So here it is! This is a quicker update than usual as I'm ahead in the next few chapters. I'm going to try and stick to my weekly schedule for updates as I think that it's better than having to wait ages between updates after chapter 5.
I hope you enjoy!
"Wake up!" Bella's harsh whisper ripped through me and I awoke with a start.
My breath was rapid and my heart was thumping through my chest. My hands were burning and I struggled to control myself.
"Are you okay?" She asked, "I think you were having a nightmare".
"Yeah, new place had me all on edge you know." I tried to shrug it off but the panic was raging through me. Seeing her unconvinced look, I quickly changed the subject. "What's the time?"
She gave me a look suggesting that she saw through my act. "It's just turned 6am"
"So time to wake up anyway" I said with a smile before rolling out of bed.
I quickly made a beeline towards the bathroom, picking up my toiletries as I went. After finishing up in the bathroom I splashed my face with cold water, trying to wake myself up. Don't think about Ollie. Don't think about Ollie.
Sighing, I made my way back to the bedroom, giving the now fully dressed Bella a small smile as I entered.
"What are your plans for today?" She asked me looking up to meet my eyes.
"Not too sure," I answered honestly. "I was thinking about checking out the town and picking up some notebooks for school."
I frowned at that. I hadn't really brought much in the way of school supplies. And I've never been the brightest kid in the class.
"Do you want me to come?" Bella asked, cutting me out of my thoughts. "I was going to go to the Cullen's today but I could see them later instead. Or Edward could come with us." She mused on looking thoughtful.
"Actually I think I'd rather go alone if thanks okay? I'd like to get familiar with the town and I really don't have much stuff to get. Although-". I paused, looking at the dark rain cloud foreshadowing some not so nice weather. "I'd really appreciate a lift to town. The weather here is even shitter than it is in England."
She chuckled gently at that. "It does take some getting used to. I'll call Edward now, it's okay if he drives, right?" She glanced up at me. Probably concerned that my shitty attitude yesterday meant I didn't like her boyfriend.
"Sure, sounds good. I'm just going to grab some breakfast first." I paused at the doorway. "Has Charlie left for work already or should I make him something too?"
Bella glanced up at me. Already absorbed on her phone. "Urgh... sorry- yeah, he left early this morning". She glanced at her phone and smiled again, "Edward will be here soon."
I made my way downstairs hoping that Edwards presence wouldn't creep the fuck out of me again. He's just some regular guy. There's no reason for my reaction. Shaking my head, I went downstairs, mentally preparing myself for what's to come.
I went about preparing my breakfast, grabbing a mug before making a beeline to the kettle to make myself a tea. I was glad that I brought some tea bags with me from England- just in case the American stuff tasted weird. I continued to muse about American tea as I took an apple out of the fruit bowl and started munching. It wasn't a bit breakfast but then I'd never been a huge breakfast person, and the nightmare that awoke me was still fresh on my mind. When the kettle boiled, I added a dash of milk and a healthy spoon of sugar to get me going. I stirred my tea absent mindedly as I heard a car pull up. I got the same uneasy feeling as yesterday and I felt my hair stand on end. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. Relax.
I walked over towards the door just as Edward knocked. Opening it I smiled as warmly as I could at him.
"Edward", I greeted "Come in" I stepped aside ushering him into the house. "Bella's just upstairs getting ready". As I spoke I heard Bella's clumsy footsteps making her way downstairs.
Walking back through to the kitchen I picked up my tea and took a sip. "I'm sorry for my rudeness yesterday; I think the jetlag got the better of me." I lied smoothly, glancing at Edward over my mug.
He now had his arm gently around Bella and looked up, "Already forgotten" he said smiling.
I was beginning to feel more comfortable around him, although there was still something off about him. Maybe it was just that he was male- since that night boys tended to make me feel uneasy. My stomach rolled and I felt a wave of nausea wash over me as I thought of my nightmare. Abruptly I turned and poured my remaining tea down the sink.
Turning I plastered a fake smile on my face, "Shall we head off?" I asked ignoring the odd look Edward was giving me. "Or did you want to grab something to eat Bella?" I question, looking at my sister.
"No, I'll eat at Edwards" she said looking at said boyfriend. "Esme- umm, Edwards mom- always seems to have food for me" She said looking almost... Embarrassed?
