Authors note; Again, creative license has been taken here. Thanks, as always, to the ladies who make this story possible, and to all of you still reading and reviewing :)
Lineage
❤BPOV❤
Four days … six hours ... twenty-five minutes until I'm finally out of here.
If all goes well, the plan is to be released at the end of the week. I'm ecstatic to be getting out of here … counting down the days until I'm released from the hospital. There is only one negative ... one thing I'll miss most. Or should I say, one person?
Masen …
I can't explain the dread that fills me when I think about not seeing him again … not talking to him … not watching him devour Dora's cooking … not teasing one another mercilessly.
We've grown close. Truth is, spending time with Masen is the bright spot in the monotonous hours in the hospital. He's so positive and optimistic it's impossible not to feel motivated after his visits. My recovery has been slower than I would have liked, but Masen urged me to be patient ... to take things one day at a time and not put too much pressure on myself.
I look forward to seeing him; it's pretty much the highlight of my day.
I'm pretty fond of Lark too. I've seen her only a handful of times since our first meeting, but that little girl is a force to be reckoned with. Apparently, she wanted to see me—demanded it, according to Masen, so he's brought her to visit on a few occasions before he drops her off in the mornings.
A smile graces my lips when I think of them. Father and daughter were a delight to watch, though somewhat bittersweet because it reminded me of how Charlie and I used to be.
Esme visits me too; she's so generous with her time, and it is so wonderful to hear about her friendship with my mother too. The stories she shared brought a smile to my face, as well as tears to my eyes. But it was nice to hear Esme's stories of how they grew up together and stayed friends when their husbands' business dealings put them at odds.
She was just one of a long line of people who came to visit, and between my cousin, Jasper, along with Dora and Rose, my room was like a revolving door… according to my doctor. Thankfully, I am fortunate enough to have a private room - one of the benefits of having money and good insurance. Charlie still demanded a guard be placed outside my door, but I'm long used to the intrusion, and I understood why they were necessary when the police were still looking for those involved in my shooting.
We're no closer to knowing what actually happened that night. The more I think about it, the more I agree it was just a burglary gone wrong. Regardless of this, Charlie will not let it drop until he has answers.
Speaking of Charlie, at some point today, Charlie and Jake make an appearance in my room, as well.
"So the docs tell me you're getting out of here soon," Charlie remarks. He's trying to make conversation and sound interested, but the last half hour has been painful despite his best intentions.
"It's looking promising. My physio is pleased with my progress. She thinks another week or two, and I should be able to get around much easier. Of course, I'll still have to have therapy for a few more weeks, but being home will give me extra motivation to keep up my progress." I can't contain my smile at the prospect of getting out of here.
"Have they given any indication when that might be?"
"Yes, I'm all set to be released on Friday." I feel a sense of uneasiness creeping in; Why is he bringing this up? What is he building up to?
Something doesn't feel right … All the hairs on my arms prickle in anticipation of what he's about to say, knowing I'm not going to like it.
The room is silent … You could cut the atmosphere with a knife. There is a long awkward pause before Charlie speaks.
"I don't think you're ready to get out of here—I'll talk to the doctors about it. Plus, I'll have to make a start on getting the main house more accessible; it's still not safe out there for you. No, you're safer here, so that's where you'll stay until we know who did this to you."
There was a brief moment before my anger took hold, and I blurted out my response.
"NO."
"What do you mean, no?"
"You heard me, Charlie."
"Stop this, Bells." He says, using the nickname he used when I was a child, hoping I'll what? Suddenly agree … be okay with him still calling the shots in my life. " ... I want you here for now, and it's not up for discussion."
"Are you even listening to me?" I yell, causing Jake and the nurse in the room to look at me and frown. So much for staying calm. But I don't give a damn who hears us. Charlie needs telling.
"Bella, You're tired. We're finished here," he says dismissively, uncaring of my thoughts or opinions. He's dismissing me.
"No. Whether we discuss this now or later, the outcome is the same. You can't make me stay here longer when I've been told by professionals I can leave."
"Discussion is over, Bella; I know what's best!"
"Charlie, you are not a doctor!" I shriek.
Charlie stands and pauses at the door; the look he sends my way tells me this discussion is far from over. But if he thinks he's changing my mind, he can think again.
I'm shaking in anger and disbelief. His arrogance has only strengthened my resolve...
