My Hero

Chapter Eight

Bella's POV

Having a night without Mark in the house was such a privilege; it felt wonderful to seem normal for a few hours.

I sat down on the sofa, flinging my keys onto the pillow. I felt exhausted yet exhilarated at what had happened tonight. I was still struggling to reassure myself that it wasn't all a dream.

Carlisle was showing an odd amount of concern for me; I couldn't stop myself wondering exactly why that was. I was probably just jumping to conclusions. All I knew was that he was just a genuinely caring, compassionate man.

The most amazing person I'd ever met in my entire life. That wasn't even an exaggeration.

I shook my head and glanced at the clock; it was 10pm, and my mind was too full of thoughts to even consider sleeping yet. A lot had happened today and I frowned heavily, tapping my fingers on my knee and thinking of what to do.

Carlisle was completely dominant in my thoughts. Everything I considered doing, he somehow managed to find his way back in my mind.

I sighed loudly.

I eventually stood up and headed towards my room. Reading was something I didn't have time to do these days, and now seemed like a perfect opportunity. It'd take my mind off things, for sure.

Carlisle's POV

I felt strangely guilty hovering outside around her house. I felt like I shouldn't be there.

I shouldn't be there.

It didn't seem like such a good idea as I hid behind some trees, contemplating what to do. I felt like some sort of criminal.

Strangely ironic, considering Bella had stolen my heart.

That thought shocked me, and I staggered back momentarily, shaking my head. That was too dramatic.

If I knocked at her door, she might think I was a little too interested in her. Which I was, really. Maybe I would scare her again, and the very thought disturbed me.

Perhaps she would be thrilled with my company; she needed a caring friend to confide in.

Friend.

Was I more than that? Did I mean something to Bella? She certainly meant a lot to me...

I leaned against the rough tree, my thoughts whirling around uncontrollably. Could I face going back home now? My family needed me after what I'd done to them.

I sighed heavily, turning around and heading back towards my car. I needed to stop being so selfish; I had other problems to consider.

Bella's POV

The night was incredibly peaceful and I woke up feeling, firstly, refreshed and then worried, as the thought of Mark coming back home tonight came into my head. I groaned and placed the covers over my head, overwhelmed with more anxiety.

I eventually got up and took a quick shower; I was too tense to stand there for longer than a minute, though. The water provided no comfort to me, and I stepped out in frustration, quickly blow drying my hair.

After slipping on my work clothes, I hurriedly stepped outside into the now pouring rain. It had been dry a few minutes ago and I cried out as I dashed to my truck, only noticing the black Mercedes waiting for me as I unlocked my door. I frowned, and quickly headed over to the car as Carlisle wound down his window.

"Do you want a lift with me today?" he asked irresistibly, and he grinned as a raindrop dripped off my nose.

I hastily sat inside, my damp clothes squelching against the leather seat.

"How can I refuse?" I replied, and he smirked, starting the engine. I didn't want to think about why he was taking me to work; it was out of politeness. Probably.

Carlisle's POV

I knew I was being cowardly, escaping my problems like I was, but I didn't return home that night. I'd phoned Alice briefly, just to tell her that I wouldn't be back. She hadn't asked many questions, and I had a bad feeling she'd foreseen what I had planned.

All night, I just ran through the forests, feeling free for the first time in a long while. I had also hunted, and eventually returned back to Bella's house, sitting in my car outside. At one point I had climbed up a tree to sit by her window, but I was greeted by dark curtains.

I was sat in the car with her, after plucking up the courage to invite her, heading towards work. I could already feel the tension as she sat down next to me, smiling beautifully. Her sweet scent flooded my senses again, and I had to register my thoughts before I started the car.

It puzzled me why I was still doing this, but I didn't want to think about that now. Besides, I had company.

"So, how was your night?" I asked, glancing slightly in her direction. She looked at me thoughtfully.

"It was... good thanks," she smiled, then added, "Better than usual."

"In what way?" I replied, unable to stop myself.

She stared at the dashboard for a moment and eventually murmured her answer. "It was nice having the house to myself."

Her response confused me, but I said nothing. That would be too intrusive.

"How about you? How was your night?" Her eyes seemed more troubled than they were yesterday as she waited for my reply.

"Same old," I sighed. "Same old."

"How was Alice's cooking?" she asked, smirking a little. I stumbled slightly, surprised that she had even remembered that detail.

"Well, she didn't burn the house down, so I'm guessing that was a good thing," I replied, a smile tugging at my lips. It was so easy... natural to talk to Bella.

I kept my eyes on her as she replied. "What did she make?"

I thought quickly of a popular dish. "Pasta. It wasn't half bad."

She laughed. "I'm sure she's a better cook than me at any rate. One time, I managed to burn some baked beans and set alight a roll of kitchen towel."

I chuckled. "That's quite an accomplishment."

Laughter escaped her lips, stunning me.

The hospital came suddenly into view and I was already planning ways to see her during our shifts.

