|: Cigarettes and Candy :| Carlisle... - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Declan's POV
I panted as I flew above the neighborhood I momentarily lived in with Bella and Renee. Growing tired with every flap of my wings, I perched in a tree for a quick rest.
Everyone is going to be so mad.
Literally everyone. Carlisle and Esme will probably be the most upset. Carlisle, poor Carlisle. I promised him I'd stay safe and now here I am, flying into the arms of the danger.
I'm sure with time he'll forgive me. He's a kind person and he can't stay mad at me forever, but the fact that I know he will be disappointed in me is making me hesitate.
I've never felt so reluctant, so hesitant. I used to always be so sure and confident in my actions. Every choice I made I was sure it was for the best. Has moving to Forks and meeting the Cullens changed me?
Taking a deep breath, I hopped from the tree branch and began to soar again. I pumped my wings to make me gain some height and spread them wide to keep me soaring above the houses below. I am growing closer to my destination with every second and my anxiety is growing as well.
If this is a trap, better me falling for it than someone else. Better me than Bella. Better me than Carlisle. Then again, Carlisle would've came up with a better plan because he's actually smart.
Seeing as I'm the only one who can fly, maybe I am best to be scoping things out. I don't even need to get close to see what's really going on. If I don't need to get close then James might not even know I was there.
As I grew closer to the house and could see it down the street, I circled the street a few times. Once I found the right place to land near the house, I flew closer. After reaching the roof of the neighbors house, I landed as softly as I could manage on the edge.
I shook my wings out and pulled them in against my back I'm an attempt to conceal them without putting them away. I stayed quiet and listened for movement.
It's nighttime so everyone in the neighboring houses are settling down for the night which is making things eerily quiet. Yet, I don't hear any movement coming from Bella's old house. Is there anyone even in there?
That's where James is supposed to be, right? This is where he called from, why wouldn't he be here? Did he leave?
Leaping from the roof, I soared the short way to the roof of Bella's old house. I landed near the closest windows and peaked through them.
Nothing looks out of the ordinary. There's no sign of a struggle or anything. I can see the table where the phone sits right now and it looks as pristine as it was when we left.
Deciding to explore more, I slid off the roof to land on the ground below. I crept to the back of the house and looked through the kitchen window.
Nothing, same as the upstairs window. Everything is completely in order, nothing looks a inch out of place. The chairs are all pushed in, the countertops are cleared off and cleaned.
What does this mean? Did he take Renee away from here? The room! The room with the mirrors! Did he take Renee to the room with the mirrors?
I should check to see if Renee's scent is around or any unfamiliar scents. I'll check around the back door and the front door. If I catch a heavy new scent I'll call Jasper and have him check it out.
The more time I spend alone the more upset everyone will be with me so I guess I should get Jasper to come with me. Not until I find something worth while though.
I moved to the back sliding glass door and took some deep breaths, collecting the scents around the door. I found no signs or Renee or anyone for that matter.
Walking around the side of the house to get to the front door, I continued to listen closely to the sounds of the neighborhood. I don't want to be ambushed by an angry nomad. I need to keep a close eye on what's around me.
Reaching the front door, I looked around while I scented the space. I looked for any sighs of struggle or a break in, yet everything looked normal. The door was even locked, so how did James get in to use the phone? Maybe a window?
Sighing when I found nothing, I sat down on the steps and pulled my wings into my back. I picked up a rock that was by my feet and inspected it, desperate for some sort of clue as to what to do.
I put myself in danger and I'm going to disappoint my friends, all for nothing. I can't help but feel disappointed, of course I didn't want to run into James with Renee. I was hoping that no one would be here and Renee would be safe.
However, what if he has Renee somewhere else? What if he took her away from here after calling Bella? Where should I be looking?
At that thought, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out and QuickRing looked at the time and noticed I've been gone for about five hours. Shit, I hope everyone's not worried about me.
I pressed the answer button when I learned it was Alice who was calling and brought the phone up to my ear.
"Hey, Alice. I'm sorry." I instantly apologized, hoping she wasn't calling to yell at me.
"Declan! You have to get to the ballet studio! Bella is there with James, you need to get there as soon as you can!" She said so fast I could barely make out her words.
She must be running, I can hear the air whooshing around her. Does she think I can get there faster than she can?
"Oh shit! Fuck!" I swore when I processed her words. "I told Bella that I'd handle it! Why did she leave?."
