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Quote: "Dream may all of creation be with you til the end of your life Dream wherever you are, will welcome you
Dream may your trials end in full bloom
Dream though your beginnings might be humble, may the end be prosperous..."- So far away by Agust D (Suga)

Disclaimer: All characters of Twilight belong Stephenie Meyer. In no way do I own them. Only the character that I invented, Adaline, belongs to me.

Chapter 18

I really didn't want to brave school the next day. I casually said it to my dad when he came to wake me up. I didn't hear my alarm and would have continued to sleep if my dad had not come.

Charlie: " Okay, I'll let the school know. You look like you need more sleep anyway."

I looked at him in shock. I didn't really mean it.

I asked surprised, " I can?!"

Dad raised his eyebrows at me, " Of course you can. Your hands are hurt and you look like a zombie. Missing one day of school won't hurt. I told Bella to stay at home too but she refused. She insisted on going."

In my heart I was rejoicing, 'a big thank you to all the deities out there! Hopefully, tomorrow the hype would have died down and nobody will come badger me. Tsk tsk Bella really didn't think this through. Good luck to you sis.'

I tugged my blanket under my chin and made myself comfortable again, " okay then. I am going back to sleep. Have a good day dad. Cheers~"

Dad chuckled, "thank you. If there is anything call me. Do you want me to bring something back for you for lunch?"

Adaline: " No it's okay thank you. There is food in the fridge."

Charlie: " I'll let you go back to your sleep then. See you tonight."

Adaline: " yes. Byebye."

As soon as my dad was out of sight, I quickly typed a message to Jasper to let him know that I was not going to attend school today. He quickly replied to me.

'Huh...they are not going to school either. Bella is going to get a shock. I am sure she went just to see Edward and stare at him until he cracks. And now she went for nothing. Hahahha suffering through all the student population in vain!'

I had a good laugh for a good minute before calming down, "Now, to inform or not to inform Bella of the Cullen's absence..? Hmmm oh whatever. Let's just go to sleep Adaline."

I woke up two hours later to my phone ringing. I groggily reached for my phone and answered blindly.

Adaline: "Hello."

There was a chuckle then I heard the good doctor's voice, "good morning Adaline. Did you sleep well?"

Unbidden, a smile appeared on my face, "good morning Carlisle. And yes, I did indeed sleep well. Thank you for asking."

Carlisle: "I am glad to hear that. Pardon me, I did interrupt your sleep just now."

I rolled on my back and rubbed my eyes, "It's good that you did so. If I slept any longer I would have gotten a headache. I don't know why, but I always get a headache whenever I sleep too much. Anyway, is something the matter?"

Carlisle: "Hmm good to know. And no, nothing's wrong, worry not. I am calling to let you know that I am on my way to your house to deliver breakfast and check your hands."

I frowned, "Deliver breakfast? Thank you but that's not really necessary. I don't really eat in the mornings. And my hands are not that bad. They already scabbed."

Carlisle said teasingly, "not even blueberry pancakes? As for your hands, my worry can only be appeased by seeing them with my own eyes."

Adaline: "…..okay. I can make an exception for blueberry pancakes and to settle your mind. But Dear Doctor, pray tell, do you always personally visit all your patients to deliver breakfast?"

Carlisle: "Of course not. Only the special ones."

Adaline: "Hmmm and how many special ones are there?"

Carlisle: "Currently only one. I am on my way to her house right now."

Adaline: "My, lucky her."

Carlisle chuckled, "I think I am the lucky party in this. Getting to deliver breakfast to a beautiful lady first thing in the morning really makes my day."

I couldn't helping laughing at that, "What a suave man you are Dr Cullen. I better go brush my teeth then, or else it's a ruffled lady with bad breath who is going to greet you at the door."

The good doctor burst out laughing at that, "Worry not. Bad breath and bed hair won't chase me away."

I got up and went to wardrobe, "Good to know."

Carlisle: "I'll let you get ready. See you in a while Adaline."

Adaline: "Okay. Byebye."

I hung up and quickly selected a white trouser and a peach off-shoulder sweater. I then made my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth and a quick shower.