"Okay, If you're sure. And you definitely don't mind giving me a lift to town" I said, directing my question at Edward. I looked at the gloomy clouds, it wasn't raining yet- if I brought an umbrella I could walk.
"Of course" he said smoothly. "It's my pleasure." He walked towards the door, "Shall we?" he gestures to his car.
I walked over to the shiny Volvo and slid into the back seat as Edward opened the passenger door for Bella.
He was still a very fast driver and I was by no means use to being on the right side of the road. I rested my head back against the seat and closed my eyes breathing deeply. We made it to the center of Forks in no time and Edward pulled over smoothly. As I picked up my bag and opened the door Bella turned to look at me.
"You're sure you don't want me to come with you?" She asked looking concerned.
"Bella. Chill. I'll be fine" I chuckled slightly "Anyway, it'll be good for me to get a chance to check out the area- you know, familiarize myself and all that" I said, climbing out the car.
"Okay" she said, still not sounding fully convinced. Call me if you need anything or if you need a lift back.
"Will do. Thanks for the lift Edward" The bronze haired boy nodded in response.
As the car took off I took the opportunity to really look at my surroundings. It was green. Even greener than England. There was something quaint and nice about the small town though, I liked the fresh smell of the air hinted with the slight humidity brought by the rain. It was chilly though, pulling my coat tighter around my slender frame I continued onwards.
It didn't take me long complete my shopping. I found a fantastic small stationary shop that had all the pencils and sketchbooks and cute little leather-bound notebooks I could ever need. Feeling satisfied with my trip I happily ambled round town. I felt... good, somewhat light. Perhaps my mother was right- a little distance was a good thing for me.
I walked into what I'm sure was the biggest supermarket in Forks. It was huge but had an odd selection of household items. I wondered up and down the isles aimlessly for anything that seemed interesting. I had a small sum of money saved up and nothing specific that I needed.
Half an hour later I left the store- my arms filled with grocery bags filled with cake mixes and sprinkles. I was going to bake, I'm not a good baker, and it's never been something that's interested me before but there was something comfortable of the idea of doing such a simple and mundane task.
I chose to walk home rather that bother Bella. I was enjoying the refreshing air and the rain had come and gone during my shopping trip- although it was still a chilly and overcast day.
I got to the house just over an hour later having taken a slightly scenic route home. I lay my new groceries on the table and ran upstairs to put my books and stationary away. Returning downstairs, I began to gather all necessary ingredients for my baking. Preheating the oven, I pulled out my phone and turned my music on.
Half an hour later my cake was in the oven and I was loudly singing and dancing to my shuffle music. I grabbed another apple and the kitchen knife and began chopping the apple- singing and dancing as I went. This was really turning out to be an awesome day, a really, really amaz-
"-FUCK!" I should not have danced whilst cutting stuff. Shit. Bloody, fucking, shit. My hand was covered in blood that was seeping out of the large gash that occupied a large chuck of my right palm. Fuck.
I turned around a grabbed a cloth to tightly wrap around my stinging palm. Ouch, it was going to need stitches, that much was clear. There was no point freaking out Charlie with the bloodied scene so I quickly wiped up all the blood, though the apples in the bin, and turned off the oven. Whilst always being careful of my wounded palm and to breathe through my mouth. I did NOT like the smell of blood at all- it was only marginally better than the smell of charred flesh.
With all traces of blood gone I frowned to myself. I knew where the hospital was from my earlier trip around town but I didn't really want to walk the whole way. I also didn't want to call Bella or Charlie. I sighed, I'd rather walk for miles than disturb Bella or Charlie.
It took me bloody ages to make my way to Forks General Hospital, the walk made my feet ache and my hand was stinging. I made my way through to reception and signed in with the bloke at the desk. I wasn't waiting very long before a doctor showed up. He was a slim build, young with blonde hair and perfect features. He also makes me shiver with discomfort.
"I'm Dr. Cullen" He said with a warm, comforting smile as he leads me through to the examination room. "You must be Ellie."
I nodded mutely. Cullen. So, he was Edwards's foster father. I couldn't help but wonder if the whole family was so... odd. With their perfect features and pale skin.
"So what happened here?" He asked, gently unwrapping my makeshift bandage. He carefully examined my hand, looking at the wound frowning.
