BPOV
"Bella, Bella, wake up. It's Jake." I felt a small finger prodding my arm persistently.
"Jake don't do that sweetie, you have to be careful she has lots of bruises." I heard Emily scold him gently.
"But she needs to wake up." He muttered.
"Hmmm, I'm awake Jakie. How are you today?" I enthused, trying to shake the lingering affects of the medicine.
"I'm good now that I'm with you. They wouldn't let me see you earlier," he gritted out, giving Emily his pouty lip.
"I know hun, I was sleeping but I'm all good now. What do you want to talk about?"
"Well I thought this would be a great time to talk about Jake's new home," Emily said giving me a meaningful look. As much as I would like to put off the inevitable, I knew reassuring Jake was a priority.
"I don't wanna, I'm not leaving unless Bella comes with me," he whined, bottom lip jutting out.
"Hey Jake, come here honey." I said, gesturing for him to sit up on the bed next to me. Emily gave me a disapproving look which I returned. If she wanted me to make this easier for him, she best let me do it my way. Jake clambered up on the bed, resting his head gently on my shoulder and I took his little hand in mine.
"I know it's scary Jakie, thinking about going to a new home but do you really think I'd let you go anywhere bad?"
"No but you won't be there to look after me," he wailed into my shoulder.
"No I won't but Emily has started telling me about your new family and they sound awesome Jakie, I'm jealous. There's a boy his age to play with isn't there Emily?" She was quick to start nodding and jump onto the subject.
"Oh yes Jake, you'll love him! His name is Ben and I happen to know he also likes ninja turtles." I saw Jake peep his head up at this information.
"That'll be fun, you always say my Shredder impression isn't very good." He giggled.
"But it isn't," he snorted. I reached over and tickled his side, ignoring the searing pain in my ribs.
"You think you're funny?"
"Uncle, uncle," he squealed. I took a wayward elbow to the side and grunted just as my nurse walked in.
"What do you think you're doing?" Nurse Anna chastised. Her hands made their way to her hips, giving me that withering look that makes you shrink in on yourself.
"You shouldn't be up there young man, Bella here needs to recover." She tried to give him a disapproving look but as expected when met with Jake's pout soon gave him a warm smile.
"I'm sorry Nurse Anna, my fault. I insisted, I needed a cuddle, Jakie has magic hugs you know?" He let out another little giggle.
"I bet." She deadpanned, raising her eyebrow at me as I grimaced at the protein shake in her hand. God they were awful.
"Time for your meal Bella." I let out an indignant groan.
"It tastes horrid."
"I think you're being a tad dramatic," she stated with an eye roll.
"Well by all means join me Nurse Anna." Emily laughed and Nurse Anna made herself busy with my monitors.
"Hah, I knew it." I snorted, moving some of the gruel on the plate around.
"Alright but you need it Bella, it's important you get the nutrients your body needs." She said guiltily.
"I'm only teasing, thank you Anna. Food is food." I reinforced my gratitude for her care with a forkful of gruel. I noticed Emily glancing at the clock and my chest tightened, they would have to leave soon. If I looked panicked Jake would pick up on it, young children are a lot more intuitive than they are often given credit for.
"So you're excited to have a proper playmate then?"
"I guess so. Who's going to read me my story before bed though?"
"I'm sure your new mommy will, I know they're going to love you Jakie. I've got a real good feeling about this." I petted his knee.
"I'm going to miss you." Ah that hurt, God. I'd grown so close to Jake over the last couple years and I couldn't help but feel responsible for him. I needed to trust Emily's judgement and let him go and be happy with his new family, the Webbers.
"Oh buddy, me too but Emily's going to set us both up with email accounts so we can keep in touch. Then when I go to my new home we can talk on the telephone if they let me."
"You won't forget me then."
"Impossible Jakie, okay?"
"Okay."
"We've got to get going Jake, give Bella a cuddle goodbye." As I enclosed him in my arms I inhaled his sweet smell and bit down on my lip to keep the sobs in.
