Stephenie Meyer owns all Twilight characters and references, and I own Whispers Of Honesty. A/N at bottom.
"Mama ocean hold me to you. Rock me on your wavesAnd tell me...Is it all true?" Soul Of The Sea by Heart
Chapter 1. Soul Of The Sea
~*WoH*~
Watching the tranquil sea swallow the days end, I lean back on my arms and close my eyes. Taking slow deep breathes; I am intoxicated by an eastern breeze of the salty autumn breeze. I slowly open my eyes to the feathery clouds dusted in powder blue and salmon hues. This is definitely my favorite time of year.
Perhaps to some, autumn is a morbid season. Taking earth's life, reborn from spring, blooming through summer, to its inevitable death of the first frost, though it only lays dormant during winter's immobile chill. For me, autumn is earth's beauty at its peak, it may be falling into death, but only to reincarnate in months time.
Heading back up to my house, I take in the rest of the beauty that surrounds me. The vivid array of color in reds, yellows, browns, orange, and the green from the pines that survive winters grasp. The refreshing air filled with delectable smells of, apples, pine, cedar, wood burners, and fallen leaves. In the distance I hear the soothing clang of the buoys that guide ships away from the danger of the sea.
Once inside I poor a glass of sangria, and walk up the winding white marble staircase. Once I reach the rounded open room, I turn on my Ipod and the built in speakers begin to play soothing sounds. I walk across the cream colored carpet to the alcove that holds my sanctuary.
I light the candles around the sandstone marble incased tub, and stare out across the moonlit sea through the picturesque bay window. I slide it open allowing the lush autumn breeze to flutter through, put two droplets of lavender bubble bath as the tub begins to fill. Reaching over to my right I switch on the jets and colored lights. I free myself of my clothing and step into the inviting swirls of warmth. Tingles of ecstasy flow through my body from the evenings chill. I lay back allowing my eyes to slowly close. Yes, this is my heaven.
The following morning I awaken from a peaceful slumber. I am thankful for these nights, as the anniversary of my nightmares near. It's been eighteen years, and I still can't stop the images from rushing through my mind.
Opening the curtains to the morning sun, I slide open the door leading out to my balcony. Breathing in the morning's crisp coastal aroma, I begin my morning stretches in my Tinkerbell pajamas. Once finished with my stretches I make my bed wrinkle free, and place seven pillows just so. Three across the bottom, two in the center, and I angle two square black velvet pillows like diamonds on the top.
Preparing my ritual breakfast of cream of wheat and chi tea, I turn on my laptop for the morning news. Scanning through the headlines I read about, the same old government arguments over health care and taxes, to an eighty-five year old man who wins fifty-one million dollars and has a heart attack, to a mother sentenced to death after drowning her three children to be with her secret lover, and then, my eyes freeze on, Dr. Isabella Swan, former Harvard Professor and Clinical director of Psychology, new book "What We've Got Here Is Failure To Communicate" hits number one. I'm stunned beyond belief.
I'm shocked out of my reverie by a severe burning atop of my foot. Once I realize that I have over poured my tea water, I begin hopping around aimlessly. Quickly opening the sliding door that leads to the pool, I step into the cool water reliving some of the pain. After a few minutes I lift my foot out to asses the damage only to have the burn rage back into my foot again.
"SUGAR!" I scream at the top of my lungs. The skin reddens and begins to blister. I scowl at the fact I can not take care of this myself, and need to seek medical assistance.
On my drive to the ER my professional phone rings. I hesitate to answer it. Once I see the number though I smile and send it to my car speaker.
"Hello, Alice Whitlock." I hold back my laughter.
"Excuse me? I am thee one and only Alice Whitlock. I called for Dr. Isabella Swan, is she available?" She said sternly. I burst out laughing. Alice may be my best friend, but when she calls my professional number she means business. We are not friends; she is my agent only, at this time. I just like to rile her up.
I over exuberantly clear my throat "This is Dr, Isabella Swan."
"Hello, Isabella, how are you this morning?"
"Good morning Alice. I woke up in a pleasant mood, but as I was reading the morning headlines I came across something that put me in a state of shock. While I stood before my laptop, mouth agape, I had forgotten I was pouring my tea water. Right now I am on my way to the hospital with what I am sure is at least second degree burn." I wait for her response, and the line goes dead.
I was about to call her back, when The Beatles Help plays on my personal phone. I immediately burst out laughing. She is so strict to keep our business and personal lives separate. I switch the phone to car speaker and answer.