"I was cutting an apple, and... er, I missed the apple" My voice was quiet and scratchy.
"Hmm, it's going to need stitches I'm afraid." He turned to collect together the necessary equipment.
I frowned. This day was starting to go downhill. Dr. Cullen turned and placed the suture kit on the small table next to the bed.
"I'm just going to give you a shot to numb you. How are you with needles?" He asked, carefully rolling up my sleeve to give him better access my hand.
I swallowed. "Umm, Okay I guess?" I answered wincing slightly.
He nodded and picked up a small syringe and I watched carefully as he effortlessly and swiftly numbed the area. He then began to prepare to wash the wound in preparation for the sutures.
Swallowing I looked away, there was no need to gross myself out. I still needed to make it home.
"So you're Bella's' younger sister?" He began, I answered with a single nod.
"It must be a big change coming to America from England." Dr. Cullen commented, undiscouraged from my weak reply, his eyes completely focused on the work he was doing on my hand.
"Yes, sir" I said quietly, remembering the lessons about being respectful I had learnt, both from my mother and the belts of her ex-boyfriends.
The corners of his mouth turned up slightly. "You can call me Carlisle. I'm sure with Bella spending so much time at our house we will be seeing more of each other." His voice was light and calming, almost melodic.
"Did your father drop you off here?" Carlisle asked, tilting his heard to one side, lifting his head to meet my eyes.
"No sir" I said sheepishly, looking down. "I, umm, I walked here. It's not too far and the weather was okay"
"You can't walk back, not with these stitches." He glanced outside, "-anyway, it's about to rain."
I followed his gaze and looked out the window. Dark storm clouds were gathering and from the ways the trees were swaying I'd guess that it was getting windy.
"It does look that way", I mused. "I guess I'll call Bella and ask her to pick me up." I mused, frowning. I really didn't want to pull Bella away from Edward. I get the impression Charlie's not his biggest fan so they should make the most out of this rare, Charlie free day.
"My shift is just finishing" Carlisle said, "Your house is on the way back and I certainly wouldn't mind giving you a lift home"
I looked at my hand; Carlisle was finishing up my sutures by the looks of things. I was impressed by his speed; my hand was looking better.
"If you wouldn't mind, that would be much appreciated" I wasn't fully comfortable with the idea but the alternative was wait here for hours for Bella to get from the Cullen's to home, then pick up her truck and get all the way to the hospital.
"It's not a problem" He was gently wrapping a crisp white bandage around my hand covering any sign of injury. "I'll write you a prescription for any pain, but it should heal up nicely". He stood up and began to walk down the hallway gesturing for me to follow.
"Keep it clean and dry and it should be back to normal in a couple of weeks."Carlisle said, walking down the halls smiling and nodding at a few doctors and nurses as we went. "I'm just going to grab some things from my office if you wait here"
I nodded showing my understanding. Although, like the other Cullen's I've met Carlisle gave me a weird vibe I felt that I could trust him. He was, nice, and not a seemingly fake way either. It was odd.
I followed Dr. Cullen out of the hospital, through the carpark to a shiny black Mercedes. Wow, now that's what I call a nice car. I hesitated by the door. It was cold as shit outside but was I really going to accept a lift from some random? Fuck it, why not?
I climbed into the passenger seat as and buckled my seatbelt as we raced down the small winding roads of Forks.
"So Bella's your half sister?" Carlisle confirmed glancing at me.
"Yeah, same father different mother. My mum moved back to England before I was born and Charlie would fly over and visit during some of the holidays" I elaborated.
"Will you fly back over to see her over Christmas" He said looking thoughtful.
I frowned. Would I? As much as I loved my mother, I'm not sure if I was welcome. She said she understood that it was an accident but she hasn't looked me in the eyes since.
"I'm… I'm n-not sure" I said, my nervous stammer coming out as I considered the possibility. Carlisle nodded silently but thankfully didn't press the issue.
"Has your mother remarried?" Carlisle asked, continuing his gentle line of questioning.
"No, she has a boyfriend at the moment- he's nice enough". And he really was. Dave may not be the nicest, brightest best guy out there but he'd never really hit me and rarely even shouted. He was great to my mum, never even raised his voice to her. Much, much better than some of her previous choices in men. I was pulled out of my thoughts by Carlisle pulling into to Charlie's driveway.
