|Chapter Five|

THE DOCTOR & THE MIDWIFE

Maman stood in front of me, keeping me away from Carlisle, for him to not be any closer to me. She would have crouched down in a vampiric manner if not for us being in the town's clinic (along with Tyler in the cot next to me). It would be more awkward than intimidating to be honest.

I sat upright, the slight rustling of the sheets underneath me making them both turn their attention back to me. Maman rushed forward and put her hand against my cheekbone, the cool touch grounding me and letting me know Carlisle couldn't ask her to leave without evidence. I wasn't eighteen yet, I wasn't being abused, and she was still my maman despite her being a vampire.

"Bella, is this true? Is this your mother?"

Carlisle stepped closer and without thinking, I scooted closer to Maman. She shot him a warning look, that glint underneath her golden depths letting him know he should be lucky they were in a public place or else she would make sure he would second guess every decision he had ever made. He was a quick learner though, so instead he had both of his arms fall to his side with his palms facing towards us to show his submission for now.

"Yes, it's true. She is my maman, she adopted me," I assured him, making him slump when he saw there was no reason for me to lie to him.

He was probably wondering the reasoning behind Maman adopting me, but I wasn't going to give him any reason. I wasn't going to ask him how his coven were changed; it was a taboo subject for vampires to speak about.

There were some things vampires weren't supposed to talk about, how another vampire had been changed into what they were or the reasoning behind them changing another vampire. Maman was due to change me, so this was out of the question, since it would mean he would be questioning Maman's decision and insulting her very honor. Maman made sure her honor would always stay intact. She prided herself in three things: honor, reputation, and me.

Realizing he was at a dead end, Carlisle was able to come forward again, and didn't say anything about Maman being close to me. He asked me a numerous amount of medical questions, any medical history he should know about, anything that could be concerning. I was able to have him rule out me having a concussion since I had fallen onto my hip and not my head. I was embarrassed when I gave him permission to see the bruise upon my hip (I was not used to showing my more private parts of skin off, it was very un-lady-like).

"It's a good thing you hadn't gotten a concussion. If you fell any harder though, I'm certain you would have internal bruising as well. The good news is it's just on the outside. You'll just need to go to the pharmacy in town and get some bruising cream for your hip, along with some Tylenol in case you are hurting. Other than that, you should be good to go," Carlisle explained, only for me to reach my arm out and put my fingers against his arm. I kept my fingers there despite the deep breath Maman had made from the bold display I was showing.

"I think you need to have a talk to Edward. I had a feeling one of your children would end up rescuing me. It shouldn't surprise me it's him who did, though Jasper looked as though he would have tried to save me as well though Emmett held him back," I quietly whispered, thankful for their vampiric hearing. No other human would be able to hear what I was saying.

The clinic doors that led out to the other part of the clinic opened, revealing both Edward Cullen and said male Hale twin, Jasper. My heart stopped in my chest as Jasper's eyes landed on mine. The dull pain that was around my hipbone began to dissipate, until it was almost nonexistent (only because they weren't an important focus for now). I did not look towards Edward, nor how his jaw was clinched at the sight of Maman being in the clinic.

Jasper slowly came across the emergency room to me. He wasn't breathing, and his topaz eyes were being gradually swallowed whole by obsidian splotches. Tyler Cowley was already taken to one of the X-Ray examination rooms while Carlisle was asking me my medical history so they could see how bad his leg was. There was no blood that was out in the open for any of the vampires around me. So, it couldn't have been a better time for the clinic to be hosting vampires.

Without any hesitation he stopped in front of Maman first. He bowed to show respect towards her, before he said, "Bonjour, vous devez être la mère de Bella. Je suis Jasper, j'ai quelque chose qui lui appartient et que j'aimerais lui rendre. Si vous me le permettez ?"

("Hello, you must be Bella's mother. I'm Jasper, I have something of hers I would like to give back to her. If you would allow me to?")

I sighed dreamily, loving how Jasper was speaking in French (I detected a little bit of a southern Texas accent though). He wasn't going to try and come to me and hand me something without introducing himself to Maman in her mother language.

He was asking permission to even start a conversation with me, it was fitting it would end up being the first conversation he would have to me. My hand was above my heart, resting against my chest, as I took in Jasper Hale more now that he was closer to me than in the cafeteria. I dropped my hand down quickly, realizing how absurd I was acting.

