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Music:

The times are changing – Di-rect (Dutch)

Because we believe – Andrea Bocelli & Marco Borsato (2nd one is Dutch; coach on The Voice of Holland)

From here to eternity – Frank Sinatra

Sway – Dean Martin / Michael Bublé

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Chapter 18: Carlisle – Test

I was in my study, finishing some important paperwork. Esme and I had decided that each member of the pack deserved their own bank account. Jake, Leah, Embry, Quil and Seth, they were family now and they have done so much for us. Where would we be without them. Of course we weren't sure they'd accept it, especially Leah. But they would have it non the less. We had so much, it was easy to share.

Sam and the others? Their backs would be covered when needed. In the mean time we would give them gifts whenever appropriate. Little Sophie was the best dressed baby around, courtesy of my wife and Alice. Though, on a normal day to day basis, the designer bits would disappear to back of the closet, I'm sure.

Voices downstairs brought me out of my musings. "I didn't mean to, May said, it was an accident." I'm sorry." There was a grunt from, Edward. "You should've made more noise, he said in an agitated voice, instead of trying to touch me." I gave a sigh, it was clear what that was all about. 'It was bound to happen sometime,' I thought, hoping it wouldn't get out of hand. I got up and walked out of my room to the top the stairs. Observing the scene, I saw Edward near the window overlooking the yard, May was at the front door. They were staring at each other, the atmosphere tense.

She seemed to be thinking something to Edward before commenting. "See, she sneered, I didn't catch anything important or embarrassing." Edward huffed and crossed his arms. "And I just wanted to talk about the cars from the build-off," she added. There was a small pause. "Oh, she said, for your information, I wouldn't have touched you if you hadn't turned around." A teenager brother – sister fight, how human. I grinned internally. Then, May rushed out the door. Edward turned to me, looking stubborn. A talk with my eldest son was in order.

Moving down the stairs I motioned Edward to sit down on the couch. 'Are you really upset son?' I thought. He sighed and relaxed a bit. "No, he confessed, not really, she just surprised me." I would've been okay, if it had been more controlled." 'Were your thoughts really private?' I asked him silently. Bella and Nessie were coming up to the house now. "They were going there," he admitted, Bella shared a thought with me." 'Oh, I replied in my head, what about?' He gave a small smile. "About lots of chocolate," he answered. I raised my eyebrows in response. "You'll see," was his only remark.

They came in and took off their coats. Then, my granddaughter bounded towards me and jumped on my lap. "Grandpa Carlisle, daddy, she beamed, grandpa Charlie had lots of delicious food." She licked her lips at the memory. The smell of chocolate coming off of her was strong. Right, I saw. "Well, Bella asked, do you think it's bad for her?"

I checked her over. She seemed a little more wide eyed. A warm glow came from her cheeks. She was giggling while playing with my tie. A bit of a sugar rush maybe? Her heart and her breathing were normal. It would wear off in a few hours. I turned to Bella; "No, it isn't bad for her I think, but I wouldn't recommend making it a habit, all this sugar." My daughter-in-law smiled and nodded. Nessie pouted a little.

Edward observed his daughter too and noticed her dress had smudges on it. He picked her up and decided a change of clothes was needed. The three of them disappeared to the cottage. My thoughts lingered on the miracle that my granddaughter is. And other things that surprised me these last few years. After living for centuries I hadn't expected that.

Ah, yes, it all started with Bella, that special human, my son's singer. He was so strong, resisting to kill her. It made me proud. Then, she fascinated him, he couldn't read her mind and her behaviour puzzled him. She pulled him in and he found true love. The road to happiness hadn't been easy though.

But the end result was amazing. New life, half vampire, half human. Never before heard of, but she wasn't alone. There were four more hybrids on this planet. That blew my mind. Nahuel was unique though, he was the only male of his species. I was wondering now, could there be more in the future? They weren't a secret anymore. Maybe we should monitor that, through our contacts. Also, I didn't trust Aro, he said some things back then, he was planning another scheme, I was sure of that. Alice was checking up on him regularly.

Back to our little girl. Her growth had slowed down quite a bit. She was eighteen months now, but looked like an eight year old physically. Mentally she started to give all of us a run for our money. Jacob could barely keep up. The poor boy, sometimes he had too much going on. Him imprinting on Renesmee bonded two opposites together. Enemies were allies now. Life takes strange turns at times.

The next question to be answered was probably about new life again. Would they be able to have kids together? A new kind of hybrid? Only time would tell.

