Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or any of the characters, I just like playing with them.
The next morning, I didn't feel much better. Alice and Edward watched me pull in, and by the time I was exiting my truck, Alice was by my side.
"Bella, don't be mad. Carlisle already called you in sick for the day, Charlie won't find out, but we need you to come with us. You're taking a day off, doctor's orders."
"Alice, can't I just call Carlisle, or can't you just tell me? If anyone says anything to Charlie..." Truthfully, I did not feel up to going through my classes today, but the fear of my father finding out made me want to try. Alice wouldn't let me finish.
"Either you come willingly, or I will have Edward throw you over his shoulder and carry you off." She threatened. I looked past her to where Edward was standing and he motioned curtly with his head for me to come. I had no doubts that he would do just what she said if I refused.
"Fine." I hissed. I tried to storm over to their car, but I just didn't have the energy. Once again I found myself in the front seat of the Volvo with Edward ignoring me.
"Bella, we wouldn't have done it if it wasn't important." She pleaded with me.
"I know Alice. I just don't think you understand what I would have to deal with if he ever found out. I can't just go running off around town whenever I feel like it. I have rules and a schedule, and if I deviate from that..." I was rambling, and on the verge of saying too much. Why couldn't they just understand?
"He won't find out." She insisted.
"Alice you don't know that! I don't know what kind of friends he's made here or if he has someone watching me. What if he decides to go by the school and check on me?"
"I just know Bella." She murmured.
"Bella, you have to trust us. Alice knows what she's talking about." Edward's smooth melodic voice filled the car.
I huffed in response as we pulled up to the Cullen's house. They led me inside and a small woman with caramel colored hair greeted us.
"Bella, this is our mother, Esme." Alice introduced us. I was immediately swept into her embrace.
"It's so nice to meet you Bella." She gave me a warm smile. "Carlisle is waiting for you upstairs. Please let me know if I can get you anything."
"Thank you." I murmured, returning her smile. Alice led the way up the stairs to Carlisle's office.
She knocked lightly on the door, and Carlisle immediately opened it. "Hello Bella, thank you for coming, though I know we didn't give you much of a choice. We just want to make sure you are taken care of."
"It's ok, as long as he doesn't find out. So it must be bad if you didn't want to wait for a phone call." I grimaced.
"It's not worse than I thought Bella. Honestly, I thought you could use a break from school. It's obvious you aren't feeling well. Please, have a seat."
Alice waved as she pranced off and Carlisle closed the door. I took a seat on the couch, but noticed that they had made some changes to his office already. There was more equipment in the room, like what you would see in a normal doctor's office.
He sat down next to me on the couch. "I wanted to give you a full examination first, if that's okay? I just need to make sure everything else is okay before I go over your results or prescribe any treatment."
"Umm...I guess that's ok." Full examination? Yikes.
He smiled. "Thank you."
There was really nothing to be worried about, Carlisle worked quickly and explained everything to me. As he listened to my heart and lungs with his stethoscope, I felt his cool hand on my back and a flicker of concern washed over his face. He started tracing the outline of one of the ridges on my back, before I gathered enough wits to cough, hopefully shrugging his hand away in the process. He gave me a blank smile that didn't reach his eyes, and moved to his desk. Then he went through an agonizingly long list of questions about my history. Just when I thought it couldn't get any more embarrassing, he was finished. He flipped through some papers, and then rested his forearms on the desk.
"As I suspected Bella, your B12 levels are quite low and you are anemic. Are you committed to this diet?"
"I don't really have much of an option." I mumbled.
"You are also underweight, and that concerns me. Your body is still growing and you need adequate nutrition, which you are obviously not getting from your current diet. It is possible for some people to lead very healthy lives on a vegan diet. Right now your body needs more."
"I understand." Just get me through the next eight months.
"First, you're going to need iron supplements. I've got a bottle here for you, but I'm going to order some better ones for you. I have a different idea of quality than the hospital budget allows." He smirked. "You're also going to need to receive B12 shots, every day for two weeks, and then once a week after that until your levels are back up. Then I will order some sublingual tablets for you, and you'll need to take those every day as long as you continue on this diet."
"Daily shots?" I grimaced.
"Yes, I know you don't like needles Bella, but it's the best way to get your levels up quickly. My son, Edward, has had medical training, and I thought it would be inconspicuous if he gave them to you before school?"
"Whatever you think is best. I guess that would be easier than trying to come by here on a daily basis. You're sure he can do it?"
"I have complete confidence that he can. You could even give them to yourself if you'd like? I can give you the supplies you would need." He offered.
"No!" I almost shouted. "I don't think I could ever...do that...to myself. Nevermind trying to explain a stash of syringes if my father ever found them" I chuckled dryly. "It's only for a little while, and then I can take the tablets. I guess that works fine as long as Edward is ok with it."
