Bellezza Swan | A Carlisle Cullen Love Story

Chapter Eighteen: Annie

          After Carlisle left, I was experiencing a lot of emotional turmoil. As overjoyed as I was about my relationship with Carlisle, I was still crushed by Bella's death. During my time off, I was trying to keep up with the news about the animal attack but it led nowhere. My phone rang, breaking my concentration, and I went to answer it.

          "Belle?" Charlie asked.

          "Hey, Charlie," I said.

          "Did Carlisle stop by?" he asked.

          I blushed and played with the bouncy curly phone wire, "Mhm, he brought dinner and checked up on me."

          "Good. I hope you didn't mind," he said.

          A stupid smile spread on my face as I glanced at my messy bed, "Not at all. Um, did you need anything else?"

          "I have the dates for Bella's funeral services and burial," he said softly.

          My face fell and everything felt gloomy again, "R-Right. Have you been alright, dad?"

          He sighed into the phone, "Are any of us? Billy and Jacob have been coming by every weekend. You should stop by."

          "Black? I might. It's been a while since I've seen them. Maybe a couple years," I said.

          He wryly chuckled, "Alright, well, I love you. The services will be held May 10th and May 11th."

          "I love you too, dad. I'll try to stop by," I said and we both hung up.

          I started to clean up a bit and realize from my bed sheets that Carlisle wasn't using protection. Dammit. After I made my bed, I went to shower and to clean myself up. I really hope I don't get pregnant. Could I get pregnant? I mean, if he's a vampire. It made sense that he is one. I came out of the bathroom in my towel and a car honked in the streets. I looked out and saw Edward getting out of his car and looking up at me. I stuck my hand in the window as I backed away and waved to him. Why was he here?

          I started to get dressed and put on my jean shorts and an athletic tank top. There was a knock at my door as I was drying my hair. That couldn't have been him that quickly, could it? Sure enough, I opened the door and Edward was standing there with a huge smile.

          "So," he opened his arms to me, "you and Carlisle are official?"

          I hugged him and kicked some lingering rose petals into a pile, "Not quite. I haven't even told my dad. I don't think anyone at work knows either. How come you're in town? Is everyone here?"

          He chuckled and messed up my already tangled wet hair, "I think it's time you came over as a proper guest and not as Alice's secret friend."

          I tried to hide my smile and avoided eye contact, "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

          He put his arm over my shoulders and grabbed my bag that was hanging near the front door, "Get your keys and come on already."

          "Ugh, alright, alright. Jeez, are you this naggy with your girlfriend?" I groaned.

          He scoffed, "Annie hasn't been much of a girlfriend. It's just easier telling people that instead of explaining the actual relationship. She says she's half my age but she's lying. I don't know if she knows that I can read her thoughts."

          I glanced at him, "Well, that makes sense. You knew I liked Carlisle the second I met him. What was your girlfriend's name again?"

          "Annie," he said but glanced around once we were outside, "But that was a lie, too. Her real name is Victoria."

          I got in his car before him and waited until he started driving to speak again, "Wait. Half your age? Are you, um, well.."

          "Yep. We're all vampires. Victoria, myself, and my siblings. Carlisle changed us to save our lives." he explained.

          "Why are you keeping Victoria around, Ed? Isn't that a bit dangerous?" I asked nervously.

          "Aren't you worried about yourself?" he asked as he turned into a road that led up the mountain.

          "What do you mean?" I asked.

          He stopped the car in the middle of the road and swiftly mounted me while reclining my seat back, "You're all alone against me. A defenseless human against a vampire. I'm over a hundred years old, Belle. You can't think that you're safe now."

          I was shocked at first but then I touched his cheek, which was also cold like Carlisle's, "You wouldn't hurt me, Edward. I know you're trying to test me. I already told Carlisle that I love him and I want to be with him."

          He kissed my cheek before returning to his seat, "Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little jealous."

          I inclined my seat and hid my blush by playing with my hair, "Is that why you picked me up?"

          He resumed driving up the mountain, "No. Well, yes and no. Carlisle had a bit of a fight with Rosalie about this. He needed to be home. Oh, here we are."

          My jaw nearly dropped when I saw their home. It was very geometric and had multiple large windows that took up the entire wallspace. I was in love with their home. Edward opened my door for me and we walked into the front door. What neither of us were expecting was Carlisle to be kissing Victoria.