All credit goes to Stephenie Meyer for creating the 'Twilight ' world .
This is set after Breaking Dawn . When Esme , Edward , Emmett , and Rosalie along with Alice return from a shopping trip they find Carlisle has left . Leaving only a note and nothing more . When Esme asks Bella why he has left ( Bella was still at the house ) Bella's only reply is ' He told me that he'll be back when he is allowed '
Chapter one : Left Broken
Esme's POV :
Carlisle had been acting strange this past week . He had been spending nearly five hours overtime each night and had become reclusive . What bothered me though was that he had not said a word to me this morning when he left for work . Our normal morning routine was he said goodbye and we exchanged a few kisses before he left .
No kisses . No words . No looks .
Everyone had noticed the change in him , even Jacob . His actions last night though were what made me upset and desperate to catch him and find out what was wrong . My worry for my husband was beyond measure as I reflect on the night before .
The night before :
I glanced constantly at the clock from my place on the couch . 2 AM and Carlisle still hadn't showed . He normally called to let me know why he was running late . I had asked Alice if something had happened that was causing him to be busy but she had only told me that it was best if Carlisle told me in his own time . I sighed in relief when I heard the Mercedes come to a stop in the garage . Anxiety caused me to stare at the door , twitching uneasily . If Carlisle was upset I didn't want to freak him out further by pouncing him when he entered the house , but I could barely sit still .
" Carlisle … thank God you're home " I whispered when he walked in . I flashed hurriedly to his side , wrapping my arms around his strong shoulders . I felt his arms go hesitantly around me , which only increased my concern . " Carlisle , what's wrong dear ? " I asked softly , looking at him .
Carlisle looked away from me " Nothing for you to fret about Esme . " he murmured .
I frowned , placing a hand on his face to make him look at me " Carlisle ? " I studied his expression for any clues as to his depressing mood that he had had for the past week . His eyes were deep black and he had dark purple circles under his eyes from stress and thirst . He hadn't hunted in nearly a month . " Come with me " I added in a barely audible whisper . I found his hand and led him to our room , sitting down on the bed . Carlisle gently pushed me down into a laying position and then he laid down beside me . Understanding he did not want to talk , I moved until I was pressed against him , resting in his secure arms . I could feel his steady breathing against my neck begin to become rough .
He was crying .
I had only seen my husband break down and cry a very limited amount of times . Whatever was on mind had to be stressing him more than usual ………….
( Non flashback )
I walked through the house now , searching . " Carlisle ! " I shouted frantically . I rushed into his study where all the lights were off and the papers that normally covered hid desk had disappeared . Something was not right …. My heart filled with dread as I walked into our bedroom .
All of his clothes had been packed . Anything that had been in the room that was his was gone . From his work things to his outdoor clothing he wore when we traveled out of our normal range to hunt …all of it was gone . His comb , hiking boots and dress shoes , even his suitcase . The only evidence of him having been in the room only hours ago with me was his scent and a small note .
Esme ,
I am sorry that I have had to leave on such short notice . I will try and return as soon as I am allowed to. Take care of the family until I get back , please . I love you no matter what shall happen to me , remember that . I wish I did not treat you like I have done for the past few days but it was necessary . . .
I love you ,
Carlisle
I stared at the familiar neat handwriting . No … he couldn't have left … why would he have ? This could not be happening , but it was . I ran down the stairs and to where Bella was talking quietly to Edward " Bella ! Where did he go ? What's happened ? " I asked , my eyes wide in fright .
Bella looked at me " He said he will be back when he is allowed to . I'm not sure where he was going , he never said . " she said quietly . I felt the reassuring arms of Alice wrap around me and I could hear her talking softly to the others . I didn't hear them though . I did not feel Alice leading me to her room with Jasper . I did not hear Rosalie snapping at Bella . I was only focused on one thing , and that was the note in my hands .