"I love you so much Jakie. I promise this isn't goodbye forever, please give the Webbers a chance. You're going to be so happy with them."
"I love you too Bella." I signaled for Emily to take him unsure of how much longer I could keep from crying. She sprung forward and went to take him into her arms but was met with resistance.
"Bella, you're going to have to let go." I realised it wasn't Jake holding on but my fingers that were clutching his shirt. I let go and watched as Emily carried him to the elevators and gave me a small wave as they turned the corner. I heard a piercing wail echo across the quiet hospital ward and as Nurse Anna and Dr Gerandy came rushing in, realised it came from me. Without Jake to focus my attention on, the gravity of my situation crashed over me. I took in deep shuddering gulps of air but still couldn't catch my breath. I pulled my knees to my chest, curling in on myself. I must have ripped the stitches of the laceration on my arm as blood seeped through my hospital gown. I saw Dr Gerandy move to restrain me and tried to retreat from his touch. Suddenly, I wasn't in my hospital bed but back in Mike's kitchen.
"Please Mike, please stop. I'll do better, please. I'll do better!" I screamed desperately trying to reason with him. A sharp pinch in my arm brought me back to the room and I felt myself getting drowsy. Dr Gerandy was holding a needle and was watching the rates on my monitors fall as I guess the sedative he gave me took hold.
"Oh sweetheart, just try to rest, I know it must be hard," Nurse Anna said sympathetically.
I woke a little while later to Emily in my room, she had her back to me talking on her phone.
"Yes, well this is the first episode she's had but Jake's leaving catalyzed it."
"Well I can't thank you and your wife enough Carlisle. I know she's going to love your home." Carlisle? She was obviously talking to my new foster father and I shuddered at the thought of Emily telling him about my 'episode' as she put it. That was a weakness that I didn't want broadcasted.
"See you tomorrow." Tomorrow, I thought in alarm. I didn't think I would be getting discharged so quickly.
"Oh you're awake, how much did you hear?" Emily asked nervously.
"I'm leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes, Dr Gerandy decided as your foster father is a doctor he should be able to provide adequate medical care at your new home. Dr Gerandy is happy with your progress and says there are no signs of a concussion, so you can be safely moved."
"Can you tell me about them?"
"Of course. You will be staying with Mr and Mrs Cullen and their five children."
"Five children, how old?"
"16-18" I felt a cold sweat break out across the back of my neck, please be girls.
"Girls?" I squeaked out.
"Two girls and three boys. Now before you freak out, I can assure you these are great kids. No one will hurt you in that household. Please trust me on this." I really wish I could.
"I'm tired still." I heard Emily sigh.
"Right get some more sleep and I'll pick you up tomorrow at 10am." I closed my eyes and feigned sleep but at some point I must have actually drifted off.
I woke to Emily signing paperwork and Nurse Anna wanting to check my vitals before discharging me.
"Okay Bella, everything looks good here. Just got to go over a few things with you but I'm sure Dr Cullen will be able to tell you the same. It's important for you to keep your cast dry and your ribs will be bound but some pain killers have been prescribed for you. The stitches in your arm are dissolvable so no need to worry about them. We've sent via Emily a recommended diet plan to the Cullens but they may adjust it, that's not to say you can't have any input on it I'm sure. Any questions?" I shook my head.
"Let's get you changed." Nurse Anna led me to the neighbouring bathroom and helped me into a pair of tracksuit bottoms and a sweater. My body ached at the effort of changing and I sighed in relief when I sank into a wheelchair an orderly had brought over. I saw Emily shaking hands with Dr Gerandy and gave him a small smile of thanks as he wished me happiness. Nurse Anna wheeled me to Emily's car and I saw my bag in the backseat. It's disconcerting at seventeen when everything you own fits in a single hiking backpack. I tried not to remember the cluttered childhood bedroom I had when I was with my parents. The wheelchair halted and Nurse Anna pushed down the brake.
"Well this is you, it's been a pleasure kiddo and I wish you every luck with your new family." I felt choked up at her obvious empathy for me.
