I know I haven't updated in a while. I apologise. A certain person told me to continue, so here I am. That's my mantra: you review, I write. How's that?
The sleep I fell into was uncomfortable and feverish. All I remember was the fitful tossing and turning my body subjected my mind to. My only comfort was the angel's face that greeted me every time I opened my weary eyes. His body temperature served as both a curse and an aid. Just one cool touch soothed my fevered brow, while another would send me into a fit of shivers.
Much to my dismay, instead of risking my internal body temperature, Edward chose to sit in the rocking chair, pulling it up near my bed.
It was both comforting and disturbing knowing he was there. It was comforting because I couldn't be without him; disturbing because he was so utterly vigilant and attentive. He would fetch me anything I wanted, and have it for me just as the words left my mouth.
Carlisle came by that very day on his way back from the hospital, and told me that I had serious bout of flu. He told me not to worry, that it was going around, and prescribed me some antibiotics. He also told me to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
After a week, Carlisle returned. I wasn't reacting as quickly as I should have been to the antibiotics and he wanted to give me a further check up.
Carlisle went downstairs to speak to Charlie quickly. In his momentary absence, Edward came over to sit on my bed. I had tried to persuade him to go, that I would be fine, but wouldn't have any of that.
I knew he was getting restless, and I was guilt ridden that he had been house bound for so long. Alice had told me not to worry – it was his choice, and he knew what was best.
Edward leant over me, careful not to blow cool air into my face. The muscles around his eyes were tight with worry, and his eyebrows formed a 'v' between his eyes.
What really drew my attention, however, was the colour of his eyes. They were pitch black, with only the faintest glimmer of topaz around the edge of the irises. He needed to hunt, and soon.
'You're hungry, I stated.
'It's nothing I can't handle', he replied, almost stoically.
However reluctant I was for him to leave, I knew he had to. I wanted him to be well fed and happy at all times, and seeing him in this state seemed to drive a stake through my heart (no pun intended).
'You should go hunting', I said, not wanting to beat about the bush.
'I said, it's nothing I can't handle', he repeated. His jaw was set, and I knew this would be an issue until I was completely healed.
My train of thought was interrupted when Carlisle returned. Instead of looking at me, he was addressing Edward. Evidently Carlisle had caught the dregs of our 'argument', and was going to add his opinion.
'Edward, we both know that you need to go. I also know that it would be beneficial for Bella's healing if you went – it would be a load off of her mind knowing that you were content'.
'See? I told you', I triumphed.
'Alice and Emmett are already out, up by Bear Creek, I know. Why don't you go and join them?'
'Fine', Edward replied shortly. He glanced over at me, looking deep into my eyes, evidently to see if I agreed. He obviously found something pleasing, because before I knew it, he had jumped out of my window.
'Thanks for that, Carlisle. He needs it, I know'.
'It's hard for him, you know, you being ill. He was in a similar state as you were in the first day when you were sick. He started off like that, and steadily deteriorated before I changed him. I know he doesn't want to have to do the same to you as what I did to him'.
'I know, but he has twenty days until the wedding, and then he really has no choice but to hunt'.
'It's still going to he extremely difficult for him, I know. Please be considerate, Bella, it's going to be much harder for him than you can even imagine'.
I thought of Carlisle's words for a moment, before he asked me politely to turn around.
I shifted myself and pulled the back of my shirt up, giving Carlisle access to my back while he listened to my heartbeat. It was slightly strange to think that he was using the stethoscope as a prop, in case Charlie decided to pay a visit.
Carlisle's businesslike tone brought me back down to earth:
'With these antibiotics, you should be completely better in just a few days'.
I scowled slightly, 'great, that means wedding plans are compulsory'.
Carlisle laughed, gathering his equipment before placing it in his doctor's bag.
'Bye, Bella.' Get well soon'.
'See you, Carlisle. And thank you. For the medicine and Edward, I mean'.
I watched the golden haired doctor go, and realised how selfish I was being. How could I have expected Edward to shoulder all of these responsibilities? The responsibility of looking after me when I had been ill, accompanied with my expectations of his transforming me, overcoming a torturous thirst in the process, was too much. And then awaiting the moment that we would become lovers, when he would be defeating both a craving for my blood and for my body. I was appalled at my egotistical stupidity.
Why didn't I see it before?
Should I change my demands?
A/N: this is NOT, I repeat, NOT going to be a BellaxCarlisle story. His coming over was an appointment, and her lifting her shirt up was so he could listen to her breathing, etc. I just wanted to clarify. And this is the longest chapter I've ever written!! Wahey!