Another chapter for you! Enjoy!
Stomach flu
ESME'S POV
After the kids were put to bed Carlisle and I decided to go to bed too. "Well, good night." Carlisle said softly as we faced each other in the dark hallway. I smiled. "Thanks again for the wonderful day…" I said softly and then quickly pressed a kiss to Carlisle's cheek. "Good night." I whispered before disappearing in my room. I was happy Carlisle couldn't see my blushing face.
CARLISLE'S POV
I reached up and touched the spot where Esme had just kissed me. My skin tingled where her lips had been moments ago. A stupid grin spread across my face and my mind was centered around one thing: Esme kissed me… Esme kissed me…
I slowly turned around and went back into my room. While I got ready for bed and later before I fell asleep the grin stayed plastered on my face the whole time.
ESME'S POV
I woke up to all three kids standing in front of my bed. "Good morning…" I mumbled softly. "Have you all slept well?" I asked them. "Yes…" They replied. "Daddy said we should wake you… he made breakfast." Rosalie said softly. I smiled and glanced at the clock. "Oh… I slept late, didn't I?" Jasper giggled. "We helped making breakfast." Edward said. I smiled and sat up in bed. "That's great. I'll be down in a minute, I just change out of my pajamas, okay?" "We tell daddy!" Rose said and left the room, followed by her brother. Edward waited for me.
Carlisle had prepared a huge breakfast. He had made scrambled eggs, toast with jam and even a fruit salad. "Good morning." I said smiling. "Are you expecting someone else?" I asked him jokingly eyeing all the food. Carlisle ran his hand through his hair, grinning sheepishly. "I was up early…" he said shrugging.
CARLISLE'S POV
After breakfast Esme and I cleaned the kitchen up while the kids played in the living room. "Erm, Can I maybe borrow your laptop to write a resume and look for jobs later? If that's alright with you…" Esme asked me. I nodded. "Yes, of course. I keep an eye on the kids. There's also the local newspaper lying around in my office somewhere…" I told her. "But… eh.. first I have to remove your stitches I fear… They're due today…" Esme looked at me. "Do we have to go to the hospital?" "No, I can take care of it here, up in my office…" Esme looked relieved. "Good, I don't like hospitals that much…" she whispered. I smiled sympathetically.
ESME'S POV
I was a little bit afraid of Carlisle removing the stitches in his office. I had never liked that procedure and this was the first time I had a wound in my face stitched up. But I trusted Carlisle. He would be as careful as possible…
When the kitchen was clean again Carlisle went into the living room. "Hey, Can you all stay here for a while? Me and Esme are going upstairs in my office for a minute…" he asked the kids. "Why?" Edward asked him back. "I have to look at the scratch on your mommy's head." He explained. "Don't you have to go to the hospital for that?" Carlisle smiled. "Well, I am a doctor and I have all the stuff in my office. So we don't have to go to the hospital." Edward nodded. "Okay." I smiled at him and then kissed him on the head. "Don't worry sweetie, I'll be fine…" I told him.
I followed Carlisle up to his office and waited while he got his medical bag. "Ehm… yeah, maybe you can sit down on my desk? I know this sounds weird, but it's higher, and that makes it easier for me." He told me. I nodded. "Yes, of course… Eh… will this hurt?" I asked him a little frightened. Carlisle gave me one of his breathtaking smiles. "I will try not to let it… I'll give you a local anesthesia and I'll be very careful, I promise." I swallowed hard as I sat down on the edge of the desk, forcing myself to relax.
CARLISLE'S POV
I prepared a syringe with a local anesthesia for Esme and laid everything else I would need on the desk. Esme looked a little uncomfortable. "This will just pinch a bit and then you won't feel anything." I said while giving her the injection. Esme winced a little but held still otherwise. I gently removed the stitches before applying a band-aid. "So, all done! You're good to go." I told her, cleaning up my things and putting them back in my bag.
After putting my medical bag away again I turned me laptop on and looked tried to find the local newspaper between all the stuff I had put there. "Okay, eh, here's the newspaper… and my laptop, feel free to use it." I said to Esme. She blushed a little. "Thanks. Are you alright with the kids? I mean, you don't have any work I'm keeping you from?" I shook my head. "No, we'll be alright… don't worry." I reassured Esme. "I might take them out for a while, play a little in the forest, okay? I take my cell with me, just in case." I said before leaving Esme in my office.
"Where's mommy?" Edward asked me when I returned to the living room. "Well, still in my office. She wants to look some things up on my laptop, so I thought we could go out for a while and let your mom work in peace." I told the kids. They all agreed and after a few minutes we were outside, playing by the river again.
ESME'S POV
After typing my poor resume I checked the newspaper for jobs available in Forks. But it was a small town and there wasn't much. The little diner needed a waitress to work preferably late evening and weekends, but that was far from perfect. After all I would need someone to watch Edward if I had my own apartment again. And he would not see much of me all with me working these crazy hours. But then another ad caught my eye. The primary school was looking for someone to watch the kids in free periods, help the teachers in 1st grade and preschool. I had worked with children before, during my semester break in college, to improve my finances. I had enjoyed it. As I had told Carlisle: I loved kids. Well, I would introduce myself on Monday, but with my non-existent qualifications I probably had no chance… Still, it was worth a try and I needed a job…
I sighed and leant back in my chair and thought back to what Carlisle suggested that one night. About going to the police to find out who broke into my apartment. He was right. If I knew for sure who did it things would be much easier, but I was so afraid of my feelings being right – that he did it. If he was here… If he found me and Edward… My throat tightened at the mere thought and I had to fight the tears…
A sudden knock on the door startled me and ripped me out of my thoughts. "C..Come in." I mumbled. Carlisle opened the door. "Hey, we're back. How are you getting along?" he asked me. I grinned. "I finished the resume. And I think I'll drive by the elementary school tomorrow, they're looking for someone to support the teachers in first grade and preschool. Though I most likely have no chance…" I added lowly.
CARLISLE'S POV
I frowned at Esme's last comment. "Why not? You're great with kids. Just look how well you manage the twins and Edward and how much they love you." I argued. Esme shrugged. "I have no qualifications… no certificates or anything… why would they choose me?" I smiled. "You're great with kids, caring, patient, just think of the first day when you went shopping with the three of them, I normally forget half of the things I want to buy because Jasper or Rosalie is distracting me, you managed so well! I could never do that. I would lose my head in that chaos! You stay calm!" I watched as a little smile spread across Esme's face. "Thanks… but I'm not that great and I don't believe you're that bad…" she told me. I grinned. "Well, I think we wait till tomorrow to decide on the first part." I replied with an encouraging wink. To be honest I thought the job sounded perfect for Esme.
ESME'S POV
The rest of Sunday was spent playing with the kids and cooking dinner in the evening. We told the kids that they would all go to daycare in the morning. Edward was a little difficult. He still didn't want to be alone, but I explained to him that I would try to get a new job and Jasper and Rosalie would be with him all the time. That comforted him and after that Carlisle gave him a piece of paper with his and my cell phone number and the number of the hospital. He told Edward that he could call anytime if there was an emergency.
After that we brought the kids to bed and went to bed ourselves. Carlisle had to work early the next day and I would drive to the school to apply for the job. I was already nervous…
CARLISLE'S POV
The next morning started out really well. Esme and me got the kids ready in less than my usual half an hour and then had breakfast together. After that we took off in my car. Our first stop was the daycare center.
