The Twilight Saga belongs to Stephenie Meyer, Summit Entertainment and anyone else who may legally claim ownership. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 11: Comprehension

Carlisle sat by the fountain in the chapel at Greater Rochester International Airport and glanced at his reflection in the pool. He thought that he looked like the monster he was; wild blond hair, deep black eyes, and an inhuman pallor. This was not the reflection of a doctor; this was the reflection of a destroyer. He turned away from the sight, disgusted.

For the first time in centuries, Carlisle didn't bother to affect human mannerisms. He didn't feel human. He sat stone still. If anyone ventured in they surely would think him a statue. They would see, in this small chapel, a statue of a man suffering the worst torments of Hell. A perfect warning to them.

He felt like he had taken advantage of Isabella. He, who devoted his entire existence to doing no harm, felt like he had perpetuated the most foul of harms upon the one most dear to him. She had been on the rebound from a relationship with his son. Edward had finally fallen in love, and when she didn't reciprocate that love, he swept in and took her from him. He thought himself a horrible father, brother, friend. He'd done irreparable harm to Edward, and Edward didn't even know it, yet… Carlisle thought about how heartbroken, how isolated Edward would feel when he found out.

Carlisle considered the fact that he had never changed anyone who wasn't dying. He knew the Volturi planned to kill Isabella if she wasn't changed. It was essentially the same thing, death or vampirism. If he didn't do it, Alice would find the strength and do it herself. He sent a prayer to God for forgiveness because he wanted to do it. He wanted his venom in her veins. He wanted to marry her and be with her for all eternity. He had thought that she might want him too. He wasn't given to over-emotionalism. He never found it to be helpful. Instead, he tried to do the best he could in any situation. This time, this time he just couldn't. He made a rare decision to give in to his despair as her soft voice repeated in his head over and over, on a constant loop.

"Will you bring Edward back?"

He moved now, his hands going to his hair and tugging with inhuman strength. A vampire's hair was not easily pulled out, but the pain came to him. It reminded him that he deserved a much harsher punishment. He had betrayed Edward. Worse, he had used his beautiful, sweet Isabella. No! He thought. She was not his Isabella. She had never been meant for him. He should never have touched her. But, he couldn't find the will to not give in to his overwhelming need to commune with her on any and every level.

"Will you bring Edward back?"

He hadn't protested her request. He hadn't hesitated. How could he dare hesitate? He had to leave, to do her bidding, before he gave in to his desire to discuss it with her. He couldn't trust himself to do that. He wanted too badly to ask her to reconsider. He fleetingly wondered if that would have been so very bad. He would not have forced her to reconsider; he would just have made his argument. He would have bared his soul to her. No, he knew he did the right thing in leaving as he did. If he'd spoken with her about all of this, and she had changed her mind, he would always wonder if he had somehow, unintentionally coerced her.

"Will you bring Edward back?"

He could admit it now, that this was something he had feared since the day she had kissed him. He had been taken by surprise. He had thought his affections for her were unrequited.

He knew she was just healing from a traumatic injury. He had worried that his deeply buried fear had been realized. That she didn't really care for him. That her feelings were merely transference, and someday she would realize that she'd made a mistake when she kissed him.

It didn't have to be that way. He wanted to tell her all the reasons they could have been so perfect together, forever. But he knew that he could not. He had to leave it up to her. He was not Edward. He would not try to dazzle her or make her choices for her.

"Will you bring Edward back?"

He would do anything for her. He would give her anything she desired. His devotion to her was beyond words. If she wanted Edward he would not stand in the way. All he wanted, all he needed, was to make her happy. If she wanted him gone from her life entirely, he would do that too. Were he human, he was certain that the grief of that thought alone would kill him.

She had asked him once, about his previous lovers, and he had brushed her off by telling her of his first crush. He was closing in on four hundred years old. Of course, he'd had lovers over the centuries, both vampire and human. In all this time he had never known anything like what he felt for this beautiful soul, this young, innocent human girl, his Isabella. He had never before experienced such depth of emotion. The way he felt for her almost frightened him.

He bowed his head, his hands still creating what pain they could in his hair. He wanted to pray for death but he didn't. He knew the answer would be no; it always had been. Not that he'd prayed for death recently. In the beginning, when he thought he might kill an innocent person in order to slake his thirst, he earnestly prayed for death.