"Good morning Alice"
"Oh my god Bella, I am sooo sorry. Are you alright? Do you need me to come to the hospital with you? How bad is it? Do you think it will scar? Bella? Bella, say something." I laugh at her complete change in demeanor.
"I'm fine Alice. I don't need you to come hold my hand, so please calm down."
"Oh Bella, I know it must be bad though if your going to the hospital. I'm sorry I didn't tell you your book would post number one this week. I wanted it to be a surprise." The sincerity in her voice displays earnestly.
"Don't worry Allie I'll be fine. It was quite a surprise too, and it's not your fault that I was stumped into submission. Listen sweetie, I'm the hospital now. I will give you a call when I am out."
"Ok, Bell, just call as soon as you're done. Love ya, talk to ya soon."
"Love you to Allie, and I will."
Turns out I was right about the second degree burn. They gave me some antibiotics, and burn salve. As long as I keep it clean and apply Shea butter I should have minimal scarring.
By the time I got out of the ER it was already twelve thirty. I called Alice, and had her meet me for lunch at The Eat-A-Pita Café. They make the best lobster salad pitas, and lobster bisque in all of Maine, and I was famished after missing breakfast.
When Alice arrived, she brought me flowers, and a purple teddy bear that said I'm Sorry. She's so frivolous when she's not my agent. I also know when I arrive home I will have a delivery of flowers from the professional side of Alice Whitlock.
"So, how does it feel to be on top of the book charts?" she asks exuberantly.
"I'm not to sure it has actually registered yet. I honestly never expected it."
"God, Bella, you are so exceptionally bright, and talented. I knew it would be a hit. Are you going to do a small tour?"
"No." I say firmly.
"I think you should. It would be really great publicity, and it would reach so many more people." She stated just as firmly.
"I thought I was out to lunch with my best friend, not my publicity hungry agent." My tone is harsh; she knows she is crossing the line.
"Bell, I am your best friend, and I just want all the best for you." She smiles at me and takes my hands in hers.
"Well, my best friend would know I detest the spotlight, she would also know that this is a very bad time for me." I watch her slouch in defeat, and feel a bit of remorse for my harsh words. I hold my ground though.
"I know Bell, my apologies if I came off as insensitive. You know I'm here for you. When will you be leaving?"
"I'm driving home on the thirtieth. I'll probably stay for three or four days." I let out a heavy sigh and we sit in silence. Alice knows where my thoughts have wandered, and she is giving me time to collect myself. I know she wants to ask if she should come with me, but I have declined her offer every time for the last six years.
When, I finally snap out of my thoughts, Alice gives me a sad smile. I shake her off, not wanting her pity, and change the direction of the discussion.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you about what happened to Sadie." I say as I swallow some water. "She got in a scuffle with a skunk."
"A skunk! Oh no Bella, is she ok?"
"Well, besides the awful smell, she was bitten on the nose, and her right paw. The vet had to come get her in her truck because Sadie smelled so bad. She kept her over for three days to make sure she was free from rabies. Her shots were still good, but she wanted to be safe. I get to pick up my poor baby at three." Checking my phone, I realized it was already two-thirty. This day has already been rather eventful, and I am most definitely ready to get home.
"I'm glad she is alright. I would hate to think of anything happening to her. So, I guess we shall say our good-byes." We stood up embraced, and Alice slyly slipped the waitress the check as she walked by.
"You think you're so sly. Just remember next time it's on me." We both laugh, and headed out to our cars when she suddenly stopped me.
"I forgot to tell you that, Jasper, will be giving you a call this evening. I guess he has a favor to ask of you, and no I don't know what it is." She looked offended that her husband was keeping something from her, but clearly he knew his wife well. Alice would find some way meddle.
"Oh, Allie, he will tell you in due time. Tell him I look forward to hearing from him, though I don't know what kind of favor he would need from me." We hugged again, and I was off to pick up my white chocolate lab.
Sadie and I have a very special bond, and I will never forget the day I found my poor baby.
I volunteered on the weekends at an animal shelter. Someone had called in saying that their neighbor had a house full of animals that appeared to be neglected.
I rode along with the Animal Control Officers incase there was something I could do. Pulling up to the house I immediately saw how much it was in shambles.
We got out of the car and was assaulted by a deathly smell, making some vomit. Dogs were howling, and barking as the officers entered the house. I headed around back covering my face with my jacket, that's when I saw the second most horrific site of my life.
