An Occasion
Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to SM.
A/N-thank you very much for reviewing the last chapter.
Part Eighteen-A Peaceful Interlude
"Bella?"
Bella awoke from her long nap to find a tall grey-haired man looming over her. In her sleep befuddled state, it took longer than it should have to recognise who the man was. "Dr Gerandy?" She mumbled, pulling herself up into a sitting position on the sofa.
"I see you've been in the wars again, my dear." Dr Gerandy said. One grizzled eyebrow rose and the lines on his forehead deepened.
"I'm perfectly fine." Bella glanced away from the kindly old man's face and glanced around the room. She found Charlie hovering anxiously a few feet behind the doctor. That explained it. He had been fussing and pitching a fit since she had come home from La Push with her latest shiner.
"Let me be the judge of that." Dr Gerandy's warm hand touched her forehead, and his fingers pressed on the inside of her wrist. Bella watched his lips impatiently as he counted to himself, his eyes on his watch.
"So, Bella, care to explain what happened to you this time?" He asked casually.
"I tripped." Bella shrugged nonchalantly. "You know how clumsy I can be."
"We both know you didn't trip, Bella." Dr Gerandy brushed aside her weak excuse, frowning heavily.
Bella froze under his hand, her eyes quickly darting to Charlie as panic set in. She assumed the old doctor would take her word for it, just like he had in the past when she'd suffered one of her 'accidents.'
"Bella?" Charlie stepped forward, his face darkening as anger set in. "What's going on?"
"Nothing." Bella snatched her wrist away and cradled it in her other hand. She glared at the two hovering men defensively. "I tripped. That is all."
Charlie leaned in closer, his eyes narrowing. "Was this Cullen doing? Have you been seeing him again?"
The flush that took over Bella's face at his assumption was all the proof that Charlie needed that her ex was the root cause of her latest injury. His hands twitched at his sides and his complexion turned almost purple with anger. "I knew it!" He exploded. "He is going to pay for this!"
"Hey now, Charlie." Dr Gerandy said carefully. "Going off half-cocked and pounding the boy will make you no better than he is. Instead of using your fists, use your head. Anyway, haven't you heard the rumours?"
"What rumours?" Charlie demanded.
"Dr Cullen wanted to keep it quiet, but you know nothing stays that way in a small town. Information has a way of leaking out." Dr Gerandy confided in a low whisper. "The offer was very sudden, he and his family had to decide immediately. Dr Cullen didn't want to make a big production out of leaving."
"They're leaving?" Charlie said in surprise. His eyes slid to Bella. She was forced to hide behind her best poker face. "Did you know about this, kiddo?"
"It's the first I've heard of it." Bella fibbed. She felt her traitorous skin flush again and gritted her teeth in annoyance that she was such a shitty liar. Thankfully Charlie was too astonished to take much notice of her obvious reaction.
"Well, its good riddance as far as I'm concerned. Billy will be pleased." Charlie muttered.
"A little warning might have been nice. He's leaving the hospital seriously understaffed." Dr Gerandy complained. "He never seemed to mind covering the graveyard shift."
Bella zoned out at that point. This was old news to her. As soon as it was confirmed that she was going to be okay, the wolves had taken action. Sam had initiated a meeting with Carlisle. He had informed the head of the coven about Edward's latest misdemeanours and demanded that something be done about him if the clan wanted to avoid further retribution. Carlisle had been horrified to learn about his adopted son's unprovoked attack on Jacob and Bella's resultant injury when she tried to stop the fight escalating. He apologised profusely and promised Sam faithfully that he would deal with the problem, and that Edward would cause no further trouble. It was obvious that the only solution at that point was to leave for everyone's safety.
The phone rang out in the hall, startling Bella and interrupting the two men's whispered conversation. Bella heard Charlie sigh irritably as he stomped out into the hall to answer it. "Yeah?" Charlie said gruffly.
Bella strained to hear more while she silently suffered the rest of Dr Gerandy's health checks.
"Where?" Charlie demanded, the tone of his voice changing. There was a pause as he listened to the caller's explanation. "You're sure its outside the reservation?" Another short pause. "But what could be burning out there?" He sounded completely mystified. "Look, I'll call Billy and check it out."