"Bye Daddy! Bye Esme!" the twins said and hugged first me then Esme. Edward was a little more difficult. "Can't I stay with you?" He asked his mom, smiling in a way that was terribly hard to resist. "No, Edward, I told you I need to get a job, okay? And I can't take you with me… Jasper and Rosalie will be with you all the time and in the afternoon I'll pick you up again, okay?" Edward nodded, but his lower lip was still trembling slightly. I knelt down next to Esme. "Hey buddy, you still have the note I gave you? With my number?" Edward nodded. "See? So if things are really, really bad you can call me, okay? But try staying here first. Jazzy and Rose really like it, you will have fun!" I told him and ruffled his hair. Edward nodded and I got up again while Esme told Edward again that he should only call one of us if there was a real emergency. Our work was important. Edward finally nodded and we went inside. Edward seemed to feel a little better when he saw the toys lying around and Jasper telling him what they could play later. I was glad he was alright, I hated the thought of Edward having a bad day and I also knew that Esme would worry all day if Edward was unhappy at daycare. I had felt the same with the twins on their first couple of days…
"Do you think Edward will be alright?" Esme asked me on the way back to the car. I gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm sure he'll be fine. I was terribly worried when the twins went to daycare for the first time and they came home telling me how great everything was. They hardly missed me. Honestly, that made me a little sad. If they had hated it I would have had a reason to take more time off and keep them home with me…" I admitted a little sheepishly. Esme laughed.
We got in the car and drove towards the hospital. I stopped in my usual parking spot and turned to Esme. "Okay, so… good luck for your interview, though I'm sure it will go well. Don't worry." I told her. Esme smiled half-heartedly. "I'm not so sure… I bet I make a fool out of myself." She mumbled. I shook my head. "You won't." I argued back. Esme then quickly changed the topic. "Should I pick you up again?" I nodded. "That would be great. I'll finish at 5, like usual." I told her. Esme nodded. "Alright, I'll be here. Have a good day then." I winked at her as I got out of the car. "You too. And good luck." Esme smiled nervously. "Thanks." She said before driving off.
ESME'S POV
The elementary school was easy to find. It was just in the center of town, a ten minutes drive from the hospital at the most. It looked nice. There were a lot of trees and a small park around. I slowly drove onto the parking lot and shut off the engine, but remained sitting in the car. It seemed to be break, because kids were playing on the school yard.
You can do that. Carlisle said you're great with kids. It doesn't matter you have no qualifications other than being a mother… just talk to them, if it doesn't work you find something else… I told myself to ease my nerves, but it didn't work. This job sounded great and I would love to work with kids all day, also the working times were perfect.
I took a deep breath, grabbed my poor resume and left the car. I entered the school yard and almost got knocked over when two kids came running in my direction, chasing each other. Suddenly one of them tripped and fell down hard. I immediately rushed over.
The little boy was maybe one or two years older than Edward, he had black hair and dark russet coloured skin. He was holding his knee which was bleeding. The other boy, the one who had been chasing him laughed. I gave him a scolding look then turned back to the little boy. "Sweetie, are you hurt?" I gently asked, kneeling down beside him. He looked up at me. "No Ma'am, it's alright… just a little… ouch!" He tried to get up but his knee buckled under him again and he winced in pain. I quickly steadied him so he wouldn't fall again. "Okay, what's your name, honey?" I asked the boy. "Sam." He replied. I smiled. "I'm Esme. Come on, let's get you inside so someone can look at your leg…" I said. Sam nodded and I helped him towards the main building. Halfway there another woman came running towards us. "Sammy! What happened?" she asked, then looked at me. "Who are you?" I smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Esme Platt, I saw him fall. I was here for the job…" The woman nodded. "My name is Sue Clearwater. Nice to meet you." She said, holding her hand out for me. I shook it. Sue then turned her attention back to Sam. "Well Sammy, let's have that leg looked at by the nurse…"
I accompanied Sam and Sue inside and after Sam was with the nurse she turned to me again. "Well, Miss Platt, thanks for taking care of Sammy, that was very nice. So, you were here for the job?" I nodded. "Yes, eh…" "Well, let's go into my office."
"Alright, first, ehm… I never saw you here before. Are you new in Forks?" Sue asked me. I smiled. "Yes, I recently moved here." "And, have you worked with kids before?" she asked me. I shook my head. "Well, not as a profession. I worked with kids when I was still in College, in my semester breaks usually… but other than that, no." Sue nodded. "Well, you were great with Sammy. Do you have kids?" I nodded. "One son. Edward, he's five." Sue nodded. "Are you married?" I flinched. "N…No, not anymore…" I answered reluctantly. Sue nodded.
CARLISLE'S POV
As soon as I stepped into the hospital I was approached by Dr Chapman. "Dr Cullen, it's good you're here… today's crazy." I nodded. "What can I do?" I asked, quickly changing my jacket for my lab coat. "An infected cut in exam room 3, after that severe stomach pain in exam room 2, the woman has already gotten something for the pain, and some patients with the flu in the waiting room. I'm gonna be in surgery on Mr Stanley's gallstone's and Dr Snow is out sick." I nodded. "Alright, I got it." I said, heading towards exam room 3 to treat my first patient.
As the day continued my shift didn't get better. It seemed that half of Forks had hurt itself over the weekend and was now visiting the hospital. I hardly had time to take a deep breath in between my patients.
I was just examining an elderly woman who had tripped over her dog when my phone began vibrating in my pocket. I looked at Nurse Sandra. "I have to take that call, would you mind?" I asked her. "No, it's fine Dr Cullen. I'll take Mrs Weaver to have her scan." I gave Sandra a grateful smile before leaving the exam room and slipping into the on-call room down the hall. Then I took my phone out of my pocket. It was Esme calling
"Yes, Esme?" I said, sounding a little breathless. "Yes, am I calling at a bad time?" she asked me, sounding worried. "No, well, I doubt the time will get better. Today is crazy." I replied. "Well, eh… I just wanted to tell you, I got the job!" A smile spread across my face. "That's great! Congratulations!" I told her. "Thanks. I was just so happy…" she said. I grinned. "See, I told you you'd be great for the job?" I said jokingly. Esme laughed. In that moment Dr Chapman entered the on-call room. I went rigid, feeling like the school boy caught doing something naughty. She was still in her scrubs. "Dr Cullen, I need to know if you can do a double today." she told me quickly. I nodded. "I can. I'll just…" I said, gesturing to the phone. Dr Chapman gave me a sharp look. "Make it quick." I nodded.
"Esme?" I asked. "Yes, I'm still here. Who was that?" she asked me. "My boss. I need to work a double shift today. Can you take care of the kids?" "Yes, no problem." I sighed in relief. "Thanks a lot. I have to go now." "Wait!" Esme said quickly. "How will you get home?" "I'll take a cab or ride with a colleague, I don't know when I will finish…" I replied. "Yes, alright. Bye." I smiled. "Bye!" I said and hung up.
ESME'S POV
I was ecstatic after Sue told me I would get the job. Right after the interview she asked me if I could stay and help her with the kids. I agreed, but first I had to call Carlisle. He seemed truly happy for me, though he was also very stressed. After I ended my call I went back to Sue. She smiled knowingly. "Boyfriend?" I shook my head. "No. A friend… kind of…" I replied. Sue smiled. "Alright. Let me show you the kids you'll be working with…" Sue said, leaving the main building. I followed her outside in the yard when Sue suddenly stopped, looking towards the parking lot. "What is it?" I asked her. "That's Dr Cullen's car… what would he do here?" she muttered, more to herself. "No, yes, it is. But I drove it." I said quickly. Sue stared at me. "Wait. The friend you just called…" I sighed. "Carlisle, Dr Cullen, yes. I'm living with him… more or less, like a flat share…" I explained quickly as Sue raised her eyebrows. "And I help him with his kids." I added. Sue stared at me. "You live with the hottest men in town? Seriously, I know women who would kill for that." She joked. I chuckled. "Well, I didn't know anyone here and he offered to let me stay with him after my apartment was broken into… and Edward and his kids really like each other…" I explained lowly. Sue grinned. "Okay… so, living with Mr Gorgeous, what's it like? I mean, already accidentally stepped in on him showering…?" I blushed a beet red, thinking of the few times I had seen Carlisle without his shirt on. "No!" I replied. Sue laughed. "Like you wouldn't want to…" she teased. "Every woman wants… I mean, I'm really happy with Harry, but seriously, even I would consider it. Dr Cullen is so hot… I can tell you, he's every woman's fantasy in this town… he's handsome, really gorgeous to be honest, he's polite, he's a doctor and his kids are so adorable!" she sighed. I nodded. "Jasper and Rosalie are really sweet. I already love them." I admitted. But Sue didn't let me change the topic that easily. "Aw, come on Esme, details, tell me about how he is at home. The man must have some flaws…" she said. I sighed. "No, sorry, I can't think of any…" I told her.
