Chapter 9 – Journey Home

As I waited for my prescription, Alice remained at my side. She had asked Carlisle again if I was going to be okay, and had then insisted I sit back down on the bed while waiting for him to return. "Alice, I really am fine" I replied, when she asked me again about my hand. "I've had worse".

Alice tilted her head to one side, an action I found rather endearing.

"How worse?" she enquired.

"Broken bones, dislocations, sprains…"

"Bella!" she exclaimed, "Are you safe to be let out alone?"

"Surely you've had the odd accident Alice" I asked.

Alice shook her head, "No…"

And I believed her. She was so graceful and elegant, unlike me.

As I put on my coat, Carlisle took Alice to one side. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I noticed Alice nod a couple of times. Carlisle then placed a hand on her arm and gave it a small squeeze, as if reassuring her of something. They were then back at my side, and Carlisle placed a hand on my shoulder, almost mimicking his earlier display with Alice.

"Now, no more arguments with sharp objects Bella". He smiled. "I promise" I replied and smiled back.

"Alice will take you home now, take these tablets if your hand starts to hurt, and don't worry if it swells a little. I can remove your stitches in a few days time".

I couldn't fault his bedside manner. As I walked down the corridor, Alice's arm linked with mine, I couldn't help but wonder how many Nurses had a crush on Dr Carlisle Cullen.

A crush.

Is that what I had on Alice? Or was it more? It certainly felt like more.

A few minutes later she walked me to her car and I got inside. I immediately missed her closeness.

Within minutes I realised Alice didn't have a high opinion of the speed limit. We cruised down the road, at a faster pace than I was used to, yet still I felt safe. I was beginning to realise that, when Alice was around, I always felt safe. I imagined myself sat in Mike's car, had he been the one to pick me up. Would I have felt this comfortable and happy?

Probably not.

Then again, Mike wasn't the person who was invading my dreams, wasn't the one I'd been obsessing about…

Alice's voice broke my thoughts.

"You're smiling Bella, please share" she murmured, a smile playing on her lips.

I laughed. "I was only thinking about how I would have got home had you not arrived – Mike or Jessica would have probably picked me up, but I'm not sure which one I would have called…."

"Ah, which would have been the lesser or two evils you mean"? She asked, with a wink.

"I think I would have walked home" was my response, and we both laughed again.

"So, you rate me higher than Mike and Jessica?" Alice asked, glancing at me.

I nodded, "Alice, if it were a competition, you'd win hands down" I heard myself reply, "thank you again for taking me home"

"Good" she answered, adding "and it's no bother, that's what friends are for".

Was it possible to feel two strong yet varied emotions at the same time? I felt happy that she had called me her friend, but deep down I felt a little deflated – I knew I wanted more. I blinked a few times, mentally getting back into focus. I would happily accept her friendship, if that's what was on offer. I had no right to expect more. At least she liked me, unlike her sibling….

"I may have even called your sister for a lift" I began… "But I suspect she may have hung up on me".

Alice slowed the car down and pulled over. Turning off the engine, she turned in her seat and inched a little closer to me. "Please, Bella – don't let Rose bother you; she just takes a little time to get used to, she's quite protective over us…."

"But I don't understand why?" I enquired. "Does she think I am a bad influence or something?"

Alice took me by the hand. For the first time, I had skin to skin contact. Her fingers were icy cold, yet pure heat traced itself up my arm and through my body.

"Alice, you're freezing" I exclaimed, placing my bandaged hand on top of hers, sandwiching her delicate and small hand in both of mine. A small groan escaped her lips, "is that better?" I asked.

Alice seemed to be in a daze, nodding slightly she moved even closer and placed her free hand on top of my bandage "so warm" she mumbled, "so very warm"…

I began to get a little worried. "Alice, are you coming down with a cold? Look, I think you need to get home, you need a hot drink down you…"

Alice's head shot up and she quickly removed her hands from mine. Turning back to the wheel, she started the engine.

"Alice" I asked…

"Oh, I'm fine, really – I just feel the cold more than most, that's all" and with that, she steered the car back on the road.

When the car stopped outside the house, I didn't move. I didn't want my close proximity to Alice to end. And then she opened her door… and opened mine seconds after. I got out and stood facing her. "Jeeze Al, are you in the Forks Sprinting team or something?" I asked, slightly bemused.

Alice shrugged her shoulders, "What, little old me?" she asked, adding "Al?"

I stuffed my hands in my jacket pocket, "Sorry, nickname I guess… it just, sort of, slipped out"…

"No apology necessary Bella, I think I rather like it".

Again, I felt the glow in the pit of my stomach.

"Would you like to come in for a drink"? I asked. I was disappointed when Alice shook her head;

"I have to help Edward with some homework… but I'll take a rain cheque, if that's okay"?

I nodded again, "anytime, and thanks again for the lift".

I was about to walk away when she moved closer to me and removed my bandaged hand from my pocket, bowling slightly she lent in, turned my hand in hers and kissed it. I was momentarily frozen, and then elated.

All too soon she withdrew, and smiled "You know what they say Bella, a kiss will make it better" and with that, she was back in her car, pulling out of the drive.

As I entered the house and sat down on the sofa, three things struck me. How had Alice known I was at the hospital? There was no reason for Charlie, or Carlisle, to call and tell her. And how did she know my address? We had been too busy chatting for me to direct her, and before I had even known it, we had arrived on the doorstep…

The third thought was one I couldn't shift.

If only I had cut my lip, instead of my hand…