Now, he couldn't pray or even wish for death. His death would hurt her. He would do nothing to cause her distress. He felt a bitter laugh escape his lips. He had already done so; he'd hurt her enough by forcing his attentions on her before she could be sure it wasn't Edward she wanted.

Now, he did pray. He beseeched God, for what he could not articulate, even in his own mind. He just begged Him. He knew not the details of what he asked. He was overwhelmed. The agony of knowing that he had-warmth. He felt warmth on his face? He stopped pulling his hair. He waited. The warmth remained and he became aware of a sound. The most beautiful sound in the world. Instead of asking for Edward, he believed he could hear Isabella telling him that she loved him, asking him to look at her. A dream? He wondered. Hardly. Heaven? Impossible. A Coma? No. A hallucination? Most likely.

He knew he should open his eyes and determine the truth. But he didn't want to lose the bliss of this hallucination to the harsh reality he would surely see.

He was, again, that terrified young man burning amongst the rotting potatoes, not knowing what would happen when he opened his eyes again. Now, as then, his self-loathing knew no bounds.

Never one to hide from reality, he dropped his hands and opened his eyes. He saw Isabella, scant inches from his face. The warmth on his face had come from her hands on his cheeks. Her thumbs began to gently caress his face.

Their eyes met briefly before he lowered his in shame. His hands that had performed so many complex surgeries shook as he moved to gently grasp her wrists and pull her hands from his face. Once lowered, he released them. "Isabella." his lips twitched in a failed attempt at a smile.

He heard her beautiful voice beseech him. "Carlisle, please, what's wrong? Talk to me!"

He pulled himself together. He didn't think of the years of loneliness behind him or the endless eternity of loneliness ahead. He had to do this for her. He smiled. He wanted nothing more than to bring happiness to this incredible woman before him. "Isabella, if it's Edward that you want, Edward that you need, I will do everything in my power to help bring that about for you."

"No." She shook her head as he spoke. "No, Carlisle." Once again he felt her touch, soft and warm on his face. She looked into his eyes. "Is that really what you think, that I want Edward?"

He was surprised when her human ears picked up his whispered words. "You asked me to bring him back to you."

Her expression was somber, her eyes sincere. "No, Carlisle, I didn't. I asked if you were going to bring him back. I asked because I don't want to cause a rift in your family. Rosalie hated me enough; she hates me even more now that she blames me for Edward being gone. I know Alice misses him. Esme tries to hide it, but she wants him home desperately. Those are some of the reasons I asked."

Bella looked deeply into his eyes and took a breath. Her next words were spoken from the depths of her heart. "The most important reason I asked if you would bring Edward back is for you. What you and Edward have shared for all these years, I can't imagine. He's your friend, your brother, your first born vampire, your son. You have always loved him, unconditionally. I can't see you lose that over an accident. You know Edward has a temper. You also know that he didn't mean to hurt me. I can't be the cause of you losing him from your life. I don't want Edward. I don't need Edward. I never will. But, I think you do."

Her words hung in the air between them. He reached up and smoothed away the tears falling from her soulful eyes. "In that you are wrong. My love for Edward is conditional now. My love for anyone now has one non-negotiable condition. They must never hurt you in any way."

Bella smiled. "That doesn't change the fact that he's been your family for eighty-eight years. I won't be the cause of you losing someone you love. I can't be; I love you too much."

He wondered now why he had lost himself like that, why he fled the way he did. He had momentarily become his twenty-three-year-old self at the time of his change, full of doubt and fear. That was not like him. He always took time and considered everything with care. This time, he hadn't. He'd been such a fool.

Suddenly they were clinging to each other as if their lives depended on it. He stroked Bella's hair and spoke so softly that she couldn't hear him. "My God, Isabella, could you be more perfect?"

In his periphery, he could sense that Alice and Jasper had entered the chapel and were watching them. Although it didn't affect them, he could sense that Jasper had absorbed their feelings of love and relief and that he had sent them to Alice. He could sense their smiles.

What he didn't sense were the hidden eyes that had followed his every move since he landed in Rochester, the eyes that continued to watch him, even as Alice and Jasper approached.

The group moved from the chapel to a secluded corner of the Public Airfield Viewing Area. There they were engaged in a somber conversation.