"I don't know, you just have to get to the ballet studio." She stressed. I don't like her voice like that, I realized. "I'll see you when you get there."
She hung up right after that and I stood, sliding my phone back into my pocket and looking around frantically. I found a tree that looks like I could climb up to gain some height and I ran towards it.
I climbed branch after branch until I reached a height I feel is high enough. I carefully released my wings trying not to hurt myself by letting my wings hit a tree branch.
I slowly moved towards the skinny edge of the branch before letting myself fall. I spread my wings and used the speed I created to fly off in the direction I believed the studio to be in.
Now that I think about it, I remember passing a building that Bella said she used to dance in. We would pass it every time we went to the grocery store. Which was multiple times a week.
I flew as fast as I could, the wind against my face made it hard to breathe but I pressed on. I pushed myself harder than I've ever pushed myself when flying. Flying at a speed I've never reached before, I couldn't help but feel somewhat giddy in my panic.
They'll get to her in time, I know they will. Every part of me believes they will. They have too.
How did Bella even get away? Weren't Jasper and Alice watching her? How did she slip by two vampires?
I pumped my wings even harder when I started to recognize where I was. I'm closer than I thought, I wonder how fast I'm flying. Faster then the cars below me, but faster than a vampire can run? I don't know.
When I started to smell smoke in the air, I grew concerned. What are the chances that a building near the ballet studio caught fire on the same night when there's a vampire fight going on? Not likely, in my humble opinion. So who set the ballet studio on fire?
I could hear the sirens and I was beginning to see the flashing lights. I landed on a nearby roof and stared at the burning building. The firemen were using their giant hoses to spray water all over but it doesn't seem like the fire is going down.
Is Bella in there? What about my Cullens? Are they okay, did they get out? What if they didn't?
I quickly circled around until I landed in an alley next to the studio. I paced the length of the alley as I tugged at my hair stressfully. I growled as my mind started playing out all the terrible things that could've happened in that studio.
Suddenly, I heard movement at the other end of the alley. I turned to face it and let out another angry growl that came from deep in my chest. My eyes focused on the figure, a woman at the other side of this alley.
I inhaled deeply trying to see if I recognize the scent and of course I don't, I haven't even scented the Cullens so there's no way I'd know who it could be.
Stepping out of the shadows, the figure revealed herself. I recognized the red hair instantly, the woman from the field. Victoria, was it?
"You're friends," her voice sounded like a childlike. "You're friends killed my James!"
How do I play this? Do I say sorry?
"Well, I mean, he shouldn't have tried to kill my friend I guess." My voice sounded weak and confused but I rose my wings defensively.
With a cry sounding like a furious cat, she took a single careful step towards me. When she saw I wasn't going to run away, she smiled. With her teeth bared and hands shaped like claws, she darted right at me.
I flapped my wings swiftly and flew around her to the other side of the alley. I spun around to face her as she hissed out of frustration. My wings twitched, the action causing her to stare at them.
"I'll tear those damned wings right out of your spine!" She snarled and spat.
I couldn't help but to let out a scoff, that probably wasn't the best idea. I admit that.
She let out a feral noise once again and ran towards me. I jumped up and pumped my wings and placed my feet on her shoulders. Using all of my strength, I pushed her into the brink wall to my left.
The sound was loud, even with the sirens still blaring. It was like throwing a boulder against a boulder.
She straightens up swiftly and glares at me. "You can't beat me." She sneered.
I heard footsteps rushing in this direction and hoped and prayed that it wasn't a human coming after hearing that loud noise.
"Declan!" I heard a familiar mans voice yell for me.
Victoria's head quickly looked between where the voice was coming from and then back to me. She hissed before turning to climb the wall like a spider. I watched her as she reached the top and disappeared over the edge.
Jasper suddenly turns the corner to the alley. He glanced up the wall where Victoria disappeared but he continued walking towards me. Once reaching me he grabbed my wrist and began pulling me out of the alley.
"Come on, put your wings away and your shirt back on. You have to go to the hospital." He explained.
I pulled my wrist away and put my wings away while pulling my shirt out of my pocket. I tugged it on and let Jasper grab my arm again. He pulled me out of the alley and led me a few blocks away.
Once reaching a busy street, he hailed a taxi and opened the door for me. I climbed in and slid over for him to join me.
After he told the driver to take me to the hospital, I patted the seat next to me to indicate that was his seat. Why is he not already in the taxi?
"I can't come," he said softly, "not to a hospital."