Twenty minutes later I was done and made my way down to the kitchen. I put a kettle to boil and opened the fridge to check what I could do for lunch and dinner.

"Another trip to the supermarket is in order." I muttered to myself as I tied my hair up in a high messy bun.

Just as I finished saying that, I heard a car park near my house. I went to the window to check and saw the good doctor's car. I hurried to the door and opened it. I watched as Carlisle got out of his car with work bag and a plastic bag in his hands.

'Why does this look like a celebrity coming out of a car at a red carpet event?' I mused to myself.

The good doctor approached me with a smile, "Good morning Adaline."

I returned his smile and greeting before bending a little to the side and directly looking at my peeking neighbour, " Good morning Mrs Pelkins. May I help you? Or perhaps you need Dr Cullen's help for your hands too?"

She looked discomfited at being caught and embarrassedly cleared her throat, "Good morning to you too dear. And no no no, don't mind me. I am just going to fetch the newspaper."

I pointedly looked at her hands, "they are already in your hands."

Mrs Pelkins quickly glanced at her hands, "Ah yes, they indeed are. Must be old age. I have to go now. A good day to you dear." She then turned to Carlisle and said with a nod, "Dr Cullen."

I watched as she hurriedly walked into her house and closed the door. I turned my gaze back to the good doctor to find that he was already looking at me with apparent laughter in his eyes.

"What?" I said innocently.

"You are a little devil, aren't you?" Carlisle said as he shook his head at me.

I gave him a smug smile and said lowly, "Dr Cullen, when have I ever claimed to be an angel?"

I then turned and made my way to the kitchen, "Do come in and close the door after you please."

I heard a chuckle then the sound of the door closing as I entered the kitchen. A few seconds later, Carlisle entered the kitchen and deposited the bags on the table.

I glanced at the bags then concentrated on making my cup of tea, " please take a seat. May I offer you a beverage?"

' Even though I have my suspicions about your diet, it never hurts to ask for the sake of politeness." I thought to myself.

As I had expected, he politely refused.

" So, if I may ask, why are there so many containers in that bag? Are you going to eat too?" I enquired doubtfully as I took a seat before him.

" I got you lunch too." Carlisle replied as he opened the bag containing the pancakes.

'He evaded my question.'

He looked at the plates, "May I?"

"Of course. Please do not be reserved. I think someone once told me to 'do as if this were your own home'? "

He took a plate and cutlery before sitting back down, " I believe someone did."

I watched as he put the pancakes on the plate then took out a box of strawberries and put some next to the pancakes.

A big smile appeared on my face as I exclaimed, "You got me strawberries!"

The good doctor laughed, " I did. I heard that they were your favourite. Here you go." He said as he pushed the plate in front of me.

Adaline: " Jasper divulged my weakness huh. Thank you very much for the food Carlisle."

Carlisle: " It's my pleasure."

I took a bite of pancake, "It's really good. Where did you buy it?"

Carlisle: " I am glad all the pain I went through to cook this was not in vain."

I looked at him sceptically, " You cooked this?"

He nodded and gave me a quirked smile, " After many trials and error. I made your lunch too."

Adaline: " Breakfast was more than enough. You didn't have to go out of your way to bring lunch too! But anyway, what is done is done, so thank you. I really appreciate your efforts. The pancakes are really good. You really didn't have to bring me food, least of all cook it yourself."

The good doctor linked his hands on the table, " I wanted to. I don't mind cooking for you. It was quite entertaining. I am always doing paperwork, so this gave me something else to do. Maybe I can make it my new hobby? Would you like to be my exclusive taste tester?"

I raised an eyebrow, "guinea pig you mean?"

He put a hand on his heart and a pitiful look, " how you wound me! Never would I treat you as such!"

I rolled my eyes at him while taking another bite and he laughed.

Adaline: " More importantly, is everything more...calm now in your family? I have to say that I feel conflicted and sad about your family dynamics. I apologise for any inconvenience we may have inadvertently caused."

Carlisle fixed me with his amber eyes, " You are not at fault Adaline, so do not worry about it. What is done is done, so let's concentrate on the now. Let's talk later. Eat first."

Adaline: "Don't you have to go to work?"

Carlisle: "No. I have the night shift today."