"Thank you for everything Nurse Anna." I squeezed her hand as I entered the front seat of Emily's car. I tried not to cry again as Emily pulled away, leaving behind everything I knew.
"I forgot to ask where they live." I broke the tense silence that had fallen in the car.
"They live in a small town called Forks about 45 minutes from Port Angeles."
Carlisle POV
"How would you feel about welcoming a sister?" Esme and I waited for the kids to respond with baited breaths, gripping each other's hands.
"Awesome, bout time we get some fresh meat around here!" Emmett boomed, in typical Emmett fashion. Everyone chuckled at his exuberance but I glanced nervously at the rest.
"That's great Emmett but what about everyone else?" Esme prompted.
"Well tell us a bit about her and then we can make a judgement." Edward, are ever cautious son suggested.
"Good idea sweetie, well she's seventeen years old and her name is Isabella Swan. "
"Sweet she's my age, we can go shopping together." Alice enthused hopping up and down in excitement, clapping. I laughed at her reaction, hoping Bella wasn't as enthusiastic about shopping as my Ali, for the sake of our bank accounts. That's two on board.
"I've been talking to her case worker Emily and from what I've heard and read about Bella is that she's a very sweet but shy girl. She's smart and likes to read." I saw Edward give a nod of approval, I have a feeling they will have matching temperaments. Three down, two to go.
"Why does she need a new home?" Rosalie asked the hard hitting question, whilst someone would perceive Rosalie as being insensitive I know my daughter is just still cautious of letting new people in. Rosalie is intensely loyal and Bella would be lucky to have her as a sister. I would have to tell the kids as evidence of the altercation will be obvious when Bella arrives, there is no hiding what happened. So as much as I would like to respect her privacy I feel I have no choice but to inform them of the incident. Not to mention I am confident they will be sensitive towards Bella and not bring it up unnecessarily. I looked to Esme, to see her giving me a comforting smile she rested her hand on my leg, lending me her strength.
"When you walked in your mother was upset because she was reviewing Bella's case, unfortunately Bella is being resituated after an incident with her foster father." I saw all my children tense, Ali sitting still for once paying rapt attention.
"What kind of incident?" Jasper queried.
"Bella lived with her five year old foster brother Jake and he dropped a glass. Her foster father was already abusive but after taking the blame for the broken glass he assaulted her viciously and suffered various injuries. We're telling you this in trust, as if we agree to take her, her injuries will be visible." I saw Alice start to cry and Rosalie plainly upset, so Esme moved to sit between them on the sofa they were on, tucking them under her arm.
"I'm sorry girls I didn't want to upset you, just give you the information relevant."
"What kind of injuries are we talking about?" Edward asked tugging his hair, a stress habit he picked up from me.
"Lots of bruising and scrapes, a fractured wrist, two broken ribs and she's underweight." I saw a protective fire in Jasper's eyes as he nodded to me. That left Rosalie, I took one look at her crying on Esme's shoulder and knew she was on board.
"So are we in agreement, can we say yes to taking Bella in?"
"Yes Dad, please get her here. No one can ask for better parents than you and Mom and she sounds like she deserves it. If she was willing to take abuse to protect a little boy, we're willing to share are home to shelter her." I choke on Rosalie's beautiful worlds, I wish everyone could see this side of her, the Rosalie I see everyday. My feet carried me towards her and wrapped her up in my embrace thanking God for sending her to Esme and I.
"Thank you all, we're so proud of you." Somehow we all ended up in a massive heap of arms and legs, a group hug. I extracted myself from the pile up, standing to call Emily but before I could reach the home phone I was lifted by beefy arms and squeezed.
"Jesus, Emmett. I'm old now, you'll break me."
"Awww come on pops, I'm just expressing my love in a healthy way," he guffawed.
"Speaking of healthy, what are we feeding you?"
"I'll leave you to arrange for my little sis's arrival," he emphasised with a punch to my shoulder. I waited for him to round the corner before shaking my arm out. God, if that's a friendly punch I shudder to think of full force. I picked up the house phone and dialed Emily.
