My Hero

Chapter Fourteen

Bella's POV

One month later…

"So you're not coming along today?" I muttered to Mark, feeling completely helpless once more. He didn't even look in my direction as he grunted his reply. "I told you, I'm busy."

I sighed. "You're always busy," I protested, grabbing my coat, "There can't be that much work to do in that flipping shop. No one ever goes in there, for God's sake!"

I slammed the door loudly behind me and quickly stepped into my truck, gripping the steering wheel tightly. All my frustration and anger overwhelmed me; that had just been a dangerous move.

A few days ago after I had returned home from work, Mark had pushed me up against the wall with both of his hands, for his broken hand had unfortunately completely healed. I could smell the alcohol on his breath and his grip tightened around my throat, endangering my air supply. I gasped against him. It was all completely unprovoked.

"Please, Mark..." I stammered. "The baby... don't..."

"Just shut up." He ordered and I cowered away, waiting for the onslaught.

"You've been seeing Cullen a lot lately, especially getting cosy with him in that elevator," he sneered and I frowned.

"How did you know about-?" I managed, but he cut me off by tightening his hold. I screeched in terror.

"Never you mind," he growled. "Just listen to me: stay away from him or you'll seriously regret it. Next time it'll be him that gets hurt, not just you."

He slammed my head against the wall once more for effect, before skulking off into the living room. I knelt down onto the floor and cried heavy, terrified sobs.

I shuddered as I remembered my ordeal. That event made today seem even more terrifying.

Today was the day of my scan, a fairly important event, during which I could do with plenty of support, and yet Mark acted like I didn't exist. I sighed exhaustedly; I had never felt so alone.

Things had been going well before, but now I held back my tears as I started the noisy engine and travelled down the road.

After a quick journey to the hospital, I walked through the familiar entrance and towards the maternity ward. The nerves were beginning to creep up on me now; the fear of something being wrong with my baby, something that I might have done wrong. That was usually always my mistake, causing pain for others with my own wrongdoing. I shuddered and the woman at the desk smiled at me warmly. I tried to return it, but didn't quite have the strength.

"Hello, are you here for a scan?" I nodded. "What's your name please?"

"Bella," I answered. "Bella Swan."

She checked the computer then looked up at me.

"Would you like to take a seat?" She gestured behind me and I spun around, sitting next to an excited couple. I watched as the man placed his hands on the woman's stomach, gazing at her fondly. A wave of jealousy and hurt passed through me; why couldn't I have a partner like that?

It was selfish of me, but I stared ahead and waited uncomfortably for my turn.

Carlisle's POV

Bella hadn't been herself lately.

For a few weeks, she had seemed reasonably happy and was continuously smiling, yet now she had retreated back into her shell, with eyes full of worry and pain.

It disturbed me greatly knowing that I couldn't do that much about it all.

I sat at my desk, mindlessly fiddling with a piece of paper. Bella was having her scan today and I felt a very strong urge to go and accompany her. She was likely to be with her partner, though, and if I turned up it surely wouldn't go down too well.

I crumpled up the paper and threw it across the room, directly into the bin. I stared ahead, thinking to myself, when suddenly Megan popped her head through the door.

"Carlisle," she smiled and I crossed the room to greet her.

"Meg," I replied. "To what do I owe this visit?" I had to be polite, but I couldn't ignore Bella's complaints about this woman. I smiled to myself.

"Well..." She twisted one of her coat buttons. "It's Bella..."

My body froze.

"Is something wrong with her?" I asked immediately and, thankfully, she shook her head. I relaxed and regained my regular breathing.

"No, it's just... well, she's having her scan today and Mark hasn't turned up..."

I frowned. "How do you know this?"

She dithered, looking at the floor. "Well I... I just went to see her and she was on her own."

I truly couldn't believe such a vile person existed. He was having a child with the most beautiful woman I'd ever come across and he couldn't even spare the time to support her at the scan. I tried to control my rare, unnatural rage. I composed myself after a brief moment, using a lot of self control.

"What should I do about this?" I sighed.

"Well, you're close to her," she paused. "Maybe you could stay with her?"

The idea was incredibly appealing and she seemed very enthusiastic for me to follow it. I wondered why.

"I don't know," I pondered. "Her partner doesn't like me and-"

"He has a name, y'know," she interrupted and I nearly scoffed; a person like him didn't even deserve a name.

"And," I continued. "Maybe Bella wouldn't want me there."

She rolled her eyes. "Bella does want you there. Of course she does, can't you tell? Why won't you just go already?"

I raised an eyebrow. "You're being very persistent."

She coughed. "Yes, well... I'm concerned, that's all."

I nodded. "Well, if you insist."

She smiled. "I assume you know the way?"

I nodded again. "Yes, I do. Thank you, Megan."

She rushed outside as I headed quickly down the corridor. Bella was right; she really was incredibly irritating.

Bella's POV

"Miss Swan?"

The nurse called my name and I slowly stood up, heading towards the room. However, before the door could close, a hand pushed it open and, to my surprise, Carlisle's head appeared through the gap. I smiled at his unnaturally dishevelled hair.

