The hospital was as bad as I had imagined it to be. As if the overwhelming scent of fresh human blood was not enough to tempt me; I must constantly fight my deadly instincts as I passed by bleeding patients.

Holding back my breath since I was in the five mile radius of the hospital, I leaned back against the wall to allow the nurses to push the latest patient into the operating theatre. He was a poor thing, a victim in a hit-and-run car accident. He had injuries all over his face and on every visible part of his body. The deep cut on the right side of his face was still gushing blood.

How delicious, the scent of warm blood. I can see the blood pumping through the veins under his thin translucent skin. Mmmm, I wonder... I immediately snapped out of my thoughts when I saw the direction they were heading to.

Focus, Bella. You can do it. We’re almost there. I rubbed my nose bridge absentmindedly as I walked, trying to relief some stress. My throat had been burning with thirst ever since we left the car. And the patients are definitely not helping.

Why must there be so many accidents today? I grumbled to myself as I jumped out of the way to let another emergency patient through. Another victim of road accident. Edward wrapped his right arm around my waist as he gave me an encouraging smile. We had come alone today, leaving Nessie in the care of Esme at home. I didn’t want her to see her beloved grandpa in such a state.

Ward 40B. I paused at outside Charlie’s ward, taking a deep unnecessary breath before pushing the door open. I stunned at the doorway, when I saw Charlie lying on the bed.

He had bandages over his chest and head; his lips had suffered multiple cuts and his usually full coloured cheeks were now drained of blood. I took a hesitant step back; Charlie’s eyes were closed and I did not want to wake him up.

“Bella? Is that you?” Charlie asked in a weak voice. He had heard the door opened.

“Yes, Dad. I’m here, with Edward. How are you feeling?” I asked gently as I moved to his side.

“I have a strong will; I won’t die easily. Those guys there are just peanuts; I’ve seen worse during my fishing trips! They can’t take me out.” Charlie joked, forcing out a weak laugh, which ended up as a cough.

“I’ll go get Carlisle here.” Edward said, giving me a gentle squeeze on my shoulder before he left the room. Carlisle was on leave this week; he had volunteered his help at this hospital when he saw the shortage of manpower, which they had accepted gladly.

We spent the alone time talking about Nessie and her latest antics. Well, I did most of the talking while Charlie listened attentively. Colour was slowly returning to his cheeks. Listening to the stories of his adored granddaughter had seemed to help him take some of the pain away.

Carlisle entered the room just when I was done describing what happened before we left house this morning. Charlie was chuckling at Nessie and Jacob’s attempt to build a snow-wolf, which ended up badly, I might add. They had given up just after five minutes of trying; they could not get the legs of the snow-wolf to stand upright.

“Looks like you’re recovering rather well.” remarked Carlisle as he picked up the clipboard at the end of Charlie’s bed and began to flip the papers. Edward sat down at the couch at the corner of the room. Charlie threw me an “I told you so” look.

“By the looks of it, we can transfer you to Forks hospital in a few days time.” Carlisle looked up from the file and gave a reassuring smile to Charlie and me.

“Thanks, Dr. Cullen. By the way, where’s your friend? I would like to thank him for saving my life. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I can make it back there.”

“Oh, he’s away at Seattle now. But he’ll be coming to visit my family in a few days or so. I’ll remember to pass your message along to him.” Charlie reassured him. I looked at Carlisle in interest. I heard the same hint of amusement in his tone again. His eyes seemed to sparkle at the mention of his friend. I wonder who was this mysterious friend that had saved Charlie’s life.

“You two better head home. Esme just called; Nessie has been asking for you.” Charlie turned to look at the both of us. Edward rose and so did I.

“We will bring Nessie to visit you soon.” I promised as I bid Charlie goodbye and we followed Carlisle out of the room. I took a last look at Charlie before finally closing the door. I stood like a statue for a few seconds before Edward nudged me.

“Is there something wrong, Bella?” asked Edward, concern filling his eyes. I stared back blankly, as I tried to decipher the feeling that was overtaking me in waves. A whole new emotion was overwhelming me, now that I’ve seen Charlie in person.

“It’s nothing. Don’t worry.” I gave a small smile and a peck on his cheek before starting towards the direction of our car. Edward just followed without another word.

***