Songs I listened to writing this chapter:
*Simple Plan – Save you*
*Trading Yesterday – Shattered*
*Lady Antebellum – One day you will*
*~Carlisle~*
I gathered all my paperwork for the busy day ahead...Almost running over my wife, Esme in the process who was attempting to try and soothe me from stress and panic which she had always done remarkably well but it wasn't something that I would welcome today as I had already received five calls from Dr Frank Albertson explaining that he would need me in earlier today because he needed my assistance with a new patient.
New patients were always the hardest; luckily I had been a Doctor long enough to get into the right mind-set for the day and to ensure that I maintained a good amount of patience (whether I needed it today or not was a different story entirely).
"Carlisle my darling would you please slow down...You are making me nervous" Esme said as I rumbled through the drawers of my office trying to find the details I had received about this new patient last night.
I halted in my tracks and turned to find her leaning against the door with a slightly worried expression on her face and her forehead creased...I felt an urge of sadness and walked over to her grasping her beautiful figure in my arms and hugging her as tightly as I could muster for this time in the morning.
"I am sorry sweetheart I just have a long day ahead and I need to make sure I have everything" I whispered into her ear smelling her hair and natural scent as I went. I felt her shiver slightly underneath my hold before wrapping her arms around me back and sighing into my ear.
"What is it my love?" I asked...Concerned for her.
"It's nothing...I just always miss everyone when they go out everyday...It's not easy being at home by myself – besides I don't think Emmett has forgiven you for grounding him last night and Emmett being angry is always something I don't look forward to" she whispered in reply a longing tone to her voice.
If given the choice I would spend the rest of my life wrapped up in Esme's arms; There was no other place that felt more like heaven the radiance of pureness and love that enhanced from her never, to this day ceased to amaze me – I loved her more than I could possibly say in words..She was my life...I loved her the day I met her and I was even more in love with her now.
"Emmett shouldn't have punched Mike Newton, I had to attend to his injuries remember? I can't let anyone – even someone as high-strung as Emmett get away with that kind of violence." I tried to soothe her with my explanations.
"I know and I do not condone his behaviour...I just hope that he takes his punishment more lightly this time...You know what happened last time" Esme replied her voice still tingling the side of my head as I held her closely.
"If he gives you any grief...You ring me, Angel...He will not take his bad mood out on you, I won't allow it. Besides, he has Jasper and Edward to take it out on." I answered smiling at the memories of the injuries both Edward and Jasper, my daughter Alice's boyfriend have received due to Emmett having an 'off day'.
Esme sighed again and pulled me tighter to her chest. "I love you" she said.
I released my hold on her and put my finger underneath her chin so I could gaze into her eyes...She looked back into mine intently and smiled ever so slightly.
"I love you too, my Esme...So much" I replied lowering my head to press my lips to hers...She responded with eagerness and placed her hand on the side of my face, stroking me caringly...I wrapped my arms around her waist and lifted her up...Our lips still connected.
"You know it's not nice to have the mental image of your parents snogging each other in your head for the day" Both myself and Esme broke away from our haven to find Emmett standing in the hallway making gagging noises as I set Esme down on her feet.
"One day, Emmett I will find you and Rosalie in a passionate embrace and I won't be best pleased either" I answered annoyed at the fact that my moment with Esme was over. Esme looked back at me with a smile and then turned to face Emmett.
"Would you like breakfast, Emmett?" Esme asked
"No thanks, Mom I will grab something in school...Do you guys know if Edward has left already? Seeing as he isn't now tied to the house like I am" Emmett answered ending on a moan.
"Emmett, don't start...One day when you have children you will understand but as of right now I do not want you causing anymore unnecessary injuries. You can always invite Rosalie over if that is what you are upset about, you know that she is always welcome here but I would prefer it of you didn't leave the house to go to your usual brawls." I answered being as civil as I possibly could, I was definitely not in the mood for fighting this morning, of all mornings.
Loud thuds of footsteps down the stairs rang through the house causing the door frame to my office to shake as usual...I don't know how many times I have told my children to be as quiet as possible whilst descending the stairs but once again it seemed to go unnoticed this morning. I groaned loudly and felt a grasp on my hand as Esme smiled at me once again before walking out of the room no doubt to greet the rest of the herd of elephants.
