Chapter 47

Upon Jacob's return to bring Renesme home, the Cullens filled him in on the idea to bring Masen over to Billy.

He escorted Carlisle, Esme and Masen to his house, where his father sat in the kitchen watching a basketball game on a small television that was perched on the counter. He glanced up at them.

"Hello, Dr. Cullen. Mrs. Cullen," Billy nodded with a smile, "And Masen."

Carlisle and Jacob exchanged glances, and Jacob decided to take the lead.

"Masen," he started, "Well, he has some kind of healing power."

Billy studied their faces, and smiled at Masen again.

"When that blond vampire chick decided to use her power to hurt me, Masen put a hand on my forehead and I was instantly better. He did the same when Paul tore the blood sucker's arm off."

"And he cured Charlie's cold at our party," Esme added.

"Masen had the idea to try to cure you," Jacob finally said, "He wants to make you walk again."

Billy gave a lighthearted laugh, "Thank you, Masen," he said earnestly, "But I think it's far too late for these old stems." He patted his legs.

"Would you be willing to give it a try?" Carlisle asked.

"It only takes a few seconds," Jacob went on, "What if you'll be able to walk?"

Billy smiled, "I don't think it'll happen," he said with an assured tone, "And I'm content with spending my remaining days as I am, but I'd be happy to let you try."

"Dad, it was unbelievable," Jacob said in a positive note.

Masen looked at Carlisle and Esme for approval. When Carlisle nodded, he approached Billy.

Billy's fatherly smile allowed Masen to feel more comfortable as he took slow steps toward him before removing Billy's cowboy hat and placing a hand on his forehead.

Everyone stared and waited, watching the two of them intereact. Billy's smile never left his face, and Masen's tiny hand continued to stay planted on his face.

About thirty seconds passed before he let go.

"Try to get up, dad," Jacob urged, "How do you feel?"

Billy sighed, still smirking, "I don't think so, Jake."

"Just try," Jacob urged, slightly aggrivated. He walked and grabbed Billy by the arm and began to lift. Billy's legs gave our beneath him and he plopped back down in the chair.

"Jake, it's okay."

He looked at his father, then to Masen. "It worked for the rest of us." He looked like he was about to cry, truly hoping for his father that he would have walked at that instant.

Billy put a hand on his son's back, "I'm fine, Jacob."

Masen also looked heavily disappointed, and a pouty expression covered his face.

"Come here, Masen," Billy hugged him, "I just think I've been in this condition for too long. That's probably why. I know you've got a special gift."

Masen looked up at Billy, "I wanted to make you walk."

"I'll be okay," he reassured him, "I have fun in this thing anyway," he wheeled himself in a circle.

A smile creeped on Masen's face. Jacob still looked sad.

"I'm sorry, Billy," Carlisle told him.

"We really thought it would work," Esme chimed in.

"Well, thank you all for thinking of me," Billy told them, "Cheer up Jake!"

Jacob sighed, and forced a smile to Masen.

"Sorry Mr. Black," Masen said.

Carlisle and Esme looked each other. Billy called for Masen to come to him again and gave him another hug. "Thanks, kiddo. But you'll be able to heal others who need it much more than I do."

Carlisle stayed back to talk to Billy as Esme took Masen outside.

"I'm sorry," he said sincerely, "Masen had the idea and we thought it was worth a try."

"It's fine," he told him, "I felt it in my heart that it probably wouldn't work. Maybe his gifts are only effective with new injuries."

Carlisle nodded, "I guess we really don't know much about it yet. But that seems to be a logical explanation."

Billy laughed, "Nothing about any of this is logical, but yeah."

Carlisle agreed, "I suppose you're right about that."

Billy held a hand out, "Thanks anyway Dr. Cullen."

They shook hands and Carlisle made his way back home.