There were cages lined up around a fenced in yard. Each had two or three dogs in them. Most were malnourished, and covered in cuts and feces. I wasn't a vet, but I new that she many had severe infections. These dogs were not friendly. I cautiously watched as they growled as they bit into the cages. There were many dogs that were lying completely still. I quickly realized they were dead and rotting. The worst part was the white chocolate lab that lay lifelessly having plainly been shot in the head. Her teats where gorged so she recently had puppies, I didn't see them until I had completely turned the corner.
There, six puppies hung up on a close line by their tails. They appeared to have been used for target practice. I noticed one of the puppies appeared to be moving. I didn't think twice before hopping over the fence into the death and desecrated yard. I ran to the close line, and sure enough the poor little baby was still breathing. I cut her down, as well as the others, but unfortunately she was the only survivor. I bundled the little pup up in my jacket, just as the officers stepped out the back door.
Turned out, the people that owned the house bred dogs for underground dog fights. Luckily, only a mother and her infant daughter were home at the time, otherwise things would of gone very wrong, I'm sure of it.
Sadie was only three weeks old and she had a lot of healing to do. I took her under my wing, and nursed my little girl back to health. Now she is a beautiful 150 pound very healthy white chocolate lab. She has the faintest hint of brown on her ears and the tip of her tail.
I walked in the door of the vets office, Sadie was waiting for me and charged me when I walked in. I knelt down gladly awaiting her kisses of hello. "How's my baby girl? I missed you too." I laughed as she knocked me over. She nuzzled my neck I noticed and she smelled of lemons and, her nose and paw still had stitches, but other than that she was back to normal.
Dr. Mary came out from the back laughing when she saw me on the floor.
"Gee Sadie, knocking your poor mommy on the floor.," she laughed, "How are you Bella?"
"I'm good, had a little fight with my tea kettle this morning," I said pointing to my foot. "Now that I get to take my girl home, I'm definitely much better. How bout you Sadie, how are you doing?" I scratched behind her ears, and he eyes closed in comfort.
"She's not happy about her paw being wrapped, but for the most part she is leaving it alone. In about four days the gash should be closed up enough to keep it off. Nothing heals an animal better than their own saliva. The poor thing had two be washed eight times. She definitely won't be sad if she never sees water again. I think that is the worst skunk interaction I have ever seen."
"I can't imagine Sadie not wanting to be in the water," I laughed. Sadie's favorite thing besides food was the water. She loves swimming in the ocean, and in the pool. "Thank you so much Mary, I was so afraid she would never smell the same again. I knew she would come through with the wounds, because she is a fighter, and that was nothing compared to what happened to her when she was a pup." I scratched Sadie behind her ears again. Her eyes were half closed, and her tongue lolled out the side. "You ready to go home girl?" Her ears perked up at the mention of home, and I knew she was as ready as I.
I paid Mary, and Sadie and I headed to the car. I opened the passenger door, and she hopped right in. I rolled her window so she could stick her head out and enjoy the fresh air she has missed.
"You know Sadie, I'm really sorry I had to leave you at the vets. I don't think I ever told you this, but when I was ten I wanted to become a vet. See I had a horse named Nevaeh. She was having a baby, but she was breach. When my Daddy and Uncle Billy realized she was breach, they tried to make me leave. I refused, and when I saw Mama bring out the shotgun I screamed so loud Sadie. Daddy took me in his arms and explained that she was suffering though, but that they would be able to save the baby.
"I knelt down beside her, told her I loved and kissed her head. I turned to Mama with the bravest face I could muster, and then nodded to Daddy. Mama took me in her arms hiding my face, and the shot was so loud it physically jolted my body even closer to Mama. When I finally turned my head, I saw the cutest little colt trying to stand on its new springy legs. They had covered Nevaeh with a sheet, and we buried her later that day." I stopped talking to Sadie, once I realized something had caught her attention. We were on our private drive, and she knew she was home. I reached over and pet her head. She licked my hand, and stuck her head back out the window. Yes, I talk to my dog, that's all I'm going to say about that.
~*WoH*~
Sitting on my bed, I put the burn cream on my foot leaving it unwrapped for now to air out. Sadie and I got settled for the night and she is so happy to be home. I'm happy to have her warmth and comfort as she lies beside me on the bed.
I sip on a cup of chi tea, and take out my laptop. Checking my e-mails and the evening news. Still much of the same as this morning and again I see my book at number one. I smile, actually feeling very proud of my accomplishment. I close my eyes for a moment, only to be startled by the shrill ring of my cell phone.
"Hello Jasper, how are you?" I answer
"Good evening Bella, I'm doing well, thank you. Congratulations on your book. I would also like say to say, I'm sorry about your foot. I told Allie not to keep it a secret, but you know my wife. How is your foot this evening?" He was laughing, and I could hear Alice in the background apologizing again, and what sounded like a swatting noise.
