Challenging Humanity
A/N: Read author's note for information on when will Edward and bella be a couple. I like to give a big shout out to icul8er for being the most fast and greatest beta. I love her!
Chapter 20: Hidden Phone Call & Thoughts
Carlisle POV
I thought back to the call I made to Siobhan. I sighed; I wish Charlie hadn't given up all of his rights to Bella. I wish Charlie had fought even a little back then. Renee would have agreed with everything, because she needed help, however now she was secured. She had a rich husband and a way to hold Bella too. If Phil wasn't in the picture I could bet, Renee wouldn't want Bella. Renee didn't take care about Bella at all. At least I did a good thing by sending Bella where there were other people to help out. Now that I look back I think Forks would have been nice place for her too. There were plenty of people who Bella had won over. Even Esme…
I turned toward my wife, who was asleep unaware of the fact that we both were in a hotel room.
I had called Edward and Emmett to tell them to look after Bella and Alice while I went out with their mother. They didn't mind, it would give them time to watch TV behind my back. It didn't matter to me now. The only thing I was worried about was my wife, who was letting her old self take over.
I ran my hands through my hair and thought back to the conversation I had had last night with Bella's doctor.
"Hey Carlisle. How are you? I was shocked when I received your call, how long has it been?" her exciting voice went off full speed.
I chuckled, "one at time Sibi, take a break. I'm fine. How are you?" I sighed, sitting in my chair more comfortably.
"Oh Carlisle I am so happy to hear from you; how have you been? Are you still in Italy? Or Harvard?"
"No I finished my internship in Italy and my medical at Harvard. It was bittersweet, but now it's come full circle. I have two sons and one daughter. My younger son and daughter are twins." I finished.
"Wow that is just wonderful Carlisle, I will give you my email, and you must send me pictures. I didn't even know you got married!"
I winced, giving an uncomfortable chuckle, "yes it was fast and very quiet. We just had too much on our plate at that time to think of inviting anyone. We actually paid some of the people working in the court marriage place to be our witnesses."
As I expected, Siobhan started to laugh. It was actually true. "Oh Carlisle, only you could have a wedding like that. If my husband told me to get married like that, I would have divorced him before getting married."
I laughed, "Well I'm glad you're not my wife then."
"Yes you are, and who is your wife?"
"Esme, well Esme Cullen. She is just wonderful. She works as an interior designer, she only works if there is something big, but most times she is happy to be a stay-at-home-mom. What about you?"
"Well I am extremely happy for you, and as for me, well you know, like another American story, I got married, but then got divorced after a couple of years. We both fell out of love; he started to like someone else and I gave more attention to my work. It ended in mutual understanding. We are both good friends now. I even met his wife at his wedding. Really they were made for each other."
"I don't know if I should congratulate you or apologize?" I laughed.
"Just email me your life pictures and I will take those for both."
I nodded. "Ok ok, I will email soon as I put down the phone I promise."
"Good." I could hear her victory smile.
"Your still very competitive I see."
"Believe it or not, it's the only thing that pushes me to wake up in the morning."
"Yes I heard your working in Phoenix now? For the charity hospital, near the school for disabled. How is it?"
"Can I be honest with you Carlisle? It's not pretty. Money is not a lot, and if I could even get a half of a penny for every one tear drop I see, I would be a millionaire. I try to help as much as I can, but it just feels like no matter what I do, it's never enough."
I closed my eyes, "it never is with kids. That is one reason I stay clear of kids injuries. Whenever I see a kid getting hurt, I can't help but think that it could have been mine. It's a terrifying experience." I confided.
"I know what you mean Carlisle..."
I shook my head; determined not to let this conversation stir. "I need to ask you something, as one doctor to another..."
"Sure of course."
"I have a new patient. I think you know her, Isabella Marie swan?" I breathe in
"BELLA? Of course I know her. She's one of my best and favorite patients. What about her? Is she in your hospital? Oh my god is she okay?" Siobhan exclaimed.
"Wait wait, calm down." I waited until I heard her quiet down. "Yes she is here, but not in the hospital. She is here for her dad. Charlie Swan... he lives in forks. Where I live..." I continued thinking she was listening. "She got into some accident and I found some of her old reports for injuries. I didn't know, but it looked like it was an abuse case?" I drifted off when I heard something slam on the other phone line, "Siobhan" I asked.
"Abuse? Ha! If you want to call it that go ahead. In my book it's much worse. The word is neglect Carlisle. Neglect. Renee, Bella's mother, never bothered to even come to the hospital. If it weren't for Bella's great friends I don't know how she would have survived. Bella loves her mom; hell a person who never had a parent before would. But Renee is too caught up in her own world; she's so busy that she doesn't have time for Bella. All of the hits Bella took and the medical information you received, I assure you is on her own. She is very clumsy, what I am worried about was Renee neglect.
