Her Time

𝒞𝒽. Eight

It's been about a month and a half since the traumatic incident in which Annabelle fell and hit her head. For Carlisle and his family, life has become a delicate balance of work, school, and caring for Annabelle. They have dedicated themselves to being by her side, ensuring that she is never alone and that she has all the support she needs during her recovery. To say they barely let her out of their sight would be an understatement; they are like protective guardians, hovering around her and soaking up every moment they can share with her. Over this period, Carlisle and Annabelle have grown very close. Their bond has deepened as they navigate the challenges brought on by her injury, fostering a connection that neither expected would blossom so strongly.

One afternoon, as they sat together in a quiet room, Annabelle looked up at Carlisle with earnest eyes, her voice filled with a mix of desperation and need. "Carlisle, just do it," she pleaded, hoping to break through the hesitation she sensed in him. Her unwavering gaze was a magnet, pulling him closer, yet he found himself frozen in uncertainty.

"I can't," he stated firmly, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision.

"You won't hurt me. I can take it. I'm a big girl," she replied, trying to reassure him, her confidence palpable.

He searched her eyes, urgency mixing with worry. "I could hurt you," he reminded her, the concern etched deeply into his brow.

A smile broke on her face, brightening the tension in the air. "You could never hurt me, Carlisle Cullen," she said playfully, the warmth in her voice cutting through the seriousness of the moment.

However, he was still reluctant. "Carlisle, just stick it in already," she urged, frustration beginning to seep through her playful demeanor.

He held her gaze, seeking to understand her impatience. "Why are you in such a rush to do this? How can you not be scared about the possibility of me hurting you?" His question was genuine, coming from a place of concern.

Annabelle merely shrugged, her tone casual. "I know you won't hurt me. At least, not intentionally."

"But it doesn't matter. I could still hurt you, and I don't want to bring you any pain," Carlisle replied, the conflict clear in his eyes.

Annabelle was growing increasingly irritated, her patience waning. "Carlisle Cullen. Just. Stick. It. In! If YOU don't stick it in, then I will!" she groaned in exasperation, clearly fed up with the hesitation that had overtaken their interaction.

Despite the lightness of their banter, Annabelle's determination was serious. She was exhausted from waiting for him to become more comfortable with what was inevitable. There was no avoiding this situation; they were already halfway down a path with no way to turn back.

With a sigh, she cupped his face gently in her hands. "Carlisle, look, we are already halfway there. I know you're nervous, so am I, but why stop now? I thought you were used to this, that you've done it before." Her plea was sincere, tinged with a sense of urgency.

Carlisle's sigh was heavy, the weight of his emotions palpable. "I have. Many times before, but... it's different with you," he confessed, revealing a side of himself that was vulnerable.

"How?" Annabelle pressed, wanting to understand his hesitance.

"I'm afraid I'd hurt you. You mean a great deal to my family and me. I don't want to cause you any pain," he explained, a flicker of fear crossing his features.

Her smile was soft yet strong. "I can deal with anything as long as it's with you. I won't scream," she promised, trying to ease his anxiety. "Just, on the count of three, stick it in." Her tone was resolute, a definite call to action.

Taking a deep, unnecessary breath, Carlisle shook his head in resignation. "One... two... three." Annabelle counted, her voice steady, but when she felt the initial impact, a sound she hadn't anticipated burst from her lips—a grunted scream of surprise and discomfort. "Ahhh -ugh!" she cried out, causing Carlisle to jerk back immediately.

His eyes widened with panic. "I thought you said you wouldn't scream!"

"Well, that was before I realized just how BIG it was!" she yelled in protest. "Every time I look at it, I end up screaming!" There was a mix of shock and humor in her tone, highlighting the absurdity of the moment.

"I'm sorry," Carlisle replied, genuinely remorseful.

Annabelle shook her head, dismissing his apology. "It's fine. I might as well get used to it. We're going to be doing it often anyway," she noted with a hint of resignation.

"No. This was the last time. I'm never doing this with you again. I can't. Not after today," he asserted, his voice firm, yet betraying a hint of anguish.

"Carlisle—" she started, but he interrupted her.

"Anni, no. I won't be the reason you're in pain," he said, his heart heavy with the weight of his feelings.

Groaning, Annabelle slumped back against the bed, the frustration radiating from her. "So, you'd rather it be with someone else?" she challenged, her eyes narrowing.

Carlisle sighed deeply. "I'd rather it just be me, but... I hate knowing I could always bring you harm," he choked out, the vulnerability in his voice making Annabelle's heart ache.

Sitting up in bed, she gave him a steady look, unwavering. "I will always sense some kind of pain, whether it's mentally, physically, or both. Carlisle, you have to come to terms with the fact that I will get hurt. The sooner you accept that, the better off we will be," she stated, her tone resolute.

He sighed again, shaking his head as he processed her words. Finally, as if realizing the futility of continuing the argument, he moved to her side and climbed into bed with her. "You are the most stubborn woman I've ever met," he acknowledged, a slight smile breaking through his earlier seriousness.

Her lips curved into a smile. "Carlisle, you gave me a shot in the abdomen. You didn't perform brain surgery," she laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

"You're the one that screamed like I'd killed you!" he exclaimed in mock disbelief.

"Did you not see the SIZE of that needle!? It was HUGE! Of course, I was going to scream if I looked at it!" she defended her reaction, unable to help but feel a sense of vindication.

"Well, I did tell you not to look at it, but you didn't listen," he said, teasingly.

She grinned. "I'm a curious woman. When people tell me NOT to do something, I end up doing it anyway. I can't help it!"

With a shake of his head, Carlisle leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her temple. "Get some sleep, Annie," he said gently, recognizing that their earlier tension had fizzled into something more serene.

Closing her eyes, she smiled softly. "Good night, Carlisle," she murmured, feeling comforted by his presence.

"Good night, Anni," he replied, his voice low and warm, before the soft sound of her rhythmic breathing filled the air, signaling her drift into sleep.

(Tell me none of you thought about something else when you read this. LOL! Get your minds OUT of the GUTTER!)