My Hero

Chapter Twenty Four

Bella's POV

I felt oddly nervous as the time arrived for my parents' visit; not only did I know that they were going to be probing me with plenty of concerned questions, but there was also the added worry of them meeting the Cullens. I obviously knew that they were warm and welcoming, that was fine, but I knew that my Mom was scarily observant. I had a horrific feeling that she would realise my clear affection for Carlisle and then jump to the conclusion that my relationship with Mark, well... if you could call it that, had ended with an affair. I could just imagine the type of things that Emmett would say...

As I pondered these thoughts, I suddenly felt a strange wave of calmness pass through me and I exhaled heavily. All around me there were blurs of white as everybody rushed around, hurriedly cleaning and preparing for the visit. I jumped as a familiar voice suddenly arrived by my ear.

"How are you feeling?"

I turned around and my heart fluttered a little when I realised that it was Carlisle. I blinked several times and slowed my erratic breathing.

"I'm a bit scared," I admitted with a sigh. "But I'm sure-"

"That it will all be fine," he smiled, placing his hands on my shoulders. I smiled slightly and murmured. "I hope so."

"Don't worry," Carlisle continued. "We've ensured that Emmett will be under control; he's on a leash for today."

I laughed, pretending to wipe sweat off my forehead. "Phew, I can relax now that I know that."

He grinned. "That's good to know." I saw him quickly glance at the clock. "Right, shall we go down to the entrance to meet them?"

I took a deep breath. "Yes... I guess we should."

I would have found it funny that we had to guide my parents to the house if I wasn't so damn nervous. Carlisle seemed to notice this, though, because he gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, causing sparks to shoot through my body.

We made our way down the path, making light conversation along the way, when I suddenly heard the distinct roar of my parents' engine. I nearly squealed in anticipation and nerves as the car came into view and I smiled at seeing the familiar faces. Carlisle also smiled towards them and gestured at the house with his hand. I noticed my Mom's clearly dazzled face and grinned to myself; that must be a mirror image of what I first looked like meeting Carlisle.

A few minutes later, after Carlisle showed them the way, I noticed them stepping out of the car to be greeted by Edward. I exchanged a quick glance with Carlisle as we caught up with the others and Mom pulled me into a tight hug.

"Bella!" she sighed, holding me in a death grip. "I'm so sorry about everything! You shouldn't have had to go through that! Oh, you poor girl... You do look well, though!"

I smiled and managed to splutter, "Please, Mom, I need some air..."

There were laughs around me as she let go and stood still, taking in my appearance. She then visibly glanced at Carlisle and I saw her doing a double take.

"A-Am I going to be introduced?" Mom asked me and I grinned.

"Mom, Dad, this is Carlisle..."

Dad shook Carlisle's hand in appreciation and Mom merely stared in awe. I heard Dad whisper, "Keep your eyes in their sockets, Renee," and I snorted.

"Anyway, these are Emmett and Rosalie, Alice and Jasper, and Esme and Edward."

I was relieved to see that my parents seem to approve because they looked noticeably happy. The Cullens seemed to have that effect on people.

"Shall we go inside?" Carlisle suggested, and there were murmurs of agreement as we made our way to the house. He gave me a reassuring smile before I set off talking to Dad.

Esme handed Mom a cup of coffee and sat down beside Edward, who seemed incredibly amused at something. I knew from experience that it was best not to ask.

I noticed Dad looking around at the surroundings and, when he caught my eye, he shook his head in astonishment. "This is a wonderful house," he commented and there were thanks from around the room.

"Esme designed it," Carlisle told Dad. "She's interested in interior designing."

"Well, it's beautiful," Dad smiled, and Esme replied modestly.

After taking a sip from her drink, Mom turned towards me. "So, how did you meet C..." She hesitated. "Carl... is it?"

I grinned. "It's Carlisle, Mom," I replied, emphasising each syllable. "And we met on my first day at work." I glanced at Carlisle who just smiled.

"Yes," he began, "Bella had an accident involving some stairs-"

"That sounds like our Bella," Dad laughed, and I hung my head, grimacing.

"So, are... are you coping well?" Mom asked tentatively and I began chewing on one of my nails; I didn't want this topic to arise.

"Um... yes, I guess so. Everyone here has been very welcoming."

My parents didn't look convinced, but they hastily changed the subject by asking Carlisle about the television. I took this opportunity to let my mind wander and began thinking about some of the memories I'd experienced here. It was only when I heard my name some time later that I snapped out of my daydream.

"Bella?"

I looked up towards Dad and shook my head, smiling.

"Sorry, what were you saying?"

"We were wondering whether you'd like to come on holiday with us later this year?" He paused. "We were thinking of going to Spain."

I stared at him. "Well... well that sounds fantastic... but-"

"Don't start protesting, Bella," Mom began. "We know you're thinking about any problems it would cause us, but it's our treat. If you want to go, that is."

I glanced at Carlisle who smiled, after a while.

"Well... if you're sure, then I... I'd love to!"

I suddenly felt incredibly emotional. It was all I had ever wished for, to get away from him and to spend more time with my parents. Well, nearly all I'd wished for. Carlisle was still waiting on the list. But I'd get solve that problem eventually. Hopefully.

"That's that, then," Mom smiled. "We're going to book the tickets tomorrow."

"Great," I nodded. "That sounds... great." I couldn't ignore the strangely sad look on Carlisle's face.

There was a little silence before Esme spoke. "Are you all ready for some food?"

