Chapter 6: Discussions

CARLISLE

Of all the members of my family, Alice is by far the most excitable. I know when I see her name on my phone that I am in for a whirlwind.

"Carlisle, Bella Swan is coming into the hospital in an ambulance. She seems to be able to do extraordinary things. I'm not sure what exactly, but you should be extra careful." She sounds breathless which is disconcerting.

"Thank you. I'll make sure she gets put in a private room and examine her myself. Hopefully I can make a good impression."

"I don't know what will happen. I can't see her at all."

"I will be cautious. We'll discuss this at a family meeting tonight so that everyone can be on the same page with regards to the girl."

That was it. No goodbyes. But then, there rarely are with Alice. She simply launches into the next thing. I wonder if she will try to ride in with the Swan girl in order to make a connection. Bonds can be forged in unfortunate circumstances. One never truly knows what is going on in Alice's head.

I smile at that thought as I quickly and discreetly make the necessary arrangements. It's a simple matter. The nurses all think me above reproach, so they don't even blink at my requests anymore. As I walk away, I overhear them speculating that the chief of police contacted me specifically. The girl is his daughter after all. Good. Let them think that. So long as no one asks him, it'll be fine. Who would be so rude as to distract him with idle chatter when his only child is in need of medical attention? Manners might be slipping in this era, but surely they have not deteriorated that far yet.

I have to be extra careful going down the hallway. The incoming emergency patients have caused extra movement among the staff. It would be easy to get bumped into with all the hustle and bustle. Thankfully, I make it to the room without looking ridiculous in my attempts to dodge contact. I pass the chief of police on my way into the exam room.

"So, Miss Swan, how are you feeling?" I keep my tone friendly. There is no need to try and provoke a negative reaction from her.

"I want a different doctor." She is actually hissing at me.

"What?" Why would she ask for that?

"I know you heard me." There is no mistaking the hostility she radiates towards me.

"Now, Isabella …" I try to seem fatherly in an attempt to calm her down.

"Don't patronize me, Dr. Cullen. I know what you are." The venom that drips from her words is more lethal than any vampire's.

"I'm not sure what you mean." Please don't mean what I think that you mean.

"I've already had a … experience." She pulls up her sleeve to reveal her arm. "And I am not going to repeat it."

The scar is obviously a vampire bite. How can that be? The girl before me is human. Isn't she? If a vampire bit her, she should be dead. What happened to this poor child? The sleeve slowly covers up her arm again. I know that I will always see that scar there, whether it is covered or out in the open.

"Bella …" I'm not sure if I say it out loud or in my head. My heart aches for the girl before me.

"One more, tiny thing before you go. No member of your family is welcome in my house let alone my room. That is especially true for Edward. If he comes back, I will not be held responsible for my actions."

What has my son been up to? I have to know. His actions are causing problems for the family. I take a single step towards Bella. She crosses her arms like she is protecting herself. She doesn't need protecting from me. But how would she possibly be able to know that? She's only had a bad experience with my kind.

Something is physically pushing me backwards. I can't see anything though. It seems to be coming from Bella. I can't hide my amazement at that. She is human as far as I can tell. I take a breath and smell her blood. Her heartbeat echoes in my ears. Yes, she is human. I am certain of it. But how can she do this? As quickly as I can move and still seem human to those around me, I take my leave. She needs someone to look over her to make sure she is really fine and she clearly will not allow me to be near her.

JASPER

We all take our places at the table in the dining room. It only sees use when we have family meetings. There's something to be said for a meeting of the minds. But I can already tell that this particular discussion will be rather divisive.

"We need to decide what we are going to do concerning Bella. First we need all the information we have laid out. I will start. When I went to examine her, she had a scar from a vampire bite." Carlisle begins the discussion. There is a hint of annoyance when his gaze falls on Edward. That's not a good sign.

"But she's human," Emmett booms from his seat. There is a strong wave of concern that accompanies this.

"Can we be sure of that?" I have to ask this just to be sure. The question creates an air of uncertainty.

"Yes. I know that she is." Carlisle looks at me. I nod.

"We already knew that she knew about vampires," Rosalie snaps. Patience will never be a strong suit of hers. I can practically taste the jealousy. If I didn't know the story behind that, I would be more worried about her being a wild card.

"But how does she know? Whatever happened to her is affecting the way that she sees us. If she were to be this hostile to a nomad passing through …" Esme trails off like she can't stand to even say what would happen. She can't stand it, of course. Bella is just a child and that hits a tender place in poor Esme's heart.

"I think she has a pretty effective defense. There was an invisible force that pushed me out of the exam room. It seemed to emanate from her." Carlisle seems to be watching how Edward reacts to this statement. The annoyance is back with a streak of accusation. Interesting.

"Edward and I both felt it at the scene of the accident today." I answer his unasked question. Why is Carlisle so suspicious of Edward?

"Just at the accident?" Carlisle's eyes bore into Edward. Edward radiates embarrassment and defiance in equal measures. That's definitely cause for concern.

"Where else would any of us have felt it?" I ask since Edward is refusing to meet anyone's gaze. I'm sure he would be blushing if he could.

"In the Swan house, perhaps? Or even in Bella's bedroom?" Disappointment and disapproval color Carlisle's words.

We all focus on Edward. He continues to stare at the table. You can't be serious. What were you thinking?