"Hello, Emily Smith speaking."
"Hi Emily, it's Carlisle."
"Oh Carlisle, you've got back to me quickly, is it good news?" I heard her hold her breath in anticipation.
"Yes, it's good news. I've discussed Bella with the family and everyone's looking forward to her arrival."
"Carlisle I can't thank you enough. You're welcome to call Dr Gerandy later and discuss her medical state I'm sure you'll understand more about it than I. He said she would technically be ready to be discharged tomorrow but if that's too soon he can keep her in another night or she can stay in the group home." A group home, I don't think so not in her condition. Tomorrow is a bit sooner than expected but Esme and Alice can do anything in 24 hours.
"No, no we'll take her tomorrow. We have a spare room which my wife and daughter can get ready for her."
"That's fantastic Carlisle, thank you so much. However, I have to tell you about an incident that just occurred at the hospital." I hadn't even met Bella yet but there was no denying the anxiety I felt was that of a concerned parent.
"What happened?"
"Obviously we had to separate Jake and Bella, I can assure you he is going to a great family, Bella knows this. I think the emotional strain was too much for her and in her distress she managed to pull the stitches in her arm. When Dr Gerandy tried to immobilise her it set off a panic attack, she believed him to be Mike and had to be sedated."
"This is her first panic attack?"
"Yes, well this is the first episode she's had but Jake's leaving catalysed it."
"Well I can't thank you and your wife enough Carlisle. I know she's going to love your home."
"Please stop thanking me Emily, it sounds like we're gaining a strong, kind daughter. We're the winners here and look forward to her arrival tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow." I hung up, adrenaline coursing through my body, tomorrow I'm getting another girl. I rushed back to the living room to inform everyone.
"Esme, she'll be here tomorrow."
"Tomorrow, Carlisle the spare room isn't ready." I saw a sly smile appearing on Ali's face and a loud squeal erupted from her tiny form.
"Daddy, please can we go shopping for Bella's room," Ali pleaded with puppy dog eyes.
"Yes, but please be reasonable."
"Don't worry, I'll keep her in check." Esme whispered in my ear.
"I'm going to call Bella's doctor and the hospital. I've got plenty of holiday owed and I definitely want to be here to help her settle in." Esme surprised me with a searing kiss, I groaned tightening my grip on her hips.
"You're an amazing man Carlisle Cullen."
"Eww, my innocent eyes." Emmett complained. We separated quickly and both headed our separate ways.
After a long conversation with Bella's doctor I had a better idea of what I was dealing with. I would have to carefully monitor her food consumption, especially with mending fractures it was important to have a protein rich diet. Next was the phone call to the office, they were accommodating and congratulatory, easily accepting my vacation request. I realised Bella was in her final year and we would need to get her enrolled in Forks high school. Obviously, she wouldn't be able to return straight away, her recovery first and foremost but a phone call to the headmaster wouldn't hurt.
After talking to Mr Green, I was assured Bella would be able to join whenever she was ready. I faxed over her scripts and I thought I better go check on Esme, Alice and Rosalie's progress. I heard them come home about an hour ago and they had enlisted the boys help to move furniture. I peeped my head through the door amazed at what they had achieved. They had made the plain cream room bright, with a purple bed set and some lavender blinds. They had also got a wooden rocking chair and bookshelf which Bella would love. They had added general decorations to the nightstand and desk to make it feel more homey.
"She'll love it, you guys did a great job." Esme rushed over sliding under my arm.
"You think? She can change stuff to make it her own when she gets here," she added nervously.
"It's great sweetheart, stop worrying." I placed a kiss to her nose.
I found myself in the same position with Esme under my arm, trying to stop her nervous bouncing as we waited for Bella to pull up on the driveway.
"We wonder where Alice gets her bouncing from?" I quipped, gently rubbing her back.
"Funny Carlisle. I just want her to like us." I couldn't fault her for feeling that way, I was similarly anxious hoping she would adjust well. I looked up at the sound of tires on gravel, she was here. The kids were not so subtly peering out the window, we thought keeping them inside would prevent overwhelming Bella. As the car came to a halt I eagerly went to greet Emily and Bella.
