Here are two new chapters of Patched Up, I hope you like them and have fun reading! Originally this was one chapter, but I split it because otherwise it would have been 15,491 words long, and I thought that's too much even for these of you who tell me they like my long chapters! Still, you get everything I wrote at once!
I would alos like to say 'thank you' to my great friend and supporter scribe4hire who always helped me when I was in doubt (happened a lot during this chapter) and listened to my crazy ideas and also read some parts I wasn't so sure of... thanks a lot for that! :) Check out her amazing stories 'Kindness of strangers' and 'special Relationship', they're really awesome!
Well, enough of my rambling, now have fun with the next part of patched up!
Nightmares, nosebleed and embarrassment
ESME'S POV
There was my apartment. The door was open. I knew something bad was lurking in my apartment. I could feel the shivers creeping up my spine. Still, I went inside. I didn't know why. It was stupid, but I did it nonetheless. I just felt like I was drawn into the room.
The room looked like I left it. Nothing was scattered on the floor, nothing out of place. It was creepy. I went further into the flat. It was terribly calm in there, too calm. I took a few more steps. Then I saw it. He was standing there, leaned against the counter as if he belonged there. I stiffened. "Well, hello there." He sneered. "Your little holiday is over, Esme. Why don't you come back with me?" he asked. I violently shook my head. "No…" I stuttered. "Never…" He smirked evilly. "Oh, really…?" he said, pulling something from behind the counter. I gasped. Edward! "No… please, no…" I whispered when he pulled a knife from his pocket and held it close to Edward's face. I screamed. "NO!" I saw him smile. "Oh, so you changed your mind? You are coming back with me?" he asked. I screamed again, begged, pleaded for him to let Edward go…
"Esme, Esme, it's fine…" My eyes shot open and I sat up in bed, knocking my head hard on something. "Oww!" I said, pressing my hand to my forehead. "Ahh…" I heard another voice in the dark. I looked around me and saw a man sitting in the floor. He had blonde hair. Oh my god! Carlisle! I realized then that I had just dreamed. "Oh god, I'm sorry!" I whispered. Carlisle looked up. "Esme, are you alright?" he asked. I nodded, again feeling the shivers and the cold sweat from the nightmare on my skin. "I'm sorry, I wanted to wake you up, you were screaming…" Carlisle explained. I nodded, rubbing my head. "Did I hurt you?" he asked worriedly, trying to get my hand away from my head to take a look at it. I flinched and looked down at his hands. "There's blood…" I realized surprised. "You're bleeding!" Carlisle looked up at me in surprise, that's when I saw it. His nose was bleeding. "Your nose!" I blurted out. "I hit your nose with my head!" I said. Carlisle wiped the blood away with his hand. "It is alright, I will be okay. How are you feeling?" he asked, ignoring his own injury and nosebleed. "I am alright now. Thank you, for waking me up. But your nose, this looks really bad." I said, taking a closer look. "We should get this cleaned and put some ice on it…" I said, getting out of bed.
CARLISLE'S POV
I wiped the blood from my nose away and ignored the painful throbbing. I was more concerned for Esme. I had also hit her head with my nose. This must have hurt, too. And she had screamed in her sleep. She had had a nightmare… "Let's take a look at you." I said to Esme, again wiping blood from my nose. She violently shook her head and dragged me into the attached bathroom. My nose throbbed painfully but I still tried not to think about it.
"Here, let me do this." Esme said and put a wet wash cloth to my face. I flinched and cried out in pain. It was so unexpected. "Sorry… Hold still…" Esme mumbled, gently wiping the blood away. I groaned lowly. "Please, Esme… let me look at your head…" I argued weakly while trying to take the wash cloth out of her hand. "No, I am not the one whose nose is broken." She said. I gently touched the bridge of my nose. "It isn't br…" I wanted to argue but it didn't work, Esme interrupted me by putting the cold washcloth in my face again. "I can do that… I'm a doctor…" I said. "Do you have ice and arnica? Put it on your nose. It will help." Esme said. "I know…" I said, finally stepping in front of the mirror and looking at myself. My nose was a little bit swollen already but it didn't look to bad, only my t-shirt was all bloody. "How is your head now?" I asked Esme. "Fine, not a scratch, and it doesn't hurt anymore." She replied smiling lightly. "Okay, okay, I believe you." I said, grinning. "But you should go to bed now. Try to sleep some more." I said. "But…" I held up my hand. "No, I get the ice and arnica myself. Go to sleep Esme." I added softly. "Alright." She whispered finally. "Good night Carlisle." She said. I smiled and whispered a 'good night' before leaving her bedroom.
