I'm so sorry everyone, I'd begun to give up on writing this story but I found this small chapter I'd forgotten about so I'll post it and see what happens. It's short, and I haven't really proof read it because I just wanted to get it out to any of the readers who have stuck around during my lack of writing. Thanks for reading! And all characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.

Carlisle's POV

I should have known. I should have seen that coming. My average, rarely-used, fighting skills were no match compared to Edward's newborn strength. He held me pinned to the wall, my feet dangling a good foot off the ground as his hand remained stationed around my throat. Had I needed oxygen to survive, I would have been unconscious by this point, but as that was not the case I hung limply from his iron grip. Instead of attempting to speak out loud, I pleaded with the young man through my thoughts.

Edward, please, of course I'm not blaming your situation on your mother. I had already decided to make myself a companion. I just couldn't bear to let you die, you still have so much potential ahead of you and I couldn't let all of that go to waste. Elizabeth asked me, no, pleaded with me, to save you, to do everything within my power to ensure that you survive. Transforming you was inevitable, your mother's wishes simply reassured me that I was making the right choice.

I hoped my earnest response would be enough to stop Edward from making any drastic decisions regarding my survival. As my words fully registered with him I saw a miniscule change in his expression. The hard glint in his eyes had softened minutely and his grasp on me slackened ever so slightly.

You don't have to stay. I will understand completely if you can't stand the thought of being with me.

Even as I thought these words, I knew I couldn't fool myself. Already I was feeling fiercely protective over the boy that stood before me and the thought of reverting back to my solitude nearly made me take back what I'd just told him. My goldenrod eyes stared unwavering into the crimson that had overtaken his emerald irises, silently begging him to calm down and let me go. The attempt had my desired effect. Edward slowly lowered me back down to the ground, my hand going to massage the place where his fingers had held a vigorous grip on my neck. He stepped back, appearing remorseful for his sudden attack. However, I remained cautious, after witnessing how quickly his emotions could alter.

"I'm sorry." He cast his eyes downward, seemingly embarrassed to meet my gaze after his outburst. "It's just a lot to take in. My family and I were very close, and to suddenly be alone while having to adjust to...to...this..." he gestured to his newly transformed form, "I just lost my head."

"That's perfectly understandable Edward, the transformation is an overwhelming experience. If it's alright, I'll tell you a bit more about the life I've created, the life I've lived since my own change. Then you're free to leave if you so wish." My voice trailed off at the end, desperately hoping he chose not to do so.

Edward seemed to think for a moment, then swallowed thickly. "That would be fine, but is there anything I could do to soothe this burning in my throat first?"

"Oh! Of course! How could I forget about that initial thirst, when the burning is nearly unbearable." I apologized profusely to the clearly suffering boy, and turned to enter the woods that encroached the edge of the house.