CARLISLE'S POV
The day didn't get better, it got worse. For every treated patient, two more seemed to turn up. I skipped my lunch break because I was in surgery and later had only time to down a sandwich in between treating two patients.
ESME'S POV
At 3 pm I left the school and went to pick the kids up at daycare. I had enjoyed working with the kids and also with Sue, though her pressing me for details about living in the same house as Carlisle was a bit embarrassing.
I arrived at the daycare center and went inside. I dreaded to see Edward again. I really hoped he had a good day.
"Good afternoon. I would like to pick Edward Platt and Jasper and Rosalie Cullen up." I told the young woman. She looked up, scanning the room behind me. "Isn't Dr Cullen picking them up?" she asked disappointed. I shook my head. "No, he…" "Esme!" "Mommy!" before I could finish what I was about to say Jasper and Edward cam running towards me, crashing into my legs. I laughed. "Hey you two, had a good day?" I asked them. Edward smiled. "Yes." He said smiling. I stroked his head. "Very good. Let's go home now. Where's Rose Jazz?" I asked him. "I get her, okay?" he asked. I nodded. "Thanks."
A minute later Jasper appeared with Rosalie by his side. I greeted her. "Okay, are you ready to go home?" I asked them. All kids nodded. I helped them put their jackets on and then we left the daycare center. "Will we pick daddy up from work again?" Jasper asked me when I strapped him in his car seat. "No, he has to work late. He told me to say sorry to you." I explained. Jasper nodded.
I got the kids home and played with them until dinnertime, then we ate, played some more and I got them all into bed. At 9 I finally went into my room. Carlisle still wasn't home. I heard him arrive in the middle of the night when I was in bed.
CARLISLE'S POV
I got home around midnight, ate something, checked on the kids, gave all three of them a kiss and then fell into my bed. I was out cold until my alarm clock rang at 6.
ESME'S POV
The next morning Carlisle was terribly tired, but told me and the kids he had to work longer again. So we again brought the kids to daycare together, then I drove him to the hospital and got to work myself afterwards.
The day continued much like the one before. Work was great. I already loved the kids and I got along very well with Sue. In the afternoon I picked the kids up from work and spent the rest of the day with them. Then we all got to bed and sometime in the middle of the night Carlisle got home from the hospital.
CARLISLE'S POV
This week was hell. It was Wednesday and I worked my third double that week. I had not spent a minute with my kids other than sitting at the breakfast table and driving them to daycare. I felt drained. Autumn had started and with it came the flu season. What started with two cases on Monday was now up to 20 every day. Coughs, sneezing, stomach pains, fever, puking…
ESME'S POV
Work today was harder than on my first days. In the morning parents were calling Sue all the time, excusing their children because they were sick. I watched the 1st graders outside on their break when little Eric approached me, telling me he was feeling sick and his tummy hurt.
He wasn't the only one. It seemed that stomach flu had hit hard and several kids were sent home.
At 3 I arrived at daycare and wanted to pick the kids up. Jasper seemed a little calmer than usual but when I asked he told me he was fine. I let him rest in the afternoon and brought them all to bed early. The twins were both a bit cranky, because Carlisle had to work overtime the whole week and they both had hardly seen their daddy that week. Even Edward kept asking when Carlisle would be home. And, to be honest, I missed him, too.
I went to bed around 8, feeling drained. I fell asleep quickly.
"Esme?" Something was pulling on my blanket. I grabbed it tighter, not wanting to wake up but then I recognized Jasper's voice. "Jazz, what's wrong?" I asked sleepily, looking at the little boy who was standing in front of my bed, crying. "My tummy hurts…" he whined. "Daddy is not there… I want my daddy…" I sat up in bed. "Shhh, sweetie, come here…" I gently lifted Jasper up and into my arms. He felt hot. "Shhh… shhhh…" I mumbled, while wrapping us both into my blanket and gently rocking Jasper on my lap. He was still crying, calling for his daddy. "I want daddy!" he said again, burying his head in the crook of my neck. "I know, I know honey…" I cooed softly stroking his messy hair and kissing his forehead. Jasper definitely had a fever. Probably the flu. I held him for about an hour before he fell asleep in my arms. Very gently I placed him next to me in the bed, wrapping him in the blanket. He stirred but didn't wake up. I stroked his face for a few more minutes and was close to sleep again myself when my door creaked open again. It was Edward. "Mommy?" he sniffed. "What's wrong darling?" I asked him lowly. "I feel hot, and my throat hurts." He complained. I sighed. "Come here, angel. You got the flu, too, hm?" I asked him while I put him in bed next to me and Jasper. Edward nodded, cuddling up to me. I noticed that he was also clutching his mountain lion to his chest. I smiled and stroked his hair until we both fell asleep. I hardly noticed how Rosalie climbed in my bed a few minutes later, snuggling up to her brother, crying because she had had a bad dream and missed her daddy.
CARLISLE'S POV
I stepped into the house at 1.27 am. I was dead on my feet. I even did not eat anything. I just wanted to check on the kids and then sleep a few hours until my next shift. I could have stayed at the hospital, in one of the on-call rooms, it would have even given me more time to sleep, but I missed the kids, all three of them, and I also missed Esme.
I staggered upstairs and opened the door to the boys' bedroom to find their beds empty. This woke me up. I quickly checked on Rose and when I found her bed empty, too, I panicked. I closed the door again and then almost sprinted all the way down the hall to Esme's bedroom, my heart pounding in my chest. I creaked the door open and sighed in relief. They were all there. Esme was lying in the middle of her bed, all three kids snuggled up to her. I closed the door again, knowing they were all alright and stumbled into my room.
I fell into bed without undressing and slept until my pager woke me roughly at 4 am. The hospital needed me again, so I jumped into some fresh clothes and hurried back, feeling more dead than alive. The constant lack of sleep was giving me a headache and my back hurt from sleeping in a weird position.
ESME'S POV
I woke up at 6 am when my cell phone started ringing. I quickly shut it off, noticing the kids were still sleeping next to me. I softly reached out to touch Jasper's forehead. It was still hot, he had a fever, then I checked on Edward. His skin was also a little too warm to be normal.
I quickly grabbed my cell phone and got out of bed without waking the kids. I tiptoed across the hallway to Carlisle's room and knocked, but got no response, so I opened the door. Carlisle was not there. His bed was empty, but there were the clothes he had worn the day before, lying on the floor. I frowned. It looked like he had gotten home late again and went back to work again already. I sighed. I had to call Sue and excuse myself from work so I could keep an eye on the kids and care for them.
"Yes, Sue Clearwater here." "Hey Sue, it's Esme." I said. "Esme, what's wrong? You sound worried…" I sighed. "Yes, well Jasper and Edward are sick and Carlisle seems to have been home for nothing more than a change of clothes, I didn't even see him… I can't come to work today, I need to take care of the kids. I'm sorry." I said. "Oh Esme, it's alright, everyone understands that. Don't worry." I let out a breath of relief. "Thank you, Sue. I am really sorry for letting you down…" Sue interrupted me. "It's fine. I understand. Now care for your little ones." "Thanks Sue." I said and hung up.
I went back into my room to find the kids still sleeping. Jasper was sweating badly, his honey blond curls were already wet. Edward looked a little better, but he was a bit paler than usual. Rosalie seemed still fine. I decided I would first take a quick shower and then wait for the kids to wake up. They should sleep as long as they could.
CARLISLE'S POV
I was feeling terrible but my patients were worse. The flu was striking harder when you were already sick and weak. One of my patients had developed pneumonia and many others were suffering from stomach pains. It was a mess. Flu had also struck down several nurses and two more doctors so the hospital was short-staffed. Breaks were unofficially cancelled. You may had a few minutes to take some deep breaths, down some water or a sandwich but nothing more.