His deep, canary, dirty blond waves of hair fell to trim but long shoulders. They caressed against his shoulder blades and moved gently when he would turn his head. His eyes were so expressive, windows to his soul, and though his nose and lips were slim they were still full. His cheekbones were sharp, he was slender but muscular. His gray sweater he had chosen for the day was taunt against his muscles, his jeans hugged to his muscular calvas, and he was wearing cowboy boots. A obsidian leather jacket was draped over his shoulders, though I knew he would look even more delicious with it on. (He would look delicious no matter what he would wear)

Maman giggled some, before she nodded her head. She seemed to immediately like Jasper. Relief flooded through me, as though this was the Olympic Coven member who I wanted her to like more than any of them. I especially cared about her opinion towards Jasper than Edward.

"Thank you," I found myself saying first, making Carlisle frown from his spot next to me. Edward, himself, was watching with intrigue on the other side of the emergency room clinic. I barely paid attention to the bronze haired vampire; I didn't care for his angst.

"Of course," Jasper responded, knowing exactly what I meant. I was certain he could feel the gratitude that was washing from me in waves. He was peering down at me, with a calmness that was almost rare, though there was a little bit of tension that surrounded him.

"You said you had something of mine you wanted to return to me?"

I noticed how Jasper's eyes widened and he gave me a sheepish smile, he would have been blushing scarlet if he were able to blush. Alas I wasn't allowed that luxury, vampires couldn't blush. I found it very unfair.

He reached into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out Maman's antique ring I had been wearing earlier today. My eyes widened as tears began to rise in my tear ducts. I hadn't even thought about the ring yet, I was too busy dealing with the almost fatal car wreck, but now I wouldn't have to trace my steps back to the scene in order to get Maman's antique ring.

I would have lost something of Maman's! It would be unforgivable, even if it was only me who thought it was unforgivable!

"May I put it back where it belongs?" Jasper probed, carefully, earning a nod from me. He picked up my right hand, his fingernails trailing against my wrist. I was certain he could feel my veins underneath my skin pumping blood, but he was careful.

He smiled as he slipped Maman's antique ring down onto my right pointer finger again. His cold hand wasn't unwelcoming as it was intertwined with mine. I was enraptured by the undeniable attraction between us. I had never imagined myself as someone who was missing something, or someone, as I had claimed many times before romance wasn't an end goal for me but at this moment, it was as though I was having all the missing pieces in my heart molded back together. I was complete. My heart was at peace. My soul had found its companion.

I opened my mouth, as though to ask him if he could feel it too only for Maman to appear suddenly. I hadn't even realized Maman had went to the corner of the room so she could have a conversation with Carlisle. She gave a small smile towards Jasper before she told him, "Zank you fahr geeving Bella bahck my reeng, eet's one of hair fahvahrites."

As I got out of the cot I had been placed on, I flinched as my bruise that was up against my hipbone began to throb. I gave Maman an assuring smile, as though to let her know I would be fine. My hipbone was going to hurt for probably at least a week, before it would begin to not hurt anymore. I just wasn't looking forward to having to put bruising cream on my hipbone. It was embarrassing, especially when I showed Carlisle my hipbone.

I made Maman stop in front of Edward, though he seemed as though he wasn't too interested in hearing what was going to be said. Maman was taller than him though, she was a very tall woman, so she was able to make him almost curl in on himself. I patted her on the arm and ushered her to go into the corridor so she could leave me with Edward.

Weariness was obviously there for all to see; I was certain Jasper could sense it. I didn't turn to look at Maman that long though. She knew I could handle myself. She merely leant down and kissed me on the crown of my head before she walked out of the corridor. I waited until she had left the emergency room and the doors shut behind her in a quiet whoosh.

"I'd say I'm sorry about the way Maman is, but I don't think an apology is needed," I started, which in return made Edward sigh and let his golden irises flicker up towards the ceiling above us.

He looked up there for a moment as though he saw something he needed to see before he let his eyes flicker down to mine again.

"Your mother isn't the problem here, you are."

My eyes widened at what he had just proclaimed, and without thinking I began to spew insults at him in French, enough that some of the nurses who were still in the emergency room widen their eyes at the sight before them. Edward calmly stood there, as he let me spew all the insults, I wanted to at him before I managed to calm down enough.

"And why is that Cullen? Is it because you cannot read my mind?" I growled at him.

I didn't want to say I hated him, but I loathed him. I loathed him more than I imagined I could loath someone. And so quickly, perhaps I was getting ahead of myself…perhaps I was the one in the wrong. It didn't matter, all I knew was I could not stand Edward Cullen. And he didn't seem as though he cared either, which made it even worse!