Bella flinched as Dr Gerandy pressed the end of his stethoscope against her chest as he listened to her heart. It was beating rapidly, far too fast for someone who was supposed to appear relaxed. Bella ignored the doctor's concerned frown as she listened intently as Charlie punched Billy's number into the phone.
"Hey, Billy, its Charlie – sorry I'm calling so….no, Bella's fine. Dr, Gerandy's giving her the once over." Charlie explained. "I'm actually calling because I just got a call from Mrs Stanley – yes I know she's an interfering old busy body, but I have to follow procedure and check things out- anyway she says she just happened to glance out of her second story window and rang me to tell me she could see fires out on the sea cliffs, but I didn't really…."
Bella went rigid with impatience when Charlie fell silent again as he listened to Billy talk. She was dying to know what was being said.
"Oh, for goodness' sake, Billy!" Charlie exploded suddenly. "And why are they doing that? Uh huh. Really?" He said sarcastically. "Yes, I have heard that they're leaving. That doesn't mean that it's a good idea to light celebratory bonfires. If they're not careful, the flames could spread…. I know, I know. I'm glad they've taken a hike, too."
It went quiet again as Billy answered him, obviously trying to assuage the police chief's worry.
"How did they even get the things lit in this weather." Charlie grumbled, giving in to his friend's reassurance that everything was under control. "Alright, I've got to get back to Bella. Talk to you later." He hung up and walked back into the living room. "Well doc?" He asked Dr Gerandy.
"I don't think there's anything wrong with her that a few days complete rest and relaxation won't cure. The swelling on her jaw has gone down already, the purple bruise looks worse than it is, it'll fade eventually." Dr Gerandy looped his stethoscope over his shoulders. "What's the news on the res?" He enquired with interest.
"Just some kids being rowdy." Charlie said dismissively. "Billy assured me he has got it under control."
Dr Gerandy started gathering his things together, getting ready to leave. "Kids, eh! I'll call in tomorrow to check on Bella again."
"Thanks, Doc." Charlie walked the older man to the door. "Hey, do you know where Dr Cullen and his family are heading next?"
"Carlisle took a job with a big hospital in Los Angeles so I heard." Dr Gerandy answered resentfully. "I guess they threw a lot of money at him."
"Well better there then here." Charlie huffed. He reached out and shook the old doctor's hand. "G'night, Doc."
"Goodnight, Charlie." Dr Gerandy gave the police chief's hand a firm shake, then finally left.
The next evening was spent in La Push at the Black's house. The whole night, Bella could feel her father's eyes on her, doing his best to watch her covertly, still clearly concerned about her wellbeing. Dr Gerandy's reassurances that the blow to her face was more superficial than anything still hadn't put his mind at ease. He had nearly insisted on cancelling their trip to the reservation, but Bella had kicked up such a fuss that he had quickly caved in.
The house was crowded, Harry Clearwater was there, too, with his family -his wife, Sue, who had taken such good care of Bella after her latest 'accident' – and his kids, Leah and Seth. Leah had rolled her eyes in irritation when Bella returned the borrowed clothes to her – freshy washed and ironed. Leah took them, clearly not in the mood to engage in conversation. She was missing Sam and spent most of her time on the phone, ignoring everyone around her.
Young Seth Clearwater was the total opposite of his sister. As soon as he saw Bella, he latched on to her. He hung on to her every word, much to Jacob's annoyance as he deliberately wedged his way in-between them at every opportunity. Seth was only fourteen, tall and gangly, he reminded Bella of Jacob at the same age. He was so cute with his mop of black hair and happy grin. She encouraged him to talk as she looked sneakily in Jacob's direction, secretly amused at his obvious irritation.
There were too many of them to them to sit comfortably around the kitchen table, so Charlie and Harry brought chairs out to the front yard, and they ate pizza slices off plates on their laps in the dim light from Billy's open door. The men talked about the latest Mariner's game, and Harry and Charlie made fishing plans. Sue whipped Harry's plate out of his hand when he reached for another pizza slice and glared at him, reminding him forcefully about his cholesterol.
