Northern General -- Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Carlisle’s condominium was located on North Lake Shore Drive. He was in one of the penthouse homes on the 60th floor, able to look out over most of the surrounding neighborhood. It had been tastefully decorated in neutral colors of brown, beige, black, and white. He turned on the integrated sound system as soon as he opened the door. Classical music started playing adding to the serene atmosphere. He grabbed a glass of red wine and relaxed in the leather chair at his neatly organized desk and began reading a medical journal -- a perfect evening to a near perfect day. He was enjoying his medical journal when the buzzer rang.
Who could that be? He thought as he pushed the intercom.
"It is I, love. Tanya."
He hit the buzzer to allow her access. Carlisle wondered when she was going to show up. He just didn’t think it would have been so soon. He opened the door once he heard her arrival from the elevator. "Come on in, Tanya," Carlisle said dryly, while walking to the kitchen to grab another glass of wine for his guest.
Tanya stood languorously at the door with one hand on her jutted hip. Curly strawberry hair fell over one of her gravity defying, large breasts in a low cut blouse. She was wearing a tight, form fitting, black leather skirt, which was a little short for the current fashion, unless it was a requirement for your profession.
"Could you try to tone down some of that enthusiasm?" Tanya walked in on the hard wood floor, making loud clicking sounds with her 6 inch heels.
"I’m sorry, Tanya. I wasn’t expecting company."
"I’m not company; I’m a close friend," Tanya said seductively, sitting down and putting her feet up on the beige sofa.
"Would you mind taking your shoes off, Tanya?" He sat the wine on a coaster, on the coffee table in front of her.
"Since when did you develop a foot fetish, Carlisle?" Tanya asked with a smirk.
"Tanya, please."
"Alright, Carlisle," Tanya said removing her shoes. "You know you’re losing your sense of humor… No, let me rephrase that. You need to find a sense of humor."
"Very funny, Tanya."
"Somebody has to be. Look, Carlisle, why don’t you tell me about your first day of work?"
Carlisle sat down on the love seat facing the sofa and proceeded to tell Tanya about his day. He couldn’t help smiling while recalling his first day at Northern General. He started with the disastrous train ride and ended with the students making their first clinical rotation.
"It was the best decision I’ve made in a long time," Carlisle said, beaming.
"I can see that. I’ve never seen you this excited, Carlisle. There’s something different about you."
"What do you mean? I’ve been the same for 346 years. We’re vampires. We don’t change."
"You’re wrong. We do change. You’re been alone for a long time, Carlisle, and it has changed you over the years. You were so sweet and innocent before. Even after spending all those years with the Volturi, you still struck to your values. You had always seen only the good in people and vampires. You had never given up hope that the Volturi would change and become more benevolent towards humans or would at least attempt to become vegetarians.
"You’ve become cynical and apathetic over the years, Carlisle. I would almost say like the Volturi, only not evil or manipulative or self-serving… "
"Tanya, I can’t believe…."
"Don’t interrupt, Carlisle. I’m not trying to insult you.
"You’re a long way from becoming an Aro, but you were very close to becoming a Marcus. I know that you wouldn’t give anything but your best when it comes to your profession, but when was the last time you really enjoyed your job?
"I’ve seen you change over the last 87 years… You had lost your spark, Carlisle.
You’ve just been going through the motions. That can be dangerous for vampires. You have to have a reason to enjoy eternity; otherwise, it’s nothing more than a prison, a living Hell.
"Now tell me, Carlisle. What makes this job so different from the other ones?"
Tanya watched Carlisle face light up again when recalling his prize pupil and heard him laugh about the train and shower incident again. Carlisle hadn’t even realized how long it had been since he had laughed.
"Well, that’s it, Carlisle! That’s the difference," Tanya exclaimed, sitting up, smiling.
"I know. I didn’t know that teaching could be so fulfilling. I’m glad you suggested it."
Tanya’s face fell. "That’s not it, Carlisle!" she said, exasperated. "I should have expected this. You’ve never experienced this before."
"Experienced what before?" Carlisle asked, looking at Tanya clueless.