Gifted vampires popped up in my mind. They've been marvelling me too. Zafrina, Benjamin and certainly Timmain, our newest daughter. Hmm, I should talk to her, like I just did with Edward. Going outside I picked up her scent easily, it was so distinct. Of course it lead to a big tree. "Hello father, she said, you've come to talk to me?" I looked up, smiled and nodded. It always felt good whenever one of the kids called me 'father' or 'dad'. May did it the most, she liked it and knew I liked it too. She jumped down and we started to walk at a leisurely pace. "Will you tell me what it was like?" I asked her first. I was really curious about Edward's mind-reading, always have been. May thought about an answer for a moment.

"Well, she started, it's hard to describe." You're seeing and hearing things that aren't coming from your own mind, your own senses." His mind was full of Bella, he's crazy about her and I won't doubt that ever." She sighed and stopped talking. - "What else have you learned?" I wanted her to keep going. – "That Edward's got great control and that he relies on his gift a lot," she continued. – Huh? That sounds conflicting. What did she mean by 'great control'? I didn't ask those questions aloud, so May kept explaining. – "I think that maybe he relies on it too much," she said. "He didn't notice me until I was very close, even though I was raising my inner voice." The look in her eyes said she was disappointed by her brother. "And I did make some noise also, I breathed somewhat louder and even coughed real low."

We stopped walking and sat down on some big rocks.

"So you think you're in the clear?" I asked. Strangely enough we hardly ever discussed May's copying gift. Maybe because she tried not to use it. The others gave her the impression they didn't like it. Well, two of them in particular. Not out loud, but the signals were there. She and I focussed on the healing part, she liked it best and it certainly held my interest.

After she joined our family I've tried to help her to discover what she can do. Helped her to develop her gift. But ever since the fight she started to worry me a bit. Healing as many people as possible seemed to become an obsession. It was like she felt she was running out of time. As if she wasn't immortal anymore. I guess the fight taught her life could end at any moment, even for vampires. Through a foundation I ran, we found many good cases for her. To help a dozen people we travelled all through the state. It was fascinating to watch her work.

May answered my question: "I don't know, maybe I shouldn't have reached for him, but I was aiming for his covered shoulder." It's hard when people don't want you to touch them on the skin, I try to think about that, but sometimes I just want to interact like everybody else." To be more normal, you know."

That hurt, my wonderful daughter thought she had to be on guard all the time. Or cover herself up. Well, not with me! I pulled her in for a hug. She sighed and relaxed against my chest. "Tell me how it goes then, I inquired, you can't stop it from happening?" "No, I don't think so, she replied, but maybe the other person could stop the flow of energy, with a lot of focus." That isn't easy however." And it also depends on the moment and the type of gift."

I leaned back and tilted my head to look her in the eye. "What do you mean?" I asked, "explain please." A thoughtful look appeared on her face. "Well, she said, some gifts are always 'on', if you get what I mean." Jasper for example, he can't stop feeling other people's emotions." And, she continued with a little grin, Emmet certainly can't turn off his strength." So, if I touch them, I can't stop using their gift that way either."

Jasper is in control of the 'influencing emotions' part and he was prepared when I touched him the first time, so I learned that I didn't have to use that part." She paused and took a deep breath before continuing. "With Edward, well, I surprised him obviously, while he was using his ability." And that caused me to use it too, on the person closest to me at the time." I broke contact quick though, it lasted less than a second."

Hmm, she explained it well and I understood things better now. "You've learned more about the copying part of your gift then, I concluded, that's not bad, because we haven't explored it that much." I'm sorry I haven't offered more guidance." It was silent as we both thought about things. Yes, I came up short there. It was a big thing in the day to day activities. Maybe we should arrange a controlled contact moment with Edward and Alice. No more surprises. And we should all be more aware of each other. May wasn't the only one responsible. I got up and my daughter followed my lead. "Let's arrange a family meeting."

Just before it was Nessie's bedtime we all sat at the dinner table. It wasn't long before I had everyone's attention. Esme and May were sitting on either side of me. Let's start the conversation. "As several of you know, we are here to talk about May and her copying gift." We've never really discussed it and that has caused some tension." Emmet and Jasper glanced at Edward and Alice.

I continued; "I want to know where we stand on this, how are you all feeling and are there issues to resolve?" There was a second of silence before my granddaughter spoke. "I have no problem with May's gift what-so-ever, she said cheerfully, in fact, I love it when she communicates with me my way." Nessie gave May a big smile and she returned it with her own.

Bella was next. "I'm fine with it too, she told us, it helped me to understand my gift better and together we are stronger." It's nice to talk to somebody now who knows what it's all about." Edward looked at her in surprise. "When did this happen?" he asked, and why haven't you told me?" Bella shrugged. "I don't know, she replied, I thought you picked up on it from May." Also, seeing that her copying me only helped me, I thought it was no big deal."