I hummed as I swallowed another bite, "How's Jasper by the way? He didn't look so good yesterday."

Carlisle: " He is better. Thank you for helping with him yesterday; at such a late hour too."

I took a sip of tea before replying, " I didn't mind it. Even if I don't really understand how my mere presence can calm him down."

He gave me a mischievous smile, "It's a secret."

I gave him a bland look, "Is that so."

He chuckled, " You'll know sooner or later. Anyway I haven't forgotten about the dinner that you owe me."

I nearly choked on my tea, " Ah , yes, The Dinner."

He gave me a knowing look, "you forgot about it. Don't worry, I already have everything planned."

I gave him a look of pity, "I'll say a little prayer for you when you go ask my father."

He smiled, "thanking you in advance for your prayer. Anyway, I am going to take a look at your hand when you finish your breakfast."

I nodded, "Okay, thank you."

I concentrated on eating while the good doctor played with his phone. A few minutes later I finished and got up to put my plate in the sink.

Carlisle: "I'll put your lunch in the fridge. You just have to heat it before eating."

Adaline: "Okay thank you."

I watched as he did so then turn to pick up his bag.

Carlisle: "So where shall we do this?"

I quirked my lips at him, " you have two options. The living room or my room."

He gave a quick glace into the living room, "I don't feel comfortable invading your father's sofa, so your room it is."

I let out a little huff of laughter and drawled, "is that so? Why not just say that you want a peek of my room?"

He chuckled, "very well, I admit it. I am curious about your room."

I grinned, " Follow me then."

I briefly gave him a little tour as we went up the stairs, "on this floor you have the bathroom, my dad's room and Bella's room." I said while pointing to each. "Mine is upstairs."

He followed me closely as we reached my room.

"Welcome to my little niche." I said as I opened my door.

He entered and inhaled sharply. I watched as he swallowed and flared his nostrils again. I also noticed that his eyes had gotten a little darker.

I hurriedly went to pick my desk chair and placed it near the bed. I then proceeded to innocently sit on my bed, 'okay, let's do as if I did not notice that. No biggie Adaline. He is just taking in fresh air….yeah.'

I cleared my throat awkwardly, "Please take a seat."

He came out of his trance and quirked his lips, "Ah yes. Pardon the intrusion."

He approached the bed and put his bag on the floor before sitting down. I presented my hands to him and he gently took them. I suppressed the shiver at his contact and proceeded to stare at my hands as if it were the most fascinating thing on earth.

He gently applied pressure on some of the wounds, "do you feel any sharp pain?"

I shook my head, "no sharp pain. It doesn't hurt that much."

He ruffled through his bag while saying to me, "that's good then. No glass fragment was missed. They are also healing well."

He took out a tube of ointment and bandages, "This ointment will help it heal faster." He then proceeded to smear the ointment on the wounds and bandaged both hands.

" There you go. This ointment and bandages are for you. Just reapply it tonight and don't forget to bandage your hands." He said while putting them next to me.

Adaline: "I will. Thank you Carlisle."

He gave me a smile while he cleaned his hands with a wet wipe, "You are welcome."

I gave him a smile back before leaning on my elbows and stretching my body to put the ointment and bandages on my bedside table. As I sat back up, I looked at Carlisle only to find him staring at me with dark eyes. More precisely he was staring at my shoulders. I followed his line of sight and saw that my off-shoulder sweater, which was baggy on me, had slipped even more, showing a good portion of my shoulder and neck. A little more and my chest would have been exposed.

I felt my ears get a little hot and moved to adjust it. But a cold, pale hand beat me to it. I watched as the good doctor's fingers pinched the collar of my sweater and slowly pull it back up. He was careful not to touch my skin and immediately let go after it was decently in place.

He looked into my eyes and gently said, "pardon me for my forwardness. I hope I did not make you uncomfortable. I acted without thinking."

" You did not. Thank you for trying to preserve my modesty." I said in a teasingly and gratefully at the same time.

'Note to self: never wear that sweater again when in company. I'll just wear it to sleep at night….. Dear merlin, I nearly flashed the poor man.'

That thought made me snort and I quickly shook my head at him when he looked at me.