"I guess that answers my question, see you later, dad" Emmet said before walking out of the room...I went back to rummaging through my drawers hoping to find what I was looking for and would have enough time to spare for my morning coffee, I had always had my morning caffeine fix and I wasn't going to let any morning – No matter how bad affect that routine.
I sighed in relief as I found the document, I made a mental note to myself then and there to find time to make my filing system more organized...I had deserted it and now I was paying the price for it. Putting the document in my briefcase which was on my table from earlier I walked out of my office turning the light off as I went. The house was silent which meant that Alice, Emmett and Edward had already made their way to school...I had to hand it to them they were never late on school days and I was proud at their somewhat eagerness to get to school, although I doubted that either of them (especially Emmett) would be evicted about what lessons they had for the day.
Turning the corner of the hallway into the living room, I grabbed my car keys from the coffee table and then made my way into the kitchen. Esme was standing there, chopping some vegetables for tonight's dinner...I grabbed her by the waist fortunately she didn't jump like she had done in the past as she must have been used to it by now. I twisted her around with the knife still in her hand and pulled her to me and connected our lips once more, happiness surging over me...That feeling will never get old, Esme had always had that affect on me as I hoped that it would never die. Esme put an arm (which wasn't round a knife) around my back and responded back just as eagerly moaning into my lips as she parted them.
"I love you my Esme...I will be back soon." I said...Esme smiled and broke away from my arms and went to the fridge...She took out something from one of the shelves with her free hand and held it out to me.
"I kept this from the other night, luckily neither Edward or Emmett saw it sooner and had it themselves" She said as I then took out my free hand and took the sandwich from her, smiling contently as I put it in the side pocket of my trousers. I pulled her back to my chest laughing at how high she had the knife away from my body...I snuggled into the side of her neck and heard her giggle so slightly.
"What would I do without you?" I asked smelling her natural scent once more.
Esme chuckled "You'd do fine...You would just be the guy without my chicken and sweet corn sandwiches for lunch".
I laughed and pulled myself away from her...Internally hating the loss of contact.
"Goodbye my love" I said smiling at her.
"Goodbye honey" she replied and turning to go back to her chopping.
Stepping out of the house to the rain was something I was used to living in Forks, in all honesty I welcomed this weather a lot more than I would the heat...I stepped towards my car climbing in and placing my briefcase on the passenger seat...Turning the key in the ignition I pulled away from my house and made my way to work.
"Good morning Dr Cullen" Louisa, the receptionist greeted me politely...Louisa was probably one of the scattiest people I had ever had in my acquaintance but she always remained polite and professional towards me. I smiled at her heartedly.
"Good morning Louisa, Are there any messages for me?" I asked her hoping that I wouldn't have anything else to deal with today.
"No Doctor Cullen" She smiled...She knew how much I didn't like having extra stresses and so she was probably laughing inside right about now.
I thanked her and walked down toward the cafeteria...gaining a few greetings from other patients as I went – everyone knew who I was and this was something that never seemed to bother me, it did make my job a lot easier.
I walked into the cafeteria, which this morning was empty I got a few smiles from the staff in there as I almost ran to the coffee machine.
I pressed the 'double espresso' button as I waited for it to arrive, eagerly thinking in my mind about who the new patient was. Once it was finished I grabbed a tissue from the side and wrapped it around the cup to prevent myself from being burnt. I walked out eagerly and went to my office.
My office was something that I was proud of in a very strange way...I had done it up with memories about my life...Various pictures of my family hung on the walls along with photos of awards I had achieved in the past...I always ensured my office was orderly even if my office at home was not...I settled down at my mahogany desk and pulled out the paperwork I needed for the day and was about to put my head down and work until a knock at my door prevented me.
"Come in" I said...Pleased that when the door opened it was Tess..She smiled at me and stood half-way between my office and the hallway before speaking.
"I am so sorry to disturb you Doctor Cullen, Frank sent me down here to inform you about the new patient" Tess said a slight apologetic look reaching her eyes as she spoke.
