In the early hours of the morning Carlisle watched the scene transfixed as the sun rose above the forest casting a warm yellow glow that pierced the bright green of the trees. The abundance of clouds that covered the sky had a soft pink tinge to them as he watched the sun climb higher in the sky masked only by clouds here and there. Carlisle savoured such peaceful times; he was sat quietly on the porch of the Forks house marvelling at the small beauties that surrounded him. The simple things in life that he had time to appreciate like a beautiful sun rise or the soft breeze that weaved its way through the forest picking up a garland of scents. Things had been such a whirlwind over the past few days he found it was nice to sit and relax, to truly take the time to enjoy and appreciate the world they existed in even if it was only for a few quiet moments.
It was in that thought he heard the graceful footsteps and the soft opening and closing of the door. Carlisle was suddenly lost in a scent that could not have been more perfect and appealing even if it had been tailor made. It was a scent that he had struggled to reconcile himself with over the past few days, a scent that was like an irresistible perfume made entirely for his pleasure. For two centuries he had been content to suffer an existence alone as penance for his sins. He himself was what he considered to be a monster, one of the creatures that lurked in the shadows and caused much pain and suffering to others. Yet this woman, this beautiful woman gave him pause to forget such thoughts. How could such a woman be considered a monster? He had pondered that thought the previous evening and come up with only one answer. The only answer a man of the church could reconcile with, she had to be an angel. Without prompting Carlisle stood welcoming his guest onto the porch of his home gladly.
"Good morning Carlisle." The familiar voice chimed.
"Good morning Esme." Carlisle replied as Esme smiled and bowed her head to him the moment he stood. "How are you today?"
Perhaps standing in the presence of a woman was old fashioned but still Carlisle had been taught manors and if there was one thing an Englishman knew well, it was manors. Carlisle had tried to blend in with the day to day activities of men his own age though when it came to being considerate he would always hold a door, pull out a chair or stand whenever a woman entered the room, especially this woman. Esme had enraptured him completely; the feeling of belonging to a world where someone could reinforce his belief of happiness in a life that he was sure belonged to the dammed was wonderfully sweet.
"Good, thank you for asking." Esme said taking a tentative step toward Carlisle, "And you?"
"I am very well thanking you." Carlisle smiled and nodded to her.
For a long moment all he could do was stare at the beauty that was stood before him, the gentle breeze had caught her hair causing wisps of her caramel locks to fall around her face. Her scent was something that consumed him entirely; it was the scent of someone who could melt his heart with a single look. If his heart had a beat it would be thundering against his chest.
"Please take my seat." Carlisle offered dusting it off, it was hardly dirty but he just wanted to make sure.
Esme smiled and shook her head; she chose to sit in another chair next to Carlisle. He watched curiously as she pulled it away to a respectful distance. Close enough to be within reach and yet far enough away to appease her comfort and ease. The man was truly amazing she thought to herself, never before had she been treated with such respect or care by another. She knew Charles was not exactly a high bench mark to be set but Carlisle had so far exceeded all her wildest ideas of how a man might treat her. It had taken her longer than it should have done to see that she deserved better than Charles but Carlisle Cullen seemed to be on the other end of the scale. Far more than she ever deserved and yet she felt so safe and so able to be herself around him that it was almost terrifying.
"Thanks but I am fine here." Esme replied smiling warmly, "So what are you doing out here?"
Esme was curious about the man and of course why he chose to sit outside. For the entire evening Esme had spent her time with Alice and Jasper. The pixie like girl had shown he around the house again going into further detail about the paintings and antiques that were displayed in the open and of course how she and her husband came to join the Cullen family. It was an interesting story one which she wanted to share with Kate but by then the evening had turned into night time followed quickly by the early morning. Esme felt the worry and desire to be with if not near to her daughter. She guessed that Jasper had sensed something as his reassuring words and a late phone call to Edward had dulled her worries somewhat, however still remained prominent. Even when Emmett and Rosalie spent the most awkward forty five minutes talking and chatting to her Esme wished that Kate could be there to see what she was seeing.
"Do you really wish to know?" Carlisle asked surprised by her question.