I'll find a solution ... something ... anything that means I don't have to go back home with Charlie and the place I only ever called home when Mom was alive.
Jake sends me a look after Charlie is gone. He's been a family friend for years … we grew up together...
"What?" I bite.
"You're being unreasonable. Charlie only wants to look after you; what's so bad about that?"
Men …
Completely fucking clueless.
"I'm being unreasonable!" I seethe. "And as for him looking after me, tell me something, Jake. Where was he for the last ten-fifteen years when I needed him?"
"He's making an effort now. Doesn't that count for something?" Jake shrugs.
"You don't get it." Shutting my eyes, I try to cool down. I'm seconds away from blowing up. They just don't get it. After what just transpired, I will not be going home with him.
"What is it with you guys? Did either of you even hear a word I said? You should go now because we have nothing more to talk about."
"Bells, you know he's going to get his way, so just calm down; you're overreacting."
"Oh, Jake, you did not actually say that did you? I am not overreacting! I will listen to the doctors, not Charlie when it comes to my care."
"Bella, listen to Charlie; he'll make sure you're safe, too."
"Safe. Jake? From what? I mean, look around; I have bodyguards everywhere."
"Bella, be reasonable. After the break-in, you need to be safe. Someone tried to hurt you, and that someone is still out there, so just listen to us. We know what's best for you."
"Jake, what are you talking about? It was a random break-in. It wasn't about me."
I watch him sigh and close his eyes before speaking again. "Bells, you don't know everything for Christ's sake, so stop acting like you do. Two of Charlie's best men were killed! We're the ones who keep things safe, and right now, you're not safe outside this hospital. In here you are. We need to find the bastards who did this!"
"Peter and Alistair are dead," I whisper, barely able to get my words out. All this time, I didn't consider anyone else had been hurt in the break-in. How selfish does that make me? I should have asked sooner … I should have thought. I feel terrible; They died trying to protect me.
Before I have a chance to ask Jake about this, Masen chooses this moment to make his entrance.
"Is everything okay here?"
I glance across the room to find him standing in the doorway, a concerned expression on his face. His eyes move between Jake and me, looking at me in concern.
I send him a tight smile.
"It's okay; Jake was on his way out," I say, leaving no room for discussion, or so I thought.
"Bella! Don't do this … you need to …"
"Get out, Jake," I order.
I can see he's about to reply when Masen tells him, "I think it's time you left."
"Doc, I'm not finished here; she has to listen to me and to Charlie."
"Bella needs calm, and that's not what I see happening here, so I have to ask you to leave right now."
Much to my surprise, Jake does just that, but not without sending Masen a sneer on his way past.
"This isn't over," he mumbles.
Masen comes over to the bed; he places a hand on my shoulder to comfort me.
"Everything okay?" he asks. "I heard shouting and saw Charlie storming out of the hospital. Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not particularly," I say, but talking with Masen always seems to help, so maybe confiding in him about Charlie's ludicrous plan will help too.
"Charlie is pressuring me to stay here longer. He's driving me nuts … and Jakes is just as bad! He doesn't get it."
"First off, Charlie has no say in the matter."
"Sorry, Masen, but he is a stubborn man, and he always gets his way. Unfortunately, he is probably bribing some hospital administrator as we speak. And his attitude is that I'm just supposed to listen to him and do everything his way!"
Masen stays silent; I can tell he's debating something, so I don't probe him. Instead, I wait it out because, in the short amount of time I've known him, I know if Masen has something to say, he will say it ... when he's ready.
He doesn't disappoint.
"What's the story with that guy anyway?" He asks, finally. His jaw is set, his eyes are focused on the clipboard in his hands, avoiding eye contact.
Jake? That's what he asks?
"There is no story. Jake is a friend of the family." I tell him, but Masen looks unconvinced. His eyes meet mine - probing.
"Really? That's all … nothing more?"
I burst out laughing. I can't help it.
"Absolutely not. Jake and I grew up together. He's the son Charlie always wanted. He's his right-hand man in training. He and my cousin have been working for the family for years. Charlie wants him to settle down ... find a good wife who will play the part. I suspect he thinks I'll make the perfect little lamb." I say, scowling. It's the truth; In our family, traditions are outdated. The women stay in the home, like perfect little wives.
