My Hero
Chapter Eleven
Bella's POV
2 weeks later
Carlisle's e-mails were the one thing that kept me going from day to day.
So, as I travelled in the truck towards my parents' house without my laptop, I felt a sense of discomfort and thought I was experiencing withdrawal symptoms of some kind.
Everyday, I had opened my account and found a new e-mail from him. He had even managed to mail me from work and that made me fill with happiness. Every time I read one, my heart leapt into a race. It wasn't good for my health.
The vehicle jolted to a shaky stop and Mark grunted in disapproval.
"This truck is a piece of junk," he moaned under his breath and I didn't bother responding. I was very attached to my truck and didn't appreciate his criticism.
I climbed carefully out onto the pavement and we walked up the driveway towards the house. I was very nervous of our visit; today we were going to tell my parents about the pregnancy. I wasn't too sure if this would come as good news; Mom had always had a certain dislike towards Mark. I couldn't blame her though, in all honesty.
Mark stabbed at the doorbell and tapped his foot impatiently as we waited for someone to answer. He looked away towards the trees and I scowled at him, just hoping that today would go well.
After a few seconds, Dad opened the door and smiled at us, before frowning at my crutches.
"Bella?" he asked, looking at me with worried eyes.
I blushed automatically. "I fell over, Dad. You know how clumsy I am."
"Oh Bella," he sighed, and the deep lines around his eyebrows lightened slightly. "I can't stand seeing you getting hurt."
I avoided looking at Mark as we walked inside. Dad placed his hand on my shoulder protectively.
We made our way through into the living room and Mom emerged from the kitchen, her hands in oven gloves and her jumper stained with flour. Her face beamed as she saw us, and she squeezed me into a hug.
"Oh Bella! It's been so long since we've seen you!" Her eyes moved down. "What happened to your foot?"
Both Dad and I muttered, "Fell over," and she sighed. Her eyes quickly averted to Mark and her eyebrows turned into a frown.
"Well, you'd better sit down," she said, gesturing towards the sofa. "I've got some cake in the oven, luckily."
I smiled and gently sat down. Mark did the same beside me and Dad sat opposite in his usual chair. I smiled slightly at the remote control on the armchair; during my childhood he had some sort of attachment to it. It seemed like things never changed...
After a slightly awkward silence, Dad met my eyes. "So, how has everything been going lately?"
I sighed. "Well, there's something we need to tell you, actually."
Mom entered the room with a plate full of cakes and several cups of coffee. She placed them down onto the table and raised her head at my sentence.
"You're not ill, are you?" she asked worriedly and I smiled slightly.
"No," I answered. "Quite the opposite, really."
I took a quick look at Mark, who just looked completely bored, and I groaned internally. I took another deep breath.
"I'm... I'm pregnant."
Nobody spoke for a few moments and I waited with a thumping heart. Eventually, Dad smiled.
"Well... goodness, that's great news, Bella!" He sat beside me and placed his arm on my shoulder. "I've been waiting to be a grandfather." He turned to Mark, who seemed completely oblivious. "Congratulations."
Mark just nodded and I glanced at Mom. Her face was one of horror.
"Bella..." she whispered. "Could I have a quick word with you, please? In the kitchen?"
I stood up warily and left the room with Mom. She shut the door behind us.
She looked up to meet my eyes. "Bella, are you sure about all this?"
I nodded slowly. "Yes, Mom, I've had the pregnancy confirmed."
"No, I mean... are you sure you want a child with him?" Surprise rippled through me and I tried to ignore her question.
"Aren't you pleased for me?" I asked, leaning against the counter. My ankle was beginning to throb again.
She shook her head. "Of course I am Bella, it's great news, but... I sense that Mark isn't... right for you."
I winced; Mom was always too observant. Way too observant.
"What makes you think that?" I asked, not really wanting to hear her answer.
"Well... he looks at you sometimes like... he doesn't want to be in his position..." She looked at my leg. "And you always have so many injuries."
"Mom," I interrupted. "Please don't say this."
"No, Bella, it has to be said. I don't want you to ruin your life," she replied, and I met her gaze.
"I'm not, Mom, I know what I'm doing," I sighed. "And please have a little faith in me, I can look after myself."
"Why? Do you need looking after?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well..." I paused, "I am incredibly clumsy," I shrugged, trying desperately to lighten the atmosphere. She smiled slightly and I exhaled in relief.
"This clumsiness has gotten worse with age," she said, heading towards the door. "Please be careful."
I looked at her. "I'll try."
She placed her arms around me, enveloping me in her warm embrace. "I am pleased for you Bella, maybe I'm jumping to conclusions."
I pulled away. "Don't you always?"
She lightly tapped my arm and opened the door. "Come on, your father's probably got all sorts of questions..."
I groaned and sat back down, slightly alarmed at her true thoughts.
Carlisle's POV
I walked through the busy corridor with a smile on my face. Every day that passed meant that there was less time to wait before I could see Bella again.
In our regular emails, she had informed me that her ankle was healing incredibly well, and that she was looking forward to going back to work. I didn't think she had any idea that her returning was the one thing that I lived for at the moment.
I was greeted by a middle aged man as I turned a corner. He smiled at me and gestured forward.
