It was like every weekday in Alaska. Carlisle went to work at an early hour in the morning and the kids went to school at 7 to drop Nessie off on their way. The house was left silent. I washed the minimal dishes that Nessie left after she ate and sat on the patio out the back to watch the scene play out. A few birds flew around and the insects scattered along the ground for their own routine. It was good in a way, to be left to my own thoughts. Unfortunately, my thoughts were not blessed with the sweetness that everyone would think I would have. Not even Carlisle knew what ran through my head. Often my thoughts ran like a routine like my days. I thought of Carlisle and the kids, but then my thoughts run to my son that I lost and how I died for my loss of him. Following that thought was Charles. I disliked him to the point of hatred. His abusive hands, torturous smile and eyes. To this day he still tortures my thoughts. Shuddering, I got up and walked through the garden. I am over this constant routine. Breaking out into a sprint, I left the house for the day. Climbing the trees silently, to watch the beauty of the Alaska a Hawk stalked its prey. It was so intriguing. The way it circled above, then swooping down to capture the creature in its talons.
After losing track of time I heard a noise in the distance, "Esme! Darling Where are you?"
"Mum, mum!"
"She has gone this way. Carlisle. Over here." I could hear the worry in their voices and the sudden take off of their feet as they sprinted in my direction. I felt terrible. My boredom got the better of me and they are now worried because I left no note.
"Carlisle, sweet I am over here." I leapt down from the tree and headed towards them. As they came into view Carlisle was by my side in a split second, collecting me into an embrace. I was stunned at the tightness of the hug. "Darling, I am okay. Unharmed." He pulled back and worry was evident in his features.
"You have no idea do you." He searched my eyes for something. I began to worry, unsure of what he was getting at.
"No idea of what?", Now worried myself, not knowing what was going on. I looked at the kids counting to make sure they were all there. Edward, Rosalie, Emmette, Jasper, Alice, Bella and Nessie. Even though they were all there, something was still missing. Something was different. Joy! There was no joy in their eyes. "What has happened?"
"I think it is best if we go to the house." Carlisle put his arm around me and led me back to the house. I didn't miss the exchange between Edward and Carlisle's eyes. Fear, but for who I was uncertain. The scene before me was unbelievable. The house was ruined. Vases scattered in a thousand pieces, windows in shards, displaying a break in. Edwards piano was crushed and the walls were crumbled. Collapsing to the ground, my hand went to my mouth. "What happened… Carlisle! WHAT HAPPENED?" I stared at him with disbelief. Grabbing several items off the ground, I tried to begin the clean-up. A pair of small hands was on mine forcing me to let go of the debris.
"Emse," I looked up to see Bella's golden eyes. Sorrow was in them. "We are not sure. We were hoping you can tell us. You were the only one here in range to hear or see. There are strange scents all through the house. I was the first one home. I called Carlisle hoping you would be here. No one knew, even Alice had no idea what was going on." I looked at Alice, then at Carlisle.
"I… I… I have no idea." Getting up, ran to my room, locking the door after entering. The sight was more terrifying. The room that Carlisle and I shared so many memories in, the good and bad times, the times that I sobbed into Carlisle chest, the intimate moments of love, ruined as someone –with the worst scent – had come in and spread all our belongings over the floor. Bed sheets tossed to the floor. The bed… my favourite piece of furniture that was in the room. Carlisle and I had carved that together. The head piece had the landscape of the island he bought me for our honeymoon. I curled up against the wall and sobbed. "Esme?" It was Carlisle. Always my knight, that shines without armour. "Please open the door." I knew it was more of a demand than a request. Crawling to the door I unlocked it, then returned to my balled up position. He opened it slowly peeking through. I gathered from his slow movements he was taking in the mess. As he approached me I looked up. Love and deep concern was in his eyes. He sat next to me, pulling me onto his lap. "What is running through your mind?" His voice was soft as was his touch, soothing me instantly.
"How can someone come into our home and… and ruin it. What are we going to do Carlisle? We can't stay here and wait for their return."
"I know darling, tonight we will have a family meeting and…"
"NO! we are not having a meeting. This is our decision Carlisle! As the head of the family we have to protect them!"
"Okay. Do you want to discuss it now?" I wasn't sure how to answer it. I leant into him further, gripping his shirt with my hand breathing in his scent to rid my senses of the other one. Strangely the scent was familiar and it frightened me.
"Carlisle," I whispered. "Please don't tell the kids this, but the scent that has been left behind, frightens me. It is familiar but at the same time it isn't." Carlisle pushed me away to look into my eyes.
"Familiar?"
"It reminds me of Charles. But it is mixed with something else." A sob ripped through my chest and I leant into Carlisle's chest for comfort.
"I think it is time to leave." He scooped me into his arms and sat me on the chair at my desk. He hesitated and picked up a note. "Did you notice this dear?" I looked up at him. I hadn't had the chance to look around the room. A knock was at the door, with all the kids scents at the door.
"Carlisle we need to discuss something." It was Edward. He seemed tensed and I questioned how the kids' rooms looked like. "Our rooms are fine Esme, it is just this one." With that I ran to the door before Carlisle could say whether or not they could come in.
"What do you mean it is only this one? You can't be serious." Carlisle's hands were on my shoulders before I finished the sentence.
"Kids back your bags. We are leaving. Get your passports. We will discuss this further in the cars." With that, everyone dashed into action. I just stood at the door unable to move. Within in five minutes the kids were back at the door. Alice and Rosalie were holding me and speaking, but I couldn't comprehend what they were saying. I turned my head slowly to see what was keeping Carlisle. He was dashing around the room searching for something. I looked at the bags. Clothes for both of us our dress clothes that we wore to each of the weddings (we never leave them behind) and a small supply of makeup.
"Esme, where is your passport dear?"
"It should be in my draw… that is scattered over the floor." I walked over to the mess and knelt down to sort through it. I began to worry when I could not find it. I looked under the bed as I began to panic. "It is here. I found it. Let's leave now."