"And being the wife of Mr. Beefcake doesn't appeal to you?" Masen's tone is teasing, but there's an undercurrent of something else—jealousy, maybe?
"If you think that appeals to me, then maybe we shouldn't be friends."
"We're friends?"
"I thought so ..." I say in a small voice feeling uncharacteristically shy. I never know where I am with Masen. The attraction is undeniable, but everything else is so confusing ... I thought for sure there was something there - a connection, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I've misread Masen's friendliness for something it isn't.
Maybe he's simply doing his job? Thinking of his family.
Why is this so confusing?
"I'm teasing, Bella. Of course, we're friends." His words would reassure me if he didn't look so reluctant. In fact, his body language makes me even more confused ... concerned.
"Then why do you look so conflicted ... so uneasy about being friends with me?" I ask, knowing I may not like his answer.
"Because I'm your doctor, I shouldn't be this close to you," Masen reveals. He sounds so downbeat I'm determined to make him smile.
"Well, according to you, you're not my doctor anymore, so what's wrong with a friend dropping by to cheer me up?" My smile grows with Masen's.
"Nothing," he replies.
"Exactly! So stop beating yourself up." Reaching across the bed, I take his hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Again, I feel the now-familiar thrill from his touch that doesn't go away. But this time, there is also comfort and friendship.
That's all I can ask for—for now at least.
"So, what; this all comes down to Charlie playing doctor, being concerned about your safety?" Masen asks, quickly changing the subject. I give him a shortened version of what just transpired, and when I'm finished, he appears almost hesitant.
"What's that look about?" I ask, determined to find out what he's holding back.
"I'm not Charlie's biggest fan."
I laugh and say, "And you hardly know him."
Masen seems to want to say something, but he doesn't.
"Listen, I don't want to stay here any longer, but now, after today, I can't imagine being home with Charlie and Jake. The last thing I want is him pretending to fuss over me. No way …. not happening." I say disappointed.
To my own ears, I sound like a petulant child. But I know who I am. Charlie, the man who is my father, has been generous with paying for my education, and for that, I will forever be grateful. But, everything else I've done in my life was without his help or acceptance. He fought me every step of the way.
Masen's eyes land on the floor briefly, and with a clear of his throat and a flash of doubt on his face, I have a feeling he may say something I don't want to hear. Especially from him of all people, whose opinion I value and keep in high regard.
"Hear me out, okay? I'm only thinking of you, Bella. You have a long recovery ahead. At least with Charlie, he can provide the care and support you need. I know you don't want to stay with him, but it could be best in the long term." Masen justifies.
"I'd have Rosalie and Dora, but those other two make me so mad. Charlie talks over me; thinks I have to listen to him as if I'm a child. And then, Jake said something about me needing more security … and I'm not sure what that means." I cut in.
"What about when Dora and Rose go to work?"
I smile to myself at his reasoning. Of course, he's only looking out for me, but he does have a point.
"Wait! How do you know?" I question.
He blushes; Masen Cullen blushes.
"I'm not the only one who's been snooping Miss Marple. I may have spoken to Rosalie about your living arrangement; what plans you had in place for your release."
Now I'm the one blushing like a teenager.
"I'm not going home with Charlie. Not now, maybe not ever. I can't stand the thought of going back there. But I'm also not allowing him to call the shots. In reality, all he has to do is donate to the hospital, and then they won't allow me to leave."
"This is a problem, Bella. Unfortunately, you're correct; there are administrators at the hospital who might take money from Charlie. I'll talk to Carlisle about that and make sure he's aware of Charlie's plans."
"I'll figure it out." I wish I had a better answer to give him. The idea of going home … to stay with Charlie fills me with dread. But the practicality of spending my recovery here … is less than ideal, too.
"I can go to a hotel for a month or so. The therapist can come there. Rose and Dora will bring what I need, and I know one of them will always stay with me. I can do this; he'll see."
Masen must see my concern. He's quiet, too quiet.
He's contemplating something again. But, when he speaks, he's hesitant.
"I have an idea … maybe a solution ... it's a little out there," his voice trails off. He paused to collect his thoughts. There was a long nervous pause that made me curious about what he was going to say next.
Now I need to hear it ...
When he doesn't expand, I press him.
"Masen?"
There's silence again, and then he finally speaks.
When he's finished, I'm speechless.
His suggestion is so unexpected ….
Author's note; What's Masen's idea? Any theories?