The hardest case you know already was that, one where she fell off of the stairs and was in the hospital for a while. Renee barley checked up on her. When I took it up Renee got defensive saying that she didn't hear anything. Bella's friends are the one who got her here. If I didn't know Bella, the treatment would be further delayed. I can't treat someone without parental consent since she is a minor, but she was with her boyfriend Kevin, who is an adult. I honestly hate that woman. Including that so called father of hers," I winced. "I mean he didn't bother to check in at all. I asked Renee about it and she started to show her tears about how he refuses to even answer the phone.
Sometimes I had the urge to tell Bella to leave her mom and stay with me. That is kid is great. Her friends are her family. I see many families abandon children here Carlisle, but Renee is like a leech who just doesn't leave Bella and doesn't take care of her.
When I found out that she had left to meet her father, I got even more worried. If her mom was like that, the dad must be worse; right? I mean it's not like she can complain. But, I wish she had. I wish her friends or anyone would say something. I can help, really I can. Hell I will even adopt that girl. You know she has a perfect 4.0 GPA!" Before I could say anything she continued. "Yeah a 4.0! She has more community service hours than a nurse, she has perfect grades, plus she helps out her friends and cooks for charity. This girl has so much potential. I am shocked she is Renee's daughter. They barely even look alike, and they don't even have anything in common!" she went off speaking in her native African language, causing me to wince again. She only speaks that language when she's too out of control frustrated to speak English. I sighed and waited for her rant to end. I had a lot of patience for things like that. Hell I have kids who take hours to say bull just to get out of trouble. "God I could just murder both her parents! And that is saying a lot coming from a doctor who promises to save lives!" she breathes in deeply finally taking a break.
I took a moment then decided to say something. "That's the thing Siobhan, her dad actually cares! He is a police chief in Forks and is a very nice man. I've know him for many years now. He has been dyeing for Bella. Every year he got a ticket to see her only for Renee to stop him. I swear he didn't know anything about Bella or her accidents. Not ever! That man would be on the next flight if he had known. Renee has sole custody of her though. I don't know why or how, but she does. Charlie wanted to be with Bella. He even stopped coming to my daughter's birthday because she used to remind him of the daughter he never met. Since Bella has come, he has treated her like a queen. I mean literally. I have never seen this man in public as many times I have seen him this time with Bella. It's like Christmas for this man. Can you really imagine a cop not caring for his daughter?" I sighed, playing with the pen absently on my desk.
"Carlisle I have seen many bad cases and a lot of them do involve cops!" Siobhan's voice made me shake my head.
"Ok fine, but a lovable father wouldn't do that to his daughter, and that is exactly how Charlie is. If you don't believe me, then send Child Protective Services, or come here yourself. One look and I bet you, you will change your mind!"
She started to laugh, "You think I didn't call Child Protective Services? I did Carlisle, not just me, but many people called to separate Bella from Renee. This is a small town Carlisle, everyone knows about Bella and her mother's habits. Many teachers and nurses have tried to get people to get Bella some proper parents. Renee is actually hated by everyone. However, Bella is safe when she is with her friends; which is most of the time. Kevin, thank god is always there. If it wasn't for that boy, I would have really created some volcanoes." She sighed. I guess all of her energy was out.
"Well I am glad to be wrong in this case. I would hate to think someone abused Bella. She really is tough. She already helped a lot of people here." Siobhan suddenly started to laugh.
"That is actually normal. She gets more in trouble because of her tendencies to help people who don't want it. That is one of the reasons why everyone loves her here. Kevin's mom already planned out their marriage and children names. I can't wait for the wedding." She laughed.
"But Bella said that they broke up?" I frowned, remembering how Bella shyly admitted that to Charlie
"Oh come on Carlisle, you know how young love is. Its teenage times. They will break up then get back together, then break up again just to get back together."
I laughed, "Well I have a daughter who started dating, let's hope the same happens to her and I don't have to worry about her thinking about marriage, or worse..." I gulped while shivering. No Alice is smart and knows she should wait. Or I can just let Edward and Emmett take care of Jasper…
She started to laugh, "Hey you better invite me to the wedding in that case. I'd love to see your wounded face. Like when you got one point lower grade then me in chemistry…"
And just like that I laughed and teased about the old days. Behind my mind I took note of talking to Charlie about Renee and Kevin.