He gave me a bemused look before saying, "As long as you allow me to, I shall always strive to do so." He then blinked and cleared his throat, "Anyway, I apologise for...looking a little longer than necessary. I am after all just a man. I assure you that it is not in my habits to do so."

I rolled my eyes playfully at him, "Yes I noticed. You are pardoned, so lay your mind at rest. Rest assured, your gentlemanly image has not been jeopardised."

He chuckled, "I am glad." He stood up and playfully bowed, "Thank you for magnanimous behaviour Madam."

I raised my chin and adopted a pompous air, "Indeed."

We looked at each other before bursting into laughter. I laid on the bed and tried to catch my breath while the good doctor stood and watched me.

I gasped, trying to stop laughing, "Oh my god, I can't laugh anymore. My sides hurt. It's all your fault."

Carlisle: "Indeed."

That make me burst into laughter again. At that point my face was red from laughing too much. The good doctor took pity on me and helped me sit up.

He patted my back, "okay breathe deeply now. Deep breaths. No more laughing, I fear you may pass out."

I took in deep breaths and tried to calm down. I concentrated on his hand on my back and finally stopped laughing. Sometimes a snort came but that was all, "thank you. You nearly killed me. Death by laughter. Tsk tsk Dr Cullen."

Carlisle: "That would have been a first."

I snorted gain and turned to look at him. He looked at me gently and reached out to try to put the strands of hair that had escaped my bun back into place. I gave him a small smile and gently bumped my shoulder with his, "My hair is a lost cause right now. I'll take care of it later. Thank you mama bird."

He raised an eyebrow at me then shook his head, "Very well then."

I watched as he stood up and checked his watch, "I better go now. Or I fear that Mrs Pelkins may invent some inappropriate scenarios in her head."

I looked at him blandly and stood up too, "Like she didn't already imagine it?"

He grabbed his bag and looked at me, "Point taken."

We both made our way downstairs and I turned to him with a mischievous smile, "I bet she is hiding and spying to see when you'll come out. And not just her."

He grimaced, "Ah the joys of neighbourhood."

We reached the door and I put my hand on the knob, " Delightful sarcasm Dr Cullen."

He grinned, "I think so too."

I chuckled before looking up at him, "Really, thank you for taking time to come check on my hands and for the delicious home-made food."

He gave me a gentle smile, "The pleasure was all mine. I am glad that you liked it. You may look forward to more food in the future."

I let out a sigh, "I won't even bother stopping you. You can be so stubborn. That and the food is really good."

He grinned then took my hand and lightly kissed the back of it, "On that note I shall bid you adieu Madam. Thank you for receiving me."

I shook my head at his silly antics, " it was my pleasure Dear Sir. Thank you for coming."

He rubbed my fingers with his, "I hope to see you very soon. In the mean time, take care of yourself Adaline." With that said he let go of my hand and took a step back.

Adaline: "Take care of yourself too Carlisle."

I then proceeded to open the door and stepped aside to let him out. He passed by me and stopped at the threshold. We looked at each other before directly looking at Mrs Pelkins's window. As expected, she was peeking from behind her curtain. Both Carlisle and I raised our hands and waved at her with big smiles on our faces. She immediately let the curtain fall.

I snorted, "You corrupted me!"

Carlisle looked at me baffled, "Who really corrupted whom here?! You are just as bad!"

We looked at each other

Adaline: "We corrupted each other. Agree?"

Carlisle: "Yes."

We both snorted. I side-eyed him, "We can both be so silly."

Carlisle: "It is you that brings out the silly in me."

"Uh huh. Now go rest at home. Shoo." I said teasingly while waving my hand at him.

He put a hand at his heart, "now that you have the food, you are chasing me away?! How cruel!"

I rolled my eyes at him, " Yes I am." I chuckled, "Really, go home to your family. Rest and relax with them."

He grinned, "I will. Goodbye Adaline."

Adaline: "Goodbye Carlisle."

I watched as he got into his car and drove away.

"He always manages to surprise me." I whispered to myself.

I glanced at Mrs Pelkins window, shook my head in disbelief and went back inside.

"Some people just can't mind their own business." I said before closing the door.