Minor Inconvenience

Chapter Eleven

I woke up to noise. Chattering. There were people nearby. As I tried to open my eyes, my vision blurred, restricting my field of sight. Despite this handicap, my mind was turning with memories and an important realization: I must be at the airport.

"This is a bad idea, Carlisle," whispered a voice, coming from the left.

"It very well may be, but we don't have much choice, now do we?"

"She's waking, five seconds."

"I hear you now," I commented, squinting at them, "So, what's the plan? Put me in a suitcase for the flight and check in the bag? Maybe I'll be lucky enough to be in a crate so I can stretch my feet."

"Don't be ridiculous, Ms. Swan," Carlisle admonished, "You'll be staying with us the entire time."

"And how precisely do you intend to make me not flag down help? All I have to do is argue who I am – I'm sure there've been reports about what happened in Forks."

"Easy," leaning into his bag, Carlisle pulled out two items: a hood made out of netting and a—

"A straight-jacket," I moaned, "You can't be serious!"

"Quite," he pursed his lips, "Of course, there's always the option of a sedative. I think that might actually be the best option if you act out."

I instantly paled and closed my eyes. To be asleep again would be unforgivable. I'm in an airport that's filled with surveillance cameras and recording devices – phones, laptops, and iPads. I refuse to not at least try.

"Please, don't. It's not pleasant coming off of that stuff," I frowned.

"We'll see, but just remember, you need to listen to us," responded Carlisle, "I know it has been a while since you've been able to use the restroom. Would you like to freshen up?"

I nodded my head.

"I'm afraid the drugs may still be messing with your balance, so we'll be venturing together into the family restroom. On three: one, two, three." I was in his arms. He wasn't hunching, his knees didn't buckle, and his grip remained firm on my body, reminding me of the power that lurked beneath the surface of Carlisle's soft outward "fatherly" appearance. He was not a man to be fucked with. Why did I always have to go up against someone stronger? Why couldn't Carlisle Cullen look and act more like Steve Urkel?

"Here we go, Bella," he eased me onto a chair, "I want to perform a quick check up before you get cleaned up. Can you open your eyes for me?"

My eyes, which were squinting in the bright light of the backroom, slid shut. I refused to aid them in my detainment.

Sensing my rebellion, Carlisle lightly huffed.

Grasping my shoulders, he gave me a jarring shake. "None of that, Ms. Swan. As mad as you are about the sedative, it was necessary. If you continue to be uncooperative, then you'll give me no other option than to resort to the same measures in the near future. Now, please, open your eyes. I'm sure you'd like to use the restroom, wash your face, and brush your teeth."

I opened my eyes tiredly. "I am more than mad at you. I hate you. I detest your very presence. The fact that I am being toted around with the lot of you like some piece of goddamn luggage infuriates me beyond the point of anger. I am NOT a suitcase. I am a human being – a living, breathing, fully functioning person. I do not deserve this treatment. It is my right to refuse you. How dare you take the title Doctor and practice medicine in any capacity." By the end of my bravado, fire was lit in both my eyes and my heart.

"Bella, we only have an hour. While I am all for your self-independence bravos, we really do not have time. You can lecture me later about the immorality and inhumanity of what we're doing, but right now, I'd like to have your cooperation. If you want to fit in your other human necessities, then I suggest you play along at least for now and indulge me. It's important to keep track of your well being, especially during your stay with us. You'll find that our pattern of necessities is different from your average family."

"Fuck you," I spat.

Ignoring my comment, Carlisle proceeded with the examination, despite my refusal to actively take part. He must have dealt with similar patients before because he used some rather unorthodox, unheard of approaches that I've never first hand experienced. To get my mouth open to look at my throat, he plugged my nose, forcing me to open my mouth, just like he had done with the mashed potatoes. The act itself forced my eyes open first, giving him a chance to shoot light into them, much to my dislike. Seeing him wielding a thermometer, I clapped both hands over my ears. He merely had to strike my funny bone in my elbow to get me to release my grip; he snatched the arm and held it while the machine checked my temperature. My weight also proved to be no problem for him. Rather than even giving me the option of getting on the scale, Carlisle picked me up and stepped on a portable scale, no doubt recording the difference. Setting me back down, he maneuvered the blood pressure band onto my arm, despite my efforts to clasp my hands together. Leaving me on the chair, Carlisle started laying down a yoga pad on the ground. I freaked. Despite the slight haze that ran through my system from the drugs, I was still able to make a first class effort towards the family restroom's exit. Unfortunately, I forgot about Esme being nearby. No sooner had I reached the doorway, then she appeared and hugged me, thereby keeping my arms at my sides.