"Of course, Tess come in and have a seat...I was just about to get started" I cleared my book of medicine away from the front of the desk where the chair on the other side faced and motioned for her to sit. Tess smiled and walked over to my desk pulling out a piece of paper from the front of her pinafore before she sat down.
"So...Who is the new person gracing the hospital, Tess?" I asked politely regretting that I may have come off sarcastically but was happily turned the other way when she chuckled slightly...Tess was used to my humour even if other people weren't...She really was a lovely person to work with although I would never admit that to her.
"Her name is Isabella Swan...The police brought her in late last night just as I was about to go home...They informed me that her mother had been taken into rehabilitation after having an alcohol problem for some years and that they couldn't ring the social care unit because they are not open this weekend." Tess explained with a sad look in her eyes.
"I see, Tess. What do we know about her so far?" I asked
"Isabella, who prefers to be called Bella is fifteen...She didn't put up any kind of fight about being here...She has only on possession a diary which she has not let go of since her admission and I imagine that she will be very fond of it and possibly be unable to let it go....Dr Albertson took his examinations...She is healthy considering she is underweight for her height and she has her virginity still in tact...Nothing else to report. She hasn't said a word...She looks so broken, Carlisle. I put her to sleep this morning and I reminded her that you and Frank will be seeing her tonight" Tess finished with watery eyes...It was remarkable how close she became with her patients and how much she cared about their welfare...It was what made her a fantastic nurse.
"Okay...Thank you, Tess...Would you like a tissue?" I asked reaching in to my draw for my box of Kleenex and putting it in front of her.
Tess smiled and took one out of the box wiping her eyes slightly "I am sorry, Carlisle I do not usually get emotional but there is something about this girl that makes me want to care for her...More so than any of my other patients and that's such an awful thing to say" Her voice choked at the end and I put my hand up to stop her.
"Tess...Never be afraid to shed a few tears in this office, there has of course been so many that I have lost count. It's only natural that you feel sadness sometimes it what makes us all human of course...Rest assured I will take it upon myself to look out for her as I would any other of my patients..No harm will come to her, you know that don't you?" I asked, keeping my voice steady as I myself felt slightly choked up at Tess's compassion.
Tess nodded "Thank you very much, Carlisle"
"You're always welcome" I replied.
Tess got up suddenly and brushed herself down, also putting the used tissue up her sleeve "well I must go...I have a busy morning ahead of me...Oh just to inform you that I took the diary from her this morning as she slept...I didn't want her to be uncomfortable as she was clutching it rather forcefully... it is on the bottom shelf of the reception desk..I haven't read it but if she worries about it being missing will you tell her that it is in safe hands? Could you also let me know how Isabella is tomorrow morning after you have seen her?" She asked still standing in front of my desk.
"Of course, Tess" I replied with a smile; the one thing I could also never take away from Tess was her inner strength, she really was a woman who didn't get enough credit in this hospital.
Without another word, Tess walked out of my office closing the door behind her. I immediately went to my work for the day...Feeling more apprehensive about meeting Isabella Swan.
(Evening)
I was walking down the corridor with Dr Albertson, clipboard and bag in hand; as we both made our way to Isabella's room...I felt slightly queasy as I exhaled in and out...This was normal for me with a new patient as you never knew how they were going to react to you. We walked in silence as we reached Isabella's room...Dr Albertson spoke as the regular squeak from the door rang through our ears...I must oil that...I thought to myself as we entered.
"Here is our newest patient, Isabella Swan...I completed all of her examinations just this morning and she arrived here last night" Dr Albertson spoke quietly as we both took in her still form on the bed.
Isabella Swan looked peaceful as slept; I imagined that she hadn't had many times in her life to fully embrace the peace and quiet. I took it upon myself before Dr Albertson woke her to take all of her in.
Isabella was of course, very skinny...Almost to the point of danger but that did not surprise me as I had already been told by Tess that she was thin but she had a very pleasant looking face...Her skin a pale ivory and her dark chocolate coloured hair contrasting her look. Her features were impressive and her complexion extremely clear and I found myself in awe of her...How could someone this fragile live in a life that she had led.. a traumatic life at that? It didn't make sense.