"I've already asked him, and he's fine with the arrangement. You should be feeling better soon Bella. I'd like to retest in a month. We'll figure something out like we did before. I'm going to ask Edward to join us and I'll give you your first shot." I groaned. He patted me on the leg. "I know."
Before I knew it, Edward was standing in the room and Carlisle had the syringe full of a reddish liquid. "Where would be the best place Bella, in your arm or leg?" Carlisle asked.
"I guess the leg, that's the last place he'll ever see." I proceeded to pull my skirt up, blushing furiously the whole time. My father would keel over from a heart attack if he knew I was sitting here with my skirt hiked up to my thigh with two men staring at it. I held my breath and squeezed my eyes shut, waiting again for the pain.
I heard a chuckle and Edward's velvet voice. "Breathe Bella." His cool arm rubbed my arm, and as I took a deep breath, Carlisle decided to strike. They both smiled at my sharp gasp, but it really wasn't has bad as I thought it would be.
"Okay, so I guess that's not so bad. Edward, you are sure you're alright with this?" He looked a little tense, and was concentrating on Carlisle like they were having a silent conversation.
He nodded. "No problem." He flashed me an uneasy smile. "Just meet me at my car in the mornings, and we'll take care of it."
I thanked him and he patted me on the arm before heading out the door.
"That should cover it for now Bella. You have the rest of the day off, I know Alice was looking forward to spending some time with you, but if you'd like to rest I can show you to a bed. If you get hungry, just let Esme know and she'll be happy to feed you."
"Thank you so much...for everything. It really means a lot to me that you are so willing to help me."
I could feel the energy humming off Alice as she stood in the doorway waiting for me to be finished. Carlisle chuckled. "Alice, take it easy on her. She still doesn't feel well."
"I know Carlisle." She tapped her head with a smile. "Come on Bella, let me show you my room!" She tucked her arm in mine and dragged me away.
She pushed open the door to her room and pulled me inside towards the bed. "You just make yourself comfortable. I want to show you a few things."
The king size mattress rested on a dark wood platform. The lines were sleek and modern, but the bedding gave it beautiful feminine touch. Neutral colors dominated the room, with touches of chocolate brown and teal as accents. The bed was the softest one I ever remembered laying on. I nestled down into the soft comforter and waited to see what Alice had in store for me. There were pictures all around the room of Alice with Jasper in several different places. For a couple that was so young, not even out of high school, they were certainly well traveled. One picture in particular drew my attention. It was them in front of the Eiffel Tower, and it appeared to be a wedding picture. You've got to be kidding me!
Alice bounced back into the room and I snapped my head away from the picture. From the look she gave me, I knew she had seen me looking at it, and she dropped her eyes, biting her lip.
"You're married?" I asked unbelieving.
"Would you believe me if I told you it was just costumes?" She asked in a hopeful voice.
"Not really." I answered. "But it's none of my business." I shrugged.
She reverently picked up the photo. "He's my everything."
"So this isn't just your room, it's his too." I realized, feeling a little uncomfortable laying on their bed. I sat up and moved to the edge. She nodded. After a moment, I decided to change the subject. "So what did you want to do?"
Her face instantly lit up. "Well....I kind of went shopping, and I got a few things for you."
"Alice...I...Why would you buy anything for me?" I hardly ever shopped for myself, only when I needed something. I couldn't fathom why Alice would shop for me, someone she barely knows.
"It's just what I do. I shop for my whole family. I put together their wardrobes, decorate the house. I'd really like for us to be friends, and the other day while I was shopping, I saw some things I thought you'd like." The pure joy on her face told me this was something she really enjoyed.
"Okay...but you know, you don't have to buy me anything to be my friend. I'm really not into material things. And...well...I can't really accept your gifts. If my father saw them...he'd be really upset."
"Silly, I know that. I enjoy shopping, that's all. You can leave them here, and when you come over you can wear them, if you'd like." She offered.
"I don't know how much time I'll be able to spend here. Not that I don't like you. It's not that at all. It's just that my father doesn't let me go out much. Especially knowing you have brothers, I'm sure he would never approve." I bit my lip. I'd love nothing more than to spend time with Alice, especially at her house. Her parents were so kind, and it would be nice to get away from Charlie sometimes. I had too many responsibilities though, and he'd never let me make regular visits here, especially once he finds out Carlisle is a doctor.
"Well we'll just worry about all that when it comes up. Okay?"
"Sure."
"Good. Now let me show you what I found!" She giggled and ran into her closet. The thing was as big as my bedroom at home and packed full of clothes. I silently wondered if Jasper had any room in there for his own clothes.
Alice eventually found her way back out of the closet, with her arms full of fabric. She started putting together outfits and laid them on the bed, motioning for me to get up.