Perhaps he was too used to Edward reading his thoughts to realise that it was difficult for others to know exactly what he was doing or thinking. Alice usually saw what was going to happen which meant Jasper already knew and of course Emmett and Rosalie were normally too wrapped up in their own world to notice. It had been that way for decades now; Carlisle was content to play the role of single adopted father to Edward, Rose, Alice, Jasper and Emmett. They were one mostly content family unit by human standards and an unusual group by vampire standards.
"Yes I do." Esme said raising her brow slightly.
"I was watching the sun rise." Carlisle answered hoping he had not just degraded Esme's opinion of him, "It is a rare opportunity to see something this beautiful and have the time to appreciate it as there have been so many in my life time I have missed."
Esme smiled and looked out toward the sun rise that now only required a small portion to rise above the trees to be completed. Esme had rarely caught a sunrise since Kate had been born, the last few years had been a little easier but then the time and troubles that a small child brought were replaced by those of a teenager. Of course spending time outside and in the open was appealing yet she was all too used to hiding behind curtains afraid of whom or what might see her.
"Do you mind if I ask how long you've been... well how long you have been around." Esme couldn't really be delicate about the subject as she could see no other way of asking that particular question.
"I have been 'around' for three hundred and fifty one year's exactly." Carlisle answered suddenly feeling far too old and dated to even be thinking about Esme.
"That is a long time." She replied suddenly clapping her hand to her mouth. "Oh I'm sorry that was rude... I mean you will have seen a lot in your time."
Esme was sure the last sentence was far worse than the first. It was the sudden chuckle she heard from Carlisle and the warm smile he held that made her feel like her comment wasn't as bad as she thought. It was strange to think that she was practically sitting next to living history and yet he hardly looked to have lived a full life.
"No need to apologise to me." Carlisle said softly, "I like to think that I am what some people might call 'well seasoned'."
This time it was Esme herself who let a small laugh escape her lips. To think of a man who looked like he was in the prime of his life as seasoned took some imagination on her part. Though she understood what he meant, she herself although having the appearance of being twenty six year old she in human years was actually forty three. A time in her life when she had seen her mother start to get her first grey hairs and her father turn into the older generation and yet she was still frozen.
"So you miss the sun rise even when you don't sleep?" Esme questioned thoughtfully.
"The hospitals have something called a rest break; I am required to take them every now and again. Depending on my shift I don't always get to see it." Carlisle explained smiling, "They frown upon doctors who don't sleep."
Carlisle smiled hearing her chuckle; her laugh was so individual and suited her. It held warmth that resonated from her even when she was quiet. He watched as she leaned forward and appeared to become a little apprehensive. It took little thought on his part to know why the mention of the hospital had elicited such a reaction. Kate was still there accompanied by Edward of course but he could see that Esme wanted to see her.
"Speaking of hospitals, would you permit me another hour of your time and then I shall drive you to the hospital to collect Kate?" Carlisle asked knowing it was too early to turn up.
The one thing he found difficult was judging when humans felt it appropriate to do certain things. If he was too early for work questions would be asked, if he was always on time or even too put together, it was always the same thing. There was never a happy medium. Carlisle saw Esme smile and nod with agreement. She could hardly deny she was eager to see her daughter again, not just because she loved her family deeply but to see that Edward had fulfilled his promise to look after Kate. The hour passed quickly with idle chat about their different lives and different times. Esme was still amazed as Carlisle got the car and opened the passenger door of his Mercedes for her. Just like before she was taken aback by how polite and thoughtful he was though maybe it was the sign of the times. Carlisle came from a time of gentlemen and not the twenty first century.
Edward was still pretending to sleep when Kate awoke. Keeping to his word Edward had stayed with Kate watching over her quite literally. There were a few things he wanted to run past Carlisle when he got there but he was glad to see Kate open her eyes that morning. Throughout the night Edward had watched as Kate pretended to sleep. The girl was a natural when it came to lying quietly and without noise however it was her thoughts that gave her away entirely. The simple fact that her side seemed to be causing her discomfort was a mystery to Edward. Kate had been given painkillers that should only be wearing off now however the girl hadn't slept more than a few hours at best.
"Good morning." Edward said moving his chair closer to her bed.
He stretched and moved at a painstakingly slow place. All for show but still Edward had to resist the urge to wake up as if he had just taken a triple shot of caffeine.
"Morning." Came the reply followed by a grimaced smile.