I rinsed my eyes after emailing Siobhan some recent pictures, and texted Emmett and Edward to go over at Richard's house tonight. I climbed next to Esme and drifted to sleep, hoping tomorrow I would get Esme to talk and take baby steps again. I needed to see Billy too and I had a meeting with the la push elders. In all my medical school teachings, I never once learned how complicated a doctor's life is.
Edward POV
I dribbled the ball and passed it to Emmett while running to by the basket. Paul was blocking Emmett from passing it to me but Jasper appeared from the other side giving Emmett wide gap for the pass. Emmett threw the ball toward the basket, however the ball missed and was falling on the ground, I caught it in mid air and threw it back in making us gain two more points.
"Yeah!" Jasper hissed while running to the middle.
I kept playing game. There were only eight of us playing. Tyler, Emmett, Jasper, me in one team while Embry, Paul, Jared and Quil.
We asked Jacob, Seth and Sam but they were too distracted to play. Seth and Sam were wrestling in the garage for some work out while Jacob was looking out for them not to hurt each other. It must be tough, I couldn't even imagine if it was Alice in the hospital instead of Leah. I shuddered a little causing the other team to score in our basket.
"Edward!" I winced at Emmett's harsh tone. He got too much into the game.
"I want a break!" I gestured toward the water bottles lying on the benches. Emmett glared in response but agreed when Jasper expressed his thirst.
We all took a break and started to get some sips.
"So how did u guys escape the prison cell?" Tyler asked while absently dribbling the ball.
"It was easy; we heard the front door slam, after five minutes I checked dad and mom left. I thought we would leave." Emmett answered while shrugging.
"What if they came back?" Jared huffed wiping the sweats off his forehead.
"No worries, we took some of our clothes and laid it on the bed. We wrapped the blanket on top, making it seem we were a sleep."
The guys nodded. They all did the same thing when they had some bon fire, which was actually every weekend. All the la push boys stayed up all night partying, while tricking their parents. It was a la push thing, as long as the grades didn't get affected, everyone was cool by it.
"So Edward, what's with you and the Swan girl?" Paul smirked causing me to frown.
I shrugged, "What do you mean?" I took a long sip.
"Come on man, we all saw your game of football, plus the fact she was ignoring you before was hard to miss." All the guys laughed causing me to roll my eyes.
I looked accusingly to Emmett before answering, "it was actually all this big goof's fault." I threw my now empty water bottle at him. The asshole caught it easily while smiling at me. I scorned, "he made her all mad at me, Alice and Jasper by making fun of her then Rosalie insulted her. My mom got into the picture somehow and went crazy. I was just trying to apologize since it wasn't my fault." I got another bottle.
"Hey man, I was sorry ok, and she forgave me, I mean she was laughing and shit." Emmett shook his head.
"Okay, but I have never seen you going after any girl man, what's up with that?" Jared joined in.
I scowled at him, "so you're saying I'm gay!"
The guys burst out laughing, causing me to push my self up and stealing the ball. I dribbled and threw it in the basket. Score I smirked.
"No man, we're just saying we never seen you go after any girl like that. Are you into the chick?" Tyler walked onto the court gesturing for the ball.
I passed it, "I don't know she seems nice, not like other girls, the only girl so far that didn't come on to me."
"Do you like her?" Emmett came in, backing me for the basket.
"Well I don't hate her…" I smirked when I stole the ball and made another basket.
"Cut the crap Edward, we mean that you do like her? Like want to date her?" Quil got in front of me. Tyler moved to our side, passing the ball to Embry.
Emmett cut me off, "man I hope not, I like Charlie to bail me out here and there."
I gritted my teeth at Emmett, I purposely passed the ball to Jared, making them score."
"Damn it Edward!" he pushed me away and went toward the ball.
"Cool it Em!" Jasper shouted while helping me. "You ok?"
I nodded rolling my eyes.
He stopped playing, making others follow his standing position. "Seriously man, do you like her? No hard feelings, I'm just saying because of Alice and Rosalie you know. If you are, I will make sure Rosalie backs off, since someone can't control their own girl!" he glared at Emmett.
Emmett took the ball and threw at Jasper. Jasper caught it easily and looked at him with a serious face. Jasper never liked fighting dirty, even for fun and hated Emmett for letting Rosalie have her way. Her attitude is what Jasper had to deal with at home because of it. No wonder he ignored his grounding and came with us today.
"Will someone tell us what's going on?" Tyler huffed.
"Nothing man, just Rosalie is acting like a real bitch and mom is taking out on me. Emmett instead is making it worse. You saw what happen that day!" Jasper passed the ball to Tyler.