I went downstairs into the kitchen and fixed myself and ice pack before going back upstairs into my bedroom. I changed my t-shirt, put some arnica on my nose and the ice pack on top and then went into bed. There was a little bruise forming under my eye. I would have a black eye tomorrow…
I tried to fall asleep again, but without success at first. With one ear I listened for Esme having nightmares again while my nose throbbed in sync with my heartbeat.
After lying awake for quite a while I finally must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew was my alarm clock going off. I groaned and opened my eyes to shut this disturbing noise off.
After lying in bed for a few more minutes I got up and staggered into the bathroom. First I looked in the mirror and checked my nose. It looked okay. I only had a little purple-blueish shadow under my left eye and my nose was a little swollen. And it was still tender. I shrugged and jumped under the shower. If I didn't hurry I would be late for work, again. And this would probably not be good. Dr Chapman was more understanding because I had the twins but she would not tolerate me arriving late every day.
ESME'S POV
I woke up at exactly 6.07 am. It was still very early but I decided to get up. I had had another nightmare and didn't want to fall asleep again and suffer another one. So I got up and decided to have a nice hot shower to relax the tensed muscles in my back. I went into the attached bathroom and turned the water on, when it was hot enough I stepped under the shower. The water worked magic. I felt myself relax and all reminders of the nightmares being washed away.
I took my time showering and later blow drying my hair. When I was finally ready I dressed in a pair of comfortable jeans and a blue sweater. It was almost 6.45 am when I was finished and I went downstairs to make myself some coffee.
CARLISLE'S POV
"Good morning!" I jumped when I heard a voice behind me and turned around. "Esme." I then said, smiling automatically. "You're awake!" I was really surprised she was already up. I expected her to sleep longer, she surely was exhausted, wasn't she? She smiled softly. "Sorry, I didn't want to startle you… I couldn't sleep." She explained. I shrugged. "It's fine, I was just surprised. Do you want coffee? I was just making some." I said gesturing to the kitchen counter behind me. "Coffee would be nice, thank you." She replied, before asking me: "How is your nose? It looks better." I smiled. "My nose is really better. Just a little tender. Arnica and ice works magic, it seems…" I said handing Esme a cup of coffee. "Are you sure you can handle the kids today? I mean, you haven't slept well, and taking them to daycare would still be an option." I offered, not wanting Esme to be stressed. "Of course. Don't worry, we will be fine." She assured me. I grinned. "Okay, so… eh, I'm leaving my keys here and some money for groceries, alright?" I said, taking out my wallet and realizing I hadn't that much cash left. I would need that today, so I simply pulled my credit card out. Esme stared at me like I had gone mad. "I… I can't take your credit card…" she stuttered. "You can." I assured her. "Please, I don't have that much cash with me and, by the way, I trust you not to go on expensive shopping sprees with this." I joked, even getting a small smile out of Esme. She sighed. "Alright, I take it." She finally surrendered. "Good. I think you have to excuse me now, I have to go to work soon, the cab will be here in five minutes and I'm not properly dressed yet." I said before going upstairs to change my simple t-shirt for a button-down.
ESME'S POV
I watched Carlisle going upstairs to his room to change. He had just left me his credit card and the keys to his car… A car that probably cost more than I ever owned…
Before doubt could gnaw at me any longer Carlisle came downstairs again, wearing a light blue shirt. He looked gorgeous. I smiled automatically. "Okay, I should get going." Carlisle said, the cab was just appearing in the driveway. I nodded, shooting another doubtful glance at the credit card and car keys. "It's fine." Carlisle said again, noticing my glance. I bit my lip. "Have fun with the kids today. Don't let them stress you too much!" he joked. I smiled. "I am sure this won't happen. I love kids." Carlisle laughed. "Alright." He agreed.