She was so calm, my daughter-in-law. There was a pause and then she added an afterthought. "And this, between us (she looked at May), was good for bonding, you know, sister-time." Edward shook his head and pulled her close to place a kiss on her hair.

The third one to speak was Jasper. "For me, it took some getting used to," he explained. "It was a bit of a shock when she used my own gift against me that first week." A 'I'm sorry'-look was sent May's way. She only nodded to indicate that it was okay. "I have no big problems with her touching me now, Jasper continued, but I am more aware of my own feelings when she's around."

He made eye-contact with her. "I don't want you to be burdened with negative emotions, he explained to his sister, from me or anyone else." You know this, right?" I've told you why I sometimes keep you at a distance." May's eyes were soft and gentle while she reacted with a simple "yes".

Fourth up was Emmet. His mood was joyful. "I don't think about it much, he beamed, only during a fighting match, that's when it counts." He grinned and rubbed his hands together. Rose rolled her eyes. He was planning to challenge some-one again. But quickly my big son got back on point. "Though I must confess, my sister does pretty well without her gift also." Maybe we gave her too much training." He winked at May, finishing his talk.

Edward reacted now, listening to all our thoughts of course. With the exception of Bella, naturally. Well, he started, now that I've heard what you all had to say, I think there's one thing I need to do first." He took a breath and faced May. "I have to apologise to you May, I'm sorry I overreacted." She smiled a little and said: "I accept."

Emmet, Rose and Jake stared at him. He looked back and reacted; "What? I apologise all the time." Bella was looking at him too now. She put a hand on his shoulder. "Euhm, honey, she commented, you know that's not true, most of the time you think you're right." Edward was gaping at her, he was stunned his wife didn't side with him. Jasper chuckled. "I think you need to go over that some more in your head, brother," he said.

My eldest shook his head and continued. "Carlisle, our father, had some valid points in his mind." His eyes passed over every family member. "Everyone should be more aware of one another." And we can't avoid skin contact with May forever." I am in favour of a controlled moment, or two." And I'm up for learning something." He settled back in his chair and glanced at Alice. 'I'm pleased with you son,' I thought. A quick nod indicated he heard me.

Only one left, our seer. Alice sighed and addressed us. "Yes, that controlled moment is going to happen, later, tonight." I've already decided to do it too." I was afraid May couldn't handle bad visions, but that's probably just an excuse." I'm used to Edward seeing with me, so I'm not sure why I resisted May." She turned to her sister. "Maybe it was because of your gift being so unusual, she said. "Or maybe I worried that you would take it from me." I know that sounds weird now." She shrugged and than waved her index finger at May. "Or maybe it's because your future is always hazy, she chided, because you're spending too much time with the stinking wolves."

Jake rolled his eyes at that comment. "Well May, he said, we don't have to talk about us wolves, you know how we feel." A sunny grin spread across his face. A gleam in his eye. It was full around the table with four (to five) huge shapeshifters. I was glad we bought more chairs to accommodate us all. The whole pack suddenly got up and they pulled May into a group-hug. It only lasted a few seconds. They were close and May felt really comfortable around them. Their interaction was as normal as it could be, easy going. Considering the fact that they should be mortal enemies, and repulsed by each others scent.

They were all smiling happily as Leah commented; "now you smell even more like a pack sister." "Yeah, Quil added, and too bad for anyone who has a problem with that!" He smirked at Rose, who stuck out her tongue in response.

I ended the meeting and we all went about doing regular things. Around midnight I oversaw the controlled moment between May, Edward and Alice. It went well and after some questions and more talk we all separated to retreat for the rest of the night. It was nice to be in Esme's embrace. We kissed and cuddled while chatting about how our family has grown.

"Are you happy?" I asked her, tracing her cheek with my thumb. "Yes, she whispered, very happy." You are so good at being a father, I love seeing you like that." We leaned towards each other until our lips touched. Loving the long and gentle kiss that followed. To savour one another's taste. "And I love that you're my wife, I said after it finished, you are an excellent mother to our big family." The warm smile that lit up her beautiful face, caused me to kiss her again.

In the morning we talked to our pack about the bank accounts. Over breakfast. They were hesitant to accept it, thought it was too much. We explained again why we wanted them to have it. "Please, Esme pleaded, we have more money than we could ever spend." "Yes, I added, and there's so much you could do with it, whatever it is, that's up to you entirely." My wife took over again. "Start your own business, go to collage or pay off old bills," she offered. "Use it for your personal development, you can be whatever you want to." They all sighed and gave in, said they'd think about it.