"Perhaps I should get the doctor to look over you?" Edward asked looking directly at her.
Kate knew she felt bad but she figured it would just be getting used to moving or maybe in the night she had twisted the wrong way. Shaking her head she could see the same look her mother wore etched across Edward's face. It was both endearing and annoying at the same time, it was enough that her mother fussed over her and now there was Edward who appeared to be taking over the role of protective mother. She knew Esme was with Carlisle but there was really no need to be smothered she thought before wincing as she remembered her thoughts were no longer private.
"You worry too much for a vampire." Kate replied quite seriously.
Edward felt his brow furrow with a sense of frustration and an odd feeling of protectiveness that seemed to be a little out of place. It was strange that he felt protective of a girl he had met a few days ago. Still Edward figured it was more for Esme's benefit to prove that he had done what had been asked of him. Kate was there in one piece and ready to go and stay with the family of killers. It was an odd idea that a human would be so willing to stay with them but Esme was her mother and she was one of their kind for better or worse.
"I worry when it matters Kate." Edward told her, "And I know you are hurting."
Kate glared and shook her head. He was right. Of course he was but this was no time for pain, today she was breaking free of the whitewashed room in the hospital and getting to see the outside world once again. Today was going to be a good day despite what Edward was worried about.
"Well you've seen outside these four walls, I haven't and besides I need to start school soon and find a job here." Kate said looking around. "Now if I could have some privacy, both physical and mental space... I have to get ready to go."
Edward smirked and nodded, over the past five days he had invaded her privacy more and more. Not always deliberately but it was a fine line between wanting to know and having thoughts forced upon him. He knew she was trying to keep her thoughts to herself but even the well practiced mind of Carlisle managed to slip up occasionally so for Kate he guessed it was a struggle.
"Do you need some help?" Edward offered almost regretting the statement as soon as he had said it.
It took one look from her for Edward to leave the room. Had he retained a pulse Edward was sure his face would have blistered with heat from a blush that would have made a tomato jealous. Standing outside he could hear the random thoughts that popped in and out of Kate's mind. There was no straight line to be followed, it was jumbled and disjointed a fact he had come to like as he never knew what was going to be next. These thoughts however were mixed with thoughts of pain now and again with a short running commentary as she washed and dressed pulling on her clothes.
"All done." Kate yelled wondering if she really had to yell for him to hear her.
"No, you really do not need to." Edward replied seeing Kate smile.
"Fair enough, I'm just testing though. I'm still getting used to your mind intrusions." She replied hearing Edward chuckle.
"You know sometimes it isn't much fun, I hear a lot that I'm not supposed to." He said grinning impishly.
"Oh really, do tell." Kate said putting on an innocent smile.
For a moment Edward thought no other smile could possibly suit her more. Her beautiful pale features framed by the flaming red hair with blue eyes that were as clear as the waters in the Caribbean. In an instant Edward shook his thoughts from his mind not sure quite where any of them had come from. This was Esme's daughter he was thinking about, it was completely improper to have such thoughts as he scolded himself.
"A gentleman never tells." He replied smiling.
"It was worth a try." Kate sighed heavily before sitting back on the bed and holding her side a little. "Well at least I know in a man versus car situation the car will always win."
"I should get Carlisle to check you over before we leave." Edward announced.
"Ha you are going to let the man who likes my mother to check me over?" Kate said in a sceptical tone, "No, I'm fine. You get hit by a car and then tell me it doesn't hurt a little now and again."
Edward grinned and nodded. She had a point and yet it was hardly going to stop him telling Carlisle his concerns on the matter. Sure he was no medical practitioner or even a medical student but he knew enough to know Kate was hardly in the best of health. He was in two minds to just go and get the doctor or leave it for Carlisle to work out, then again with his head filled with thoughts of Esme was it really such a good idea.
"You are really stubborn you know that." Edward told her almost exasperated by her unwillingness to accept any help.
"It's a Platt family trait; you have yet to see mum's stubborn side." Kate said chuckling.
If there was one thing her mother was it could be stubborn, always stubborn through love but none the less it could drive a saint up the wall. Her mother had a way of loving someone to the ends of the earth, nothing was too much to ask and her love was always given. There was never a moment where Kate had to ask or earn it and occasionally she knew she fell short of deserving it.