CARLISLE'S POV
I turned to the door but then hesitated again. "Eh, can you pick me up after work?" I asked her. "If not, it is no problem. I can take a cab…" I quickly added. Esme shook her head. "No, no, we'll pick you up at 5? Right? Where?" she asked. "You remember the spot where we left from a few days ago?" I asked her. Esme nodded. "Yes, I remember, I think…" she said, frowning. I chuckled. "Alright, I have to go now. I see you at 5." I said, suddenly overcome by the sudden urge to give her a goodbye kiss. I quickly turned and walked out the door before another crazy idea could enter my mind. I didn't know what came over me a few seconds ago…
ESME'S POV
After Carlisle had left I sat down and sipped my coffee, starting to make a shopping list, but after a few minutes I heard a door upstairs open. I went upstairs to check.
I found Jasper walking through Carlisle's bedroom, looking a bit lost. "Hey little man." I said to him. He turned to me. "Where's daddy?" he asked. I bent down and picked him up. "At work, I'm sorry… " I told him. Jasper nodded. "But why aren't we at daycare?" Jasper was clearly confused. "Well, I am here to play with you, if you like that." I told him. Jasper smiled and then hugged me around the neck. "Okay!" he said smiling widely. I kissed his cheek. "Okay, how about some breakfast? Or do you want to sleep some more, it is very early." Jasper shook his head. "No, and no breakfast, not alone!" he said. I smiled. "Okay, so what to do then?" Jasper thought about it for a moment. "Can you play with me?" he asked. I smiled. "Of course, sweetie. So let's get you dressed and then we find something to play…" Jasper smiled and struggled to get out of my arms. I sat him down and he tiptoed back in his room, where Edward was still sleeping soundly. Jasper quickly took his pajamas off until he was only wearing a pair of tiny boxer shorts. He looked so adorable then. I went to his closet and selected a pair of jeans, and a blue sweater with a baseball print on it. Jasper smiled, telling me he approved.
I took Jasper to my room to get him dressed, so we wouldn't wake Edward. Jasper, claiming he was a big boy, dressed himself and then looked at me for approval. I nodded. "Perfect." I told him. Jasper smiled proudly. "Can we play now?" he asked. I nodded. "What do you want to play?" I asked him. Jasper looked down for a second, thinking hard. "Can we draw? You are so good at it." He said. I smiled. "Yes, let's draw…" I agreed.
CARLISLE'S POV
As soon as I stepped into the hospital that morning I was stalked by all the nurses and also some female doctors who were all determined to care for me and my nose. I tried to ignore them, but it was hard and my shift had just started.
I was just leaving a patient's room, touching the bridge of my nose after an especially tough talk when another nurse rushed towards me. "Dr Cullen? Can I bring you some ice for the nose? It looks really bad… or do you have a headache, I could give you a massage…" My eyes shot open again. "No! I am perfectly alright, thank you." I said rather impolite. She pouted, probably trying to look cute but I was simply annoyed.
I went back to the reception desk to get another patient's file when I heard a voice calling my name. "Dr Cullen!" I turned around. It was Dr Chapman. "Oh, what happened to your nose?" she asked, momentarily distracted. I gave a weak smile. "I banged my head with Jasper. He was having a nightmare and I woke him up, he shot up and hit me in the head." I explained quickly. She nodded. "Alright, I wanted to know if you have seen the x-rays of Mrs Rowen?" I shook my head. "I was on my way to get her file." I said. "Alright, they looked extremely good, congratulations for your operation." She told me. I accepted the compliment, it was a rare gift from Dr Chapman. "You are a very talented surgeon already, Dr Cullen. But don't let your temper get in your way." She told me. I swallowed and nodded. I had known I would get a lecture for my behavior a few days ago. "I don't want to see you lose your temper again." She said sternly. I nodded. "I understand. It won't happen again." I said.
ESME'S POV
I was drawing with Jasper until I heard sounds from upstairs. I looked at Jasper. "Hey, sounds like the others are awake. Shall we go and see them?" I asked him. He nodded and placed his pencil on the table. "Yes!" he agreed.
Rosalie was already up and got dressed herself. I checked on her while Jasper went to Edward. "Good morning!" I said to her. Rosalie smiled. "Hello." She said. "You look very nice." I told Rose. She beamed. "Really?" she asked. "Yes!" I replied. Rose really looked beautiful. She was wearing a skirt and a red t-shirt, it looked very cute. "Do you want a ponytail?" I asked her. Rose smiled. "Yes, please!" she told me. So I did Rose's ponytail and then we went looking for the boys. Edward was also dressed already. He smiled. "Jasper helped me." He told me proudly. I smiled. "Okay, so when you are ready we can get some breakfast, hu?"