Carlisle sat and listened quietly as Jasper spoke. "How do you want to do this?"

Carlisle's tone, as he carefully enunciated each word, was one that clearly said he would listen to no arguments. "Edward must never be in a position to harm Isabella again, in any way." Carlisle's thumb caressed Bella's hand where she clung to his, refusing to let go of him.

"Obviously, but-" Alice began, when Carlisle held up his free hand.

"I'm sorry, Alice. I do trust your visions, you know that. You also know that they are subjective. One spontaneous decision by anyone could change things. There must be safeguards in place."

Alice huffed as Bella's expression became troubled.

Jasper spoke softly to Bella. "Carlisle's not wrong. Generalizations are unfair. But, in this case, one applies to Edward. Vampires don't change easily, neither does he—" Bella opened her mouth to speak, but Jasper continued before she could— "I can see that you're thinkin' about Carlisle. He does change and grow, more than most humans. Carlisle, he's the exception. Edward he's the poster boy for the stereotype. Most of us, we're in between somewhere." Jasper smiled. "And we aren't, any of us, taking away your choices or dictating to you. After all, Carlisle came here expressly to get Edward for you, even though it seemed to him to be the realization of his worst fears."

Carlisle's surprised eyes shot to Jasper's face. Jasper nodded at him to let him know that his attempts to hide those feelings had failed.

Jasper continued speaking to Bella softly. "If Carlisle planned to force his fear for your safety to dictate your life, he wouldn't have come here to get Edward."

Bella was shocked and appalled. "I never thought for one second that Carlisle would try to force his opinions on me. Carlisle isn't like that. How could you suggest that he would consider dictating anything to anyone? Don't you know him at all?" Bella was leaning forward in her vehement defense of Carlisle. "He talks with people, he doesn't dictate. He listens to people. Really listens. Everything he does is out of his desire to help people. He would never use any kind of force. He wouldn't coerce or compel anyone to anything, not even for their own good. He…" At Alice's laughter, Bella turned on her.

"What?"

"First Rosalie, now Jazz. I'm just wondering how long it's going to take you to get to all of us."

Bella's eyes widened. "Oh." She blushed profusely and sat as far back in her chair as she could. She hid behind her hair and spoke to her lap. "I'm sorry."

Bella was distracted from her embarrassment by Carlisle taking raising her hand to his lips. He looked into her eyes. "Thank you, sweetheart." He never broke eye contact as he kissed her hand.

The love and admiration shining in his eyes was unmistakeable. She smiled shyly at him.

"Now, can we get to the details?" Jasper asked, clearly attempting to hide his amusement.

Some of the tension had eased as they continued their discussion.

"I'll have to go back to Charlie's-"

Three voices cut her off in unison. "No!"

Bella couldn't make out anything else they said, as they were all speaking over each other.

"There is an epidemic; your health would be endangered there-"

"Victoria is still out there. Your safety can't be ensured there-"

"I know what you'll go back to wearing if you go there-"

Alice and Jasper fell silent to allow Carlisle to speak. "Isabella, it isn't safe for you with the epidemic."

Alice chimed in. "It's okay, Carlisle, Bella has her own personal physician."

Carlisle shot Alice a patient smile. "As I was about to say, I'm not comfortable with Edward moving back in just yet, and not just out of concern for Isabella's health. There are many other reasons that make me believe it would be best for him to remain living on his own for a while. Perhaps Edward could visit while remaining in residence in Rochester."

Jasper's tone was thoughtful. "What about his restrictions?"

Carlisle sighed. "He will have to be allowed out of the house for more than just hunting. However, he must give me advance notice before he comes to Forks."

"Carlisle?"

He turned his full attention to Bella.

"Could you be with me when Edward is in Forks?" She paused to gather her thoughts. "I mean, I know you have important obligations, but maybe Edward could visit on days when you are off and not on call?"

Alice discretely nodded at Bella in approval as Carlisle's face broke into a smile that was half relieved and half elated. His eyes sought hers. "Isabella, thank you."

"Visitation limits?" Jasper's businesslike tone interrupted.

His attention still on Bella, Carlisle spoke to her instead of answering Jasper. "Tell me everything that would make you comfortable if Edward visits us, please?"