"So are you still sure about this house sharing thing?" Kate asked.
Edward could see the seriousness in her eyes as she asked the question. Speaking for the others Edward knew Carlisle wouldn't mind and Alice was actually excited about the house guests which meant Jasper had to be as well. Emmett liked the idea but Rose was the one who seemed against it though with Rose, Edward never quiet understood her thinking.
"We would love to have you stay." He replied smiling, "Besides I doubt our parents would have it any other way."
Kate chuckled nodding as she thought of staying with Carlisle and her mother. The thought almost made her queasy as she remembered a few of the looks they gave each other. If there was one thing she didn't know much about it was relationships, her mother had never really looked at a man before. Oh sure there were the occasional glances here and there but nothing more than a look. Now she appeared to be head over heels literally about someone who she had met mere days ago.
"Yeah, I guess I don't have much of a choice." She told him, "In fact I doubt they will notice I'm even there."
"Trust me everyone will notice you are there." Edward replied smiling.
In fact even if Carlisle didn't notice her Edward certainly would. There was something about Kate. He realised as soon as he thought it how corny it sounded but the girl had something about her that made him curious in the worst possible way. He had read about such feelings in books that were forced upon him by the years of schooling he had received and yet at the same time it felt so new. Again he scolded himself for even thinking as he reminded himself that Kate was Esme's daughter.
"Anyway do you think I'm okay to meet your family? Dressed well enough." Kate asked nervously completely interrupting Edward's self scolding.
Her clothes were from the Salvation Army stores; it was trick her mother had taught her that there were always bargains to be had if you looked. Kate knew her clothes were years old, she wore jeans that were purchased a few states away in a charity shop and a flowing green top that had been given as a gift on her fifteenth birthday. The money that they saved was usually spent on moving or gas for their car. Something that probably now she would be putting all her earnings toward finding a new one. It didn't need to be a big car just something that worked and was reliable like their last one had been until the accident. Edward could hear the random thoughts about her clothes choices, a job and saving for a new car. It was perhaps something Edward could figure out for them he thought realising it would be a good idea for the most part. A car that was both safe, reliable and of course a little more up to date than the rust bucket Esme had told him about.
"You look perfectly good to me." Edward replied seeing her smile and blush a little.
"Thanks I think." She said shifting her weight a little. "You'd think mum would be a little more excited to get me out of here."
Kate checked the time again as Edward leaned back in his chair. Impatience was understandable however Edward had mulled over a few hundred reasons why Carlisle had not yet turned up with Esme.
"Carlisle has probably told her to wait for a more human time to discharge you." Edward explained, "They won't be long."
Kate blushed as she tried to check her eagerness to leave. Maybe it was strange to be so enthusiastic about going to live with a group of vampires, the kind that drank human blood and the sort that technically should be more interested in killing her than anything else. Still Kate felt the experience would be good and it couldn't hurt to find out a little more about vampires just to understand her mother a little bit more. There were certain things that her mother could and could not do as a vampire. There had been so many school trips missed, so many sports days that she was absent from and yet it was a normal life for her. Other kids had found it strange but to Kate it was entirely normal. Edward looked at his phone checking for any messages, there was only one message from Carlisle to say he was on his way with Esme to the hospital.
It had taken Carlisle years to master the art of texting. For someone who was pretending to be the 'modern man' Carlisle was somewhat set in his ways, he preferred pen and paper to a phone and once Edward had him fairly up to date with using a land line the mobile phone came along. It was only occasionally that Carlisle would send a text message; he felt the personal touch was always the best way and thought texting was completely impersonal yet with gritted teeth the man had begrudgingly embraced the new technology.
"Esme is on her way to pick you up." Edward announced seeing Kate's face light up.
"Really?" She asked furrowing her brow a little, "You're not lying to me right?"
Edward chuckled and shook his head passing her his phone so she could see for herself. If it had been possible Edward would have sworn he saw her smile grow wider, even when she swung her legs from the bed despite the obvious wince she still looked as beautiful to him. Kate passed the phone back to Edward as she held onto the bed to stand.
"So can I wait outside or do I need to stay here?" She asked.
Edward had to consider the question for a moment before he could answer.
"We can wait in Carlisle's office." He said decidedly before replying to Carlisle's text and looking back toward Kate.