I made the kids some breakfast. Cereals and toast with jam. While we ate they asked me a lot of questions about our day. "So we can play the whole day?" Edward asked. I nodded. "Yes, we just have to go to the supermarket and later pick your dad up from work." I explained to them. The kids smiled at me. I took it they were fine with it.
"Okay, so let's clean up and then I need to write a shopping list before going to the grocery store, alright?" They all nodded and the kids helped me cleaning the kitchen.
We were finished after a few minutes and then all sat down to make a shopping list. The kids were determined to help me with it and so they began drawing everything they thought we might need. I smiled at that. It was so cute, watching them doing their own "shopping lists". After half an hour we were finished and I had a four pages shopping list. My own, and the drawn ones by the kids. Rose's in red, Edward's green and Jasper's in blue. "Okay, so now we can go shopping." I announced, taking the car keys and the credit card from the counter.
I helped the kids put their jackets and shoes on and then placed them in their car seats. Then I carefully climbed into the driver's seat of Carlisle's car. For a moment I just stared at everything before me. It looked so complicated. This car had thousands of buttons and special functions. In my old car there had been a steering wheel and a stick shift and that was it. I just hoped I wouldn't wreck this 'thing'. I had a feeling I could do it by just looking wrong at it…
"Esme? Can we go now?" Jasper asked impatiently. I turned around and smiled. "Ah, yes, of course." I replied, starting the engine. It was low, like a purr, nothing compared to the old Ford I owned before it was crashed in that accident.
About ten minutes later we arrived at the local supermarket. I stopped the car and looked at the kids. "Alright, we're going shopping now. Please stay close to me on the parking lot, okay? There are a lot of cars and some people don't pay attention if there's someone walking by. So no running around okay, I don't want any of you to get hurt." The kids all nodded, looking like three perfect little angels. I nodded. "Okay, so let's go shopping." I said and stepped out of the car and then freed the kids from their seatbelts. They quickly appeared at my side, like I told them to and stayed close until we were inside the supermarket. I smiled at that and decided if they behaved I would let them have some cookies later. "What can we get?" Rosalie asked, trying to get my attention. I quickly looked at the lists. "Well, we should buy some fruits." I said and looked at Edward's list. "Apples Edward?" I asked. He nodded. "Yes!" he said. Rosalie also smiled. "Oh yeah, apples!" I smiled. "Okay, you two can get some apples, 10 okay?" I asked them. "How much is ten?" Rose asked. "I grinned. "Look, one for each finger you have." I told her. Rosalie smiled. "So I have ten fingers!" she concluded. I laughed. "Yes sweetie, you have!" She smiled and ran away with Edward. I turned to Jasper. "Okay, what is this?" I asked, showing him his shopping list. Jasper grinned. "Bananas!" he said. I grinned. "Fine, we'll get the bananas."
Shopping was not half as much stress as I'd imagined it would be. The kids were all behaving and eager to help. They told me what they liked and disliked and what they wanted to eat. The only thing that was a bit difficult was shopping for sweets. The kids wanted all kinds of candy. I had to rein them in a little bit. After all, so many sweets weren't good for them. I had just told them that they would not get anymore sweets when Jasper walked towards me with a package of chocolate cookies in his hands. I frowned. "It's for daddy!" he quickly explained. I still was not convinced. "He keeps them in his desk." Jasper told me. "Daddy likes cookies." I finally nodded. "Okay, but I will keep them locked away until your daddy comes home." I said. After all, we had already bought two packages of cookies for the kids.
We were on our way to the checkout counter when a young woman stopped and looked at me and the kids. "Aren't these Dr Cullen's twins?" she asked surprised. I slowly nodded. I had seen this woman before, but where? "Where is Dr Cullen then? And who are you?" she asked rather nosy. I pursed my lips but answered in a calm and polite tone. "He is at work. I am watching the kids today." I told her. Just then the worst happened. "Excuse me, but aren't you the woman from the car crash?" she asked. Then I remembered. The nurse Carlisle had shouted at. I blushed. "I didn't know Dr Cullen was keeping such a close relationship with his patients, even letting them watching his kids…" she murmured with an evil smile. I felt my face drain of any color. The nurse smirked, tossed her bleached hair over her shoulder and walked away, leaving me standing there close to panic. I was sure Carlisle would get in trouble because of me now… Letting a patient stay in your house was surely not allowed…
I swallowed and forced my attention back to the kids who had watched the whole exchange. I smiled at them. Edward glared at the nurse as she walked away. Jasper frowned while Rosalie simply said: "I don't like her." I laughed a little at that. "Well, neither do I. Let's pay and go home, okay?" The kids all nodded.