ESME'S POV
It was after 9 when Rosalie woke up. She sat up in bed and looked around her, to see her brother and Edward lying around her, sleeping. I quickly stood up and went over to the bed. "Hey Rosie, good morning…" I whispered. She smiled. "Good morning Esme." She replied. I held out my arms. "Come here sweetie, we don't want to wake the boys… they're sick…" I told her softly. Rosie nodded and I lifted her from the bed.
We went down in the kitchen where I prepared breakfast for us. Rosalie already nibbled a toast while we waited for the boys to wake up. Half an hour later I heard Edward call my name upstairs. "Okay Rose, I'm getting the boys down… be nice, okay? They're sick…" Rosalie nodded. "Okay."
Edward and Jasper were both awake, rubbing their eyes. "Mommy…" Edward whined softly, sniffing a little. I smiled. "Hey you two, how are you feeling?" I asked them. "My throat hurts, and my head…" Edward complained. Jasper was a lot calmer, but he also looked worse. I sat down on the bed and Jazz simply crawled in my lap… "What is it, Jazzy?" He whimpered softly and snuggled up to me. "I feel… sick… my tummy hurts, my head… everything!" I gently stroked his head. "Poor boy…" I cooed, then looked at Edward and gestured for him to crawl into my arms. I lifted both of the boys up and carried them downstairs.
I placed Jasper down on the couch where he immediately lay down and closed his eyes, Edward did the same, pulling a pillow over his head. "The light hurts…" he mumbled. I quickly closed the curtains and then looked back at the boys. I sat down next to Jazzy and felt his forehead. He had a fever, Edward too, but lower. Rosalie was sitting next to her brother on the couch, cuddling him. Well, first I needed to take their temperatures and therefore I needed to know where Carlisle stored his medical supplies… "Rose, do you know where your daddy keeps his medical things, like a clinical thermometer and stuff?" I asked her. Rosalie nodded. "In his study… somewhere… but we are not allowed to touch it, it's dangerous…" I nodded.
I turned back to the boys. "What do you want for breakfast, Jazz, Edward?" I asked them. Jasper shook his head. "Nothing…" he whined. I sighed. "A little bit of tea maybe? You have to eat and drink, Jazzy… or a banana?" I asked. "Can I have some toast?" Edward asked softly. I nodded. "Yes, of course sweetie." I said, stroking his head. I went into the kitchen and prepared tea and toast for Edward and also some tea and a banana for Jasper. Then I went back into the living room. Edward started nibbling at his toast and drank some tea, while Jasper only swallowed two sips of tea and hardly looked at the banana. I was worried for him. The flu had hit him the hardest so far. Edward was not much better though, he also started coughing a few minutes ago…
"Can I leave you alone for a few minutes? I will just get a clinical thermometer and some other things, alright?" I asked. "Hmmm…" Edward mumbled, Jazz only nodded.
"Okay, Rose, can you show me where your daddy keeps his medical things?" Rosalie nodded and we went upstairs.
"It's in there." Rose said, pointing to a small cabinet. "Thank you." I told Rose and tried opening the cabinet, but it was locked. I had almost expected this, but one could hope. "Rosie, do you know where your daddy keeps the key?" I asked her. Rosalie shook her head. "Sorry." She mumbled. I shook my head and stroked her cheek. "It's fine, Sweetie." I whispered. "I will call your daddy, it's no problem."
I took my cell phone out and called Carlisle.
CARLISLE'S POV
I was just coming out of the OR Dr Chapman over when my cell phone started vibrating in my pocket. I sighed and glanced at it. It was Esme. "Esme." I mumbled. Dr Chapman sighed. "Take it." she said shortly. I quickly answered the phone. "hello Esme, what is it?" I said a little out of breath. "Hello, I'm sorry if I disturb you at work, but I need to know where you keep the key to your medical cabinet? Jasper and Edward have the flu and I wanted to take their temperature…" she explained. I swallowed. "Sick?" I asked slightly uneasy. Hearing my kids were sick made me anxious, especially when I was not near them. "They are okay, I take care of them. When you get home they will be almost healthy again…" Esme said, effectively calming me down. "Alright, the key is on the top of the closet. But I fear I don't have any medication in there. I normally keep that stuff in my medical bag. Erm… I could let someone bring things over." I suggested. "Well, yes, some flu medicine would be good." She agreed. "Okay, I send someone over. And I try to get off work earlier today, but it is a mess here today…" I told Esme. "Did you get home last night? At all?" Esme asked suddenly. I sighed. "Yes, I was home around half past 1 am and had to go back at 4… I am terribly tired." I admitted. "Yes, you must be. Well, I have to get back to the kids." She said. I sighed. "Yes, thanks for taking care of them… I'll see you later." I said and hung up.
Dr Chapman was watching me from a few feet away. "What is it?" she asked me. "Jasper and Edward have caught the flu. Esme just asked where I kept my medical supplies." I said. Dr Chapman nodded. "I'm sorry, if your kids are sick, but I need you here, Carlisle." I nodded. "It's okay…" I mumbled, though feeling bad I couldn't be with my kids when they were ill. "I will just talk to Sandra for a minute, maybe she can bring some medicine over to my house…" I added. Dr Chapman nodded. "Alright, but I need you down in room 23-49 and 21-86 afterwards." She said shortly. I nodded, trying to ignore the headache that seemed to get worse with time. And I was so extremely tired. My limbs felt like filled with lead. But I had no time to think about how I felt. Patients needed me.
ESME'S POV
I went back down into the living room, taking the clinical thermometer with me. Jasper was lying on the couch, looking as if he was asleep again. I smiled softly. Sleep was probably the best for him. Edward was sitting in the armchair, crying, holding his tummy. "It hurts… and grumbles…" he whined. I went over to him and stroked his head. "Shhh… sweetie, you will feel better soon, I will make sure of that… where's Rosalie?" I asked then, seeing her nowhere around. Edward sniffed then answered. "She ran to the bathroom…" he mumbled. I nodded. "Thanks, I'll go check on her. You stay here, okay? I'll be back in a minute." Edward nodded, curling up in a small ball.
I gently knocked on the bathroom door, then opened it. Rosalie was sitting on the floor in her underwear. She was crying. "I'm sorry…" she said. "I… I got sick… It came up so fast…" I gave her a soothing smile. "Honey, I'm not angry. Come here, let's get you new clothes and then you lay down, too and sleep some more, hm?" I asked her, picking her up and carrying her out of the bathroom. I had to clean it later.
After Rosalie was again dressed in some fluffly pajamas I placed her on the couch with Jasper. I put some pillows around them and a blanket over both and then got Edward settled on the other couch. I wrapped him in the blanket and took his temperature. It was a little high, but not something to worry about for now. Jasper had a high fever and I would keep a close eye on him, making sure it didn't get worse. Rose had no fever yet, she was only a little warm and sick to the stomach so I put a bucket in front of her next to the couch.
I checked on Jasper and gently stroked his messy blond curls when he mumbled something in his sleep, then turned my attention to my other two patients who were awake. The were both extremely cranky. Their stomachs hurt and they both felt very sick, though Rose was the only one who had thrown up until now. I sat with them, stroking their heads and telling them a story to distract them.
CARLISLE'S POV
After I arranged for Sandra to bring some medicine to my house I was busy running around, taking care of my patients for the next hours. I had hardly time to take a few deep breaths in between my regular patients and the emergencies that came in between. While I worked I didn't feel anything. No thirst, hunger, stress or exhaustion. I blocked it out completely.
After 4 hours I had my first break where I could take a few deep breaths and down a bottle of water. I felt terrible exhausted, my head hurt, in fact, my whole body did, I felt tired and exhausted… I leaned against the wall behind me and shivered a little. It was cold in here, or was it just me?
ESME'S POV
As soon as the kids were sleeping I made some chicken soup for them. A nurse had brought some medicine for the kids over earlier and told me that Carlisle was terribly sad he couldn't be home and help me.
