CHAPTER TWO
Kind eyes greeted me. The same kind of liquidy honey colored eyes belonging to Edward. The same kind of topaz colored eyes belonging to Mr. Dream Guy. There was definitely something weird going on here.
"Hi, I'm Carlisle Cullen. Welcome to our home. This is my office." A long, paper-white hand extended out to me to shake. I did, shyly, and was once again struck by the freezing temperature.
"Umm… Hello. I'm Bella." I said quietly, trying to be polite. I looked questioningly at Edward, who simply nodded in encouragement.
"Very nice to meet you Bella. I'm sure Edward has told you that I work as a doctor, and he seems to think it would be beneficial for me to help you. Would that be okay?" I could see the compassion in his eyes, and granted him permission to do so. Maybe he could doctor my memory back into place or something.
"I'm glad to hear it. Now Edward, if you will excuse us, I will take Isabella into my examination room."
I felt my eyes widen at the mention of Edward leaving. It sounded pathetic, but for the moment, he was the only friend I had. I was scared and confused, and I could use his friendly face. Carlisle, taking this in, edited his former request. "Of course, Edward may stay if you are comfortable with that." I nodded thankfully, and he smiled at me. Edward scooped me back up into his arms, and he walked me into the room that Carlisle was leading us into.
He checked my reflexes, pulse, and lots of other things that didn't really concern me. What I did notice was when my shirt was pulled up, exposing my injured torso. There were countless bruises up and down my ribcage. I recalled Edward in the forest saying something about some "preexisting injuries." Was this what he was talking about?
"Oh, Bella…" Edward said in shock.
So this isn't what he was talking about? Wait… what do I look like?
"Edward… Could I see myself?" I asked, with a sudden sense of urgency. I had to know what we were dealing with here.
He looked at me for a moment, and then sighed. He pulled out his phone and handed it to me, with the front facing camera open. I carefully looked at myself, and recoiled inwardly in disgust. Cuts laced my skin, and my face looked hollow. I ran the camera down to my collarbone, where dark purple bruises in very similar shapes were painting a picture of pain. I felt tears fill my eyes at this vile creature staring back at me. Carlisle took this as his cue to quickly finish the rest of the exam so I could go rest. I didn't know where this rest was supposed to happen, but they didn't seem to be worried about it.
Pale hands continued to fly swiftly around me, and the efficiency was comfortable enough that I allowed my mind to drift off. I could hardly imagine such a lost feeling as not having a memory. I could be missing any number of things right now. What if I had a kid, or a husband? What if I had a boss, or employees? These people would all be waiting on me, depending on me, and I was simply being held in the care of strangers. I tried to think back to what Edward had said regarding my "accident." Motorcycle. Motor. Car. Passenger. Friend. Relationships. History.
I tried with all my might, but the word association game wasn't ringing any bells. I felt my lonely soul flood with disappointment and helplessness, and then my head was flood with an image that brought me a strange comfort- the man in my dreams. Where did he come from, and what was his connection to these people? He never seemed to be active in my subconscious, but he was always there. I could distinctly remember feeling him watch over me, like a guardian angel. Back with the angels again… I briefly considered my theory. Though unlikely, supernatural forces seemed to be a good excuse for whatever my life was turning to at this point. If only things were that simple…
"Bella, would you like to go to your room now to rest?" Edward offered his hand gentlemanly.
My room? Did I already know these people or something? Sensing my confusion, Edward shook his head gracefully. "Forgive my lack of explanation. We have a guest room that Alice has already prepared for your stay, as long as it takes for you to return to full health." His gracious smile only added to the awe consuming my emotions. These people were welcoming me into their home, their family, without even knowing me. I'm not giving up on my angel theory yet. This was a pretty generalizing statement for someone with no memory, but I didn't think humans could ever be that kindhearted.
"Oh... Um. That's," I paused to clear my throat, "very kind of you. But I wouldn't want to impose, at least not without the consent of the rest of the family."
Carlisle chose this as his moment to intervene. "Well Bella, I appreciate your concern for the family. I can assure you they will all be more than delighted to have you as our guest, but I can understand your desire to meet them first. Why don't we call a little family meeting?" He looked pointedly at his son. "Edward, take Bella to the guest room so she can rest. When she has had an adequate amount of sleep, we will introduce her to the others." He smiled, shook my hand, and excused himself from the room.
I looked shyly at Edward, who extended a hand and offered a menacingly beautiful smile. "After you, miss."
I followed my new friend down a few beautifully decorated hallways, and he stopped at a closed door. "Your destination, Ms. Swan." I smiled, and turned the knob to reveal a bedroom that almost as beautiful as the people who had filled my life that day. There was a beautiful silver chandelier, with light grey walls, and red and black accents. It wasn't until I saw the king sized bed that I realized how exhausted I was. I let a small yawn escape my lips, and Edward chuckled. "Bedtime!"
I sent him an apologetic grin, and he gestured to the room as if demanding me to walk in. I did, and he remained in the doorway. "I hope you find the room to your liking. I'm sure Alice would be more than willing to adjust it to fit any of your needs. Well, sleep tight. I'll see you in a few hours, Bella." He turned to leave, and I stopped him with my quiet, unconfident voice.
"Edward?"
He turned immediately, ready to assist me however needed. "Yes Bella?"
"Th- thank you for all of this. But if your family doesn't feel comfortable with me here, I don't expect your hospitality to continue. No hard feelings. You've already helped me greatly."
He sighed, and looked me straight in the eyes. "We're all different, and we all have our own opinions. I'm not saying everyone will react to you the same way, but I can guarantee you a spot in this room as long as you need it." He winked at me. "Goodnight."
I mumbled a quick, "Goodnight," after he exited. I wrapped myself in the covers of this temporary haven of mine, and had almost fallen asleep when I heard a noise coming from the adjoining bathroom of my room. I shot up in frantic fear, afraid to face the intruder.
The light turned off, and the door creaked open. What have I gotten myself into? I was braced for the worst, when the petite shadow of a woman stepped quietly from the room. I didn't know if I was supposed to scream or stare, but my dry throat forced me to opt for the latter.
The woman stepped into the light peering in from the French windows, and smiled sweetly. She was notably the same shade of impossible white as Edward and Carlisle, and just as beautiful. Caramel hair framed her perfect face, and her Snow White vibe led me to believe this was Esme.
"Oh, I'm so sorry dear! Have I woken you? I was just putting some things in the bathroom for you to use later, and I figured you'd be asleep when I came out. I'm Esme."
I instantly melted, taken completely by the warmth this woman offered. I couldn't remember my age, or whether or not I had a maternal figure in my life. But the feelings of loneliness and confusion I was harboring made it so much more comforting to have met Esme.
"Hi Esme. I'm Bella." I said gently, all former fear of her completely forgotten. "Thank you for the shelter and help. Your family has already been such a blessing."
"Oh, of course dear. It is our pleasure. Now you get some sleep, and I will have some food for you when you wake up." She grew into a caring smile, and exited the room.
As I felt sleep overtake me, I tried once again to make sense of the day's events. Sense wouldn't come, but the promise of a family downstairs made me feel safe anyways. My mysterious dream guardian appeared, and began to lead me towards sleep. I let him. It was going to be okay.