Edward studied me again. "I know you want me to say I hate you too. I also know my ability to read everyone's mind except yours is nothing more than an irritating—"

"Edward."

Edward and I turned our attention to Carlisle as he came into the emergency room once more. He came up to me and put his hand on my shoulder, "Bella, I apologize for the way Edward is treating you. He has been raised with better manners than the lack of them he's showing you. Your mother is waiting for you in the front lobby of the clinic. You'll be coming over to my house this weekend, Saturday around lunch time. It's a chance for us all to get to know each other, properly."

Great.

I was going to be sat down at a dining table and forced to eat whatever meal they would come up for me to eat. Perhaps I could have Maman make me something to eat before we would head off so there would be no point in having them sitting in another room and listening to me eat and drink. I would rather starve than eat and drink in front of a bunch of vampires, at least with Maman she had been there for me since the very beginning of my life—so I was accustomed to her.

Maman was standing in the lobby, where all my friends were gathered around her, asking her if she were related to the Cullens. Maman's features were smooth, schooled, though I could tell she was someone who didn't like being around children old enough to ask questions. She liked babies and toddlers before they could talk, any child who could talk weren't her cup of tea. So yes, Maman was very awkward right now, while having to deal with the group of teenagers around her.

"Maman," I called out, making her sigh in relief before she turned around and mouthed, "help me", at me. I gave a small giggle before I came up to her and my group of friends. I wrapped my arm around hers, giving her a brilliant smile.

"Bella, you didn't tell me you're related to the Cullens!"

Jessica announced, the excitement still there, as she stood with marvel lighting in her green eyes while she stared up at Maman.

Maybe she was hoping I could find a way for her to go on a date with Edward Cullen. It was obvious she had an obsessive crush on the boy, she should lean towards Mike though. He was human, he was safe, and he wouldn't cross personal boundaries by being able to read her mind.

"I didn't tell you because I'm not related to them, well technically Maman is not related to them. You know I'm adopted," I pointed out, making them digest what I had said before Tyler was wheeled in behind me, waving at everyone in the wheelchair he had been given. He would end up having to stay home for the rest of the week.

"Are you sure?" Mike was the one who had asked this, not knowing it prickled Maman enough that she glared at him. I sighed, knowing what was going to happen next.

"Of course, I am sure, I know my blood relations ," Maman spat at him, enough for Mike's already pale face to become even more paler. "Now excuse us, but we'll be heading home now. Next time, remember to think before you speak because that was both a rude and moronic thing to ask."

Everyone moved out of the way, the front clinic doors opened with a whoosh due to them being automatic and shut behind us soon after. My friends could pay attention to someone who would soak in the attention, hopefully they could focus all their attention on Tyler now. No more need for them to ask the scary, tall French vampire mother if she were related to the Cullens.

Getting into Maman's car, she drove us back to the parking lot so I could get into my own car. The entire time we were heading home all I could think about was how Jasper had been so desperate to get to me. He was staring at me as though my lifeline was connected to his. The very moment my last breath and heartbeat went he would go along with it. It was overwhelming and beautiful, in a sense, since I had always dreamt of that kind of devotion for me and my future lover.

Arriving back at the cottage, I got out of my car and leant up against the driver's door. My eyes went up to the canopy of trees that were surrounding the property. The cold around me was in between welcoming and imposing upon me. I brought my hand up and looked at the simple sapphire and silver ring that I had almost lost forever if it weren't for Jasper giving it back to me.

A part of me, a small part of me, wanted to ask why they had Edward save me instead of Jasper. Edward wasn't in love with me, there was this strange relationship I could find myself developing with him. We didn't clash all the way, but we did have such strong personalities it would make sense we both would find the other not worth any anergy on. I didn't want to think more about it to be honest, because for all I knew I would need to become an ally with Edward in the future.

Maman was waiting for me when I came back into the cottage. I frowned as I went over to where the fireplace was. I bent down and lit it, so I could have warmth radiate in the drafty cottage. Maman sat down on the loveseat and waited for me, her hands were folded together, and her manicured fingers were clicking against each other. She was staring at the bookshelves in front of her, her golden irises not lasting long on any book.

Sitting down next to her, I grabbed the blanket that was draped on the top of the loveseat and wrapped the blanket around me. I closed my eyes and allowed the cracking of the logs behind me to sooth me. I tried to focus on the part of me that wanted to bring attention to the emotional connection that was between me and Jasper, but I feared if I said anything she would tell me I had been just thinking too much into my future relationship with Jasper.

"He's my mate, isn't he?"