I parked between two silver cars and stepped out of my own to open the door for her. She stood up opposite me, her face a few inches away from mine. I tried to ignore the effect her chocolate eyes had on meeting mine, but I was completely enthralled.

It had ceased to rain now and we began walking slowly towards the building, Bella's light footsteps filling my ears.

We walked up the steps, talking consistently. Everything she said fascinated me. It was only when she began tumbling forwards that I caught her hastily, her body crashing against my chest. I heard a tremble escape her lips.

"Ow…" she cursed, hopping on one foot. "Ow, crap."

"What happened?" I asked worriedly. "Bella? Bella, are you alright?"

"I told you I was clumsy, only I could manage tripping up steps," she moaned, her face contorted.

If she weren't in pain, I would have laughed. Her face scrunched up. "I think I've... twisted my ankle."

I held her in my arms in one swift movement, making extra effort to be careful. I tried to focus as her cheek momentarily touched mine, a spark of what felt like electricity passing between us.

"I think we'd better get you to a doctor," I breathed, quickening my pace inside. She grinned, despite the circumstances. "How ironic."

I quickly set her down on a bed and began gathering together some equipment. With a nod of permission, I removed her shoe slowly, trying to cause her as little pain as possible. As her foot became in view, a clear bruise covered her beautiful skin. I winced.

"Another one," she groaned, peeking at her injury.

I began gently touching her foot, and she trembled when I touched a sensitive spot. I examined it more carefully, and there was an obvious conclusion.

"Bella, it's broken. We'll have to bandage you up, an X-Ray would be too dangerous for the baby," I sighed, and her face looked worried. Then again, what was new?

Bella's POV

Stupid, clumsy idiot!

I couldn't believe it was possible to trip upstairs. I truly was a useless imbecile sometimes.

As Carlisle gently wound the bandage around my throbbing foot, I sighed in exasperation. He said it was broken slightly and that I had to remain on crutches for a few weeks. Of course I knew all this, but it didn't soothe my fury and rage at myself.

"There you go," Carlisle said, sitting beside me. I smiled weakly.

"Thank you," I groaned, leaning up on my elbows. "If you weren't there it would have been a whole lot worse." I grimaced, thinking of my unborn child.

He shook his head, sitting beside me. "It's no problem Bella." He looked over at me. "I have never met anyone so... out of balance."

He was putting it nicely and I laughed. "You don't have to try and make me feel better. I'm just ridiculously clumsy."

He grinned. "You're going to be off work for a few weeks." I noticed how his face fell. "But I could... visit you, if you wish? It's up to you, of course."

The thought made me fill with happiness, but then I remembered the one person who would be remaining home with me. I shuddered involuntarily.

"Um... that would be great, but I'd have to see what Mark says," I replied quietly, avoiding his eyes. I saw him nod stiffly.

"That's perfectly reasonable, but I'm going to make sure that I see you at least once a week," he smiled. "You are my patient, after all."

Once a week... could I survive only seeing him once? I had no choice.

He sighed suddenly. "I'd better take you home."

I sighed as well. "Yes, please, if you don't mind."

We pulled up outside my house a little while later and Carlisle cautiously helped me out of the car. He handed me my newly prescribed crutches and I hobbled along helplessly, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of Bella," he said, with slight amusement. "Plenty of people have to use crutches."

"Plenty of accidental people," I groaned. "Plenty of immobile people who are unable to fend for themselves and are forced to stay at home doing nothing all day because of their stupid clumsiness. People who-"

He laughed, cutting me off. "Alright Bella, you've made your point." We arrived at the door and, to my surprise it flew open, nearly snapping off its hinges, with Mark standing in the doorway. I staggered in shock and fear. Oh no.

His eyes scanned my body and then flicked furiously to Carlisle. His face was full of curiosity mixed with anger and I feared for the man who had saved me.

"Who's this?" he spat, fixing his dark eyes on Carlisle.

I swallowed, trying to find my voice. "This is Carlisle, my w-work colleague."

"What's he doing here?" he replied, not showing a thought about my condition. I fought back my disgust.

"I had an accident, and he kindly took me home."

I winced as Mark's fists tightened, the tendons showing white under his skin. He stepped aside, his indication for me to go inside. I reluctantly left Carlisle's side and stood by Mark, my crutches clattering loudly underneath me. Carlisle's face was confused and anxious.

"Will you be alright, Bella?" he asked, and I stiffened, thinking of Mark's reaction. I managed to open my mouth, but Mark spoke first.

"Of course she will be, what are you trying to say?" Mark replied, acid in his voice.

Carlisle replied calmly. "I'm just wary of Bella's safety."

My body went cold. Mark turned to me, towering above. I knew what Carlisle had said, but Mark had clearly heard something completely different. He turned slowly back towards Carlisle.

"She'll be fine," he ushered me backwards. "She doesn't need your help all the time, Carly." I flinched. "I don't want you round here again."

I saw Carlisle's shocked face briefly before the door slammed in it. Mark turned to me with a raised eyebrow.

"Is there something you need to tell me?"