"I'm good, the foot is rather tender, but I'll live. I'm happy to have Sadie home. I'm sure Alice told you about her as well."
"Yes, and I'm happy to hear she to is on the mend. So Bella, I was calling you to ask a favor." He pauses making sure he had my attention
"I'm listening."
"A very good friend of ours has a patient who is in serious danger of falling off the edge. Now, I know this is your down time, but Bella, you're the best in this area of expertise. I would never come to you if I didn't feel it was an emergency." Jasper finished speaking, and I could hear him suck in a breath. I knew he wouldn't ask me at this time if he didn't feel strongly about it. I just wasn't sure I could handle a patient at this time of year.
"I don't know Jasper. This time of year my head is so unfocused. I never take on a patient knowing I couldn't give them all of my attention…What exactly are you asking?"
"I know, and this truly is an emergency. Dr Levine…"
"Dr Leo Levine" I interrupted.
Dr Leo Levine was my mentor. He was my first Professor when I entered Oxford at the age of sixteen. He was the only professor who did not judge me for being so young, nor did he baby me, as so many others did. He gave it to me straight, and I had to work just as hard as the other students.
"Yes, he asked me if I could help him out, as he has become to close to the patient. He doesn't feel he is able to help him to the best of his ability. When he described the issues the patient was having, I immediately thought of you. This is right up your ally."
"Jasper, if Dr. Levine is unable to help, how could I possibly?"
"Honestly Bella, he knows you're the best in this area. Also, the patient is in need of down time. He needs somewhere remote to go and sort out his head. Dr. Levine, initially wanted to ask you, but he knew you were taking time off, and he respects your privacy. I told him he would have a better chance of getting you to take on the case, but he didn't feel right." Jasper let out another heavy sigh, and I knew this was really weighing on him.
"I see, so are you saying that you don't respect my private time" I teased.
"Very funny Bella. Like I said if I didn't think it was important, I would never ask you."
"May I ask why this patient is so important to the two of you?" I was curious as to why this was so important to them.
"I'm going to lay it out for you Bella. He is a twenty-five year old male who went from working in pubs in London, to a Hollywood A-lister literally overnight." Now, I understood the need for privacy. I also realize why Dr. Levine was truly apprehensive about asking me. The patient would need to be a live in.
"Listen Bella, he won't be ready until next week. All I'm asking is that you consider it. I'll fax over his file, and let you decide from there."
"How bad off is he?" I had a feeling this young man was falling hard and quick. I herd Jasper's intake of breath confirming what I knew he was about to tell me.
"Bell, he basically has given up, and he needs it all. He will need to detox, so, yeah he will need twenty-four hour watch for the first week."
"Jesus Jasper, This isn't a simple case by far, and my mind is about to take a leave of absence. Does he have a history of violence?" If I was going to allow this stranger into my home I wanted to know everything about him. It didn't matter he was some A-list celebrity. I watch the news. I've seen Mel Gibson, and Gary Busey loose it. I know celebrities are not perfect, as much as people would like to think.
"No, but, he's not the same person right now either." Great, and unpredictable strung out male in my home twenty-four seven. What in the world am I supposed to say to that? I wouldn't even be allowed to have help, as I am sure the contract will be iron clad.
"Send me the file Jasper. I promise to look it over, and give him an honest chance."
"Thanks Bell. You're the fairest person I know" he laughed.
"I didn't say mirror, mirror Jasper, and I assure you I am no Snow White."
"You are though Bella, truly you are. Your honest, open minded, fair, non judgmental, and above all you just have the biggest heart."
"Thanks Jasper, no need to kiss butt. I promised you I would look it over. Look, I'm really exhausted. Send me the file and I will check it over in the morning. Also, tell that wife of yours she is not to wake me before ten."
"Will do Bell. Love you, and have a good night."
"Love you too Jasper, goodnight." With that, we both hung up, and my head was spinning. What was I going to do?
I decided not to dwell on it tonight. I don't even have his information yet, so there is no point worrying over the unknown.
Tomorrow however, is another story.
A/N Hello, this is my first ff, but please feel free to let me know what you think. I do have the story outlined, but as of yet I don't have a posting schedule. This will be both EPOV and BPOV. EPOV will be kinda short at first as he has his addictions and is mostly incoherent. I'm not a fan of long chapters, so most chapters will be about 3,000-4,000 words. Hope you enjoy. J