"Esme, no! You don't understand! I won't let him do that to me!" I twisted in her arms. She must be uncomfortable handling humans because her grip was light. I had freed myself when Esme repositioned her arms and my arms that mine were crossed and her arms were around them, locking them in place.

"Shh, shh. It's not what you think, Bella. Carlisle just wants to check on your stomach and make sure there's no inflammation."

"There isn't! Now let me go! The check-up is over!"

"Please, calm down," Carlisle approached me, staring into my eyes, "I promise you, I would not have performed vaginal check up. As we are caring for you, there's a potential that someone handled you a little too roughly and you may have some bruising. Likewise, I know the medicine has potential to leave rashes on the skin and there's a greater potential on places like your back and stomach since they are in contact with clothes and are not exposed to oxygen as much as other areas of your body. You haven't been eating at a regular pace for the past week. I need to address the toll the stress and irregularity has taken on your body. Please, Bella, work with me on this one."

"I am fine. If there was a serious health problem, then I would have told you," I argued, still in Esme's grip.

"Would you have, Bella?"

"Probably not—"

"That's what I thought—"

"But you would have noticed eventually so my silence wouldn't have mattered anyways!"

"Perhaps, but from my experience, it's always best to inform your physician about any problems. Now, I promise I won't do any more contact than what is necessary. Will you lay down so we can finish with the check-up?"

I narrowed my eyes. "No."

Carlisle turned, retrieving something from his bag and sliding it into his pocket before returning to Esme and me, gently releasing me from her grip.

"I do not want to sedate you, Bella," he stated as he set me back down in the chair, "Jasper is going to join us."

"No! You refused to listen to me earlier when I didn't want the drugs, so you damn well better listen to me now. I do not need nor want a physical exam. It stops here, Carlisle. I'm drawing the line in the sand and I suggest you do not cross it."

Silence permeated the room. No one spoke and all I could hear was blood rushing in my ears and my heart rapidly beating.

Carlisle took a step towards me.

"All I have to do is scream. Even with your drugs, I'll have a good couple of minutes to say what needs to be said."

"And what about once you're out? We've already explained to you that we have the proper documentation that says I'm your doctor."

"I'll accuse you of being a terrorist if I have to."

"Perfect, I can tell them you're showing symptoms of a paranoid schizophrenic. Should we swaddle you now or later? It's completely up to you if you choose to make a scene, but know that there will be consequences later."

Scoffing, I countered, "It's not like you can ground me."

He knelt in front of me, "Bella, we are taking you somewhere where no one will know you. The only people you will be seeing will be on television, with the exception of my family. In time, I'm sure you'll come to think of it as your family. Please, I've asked you before and I'll ask you again: don't fight with us. We have so much to offer you, but if you just keep spitting on us – literally and figuratively – these offers will naturally begin to dwindle. We want to trust you, to give you privileges, but your behavior would suggest otherwise. We're here for the long haul, so I suggest you settle in."

"I hate you still."

"I know that, Bella. We'll continue this at a more private setting, but until then please be cooperative or you'll force our hand," he paused, "Now, you're free to take care of anything you need to. I'll leave you in Esme's capable hands," he brushed passed me and whispered in her ear.

Once the good doctor left, Esme handed me a bag. Peering inside of it, I noted a fresh pair of clothes, toothbrush with toothpaste, and a washcloth, complete with face wash.

"Thank god," I sighed.

"I'll be right outside, if you need anything, Bella."

Without any hesitation, I turned on the sinks. As the washcloth absorbed scolding water in one sink basin, I turned another to cold and brushed my teeth. Armed with drugs in varying forms and their paperwork, along with brute strength and the ability to dazzle the airport security, whatever I was going to do next had to be deliberate and swift. This would be perhaps my final chance to get help and make others know that I am alive.

After rinsing my mouth, I washed off my neck and face, as well as wiping down my arms.

Turning, I entered the bathroom stall, and proceeded to take care of business. Aware of their heightened sense of hearing, I knew I had to act fast. I coughed to cover up the unwinding of the toothpaste cap and flushed the toilet only to immediately begin scrawling on the door my message: Isabella Marie Swan is alive; tell Forks Police Chief – Cullen family responsible.

Midway through the message I stopped to give the toilet a second flush and muttered a small "fuck."

Leaving the stall, I returned to the sink and once again washed and rinsed my hands, face, and neck.

Grabbing the toothpaste once again, I leaned against the sink, writing yet another message: Isabella Swan lives – Cullen family at fault; tell Forks—

"You're a fantastic artist, Bella, but don't you think finger-painting is a little childish?"

