiled. "I have to meet with a client in Seattle. It's the only day they were free."

"Oh," she said sheepishly, scratching her arm. "I'm gonna watch some TV until I fall asleep."

"Oh..." he said, focusing on her face. "You're awfully flushed, honey, are you alright?" he asked with concern, sticking his hand to her heated cheek.

"I'm fine," she said quickly, her voice high.

"Your face is hot. I think you're running a fever-"

"No, no I'm alright. It just got hot in here..." she cringed, knowing Carlisle could probably hear this...

"Well, alright...but if you aren't feeling well, lay down soon, yeah?"

"Yeah, I will," she smiled. "Goodnight daddy."

"Night baby," he smiled and shuffled sleepily down the hallway.

Sighing deeply as she shut her door and locked it, pressing her forehead against the door. Her heart was still thumping irrationally.

"Are you tired?"

Vanessa gasped at the voice behind her, immediately putting her hands over her heart again and turning around.

Carlisle was standing on the other side of her bed, his hands tucked in his pockets and smiling mischievously at her.

In the next moment, he was in front of her, making her eyes widen as she looked up, startled as both his hands were on either side of her head.

Her breathing increased as she looked up into his eyes, seeing his eyes were hooded. Subconsciously, she lifted her face, her heart racing in excitement.

He lifted his hand, brushing the back of his hand across her warm cheek.

"Are you tired?" he repeated quietly.

"Not even remotely," she said quietly, looking up at his perfect face. Hell no, she didn't want to go to bed! "It's Saturday night anyway." she smiled.

He smiled down at her before stepping back, much to her dismay as he took both her hands.

"I want to show you something," he smiled, looking happy. "We have to leave, on foot...but, you have to trust me."

"W-where are we going?" Vanessa asked, confused.

"You'll see," he said quietly. "Do you trust me?"

Vanessa stared into his gentle, warm eyes.

"Yes," she whispered, taking step towards him.

In the next minute, she found herself on his back, with his arms hooked under knees.

She squeaked in surprise, wrapping her hands around his neck. Jesus, he could have at least warned her...

"Is this necessary?" she asked in a high pitched voice. "I can just walk-"

"This is much faster and its too far," he interrupted, smiling over his shoulder at her as he walked up to the open window. "You can hold on if you want, kitten, but I won't let you fall."

With that said, he leaped out the window.

"AHHHH!" she screeched in fright, closing her eyes only to feel him elegantly land on the ground, without so much as a jolt to be felt.

"Ca-Carlisle!" she gasped, clutching the front of his shirt as her heart raced.

"It's alright, baby," he smiled over his shoulder, giving her a wink. "You may want to close your eyes, it'll be blurry."

"Huh?" she said, but she didn't have time as he took off, faster than she'd seen anything move.

Her eyes widened as she couldn't even make out the things around them, only blurred colors moving past her vision with an alarming rate. Her head started to swim, and she forced her eyes closed, feeling the wind flow through her hair.

After what felt like an eternity, she felt the wind stop.

"We're here," she heard Carlisle's voice say quietly.

She opened her eyes, gasping when she saw a cabin, dead in the middle of a forest. It was a quaint, small cabin. It looked very nice, though, with its dark, polished wood and large porch. It seemed to be in a middle of a clearing, with yellow flowers all around it.

"It's beautiful, Carlisle," she whispered quietly.

He got down on one knee, and she easily stepped off his back. He stood, holding one of her hands as he smiled at her.

"I built this a year ago," he said, smiling and leading her onto the oak porch.

Her eyes widened. "You built this? Alone?" she asked, looking at the wooden table set on the porch.

"Yes, I'm very fast," he smirked, turning the brass handle and opening the front door for her.

She smiled, walking inside. Every wall was an oak bookshelf, just like his study. There was a brown, suede couch in front of the fireplace, and a large, fluffy brown rug in between it. There was a large, expensive, telescope at one of the windows in the one room cabin. All in all, it was very lovely and cozy looking.

Vanessa jumped as she felt arms slide around her hips, landing on her stomach.

Her eyes widened, and she instantly scrambled away from him, wrapping her arms around her stomach. She didn't want him touching...her fat.

He gave her a confused, somewhat sad expression, but didn't comment.

"No bathroom?" she blurted, looking around and seeing two doors inside the cabin.

"No, only closets," he finally smiled. "I never expected to bring anyone here, and definitely not a human."

"You don't...use the bathroom, either?" she asked, raising her eyebrows as she walked over to the big couch, sitting down and propping her legs up.

"No, we do not..." he smiled, following her and eying her boots that were on his couch.

He chuckled, reaching under her calves and lifting them, sitting down and putting her feet in his lap.

"Perhaps we should take these off?" he asked as she grinned at him.

"Of course. Proper Carlisle says no shoes on the furniture," she smiled.

He chuckled and quickly unzipped her boots, pulling them off her feet. In that moment, she was never happier that she didn't have foot odor...God, that would have been horrible.

He smirked down at her Hello Kitty socks, then looked up at her.

"Pink socks don't really match your outfit, kitten," he chuckled, reaching down and peeling her socks off her feet.

"So? I was wearing boots," she answered, watching him look at her dark red painted toenails. "Besides, you couldn't see them anyway."

He ran a cold finger over the top of her foot, making her giggle loudly and yank it away.

He stopped his hand, turning to look at her with an amused expression as she flushed in embarrassment.

"Ticklish?" he teased, raising one eyebrow.

"...Noo," she said sarcastically, making him chuckle.

"How am I supposed to give you a foot rub if you're ticklish?" he asked, wrapping his hand over her other foot and she giggled and jerked, but he held on.

"Ca-Carlisle!" she gasped as he kneaded his fingers against the bottom of her foot. "That t-tickles!"

He smiled wickedly, quickly moving his fingers across the bottom of her foot, making her burst into giggles.

He, apparently, underestimated her strength, and her foot slipped from his grasp, kicking him directly in the chin with force.

"OW!" she yelled, sitting up and pulling her foot into her hands as her eyes watered. Good God, it felt like she hit a fucking brick!

Carlisle look startled and a worried look plastered on his face, reaching out and grabbing her throbbing foot.

"Let me see, baby," he said hurriedly, prying her hands away from her aching foot.

"Jesus Christ!" she gasped, letting her foot go. "Are you made out of steel?!"

He wasn't listening to her rant, but holding her foot near his face with a serious expression, running his finger over the top and making her hiss.

"It's not broken," he said quietly. "But, it'll bruise a great deal."

"Good," she groaned, freezing when she looked at him.

He gently placed a cold kiss on the top of her foot, making her breathing hitch.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured, looking as though he felt like hell.

"It's not your fault, I'm the one who kicked you," she frowned.

"Yes, but I didn't have a good enough grip on you...and I was tickling you in the first place," he frowned.

"Oh for God's sake, its fine!" she smiled, pulling her foot down and scooting up to him on the couch.

Before she lost her nerve, she quickly slid her arms around his torso, and lay her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you for bringing me here, Carlisle," she whispered, then looked up at him with a small smile.

"Of course," he whispered down at her, staring at her lips again.

Once again, his eyes were a dark amber.

"Your eyes...they turn from gold to amber sometimes. Does that mean something?" she whispered quietly, looking up into his gorgeous face.

"..."

He was quiet for moments, as though he was contemplating even answering her.

"It means I want you."