"Here we are" He said smiling at me. "You be careful, I don't want to see you back in hospital any time soon. You can take the medicine if it starts to hurt. It's one or two tablets up to four times a day" He reminded me gently.
"Okay, T-Thank you so much for the lift Dr. Cullen. I really do appreciate it." I said climbing out of the car.
I wondered towards the house, hoping that Bella and Charlie weren't yet home. Then they'd never have to know about my little accident. Only one way to find out I guess, I thought, opening the grabbing the key from the eve before unlocking the door.
I walked through the front door and tried to shut it quietly behind me. Creeping forwards towards the kitchen, I glanced into the living room. Noting that Charlie wasn't lounging on his chair watching sports, as I had noticed to be his usual evening activity.
"Ellie?" I heard Bella's gentle voice call from the kitchen, her tone laced with concern.
"Hey Bells" I said somewhat sheepishly, wandering into the kitchen. "How was your day?" I asked, hoping to defer the conversation from my little visit to hospital.
Bella frowned, clearly seeing through my somewhat weak attempts at deflection. "It was nice" She said with a small smile. "How's your hand? Did it need stitches?" Gingerly, she picked up my hand and examined the flawless bandaged that Dr. Cullen had applied.
I pulled my hand back and shrugged, uncomfortable with the line of questioning. "It's okay. Dr. Cullen stitch me up good as new" I said, attempting a smile.
"Carlisle? He's a fantastic doctor..." Bella trailed off, before she could finish the sound of the front door slamming indicated Charlie's arrival.
He walked into the kitchen in full uniform, minus his gun belt, which I assumed hung on its hook by the door. "Hey Bells, Ellie." He greeted us with his signature crinkly eyed smile. "Watchya cooking?" He asked peering over Bella's shoulder at the dish I now noticed she was preparing.
"Pasta" Bella replied, "It should be ready in about half an hour. I'll call you when it's cooked" As Bella spoke I began to idly set the table trying to learn where everything was kept.
Charlie looked at the two of us for a moment before chuckling. "What would I do without my girls?" muttered fondly shaking his head.
Once Charlie was safely out of earshot I looked at Bella "You won't tell him about my hand, will you?" I asked nervously. I didn't want Charlie to worry of be mad.
Bella smiled, knowingly. Neither of us had ever been fond of attention and avoided it at all cost, Bella even more so than me. "Sure, your secret is safe with me."
That darkened my mood. Thinking about the secrets she had no knowledge about and that she never will. Even my own mother can hardly look me in the eye. But who could blame her? Who could love a murderer?
Shaking the bad thoughts out of my head I began to clean. Cleaning always helped to distracted me from bad thoughts. Bella and I continued out easy silence as I cleaned and she cooked.
After dinner Bella and I ended up in her room. During dinner Charlie reminded me that school started tomorrow and my timetable would be sorted out then. He also promised to pick me up from school tomorrow to get some things for my new 'room' with should be cleared and ready by the end of the week. I wasn't in too much of a rush though, Bella had been a perfect roommate although having my own space would be great.
"Oh, I've just remembered. Edward's picking me up for school tomorrow. Is that okay for you?" She asked rolling over on her side to make eye contact with me.
"Um sure, Charlie's picking me up from school, so as long as Edward doesn't mind giving me a lift as well then it's chill" I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
"What's wrong? Don't you like Edward" Bella questioned concern and hurt lacing her voice. "I know he was a little stand offish the other day but I'll talk to him, he'll be on his best behavior" She rambled on.
"No no! It's not that- It's just, I'm worried about school tomorrow. I miss home, everything is so weird here. I'm just not use to it yet" I admitted in a small voice.
"Oh, well you can sit with me at lunch if you want. And I promise you'll get used to it here. Even the terrible weather" She said trying to joke to ease the tension I tried to smile in response. She sighed softly " I really am glad you're her Elle, I've missed my little sister."
That got an actual smile out of me. "I've missed you too Bells."
Although I've already written the next few chapters I'm always really happy to hear suggestions and ideas of what you'd like to see more of :) Drop me a review to say what you like/don't like/want to see more of. Or if anything doesn't make sense.
Thanks!
G x