"Carlisle, I am afraid this is something you’re going to have to figure out for yourself. In the meantime, is there anything I can do for you?" Tanya asked, standing up and walking towards him.
Over the years, Tanya had frequently offered to become a friend with benefits. She felt it was not so much the intimacy he needed as it was just to be held and touched. It was something he had received very little of in both his human and vampire life.
"No, I’m fine for now, Tanya, but thanks for asking." He hugged her before walking her to the door.
"No problem, Carlisle. Anytime. However, I have a feeling that you might not need me anymore. This might be my last chance."
"Whatever are you talking about, Tanya?"
"Never mind. Call me." She kissed Carlisle on both cheeks and walked out the door.
He began to resume his medical journal but had a hard time concentrating. His mind kept going over his day, and for the first time in ages, he was looking forward to the next.
~*~*~The rest of the month was just as enjoyable. He was basically happy with the group of medical students he was training. Edward still outshone them and that observation was not lost on any of the students. Most of them were in awe of him and began to respect him, others were not so accepting.
Edward didn’t show up in ER one morning which was impossible because Carlisle had seen him get off the train earlier that day. He always got to the hospital early, just as he did. When he asked where Edward was, Mike Newton and a few of the students snickered. He didn’t question them any further. He walked toward the locker room and heard Edward calling for help. The sound was coming from inside one of the lockers. Pulling the lock off without a second thought, he helped Edward out of his metal imprisonment. The boy had been hyperventilating. "Edward, are you alright?"
He didn’t verbally respond, continuing to breathe rapidly. Carlisle grabbed the boy's bag of donuts and dumped them on one of the benches. He held the bag over Edward’s mouth and started rubbing his back as he instructed him to breathe slowly. Edward immediately relaxed. Carlisle removed the bag from his face, noticing the powdered sugar around the boy’s month.
"Thank you, Sir." Edward was staring at him as he continued to rub his back. The boy stuck out his tongue to lick off some sugar. Carlisle’s body responded with a slight twitch and warmth he had never experienced before as the teenager's tongue darted about, licking his lips. He reached out his hand, wiping some of the sugar off the boy's cheek.
Edward continued to stare at him as Carlisle finally realized what he was doing. He couldn’t understand why it felt so natural to touch the boy.Oh great! He probably thinks I’m a pervert now, he thought. He quickly snatched his hands away and stood up. "I’m sorry, Edward. I was a little worried about you. I remembered the last time. How did you end up in the locker anyway?" he asked changing the subject.
"I’ll rather not say, Sir," Edward said, clearly embarrassed and averting his eyes.
"It’s alright. I’ve been through this multiple times. If I was such a genius, I should have been able to avoid it by now," the boy said in a resigned tone.
"You are a genius, Edward, but you can’t always avoid bad things or bad people. However, that does not take anything away from your intelligence. Come on. Let’s join the rest of the students."
"Yes, Sir," the student said, standing up.
"You make me sound so old. Please call me Carlisle, in private at least."
"Yes, Sir… I mean, Carlisle."
Carlisle liked the sound of his name on Edward’s lips.
They got back to the group and more snickering was heard. "Michael, why don’t you take the first patient this morning?"
"Sure. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, ages 65 and 62, respectively, were bought to ER by family members. The complaint was that the couple had recently become confused this past year. The head CT scans were negative. There is no history of dementia or strokes, or alcohol abuse. My diagnosis is Alzheimer’s."
"Really? Anyone else." No one said anything as if afraid to contradict Newton.
"Edward?"
"Well, Sir, I mean Dr. Cullen, the symptoms didn’t start until after they had moved into their new apartment in an old renovated building, I would check their blood levels for lead. It can cause the same symptoms the couples are presenting, and it has to be unusual for them to experience the same disorder at the same time."
"Good choice, Edward." He addressed the group. "Students, this is why it’s important to get a full history of your patients. It is too easy to resort to the standard diagnoses when it could be something as simple as chemical exposure."
"Teacher’s pet," Mike Newton said to Edward under his breath. The teen ignored him. It was again clear how used he was to the teasing. He never glanced around, handling the snide comments with a maturity beyond his years.