"I... I believe your partner couldn't accompany you," he breathed and I nodded, avoiding his gaze.

"Would..." he hesitated, "Would you like me to...?" He gestured inside and my heart leapt into a race.

"W-well... are... are you sure?" I asked in wonder. "You wouldn't have to... I mean if you're busy or anything I..."

He smiled. "Bella, I'm positive." He stood beside me and closed the door gently.

The bed lowered slowly and my heart hammered frantically in contrast as the nurse began preparing the monitor. I shot a nervous glance at Carlisle who just smiled, holding my hand supportively.

"It will all be fine," he said and I relaxed back against the pillow. His words did comfort me a little, but they couldn't soothe the doubt gnawing away in my mind.

"Are you the father?" the nurse asked as she turned towards us. I felt my face prickling with embarrassment as Carlisle structured his response.

"Um... no, no I'm not," he replied, and I glanced over at him. "I'm just a close friend of Bella's."

I watched as he smiled at me and I smiled back. I really wished he was the father, bold as that seemed.

"Alright, this gel may feel a little cold at first," the nurse warned while she started spreading it on my stomach. I winced at the cold tingling and heard Carlisle chuckle.

"Now," the nurse continued, "Let's find your baby."

She placed the scanner on my stomach and began gently searching. I held my breath and stared at the black screen, waiting desperately to see some signs of life.

After a very long time, the nurse spoke.

"It sometimes takes a while to find anything..." she explained, rubbing harder. I inhaled a worried breath and felt Carlisle's hand tighten on mine. I looked at him and he stared back at me with concerned eyes. I tried to control the tears which were threatening to fall from my own and slowly turned back to the screen. If something was wrong... I wouldn't be able to live with the consequences. Literally.

After another lengthy pause, the nurse smiled. "Ah, here we are." I gasped in relief and the tears began trailing down my cheeks. I could see the outline of my baby on the screen; I stared in awe at its tiny hands, feet, head, legs... I felt incredibly moved – it all seemed so real now.

I gazed at Carlisle with watery eyes and he returned a small and strangely sad smile. I turned my head back.

"It's... it's w-wonderful," I breathed as the printer began.

"It looks completely healthy," she said, beaming over at me. "You're doing well, Miss Swan."

She handed me the printed picture and I again looked towards Carlisle, as though my eyes were attracted to his.

I hated how he looked oddly sorrowful.

The seat steadily rose and I sat upright while Carlisle handed me a tissue.

"This... this is..." I gasped. "This is amazing."

I sniffed unattractively and he smiled. "Yes. Yes, it is."

He stared into my eyes and I sensed a hidden emotion trapped deep within them. It was only when the nurse spoke that I was pulled out of my trance.

"You'll have another check up in six weeks, Miss Swan," she said, handing me some paper which quivered in my hands. I nodded and, when I turned around, Carlisle had disappeared. I turned to the nurse who gave me a blank look.

"It must have been too much for him," she sighed, showing me to the door. The excitement wore off a little.

"Yes," I breathed. "Too much."

Carlisle's POV

I stood outside, leaning against the wall. The experience had been too overwhelming for me and I couldn't control my feelings in front of her anymore.

I breathed slowly, staring at the ceiling. Seeing Bella there like that, looking so happy and full of joy, it had tugged at all of my emotions. Yet knowing I wasn't really anything to do with her child made me want to break down in despair. It truly was not fair how someone like her partner was the father. Then again, when was life ever fair?

The door opened beside me and Bella stepped outside, looking at me anxiously. She was clutching her coat and picture, saying goodbye to the nurse. After the door closed, she turned to me.

"Are you alright, Carlisle?" she asked and I forced a small smile.

"Yes, I'm sorry Bella, I suddenly..." I paused. "I felt a little ill and needed some space. I do apologise."

She sighed. "Oh, I'm sorry about that."

I shook my head. "Don't be."

She hesitated and then smiled gently. "Thank you for staying in there with me. I really appreciate it."

I placed my hand on hers, feeling her warm skin. "It was no problem, Bella."

We stared at each other wordlessly for a few moments, when she suddenly spoke.

"Are you still going to the conference thing next month?" she asked curiously.

I nodded in surprise. "Yes, are you?"

She smiled. "As far as I know."

I was looking forward to that day so much that I truly longed for it to come.

"That's great," I replied happily.

I glanced at the clock when suddenly Alice appeared out of nowhere behind Bella. I raised an eyebrow at her, whereas Bella jumped back in surprise.

"Gosh Alice, you scared me!" she breathed and Alice smiled in delight.

"You remembered my name," she said, looking pleased. Her face then turned serious as she faced me, "Carlisle," she said ominously. "I need to speak to you."

"Is something wrong?" I asked, glancing at Bella's worried face.

"Well... it depends," she replied.

She stepped aside to reveal a woman who I hadn't thought about for weeks. Someone who I thought I'd never see again.

Standing there, looking slightly unhappy, was Esme.

"Hello, Carlisle."