I understood it. He was a doctor and there were people much more sick who needed him. Of course I would have loved to have him here. I missed him somehow. But it also wasn't as easy for the kids. They were cranky and wanted their daddy. They could not understand why he could not be home. They liked me, but wasn't their mother or father… But somewhere, deep in my heart I wished I was… already loved the twins so much, I couldn't imagine it to just be Edward and myself again…
The kids got a little better after eating some of the soup and taking the medicine. Then they slept again, or cuddled on the couch while I occupied them with easy things, like coloring or storytelling. Around 6 I got them all into bed. They were fast asleep within minutes. After all, sleep was the best medicine they could get. I kissed each of them on the forehead and tucked them in before going downstairs to clean up a bit.
CARLISLE'S POV
It was 6 o'clock, which usually meant my shift was over, but about 5 minutes before I could go home Dr Chapman approached me again. "Dr Cullen, I'm sorry, I know you are tired, stressed and want to go home to your kids, but I need you here tonight. Can you do the night shift?" she asked me. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. "I guess I can…" I sighed exhausted. "Thank you. You will only be on call, take a nap in one of the on call rooms, I page you when we need you." She instructed. I sighed again and nodded. I was grateful for the chance at sleep I got. I felt awful now. Under slept, overworked, cold, exhausted and had a huge pounding headache.
I entered one of the on-call rooms and flung myself down on the uncomfortable cot. But I didn't care. Not tonight. I just wanted to rest, no matter where. Before I closed my eyes I quickly pulled my cell phone out and called Esme. "Hello? Carlisle?" she asked as she answered her phone. "Hey… how are the kids?" I asked lowly. "Better. But they miss you." She answered honestly. I swallowed hard. "I miss them too." I croaked out. "Thanks for being there for them." I whispered hoarsely. "When will you be home?" she asked me. "Not tonight, sadly. I have to stay here, I'm on call. I just called to let you know before I get to sleep for a few hours." I mumbled. "It's fine. I will tell the kids how much you miss them. Now, I don't want to keep you awake any longer. Good night!" she wished me. I smiled softly. "Thanks, I too, wish you a good night." I replied before hanging up and slumping down on the cot.
I was out cold after ten minutes. Cold being the most important word in that sentence. I was freezing. I tossed and turned under the thin blanket, shivering. I slept uneasy. Waking up every few minutes, turning around and falling asleep again. But it wasn't the rest I had needed.
When my pager woke me roughly I stumbled out into the hallway. My eyes stung from the light, my head was still throbbing, and I was freezing. Hell, I was really in need of a good night's rest in my own bed.
ESME'S POV
The kids slept relatively calm throughout the night. Only around 1 am Rosalie climbed crying in my bed. "Esme…" she cried. I woke up and quickly pulled Rosalie into bed next to me. She buried her head in the crook of my neck and snuggled up to me, still crying softly. I gently stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. After a while Rosalie's breathing evened out. She was asleep again.
CARLISLE'S POV
Once woken up I couldn't fall asleep anymore. First because I was busy dealing with patients and later because of my general discomfort. The cot in the on-call room was too hard, the blanket too thin, the air too cold, the noise in the hallways too loud… my back hurt, no matter in which position I lay, my head throbbed and I was shivering though I had put a sweater on earlier.
I must have fallen asleep again after my endless tossing and turning, because the next thing I knew was some soft, warm hands touching my shoulder. I sighed lowly. I didn't want to get up. "Dr Cullen? Dr Cullen?" I forced my eyes open and saw Nurse Sandra standing next to me. "What is it?" I mumbled. "Dr Chapman told me to wake you up." She said. I nodded, sitting up quickly which caused my head to spin a little. "What time is itß" I asked. "11.45 am." Sandra replied. I looked at her and smiled. "Thanks. I'm just having a quick shower before meeting Dr Chapman." I said. Nurse Sandra nodded. "Fine. I tell her." She agreed and left the room.
I headed into the staff's showers, undressing myself and jumping under the hot water minutes later. I was not cold anymore. I felt rather warm now and my skin was a little sensitive to the water, but I ignored it. I was very tired, this would cause some funny reactions.
ESME'S POV
This morning the boys were a lot better. Jasper only had a little temperature and was a lot livelier than the day before. Edward had a bad cough, was sneezing a lot and also felt tired and exhausted, because he slept uneasy but he didn't look as pale anymore. Only Rosalie worried me. She had thrown up again after breakfast and was now lying on the couch, weeping softly, asking for her dad. I was comforting the kids. Telling them that Carlisle would surely be home soon. And I hoped he would be. He had been at the hospital for 2 days now. When I talked to him last night, he had sounded very tired and I had also heard how much he longed to be here, with the kids. It surely was terrible for him to be separated from them so long. I could never be away from Edward when I knew he was sick. But obviously Carlisle didn't have a choice.
It was after noon, the kids were asleep in the living room, when I decided I would call Carlisle. He still was not home or had contacted me in any way. "Hello?" he greeted me, sounding out of breath and… hoarse? "Hey, I'm sorry for interrupting you…" I began. Carlisle interrupted me. "Are the kids alright?" he asked. "Yes, they are better, still sick, but alright. How about you? You sound not too well…" I said. "I'm fin-" Carlisle said, but then coughed. So, he wasn't fine. "You are not." I concluded. "I'm alright, just tired. I will get off at 5 and take a ride home with a colleague." He said. I smiled. Though it was still about 4 hours till then, I couldn't wait till Carlisle got home.
CARLISLE'S POV
Since Nurse Sandra had woke me up work dragged on. I tried my best to ignore the pounding headache and the quick changes from sweating to shivering, but it wasn't easy. On Moment I suppressed the shivers on my warm sweater and a few minutes later I wiped sweat beads off my forehead. I had not eaten much for almost three days which made me feel weak and my stomach uneasy.
I focused back on my patient, who felt a lot worse than I did and ignored everything else. And after a seemingly endless time Dr Chapman finally approached me. "Dr Cullen?" she asked. I turned to her. "Yes?" "You can go home for now. Dr Porter is in again and will take over for the night and the early morning. I will go home now, too. I will be back tomorrow at 9, and I expect you here at noon." I nodded. "Yes, no problem." I replied. She gave me a tiny smile. "Get some rest." I sighed. I couldn't think of anything I wanted more right now.
I got a ride home with Sandra. I closed my eyes and leaned back in the car. I almost fell asleep right then and there, in her car. "Okay, we're there." She finally said. I opened my eyes and sighed. "Thanks for the ride." I mumbled and got out, grabbing my bag and coat.
ESME'S POV
I heard a car in the driveway and just moments later a very tired looking Carlisle stepped through the door. The kids all cheered. Carlisle gave them a soft smile and went over to the couch were they were cuddling.
Carlisle looked very tired and stressed and also kind of pale, but he still he took some time to care for the kids.
CARLISLE'S POV
I smiled as I saw the kids lying on the couch. They looked a little pale but other than that okay. I was relieved. I kneeled down in front of the couch and ruffled the hair of the boys and gave Rose a soft stroke. "You're home!" Jasper said happily. I nodded. "Yes… how are you feeling? I am sorry I was not home when you were sick…" I apologized. Jasper smiled. "Don't worry, Esme was really nice… we even got to sleep in the big bed…" he told me. I chuckled and turned to Edward. "You have a great mommy, you know that?" I asked him. Edward beamed at me. I stroked his hair. "Are you also feeling better?" He nodded. "Yes… my tummy doesn't hurt anymore." He explained.
I took my time cuddling with the kids. They couldn't get enough of me and I did not feel anything of the coldness, the sweating and the aches and pains I felt. I relaxed with the kids crawling into my lap to snuggle up against me. I glanced down at them and smiled again. I had missed the kids terribly, all three of them. Also Edward. I knew he wasn't my son, but I couldn't say he hadn't captured my heart in these few days. I wrapped my arms around the kids, holding them close and looked at Esme. She had a soft smile on her face… a breathtaking smile…
ESME'S POV
I watched the kids cuddling with Carlisle, but soon noticed how tired they got. They closed their eyes while Carlisle stroked their heads and talked to them. Edward's head was resting on Carlisle's chest and he had his eyes closed. Rosalie was already asleep, according to her breathing. Carlisle looked up at me and grinned. "Let's get them to bed, hm?" I asked him. Carlisle frowned. "Dinner?" he asked. I shook my head. "They have already eaten… I just wanted to wait for you… they were so anxious to see you." I told him. He nodded. "I know… I missed them terribly…" he told me, bending down to kiss their foreheads. Edward smiled up at Carlisle.