Fuck.

I froze, turning towards the voice, his voice.

"Well, you can't blame a girl for trying, can you?"

"It's time to go. Esme's coming in to…gather your belongings and take care of that," inclining his head towards my SOS message.

Grabbing a paper towel, I wiped the toothpaste from my fingers. Turning away from the mirror, I squared my shouldered and followed Edward into the sitting area. Slumping into the nearest couch, I sighed heavily. No sooner had I sat down than Emmett came bursting in, with a grin on his face.

"This is for you," Emmett smiled while handing me a plastic bag and a cup, "I hope you like fish and chips! Carlisle said to do a sandwich but I thought that was boring. That's a strawberry smoothie. I use to love those back in the day," he winked.

I could see how proud he was and couldn't bear to crush his spirits, so I smiled and said "Thank you, Emmett. I love strawberries, especially when they're dipped in chocolate."

Rising from the couch across the room, Esme offered, "I'm sure we'll be able to make those as soon as it's strawberry season, Bella."

Inclining my head, I began to devour my meal, thankful for the smoothie to wash down the fries. Finishing, I leaned back, feeling bloated given my sudden eating splurge.

"You must've been more hungry than you've let on, Bella," smiled Edward, "I promise, once get home, you'll have free range to cook your meals and eat when you please."

"As long as I get Pop Tarts for breakfast, I don't see any problems," I smirked.

"Maybe not every day, mind you; I'd love to watch you cook so that I can make treats for Carlisle to bring to work," winked Esme, "I'll go clean the bathroom."

No sooner had she said that, then she returned with a bag in hand. "Thank you, Bella for putting everything back in the bag. It made cleaning up a breeze. Maybe you can brush off on Emmett."

"I don't know, Esme, these things can't always be taught; they're more instinctive."

Emmett began laughing, startling me slightly at the loudness of it.

I finished my meal quickly, enjoying the last French fries and washed them down with a slurp of smoothie.

"We have a little bit of time until our next flight, Bella. I brought you a few books to read. That, or you're more than welcome to listen to your iPod; I believe it's packed in the carry-on bag," offered Esme.

"Thanks, Esme. It'll be nice to have a distraction." I selected the iPod and picked up a random magazine, losing myself to beat of the music as I flipped the pages.

A gentle tap roused me – it was Esme.

"We must be going, Bella. Are you ready?" I smiled and nodded, but just as we finished packing, Alice came rushing in, "Wait! Behind the door."

I cringed: she knew about the second message.

"What do you mean," questioned Carlisle.

"Bella left a message—another message, rather, on the bathroom stall's door."

"You couldn't even behave for an hour, Isabella?"

My eyes met the disappointed gaze of Carlisle Cullen.

"What are you going to do?"

Running his hands through his hair, Carlisle closed his eyes and breathed deeply, stressing, "I warned you earlier, Bella. We cannot continue with this behavior. Do you need to see the memorial service video again?"

His comment stung. Anger and loss filled me completely as I stood, walking towards him. My finger stabbed his chest.

"Don't you ever, I mean ever, mention that as a means of dealing with me. You abducted me so be prepared for numerous outbursts and fruitless attempts to try to woo me into a pacified state consisting of mutual trust and respect between me and you – between any of you. It is not going to happen."

Before I finished the last word, I had already raised my knee, striking him where it'd hurt the most and aimed a fist at his cheekbone. Despite the pain I felt physically from lashing out at Carlisle, it paled in comparison to the emotional hardships I had been enduring for the last week.

"Edward, can you please see to her for now."

Hands guided me away from Carlisle and brought me to the chair I had been sitting in earlier. Kneeling in front of me was Edward.

"Bella, please, look at me," he pleaded, "You can't keep holding everything inside and shutting down after you explode on us like this. Please, talk to me."

Don't talk if you can't improve the silence, I thought.

"Bella," he began.

"Just shove it, Edward."

I turned into the chair, bringing my legs to by chest and wrapping my arms around them.

I must have zoned out because the next thing I knew, Edward lightly shook my shoulder, jarring me.

"We really must get going," sighed Carlisle, "Bella, I'd like to give you a choice. You can either take this pill, it'll put you to sleep for the rest of our journey, or I can administer another drug via syringe that will do the same. I think the pill will be less disorienting and have a quicker recovery time, so I'd recommend that, but the decision is up to you."

"For once," I muttered.

"Bella, you need to understand that you—that we are not against you. Please, work with us so that you can regain some control of your life and not be destined to a life locked inside a house of your own accord."