Already she was making her way precariously around the bed holding onto it as she grabbed her bag and tried to make a slow dash for the door. Even with a walking cast on her leg Edward was surprised by her determination to get out of there so quickly. He found himself lagging behind a little as he quickly moved to her side taking her weight and supporting her.
"You know I can do this on my own." Kate said looking up at him.
"I know you can." Edward replied smiling at her, "But before you break out into a sprint I want to make sure we actually make it to Carlisle's office in one undamaged piece."
Perhaps she had been too eager she thought to herself hearing Edward chortle a little as they walked. It took a few minutes until Edward sat Kate in Carlisle's office before closing the door. The change of room seemed to cause a little silence between them as Kate thumbed the handle of her bag nervously. It was the first time that she felt a sudden sense of regret about being so eager to leave. Edward stood by the book case hearing the running thoughts pass through Kate's mind, there was nothing really that he could have said to ease the situation but just as he thought that, he heard the familiar voice enter the hospital.
"They are here." Edward announced glad for their arrival of Esme and Carlisle.
It happened too quickly for Edward to think. Kate began to rise from the chair while turning to face the door. It was then her cast caught on the chair leg. Like a tower of cards falling Edward saw the beginning of it vividly, her leg buckled beneath her unable to take her weight and the sudden jar caused her to cry out as he hand shot to her side. Her hands grabbing out for anything to break her fall. It just happened so quickly he thought as appeared by her side, catching her efficiently and holding her up as he watched tears fill her eyes. Edward pulled her into an embrace, her head fell against his chest as she tried to steady herself but something happened. Something Edward never expected.
It began with the feeling of scorching heat against him. The sensation could only have been described as a tortured bliss. Edward stood there motionless with her in his arms and the heat of her skin against him warming him through. He could hear each of her ragged breaths and the soft beating of her heart, the simple beat which suddenly sounded like a heavenly melody to his ears. Edward could hardly draw breath as he stood there frozen; he could feel the dampness of his shirt sticking to his chest as he hesitantly pulled away from Kate. Edward could see the tears falling like diamonds from her eyes, the feeling of helplessness washed over him like a sobering wave from an ice cold ocean.
"It is okay; I will not let anything happen to you." Edward said immediately thinking how stupid that sounded.
Kate simply looked away doing her best to wipe the persistent tears from her eyes. The pain she felt in her side was the worst it had been since she had been in the hospital however she figured a smaller dose of painkillers and her determination to fall over was to blame.
"I'm sorry; I don't... usually act like this." She choked, "I... Sorry."
Edward shook his head as he reached for some tissues from a box on Carlisle's desk. He did his best to wipe away her tears and even when she caught his hand all Edward could do was smile. It was a stupid reaction he knew but there was a new unknown surge of emotion within him, something so wholly unexpected and foreign in its entirety he could do nothing else. He was certain something had changed in those few seconds, something within him was different he thought as he tried to place the sudden onslaught of feelings and emotions that were as foreign to him as eating a cheese burger. The answer he came up with was wonderfully wholesome and yet at the same time the happiness was laced with guilt and confusion. Both feelings he was more than aquatinted with and both provided somewhat of a dilemma.
"Oh what do I look like?" Kate said suddenly panic stricken, her words breaking Edward's silence like a sledge hammer. "How bad it is?"
Edward stared at her, her eyes were slightly puffy but then to him she still looked just as beautiful as she previously had done. It was only the feeling of helplessness that shrouded him; a feeling that had everything to do with how she looked and yet any other answer than 'it's fine' seemed pointless and cruel to him.
"It is fine, trust me." He said moving a hand to adjust her hair slightly, pulling it forward to conceal her eyes a little.
Kate choked out a laugh as she shook out her hair to cover most of her face. Perhaps her mother in her new love educed state would forgo the obvious and just be happy to see her. Questions definitely wouldn't be her friend at that moment she thought to herself.
"Good idea." She said straightening herself up as best she could before looking back to Edward. "I'm sorry about your shirt."
"Do not be sorry, it will not be damaged by tears." He replied smiling as best he could as he heard her laugh again. "They are at the end of the hall now."
Edward barely had time to regain his own composure before the knock on the door sounded and Carlisle swung it open motioning for Esme to enter.