3. Dr. Cullen
The thoughts of blood-typing and Natalie's unusual questions ran through my head, pounding for attention at every tick of the secondhand clock. When it was finally lunch, I knew I needed to talk to Natalie. When she sat down at our usual table-the same table Daddy, Em, Jazz, Alice, and Rose sat at- she asked me another question.
"So, is your grandfather Dr. Cullen? The one who retired a few years back?"
I froze. What was up with Nat today? "Yeah, why?"
"Oh, it's just that my dad said he used to go to him. Said he was the best doctor around. I told him I was hanging out with you some and he wanted me to ask."
"Oh, okay." I said. If she was telling a lie, she was very skilled at it. I hesitated to ask, but before I dwelled anymore on the risk, I blurted "So who's your dad? I could ask Grandpa about it when I get home. He may remember him." I knew he would.
"It's Dan Collins. Works for Newton's Outdoors Shop." She said this very casually as she ate small bites out of her sandwhich. I knew it was nothing but the truth. See? I told myself. Worrying for nothing. Nothing at all! But I knew I would definitely ask Carlisle about Dan Collins tonight.
Luckily the rest of the school day flew by in a breeze. I was quick to hop away in the Ferrari as soon as possible. When I got out of the town's limits, I sped up to the big house, jumped out of the car, and practically ran into Jacob when he opened the door of the house at the precise moment I entered.
"Hey Jake," I started. "I need to speak to Carlisle right now. Where is he?"
Jacob took my hand and dragged me into the house before he spoke the dreaded words "Out hunting. He'll be back soon."
Great. Just fantastic.
"Now calm down, Nessie, what's all this about?" Jacob sounded a bit worried now, probably by the grim expression on my face. I quickly put my palm to his cheek and waited.
Jacob waited quietly until he was finished seeing my thoughts. After a brief pause of silence, he sarcastically replied "You want to tell him about Natalie's dad? Really Nessie? I thought you were less melodramatic."
"But Jake," I moaned. "You know how I feel about this. Why would she ask about Mom and Dad all of a sudden? And then Carlisle?" I was getting less patient by the minute. When I finally calmed down just a little, Jacob put his arms around me tightly and hugged me close to him. I could make out the words "Silly Nessie" being quietly breathed into my ear.
"He left about an hour ago," all hints of sarcasm gone. "So he should be coming back any minute. Can you wait a few more minutes?" I could tell he really was upset that I was upset.
I sighed. "I suppose so." I hugged him tightly for another brief moment before I let go and said "So how was your day?"