"Hi Carlisle, your house is hard to find, nice and remote." I couldn't help but observe a flicker of fear in Bella's eyes from the car, I wanted to reassure her.
"Oh, it's not so remote. The kids drive so I'm sure if Bella wanted to go anywhere they'd be happy to take her."
"Of course. It's nice to finally meet you and this here is Bella." I bent down into the car and smiled at her.
"Hi Bella, we're so happy you could come stay with us." I saw her tentatively return my smile, I hated how reserved and nervous she was.
"Everyone is excited to meet you, do you want to follow me in?" she nodded but there was no missing the fear on her face. I saw immediately her problem, she couldn't get the leverage she needed to get out of the car with a fractured wrist and broken ribs.
"I'm going to help you get out, okay?" I gave her warning and kept my hands clear in her sight trying to prevent the reaction Dr Gerandy had when he surprised her. She flinched as I raised her out of her seat and her breathing quickened but she didn't have a panic attack at least. I grabbed her rucksack alarmed at the scarcity of her belongings. She gave a warm smile to my wife as she fussed over her, it was hard not to see the genuine kindness of my wife.
"Was the journey uncomfortable sweetie?"
"It was fine thanks," Bella whispered. Taking Bella in, I couldn't shake that disgust at the man responsible for not only the physical damage but the emotional damage. Seeing Bella in person was a lot harder than witnessing the photos of her injuries. I wanted to take all her hurt but I knew it would be a slow process.
"Come on inside and meet the rest of the bunch, I'm sure you've already noticed them peeking out of the blinds like toddlers." Esme muttered shaking her head.
"I think I'm going to head off, I'll phone you later Bella." Emily stated.
"No stay," Bella looked shocked at her outburst and then deathly afraid.
"Please Emily won't you stay for tea, I'm sure you could use a break before the return journey." Esme invited breaking the tension expertly.
"Yes please," Emily quickly agreed for Bella's sake. The tension in those little shoulders as she crossed the threshold of our home made me want to cry. Bella was making herself as little as possible, as if she could make herself melt into the walls behind her. She blanched as she came face to face with Emmett, Edward and Jasper. My boys were gentle and caring but she couldn't know this and they were all tall and muscular, particularly Emmett. They immediately picked up on her discomfort and that she found them physically imposing. What they did next made me beam with pride, Edward and Jasper took a seat on the couch giving her kind smiles whilst Emmett slowly approached grinning, going full dimple.
"Heya sis, I'm Emmett and I'm your handsome older brother. You need anything you let me know, I've got you covered. I'm going to hug you know." Before Esme or I could stop him, Emmett swept in and gave her a hug so gentle I wouldn't of believed him capable of had I not witnessed it myself. She tensed slightly at first but relaxed and patted his back tentatively, she looked so awkward it was almost comical. Alice took this as her cue for an introduction.
"Hi Bella, I'm Alice. We're going to be the best of friends, I can just tell!" She exclaimed, rolling on her feet.
"Howdy Bella, I'm Jasper," he offered up from his seat on the couch. We all laughed at the thick southern accent he put on. Alice rolled her eyes at him but he just winked.
"I'm Edward," he added awkwardly, like I said matching temperaments.
"Rosalie," she waved from the arm chair.
"Hello," she said quietly.
"Would you like to see your room?" Esme smiled encouragingly, giving Bella a chance to absorb everything away from all the kids. Esme took Bella and Emily to her room leaving me with the children.
"Well, I think that went well."
"I really like her!" Ali cheered.
"She's really broken but you can just tell she's sweet," Rosalie added forlornly.
"She'll mend, one step at a time," I assured them.
Authors Note: I'm so please with all the positive responses I've received, so a big thank you. Shout out to Santesia; decadenceofmysoul; LittleMoCullen; Catspector; guest and Suzy-Chapstick. Your reviews put a big smile on my face :D so keep them coming. Feel free to ask me any questions, Kaitie x