He handed me a palmful of cash, I'm assuming for the ride. I stuffed it in my pocket as I wondered why he wouldn't come with me.
The blood, oh. Nevermind I get it. Yeah, he shouldn't come.
I frowned, "oh." I nodded and closed the door.
The driver quickly took off as soon as I closed my door. The ride was silent, the driver didn't even try to do small talk with me. Which I'm grateful for, really. I'm not in the mood for small talk, I just need to see Bella.
She needs to be okay. I don't think I'll ever forgive myself if she's not. I should've stayed with her and kept her from going to see James. My dumbass really believed she would stay in the hotel. Stupid fucking bitch, is what I am.
I wrung my fingers together nervously in the back of the taxi while trying to decide whether I was angry or terrified. Can I be both? I'm angry with myself, and I'm terrified for Bella.
What happened that landed her in the hospital? What did James manage to do before the Cullens arrived? Is it a life or death situation?
When the driver pulled up in front of the hospital , I pulled the money out of my pocket and handed it all to him. When I got out Alice was only a foot away from me.
I stepped up to her quickly and wrapped my arms around her shoulders for a hug. I huffed out a heavy breath as she hugged me and patted my back. I heard the taxi drive away before I pulled away from the hug.
She looked overwhelmed and maybe a bit sad. "She's okay, Declan. Just resting."
"But-but, the ballet studio was on fire and no one was there but Jasper." I stutter out a sentence, "and Victoria, Alice I was so scared."
I pulled her in for another hug as my terror caught up with me now that the adrenaline is gone. I couldn't feel my heart pounding against my ribs which are aching. I feel like I need to lay down or just be turned off for a while.
"I know, I know." She soothed and pet the hairs on the back of my neck. "Let's go inside and see everyone, okay? Carlisle is here, I know he wants to see you."
As I pulled away from her again and brushed my hair out of my face I mumbled, "does he want to yell at me?"
"Carlisle doesn't yell, but I will admit, he's not very happy." She rubbed my shoulder.
Dammit. Well, I guess I'm not surprised.
"Okay, can you take me where I need to go?" I sniffled.
She nodded sweetly with that same smile that reminds me of Esme, is Esme here too? I would hope so but I doubt she was able to make it in time.
Alice took my hand in hers and started leading me through the halls of the hospital. I collect myself as we walked and I felt a lot better knowing that Alice and Carlisle are here. Knowing that they're here are we can talk about what actually happened. Plus I'll know the cover story. The real cover story.
When we turned a corner I saw Charlie at the other end of the hallway and Alice released my hand.
"Charlie!" I rushed around Alice and jogged down the hallway.
His worried eyes landed on me as I came to a stop in front of him. I looked him over once before noticing he looked like a mess. Like he hasn't slept since we left, I doubt he could calm his worries enough to get some sleep.
"Declan, there you are, everyone was looking for you. You even had Dr. Cullen worried." He rubbed his jaw.
"I'm sorry Charlie, I'm sorry for everything." My voice broke and I couldn't get out any other words unless I planned on crying.
He looked at me with pity in his eyes. "No, Declan it's okay, I'm not mad at you, it's okay."
I sighed and rubbed my tires eyes, "can I see Bella?"
"Uh yeah, yeah." He led me to Bella room and held open the door for me. "Remember, she needs rest."
I nodded as I walked past him and closed the door behind me. I turned to see Bella and Edward both looking at me, Bella looks as if she was about to cry.
"Hey, can I talk to Bella just for a minute?" I asked, hoping to get to speak with her alone.
Edward stood with a nod and rubbed Bella's and carefully. He stepped closer to me and the door and I moved out of his way.
"Oh um, Edward?" I began. "I'm sorry that I yelled at you and tried to punch you."
"No harm no foul," he smirked before shutting the door as he left.
I looked back to Bella on the hospital bed and I couldn't help but feel sick to my stomach. She was pale and her whole leg was wrapped with bandages. She looks terrible.
I moved to sit on the edge of her bed and she patted my leg with the hand that wasn't connected to her IV.
"James is dead, I saw them rip his head off." She started with a whisper. "But I don't know what's going to happen now. I'm really worried Declan. I don't want the Cullens to leave."
"They won't leave, I won't let them. I'd hunt them down and drag them back." I told her with a smirk.
She laughed lightly before wincing. "Don't make me laugh, it hurts." She scolded.
"I'm sorry," I apologized. "Do you remember what happened?"