Tyler nodded. "Yeah man, it was actually really stupid and all but who cares; I mean everything was fine during fair day."
We all went silent remembering. The vision of Leah hit me. I closed my eyes shaking of the shivers when the blood red entered my mind.
"God, I heard Leah was frozen and shaking away from Sam. Sam was hurt, he couldn't let go but didn't want to hurt her anymore." Quil turned toward the basket, avoiding looking at anyone.
"Did you guys visit Leah yet?" I asked Embry.
He shook his head no, "we wanted to but your dad said to give some space. Emily and Ashley went a while ago, in pretense of giving food. They said Leah barely spoke a word. She would hold onto sue tightly."
Quil's cell rang; he ran to the benches and answered his cell. All we heard where a series of yeah and ok, finally he turned toward us. "Hey you guys want to come? Kim is baking some cake with Ashley and they invited you guys."
All of us nodded following behind. We all broke in our own groups discussing random things. I stopped when I felt Jasper stopping me. I stopped walking and let others go ahead. I nodded my head for him to talk.
"Are you serious about Bella?" he asked.
I raised my eyebrows, "I don't even know her man, I can't even call her my friend. I am just messing with her honestly. I mean she is very hot and you know with her little actions with others is kind of I don't know..." I shrugged looking at him. "Why?"
He started walk with me, "I'm just wondering, it seems as if Alice is getting close to Bella while Rosalie is going behind the picture, I just want some heads up. I don't want Rosalie to create issues, Alice really likes her. I don't want Rosalie giving Alice stupid ideas you know."
I starred at Jasper, I realized Jasper had figured out the same thing I did, except unlike Emmett or me he just kept it to himself and made Alice understand.
I nodded silently telling him I got his message. In a way to hurt Bella, Rosalie would hurt Alice too. I needed to talk to Emmett alone. He was the only one who could make Rosalie come on the right track.
A/N: contact info: I have twitter, follow me to know what I am upto at MEHEK18.
I have made my own blog for my banners that I update regularly. I would love people to follow me to MEHEK18 (DOT) TUMBLR (DOT) COM. And follow alimansoor (dot) tumblr (dot) com –this blog has great pictures that inspire me.
A/N: Recs & banners- I recently made banners for-
Homecoming – by dontrun (m rated)
Wedlocked – by chynnadoll36 (m rated) (great fanfic buddy) website – (http:)(/)www(dot)wix(dot)com(/)chynnadoll33(/)wedlocked
Creating A Mate – by rmcrms5 (m rated)
A/N: Hey everyone, early update! I am glad you guys like the story and want to know about esme but give it time. I cant forget about the main leads bella and Edward. Now the important thing, many people are asking about bella and Edward being together. If you guys read all the chapters again, you will realize its only been four to five days since bella came into town. It doesn't seem like that because I am writing a lot of different povs and their story behind it. Edward and bella will be together but not this soon. I will update more quickly now. So no one week wait (smiles)
Review winners-
Foever-and-Always ily
!1 ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh you i ahhh i LOVE this story i couldn't stop reading it! i freaking love this shizz! its fan-fuckin-tastic! there im doe... :)
chynnadoll36
I'm so glad your writing again!...love the chapter too!...Keep going!
mollyybabyy
with that cliffy, i'm now thinking that carlisle has dragged esme's body off to bury in the woods. :P i cant wait for the next chapter. i love this story, its inspiring and an amazing plotline. :) keep going with it! Xx
Goldmoon Reader
hello ... i started reading this story this morning and i just cant stop thinking bout edward removing his jacket to kick some ass! damn it ... he's soo nice! *sigh* i just love him!
anywho ... this story is really amazing ... i this is the 2 story i've read with bella being a mute and to tell you the honest truth i never thought it would've been like this ... but i'm glad it is ... makes it unique.
great story and keep up the great work ... though i'm dying to know about 'the son that was lost'
12fanpire21
I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. You are seriously an awesome writer! I don't care that I said that last time. But I have some questions. Are esme and Carlisle gonna get a divorce? Or is gonna like kill her or something? I just can't really imagine that, but it's your amazingly awesome story so please please please update soon!
SpenceSince1993
*gasp* Bad Carlisle, bad bad Carlisle, lol, Poor poor Esme. Edward will always be Edward I guess and Wow I feel so bad for Bella reminds me when my friend tortured me with endless shopping trips. You have me extremely curious now though and I'm honestly so happy I found this story can't to read more.
Haha I wouldn't let my boyfriend read the chapter like he wanted to until I made him do the properly deserved happy dance, he's still angry with me but likes the chapter.
Spence
Thank you all for your kind words. I love all my reviews!