Her blush intensified. Her voice was tentative. "I'm guessing we'll be hiding our relationship from him."

Alice answered before Carlisle could. "For now, it would be best. You won't have to hide from him for long."

Bella nodded seriously. "Maybe he could visit once or twice a week, when you can be with me, Carlisle?"

"That's perfectly reasonable. I think once a week will be more than enough to start with." Carlisle assured her. "But, if you don't want him at all, that's truly fine. I don't want you to be uncomfortable in any way."

"No, Carlisle, it won't bother me if he visits. I won't be uncomfortable; I just want you to be comfortable. I want you to feel at ease with all of this. You two need to start mending."

"Don't be too selfless, Isabella."

"I'm not being selfless. I'm fine. You and Edward need to heal."

Jasper got Carlisle's attention and asked, "Just to be clear, Edward is still part of our coven and covered by the treaty?"

"Yes," Carlisle answered tightly, obviously remembering the accident that caused him to want to expel Edward from his family. "Provisionally."

Alice looked at Carlisle. "And your crest?"

"No."

Jasper and Alice exchanged a look. "Carlisle," Jasper began slowly, "I'm wearin' your crest and you didn't even change me."

"You deserve to wear my crest, Jasper. I'm proud to call you family, both of you."

"He'll be terribly hurt," Alice said.

Carlisle's voice was quiet and uncharacteristically hard. "He should have thought of that before he hurt Bella. Edward Masen will never again bear my name."

Alice sighed. "Mending, Carlisle, Bella wants you and Edward to mend."

Carlisle looked at Bella, his tone softened. "Then, we will mend."

Jasper's expression was thoughtful. "Okay, Carlisle, he won't wear your crest. Is there anything else we need to think about before we talk to him?"

"Yes. I'll have my lawyer deed the Rochester house to Edward Masen. If you could have your man provide him with documents in the name of Edward Anthony Masen, I'd appreciate it. For now, he is still suspended from the company and has no voice in family meetings. In time that may change. But for now, he doesn't deserve an active position."

Alice's brow furrowed. "Is he family or a coven member?"

Carlisle regarded Alice seriously. "I would never stand in the way of him being anything to any of you that you want him to be."

"Well," Alice declared, "I want him to be my brother." She put great emphasis on her next words. "I also want him to be your brother again, Carlisle, one with whom you are mending a rift."

"Alice…"

"Nope. I've decided. That's what I want him to be to me. You said it was up to us, Carlisle."

Carlisle shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips at Alice's unrepentant ways.

"Come on, Jazz, we have a brother to talk to." She skipped away dragging Jasper with her.

Bella's gaze followed Alice. "She's going to steal a car, isn't she?"

"Probably." Carlisle stood and held his hand for Bella. "Shall we?"

Carlisle was unusually silent and contemplative. He held Bella's hand and gazed with unseeing eyes out the plane's window.

After a while, Bella broke into his reverie. "What are you thinking about?"

He turned to her. "Edward."

"Your first born vampire."

"You could say that."

"He's more like your twin than your brother isn't he?"

Carlisle looked at Bella questioningly.

She smiled fondly. "I've seen you communicate. Sure, Edward can read everyone's thoughts, well, except mine. But sometimes you understand what he's saying to you without words too."

"I can't read his mind."

"You don't have to; you're that close. He's close with the rest of the family too. Esme dotes on him and I can see how much she mothers him." Bella smiled. "Although, she mothers you too."

"She mothers all of us."

"She does. But, I think she has a special maternal spot for you and Edward. Everyone is close to Edward. They all love him and miss him. But, for you it's different. Do you see why I couldn't stand to let you lose him over an accident?"

Carlisle's fears showed clearly on his face. "He could have killed you."

"I could die if this plane crashes."

Carlisle's voice was humorless. "Perhaps, I should change you now."

Bella's laugh made Carlisle smile. "I'd rather not explain that to the pilot, thank you very much."

Carlisle's voice became quiet and grave when he spoke again. "Isabella, I'm serious. Not about here, now, on this plane. But, each moment of each day that passes you could be fatally injured. What if I'm not there to change you?"

"Well then, Dr. Cullen, I'll just have to stay with you every moment, of every day, until it's time for you to change me."

