I sat on the bed, hands wringing, watching the clock and trying to control my breathing. As an immortal, I did not measure time as humans did. Minutes, hours, days were usually inconsequential. When you had forever, time was measured in years and decades. But when the other half of your soul leaves without a word, he and your son disappearing into the night, your other children avoiding you, each second feels like a year, each hour a decade.
I heard a car turn off the main road to the driveway and my breathing sped up in anticipation. I sat, immobile, as the car parked in the garage. I listened closely, following his path into the kitchen, as he placed his bag on the island, as he walked, relatively slow, a just more than human pace, down the hall and up the stairs. As he approached our door, I sat on my hands and slowed my breathing to what I hoped was close to normal.
"Esme," he said, sounding surprised to see me as he opened the door.
"Carlisle."
"Were you waiting for me?" he asked casually, shutting the door behind him.
"Yes," I responded tersely, mentally adding 'you stupid, thoughtless, beautiful man. Of course I was waiting for you. As if I could relax or focus on any other task after you and Edward go tearing out of the house like the locusts of Hell were on your heels, without a goodbye or any explanation.'
A/N: Just a teaser! It's short for a reason :)