Because You Live

Chapter 2


"Bella, are you still planning on going to Seattle for college?" Carlslie asked as he watched me eat a bowl of cereal.

"That was the plan."

"Were you still planning on living here with Charlie?"

"Yeah, at least until I can find a place closer to Seattle."

"At least let me replace your truck. An hour drive back and forth each day will be rough on that beast. I know Edward had planned on getting you a car before the wedding, but let me get it for you."

"Carlslie, you don't have to."

"I want to. Consider it an early birthday present, or a late graduation present."


It was black, sleek, shiny, and a Mercedes. It had four doors, automatic locks and doors, heated seats and side mirrors, dual side airbags and climate controls, a CD player, GPS Navigation System, cruise control, and ON STAR. The other Cullens just smirked as I took the keys from Carlslie, wondering what I'd gotten myself into. Alice was smiling wide and came over and gave me a hug.

"Alice, tell me something, do you still see me becoming a vampire? Or has my future changed?"

She thought for a minute. "I see you still becoming one of us, but it's in the future, it's not anytime soon."

"But how can that be? Edward is dead, he's the only one I wanted to become a vampire for. If he's dead what's the point?"

"I see you being bitten but I can't make out who is doing it. It's fuzzy, but I can still see you becoming one of us."


The summer was passing too slowly for me. I had nightmares on a daily basis, and Carlslie would be there to calm me down when I would wake up screaming. How he managed to sneak in my room without Charlie finding out I'll never know, but then again he never knew Edward stayed over either.

This night was no different. It was very warm in my room, and I was sweltering under the covers. Carlslie was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at me wordlessly.

"Carlslie, can you do me a favor?"

"Anything for you, Bella."

"Can you get under the covers with me? It's so hot in here, and Charlie doesn't believe in air conditioning." I knew his cool skin would keep me from getting heat stroke.

Without a word he peeled the covers back and climbed in bed with me, wrapping the covers back around me so I wouldn't get too chilled. I wasn't used to seeing Carlslie in jeans and a tshirt, he usually dressed casual or business like.
Carlslie and the rest of the family had explained to Charlie that Esme and Edward had been in a car accident and had been burned beyond recognition, so the "funeral" had been closed casket. Charlie seemed to take the news better than I thought, even though he constantly worried that I was heading for a nervous breakdown. I came close one time, it got to the point where I couldn't breathe, and it felt like my chest was in a vise. Carlslie had calmed me down.

"So how old does Charlie think you are?" I asked quietly in the darkness as I tried to keep my body cool.

"30."

I was quiet for a minute and then Carlslie spoke up again.

"Do you think the police chief would mind if I took his daughter out to dinner some night?"

"Dr Cullen, are you asking me out on a date?"

"Just to dinner. I know you haven't really felt like going anywhere lately, and neither have I, but I think we both need some time alone, just the two of us, without our family around."

"We're alone now," I reminded him, moving closer to him. I felt him stiffen for a moment and then he spoke.

"Bella, if you don't stop doing what you're doing I don't know if I will be able to stop myself."

"Do what?"

As if on cue I felt his erection poking me in the back, and I realized that I'd been rubbing my backside into him. I blushed and tried to pull away but he tightened his arms around me.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, Carlslie, I wasn't thinking."