Carlisle's eyes were full of a hushed sincerity as they met Bella's. "That would be heaven on earth." He saw Bella blush under the intensity of his gaze. "But, now that you've decided to bring Edward back, that might not be the wisest thing."

Bella's voice was soft and sad. "We need to hide from him, so we'll have to hide from everyone."

"Everyone except Alice and Jasper. I'm sure your father suspects; however, it would be best not to confirm his suspicions until we no longer need to hide from Edward."

Bella's brow furrowed. "Alice can't protect her thoughts from Edward during her visions."

"Well then, Miss Swan." Carlisle imitated her earlier tone. "We'll just have to find a way to tell him before she has her next vision in his presence." Carlisle smiled mischievously and pulled her gently into his lap. "Although, a bit of sneaking around may be… exciting."

"Why, Dr. Cullen..." Bella flipped around so that she was sitting astride Carlisle's lap facing him. She wound her arms around his neck and leaned into him to whisper in his ear. "Are you, the highly respected town doctor, planning to have an illicit romance with an innocent high school girl; the Chief of Police daughter no less?"

His hands went to her waist and moved up and down her sides. He turned his head, his breath washed over her ear and made her shiver as his voice deepened with desire. "Why yes, Miss Swan, that is exactly what I'm going to do."

In that moment Carlisle's fears were forever banished. He knew that Bella's feelings for him were not transference. He realized that she too had considered that possibility and explored it. He now knew that she had come to the conclusion that he had hoped for; their love is real. Theirs is a love based on a real and solid foundation. A foundation of friendship shared interests and desires. He looked into her eyes and smiled.

He moved her tempting body from his lap and settled her back beside him. He leant down and brushed her lips with his. The kiss was so gentle that she was not sure they had actually touched. When he kissed her again, he moved closer to her, and this kiss held a bit more firmness. She responded by wrapping one of her arms around his neck, and running the fingers of her other hand through his hair. Her courage was rewarded as his touch became more sure, he held her jaw in his hands, and his cold thumbs caressed her neck. She opened her mouth slightly. She inhaled sharply as his tongue entered her mouth and touched hers. She was thrilled at the small moan this brought from deep within Carlisle. She melted into his arms. She could not believe that Carlisle Cullen was here with her, and that he was holding her and kissing her. This time she moaned; the sensations that were coursing through her body were beyond coherency. She lost her thoughts entirely as his tongue began to passionately stroke hers, tasting her, drinking of her. She was becoming lost in a swirl of sensations, she was being blinded by a myriad of colors, and she was falling without end. She would have probably fallen off the chartered plane's luxurious sofa if he not been holding her to him. In this haze of intense feelings, her body began to respond to him in ways she had never imagined.

He slowly ended the kiss and pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. She felt an intense anticipation that bordered on painful. She waited and watched as his eyes seemed to see something he had been looking for in hers; then Dr. Carlisle Cullen gently pulled her back into his lap, this time, he positioned her to rest astride him. Her breasts pressed against his chest before their mouths reconnected in a searing kiss.

He was keenly aware of how soft she felt in his arms, and how extremely warm she was where their bodies touched. He couldn't get enough of her. She was sweet and she tasted of innocence. He pulled his lips from her and ghosted them over the wildly pulsing artery in her neck. The cadence of her blood was music to him. A rhythm that called to him and engendered his passion rather than his blood lust. They had kissed before, but this time… He forced himself to slow down, to become more gentle. He did not want to frighten her with the sudden overwhelming need that had flared within him at her kisses, her touch.

She wasn't having any of that. She tangled both her hands in his hair and renewed the fierceness of their kiss. To her delight he responded in kind. She pushed herself more firmly onto his denim clad lap; she heard his gutteral moan through her own gasp as she felt his hard body press into her softness. The intimate contact caused feelings to furl within her in a way she had never experienced. She ran her hands down his neck and felt him shudder under her touch. The knowledge that this wise and powerful vampire would shudder for her emboldened her. She began to explore his shoulders, arms, and back. When he moved his mouth from hers she whimpered in protest until she felt his lips on her throat, she tilted her head backwards to expose more of that delicate flesh to him. He dragged his lips slowly over her, igniting a trail of heat as he kissed, nipped and licked his way up behind her ear, making her shiver in pleasure. All of her senses were completely overwhelmed by him, yet she couldn't get enough of him. She needed more.