"Let's get you to bed, hm?" he asked softly. "You need to sleep to get healthy again, and I'm also tired." He said. Edward nodded. "Okay…" he mumbled. Jasper pouted a little, but then sighed. "Okay… but when we are healthy we can stay up longer, again, okay?" I chuckled at Jasper's stubbornness. Carlisle sighed and agreed. "But only if you go to bed right now…" he said. Jasper agreed reluctantly.
Carlisle and me carried the kids upstairs and brought them to bed. They were very tired and quickly fell asleep. As we went down again I had time to look a little more closely at Carlisle. He looked very tired and pale, like he hadn't slept in days.
CARLISLE'S POV
I felt terrible. Now after the kids were in bed, I noticed it again. I was sweating again and my stomach was hurting a little. The muscles in my body were stiff and ached. "Do you want to have dinner?" Esme asked me. I sighed. "Well… maybe…" I said lowly. I didn't really want to eat anything. I had no appetite. "Okay, I make some sandwiches, alright?" I gave Esme a short nod and followed her into the kitchen to help her.
Esme made some sandwiches while I more or less just tried to get out of her way. I was no big help.
"Hey, sit down and just relax. You have been at work for so long, you must feel terribly tired, so let me do that." She said. I agreed, feeling much better sitting than standing.
A few minutes later Esme placed a plate in front of me and sat down also. I looked at my sandwich and only the thought of taking a bite was repelling. I know I needed to eat, I hadn't eaten in more than a day. Esme looked curiously at me. "Are you okay?" she asked. I nodded, grabbed the sandwich and took a bite. It tasted like mashed paper, well it probably didn't, but to me it felt like that. I still continued eating. After two more bites I felt my stomach cramping up. I quickly threw the sandwich back on the plate and sprinted into the bathroom. I hardly made it, before I vomited everything I had eaten out again.
ESME'S POV
I watched Carlisle sprint from the room and quickly stood up, but then hesitated. Should I check on him? After all he might not want me to babysit him… He was a grown man… When he didn't return after a few minutes I decided I would look for him.
I found Carlisle leaning over the sink in the bathroom. He was panting, his face was sweaty and chalk white and he trembled. "Carlisle!" I exclaimed, shocked. "I'm… fine.." he coughed out. I shook my head and stepped towards him, wanting to help him. "You're burning!" I blurted out as soon as I touched him. He had a high fever. Carlisle sighed. "I'm a little warm… probably a light cold…" he mumbled. I shook my head. "You have a high fever. You need to be in bed." I told him sternly. Carlisle looked at me, but didn't argue anymore. "O…Okay… I'm going to bed…" he mumbled and stumbled from the bathroom.
CARLISLE'S POV
I knew Esme was right. I needed to sleep. I felt awful. My stomach hurt and I was so tired, and weak. I stumbled up the stairs into my bedroom and changed into a t-shirt and long sleep pants. Then I crawled into my bed, curling up in a small ball. My head hurt, my stomach hurt, everything hurt. I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around my stomach.
ESME'S POV
I went into the kitchen and made some tea for Carlisle, then went upstairs. I knocked onto his door and got a weak reply. I opened the door and saw Carlisle lying in his bed. He looked even worse. "Hey…" I mumbled softly. He gave me a weak smile. "I brought you some tea… You need fluids." I said, sitting down next to his bed. Carlisle tried to sit up and swallowed a few sips, but then slumped back down. He shivered.
"Esme… can you… turn the heat up? It's sooo cold…" he mumbled between chattering teeth. I nodded and turned the heat up high, then grabbed another blanket for him. It seemed he had chills. Carlisle whimpered very softly and drew my attention back to him. "Are you okay?" I asked, worried. "No… I think… I'm gonna be sick again…" he mumbled. I quickly left the room to get a bucket, just in case, but when I returned Carlisle was already dry heaving over the toilet. There was nothing left in his stomach. He hadn't eaten in a while. I went over to him and gently rubbed his back until the cramps subsided. "Thanks…" he whispered. I smiled and helped him back to bed. I was worried. He had a bad case of the flu and had over worked his exhausted body.
CARLISLE'S POV
I fell back into bed and closed my eyes. I was still very cold. My body was freezing. I shivered and then felt something warm on my face. It was so good. I sighed and leaned into the touch, only then realizing it was Esme stroking my face. She looked very concerned. "This feels… good." I moaned softly. Esme smiled. "Sh… try to sleep…" she told me, sitting down on the edge of the bed, stroking my face and telling me about the kids. I tried to relax, but I couldn't. I was terribly cold and shivering all the time. "Is the heat up?" I asked. Esme nodded. "Yes… you will be warmer soon…" I sighed, hoping she was right.
ESME'S POV
Carlisle's shivers wouldn't stop. He was sweating, but complaining about being cold. I didn't know what to do. Should I call the hospital?
"Esme…" Carlisle murmured after a while. I looked at him. "Shh… sleep…" I said. "Can you… would you… hold me?" Carlisle almost whimpered, looking at me with his big blue eyes that now looked glassy and feverish. I was a bit startled. "You're so… warm… it feels good…" he explained lowly, blushing. I stared at him for a moment. I should not do this. I didn't even know if I could. "Please…" he begged again, sounding a lot like Jasper in that moment. I sighed. What could it hurt? He was sick and he was freezing… I would only warm him up until he fell asleep… and we were both fully clothed… after all… I swallowed my nervousness and after taking another deep breath lay down on his bed, draping the blanket over both of us. Carlisle sighed happily, mumbled a 'thank you' and snuggled up to my body, seeking my warmth. I was a little tensed. Being this close to him felt strange in a lot of ways… also in good ones… I smiled softly and stroked his hair, while I listened to his breathing evening out and trying to relax myself...
Carlisle soon fell asleep, his breathing evened out and he snuggled up closer to me. I had wanted to get out of his bed as soon as he was asleep, but now Carlisle was holding on to me so tightly that I could never leave him without waking him up. So I made myself comfortable, or as comfortable as I could… I watched Carlisle sleep, his face was much more relaxed now, he looked peaceful… I smiled softly and closed my eyes… I just wanted to rest a little, maybe I had a chance to leave later…
CARLISLE'S POV
I felt good, warm. This was the first time I was not feeling cold in two days. I snuggled deeper in the covers, sighing happily… amazing… my whole body was still hurting and I felt still very sick but this warmth made it so much better… I moved my head slightly and came to rest on something soft… it also smelt nice, like lavender and wild flowers, very calming and comforting… I sighed again and went back to sleep…
I woke up again a few hours later. I felt slightly better again. I groggily opened my eyes to check the time and saw something purple right in front of my nose. I stopped moving immediately and forced my tired and aching head to think. Purple? I had nothing purple… my bed sheets were dark blue… and this didn't exactly look like bed sheets, when I thought about it… more like… clothes? I carefully lifted my head to take a closer look … and hissed in shock. The purple thing was a t-shirt! A t-shirt that happened to be worn by Esme… She was lying in my bed, fortunately sleeping, so she didn't notice that just a minute ago my head had been lying on her stomach for I don't know how long… Oh god! I thought I dreamt all this! Seemingly I didn't. Thinking more closely about it I dimly remembered asking her to hold me – but I never would have believed I actually said that out loud! What must Esme think of me now? I made a mental note to myself: Next time I ever got sick I would lock myself into a soundproof room, as not to embarrass myself by saying everything that comes to my mind out loud…
I took a deep breath and then glanced back down at Esme. She must have fallen asleep while holding me in her arms, because she was in a half sitting position that looked terribly uncomfortable to me. I wasn't sure if I should wake her… This would probably make everything more embarrassing, but letting her sleep like that would give her a hell of pain in her back… maybe I could make her a little more comfortable without waking her… I propped myself up on my arms and nearly slumped back down immediately. I was so terribly weak. My arms were shaking from holding my own weight up for just one second. It took me all my strength not to collapse again. Using the last strength I had I gently pulled Esme in a more lying position next to me, covered her with my blanket and then collapsed on the bed next to her – totally exhausted. I was so drained from any strength I thought I didn't even have enough energy left in me to close my eyes again…
ESME'S POV
When I woke up the first thing I saw was Carlisle's gorgeous sleeping face in front of me. It seemed I had fallen asleep and spent the whole night in his bed… I blushed the darkest shade of red and desperately hoped the kids hadn't seen this. And neither had Carlisle. I was not sure he really knew what he was talking about last night, he had been pretty delirious. Seeing that Carlisle was still sleeping like a baby I felt his forehead again and then wanted to carefully leave his bed. He didn't seem to notice.