~*~*~The next few months were pretty much the same. Edward was gifted when it came to medicine. It was if he could sense a diagnosis. The patients loved him. The children related well to him and the adults, depending on their ages, treated him like a younger sibling or one of their own children. He was quickly becoming more like the nickname they gave him - Doogie Howser.
Carlisle had to admit to himself that Edward was his favorite. He tried to avoid showing favoritism, but it was difficult when it came to the boy. He was also becoming very protective of him. He always watched out for him whenever he took the train, knowing that Edward usually arrived to work as early as he did. He knew that the teenager endured teasing and mocking from some of his colleagues, and it worried him that they could do irrevocable harm to him. The boy was still very young, and the medical regimen was difficult even for older students. He had to awaken Edward a couple of times on the train. It became an agreement that whenever they rode the train together that Carlisle would make sure he was awakened for his stop.
As the days progressed, they began to converse on the train instead of Edward sleeping. Edward’s innate curiosity was refreshing. He was interested in a myriad of subjects and never seemed to get bored with any topic Carlisle would bring up. Carlisle looked forward to their train meetings. However, he noticed that Edward never talked about anything personal. He never learned anything about Edward’s family nor did Edward ask anything of his. He didn’t think he had a mother because of what he remembered from their first day. Carlisle hesitated to ask personal questions due to fear of the same. Yet, Carlisle wanted to know more about the boy.
~*~*~It was over Christmas break when he ran into Edward at the Barnes and Noble on North Michigan Ave. Christmas was always difficult for him. It was a time for family and friends in which he was achingly in short supply. It was never more apparent how alone he was until the Christmas holiday. You would think after living through centuries of them he would be immune to it, but all the festivity and warmth seen in abundance at this time of year only enhanced what he was lacking. He belonged to no one. Not even his own race was receptive to him, with the exclusion of his Denali friends.
He decided to go to the book store to find something to read over the holiday to help pass the time. After walking down the aisle of medical texts, he decided to look for a mystery. As he passed the Science Fiction section, he spied a bronze head of hair. Seeing Edward there put an instant smile on his face, and he was even more elated to see the smile reflected back.
"Did you find anything good to read, something you can recommend?" he asked the boy.
"Only if you like to read Anime. I was just going to have a cup of hot chocolate. Would you like to join me?"
"Yes, I would be delighted."
They sat in the café on the second floor looking out over Michigan Avenue. The Christmas decorations made a postcard picture view of the Magnificent Mile. It seemed the best place to be in Chicago at that time of year. They discussed different authors and various subjects while Edward drank his cocoa and Carlisle nursed a cup of coffee. Carlisle felt comfortable with Edward unlike any other human he had ever come across. He was well-mannered and well-spoken, which he had noticed, to his displeasure, was not too common in the current time. His parents had obviously done a wonderful job raising him. He began to wonder about his parents again.
"Do you have any siblings, Edward?"
"No. I’m an only child. I used to have a few friends I hung out with, but with medical school, I didn’t have time for them. They were in different schools from me anyway. And I’ve always been more of a loner. Have you lived here long? You have a slight accent. You must be from England. I always wanted to go there..."
Carlisle noticed that Edward was trying to change the subject. He let him ramble on for a while; the boy appeared nervous, and he was hoping it would put him at ease.
"Are your parents in the medical profession? I’m curious about what got you interested in it," Carlisle said. He noticed the teen’s demeanor change. His eyes were no longer as animated and his smile had waned.
"My mother died of cancer two years ago," he said in a trembling voice. His eyes started to tear up.
Carlisle felt sorry he had let his curiosity hurt the boy, regretting seeing him in pain. He gave Edward a napkin from the table.
"I’m sorry, Edward."
"It’s okay. It’s just that this is when I miss her the most. Christmas was such a big celebration with her. We would spent a weekend in one of the hotels here on Michigan Avenue going Christmas shopping during the day and dining in one of the restaurants at night. It had become a holiday tradition."
"It sounds like it was ideal. Is that why you’re here now, continuing the tradition?"
