Idyllic Days (Esme - Carlisle Fanfiction)

Chapter 36 -Venice-

“Knock, knock,” Alice said and waited behind the double doors. “Alice,” we both whispered in frustration; yet no one could destroy our good mood today. She took that as an invitation and walked inside. Carlisle has already seated himself next to me on the bed, covering both of us with the blanket. “Sorry, for interrupting. But if you want to sightsee today you should get ready now.” Carlisle got up and moved to the bathroom with clothes; probably taking Alice’s hint. “Now, you, I’ve bought maternity clothes for you yesterday. As I thought you wouldn’t feel comfortable in your normal clothes.” “Thank you, I haven’t even thought about it,” I told her and smiled for her care. “Well, you know me,” she said with a wink, “If you need help just call.” She laid the bags on the edge of my bed and left. I got up and looked through the items. There were jeans and skirts, t-shirts and dresses. I took the jeans and a night blue ruffled satin t-shirt that was bound right under the breasts to reveal the bulge. Carlisle got out of the bathroom, winked at me and went into the other room.

I finished myself and went into the living room, where Carlisle, Alice, Jasper, and Rosalie sat. I was still fidgeting with the shirt. It still felt weird having a huge stomach, not thinking about how huge I will become in the next months. Carlisle came to my side and kissed my hair. “You look beautiful,” he whispered sensing my unease. I blushed deep red. The others nodded in agreement obviously hearing every word. I patted my stomach, “I will get used to it,” I told them half-smiling. They laughed and Rosalie got to my side. She stroked my stomach,” Don’t be self-conscious. Pregnancy is the most natural thing and a wonder of life. Enjoy it,” she told me lovingly. “I know and I will; thanks Rose.” “So, ready for our trip?” Carlisle asked. “Yes!” I answered enthusiastically. I was embraced by everyone and then I grabbed Carlisle’s hand and we went out into the buzzing historical city of Venice.

Right in front of our apartment was a canal and I was surprised when Carlisle asked me, if I want a ride. I turned to him and saw him in a great black gondola. I grinned and let him help me into the boat. “Sit down and enjoy the ride,” he told me with a smile. He handed me a typical Venetian hat in white with blue ribbons.

The ride was beautiful, it didn’t particularly smell good, but the atmosphere of the city was mesmerizing. Somehow Carlisle managed it to stay in the shadows to not reveal the sparkling. I enjoyed the mild summer breeze and leaned back. “Ready for the next stop Ma’am?” Carlisle winked. I smiled and took his hand. “Where are we going?” I asked him. “First, I want to show you the many sights of Venice. Starting with the San Marco square and then going on to the opera.” “Sounds good,” I told him.

After a short walk we were standing in front of the San Marco square. There weren’t many tourists yet, as it was still early. It was cloudy, but I finally stood on the square I wanted to be for so long, ever since I’ve seen it on photos and paintings when I was a teenager. “Do you like it?” “Yes, it’s wonderful, just like I imagined it,” I told him. He took my hands into his and looked into my green eyes with adoration, I stood on my tiptoes to kiss him and he lifted me up a bit. “Should we go on to the opera or do you want to stay here for a bit longer?” “We can go.” He took my hand and led me through the narrow alleys; they reminded me much of the ones in Grasse or Volterra. That thought made me remember the trip I’ve made with Carlisle when I was changed, as Aro insisted to meet me. It wasn’t an unpleasant memory yet back then I could already feel the threat emanating from the Volturi. “Are you okay?” Carlisle asked me worried. “Yes, I was just deep in thought.”

“We’re here,” he announced. We were standing in front of a marble theater, which has turned light brown in the course of the years, yet it was still beautiful. It had a round shaped entrance which was framed by huge white marble pillars. “It hasn’t changed in all those years,” Carlisle told me, looking at the theatre as well. “You were here before?” “Yes, once. When I was living in Italy I also visited Venice and this opera. It was shortly before I’ve moved to your hometown.” “I’m very grateful, that you didn’t decide to stay here longer,” I said and kissed him. “You cannot imagine how grateful I am for my decision,” he told me smiling and kissed me once more. “Can we also go inside?” “Unfortunately, no, they have closed for renovations. But I really wanted to show you this rather hidden sight.” “That’s too bad; I would have liked it to see it.” “Next time, we’re here, we will go here.” “Next time?” I asked happily. “Yes, you like it so much. Why not take a trip here?” “Oh, thank you.” “Anytime; how about dinner now?” “Good idea.”

After we’ve had dinner in a nice traditional Italian restaurant we decided to stroll through the city. It was still early, as we only had to be back at the apartment in the evening to get back home. We were walking hand in hand across a square on whose sides were little boutiques. One I liked particularly: it was a baby boutique with items from around the 20th century, like the time I was born in. There was even a crib that looked just like the one I had when I was a baby and so many vintage dresses.

I had to admit I will enjoy dressing our little girl; Alice will definitely not be the only one. I smirked. Carlisle was walking through the boutique with me, looking at clothes and other baby stuff. “Look at this dress; it looks like the ones I remember babies wore at their christening at my time.” He was holding a long fluent white embroidered dress in his hands. I took it from him. I could imagine our daughter wearing this on her christening. I had no doubt that we will christen her, after all Carlisle and I both believed in God and I didn’t think that lifestyle contradicted with our belief, unlike most of the others thought. “Can we buy this?” I asked him. His eyes shined at this question. It looked like this had a very special meaning to him, as if he didn’t think that I would christen our child. “Yes, of course,” he said and kissed my cheek. I was happy to make him happy.

Until the evening, we’ve gone shopping a bit, not as excessively as Alice, and we’ve made another gondola tour through Venice to say goodbye to this beautiful city at least for now.

The gondolier brought us right to the apartment and Carlisle helped me descend the boat. As soon as the gondola was gone, he swept me into his arms. “Did you like our trip?” “It was magical. Thank you for today, I won’t certainly forget this day.” “I’m glad you liked it.” He nuzzled closer to my body and kissed me. Then he sighed,” The others are waiting for us. The plane leaves in two hours.” I nodded with a sad smile. I will really miss this place. Carlisle brought me up the stairs and let me down as soon as we were inside to get our bags. “Did you like your trip?” Rosalie asked. “Yes, it couldn’t have been better.” I told her. “The others already left for the airport. Emmett and I stayed behind to wait for you. Your luggage is already packed and in the cars.” “Okay,” I said, hugged her and went to the bathroom before the journey.

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