Maman arched one of her eyebrows up at my question. There was a twinkle of pride in her golden depths, she was happy I had decided to mention our connection after all. She put her hands together into a tightened fist and put them into her lap before she turned and focused her entire attention to me. She and I both knew this was going to change everything, whatever she would give me advice on, whatever I would interpret it into would define the future for me and Jasper.

"That is a serious allegation, Isabella Marie. Do you have any reason to believe you are Jasper's mate, and therefore he is yours?" Maman's voice was cool, there was no tell-tell sign of what she felt about the situation. To someone else they would find it disgusting for Maman to treat me this way, instead of giving me an honest opinion.

Then again, most girls were humans with human parents and the boys they crushed on were human. They weren't the human daughter of a vampire, who might have just discovered she was the mate of another vampire. They weren't the human who was risking the entire vampiric world with claims of them having such a powerful, romantic tie to their world.

"I've never felt surer about anything or anyone in my life," I vowed, enough for Maman to reach over and put her hand on my cheekbone. I couldn't help but feel tears falling down my cheekbones, as I was overcome with emotion.

Maman leant over and hugged me, before she kissed me on the top of my head. "Oh, my Petit Papillion, I had to be sure. I could see the connection, the beauty. It was so pure. I'm glad for you. I am certain it will be a top of conversation when we go on Saturday."

It was bittersweet.

I had to find my way back to the place I had been born to meet my vampiric mate. I had to be in the presence of the Cullens, whom Maman made sure to humanize as much as she possibly could. She didn't want me to have rose tinted glasses, where I would find them automatically wonderful just because they shared the same diet as Maman. That wasn't to say we didn't respect them, Maman and I respected them, but that didn't mean we liked them.

At least Jasper Hale seemed as though he was nomadic in nature. He wasn't someone who seemed as though he had to be around the six other vampires, he could go his own way. He didn't have to rely on anyone, he could fend for himself.

Yet, if he hadn't been with the Olympic Coven, he wouldn't have met me. So, it was good he wasn't nomadic for the time being, though I couldn't help but wonder if he would leave this coven after I would become a vampire.

I would be his mate, but that didn't mean I wanted to stay with this coven. I didn't want to be with such a high populated coven, they were on the edge of having too many vampires. They were second to the Volturi.

"Don't think too much, darling. It will make you sick."

Maman pulled me into her arms and held me, before she started to sway back and forth on the loveseat, in order to try and ground me. I didn't need to be alone in my thoughts anymore, and soon I wasn't when she started to recite: The Little Prince by Antonie de Saint- Exupéry, from memory. I smiled, as I submerged myself into the tale about a young prince who traveled the universe and gained knowledge and became accustomed to a sense of loneliness.

I woke to myself lying in my bed, my bed wasn't tucked, and the sheets were everywhere. I was in my favorite silk pajama set. I sighed and went over to the standing mirror in the corner of my bedroom before I pulled my pants down and yanked the side of my panties down so I could see the rapidly growing bruise that was crawling against my skin.

At least it was early enough in the morning for me to get ready for school without having to rush myself. I went into the bathroom and turned on the bathtub faucet. Snow was still falling, and it was packed a good bit on top of the tilted skylight above me. I shot it a glare, before grabbing my outfit for the day to put on the top of my toilet lid (well on top of the toilet lid cover, which was a light pink fuzzy toilet cover).

If I weren't so conscious of the time, I would have stayed in the bath longer than I did. I got out and brushed out my hair, not having to dry it, because I had put on a shower cap at the last minute. I slipped on a blush pink knitted sweater, with khaki hued pants, along with ballet styled shoes. A fluffy pink jacket and matching pink scarf (along with Beret and mittens the same color pink) finished off the look. I smoothed down my clothes before I left the cottage.

As I pulled into the student parking lot, the first thing I looked for was the familiar expensive cars that were on the other side of the parking lot. I sighed in relief when I noticed the silver Volvo and the red Convertible (Rosalie's signature car) near the end of the parking lot, the side that faced the woods instead of the school buildings.

I patiently waited as each vampire got out of their respected car, they had rode in.

Rosalie. Emmett. Alice. Edward.

I dismissed each of them as they got out of the cars, my knees almost giving out on me when Jasper Hale came out of the silver Volvo—his golden irises landing on mine.

Just the sight of him reminded me to be strong, I knew they wouldn't allow him close to me again, until this weekend but all I needed was to see him in school. It would make the remaining days until I would be at their house worth it.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: TWILIGHT DOESN'T BELONG TO ME

edited: 12/18/2021