"Yes, I’m doing it for my mother’s memory and for myself. I can pretend that she’s in one the stores trying to secretly buy me a present while I wait here at the bookstore. I remember seeing her go into Best Buy one year while I was here drinking hot chocolate. I knew she had to be buying me that game system she said she refused to have me rot my brain with."
Carlisle could see that he was smiling again, reliving the memories.
"I have an idea, Edward, why don’t you join me for dinner, unless you have other plans?"
"I don’t know, Carlisle. I don’t want to impose. Don’t you have family to see?"
"No. I don’t have any family here." Carlisle didn’t know why he could not admit to not having any family. Maybe he was like Edward in that aspect -- it was too painful to discuss.
It was late evening and the streets were lit up with festive lights on all the trees as there was light snow falling. All the stores had bright lights rivaling each other, each one highlighting their uniqueness. The water tower, which had survived the Chicago Fire over a century before, was still able to hold its own against the surrounding modern, steel giants with its light emphasizing its stone distinctiveness. The multiple colored lights from the Christmas window displays were reflected on the dark wet streets, giving them a whimsical quality. Salvation Army Santa Clauses rang their bells tirelessly in the cold. It was a beautiful holiday scene Carlisle thought as he and Edward strolled leisurely to the restaurant. He glanced over at Edward who seemed more relaxed. The cold air gave his creamy pale cheeks a pink glow and a few snowflakes were sticking to his long eyelashes, having given up his glasses for contacts with the first snowfall.
He wore a black pea coat with a dark green scarf that brought out the color of his emerald eyes. The contrast with his unusual bronze hair gave the appearance of a figure in a romantic Rossetti painting. He could not help thinking how much of a timeless beauty the boy he was. He was like a treasure that was yet to be discovered, hidden right in plain sight. Most people would not see beyond his studious or sometimes awkward child-like qualities or his graphic tees and faded blue jeans. He was a sweet sensitive boy when it was no longer fashionable.
Carlisle enjoyed watching Edward smile as they passed the different stores and displays. The traffic on Michigan Avenue mixed in with the sounds of people, all trying to enjoy the holiday in a rush as if it would pass them by if they did not scurry fast enough; or maybe it was just the cold. Carlisle and Edward skirted around and through crowds of people who were carrying their colorful bags and packages as the two of them continued to their leisurely destination. They stopped in front of a restaurant.
"How’s Italian?" he asked the boy.
"Perfect."
They entered the warm inviting restaurant and had to wait for about 40 minutes for a table, but Carlisle never noticed the time going by. Edward’s quirky sense of humor had him laughing rather loudly and feeling a bit embarrassed to draw attention to himself. But he quickly got over it as the boy took advantage of his willing and captive audience.
"Your table is ready, Sir. Right this way."
They followed the hostess to their table. Carlisle observed that there was a noticeable sway in her walk and the "come hither” glances over her shoulder.
They sat down at the elegantly set table.
"Your waiter will be with you shortly. Can I get you anything in the meantime?" she said breathlessly to Carlisle.
"Would you like something to drink, Edward?" Carlisle asked, ignoring the hostess’ shameless flirting.
"Yes, I’ll have a coke, please."
"I’ve have a glass of red wine," Carlisle said, dismissing her after she gave them the menus.
"I noticed that that happens to you a lot," Edward said smiling at him, clearly amused.
"Yes, well I have learned to ignore it. What about you, Edward? I’m sure you’re had your fair share of admirers."
"No… none that I’ve noticed," Edward said with an attractive blush to his cheeks. He looked down at his menu, seemingly avoiding the blond vampire’s eyes.
Carlisle was sure if Edward was not so focused on his studies, he would see the attention he sometimes drew.
"Is there anyone that’s caught your eye at least?" The vampire suddenly realized he was a little anxious to hear the answer.
"No, not really."
There was that shy smile and blush again. Carlisle decided to mercifully change the subject. The waiter arrived and Edward ordered lasagna while he declined anything but more wine.
"You’re not going to eat anything?"
"I’m not hungry."