CARLISLE'S POV
My morning was relatively uneventful, except that the nurses were much too clinging for my taste. I didn't know how many offers for 'special treatments' I had turned down until my lunch break. Not all of them very politely I had to admit.
I signed my last file before lunch and then hurried into my office to get my jacket. I had to run a few errands. I left the hospital and walked into town. There was a little bakery nearby where I got a sandwich for lunch before heading in the direction of another shop. I quickly got the one thing I wanted, paid for it and left the shop with a brown bag. Inside was a little surprise for Esme.
ESME'S POV
After unpacking the groceries and putting them in the cupboards I went into the living room to play with the kids. Jasper and Edward had already gotten all the matchbox cars out and we're playing with them. Rosalie watched them a little bored it seemed. "So sweetie, what do you want to do?" I asked her. "Can we draw?" she asked. I smiled. "Of course." I told her and together with Rose cleared the table and got paper, coloured pencils and a colouring book.
We played for quite a while until the boys got bored and wanted to draw also. It quickly turned out that while Edward was quite patient and accurate Jasper was much too active to sit still and draw calmly for a long time. He quickly got bored and wanted to do something more exciting. Since Edward and Rosalie were still drawing happily I took Jasper to the kitchen with me and started to make lunch with him. Jasper was eager to help. We decided on making just some bagels and a fruit salad as dessert. Jasper was helping putting cheese and bacon and salad on the bagels while I made the fruit salad. When we were finished we called Rosalie and Edward and all had lunch in the kitchen.
After we were finished Rosalie stayed on her seat and looked at me like she wanted to say something. "Rosie, what is it?" I asked her smiling. She blushed an adorable pink and shook her head. I knelt down in front of her. "Rose, you can tell me, okay? I won't tell anyone else." I said. "Promise?" she asked. "Promise." I said. Rosalie then smiled and bent over to whisper in my ear. "You are nicer than the woman at daycare! But don't tell daddy!" before hopping off of her chair and joining the boys in the living room. I smiled. I was happy Rose liked me.
CARLISLE'S POV
My afternoon at work was not spent dodging crazy nurses because I spent most of my time in the OR then. Dr Chapman had asked me to assist her in surgery. A young girl had been brought into the hospital with severe stomach pain and it quickly turned out that her appendix ruptured. An emergency surgery was in order and while I was in the OR with Dr Chapman the parents were much likely in the hallway arguing whose fault this was.
"This is going under your skin, isn't it, Dr Cullen?" Dr Chapman asked me. I sighed. "A little. If Jasper or Rose got sick I would be so sick with worry, I wouldn't even think of blaming anyone… I would just want them to get better." I said. Dr Chapman smiled. "Yes. But you are not fighting for custody." She replied. I nodded. This was probably true. The fear of losing their kids could make parents crazy and if their chances of getting full custody increased by blaming the other they would do it without blinking twice. Though I still could not understand it, I knew it was probably true.
The surgery took longer than expected but afterwards it was clear the girl would be just fine. She just needed some time to recover. I hoped she would get it and not be bothered by her parents fighting over her.
I left the OR and tossed my gloves away. It was a few minutes after 5. Esme would probably be waiting for me already. I quickly went into my office and got my stuff, not even changing out of my scrubs or showering. I could do that at home.
ESME'S POV
Finding my way back to the hospital parking lot where I was supposed to pick Carlisle up was a little difficult but I finally found the spot, thanks to Edward's help who remembered it way better than I did. Still we waited for another ten minutes before I saw Carlisle approaching the car. He was still wearing scrubs and I had to admit he looked utterly sexy in them. They were a dark blue color that brought out his eyes. I quickly closed my mouth again as he opened the car door and sat in the front seat. I was actually embarrassed by my thoughts on him.
"Hello!" Carlisle said smiling, first to me and then turning to the kids. They greeted him enthusiastically and started telling him about their day and everything we did. Carlisle had lent back in his seat, his eyes closed but he smiled. "Sounds like you had a lot of fun!" he told them. The kids all agreed. I smiled. I was happy they liked it today with me.
