Chapter 1: Persuaded to return
Everything looks the same. How can 3 years go by and nothing has changed? Sitting next to Jacob is different. He has turned into a fine man while I was away. He can't stop talking, can he? "He'll be so exited to see you. Maybe a bit too exited, you know, with his heart and all." Of course I knew, that's why I'm here. But I keep that snide remark to myself and smile kindly. I have discovered that helps. I have been away for 3 years, to Europe for my studies. I wanted to get out of Forks as soon as possible. So after graduation I packed my things and told Charlie I was going to study abroad. He didn't know what to say, I could tell he was hurt.
But I couldn't get the memory out of my head. "I'll come for you when the time is right.'
"We are here!" Jacob shouted in my ear, he was a bit over exited too. Still I couldn't help but smile. He was a man now, and a gorgeous one at that. "I'll pick you and your dad up in an hour. Is that ok? I have to run an errand first." I couldn't blame him for leaving, I hated hospitals too. "No problem. I'll make sure we are ready to leave." OK. Here it goes. Breath in, Breath out. You can do this. There probably won't be blood in the entrance hall. You can make it that far. And then you'll find a nurse and she'll escort you to Charlie. No problem, no problem at all. The typical hospital scent came rushing at me, I felt weak in the knees but kept going. Keep going, almost there.
"Please sir, could you tell me where I can find my dad. He was admitted for a heart attack and is being released today." But my breathing compromised my speech and stability. My eyes are on the ground the whole time. "Sure, walk with me." Now that is a calming voice, he could persuade me to give blood. I better start focusing though… Going further in the hospital maze. I could hear him laughing around the corner. Thank god he is ok.
"Hi dad." No, I could not have been more original. "Bella, is that you?" He got up from the bed, "My god, you have grown." I walked towards him, he had changed too - he was a lot skinnier, and he had grown a beard. We hugged for a moment, uncomfortably. It has been a long time. Who am I kidding; it had always been a bit uncomfortable. Hey, who knew, I could focus again. Enough to notice we weren't the only ones in the room. "Bella, meet Dr. Cullen. He saved my life." The most beautiful eyes looked back at me, a strange liquid topaz. "Hello Bella, nice to meet you finally. Your father has told a lot about you." I could feel my head go red, why does my body feel the need to react? "I bet." And smiled… "I must leave, there are other patients. Goodbye Bella and I will see you next week Charlie!" He could persuade me to give my organs.
I sat down next to Charlie. "How are you dad?" "Ow, I'll survive. Just getting out of this hospital is going to do me a lot of good." How could I forget. The last time we were here together we left someone behind. "Jacob is picking us up in a minute." He smiled, but it looked more like a silent sigh. "That is great! We can watch the game at the reservation. Just like in the old days, right hun." I remember the old days at the reservation. I never really fitted in with the kids. Jacob was always nice. But then again, I am sure he had a secret crush on me.
I helped Charlie get all his stuff and got the wheelchair. I knew he would never sit in it but I couldn't resist. "Right dad, your taxi has arrived!" Not a second later Jacob poked his head in. I saw Charlie beginning to sputter but Jacob gently pushed him in the wheelchair. I couldn't suppress a giggle. Charlie looked at me with his 'I'll get you for this look' but I could tell somewhere he found it funny. For a moment it felt like I was 5 years old and mom and I where making jokes at his expends. The old days. Jacob wheeled my dad out of the hospital. I saw Dr. Cullen talking to a man at the reception desk. Just to be sure: "Dr. Cullen. Could I ask if there is any diet or something I need to put Charlie on? I know he will never tell me the truth so I thought I better ask you!" Wow, coherent speech, good job Bella. Dr. Cullen smiled his smile again. "It is best he stays away from to much fat or salty food at least a couple of weeks. And he could use a little exercise now and then."
He lost me. Next to him stood a man prettier than himself. He had the same topaz eyes. Could they be brothers? He looked at me like he was in pain. Are you alright? I wanted to ask but understood that was a dumb question. I swallowed my words but for a split second I could swear he answered me with a small nod. "Bella?" Of course, I forgot to answer, "I will make sure of that, thank you so much." But while I said this my eyes did not leave his companion. How could I? He could persuade me to give my life.