"Isabella?"Dr Albertson called quietly...I heard a soft murmur as she began to wake; almost immediately I noticed her hands moving on her chest which were still in the position from when the diary occupied them...I could only guess of course. I started to panic as her hands moved more quickly across her chest, on her lap and over to the sides of her bed almost frantically it was clear to me that she was looking for her diary...I looked at Dr Albertson who wasn't looking at me, but at Isabella.
"Isabella?" Dr Albertson called, once again going unnoticed as Bella had now leant over each sides of the bed gazing at the floor...I started to feel the need to comfort her and explain that we had the diary in our possession but I was too late when Isabella spoke suddenly.
"My Diary" She gasped, the wetness visible around her eyes and her breathing suddenly erratic with panic.
"It's alright, Isabella...We have your diary it is being kept safe for you until tomorrow" I told her wanting to soothe her and take the pain away – I could imagine how hard it must be for her dealing with such high emotion for someone as young as her...Young and confused and in a different country. She was British...I recognized that accent anywhere and it did suit her extremely well.
My words went unnoticed as she spoke again, almost to the point of shouting.
"You have no right to take it...Please give me back my diary" She pleaded the tears now falling down her face. She was right that we didn't have the right to take her diary and I instantly felt upset that we had betrayed her privacy like that but it was done with the best intentions and I could never argue with that.
"You can have it tomorrow, Isabella. You remember me? My name is Dr Albertson...You were with me for your tests earlier..." I had to hand it to Dr Albertson he was attempting to calm her down where I just stood there like a statue...It wasn't like me to be unprofessional but Tess was right there was something about this girl...I couldn't pinpoint it.
"PLEASE sir! I want my diary" her voice rang through the room; I didn't know what to do...She was in so much distress and all I wanted to do was throw my arms around her and cradle her like I would my own children.
"Isabella...Please?" Dr Albertson pleaded moving closer to her as I remained where I was by the door...I could feel her distress and I knew then and there that she would not calm down until she had her diary, it would make perfect sense that she would want the only possession she had with her at all times.
Before I could ask Dr Albertson to retrieve the diary, Isabella had thrown her legs off the bed with speed and had stormed towards me..She tripped and almost landed on her face on the hallway carpet before I placed my bag down and grabbed her arm before she reached the floor now feeling her sobs breaking through her body.
"You can't take it...It's all I have...I need it...PLEASE?!" her words almost vomiting out of her body as she stood still and tense. I was now wanting to keep her under my restrain, our patients were known for going to odd places when they were upset and a mere few never returning...I needed to protect this girl as weird as that sounded and I needed to calm her down if we were to get any sense out of her tonight.
Keeping my focus on her...I addressed Dr Albertson.
"Frank, go and get the diary...It will calm her down I will stay here and watch out for her until you get back" I felt her sigh underneath my hand and I instantly felt inner relief as she let herself go from my hold gently and stood back a few steps.
"You're probably right Carlisle; if I had known it was such an important possession to her I would never have asked Tess to take it from her. I will be right back." Dr Albertson said before opening the door to the familiar squeaking noise and closing it again.
Isabella was motionless...I moved the arm I had around her arm and gripped her shoulder the same way I had done to Esme this morning before I kissed her...Hoping that I was able to comfort her even in the smallest way.
Isabella found her legs and walked back away from me and over to the bed...She sat with her legs out and kept her gaze on the bed sheets beneath her. I could stay here watching her but that would be unprofessional...I spoke to her, then quietly.
"Isabella, my name is Carlisle...Would you mind if I sat down?" I said..She nodded a little in response I smiled at the fact that she was acknowledging my presence in the room.
"Thank You" I replied as softly as I could before reaching to grab my bag off of the floor to put it on the floor at the foot of her bed...Then grabbing the chair and putting it in front of her to sit down.
"Did you sleep well?" I asked her, unable of what to say or do in this moment...This was certainly not like me at all.
"Yes thank you" She answered I sighed internally that her voice was now at normal volume...I needed to explain to her, apologise for Tess's choice to take the diary away and maybe it would take away any views she may have on us taking things without permission...The last thing we needed as a hospital was a bad reputation although I was certain that Isabella Swan would never result to something like that...It never hurts to be cautious.