"Isabella," he said, his voice a deep whisper. "This is unlike anything I have ever known. I want you, Isabella," he said, his voice becoming breathy in her ear. She couldn't suppress more shivers of delight at the feel of his voice and breath. "I need you." He was trailing kisses down her neck now, to the opening of her top. He spoke into her skin, "I love you." His voice vibrated on her. The soft touch of his lips as he spoke sent delicious chills coursing through her body.

She inhaled sharply as his lips continued their divine torture. "Carlisle-" Her voice sounded drugged in her desire. "I love you."

She moved her hand to undo the top button of his shirt. It was that moment the intercom flared to life with the pilot's voice, making them both startle.

They were about to land in Seattle.

Bella and Carlisle walked hand in hand to the Sea-Tac Airport's car park. "I have something for you." Carlisle smiled. "It came yesterday. I was planning to give it to you last night, but we got distracted."

Bella wrapped her free arm around Carlisle's and leant into him as they walked. "You are all I could ever want or need."

They had reached his Mercedes. He opened the trunk and reached into a small jeweler's bag. A teasing smile played across his face. "Close your eyes, Isabella."

She smiled back and complied. She felt him press something into her hands then she heard him close the trunk and laugh. "You can open your eyes now."

He watched as she opened her eyes and her hand. In her palm was a heavy piece of silver. It was two swans facing each other, their foreheads touching, their necks forming a heart.

"A key chain? It's beautiful, Carlisle."

"There's more."

From his pocket, he removed his spare car key. In a flash, he fastened it to the sterling key chain in Bella's hand.

She looked at the Mercedes logo on the key in her hand. "A key to your car?" she asked, looking up to find Carlisle watching her.

He put his arms around her waist and drew her to him. "A key to our car."

"Our car?"

He laughed playfully. "You seem to like driving it."

She blushed.

"Yes, Isabella, our car." He caught her eye. "Is that all right?"

Her answer was a kiss. He returned her affection with enthusiasm, backing her against the Mercedes in question.

She couldn't refuse the lure of his flaxen hair; her hands moved into it of their own accord, opening herself up to him more. He pressed his body into hers. She gasped in pleasure at the contact. His hands cupped her cheeks as he maneuvered her head to kiss her more deeply. She was grateful for the car and his hard body, as her knees decided to give out on her.

At the sound of someone tutting a few cars down, they broke apart, smiling into each other's eyes. Bella slipped her new keychain into her pocket.

Carlisle slid his hand down her shoulder and arm to clasp hers. He drew her to the front passenger door and opened it for her. She slid into the seat, her knees still quivering. As he moved at human speed to the driver's side he smiled with satisfaction. She was attaching her house keys and her truck's key to the key chain, right beside the Mercedes' key. She had accepted his car key. It was one small step closer.

They never let go of each other's hand on the drive from Seattle. A drive that was full of soft music and longing glances.

They rounded a curve just past Tumbling Rapids Recreation Area when Carlisle's serious tone broke the mood. "There's something wrong." He was looking at a car on the side of the road out near some trees. It was not parked neatly. Carlisle pulled in behind and went to the driver's door of the off-kilter car. It was times like these when he hated to maintain human speed, but he knew they were too exposed here. He couldn't take the chance. He opened the driver's door and called to Bella.

"Get my bag."

She reached behind the seat and grabbed it. She jumped out of the car and ran to Carlisle.

She watched as Carlisle assessed the driver. Obviously deciding that it would be safe, he pulled the driver out and placed him on the ground. It was her father's friend, Harry Clearwater. She watched as Carlisle immediately began CPR.

"Check his airway."

Bella froze.

Carlisle's voice was encouraging and commanding. "Isabella, you can do this."

His faith in her snapped her out of it. She checked Harry's airway and proceeded to give him two breaths each time Carlisle said, "Now." They continued for what seemed like forever when Carlisle's voice got an edge to it. "Stop. Call EMS."

Bella pulled out her phone and promptly threw it. "Dead battery!" Carlisle was bent over Harry performing chest compressions. Without interrupting him she reached into the back pocket of his jeans and got his phone. She made the call and gave the dispatcher their location.

"I need your help." Carlisle's voice was urgent.

"No, you stay on the line!" Bella shouted in response to the dispatcher on the phone. She set the phone, still connected, on the ground beside Carlisle.

