Bellezza Swan | A Carlisle Cullen Love Story

Chapter Ten: Grief

          While my dad oversaw the preparations for Bella's funeral, I was forced to take time off. I wasn't worried about him because he had all of his friends stopping by to check on him. The only thing I could do is take care of the plant Carlisle gave me. I felt horrible for yelling at him. I never even thanked him for trying to save her. Most of my days were spent sitting in front of the mini rose plant with a blanket covering me. I lost track of the days like I lost track of my health and broke all the mirrors in my apartment. Every time I look into one, I can only see her.

          Carlisle's POV: The day after Bella was brought in, Belle ran into the hospital, late for the first time ever. Her hair was unevenly tied up and her eyes were so puffy that I was surprised she could still see. However, looking outside the window, it confirmed she couldn't see very well. Her jeep was barely in its stall. She's pushing herself.

          Hesitantly, I pulled her aside before she could clock in, "Miss Swan, what are you doing here?"

          "I-I'm coming to work," her voice cracked and it was obvious she hadn't slept with the bags under her eyes.

          "No," I said sternly and looked at my watch, "I'm giving you time off. You need to recover, Belle."

          She scoffed and took a step back, "I don't need time off!"

          I was growing impatient for some reason and struggled to keep my voice calm, "Belle, I'm taking you home. Please don't make me write a referral."

          Her eyes managed to open enough to see how bloodshot they were, "Screw you! I can take myself home!"

          I was stunned that she yelled at me and she stormed out, narrowly missing the doors as they opened automatically. Her tires screeched as she sped out of the lot and I overheard many cars honking their horns as her jeep wrecked havoc on the road. Was I too harsh on her? Perhaps I overstepped by offering a ride home. I glanced around at the nurses and doctors who overheard and saw what happened. When they saw me, they went back into action and went about their day.

          The following days, I found myself looking for her or trying to talk to her and she wasn't there. That's right, I gave her time off. I went about my days but couldn't help but feel shaken from seeing Belle so vulnerable. She's always looked so professional but that day, she looked like a different person. I can't blame her. I couldn't save Bella if I tried. She was already declared dead in the ambulance. It was thought to be an animal attack and Charlie mentioned an identical attack in a neighboring county. I knew better. It was a vampire attack. Annie warned me. I should tell Belle. Belle. No. Bella's twin! She'll be a target! {END}

          I was curled up in the fetus position with the same greasy blanket covering me. The curtains were shut but I knew it was night already. What day was it? My body hurt and my head was pounding. A knock at my door startled me.

          My dry lips peeled painfully apart after days of silence, "Wh-Who is it?"

          "Belle?" Carlisle's voice was muffled behind the door, "It's Carlisle."

          I groaned, "Go away. I'm fine."

          "Belle? Charlie asked me to check on you. If you would rather have him come, I can let him know," he said.

           I panicked and struggled to sit up, "No! Please don't call Charlie!"

          "Belle, can I come in?" he asked.

          I forced myself to stand and immediately hunched over in pain, "Ugh! O-One second!"

          My stomach was eating me from the inside out and my vision was going in and out. What was happening? I whimpered with every sliding step to the front door and my hand missed the lock the first try. Eventually, I unlocked the door and turned the handle to open the door a crack before leaning and sliding down the wall.

          Carlisle opened the door and looked at me on the floor, "Belle!"

          I covered my face with the blanket, "I'm fine. Will you please leave?"

          He rushed in and closed the door, "Belle, what, I mean, why didn't you..?"

          I rolled my head back and hit the wall softly, "I don't want you to see me this way. Please, Carlisle."

          He pulled the blanket off of me and I noticed he was still in his uniform, "Belle, I'll see you as a patient. Either way, I can't leave you like this."

          Deep down, I didn't want him to leave.