CARLISLE'S POV
Esme pulled into the garage and I got the kids out of the car. Jasper and Edward immediately wanted me to play soccer in the garden with them. I was about to tell them no when Esme came to my rescue. "Boys, I think Carlisle is really tired, so why don't you let him take a shower and change out of his work clothes and we go and watch a cartoon?" she asked them. Edward and Jasper agreed quickly, and so did Rose, happy she wouldn't be left out when the boys played soccer. I mouthed a 'thank you' at Esme and went upstairs.
The shower was wonderful. I felt the stiff muscles in my neck relax and the stress being washed away. I showered for a while longer than I intended to but it was just so calming. Even if I tried not to let it show earlier I had been really stressed.
I towel dried my hair and put on a pair of scrub pants and white t-shirt before going down again. The living room was empty, except for some matchbox cars and other toys lying around but sounds could be heard from the kitchen so I went in there.
"Is there anything I can do?" I asked, watching Esme and the kids preparing dinner. Esme turned to me. "Y…Yes, could… you make the salad?" she asked after a second of hesitation. I happily obliged and made the salad while Esme prepared something that looked like chicken wings and country potatoes to me. The kids sat the table. If I didn't know any better I would say it was a normal evening for a happy family.
ESME'S POV
When Carlisle came back downstairs I had to admit I lost it for a moment. He had looked gorgeous in the blue scrubs from work, but now, with a tight fitting white t-shirt, green scrubs and tousled, still damp hair he was simply... wow. I had trouble answering his simple question because my brain wouldn't function right with him standing there in these clothes. I was really happy I had already cut the potatoes or I was sure I would have chopped several fingers off when he was standing next to me, unintentionally distracting me like he did.
Dinner was quiet with the kids talking a bit more about their day and Carlisle complimenting the food. I blushed a little when he did so. Suddenly Jasper turned to Carlisle and said: "Daddy, you said we can go to the zoo because we had to wait at daycare so long." Carlisle smiled. "Yes, I promised that indeed." He replied. "And you can't break a promise!" Rose chimed in. Carlisle chuckled. "I won't. I have the weekend off, so how about we all go to the zoo together?" he asked, looking at Edward and me. Edward beamed. "Me and mommy can come too?" he asked. Carlisle smiled. "Of course!" Carlisle said. Edward grinned. "I like the zoo!" he said. Carlisle smiled. "And you?" he asked me. I nodded. "Yes, that's a great idea." I told him. "So we're going to the zoo on Saturday." He said. The kids finished their dinner with huge smiles on their faces, not even complaining about the salad.
"Okay, you can go play a bit more and me and Esme clean up the kitchen." Carlisle announced after dinner. "They seemed to have a real great day. Thanks for that." He told me while we cleaned up the table. I smiled. "I told you I love kids. We had a lot of fun." "I am happy you had. And I like how the kids get along. Jasper and Rose normally don't make friends that easy." I nodded. The same was true with Edward. He was really shy and never had anyone to play with before, but with Jasper he had found a real friend in amazingly short time. I was also taken aback how quickly he warmed up to Carlisle. It made me so proud of my little angel.
Around 7 we put the kids to bed without much effort. They were tired and happy after Carlisle read them a story. I went to give Edward a good night kiss and tuck him in and ended up giving kisses to both Jasper and Rosalie, too. Carlisle ruffled all their hair and short kisses to their foreheads. It was sweet watching him like that.
CARLISLE'S POV
After the kids were in bed I looked at Esme. "Would you like to join me in the living room, for a glass of red wine, maybe?" I asked her nervously. Esme gave me a soft smile. "Yes, thanks." She replied. We went downstairs and I disappeared into the kitchen to get a bottle of red wine and two glasses. Esme had sat down on the couch when I returned and poured her a glass of wine. "Thanks." Esme said. I sat down next to her and sipped my wine. "Thanks for picking me up from work and watching the kids today." I told Esme. She smiled. "It was my pleasure, we had a lot of fun today." She said.
I sighed and closed my eyes for a moment. "Hard day at work?" Esme asked me gently. I nodded, my eyes still closed. "Long surgery, a little girl, 11 years old. She will be fine, but her parents were not really interested in that, they were busy blaming one another." I said. "I'm sorry." Esme said lowly. I smiled. "You know, having someone just to listen to this helps a lot." I told her, looking at her. Esme smiled. "Then just tell me, I'll listen." I grinned and reached for my wine glass, in the process accidentally nudging Esme's arm which caused her to spill some red wine on her light blue shirt.