I went out of his room and first checked on the kids. They were all sleeping in their own beds which made me hopeful they hadn't noticed anything off yet. I went into my room to get a shower and later check how my patients were feeling today. When I undressed I noticed that my clothes smelled of Carlisle and found me inhaling his scent form my t-shirt. Suddenly the shower didn't seem to be such a good idea anymore. It would wash away every trace of that beautiful hint of vanilla, mint and spice.
After my shower, which I had decided to take eventually, went into the kids rooms again to see that they were still asleep. That was good. Sleep would help them get over their flu faster than any medicine could. I was just closing the door to Jasper's and Edward's room again when I heard some noise out of Carlisle's room.
CARLISLE'S POV
I woke up in an empty bed. Esme had left. On the one hand that made me happy, because we could just pretend this never happened now, she didn't know I noticed her sleeping in my bed, on the other hand I was sad… It had felt nice.
I noticed just then that I was a little cold again and also quite sweaty. Maybe a shower would do me some good. I tried to sit up in bed but soon realized this wasn't the best idea. My head was spinning and throbbing and I honestly had no hope I could stand up. I still tried, but hardly got out of bed before I fell back down onto it. My legs wouldn't carry me. I groaned in exhaustion, trying to muster up the energy to move back under the covers.
I hadn't moved when Esme entered the room, looking slightly frightened. "What are you doing?" she asked me perplexed. "I wanted to take a shower…" I mumbled. Esme shook her head. "No. I mean, you have not eaten in two days. You're too weak, what if you collapse?" she said, moving to my bedside and putting the blankets over me again. "Thank you…" I sighed. "What do you want for breakfast?" she asked me softly, letting her hand rest on my shoulder for a minute. "Just some tea? I'm terribly thirsty…" I rasped, thinking that eating was not a good idea. My stomach complained at the mere thought of it. "Okay, I get you tea and something light to eat… you need to eat…" she told me before leaving my room again.
ESME'S POV
I went into the kitchen and prepared some hot tea for Carlisle and pieces of apples and a banana. He needed to eat and this would surely do him some good.
Carlisle had tried to sit up when I came back, but you could easily see that he was still very weak and this position exhausted him. "Here… drink something." I said, handing him the tea. Carlisle took it and sipped on it. Then I pushed the fruits towards him. "Eat a little bit, please… you're so weak." I nearly pleaded. Carlisle grimaced but nibbled at a piece of the apple. "Not so bad…" he finally mumbled, shooting me a look. I smiled. "Okay, eat as much as you want… I think I'll wake the kids." Carlisle nodded, reluctantly taking a piece of banana.
I went into the boys' room first because I heard talking in there. Jasper and Edward were already awake, sitting in their beds and talking. As I entered Jasper's face fell. "Is daddy working again?" he asked sadly. I quickly shook my head. "No, but he is sick… he's still in bed…" I told him. Jasper frowned. "Poor daddy… can I go wish him a good morning?" he asked me. I nodded. "Yes, you can all go, but be quiet, okay? Carlisle is not feeling so good…"
After all kids were awake and had had breakfast I took them to play in the living room. We got a board game out and were just setting it up when I heard footsteps on the stairs and turned around. Carlisle was more or less stumbling down the stairs, wearing jeans and a thick grey sweater. He looked awful. "What do you think you are doing?" I asked him sternly. "I… I need to go to work…" he croaked out. At that my eyes nearly budged out of my skull. How did he get the idea he could work when he could hardly stand upright for two minutes?
"Oh no, you need to be in bed…" I told him. Carlisle probably wanted to argue with me, but stumbled dangerously on the last step. He caught himself on the railing. I pursed my lips. "Lay down before you fall down." I said rather tightly before grabbing the phone from the side table and going into the kitchen.
"Forks Community Hospital, Dr Ruth Chapman speaking." I inwardly groaned. I had expected to talk to a nurse, not Carlisle's boss. "Yes, eh… Esme Platt here… I wanted to excuse Dr Cullen for today, he is sick." I said, not quite able to ban the nervousness from my voice. "Sick?" Dr Chapman asked, obviously thinking I was trying to fool her. Damn my trembling voice! "Yes, he has the flu… high fever and is throwing up, also he is very weak, he can't stand upright…" I told her, this time a little calmer. "Alright, do you need some medication? I could send someone over…" she said. I denied. "No, thank you, but a nurse brought something over when the kids got sick." I told her. "Alright, well, tell him get better. Goodbye." I swallowed hard, happy this conversation was over. "I will. Goodbye." I hung up and went back into the living room.
CARLISLE'S POV
I knew Esme was right. I could not work today. But I also knew the hospital was understaffed already and needed every hand they could get. So I had thought I could at least try. I knew now that this had been a bad idea. The kids were playing rather quietly and the light in the room wasn't too bright, but even the low light and noises made my head throb painfully. I didn't even want to imagine what bright hospital lights would do to me…
"Okay, I excused you for today." Esme said as she came back into the living room. I groaned, closing my eyes. "Thanks…" I mumbled quietly. I felt Esme sit down on the edge of the couch and her touching my forehead. "You're still very warm, and you don't look good, why don't you go back to bed?" she asked me. I opened my eyes again. "Get some sleep and get better." She whispered softly. I sighed. Esme was probably right. The thought of my bed sounded really tempting. I sat up. "Yes… I think I'll sleep a bit more…" I mumbled and stood up.
"Daddy? Are you okay?" Rosalie asked from the floor. I smiled at her. "Yes, my angel, I am just very tired. I go back to bed, okay?" Rose nodded, then got to her feet and hugged me around the legs. "Get better daddy…" she mumbled. It was very sweet.
I went back upstairs and made myself comfortable in my bed. My back was already hurting from lying flat on it for so long and so I used some pillows to prop myself up in a sitting position. I pulled the blanket up high and then closed my eyes. It didn't take long until I was fast asleep.
ESME'S POV
The kids were already playing their board game alone, so I settled down to watch them and now and then give a helpful tip. Especially the boys tried to cheat later in the game, which made Rosalie angry whenever she noticed. But Rosalie also cheated, or tried to – she wanted to win and was a very sore loser when she didn't. It was actually funny to watch how Rose scolded the boys rather roughly for cheating and did it herself a minute later.
At noon I made pasta for the kids and then put them to bed for a little nap. They went without complaining too much and fell asleep quickly when I read them a story. Then I decided to check on Carlisle and maybe bring him some hot chicken soup. This would surely be very good for him.
I took the bowl and headed upstairs into Carlisle's room. I found him sleeping, with his back against a stack of pillows. His head thrown back against the head board, his lips slightly parted. I couldn't help it. I sat the bowl down on his night stand and looked at his sleeping form for a minute. He looked just like he had last night. Peaceful and happy. I reached out and gently touched his face, let my hand wander from his forehead over his cheek until I traced his lips with my finger tips. Suddenly Carlisle's eyes flew open. I stared at him, shocked, my fingers remaining on his lips.