"Understanding and accepting are two different things entirely," I sighed, turning towards him, "I may understand the wicked lies you've told and the horrific injustice you're allowing to go unpunished, but that does not mean I need to accept them, nor that I should be obligated to. I will not be complacent with a situation I do not accept."

Nodding his head, Carlisle held out his hands: in one, there was a white, circular pill with an intended line dividing it; in the other, there was a capped syringe.

"Fair enough. Hopefully, one day, you will accept it and be at peace with part of this ordeal," offered Carlisle, "Now, please, which method would you prefer?"

"Neither," I moaned into the chair.

"Bella…"

"Ugh!" I turned toward him, "Yeah, yeah, I know: if you don't decide, Bella, then I'll decide for you," I mocked, "I'm not a child."

"Compared to us, Bella, you are; I'm well over two hundred years your senior."

"Age is just a number," I bit back.

"A number reflecting the years of experience one has living, but that is beside the point. Choose now."

"Like I said before, I'm not going to make this any easier on you."

"Very well," Carlisle stoically replied, looking at everyone in the room, "Why doesn't everyone go and wait by the gate; Edward, could you stay to help me here."

Unfolding myself, I planted my feet on the ground and leaned on my hands, watching. One by one, the Cullens filed out, taking with them miscellaneous pieces of luggage, including the bag holding my bathroom supplies. Huffing, I stood, stretching my limbs and preparing for the inevitable.

"Bella, will you sit?"

I looked at him, "Yeah." I did and watched Carlisle begin to prepare the syringe; I cringed. "Wait—I changed my mind. Can I take the pill instead? Please? I don't want to have to worry about feeling bad afterwards," I pleaded.

Carlisle and Edward shared a glance. "Why not. Edward, go grab Bella something to sip."

Nodding, Edward left the room. I turned to Carlisle and offered, "I still got some smoothie left; I'll just use that."

Carlisle offered me the pill and I couldn't help but recall The Matrix, when Neo chose the red (or maybe it was the blue) pill. With a slight smile, I accepted the pill, feeling its weight in my hand, feeling amazing that such a small thing would be able to knock me into tomorrow. I sipped my smoothie, coating it in preparation for the pill. Carlisle, seemed to be convinced I was planning on following through with their plan; now it was time to put mine into action.

As Carlisle glanced at me, I popped the pill into my mouth, and crushed it into two pieces immediately and with the upmost discreteness. As I picked up the cup to swallow the remains, I glanced his way – he wasn't looking! Carefully keeping the divided pills to one side of my mouth, I sipped and swallowed the smoothie, giving the illusion of swallowing the pill. I took one final pull and mixed in the pill-saliva mixture that I had kept quarantined on one side, and pushed it into the straw, back into the cup.

I looked towards Carlisle, who was still fiddling with his bag and packing away the loaded, unused syringe. Standing, I walked towards the trash with the cup, intent on throwing it away.

"Bella, you really shouldn't be standing; the medicine will not take long to start working," he stressed, lifting me into his arms and throwing away the cup for me.

I leaned my head against his chest and placed my arms around his neck. Clear your head and relax, I coach myself and begin to create an image in my head of a beautiful meadow, focusing on details in an attempt to get lost in the details. Breathing deeply, I start to relax and closed my eyes.

"Are you sure she's asleep? That was awfully quick," questioned Emmett.

"Her heartbeat doesn't sound as regular or slow," murmured Carlisle.

Shit, I thought, trying to breathe levelly and concentrate on just my breath.

Something ice cold was placed on my neck – my eyes instinctively opened and my hand flew up to remove the offending object.

My eyes met Carlisle's and I realized my mistake.

"Welcome back, Bella."

I stuttered, "Um, are we there yet?"

With a grim smile, Carlisle said, "Not quite, but I suspect you already knew that. I'm afraid we need to resort to more evasive measures, Ms. Swan, to get you through the last leg of your journey to our new home.

"No, please," I plead, "I just wanted to prove to you that I have restraint; I wasn't going to call attention to us, I swear."

"Unfortunately, Bella, that is not a risk we can take," sighed Carlisle, passing me off to Edward and grabbing the syringe from his bag.

Try as I might, Edward kept my face turned into his chest, keeping my jaw clenched.

"Sleep tight, sweetheart."

o.o.o

A very long overdue chapter. Although it wasn't as long as I intended nor as "perfect" as I wanted, I thought it was time to upload. Not sure when my next update will be.. Maybe not till May, but you never know. May the odds be ever in your favor ;) GREAT MOVIE.