What's Forever

Chapter 16

The next few days were a little awkward at the hospital. Carlisle and I had a few short conversations, all work-related, but nothing more. I miss the way things used to be before I knew any of this. At the same time, I'm shocked that Emmett would trust me enough to tell me something of this magnitude. This isn't your everyday, run of the mill, family secret and now I'm burdened with the weight of it too. I miss Emmett more and more with each passing day, so when Monday rolled around I was extremely happy for the distraction.

Mrs. Marsh gave me all of the supplies I would need and directions. The nurses all looked relieved and it's got me wondering how bad it could possibly be. There wasn't a long line when I got there but there were people waiting. A tall, beautiful woman walked out with long dark hair in a braid that left her face bare to show beautiful, high cheekbones that most women would pay for, and smooth tan skin.

"HI, you must be Sue Clearwater. I'm Valentina Rossi."

"They stuck the new girl with La Push this year?" she asked.

"My supervisor asked and I accepted. I'm new to Forks and I've never been on the res so I jumped at the chance to try something new."

"I'm sorry . . . normally they send scowling nurses who don't want to be here and good morning Valentina. It's nice to meet you." she sighed.

"Let's get all of this inside." I said.

We chatted as we took everything inside and kept the conversation really lively. The whole day passed rather quickly and I really enjoyed my time here. The following two days were the same, busy but so enjoyable. I met one of the res guys, Sam, and he kept coming in with kids. Sue said it's because they trust him, he's not scared of needles so the kids aren't either. We joked around a lot.

"We've had more people in the past three days than we've had in the past three years." Sue said as I packed my supplies in my car.

"I'm glad that everyone got their vaccines."

"Thank you for making this such a good time." she said.

"It's so pretty here, I can't wait to take Ava to the beach."

"Come back and bring her on a good day."

"I'd love to."

"You drive safely dear, bring me that beautiful baby soon. Your grandma too."

"Will do."

"Sounds great, I'll see you soon."

As I drove home I swore I saw Emmett drive past me, it brought me back to how much I miss him. I'm so very conflicted on my feelings for Emmett Cullen, but I want . . . I need to see him.

Being home at a normal hour meant having dinner with my family and putting my daughter to sleep myself. It is very fulfilling but something is missing, someone is missing. I don't even know how to explain it to myself, but I want him around.

I'm sure it's not the smartest thing to do but after grandma went to bed and I put Ava Rae down, I texted Emmett and asked him to come over. At first, I didn't think he'd respond, but quickly after I received his response '90 seconds'. I'm in my pajamas which consist of long Victoria's Secret pants and a cami, my hair is in a messy, high ponytail, and I'm not changing either.

Hell, even if I wanted to, I wouldn't have the time. The knock on the kitchen window proved that as it barely scared me but the relief was acute. I got up, walked out onto the back deck and I looked at him, just looked at him after this long week. His eyes are black and the dark circles under them very prominent against his pale skin. For someone immortal, he looks exhausted.

"You don't look good." I said.

"I've been better." he sighed, keeping his distance.

Seeing him and hearing his voice again, it reminds me of how much I've missed him. A week without Emmett has been like a week without sunshine. All of my days are bright because of Ava Rae but there was this darkness and dreariness that overshadowed that ray of light. He just looked at me and there's something in his eyes that I can't read, but it echoes pain and I can feel it in my heart.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"I've been better." he repeated.

"Emmett . . ."

"Why am I here, Valentina?" he asked, his voice lowering to a whisper when he said my name. "Is it to tell me to stay away from you?"

"I don't know, when I was driving home today I swore I saw you and that's when I knew that I needed to see you. I . . . missed you and it's messing with my head. You're dangerous and I know it, but I missed you so much."

"Val . . ." he held his hand out but pulled it back when I flinched. "I'm sorry."

"Em, I'm so confused and angry and so scared." I admitted.

"I would never hurt you."

"You could just by accident. At the same time, we've been alone so many times and you've been so careful."

"Val, I would never hurt you, I swear. I . . . I've missed you too." he sighed.

"Tell me again . . . tell me that you don't hurt people. That you won't hurt us." I whispered as I took a few steps towards him, but I know he heard me.

"Valentina," Emmett took the last steps towards me, softly cradling my face in his cold hands. "My family would never hurt you, I would never hurt you. We don't hurt humans, people, at all. You mean too much to me to let anyone hurt you." he insisted.

"Logic is warring with my emotions and I don't know how to separate them."

"Let me help you." he pleaded.

"I don't know how to do this."

"Neither do I, we'll learn together."

"Emmett . . ."

"You look so beautiful." he said, rubbing his thumb over my bottom lip.

"I look like a hot mess." I chuckled.

"Beautiful." he insisted.

His breath fanned over my face and the scent was intoxicating; apples, pears, and something earthy, something so male and so Emmett that I just want to drown in it.

"Em . . ."

"I want to try something, will you let me?"

I know he can hear my heart beating rapidly and even knowing what he is, I've never felt safer than I do right now. It's obvious what he wants and I'm not the least bit tempted to say no.

"Yes." I whispered.

One of the hands that were on my cheeks slid lower and wrapped around my waist, pulling me up and against his cold, hard chest. His black eyes focused on my face, then zeroed in on my lips. My breath was choppy and I closed my eyes right as Emmett pressed his lips against mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck and let him set the pace because I could almost feel his worry and trepidation. His lips were cold and hard, but soft at the same time, oddly soft.

At first, the kiss was soft and sweet but with a slight turn in the angle of his face, a tighter hold, he deepened the kiss. I moved one hand to cup his cheek and smiled into the kiss when he lifted me off of my feet and urged me to wrap my legs around his waist. If it wasn't for the basic human necessity to breathe I would not have pulled away, but I'm absolutely out of breath anyway. Emmett just looked at me and flashed my favorite dimple-baring smile and rubbed his nose against mine.

"Emmett . . ." I sighed.

"That was a lot easier than I expected." he sighed in satisfaction, brushing his thumb over my cheek after placing me on my feet again.

"What did you expect?" I giggled to hide the shivers that were from more than the mind-blowing kiss he planted on me or his body temp.

"You should be inside." he replied, of course, he saw the shivers I was trying to hide.

"Will you come with me?" I asked.

"Of course." he quickly stated.