The first set she held up was a long dark blue tiered skirt. There were printed ribbons accenting the different tiers. The top was a powder blue short sleeve v-neck, with white long sleeves and fabric at the neck to give it a layered look without having to wear two shirts. She smiled when she saw me looking at it appreciatively.
"You really are good at this." I grinned at her.
"Well I know you have to dress modestly, but I thought you could still have a little fun with it." Her eyes were twinkling. "Want to try it on?"
"Oh I don't know Alice...trying on clothes just to hang around your house? I'd just have to change again before going home."
"Please?" She begged, sticking out her bottom lip in a pout.
"Sure, why not. It's not like I have anything else to do." I gave her a convincing smile. I never got to do girlie things like shopping and dressing up. I might as well enjoy my day, I'm already breaking all the rules. I laughed to myself.
Alice squealed as I came out of the bathroom. I had to admit, she had great taste. The outfit made me feel pretty, within the confines of my father's restrictions.
"Blue is totally your color." She snatched up another outfit and shooed me back into the bathroom.
The skirt was a little shorter and came to mid-calf. It was bright turquoise, but embroidered with flowers and beads all over in many different colors. The pink coral boatneck top had rouched sides, which added just enough detail to complement the skirt.
"Love it!" She exclaimed in her singsong voice. "Is the length ok? I wasn't sure if it had to be ankle length or just below the knee."
"It's perfect Alice. I've never worn anything so pretty. Thank you."
She grinned, quickly shoving another bundle in my arms. "Last one, I promise!" She chirped as she spun me around and pushed me back towards the bathroom.
This one was a longer, fuller brown skirt that flowed when I walked. The blouse was a pretty teal color in a light cotton fabric. It was so soft and comfortable. It had a mandarin neck with crocheted lace details, and embroidered flowers around the chest. The sleeves were loose, but not quite puffy, and had a cuff at the wrist. It reminded me of the type of blouse someone in the late 1800's would have worn. I felt almost...romantic.
"Perfect!" She grabbed me into a hug. "Thank you for letting me dress you up. Now let's go see Esme about some lunch."
"Okay, just let me change." I turned to head back to the bathroom.
"Oh no you don't! You can just leave that on for now." Alice looked me over appraisingly, and then quickly plucked a few strands of my hair from it's braid, letting them curl around my neck and face. "There!" She pushed me out the door into the hall.
I just shrugged and let her have her fun, following her to the kitchen.
"Bella." Esme's gentle voice greeted me. "I'm not sure what you'd like to eat, why don't you come see what we have." She gestured at the refrigerator.
"A salad is fine." I shrugged, pulling out the lettuce.
"Anything else?" I was eying the eggs, the thought of an omelet made my mouth water.
Alice sensed my hesitation. "Bella, if you want it, have it. He'll never know."
"What do you want Bella?" Esme asked.
"Well I was just thinking that a cheese omelet would be divine." I blushed, embarrassed for giving up my father's convictions so easily.
"I think you should have it Bella." Carlisle's rich voice startled me, I hadn't noticed him come into the room. "It would be good for you. Doctor's orders." He winked.
"Maybe just this once." I tried to hide my smile. Simple pleasures. "Did anyone else want one?"
"Oh, we already ate." Alice explained.
"I've got to go to the hospital now. Call me if you need anything." Carlisle kissed Esme and ruffled Alice's hair before he left.
Esme helped me find all the things I needed, and grated the cheese for me while I whisked the eggs. Alice flipped through a magazine while she sat at the table. When it was finished I sat down at the table with her to eat. The first bite nearly melted in my mouth and I moaned audibly. They both looked at me with huge grins. "Sorry, it's been so long, and this just tastes amazing. Forbidden fruit and all."
"Anytime you want to come over and eat Bella, just let us know." Esme patted my shoulder before heading out the back of the house.
I savored every bite, and washed my dishes before putting them away again. Alice was watching me with a smile. "What?" I asked her.
"You look happy." She said softly.
I returned her smile and shrugged, following her into the living room. Edward was sitting on the couch reading, but he looked up when we came into the room. His eyes found mine for a moment. "I see Alice got her claws in you." He smirked. "You look very nice."
"Thanks. It's completely unnecessary of course, but she does have good taste." He nodded appreciatively and returned to his book. There was a beautiful grand piano in the room, and I crossed to it, lightly running my fingers over the edge. "Does someone play?" I asked.
"Edward does." Alice offered. "Do you?"
"A little."
"Play something for us Bella, please? Edward doesn't play any more, and it's been so long. Please say yes." She was bouncing again.
"Oh I don't know..." I looked at Edward who was watching me intently.
"I'd like to hear you play Bella." His smooth voice pulled at something deep inside of me.
"I haven't played in a while. We don't even have a piano." My cheeks flamed red.