"Are you ready for the meeting?" he asked and I nodded.
We headed towards the room and walked in, taking our seats around the circular table. I wasn't particularly looking forward to this, but it had to be done.
Every two months, a group of colleagues at the hospital had a meeting like this with the main bosses of the establishment. I had been chosen this time around and I was surrounded by some tired, bored faces as the man began speaking.
"Good morning," he began. "I'm Roy Parker and I'll be taking your meeting today." He turned to face us all. "Thank you for attending, and I'd just like to take a moment to compliment your work over these past few weeks; our patients have been most satisfied by the services."
I smiled; that was exactly what I wanted to hear.
"Now, the first topic on the agenda is a medical conference which will be taking place in a few weeks' time. We've selected each and every one of you present to attend it," he glanced to a vacant seat, then looked at me. "Dr Cullen, I believe you're close to Miss Swan?"
My body became alert at the mention of Bella. "Yes?" I asked.
"I understand that she fractured her ankle a few weeks ago; will she be back in two months' time?"
I nodded, a glimmer of hope sparkling within me. "Why is that important?"
"She was supposed to be at this meeting because she will be attending the medical conference along with everybody here."
I tried to keep the smile from forcing its way onto my face. I would be spending time with Bella...
"Now, the conference won't be taking place here, you will be travelling to another hospital to gain information on their practice, for future reference. The hospital is two hours away from here and the conference will be on until late in the night, so you will be given accommodation in a nearby hotel. You will also be provided catering and transport back here the next day. Any questions?"
Nobody asked anything and I could feel my thoughts racing. This was like a gift; I couldn't believe it was happening.
I just hoped that Bella would be able to participate.
I'd have to inform her tonight. I already longed for the time to come.
I couldn't focus through the rest of the meeting; I was too anxious and excited at what could happen. I smiled to myself again and sat staring off into the distance, thinking of what could happen.
Bella's POV
We eventually arrived back home later that day and I immediately reached for my laptop after fixing us both up a quick sandwich. Mark sat down in his usual spot, and stared mindlessly at the TV. I opened my email account and smiled with excitement when I noticed a new email waiting for me.
Bella,
Hello, how was your day? I was stuck in a meeting for two hours earlier today, and there's something I need to ask you. In two months' time, there's a medical conference which we've both been invited to attend. It's at another hospital about two hours away from Forks (all the two's!) and we'd have to see how they care for patients to gain experience. There's a hotel nearby which we'd be staying in along with around ten others, what do you think? Would you be available?
Carlisle
My heart hammered. Staying in the same hotel as Carlisle... it seemed like a dream opportunity.
An opportunity that was within my reach.
I glanced at Mark and frowned. I should be able to go, he couldn't stop me. With a certain triumph and determination, I typed my response.
Carlisle,
That sounds interesting! I should be able to go, but I'll have to decide for sure nearer the time. What do you mean by 'gain experience?' I thought you were the most experienced out of everyone!
And also, when you say 'ten others' does it include John or... dare I ask, Meg? She's been around here too much lately and I swear I could lash out sometime soon!
Bella
It was true, Meg was hanging around here like a bad smell. Her and Mark got on exceptionally well and, during her visits, I was usually just sat here on my laptop, being ignored. Still, I had Carlisle to talk to, and he was a much better blond than Meg. His reply interrupted my thoughts.
Bella,
You can never have too much experience! And it's nobody too bad, don't worry. I can't remember exactly who, but there was no sign of any Johns or Megs. How was the trip to your parents?
Carlisle
I replied speedily.
Carlisle,
It went surprisingly well, thank you. Mom and Dad seemed pleased with the news, and they're already planning baby names. Thankfully, it wasn't anything like Agnes or Beatrice. Not that I know the gender yet, but I couldn't think of any odd boys' names. Anyway...
How was your day? Enough about me, already.
Bella
Two minutes later, he responded.
Bella,
It was fine, just the usual, thank you for asking. I'm looking forward to you returning to work: only one month now! I really would like my light bulb back!
Anyway, I'm sorry, I must go now. Have a nice night and I will hopefully speak to you tomorrow.
Carlisle
I smiled happily, then frowned. It was the end of my contact with him for today. I sighed and typed my final reply:
Carlisle,
And you. Thanks again!
Bella
I felt another sense of emptiness as I closed the laptop and heard a knock at the door. I knew it was Meg again and I sighed heavily as Mark leapt up to invite her in. They began talking happily and I realised with a wave of despair that this really wasn't where I wanted to be.
I wanted to be with Carlisle. I wanted to spend all the time I could with him. I wanted him to be my partner, not Mark.
I was falling for him. He had completely dazzled me and claimed my heart.
Yet, as I placed my hands on my stomach and looked over at Mark and his fists, I knew I couldn't leave. I was trapped and had no escape. I had to cover my true feelings, and try to struggle with the truth.
I sighed, and stood up. "I'm going to bed."
"Night, Bella," Meg said to me, seeming almost happy for my exit. I smiled briefly at her, but the tears overwhelmed me as I stumbled up the stairs, longing to be lost in peaceful sleep and to escape from everything that appeared to be so complicated.