Dad clapped his hands in appreciation. "Ooh, yes please," he grinned. Mom nudged his shoulder, murmuring something about his belly. I heard him snap back "It's not that big!"

"Um, I'll help you Esme, if you like..." I volunteered.

She nodded happily. "That would be lovely, Bella."

And I left the room with her, avoiding Carlisle's sad gaze.

I was retrieving some plates from the cupboard, when Esme's gentle voice startled me. She didn't usually talk much, and I had to try very hard not to drop what I was holding because of the surprise.

"Do you think they like us, Bella?" she asked carefully, and I turned around to see her looking oddly worried. "Your parents, I mean."

"Um, yeah, I really think they do," I answered, adding a genuine smile for good measure.

"We didn't want to feel intimidating in any way..." she frowned, handling some tomatoes absentmindedly with her fingers.

"Why would you think that?" I joined her side and watched as she placed the whole tomato into a salad bowl.

She quickly shook her head. "Never mind. I'm just glad they're comfortable."

She began adding some lettuce and I tactfully picked up the tomato she had placed in the bowl, much to her surprise.

"Um, Esme, you need to chop this into slices... It's a bit difficult to eat whole," I told her and she closed her eyes.

"Sorry, I forgot," she dithered, reaching for a knife. "I was just a little worried, that's all."

I was very much beginning to like this woman. I liked all of the family, really, but it was Esme who had seemed the most intimidating at first, being Carlisle's ex-wife. But now I could see that she was just a genuinely caring, kind person. She always had other people's thoughts and feelings as her first priority and I truly admired her for that. Also, seeing as she didn't have a grudge against Carlisle, she was making everything so much easier. That is if I ever get anywhere with Carlisle, which isn't looking likely at the moment...

After finishing preparing the salad she added some chicken to three plates and placed them on a tray. I looked towards her with a frown.

"Esme, isn't anybody else eating anything, besides my parents and myself?"

"No," she answered, not meeting my eyes. "Everyone agreed that we weren't that hungry. Besides, we're not too fond of chicken."

I slowly nodded in suspicion. During my time here, I didn't think that I had ever seen any of them eating. Were they on a special diet of some sort? Or did they have health problems they hadn't informed me about?

"Shall we take these in?" Esme asked, interrupting my thoughts.

"Uh, yeah, okay," I answered, shaking my head. Perhaps they just felt awkward eating in front of me. It was probably nothing.

When I woke up the next day I felt incredibly happy. Yesterday had been a very enjoyable day and it seemed that Mom and Dad had approved of my company. They had promised to call me soon with more news on the holiday, which was another thing to look forward to. I lay there smiling to myself, and waited for myself to fully wake up.

After another delicious breakfast, which nobody except myself seemed to be eating once more, I glanced towards the fridge and noticed that it was looking strangely empty. This seemed like a perfect opportunity for me to get out of the house... not that I objected to staying here, I just wanted to have some time on my own to think.

"Would you mind if I took a quick trip to the shops? It's seems that we're running low on food..." I commented, before adding in an undertone, "and I'm the only person who seems to be eating it."

Carlisle's eyes widened before he warily asked, "Bella, do you really want to go out on your own? I could come with you if you wish-"

I had guessed this would happen... "Carlisle, I'm not trying to be nasty, and I appreciate your offer, but I do want to go on my own. It would be nice to have some time to think... I'm sorry," I added, as his face seemed disappointed.

"No, it's fine, I'm just worried, as usual," he sighed. "But if you're sure..."

I nodded. "I am. Thank you."

He hesitated. "Shall I take you there in the car?"

This would probably make him feel a little less concerned, so I smiled and replied, "Okay. Thanks, Carlisle."

After the short journey in his black Mercedes, I slowly stepped out of the car and leaned in through the open window.

"Are you sure, now?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm sure," I smiled. "Thank you, I really appreciate your concern but I will be fine. I'll see you in an hour."

And with a small, reluctant smile, he left.

A little time later, I stepped outside the shop and waited for Carlisle. My arms were weighed down with the bags, but I was pleased for the time out. I had met a few familiar faces, and it was nice to talk to some other people besides the Cullens.

The freedom was refreshing, too, but I was ready to return to my family.

I sat down on a nearby bench and looked around, watching groups of cars and people passing by. They all seemed in a hurry, rushing around like they had no time to spare at all. Feeling slightly depressed by this, I glanced up at the sky, watching the clouds travelling slowly in the breeze.

It was only when my gaze returned back to the ground that my heart stopped with shock.

Directly in front of me, parked on the pavement was my old truck.

I noticed Mark sitting in the driver's seat, staring in my direction, and within seconds I saw him rushing out, the car door slamming violently behind him. I turned to stand up and run, but he was too quick and, before I could even react, his arms locked around me and he yanked me into the car. I screamed and protested, but nobody passing by seemed too bothered to help; they just looked up with interest, then hurriedly walked away, not wanting to be involved.

I felt a horrific rush of fear as he sat beside me, fiercely locking the doors as I pulled at the handle. His face seemed grubbier than before and his hair was messy and almost straw-like. Anger filled his cold eyes and I saw his black fingernails gripping the steering wheel, his tendons straining in protest.

"Bella," he sneered, and I winced at his cold voice which brought back haunting memories. I quickly grabbed for the door handle again and yanked it with as much force as I could manage, but nothing happened. I slumped back into the seat helplessly and listened to his laughter.

"Looks like you're trapped, doesn't it?"

He menacingly twisted the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life.

"Right, then," he breathed. "Let's go for a little ride."

And he sped off, leaving my scattered shopping bags on the floor.