"I am sorry about your diary...Tess thought that you would be uncomfortable with it against your chest whilst you slept and she knew how you never let it out of your sight and so then decided it would be best if she kept it safe for you. Don't worry no one would dream of reading it without your say-so, Isabella." I explained...I could have sworn I saw the corners of her mouth turn upward after my somewhat babbled explanation but for now, I decided to let it go.
"I'm sorry, Carlisle-"She began to say before she silenced herself after saying my name...I realised why she had done it – Patients don't usually address us on a first-name basis but for Isabella I decided that if she felt more comfortable calling me Carlisle then I would let her do it...I smiled a little at her hesitancy, I couldn't help it...There was a charm about her.
"It's alright Isabella, you can call me Carlisle if you wish; I do not mind" I broke the silence with my own words...Waiting for another response.
"Okay...I was going to say sorry ...sir ...for my behaviour just now...I am not usually like that it's just...All of my memories are in that diary and it's the only thing I have left" I was amazed by how mature she spoke – for a fifteen year old it was impressive the only other teenager who radiated that kind of maturity was my own son, Edward and there was me thinking that no one would ever be able to match him.
"I understand perfectly...Diaries are important things and if anyone should know that it is me" I replied...Thinking about Edward, who had taken to writing in diaries for most of his life; There wasn't anyone who had read his own diaries either.
"So what did you and Dr Albertson need me for, sir?" Isabella asked me after a moment.
I was about to answer her when Dr Albertson came back, the door squeaking upon impact. I kept my focus on Isabella who had looked up now at Dr Albertson relief washing over her tensed face...It was vital that no one else take that diary from her again. She took the diary instantly the moment Frank held it out to her..Clutching it to her chest and rocking backwards and forth slightly...I had never once seen this before – Isabella was indeed no ordinary fifteen year old...That I knew for certain. I smiled at Frank as he took his place beside me; I looked back over at Isabella who was studying my face. I remained still during her observation so I did not scare her...I wondered what she was thinking...If only I knew.
"Frank, Isabella has just asked me what we need her for...I imagine that she does not know what a round is." I spoke to Frank but kept my gaze on Isabella who was still studying me.
"There is nothing to worry about, Isabella...We just come round every night to our patients to make sure that they are okay and if they have eaten...And whether or not they would like to speak to us about anything that is bothering them. It's pretty simple, my dear." Dr Albertson replied his pen scratching on the paper he retrieved from her bed; his focus remained on the clipboard as he spoke. I took the chance to speak to her as Frank was in concentration.
"Luckily for you, Isabella....Oh wait I just remembered Tess was telling me that you prefer to be called Bella. Is that right?" I asked, instantly remembering my conversation with Tess.
"Yes that is right" She answered softly.
I was once again; interrupted when opening my mouth to say something and it was Frank's pager I always knew that sound I saw Isabella flinch at the sound slightly.
"I am sorry Dr Cullen" Dr Albertson said as he grabbed his pager from his side pocket and stared at the screen "There is an emergency with a patient on the fourth floor...Could you possibly carry out the rest of the round with Isabella?"
Me...On my own with Isabella....That would be fine. I nodded and replied "Of course, Frank"
Frank put the clipboard in its original holder between my legs and spoke again "My apologies, Isabella...If there are any problems, Carlisle, then you know what to do" Frank opened the door and stared back at me.
"Yes, Frank I will do that if necessary". I answered as the door then squeaked closed...There was no way I would have any difficulty with Isabella and I would fight to try and calm her down if she was upset...She did not deserve 'The Cell'.
I was now alone with Isabella, she looked around the room no doubt to escape my gaze on her...I looked at her form again and alarm bells rang as I imagined she must not have eaten since she came here...Luckily I had Esme's sandwich in my bag from this morning.
"Well, Bella...Seeing as I am going to be here with you for a while, I feel that I should give you a little something" I said as I reached in my bag which was still on the floor. I quickly found the sandwich and held it out to Bella. I saw her confusion.