It wasn't standard procedure, certainly not in this setting, but Carlisle had to use all measures available to him. He knew he could make this work. His supernatural hand directly around the heart was the best option. It was all he could think of that would give the man a fighting chance at life. "Take over compressions. He's not responding. I'm going to try direct compressions."

She knew what Carlisle meant. As he opened his bag and pulled out a scalpel she swallowed thickly. He poured iodine over Harry and his hands. When he began making an incision between the fifth and sixth ribs, she looked away. She heard him spread the ribs apart. Even though his body blocked his movements, she knew he'd done it with his hands. She fought her dizziness and swallowed bile as the scent of blood assailed her sensitive nostrils. She didn't falter in her compressions.

"When I say stop…" Carlisle was reaching into Harry's chest. "Stop!" Carlisle began compressions directly on his heart. "Tell them he's in ventricular fibrillation. I need them to put a manual internal defibrillator, Epi and Atropine on that truck."

Bella picked up the phone and relayed Carlisle's information. "It's Dr. Cullen giving aid to Harry Cle- the victim. He needs a manual internal defibrillator, Atropine and Epi on the ambulance." Bella listened for a few seconds. Her tone became agitated. "It's Epinephrine. I'm telling you to put it on the ambulance and get it here!" More silence. "I know that." As Bella listened, another few seconds of silence passed. "Dr. Carlisle Cullen. DEA number FC97606. Yes, I'm sure. I know his registration." Bella huffed in frustration. "He can't, his hands are in the victim's chest. For God's sake move!" After a few more seconds of silence, she finally turned to Carlisle. "They're on their way." She fought down bile and asked, "Asystole?"

"Not yet." He gave her an encouraging smile. She was a remarkably intelligent woman. He couldn't help but be pleased. She was always so interested in everything that happened during his day. There were those in his family that were trained physicians and yet still didn't care about his work. She did. She had even begun picking things up from all their talks. It was too bad the smell of blood made her turn that particular shade of grey-green. He knew she would never work in medicine. She was a support to him and she understood what he was talking about. She asked him questions, with genuine interest, about his day; but actually practicing medicine, he knew that was something she would never want to do.

When the ambulance arrived there was a flurry of commotion. Carlisle was working and giving orders in his professional, indubitable voice. Bella could see him use the paddles and administer one of the medications. Finally, when they were strapping Harry to a board, she approached. Carlisle turned to her and smiled. She reached out to him, their forearms clasped, and he wrapped his hands reassuringly around her arms. "He should make it." He glanced at them loading Harry into the ambulance.

"Go with him." She smiled tremulously. "I'll meet you there."

"Isabella-"

"Don't worry. I'll stay in the car. I'll see you in a bit."

Carlisle nodded and climbed into the back of the ambulance.

Just as Bella closed the back door of the car, after putting Carlisle's medical bag back in it, a cruiser pulled up. Her father got out. "Dad." Bella dreaded telling him it was his friend in the ambulance.

Charlie looked at the bloody handprints on Bella's arm. "You okay, Bells?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." She saw what he was looking at. "It's not mine. Carlisle's gone in the ambulance. It's Harry Clearwater, Dad. He's had a heart attack."

"Harry?" Charlie looked at the car that was askew on the side of the road and recognized it.

"Yeah, Dad. Carlisle's taking care of him. He'll be okay."

Charlie's face showed his relief.

Bella gestured to the Mercedes. "I'm going to pick Carlisle up when he's done." She fished in her pocket for her keys. She was shaking from the aftermath of the drama. She dropped her keys on the ground between herself and Charlie. When she picked them up the sun peaked out from behind the cloud cover. The swans glinted in the light.

Charlie looked at what she held. "You have a key to the Doc's car." It wasn't a question.

"Yeah, Dad."

Charlie nodded, his expression was inscrutable. "I'll be at the hospital as soon I clear here."

"I won't see you there; I'll stay in the car. Carlisle is still worried about me catching Meningitis."

"'Kay, Bells." Charlie's voice was distracted as he took in the scene.

Bella got in the Mercedes and started it. She pulled onto the road, blissfully unaware of the audience that had come out of the recreation area when Carlisle had skidded to a halt, as he pulled over to give aid. The Forks rumor mill had been fed.