Between the Evergreens (Part One)

The unraveling

     Sheridan studied hard for her end of year examinations, countless hours and long nights were put in and she was prepared. The afternoon after her final exam she had returned to the large Hall estate to find it empty as usual. Her family had homes all over the world, her parents often opted for staying somewhere warm and tropical when they weren't needed directly for work. It had been like that since she was 16. She never held it against them that they wanted to live on the warm beaches next to the ocean. She knew they loved her unconditionally but there would always be a sort of business like relationship between them. She quickly proved to be more than capable of taking care of herself, leaving her parents proud but far away. Now that she was living in a dorm for more than half the year she finally had the opportunity to let loose and live out her teen years.

     Rosalie noticed the quick flip in Sheridan the last few months, she'd stayed in studying more than she already did, denied invitation to parties and practically dropped the large group of friends that always seemed to have something to celebrate. Sheridan was ready to be an adult, ready to leave that life in university and Rosalie was happy for her. On one of their last nights in the dorm Sheridan had poured her heart out letting Rosalie here about everything she was stressed about.

     "Well Sher, why don't you come to the cabin with me, take some time off from everyone and just relax. It's only for two weeks but there is no internet access or rowdy neighbours. You don't need to hold onto the person everyone thinks you are, self revelations are important but now you just have to act on them."

     "Will your family be alright with that? I don't want to impose." Of course she wanted to go. She worked during July and August as a dental assistant but for May and June she was free to do as she pleased. She really wanted to go just to see Carlisle as well. Even with the time she spent away from him he managed to invade her thoughts leaving a small crush.

     "Of course not, everyone practically loves you and I'm sure Carlisle would be more than happy to have you come with us." Rosalie added a little wink at the end trying to convey her unsaid message.

     "If it's okay with everyone than I would love to come."

     "We are leaving in two days, is that enough time?"

     "Of course, I'll pack tomorrow when I get home and then just come here the next morning, I can always follow you out." The pair was once again seated in Rosalie's room on their first day home. Everyone was showing up at random times, small boxes in hand from whatever they had in their dorms. Edward and Bella would be the last to come home tomorrow evening.

     "We should get our nails done before we leave." The girls were accompanied by Alice to the nail salon in town, thankfully they had space on such short notice. The rest of the night was spent watching movies and gossiping about nay news related to Sheridan so called husband George Clooney.

     It had come time for Sheridan to pack for the two week vacation she was going on but all of her motivation was gone the minute she walked through her front door. She had woken up ridiculously early at 7:00 am and quickly drove home before she could be convinced to sit for breakfast. The Cullens were great cooks but between her growing feelings and the way Carlisle was looking at her she couldn't battle the thoughts and feelings jumbled in her head. He talked to her like she wasn't just one of his kids friends but as someone he was friends with personally. The comfortable feeling she felt near him was overwhelming and wrong, it washer best friends father.

     After aimlessly throwing clothing and bathing suits in her suit case she went off to bed. While Sheridan tossed and turned in her bed the Cullens sat around all wondering what happened this morning to make Sheridan run out of the house like it was on fire.