ESME'S POV
Carlisle accidentally brushed my arm and I spilled wine all over my shirt. "Sorry! I didn't…" he began to apologise but I wasn't listening. I had already gotten up. To get the stains out of the shirt ever again I would have to wash it out right away. Without a second thought about it I quickly pulled the shirt over my head and threw it in the kitchen sink, leaving me in only my bra.
CARLISLE'S POV
I had followed Esme out of the living room, wanting to apologise and asking what I could do to help her with her shirt. But the words got literally caught in my throat when Esme quickly pulled her shirt over her head, wearing nothing under it except a black bra. I stood there, mouth agape, my eyes glued to her back. I watched how Esme poured water on the shirt, trying to wash the wine out but I didn't really register what she was doing. What I saw was her beautiful upper body, her slender form with these perfect womanly curves. I knew I was staring, but I couldn't get myself to stop. I mean, Esme was divine. Her skin was creamy pale and flawless, her toffee coloured hair falling over her back. She was definitely the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.
ESME'S POV
The wine was almost gone now, thanks to my quick reaction. I wouldn't have that shirt ruined, I liked it a lot. But after my panic of having my favorite shirt ruined wore off a little I realized that I was half-naked, standing in Carlisle's kitchen. I quickly turned around and saw Carlisle standing behind me, staring at me. I felt myself blush the worst possible, not only my face, but my whole body got flooded with warmth and I really hoped this absurd situation wasn't real. I was so embarrassed. Carlisle stared at me like I had grown another pair of eyes or something. Well, I knew I had never been pretty, my body was slender but round, not the super thin super model body men wanted to see. I wasn't fat, but I wasn't skinny and tanned. I was pale, slender and simply plain. Also quite a few scars covered my body. I think my blush might have deepened even further because suddenly Carlisle reacted.
He looked to the ground, a blush also appearing on his cheeks before he quickly pulled his shirt over his head and handed it to me, this time not looking at me at all.
CARLISLE'S POV
What had gotten into me? I was shamelessly staring at Esme like some perv! Her whole body flushed with heat and she fidgeted in embarrassment which luckily brought me back to my senses and the fact that a half naked, gorgeous woman was standing in my kitchen. Before I could embarrass her or myself even further with an improper physical reaction on my part I pulled my shirt over my head and handed it to her. Esme took it, but didn't pull it over her head. Instead, she was now staring at me like I was some sort of alien.
ESME'S POV
I wondered if this man could look even better. First the blue scrubs which I thought looked stunning on him, then his outfit after the shower, green scrub pants and a tight fitting white t-shirt and now he pulled this off and stood bare chested in front me. I gulped. There weren't words to describe this. His body was obviously well taken care of. Just the right amount of muscles, his broad shoulders and strong arms, the well defined muscles on his chest. My eyes wandered lower down to his abs. Suddenly Carlisle turned away.
CARLISLE'S POV
I had to do something or I would make this situation even more embarrassing and awkward for the both of us. It took me everything to control my body's reaction to Esme's beautiful form earlier but the look she was giving me now was deadly. I quickly turned away. I needed to calm down.
Behind me I heard Esme flitting up the stairs. I took a few deep breaths before I could do the same. Go upstairs and get a new shirt. I got a fresh t-shirt from my closet and pulled it on and then sat down on the bed. What had gotten into me a few minutes ago? I put my head in my hands and took a few deep breaths. I had to apologise for my rude staring. I was a grown man after all, I should have better control of myself. I surely made Esme terribly uncomfortable… I sighed. I would talk to her. I had to explain.
ESME'S POV
I pulled a long sleeved, absolutely not form-fitting sweater out of my closet and put it on. I felt better, wearing this huge hoodie, safer somehow. My face was still red. How would I be able to look Carlisle in the eye ever again? Especially after I had seen his god-like body… compared to my plain, ugly one…
A soft knock on my door ripped me out of my thoughts. I felt another wave of heat rushing up to my face. "C..come in…" I mumbled, already fearing the talk I was sure Carlisle was here for.