"It's alright, Bella...It's a sandwich...One of my wife's best recipes, actually....I do not want you collapsing on me from starvation...Here, take It." she took the sandwich reluctantly and unwrapped it.
Isabella held the sandwich inches from her mouth and looked at me once more; I smiled and nodded for her to continue. She near-attacked the food and it made me feel regretful that she hadn't been given or offered any food earlier...I shook away that train of thought and said the first things that came into my head.
"Yes, its good isn't it? Esme is a great cook – Just one of the things I love about her. I am sorry I do not have anything else on me...I wouldn't mind going down to the canteen and asking them for something if you wish?" I asked her, needing to make sure that she knew we were there to take care of her at all times.
With a large gulp she swallowed the remains of the sandwich down licking her lips once it all gone.
"No thank you, sir" She answered, smiling properly now. "How long have you been married, sir?" she suddenly asked me, surprising me a little.
"Oh a long time...I am not one of those men who says that it only feels like yesterday since he got married because that is not true in the slightest...And I have three children to prove my age anyway so I wouldn't be able to get away with that excuse if I tried." I chuckled slightly...as Isabella looked away obviously in thought about something...What could she be thinking?!
"How old are you Bella?" I asked her frankly.
"I am fifteen, sir....Sixteen next month" she answered with a groan; she wasn't no doubt the only young girl not wanting to grow up. I immediately thought of Edward once more.
"You're a year younger than my son, Edward...He is much more of a tough one to handle as I imagine you would be. My daughter, Alice is almost seventeen and my eldest, Emmet has just turned nineteen." I explained...I had never spoken about my children in this way with a younger person before and it felt kind of relieving.
"What are they like, Sir?" She asked.
"Brilliant...They all are in their own way. Alice is an avid lover of fashion...Constantly reading magazines and sketching her own designs...She is also the only member of our family who could spend their lives in a mall. Emmett is a sportsman, quarterback to his team and has many awards to show his achievements...He is a bit of a ladies' man and likes to think that he is the best but he is a kind young man once you get past the heightened ego. Edward is the musician...Always playing on his piano and he is an academic genius...He is very unpredictable sometimes as one minute he will be with you talking like I am to you now and the other he will be locked away in his room in silence...He is a very thoughtful boy but at times I never know what to do with him. I am hoping that he grows out of it, of course." I told her, she smiled again back at me and went off on another thought shower.
"Is it true that you have been put on the list for the Port Angeles adoption agency, Bella?" I asked, bringing her back slightly out of her daydream.
"Yes, sir. ...Tess told me that my name had been put down seeing as I was still a child" she told me.
I wonder....I wonder....No I would have to ask Esme...I have tonight to do that...I battled with my head and the situation in front of me...I needed to speak to my family.
"Yes...Well I should let you get some sleep, would you like me to come and check on you in the morning or would you prefer Dr Albertson to do it?" I asked her as I stood up from the chair and placed it down in the corner of the room.
"You, please sir? If that is not too much trouble" She replied
I smiled again at her...Touched by her response I was pleased that I was able to calm her down..I shook my head "It's never any trouble, Bella" because it was not...If anything I would prefer to do it than Frank...I walked over to the door, pulled it open and stood from outside of it to glance at Bella.
"One more thing..." I began
"Yes, sir" she answered eagerly
"Please call me Carlisle" I told me with a smile.
Bella smiled back "Okay, Carlisle" I closed the door.
It was official...Isabella Swan was going to change my life...I needed to speak to my family, first but I was almost certain that this was the beginning of a very different life for me.
*~Bella~*
I lay awake a few hours after Dr Cullen left clutching my diary in my arms pausing to take out the picture I drew of my mother and holding it to me as well...I knew that Dr Cullen was now going to be the main person I would talk to about any problems I may have about anything....He made me feel safe and I had to make the most out of feeling safe until I would be adopted by a new family...Although I shouldn't get too attached as I will only end up hurting more when I have to say goodbye to him, forever.
Thanks to 'memalou' and 'Kiss007' for their reviews!
Next chapter will be the P.O.V of our own Prince charming himself that is Edward :D!
Thanks for reading!
.S. x