Edward ate like any boy his age, even polishing off a large dessert when the main course was done. The conversation continued without any awkwardness as they never ran out of subjects to discuss .Christmas music was heard playing in the background on a piano. Edward finally excused himself to go the restroom. While Carlisle was waiting for the boy to return, he heard the music stop and turned to see Edward at the piano. The pianist stood up and hugged the teen, then gave the bench to him. Edward sat down and started playing. The vampire was immediately amazed to hear Edward playing the piano better than the pianist. People stared and stopped their conversations to listen. He was truly gifted. The boy played "Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers" from the "The Nutcracker Suite", like a virtuoso, all the while so totally immersed into the music that he appeared to become one with it. It was obvious that this was his passion. Why was he not in a conservatory? He noticed the pianist smiling at Edward, but it was not the same smile as one admiring the music or the talent being displayed, or maybe it was just him being overprotective of the boy. He had been watching out for him since the beginning. Everyone gave a standing ovation, protesting when he stood up to leave. A violinist began playing Silent Night as the pianist walked Edward back to his table.
"Carlisle, I would like for you to meet Peter Grovek, my former piano teacher."
Carlisle stood up and shook the man’s hand. He got the usual response to his cold hands with the pianist stiffening for a second. "It is nice to meet you. I’m sorry about the hand, it’s a nerve condition." He noticed that the man seemed to be in his mid-30’s with teal blue eyes framed by thick dark lashes and black curly hair. He was attractive and unmarried if you went by the lack of a wedding band. He also had an arm possessively around Edward’s shoulders.
"Edward tells me that you are his instructor at the hospital."
"Yes, Edward is my prize medical student. Would you like to join us?"
"Yes, I would love to."
Carlisle signaled the waiter for another chair and ordered more drinks once they were seated. He was pleased to see that Edward moved his seat a little farther away from his piano teacher.
"I could not resist having Edward play once I noticed him. I would know that hair anywhere, but he has grown from a cute teen to a handsome young man, and his talent has improved as well. It is sinful for him to waste such talent."
Carlisle noticed his Slavic accent and that Edward looked a little uncomfortable.
"Yes, I ran into Edward at the bookstore and we decided to have dinner together. Edward, that was amazing. I didn’t know you played the piano?! How long have you been taking lessons?"
Grovek responded before Edward could, placing his hand on the teen’s arm.
"Edward has taken lessons for seven years, he stopped two years ago. I’ve been keeping in touch with him, trying to get him to go back to his first chosen profession. He had wanted to be a concert pianist, initially."
"Peter, I told you I’m going to be a doctor."
"You no longer take lessons, Edward?"
"No, but I still play from time to time."
Carlisle was happy that he continued to play the piano and that he no longer had Peter Grovek as an instructor.
"His mother was a pianist. She was a beautiful woman. Edward takes after her in looks as well as talent although he has obviously surpassed her in both." The pianist moved his hand over the teen’s in a comforting manner.
Carlisle saw Edward looking uncomfortable again before he pulled his hand away. He wasn’t sure if it was the subject matter or the person that was bothering him.
"It’s getting late. We had best call this a night. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Grovek. I have to get this boy home." Carlisle stood up to leave and shook the pianist’s hand again. Edward also stood and hugged his instructor once more with a weak smile.
Carlisle noticed the instructor staring into Edward’s eyes for a moment before Edward bashfully looked away and pulled out of his arms.
As the vampire silently walked Edward back to his hotel, the young man seemed relaxed without the need for words between them. His mood had gotten better after the first block. Walking leisurely with his hands in his pocket, the boy looked content with a peaceful smile on his face. They reached Edward’s hotel sooner than Carlisle would have liked and he was sad to see the end of their evening.
"Thank you for sharing the day with me, Edward."
"No, I should thank you. I had a wonderful time and I would have been alone if it were not for you. Would you like to come up for coffee?"
"No, I had better go. Have a good night, Edward."
The vampire thought about how awkward their goodbye was as he watched the teen go into the hotel and enter the elevator. He felt he was missing something important his vampire brain was somehow unable to calculate. At the same time, he wondered if the "no, not really" could be the piano teacher.
Chapter 3