She shook her head, "everything is very fuzzy. I remember being bitten then I remember fire and growling." She narrowed her eyes and looked past me as if lost in her memories.
Bitten? She was bitten? What?
"Maybe it's for the best that you don't remember much." I decided not to ask her about the bite, she doesn't need to explain it to me.
She yawned, "maybe," she shifted on the bed with a wince. "I wish I didn't go there in the first place."
"Honestly, me too. You should've stayed with Alice and Jasper." As angry as I was before, I can't help but feel sad now rather than angry.
She nodded tiredly and I decided that I should leave her to rest. I'll tell Edward to let her rest and everyone will leave her alone.
"I'm gonna leave so you can get some rest, okay?" I reached to rub her shoulder.
Another tired nod was my response and I stood from the bed. I watched as she moved around and got herself comfortable before moving to the door. I waved at her once before opening the door and stepping out.
"Declan." The familiar voice made my chest clench.
I turned to look at him and the rush of emotions was overwhelming.
"Do you have any idea how worried I was? What were you thinking?" Carlisle practically snapped at me.
I gaped at him before looking around the hallway to make sure there was no one around. Luckily, Charlie wasn't around to see this. I could only imagine what he would do.
"You didn't have to be worried. I was fine." I tried to defend myself.
I heard a small growl come from his chest, "did not have to be worried? Are you kidding me? First I get a call from Alice saying that you left to go and find James, then we arrive at the ballet studio and you weren't there. Do you know what I thought happened to you?"
I scoffed, "Carlisle if you were so worried, you should've just called me."
That statement must've nearly made him lose his temper because he shut his eyes harshly then stared above my head.
"What- what are you doing? Are you like, counting to ten or something?" I asked my tone full of disbelief.
His golden eyes landed back on my blue ones, "I'm counting to five."
"Oh, of course." I poked his chest. "A nice guy like you doesn't need a full ten seconds."
That made him smile, as I was hoping it would. It was just for a second but it was a much missed smile that I needed to see.
"Stop making me smile, I'm trying to be stern with you." He scolded his smile still slightly there.
"I don't like it when you're stern with me. Why can't you just be happy to see me?" I looked around again to make sure we were alone before placing a hand on his broad shoulder.
He tilted his head adorably and moved my hand from his shoulder to his cheek. "I am happy to see you, you just had me terrified is all."
"Well, I'm sorry, Carlisle." I apologized for what seems like the twentieth time today. "I didn't mean to make you so scared."
He took my hand from his cheek and held it between both of his. "I feel so bad that you were out through this, especially after Alice told me about what happened between you and Victoria."
I shivered at the thought of Victoria's voice and sharp teeth. "Don't worry about it, I'm fine. I was able to fight back, I wasn't even that scared." I lied.
"Dec, you are not fine." He saw right through my lies I'm sure, he always does. "It's okay to be scared, sweetheart."
"I wasn't scared," I refused to admit it. "I'm brave, Carlisle."
"I know you are." He patted my head, "you're my brave boy." He smiled as he teased me.
I scoffed and pushed him away. "Leave me alone."
"Cmon," he interlocked our fingers and started leading me away from Bella's room. "Let's go find Renee. She's been looking for you."
"She's here!" I said, excited to see the woman who kind of became a mother to me.
"Yeah, and you're not going to believe what she told me." His tone was mischievous and I didn't like that.
I winced, "uh oh, what?"
"Well, I guess my special someone has a birthday coming up." He winked as I gasped.
"No! Why did she tell you that?" I yanked my hand away from him and crossed my arms while I practically pouted.
"She was telling me how she wanted to see you since she might not get to before your birthday." He explained, reaching for my hand but I refused to let him hold my hand.
He laughed, "give me your hand, Declan, I'm not playing games."
"They can't see us holding hands anyway and I will never hold your hand again if you make a big deal out of my birthday." I threatened.
He gaped at me for a moment before he scoffed. "Fine, fine. I won't even chance it then."
I smiled and softly pushed him away from my side, making a bit of distance between us. We were standing too close for us to seem like casual friends. Which we aren't casual friends in the eyes of Charlie. Carlisle is the father of my friend and that's our 'relationship'.
How could this whole thing end well for us? How could Carlisle and I ever be together? We just can't. It won't work.
I need to stop thinking those things. Sometimes things just work out, but sometimes they don't. That's just what life is and I need to get used to that.
As long as I can have Carlisle in my life, I'm okay. I don't need him to be a boyfriend or anything like that.
I just need him.