Edward stood up and crossed to the piano, pulling out the bench for me. "Please Bella?"
I sat on the bench and gently placed my fingers over the keys, just running through scales, listening to the beauty of the notes. Closing my eyes, I breathed in deeply, steeling my nerves. I decided on an old favorite, Simple Gifts, and let my fingers begin to dance over the notes. Edward hovered over me, watching intently, making me even more nervous, but I tried to lose myself in the music. When I finished, and finally looked up, I saw Esme had joined us, her face radiant with excitement.
"Again?" Edward asked softly, as he indicated he'd like to sit on the bench with me. "Just play like you did last time. I'd like to join you."
"Okay." I said breathlessly as I scooted over to make room.
I played it again and Edward wove a more complex harmony around the simple piece. After the first round, Alice's clear, bell-like soprano rang out with the words, and on the chorus I joined in with the contralto harmony. The joy in the room when we finished was palpable. Alice was literally bouncing, and I'd never seen Edward's smile so big. I, of course, blushed furiously, but I couldn't help the grin on my face.
Esme was clapping her hands. "That was beautiful. Please, play more."
"What else do you know Bella?" Edward asked me.
"Oh just hymns really. I'd love to learn more, but since we don't have a piano any longer, I haven't been able to practice. Why don't you play something Edward?"
He paused thoughtfully and then nodded. I started to get up, but he asked me to stay. I watched as his long graceful fingers began to coax a melody from the beautiful instrument.
"Clair de Lune." I whispered. "One of my favorites."
"Mine too." He murmured.
When he finished, Esme was behind us, and she hugged him from behind. "You should play more often Edward, I've missed it." She turned to me. "Any time you'd like to play Bella, you're welcome to."
"Thank you, but I'm sure you'd get tired of my limited repertoire after one day. Besides, I'm nowhere near as good as Edward is."
Edward turned to me suddenly. "You can read music right?" I nodded. "I'll be right back." He jumped up from the piano and took off up the stairs only to return with a large binder full of sheet music. He flipped through the pages and laid it open on the piano. Pachelbel's Canon.
"How about learning something new?" He asked with a huge grin.
I'm sure from the look on my face they thought I was about to bolt out the door. "Relax Bella, just take your time and have fun. If you need any help, just let me know."
"I've got to go organize my closet." Alice excused herself from the room. "Have fun Bella." She gave me a wink.
Edward moved back to the couch, and nodded his head at me. I spent the next hour working on the song. Edward would come over and help me work through some of the places where I was having difficulty. Finally it was time to get going, and I'd only gotten through a small portion of the song.
"That's really coming along Bella." His eyes lit up with his smile. "Let's get you back to your truck."
I found Alice in her room and changed back into my clothes. Then I found Esme and thanked her for everything. Following Edward out to his Volvo, I slid into the passenger seat and we pulled away from the huge house in the woods.
"Do you miss playing?" I asked him.
"I haven't really had any inspiration to play lately." He explained, shrugging.
"I know what you mean. I miss it. Other than reading, it was my one escape."
He glanced at me sideways. "Will you come over again to play?" He asked.
"I don't know that I can Edward." I replied with a sigh. "My father is very strict. Just the fact that Alice has brothers my age, and her father is a doctor is enough for him to refuse to let me visit. It doesn't matter if he likes her or not."
"I'm sorry."
"There's nothing for you to be sorry about Edward. It's not like you're my father." I snorted.
"What happened to your piano?" He asked.
"Charlie sold it. Said it reminded him too much of her." I scowled.
"Your mother?"
I nodded. "She taught me to play." Looking out the window, I watched the trees fly by lost in the memories I clung to of her. Wondering where she might be. Did she still think of me?
We didn't speak again until I was getting out of his car in the school parking lot.
"I'll see you tomorrow morning." I said as I closed the door. He watched me for a moment before pulling away. Whatever happened today at his house seemed long forgotten and we were back to silence.
The time I spent with the Cullens today only made my home feel emptier. They were a true family, loving and kind. Something I would never be a part of. I'd been shown more affection by near strangers in one day than my own father had shown me in seventeen years. My father controlled me, and I believe he loved me...in a way. He was too concerned with the evils in the world to ever appreciate anything good that might also exist. The length of my skirt was superficial. The true evil lurked deep in the hearts of man, not in the exposure of an innocent girl's legs. The contrast between our families was stark. Their home was filled with goodness and love. My home was sinister, darkness lurking in the corners, thinly veiled by the numbing daily routines that only carried us through until that blackest day arrived and shattered the lie we tried to believe in. But I wouldn't think about Sundays now. It was the only way to grasp the thin hold I had on my sanity. I would play the part. For another eight months, I would keep the darkness buried, and unlike my father, focus on the good in my life.