The gymnasium was packed full and Carlisle Cullen struggled to weave his way through the bustling crowd. An enthusiastic sea of grandparents, parents, siblings, and other relatives clogged every possible space for movement, and silently he cursed himself for not leaving the hospital sooner. He desperately scanned the rows of people, hoping to spot the familiar mahogany top of Esme's head. Her short stature wasn't much help in this particular situation but upon seeing her, a smile graced his face. It should have come as no surprise to see her in one of the first few rows reserved for parents. They'd been to plenty of high school graduations, but he knew this one in particular held deep sentiment.

"I was worried they started without me," Carlisle said as he slipped into the empty seat beside her.

"That makes two of us," Esme replied. They shared a brief kiss and he eased an arm around her slender shoulders. "What took you so long?"

"I got paged on my way out," he explained.

"Well, I'm glad you're here now," she beamed.

"Me too," Carlisle said. He squeezed her hand into his own. "I can't remember the last time I actually looked forward to one of these things."

"He grew up way to fast," Esme sniffled. There would have been tears if her body could produce them but instead she struggled with a trembling lip and other crying associated tendencies. Carlisle squeezed her closer and kissed the side of her head.

"Don't be sad darling. This is just the first of many," Carlisle smirked.

"It's still the first," she said, regaining her composure. "Edward should be here."

Carlisle frowned. The thought had been haunting him for the past week. It'd been nine years since they'd last seen Edward. Nine years since they'd left Forks, Washington for Marquette, Michigan. None of them had heard from Edward since then. According to Alice he was still alive but since being with the Volturi, Edward succeeded in blocking her out from gaining insight about his future. The thought of his son working closely with the ruthless Coven made Carlisle's spine curl. He wasn't one to judge – after all, he'd spent his fair share of time with Aro and the others – but this was different. Edward was at their service. And worse than that, Carlisle couldn't get the evocative image of Edward's deadly scarlet eyes out of his head. It was a look he'd never seen in the young man. It was in that moment before parting ways that Carlisle came upon a heartbreaking conclusion; Edward Cullen was gone.

"Roger Andrew Byerly…Hillary Lee Carpenter…Elizabeth Noelle Cramer"

A sputter of applause came after each name. Students whisked across the stage in navy robes and caps, shook hands with the administration and latched onto their diploma. Carlisle smirked to himself at Esme's clear excitement. The closer the names got to Cullen, the tighter her grip became on his hand.

Perhaps the only good that had come of the tragedy nine years ago was watching the growth of his grandson and the happiness it brought Esme to raise him. Though neither would admit it, a child of their own was the only thing missing from their loving marriage. While Edward and Bella's son wasn't of their own blood, the baby was as much their own as any other. There had been many a night Carlisle was guilty of peering in on Esme comforting the baby as it cried, feeding him in the middle of the night, singing and reading to him as he grew. She was a perfect, loving, compassionate mother. He knew she would never come out and say it – for she still mourned for her son and daughter as much as everyone else – but her time with the baby was a dream finally becoming reality. Carlisle couldn't help but find irony in the fact that such joy had been birthed from such great horror.

"Charles Anthony Cullen."

Identical, wide grins stretched Esme and Carlisle's faces as the young man glided across the stage. He gracefully received his diploma, briefly smiling down at his parents before continuing across stage. His movements and appearance were uncannily similar to his biological father's. Still, Charlie was built broader and taller than Edward. His shoulders were full and his chest wide. He was a few inches taller than Carlisle and though not near as large as Emmett, maintained a sturdy physique. He had Edward's facial structure. A stiff jawline and defined chin sculpted his perfectly smooth, pale face. His smile fell in the same crooked shape as his father's, but his eyes were clearly Bella's. They were auburn jewels, speckled with mahogany and black shades, always childish and imploring. Though technically only nine years old, the vampire hybrid had developed into a striking young man.

"I can't believe we made it," Esme whispered happily.

Carlisle nodded, for his wife couldn't have said it any better. The last nine years had been about surviving and coping. Though Charlie's graduation certainly wasn't the end of the journey, it finally felt like they'd reached a point of reprieve.

"We couldn't have done this without you," Carlisle whispered into her ear. It was true. In the beginning, while everyone was mourning Bella's death and distraught over Edward's departure, it was Esme who brought everyone together. It was Esme, like any matriarch, who kept love and warmth in the house, even in the darkest of times. And it was Esme who raised Charlie like her own son, showering him with the affection his biological parents couldn't. As much as Carlisle cared for the child, it was difficult to imagine rearing the boy on his own. Babies and children were new territory but Esme had led the way without reservation. And now, at the graduation ceremony, they could celebrate a job well done.

"I love you," she told him.

"I love you too."

Following the ceremony, Esme and Carlisle were forced back into the tumultuous crowd. They looked young to be parents, earning them several skeptical looks among the group of parents. The couple only smiled and exchanged knowing looks as they held hands.

"Mom! Dad!"

As soon as he was within reach, Esme grabbed him into a hug. Charlie grinned as he embraced her while Carlisle shook his hand. "Congratulations, son."

"Thanks," he grinned. Charlie chuckled as he held his mother in an embrace. "Mom, please don't cry."