CARLISLE'S POV
I felt something touching my face. It felt nice. Soft fingers were outlining my jaw and came to rest on my lips. I opened my eyes and found myself face to face with Esme. She was staring at me in shock, completely frozen. Even her hands were still on my face. I felt her sweet breath wash over my face, drawing me in, her soft green eyes drowning me. Her fingers dropped from my face, resting on my thigh then. Unconsciously I leaned in until our faces were mere inches apart. I looked down, away from her eyes to her lips. Were they as soft as they looked? Would she taste of the same intoxicating mix of wild flowers and lavender I smelt on her? I quickly leaned in, closing the small distance between our lips.
ESME'S POV
I didn't move as Carlisle stared at me so intently. I was paralyzed by his beautiful eyes and the dim light shining in them. He leaned closer and my heart skipped a beat just to come back to life and beat in a dangerously fast pace when I suddenly felt his lips on mine. He tasted so sweet… I couldn't even find a word to describe it. And his lips were so soft, so very gentle. I had never known this. This gentleness. This was how a kiss should be. This was my first real kiss. My lips moved against his on their own accord. IN fact, my mind felt like it wasn't connected to my body any longer, but drifting through the clouds above. There was a tingling sensation and warmth, spreading from my lips into my whole body. But suddenly I was roughly yanked back down to earth.
CARLISLE'S POV
Kissing Esme was pure heaven. I couldn't stop. I moved my lips carefully and softly against hers, wanting to burn this moment, this taste, in my memory. My head was clouded from pure bliss and every ache forgotten.
My hands carefully moved onto her shoulders, up to her neck and into her hair when Esme suddenly tensed and pushed me away roughly. Her eyes were wide with fear. I was confused. What had I done? Without a word she literally fled from my room and slammed the door behind her, leaving me bewildered and disoriented and also a little hurt. Her rejection stung. Maybe I had imagined everything… maybe it was because I was ill, that I got the crazy idea to kiss her… I didn't know where that came from… But, she had looked so beautiful that moment and she had been so close that I couldn't resist. And at first I thought she liked it… she kissed me back, if only hesitantly. She did. I couldn't have imagined that… or could I? Had I maybe misread everything? Had I just destroyed our friendship? By interpreting more into it than was there? I groaned. All these thoughts brought my headache back full force.
ESME'S POV
Suddenly I felt cold, hard hands on my neck, pressing down, fisting themselves into my hair, forcing my head back and my jaw open. I suppressed the overwhelming urge to gag. My heart began to race in fear and sheer panic and I did the only thing I could think of – run! Even if it would only get worse later… but I couldn't take this…
I fled to my room, and leaned against the door. Oh god! I was still shivering from the memories that came over me a minute ago. That was what made me push Carlisle away and flee. Memories. Haunting memories. His kiss had been wonderful and I would never have wanted to end it, but then he touched my neck and suddenly I only saw him. How he had pushed me against a wall, almost choking me, threatening me, his hands fisted in my hair, pulling at it until I screamed and did everything he wanted. How he yanked my head back and forced his tongue into my mouth… I shivered and put my arms around myself as a protection. I bit my lip to stop the sobs from escaping. I felt horrible right now… I hated myself for reacting the way I did. This moment had been perfect. I had wanted this kiss. As much as I wanted it still. The feeling of his lips on mine was heavenly, far better than my imagination or my dreams… I cursed under my breath. Damning him to the deepest pits of hell for taking that from me, for making me unable to enjoy a simple caress or kiss… Even now, when I thought I was finally free from him, he kept destroying my life. I was broken. Broken beyond repair. A few sobs escaped my lips at that realization. Carlisle wouldn't want me, not if he knew what a mess I truly was. He didn't deserve me. And I couldn't bother to burden him with something like that… He did it again. He ruined my life, now when I was beginning to think I could be happy for once, he came and destroyed everything. Obviously there were things that didn't heal like the bruises… scars that went deeper, unable to heal or be forgotten…
I took a deep breath and sat up straighter. No. I didn't want this. I didn't want him to dictate my life any longer. I was free now. I had fought so hard to finally get away from him, and I managed. And now he would destroy my life through stupid memories? No! I didn't know where this sudden courage and determination came from, but I was angry, angry at him for denying me this chance… I got up. I would face things head on this time. I would explain it to Carlisle. After all, I deserved this chance, even if it was that small…
I went back to Carlisle's room, feeling more nervous with every step. But I didn't turn back. I would do that now. I opened the door without knocking, because I knew I would run away if I stopped walking for just a moment.
Carlisle was sitting in his bed, staring blankly at me when I entered. His eyes were bloodshot. He had cried. "I'm sorry…" he croaked out, but I held up my hand. I wanted to explain everything, tell him, but suddenly my courage was gone. I couldn't get the words out. My throat felt so tight. I couldn't speak.
"Esme… please, I never wanted to hurt you… I understand if you don't want this. It was stupid of me to assume you did. I misread things and interpreted them wrong. I promise, I will never…" With that I jumped forward, pressing my hand over his mouth. "S…stop…" I pleaded with a shaky voice. Carlisle nodded. "It… wasn't you…" I choked out, and then the words rushed out of my mouth. I couldn't stop them. I told Carlisle everything. How I had enjoyed his kiss, how he had used to force me to kiss him and often gripped my hair painfully to make me obey him, how Carlisle's hands on my neck brought up bad memories… everything. Finally my voice broke and I simply sobbed, covering my face with my hands.
CARLISLE'S POV
I was shocked but also furious when Esme told me what this… sick basta-… did to her. I wanted to hunt him down and rip him limb from limb, making him suffer as much as she did. Making him never forget how much he hurt her. But when Esme began to sob uncontrollably another urge was much stronger. The urge to comfort and protect her, so I used all my strength to pull her in my arms and gently stroke her back.
Esme shivered and sobbed for a few more minutes before she calmed down, but kept her head buried in my chest. I gently tilted up her head with my fingers, making her look at me. "I don't care what he did… I don't care you say you're broken… because … you are the most loving and kind woman I ever met…" I told her sincerely. Then I swallowed and continued. "We will work on this, together, if you want… and I am a patient man, I will make you forget, I will erase everything he did… and I will never hurt you, or rush you… I will wait, as long as you need me to and I will always be here for you, no matter what, be it as a friend or something else…" I whispered emotionally, swallowing the lump in my throat. Esme's eyes lit up and a tiny smile spread across her lips.
A second later my unsound, ill mind talked for me again. "Maybe… we could try again… I'll be more careful this time…" I whispered, hoping with every fibre of my body she would say yes. She didn't say anything, but tentatively and extremely slowly pressed her lips onto mine again…
I sighed softly when Esme pulled back. She shook her head. "Sleep... you need rest. I'll go downstairs and warm the soup up again…" she said, making me notice the bowl of soup on my bedside table for the first time. I grinned sheepishly as Esme took the bowl and went downstairs with it.
ESME'S POV
I heated the soup again, while my thoughts stayed focused on the kiss. I smiled dreamily. I wanted to do that again…
I took the soup upstairs to Carlisle again after a few minutes. He smiled at me, when I entered. "Hey…" he said. "Hey." I replied, handing him the soup. "I brought you some soup. Try it, it will be very good for you." I told Carlisle. He sighed. "You know I don't feel hungry…" he argued weakly. I put on a stern look. "If you haven't eaten something else than the banana and apple pieces from this morning I will call the hospital. You worry me. You're so weak…" I said. Carlisle sighed. "Okay… I'll eat a little of the soup…" Carlisle surrendered, taking the spoon from my hand.
I stayed with him for a few minutes, watching him eat a little of the soup. After he finished half the bowl he set it down again. I nodded. "Okay… that's enough for now… try to sleep some more…" I whispered, standing up. But Carlisle held me back. "Do I get a good night kiss?" he asked with an irresistible smile. I almost rolled my eyes at him but eventually pecked him on the lips. "Sleep." I said again. Carlisle grinned and obediently lay down on his back…
Tell me what you think, plz!