Staying with who?

(General POV)

To no surprise, facial recognition couldn't pick up any similar faces in the Washington Police Department database. In other words, Alan was basically unregistered as a citizen of the United States of America.

His background, his history, where he came and how he ended up all the way in Forks were all a mystery.

And the only person who could answer this mystery seemed to have amnesia.

The only thing the boy remembered was his name. He didn't even know how old he was. The doctors could only make an assumption based on his bone structure.

They guessed his age to be near twelve.

Outside the hospital room, Charlie looked at the sleeping boy with complicated emotions.

He failed to notice Carlisle coming up behind him until the latter spoke.

"So...what's the plan for the kid? Foster care?"

Flinching, Charlie suppressed his surprise and replied stiffly, "That's the idea. However, given his unknown background, it's unlikely any home would be willing to take him in. In addition, he's a kid who'll soon be entering the worst childhood phase - puberty."

Carlisle nodded with a soft hum.

Glancing at his patient, a small smile emerged on the handsome man's face.

"Why don't you take him in then, Chief?" Carlisle suggested with a raised eyebrow.

Charlie almost choked on his saliva. In disbelief, he pointed at himself, "Me? You've got to be kidding Doc. I don't know how to take care of a twelve-year-old kid."

"Don't you have a twelve-year-old daughter?" retorted the doctor. "You are the only one with the means to be able to do it. Forks is a small city Chief. There aren't many options unless you send him to a bigger city."

'I know that...' Charlie wanted to say.

Frowning to himself, Charlie gave a last glance at the sleeping boy before walking away. His face became blank and it was unknown what he was thinking.

Carlisle watched his retreating back thoughtfully and sent a single pleased glance at Alan before turning the other way and heading over to the stairs.

After the two men left, Alan opened his eyes and looked at the door.

****

(First Person POV)

Overhearing the conversation outside my hospital room, several scenarios were formed in my mind. Would I be in foster care? Or would I be sent out of this city?

I brushed off the idea of Charlie Swan taking me under his care. Given his personality, it was unlikely he'd do that.

And I was mistaken.

Shockingly.

"So that's it kid. You'll be staying with from now on until we can find a suitable place for you."

As he spoke, Chief Swan ran a hand through his hair exhibiting awkwardness as he carefully gauged my reaction. I'm not really sure what kind of reaction he was expecting but all he received was a calm; "Oh."

Indeed, I was taken aback but after I thought about it, I didn't really mind staying with him.

He didn't seem like the nosy type of person always wanting to get up in everybody's business. Unless it was part of the job of course.

"Then, after you're discharged, I'll take you to buy some clothes and then I'll take you home."

"Thanks, Mr. Swan," I said.

He waved his hand and stiffly said, "It's fine."

We exchanged a few more words before Chief Swan bid me a good night and left. Immediately after, Carlisle Cullen walked in holding a clipboard.

I sighed.

"No need to sound so disappointed," he said, amused by my reaction, "I have no intention to dig up your secrets."

Yet, I thought.

"Haha, of course. I was just thinking about moving in with Chief Swan," I chuckled not meeting the blonde's eyes.

"Ah yes. I heard about that," Carlisle nodded. "He's not the most sociable of people but Chief Swan is a good person."

"Yeah, I already guessed as much," I replied softly. "He...has a daughter right? The same age as me?"

"I believe he does. But she lives with her mother elsewhere," was all Carlisle said before conducting his regular assessment.

He looked through the reports and said, "Well, your vitals are all clear. No surprise there. Your weight is now appropriate for your age and all other tests are clear. You're free to go."

"You mean I can be discharged?"

"Yup," Carlisle nodded. "Actually, you could've been discharged a few days ago but we were keeping you in for observation."

Sure.

I totally believe that you guys didn't keep me here because you were suspicious of my background.

With a stiff smile, I said, "Thank you. But the Chief just left."

"We told him you'll stay for one more night and be discharged tomorrow morning."

Of course you did.

****

To be honest, I did find Carlisle's attention on me a little odd but I tried to ignore it. Part of me figured his attention was due to the fact he had super vampire senses that were sending him signals of my abnormality. But the other part wondered if there was more it.

I knew that he wasn't hostile to me. Quite the opposite frankly.

At times, his gaze seemed expectant. The kind of expectancy one gets when they know they are going to receive a present or something.

This is what greatly puzzled me.

What could he possibly expecting?

During the night, I spent sometime mulling over these thoughts before eventually giving up due to tiredness. Closing my eyes, I allowed my body and mind to relax, letting go of my worries and curiosity, and let sleep consume me.

Whatever it was Carlisle was expecting from me, I just hope it is nothing burdensome.

****

The following morning, I got up early and bathed before throwing on the same set of hospital robes.

Sitting on the bed, I received my breakfast from a nurse who happily spent a good ten minutes chatting with me before leaving me to eat.

Hospital food was never really something rave about so I'll skip the whole taste description.

It tasted okay. That's all.

Luckily, I was feeling famished so it was easy enough to gobble up every last bit of food before pressing the button to summon a nurse.

Dabbing my lips with a napkin, I thanked the nurse that came in for the food and sat up against the headboard, letting my gaze drift out the window.

Another dreary day it seems.

Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen a single day of sunshine in this place.

A knock on the door sounded moving my attention away from the window to the tall figure by the open door.

"Is it time to go?"

Chief Swan nodded, "Yeah."

He walked over and handed me a bag while saying, "Some old clothes of mine. Might be big on you but we'll get some new stuff."

I looked inside the bag and glanced up at Chief Swan gratefully, "Thank you."

He only hummed and sent me to get changed in the bathroom.

After I changed, I followed Charlie out to the reception area where he signed a document at the desk. Then, we walked out of the hospital and got into his work car before heading to the nearest shopping centre.

****

A/N: My dear readers, I hope you all can understand that this is a 'fanfiction', meaning that things will be different from the original story. Yes, some stuff doesn't match up with the canon but I am writing a fanfic. If you are expecting every little detail to be the same then perhaps it is better for you not to read this story.

P.S. I have changed Jacob Black's age to one year younger than Bella rather than three.

****