The weeks that passed were peaceful and there seemed to be more harmony. We celebrated some birthdays. I continued to work with May on her healing. She had progressed from outside injuries to internal ones, she wanted to reach deeper, beneath the muscles. I told her one step at a time, it was the best way and we wouldn't draw attention to ourselves.

And that was hard, we had to sneak around a lot. We couldn't offer an explanation most of the time. She was doing great, getting stronger after each session. I made sure she fed herself well, her energy level still ran low. Reading up on alternative healing had been interesting and inspirational. Sometimes I wished I could borrow her gift for just one day. How wonderful that must be.

Three weeks into April a young man transferred to Forks Hospital. Alex was only twenty-four and in a coma. He's been asleep for four years after a bad skiing accident. His spine had been broken in two places and he suffered a serious concussion. Among other lesser injuries. He was slowly healing when he also suffered from an infection to his nervous-system. Doctors had gotten it under control quickly, but the damage done had stunned his recovery. His brain was still functioning, but it was doubtful if he would ever wake up. His family lived in the area and just wanted him close. We were providing supportive care.

A few days after we settled Alex in, I had a rare evening alone with my wife. Everybody was out. We prepared some meals together to put in the freezer and listened to some music. We talked about random things. This was so nice. I felt like dancing and decided to make some room. Than I put on some Frank Sinatra. Esme gave me a curious look. Taking her hand, I pulled her in close and we started to move to the music. We were floating and forgot about everything else. When the CD ended, I dipped her and she laughed. Ah, to relax a bit before my night shift. Soon it was time for me to go and several family members returned home.

When I walked in and approached the nurses-station, Anne, the nurse on call, called to me. "Dr. Cullen, she said, good evening, how are you?" Your daughter is already in, she seemed eager to start early." Huh? I raised my eyebrows, we hadn't planned anything tonight. It worried me. She never came in before me. May could come and go quite freely though, I told them she was here for job-orientation and gave her the status of an intern. At a low level of course. "Do you know where she went?" I asked Anne. "I think she went in the direction of the cafeteria ten minutes ago," she answered. I said thanks and decided to track May's scent.

Less than a minute later I realised where she was. Certainly not the cafeteria. I opened the door to Alex's room. May was on a chair beside the bed. She had turned the boy onto his stomach and she was working on his back. What was she trying to do? This was way to much for her to handle. But she was in a trance and somehow I didn't want to stop her. So I closed the blinds and locked the door. No one should disturb us. She was practically glowing, fed to the brim like Emmet after his first seal-hunt. Her hands moved firmly across the skin in circles. It was intense, she massaged every muscle, from the shoulders to his hips.

I felt like I needed to check the time. Over twenty minutes she was busy now. And she wasn't nearly done yet. Increasing pressure, she moved up again along his spinal cord. I couldn't help myself to speak; "May, take it easy, you're going to leave bruises." I'm not sure if she heard me, she barely reacted. Alex's skin was warmer now and slightly red. May's glow however had totally disappeared. Her colour was fading fast as she got paler. She'd moved on to his legs now, her touches softer. Thirty minutes had past, I was going to stop her soon.

Suddenly she wasn't breathing, she never did that while healing. Stepping towards her I touched her arm, it was ice cold! That's not good, a vampire feels warm to one of his own kind. Her movements were slower and looked weak. "May, stop, enough!" I demanded it. She didn't hear me and kept on going. Grabbing her by the shoulders, I yanked her off the boy and she flew onto the empty bed behind us. It half rolled, half skidded away by the force and hit the wall. She did nothing to stop herself from almost falling to the ground. I caught her and helped her to sit, she sank against me, sucking in one shaky breath.

Her eyes were closed, the lids a deep purple, nearly black colour. "Timmain…, I used her full name now, "look at me, you need blood, let me get you a donor bag." She opened her eyes slowly, glancing at me from behind her eyelashes while shaking her head slightly. I was shocked, totally shocked by what I saw. They were so black, darker than Edward's eyes during Bella's pregnancy. 'Hollow' was the word that came to mind, because there was no light in them. Still she refused human blood. Was I going to have to force her to drink it?

The door slammed open, the lock broken. And in came Esme, my wife, followed by Edward. She didn't look at me, but scooped May up in her arms. Her face was a mix of anxious worry and determination. She marched out while my son explained. "Alice saw this happening, he said, we're going to help her to feed." In a flash he was gone and I heard the car speeding off. I just sat there for a moment, hardly processing what just occurred. But there was no time to pause, as the monitors started to beep a little faster. I moved to the boy's side, checked his back and carefully rolled him over to help him breathe easier. He was doing better, his heartbeat stronger. Then, just as Anne came rushing in, his eyelids trembled…