Carlisle stepped into my room, gently closing the door behind him. He sat down across from me in the armchair, looking a little uncomfortable himself. "I'm sorry." Carlisle then started. I nodded. I had expected that. "I… it was rude of me, to stare… I know that, I didn't want to make you uncomfortable… I was… shocked…" he explained. I felt my throat tighten at his words. They cut like knives. Shocked… I drew in a shuddering breath. "Shocked…" I repeated hollow. I knew it. I mean, of course, I wasn't pretty, I never thought I was. It just… hearing Carlisle telling me he was shocked… seeing me… I swallowed hard as a tear ran down my face. I bit my lip.
"What's wrong? Esme?" Carlisle was in front of me, his sea blue eyes staring at me. I shook my head. "Nothing." I mumbled, not looking at him. He sighed. "Esme… I didn't want to hurt you… please, what did I do?" Carlisle asked concerned.
CARLISLE'S POV
I was confused. I hadn't meant to make Esme cry, to hurt her, but obviously I did. I mean, she was crying and it broke my heart. I kneeled in front of her, looking into her eyes that shone with unshed tears. Esme only closed her eyes and sobbed. "You know, I don't need this… We can just… forget about it… like it never happened… alright?" she mumbled. I shook my head. "What? Esme… I'm… just as embarrassed as you are… but…" She interrupted me, again. "Don't please… I don't need you tell me again…" she whispered, no almost begged me. "Tell you what?" I still didn't know what Esme was talking about. "Tell me what you think of me… I know I'm not pretty… I know…" she whispered so low I almost didn't hear it, while more tears leaked out of her closed eyes. I stared at her. "Not pretty?" I repeated unbelievingly. "But, you are!" I said. Esme sniffed. "Don't lie. I shocked you… downstairs… looking at me shocked you…" she mumbled miserably. Now I understood and quickly shook my head. "No! Esme, look at me. You. Are. Pretty. Okay? You are… a stunning woman." I told her, smiling. "I told you not to lie to me…" she whispered. She was not believing me. "I saw your face, I saw you turn away…" she mumbled. I groaned. "Yes. I did. First, it is rude to stare." "Took you a while until you remembered that…" she mumbled. I got up, frustrated. Why couldn't she see that she was beautiful? "You turned away…" Esme whispered again. I sighed in frustration. I got up. "Yes, yes, I turned away! I turned away because I couldn't look at you any longer…" Esme sobbed. I shook my head. "No! Listen, Esme… I… hell, if I had looked at you any longer things would have gotten more embarrassing than they were! You are a beautiful woman, stunning and hell, I am just a man! Seeing you… half naked in my living room… God!" I groaned, covering my face with my hands.
ESME'S POV
I stared at Carlisle. Did he just say what I think he said? "You mean… seeing me…?" I couldn't even form the question. It was way too embarrassing. "Hell yes! I was shocked because what do you think how often I see a gorgeous woman pull her shirt off in my living room? Never, to be honest! And yes, it… had some kind of effect on me…" he admitted lowly, blushing a deep red.
I simply stared at him. I couldn't think of anything to say to that. I mean, that was embarrassing… for both of us… I felt myself blush terribly. Carlisle coughed. "Well, eh… sorry, I… can we just not talk about this anymore?" he asked me, still beet red in the face. "I… I never meant to…" I interrupted him. "I know." "Alright, so, we are good? I mean, no awkward situations?" he wanted to know. I nodded. "No awkward situations… we just… don't talk about it anymore…" I said. Carlisle nodded, then uncomfortably cleared his throat. "I'm… going to bed… eh… good night…" he mumbled before leaving the room.
I fell back in the bed, thinking about what had just happened. This had been the most awkward conversation I ever had. I still tried to wrap my brain around it. Did Carlisle really just tell me, seeing me half naked… aroused… him? Hard to believe… Men didn't see me that way. I wasn't pretty, I learned that long ago. But… he said it, and he would never say this if it wasn't true… too embarrassing… also, he wouldn't lie… So he told the truth. I didn't know why, but that thought made me… giddy… like a teenager…
CARLISLE'S POV
I laid down on my bed, covering my face in my hands. I had a feeling this blush would never fade away ever again. I really needed to work on reining my temper in, being less impulsive. I groaned. My face was still hot from embarrassment.
After a few minutes I got up and changed into my clothes for bed. Maybe I would have the first calm night since Esme and Edward came into my life. I mean, I was very happy I met them, but I felt drained and needed the sleep. Apparently the lack of sleep made me more impulsive than was good for me. And I didn't want to blurt something like that out ever again…
I would love to know your thoughts on this one... ;)