I Do Not Own Much, Please Do Not Sue!
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If Edward's heart was still fully functional and necessary, he'd be worried. Very worried. This feeling in his chest was becoming more unbearable as the days went by. And his discomfort was being noticed now not only by Jasper but by the rest of the vampires as well. At least he was keeping it hidden from the girls. Eventually Carlisle called him into his office.
"Edward, Jasper has informed me that he is getting a mixture of worrying emotions from you. Would you like to talk about it?"
Edward sank into the armchair opposite Carlisle and considered whether or not he should confide in his 'father'. He supposed he didn't have much choice, he was sure that if he didn't consciously do something about the building up of pressure within him, it might rip him apart. "I think it's the imprint."
"What do you mean?" Carlisle leaned forward onto his desk, waiting patiently for me to continue.
"Well it's similar to . . . before Sarah. When we ignored everything and each other. Except it is worse this time." I was unconsciously rubbing my chest above where my heart was situated.
Carlisle's face became concerned and I could see him become tense. "Worse how?"
"Uhm . . . " I wasn't sure whether I should tell him or not. And if I did, what would I say?
Rosalie chose that moment to interrupt. "Carlisle, Seth is on his way here and Jasper says he is giving off strong vibes of worry and fear."
We fled the room; Carlisle to fetch his medical bag and me to intercept Seth. By the time he caught up with us; Seth, Jasper and I were halfway to La Push.
"He says something is wrong with Billy. I asked Emmett to meet us there in the Volvo, in case we need to transport him to the hospital. And Rose is going to keep an eye on the girls. Should I call Esme and Alice and ask them to return?" By that time we had reached the Black residence.
"Yes Edward, I think that's best for now. They should stay with Rose and the girls, just in case." With that he entered the house. After making the call, I followed him.
Jasper was giving off strong waves of calm. It was definitely needed, if everyone's thoughts were anything to go by. I made my way to Jacob's room and stood staring out of the window. If Billy's thoughts were anything to go by, Jacob knew nothing of what had happened. He didn't want his son worrying about him, especially if it was something trivial.
'Edward. I need you to go to the hospital to fetch some medication for Billy. He is going to be fine, it was just a combination of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Ask for Lydia at the hospital pharmacy, she owes me a favour and will give you the necessary medication.'
Edward did what was asked of him and when he returned to the house; Jasper, Emmett and the wolves were gone. Carlisle was having a quiet word with Sue and Charlie in the kitchen, so he put the medication on the counter and made his way to Billy's room.
"You shouldn't sneak up on old men."
"You are not old Billy." Although at the moment, he did indeed look old. I sat down on the chair next to his bed, knowing that he did not want to be alone.
"Edward." He turned his head and was now looking directly at me. "If anything should happen to me." I made to argue but he gave me a stern look, so I kept quiet. "As I was saying, if anything should happen to me, I'd be happy knowing Jacob was looked after."
I chewed on my bottom lip and looked away. Surely he understands that the imprint is only temporary and that once it's gone, Jacob and I will go back to hating each other. Even though the thought scared me, I knew it was inevitable. Although, seeing as how we shared Sarah . . . and Eva, we would need to be civil towards one another.
"I can't promise anything Billy but I will do my best."
"Thank you Edward, that is enough for now." We lapsed into a comfortable silence and eventually he fell asleep. After some time of sitting there watching him sleep, Carlisle came in to check on him one last time and then we left.
That evening when Jacob came to fetch the girls on his way home from work, Carlisle took him into his office. Billy had asked him to explain everything to his son. Even though just being in the same house as the wolf alleviated some of the pressure, there was still too much tension between us, so I went hunting.
When I eventually got home, the rest of my family were waiting for me in the lounge, minds blank. So I sat down in the only available seat and waited.
"Edward, after much discussion we have come to the conclusion that you and young Jacob need some time alone. Alice has everything planned."
"Em has volunteered his hunting cabin in Northern Canada. Carlisle is going to organise some time off for Jake. Since Jake hates flying, the two of you will have to drive there, so Jazz is going to work out the fastest route for you to take. Esme is in charge of providing enough food for Jake. You obviously can't take the Volvo, so Rose is going to arrange for a better vehicle. And I'm going to pack your luggage! Any questions?"
I was on my feet, upset that they thought we would just comply. "Yes, several. Who says I want to go anywhere with the mutt? Who says he is going to agree to this anyway? Why Canada? Why can't we just spend his vacation time here? And what about the girls?" I was glaring at Alice, hoping it had some effect on her.
"Edward" Jasper started softly, "I know how not spending time with each other is affecting you both. This is what is best for the imprint."
Esme approached me then and wrapped her arms around me. "I agree with Jasper, forcing the two of you to spend some time alone is best for the imprint. And the girls will be just fine here with us. We'll even take them into La Push to spend some time with Billy, promise." She was the only one aware of the reason behind the tension between the shapeshifter and I, so obviously she would want to dispel it.
Sighing, "Fine, I agree to give this a chance but if it doesn't work then I told you so. So who is going to inform Jacob? Because I refuse to do it!"
"Don't worry about that Edward. I will inform young Jacob of the plan."
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I was surprised that by the morning of our departure, Jacob had not thrown a tantrum yet. Maybe he had this feeling in his chest as well. Perhaps he had matured and was willing to discuss things like two adults. I sincerely hoped so because this tension between us isn't good for the girls. So after saying my goodbyes to my family, I made my way into La Push.
I wasn't all that surprised when Billy opened the door, even though it was very early in the morning. He obviously wanted to see his son off. "Good morning Billy."
"Good morning Edward, come on in. The girls are in the kitchen having breakfast with Charlie and Jacob is in his room. As a warning, the girls are very unhappy about the two of you going to Canada without them." Billy's thoughts were confusing and worried, I wonder why.
I followed him into the kitchen where I greeted Charlie; over the past two years things have settled between us. I tried to kiss the girls on their heads but they shied away from me. Their thoughts were angry and hurt and I felt bad because had I been given a choice, they would be accompanying us.
"WHAT!?! But I don't want to! Don't I get a say? Damn leeches!" It sounded like Jacob was arguing with someone and then he came stomping into the kitchen, looking furious. I'm surprised he had enough control over himself to not phase.
"You! How dare you assume I'd be willing to go to some isolated cabin in Canada with you? " He was standing right in front of me, jabbing me in the chest when he said 'you'. I was confused, why was he only protesting now! At that moment, Carlisle walked into the kitchen.
Scowling I demanded, "You only told him now? Didn't you think that maybe he would need time to get used to the idea!" Dammit! Now I understood Billy's worried thoughts and Jacob's anger. I turned to the shapeshifter then, "What makes you think that I want to be stuck in a cabin with you?"
"That's enough! Jacob, you are going with Edward! There will be no more arguing!" Both Jacob and I stared at Billy in shock, I've never heard him so angry. And that's when Sarah and Eva burst into tears.
Before we could move towards them; Alice and Rosalie were there, holding and soothing them. "The sooner the two of you leave the better!"
I glared at Alice, then said goodbye to the girls even though they wanted nothing to do with me. Rejection from ones daughters is a painful thing to endure. After greeting Charlie and Billy as well, I made my way outside and waited for Jacob in the car. He soon came stomping out of the house, pouting but still angry. Once he was seated I took off, wishing I had never confided in Carlisle.
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