"I'm not crying," Esme insisted unconvincingly.

"Your brothers and sisters wanted to come but we couldn't get more tickets," Carlisle told him. "They're waiting for us at the house."

Charlie grinned. "Good because Emmett owes me a rematch…"

"No, no rematches. The last time you two insisted on rough housing, you tore apart three different rooms," Esme scolded. "I for one would like a civil, wholesome family gathering…"

"Congratulations shithead," Emmett greeted as soon as his parents and nephew came through the door.

"Emmett Cullen, what have I told you about that language," Esme glared.

Her scolding went unnoticed however as Emmett and Charlie shared an embrace. The large clan happily swarmed in the living room and Charlie was sure to give each person a greeting. Being surrounded by his family was always a sure way to brighten his spirits and the positive energy worked both ways. Since he was a small boy, Charlie always radiated with enthusiasm and positivity, drawing people of all kinds into his presence. His childish laughter and at times incorrigible curiosity made him a joy to be around.

"We're so proud of you," Alice said, eagerly pulling him into a hug.

"Even though we all know Carlisle donated a generous amount to George Washington High School to insure your diploma," Jasper teased.

"It seems like only yesterday you were a baby," Rosalie sighed forlornly. She always had a tender spot in her heart for Charlie. After Edward's departure, she'd spent much of her time admiring the baby and helping Esme handle the quick growing child. While Esme and Carlisle taught him about values and manners and schoolwork it was Emmett and Rosalie who'd introduced him to the best ways to hunt and climb and run and even fight. Charlie was the little brother Emmett never had and the son Rosalie always wanted.

"Now you're starting to sound like Esme," Carlisle chuckled.

"How much did mom cry?" Emmett asked as he wrapped an arm around Rosalie.

"Hard to tell without any actual tears," Charlie smirked.

"I'm glad you all think it's funny but it was sentimental," Esme insisted. "It's been a long time since it's been someone's first graduation."

"Yes and I hope you appreciated all the magic. Enjoy doing it thirty more times," Jasper groaned.

"You're exaggerating, it hasn't been thirty times," Alice said. She gazed off in confusion. "At least I don't think it's been thirty…"

"Well, the next time I graduate hopefully it will be from college," Charlie replied with an enthusiastic grin. He'd changed out of his cap and gown and wore a flannel shirt and jeans. The sleeves were pushed past his elbows and a few strands of copper hair fell to his forehead.

"You've decided where you're going?" Rosalie asked.

"Northwestern," Charlie smiled.

"Carlisle found a position at a hospital in Chicago," Esme put in.

The family lounged happily in the living room. Esme and Carlisle held hands on the sofa while Rosalie leaned into Emmett. Jasper and Alice were settled on the floor while Charlie sat on the ottoman. It was a rare thing for them to all to be in the same place anymore. Now that Charlie was grown, Emmett and Rosalie spent a majority of their time travelling. They'd spent the last year in Russia, which seemed to suit them well. Emmett looked like a born in bred Soviet when he put on a fur hat and long jacket. Jasper and Alice were busy attending classes in Maine and commuted back and forth when time permitted. In most cases it was just Esme, Carlisle, and Charlie in Michigan. It's what made the gathering all the more enjoyable.

"Do you have any idea what you want to study?" Jasper asked.

"Pre-med," Charlie answered. He gave a proud grin. "I decided I want to be a doctor, like dad."

Emmett gave a deep laugh while the rest of the room fell silent. Rosalie smacked her husband in the arm. "But that takes a lot of schooling," Alice eased in gently.

"I know," Charlie nodded eagerly, oblivious to the somberness surrounding him. "Four years of undergraduate work and then medical school for four more years and then more time as an intern and resident. It will be hard work but it's what I want to do. Besides, I have dad to show me the ropes…"

"Charlie," Carlisle cleared his throat. Esme had a fierce grip on his hand as if warning him to be careful with his words. Already he was inwardly pained with what had to be said. "I think it's great that you've found something you want to do but you realize by the time you'd finish it'd be roughly ten years."

Charlie nodded again, but this time he faltered with confusion. "I know," he said.

"That would mean you'd be twenty-eight years old," Carlisle elaborated. He gave a grimace. "You see, you're not going to mature anymore. We've talked about that, remember?"

"Well, yeah, but I can still be a doctor. You're a doctor," Charlie insisted.

"I still look twenty-three. It's not as big of a stretch," Carlisle replied. "And even then, I'm lucky if I can stay ten years before people start to get suspicious."

"Oh," Charlie nodded. The previous enthusiasm in his voice had disappeared and the brightness of his eyes was gone. Esme frowned with empathy, her heart aching at her son's disappointment. Rosalie bashfully lowered her head and Jasper uncomfortably twiddled his thumbs.

"I'm sorry, Charlie," Carlisle sighed.

"No, it's okay," he insisted. "I get it. I was just being stupid."

"It wasn't stupid, honey," Esme told him.

Charlie forced himself to remain upbeat in order to avert any pity. It was a habit he was accustom to and as uncomfortable as it was, he produced a half smile. "It's probably in the best interest of the human race that I'm not trusted with scalpels," he joked.

