Just a little chapter this time
Skype was simultaneously the best and worse invention man had created. As jerky and garbled as it was, it still enabled me to see my Carlisle from miles away. Even in pixelated pieces seeing him smiling still had me smiling as well. However, our conversation was closely monitored; although he was using his laptop and presumably away from the rest of his coven, I was literally making eye contact with Kate, having to use the computer in the living room. Except Carlisle didn't know that, and I was internally praying that he wouldn't say anything too condemning. It was hard to keep the conversation going while being paranoid about everything that came out of his mouth. Eventually though, Tanya unintentionally saved me.
"Hi, Carlisle, how's work? You got a new job, right?" she called out, briefly coming into view of the camera.
Carlisle winced slightly at the sound of her voice but he managed to reply normally anyway. "It's great, actually. Really fun."
She laughed. "That level of stress isn't what I'd call fun, but I'm glad you're enjoying it, honey. How is everything at home? Are you going okay?"
He hesitated this time, his smile dissolving. "It's still…about the same…"
"I'm sorry, love," she sighed. It struck me how oddly close they were; I knew they got along well, but I didn't realise that he'd told her so much. Or maybe he hadn't and I was just insanely jealous. "You can always come and stay with us if you need to, you know that, right?"
He smiled again. "Thanks Tanya."
"I think I like the idea of you staying here," I told him as she wandered off again.
"Me too…"
A week later I found myself alone again, using the excuse that I needed to hunt. It was taking all of my willpower not to run to Forks, but there was no way in hell I could explain that one to my family. Or to Carlisle, really; he would think I was nuts. And maybe I was. Texting and a few phone calls were a poor substitute for hugs and the occasional kiss; Carlisle still wasn't here.
So my moping continued. To the point where Kate suggested that we try and find the vampire equivalent to antidepressants. I desperately wished I could tell them all the truth to stop them worrying, but the truth could kill them.
"Garrett, please tell me what's wrong?" Eleazar pleaded, keeping hold of my sleeve so I couldn't run from him.
A lump formed in my throat and my eyes burnt and I couldn't reply without crying so I just stayed quiet.
"Please? What happened?" He stepped forward, his hands resting on my shouldered now.
I couldn't stand it, breaking down immediately. "I-I miss- I miss Carlisle…"
Confusion washed over him and he glanced at the phone. "Then…call him. I'm sure he'd talk to you."
"No, b-but…" There was no point; he couldn't know. "It doesn't matter…"
As the months dragged on we still hadn't been able to see each other. I spoke to him less and less, never able to catch him on his breaks anymore. It was fucking torture. Kate tried to help, thinking sex made it better, but in truth there wasn't anything worse. Turns out happiness comes in the form of a phone call.
When his number lit up the screen I considered not answering, knowing that it would only hurt more once he was gone again. In reality, I couldn't resist talking to him. "Hey."
"Guess what?" was his immediate response.
"What? I love you like this, by the way. Overly enthusiastic Carlisle is adorable," I laughed, smiling unintentionally.
"I got a promotion at work." I could tell he was smiling too.
"That's great…" He didn't usually tell me stuff like that, so I wasn't sure why he was now. Still though, I was happy for him.
"No! You don't understand!" he was laughing now. "One of the conditions was that I have to work somewhere understaffed. Which requires me moving."
"And? I don't get it, Carlisle. Are you going further-"
"Garrett! I'm moving to Alaska! I'm going to live twenty miles from you!"
"Holy shit. When?" I asked hopefully. It had to be soon. At least within the next three months.
"The middle of next week."
"Fuck, Carlisle! That's amazing!"
He was quiet for a second. "…I don't think I like long distance relationships…"
"Me neither, but you're practically going to be my neighbour in a week." I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.
"Yeah, but…we still have to be careful…"
"I know. I know that, but at least I can see you on a regular basis because this really sucks. How does your coven feel about moving?"
"They're…it's just me. They're staying in Forks…"
"So no one is going to know if I come and spend every night with you, are they?" I teased, my hope expanding quickly.
"No one except your wife. She's going to be a little weary of her husband spending all his time with his best friend."
My smile turned into a frown. "I'll find a way that we can…I can…"
"It doesn't matter!" he laughed. "Because I'm going to be so fucking close to you- I love you."
"I love you too. See you on soon, okay?"
I was glad it was him that hung up; I hated cutting him off on the rare occasions we got to talk. Somehow, even if I said goodbye him pressing the button made it easier for me to deal with.
The middle of next week. Less than seven days.