Bella sat with Jacob and Seth, lounging on the bottom of the porch steps in a relaxed pose. Bella glanced over in her father's direction and noticed him still watching her. He gave her a cautious smile, clearly pleased to see her enjoying herself and not stressed at all about the Cullens abrupt departure.
"I like brunettes." Seth announced out of nowhere.
Leah, who still had her cell pressed to her ear, snorted derisively as she bypassed them. "You are so obvious, little brother." She scolded him affectionately.
Seth glared at his older sister as he tried to hide the blush on his cheeks. "Go chew on a wasp, Lee Lee." He muttered.
Leah pursed her lips when she saw Bella smirking at her, and she turned on her heel and stalked off in the opposite direction in annoyance, talking rapidly into her cell.
"My sister can be an acquired taste." Seth apologised on behalf of his Leah's rudeness. "I'm sorry about that."
Bella bumped her shoulder against his in solidarity. "Leah loves me really." She joked in order to reassure him. "She just likes to hide it to save face."
"Really?" Seth asked innocently.
Jacob shook his head in amusement. The conversation between the adults was getting quite heated. Charlie and Billy were bantering about the game, while Harry sat brooding while his wife berated him for his food choices. Seth looked quite embarrassed to see his parents arguing in public. Jacob took pity on him and offered to show the youngster his car.
"You coming, Bells?" He asked as he rose to his feet.
"I'll stay here." Bella said, thinking what a lovely gesture Jacob was making. Seth clearly needed the distraction.
"We won't be gone long." Jacob promised.
Bella watched contentedly as the two of them ambled off in the direction of the garage. As soon as they rounded the corner, Leah made a reappearance and flopped down beside Bella. Bella's good mood instantly vanished.
"My brother has a crush on you."
"He'll get over it." Bella said stiffly.
Leah side-eyed her warningly. "I'm very protective of him you know."
Bella looked at Leah – taking in her perfect copper skin, glistening black hair, her preoccupied expression. "What's wrong?" She asked in concern, alerted to the fact that something was clearly troubling the older girl.
"Seth ate four whole pizzas to himself tonight." Leah said flatly. "And he's grown four inches in just five days."
Comprehension finally dawned on Bella. She had gotten so used to being surrounded by tall men, she hadn't noticed that Seth was actually bigger than the average fourteen-year-old. "Oh no." She whispered.
"My dad's freaking out, though he's trying not to show it." Leah's normal hostility was stripped away as she stared into the distance, her eyes glassy with tears. She was finally revealing the vulnerability underneath. "Mom doesn't realise what's happening, my dad wants to spare her. I only know because Sam warned me. He wants me to be prepared for the fall out."
"Leah, I'm so sorry. Seth is so young. I can't believe this is happening." Bella drew her knees up to her chest and hugged them. "I don't understand."
Leah's eyelashes, as long as feather dusters, were coated with moisture. "None of us do. The Cullens have gone…. but still more are changing. I've always looked out for Seth. How am I supposed to do that now?"
"The same way you always have done." Bella said firmly. "He's lucky to have you. I always wished I had a sibling to lean on."
"Jacob has two of them…. but where are they?" Leah frowned darkly. "Rach took off for Washington State University in Pullman to study computer engineering as soon as she got her scholarship. She rarely comes home to visit. And Becca married Solomon Finau as soon as she was old enough and moved to Hawaii…."
"You were close to them?" Bella probed. Jacob rarely mentioned his sisters. Sometimes it was easy to forget that he wasn't an only child himself. The twins had left him to shoulder the heavy burden of their father's care without a second thought, not that he minded.
"I was closer to Rach then to Becca…." Leah shrugged, frowning "It is what it is. All I know is, I would never leave Seth like they left Jacob."
"Like I said, Seth is lucky to have you." Bella said again. "He'll be alright, Leah. He has you. He has all of us."
Leah took a moment to consider what Bella had said, before she turned to her, revealing the first genuine smile Bella had seen on her face. "You're not so bad after all, Bella Swan." She said grudgingly.
"Thanks…. I think." Bella laughed.
Just then, being Washington, the inevitable rain arrived to break up the party. The adults fled inside, while Leah helped Bella to her feet and they ran toward the garage in search of Jacob and Seth.
A/N-thanks for reading!