"I'm glad you realized it before I had to break it to you," Emmett jeered. He sensed the uneasiness in the house and sought to bring a lighter mood. He rose from the couch and slapped Charlie on the back. "I don't know about you, but I'm hungry. And I believe you owe me a rematch…"

"First one to draw blood wins?" Charlie smiled.

"It sounds so morbid when you say it like that," Rosalie shook her head.

"Jaz, you coming?" Emmett asked.

"Right behind you," he said.

The trio sped off in a flash before Esme could warn them to be careful.

Charlie Cullen couldn't sleep.

And like all other evenings when rest wouldn't find him, he hopped onto the roof. The Cullen home was settled near the edge of Lake Superior, giving them an ideal view of the water. Sometimes when Charlie felt the urge, he would plunge into the lake for a swim. Other times he found solace in fishing or taking a canoe out with his father. It was an ideal place to grow up. It was an ideal place to live. And yet for the first time in all his years, he couldn't help but feel forlorn as he stared out into the night.

From what he could remember of his early life it had been pleasant. Being half-human, half-vampire wasn't necessarily easy but his parents were great teachers and supporters, constantly helping him to better understand his lineage. His brothers and sisters were equally caring and at times extremely protective. It was somewhat expected considering he was the baby of the coven. He never knew why, but Esme and Carlisle always treated him differently. At first he thought it was because he was the youngest but now that he looked as old as everyone else, it was hard to believe their secret longing looks were related to his youth. The older he got the stranger it seemed.

After hunting with his brothers, Charlie spent plenty of time with the rest of his family. He'd missed having them all together and relished in their time. For graduation Carlisle and Esme bought him a car. It was a sleek, black chrome, two door muscle car with an '60s like appeal. Emmett and Rosalie bought him a watch, while Alice and Jasper promised to take him to Africa over the summer. While he certainly didn't need gifts, Charlie appreciated their generosity. But despite all the fullness and kindness his family provided, he couldn't help but feel as though something was missing. He'd never before wondered about where he'd come from or who he was; not until now.

Not until he came to the dark realization that he would be stuck like this. It was ignorant of him to think he could succeed at blending into human society. Still, his dreams of being a doctor were now torn to shreds, leaving him with nothing to ponder but how he would repeat four painful years of high school over and over. He would always be eighteen. He would be stuck alone for eternity, making no progress, no change, and no difference. Never before had it all seem so depressing.

And now as he stared into the night, realizing his life would be one, continuous, repetitive loop until the end of time, he needed answers. He needed to know where he came from in order to have any idea about who he would be.

"You can't feel bad, Carlisle," Jasper assured his foster father. "He had to find out eventually. It's better that he knows now."

"I only wish it weren't this way," he muttered.

"He could do it, couldn't he?" Esme asked hopefully. "We could just say he was a prodigy or a genius…"

"It would draw attention, darling," Carlisle said.

"I just don't like seeing him upset," she mumbled.

"Have you told him anything else?" Rosalie asked.

"What do you mean?"

"About Edward," Alice murmured.

The living room went tense. Carlisle and Esme exchanged glances. "No," he replied.

"I thought you said before he graduated you would tell him," Rosalie said.

"It's not that easy, Rose," Esme told her.

"The longer you keep it a secret from him, the harder he'll take it," Alice mused.

"I think he'll take it hard anyway," Emmett spoke up. "To find out that you killed your mother and your father didn't want you; that's harsh for anyone."

"So you're just never going to tell him the truth?" Alice asked.

"The chance will present itself," Carlisle said. "Until then, not knowing isn't causing him harm."

"I still find it weird that he thinks we're his brothers and sisters," Rosalie said.

"I think it's funny he doesn't call Esme and Carlisle grandma and grandpa," Emmett chuckled.

"Jasper and I visited Forks a few months ago," Alice revealed.

A few of the family members pulled in a cautious gasps. "Alice, you know that's forbidden," Carlisle said.

"It was a brief visit. We just wanted to see if Edward was in town," she clarified. "Besides, those oafish wolves were too dumb to realize we were even there."

Jasper raised his hands in surrender to the group who still seemed less than pleased. "It was her idea," he insisted.

"It was an unnecessary risk. The last thing we want is to draw attention not only from the wolves but the Volturi," Carlisle advised. Just saying the Coven's name brought the family secret pain but he ignored the sting of the words.

"Have you heard from them?" Rosalie asked gently.

Carlisle shook his head. "I've been in contact with Aro. He's warned us that one slip with Charlie and we'll be facing severe consequences. When I asked him about Edward he ended our conversation…"

"So that means he's with them?" Alice asked.

"It's a possibility," Carlisle nodded. "But in the meantime, we can't be careless. No more trips to Forks, Washington, no more searching for Edward. If he wants us to find him, he would let us know."

Charliejamin nearly gasped at the revelation. Instead he remained silent behind the corner, slinking down to the floor against the wall where he stood. New truth meant new lies. He shook his head in disbelief. It wasn't the betrayal he was expecting or the way he intended to learn of his past, but one thing quickly became clear; he knew what he was to do next.