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EsmePOV

I hummed softly as I finely chopped the onions and celery, sliding them neatly from the chopping board to the heated pot on the stove. Only two days until Emmett was home. The house was frighteningly quiet without him, save for when Edward was practicing on the piano in the hallway. I had decided to make an abundance of his favourite chilli; some for tonight and then stacks to keep refrigerated during the week to quell his seemingly unending appetite.
"Well something certainly smells nice…"

I could feel my face spread into a smile as I heard my husband speak, and before I could turn he had snaked his hands around my waist, his chin resting gently on my shoulder as he lightly pecked my cheek.
"Enough chilli to feed an army, sweetheart?" His tone was teasing.
"No darling, just enough for dinner. And Emmett." He laughed loudly, releasing his arms from around my waist.
"Would you like some help?"
"No dear, you've just come home, sit yourself down and take a little break, this is no trouble at all."
"Esme darling I could say the same for you. The house looks spotless; something tells me you have had a busy day as well. I'd love to help you."

At exactly seven o'clock I heard Carlisle call Edward and Alice into the dining room for dinner as I poured water into four glasses. Although it had been years since Emmett had started college the house still felt unnaturally quiet without the additional footsteps of the Hale children and the constant laughter that seemed to fill the room. Evenings now were much more subdued and serene. Though I enjoyed the close company of my husband and youngest two, I could barely contain my excitement for the coming weekend.

As I entered the dining room Edward rose from his seat, smiling softly and lifting the water glasses from my hands before lightly kissing my cheek.
"Thank you sweetheart. The chilli is in the casserole dish and the rice is in the bowl with the spoon. Help yourselves."
"Thanks mom." Alice spoke quietly. As I glanced to her I noticed her eyes lacked their usual mischievous sparkle, and her smile lacked its usual warmth. I frowned softly, reaching to touch her arm.
"Don't you worry sweetpea, Emmett, Rose and Jasper will be home before we know it." I glanced to Carlisle, who seemed to smile as I included the Hales into our home. It was second nature to me, they felt as though they belonged here.
"We should have a huge meal to celebrate, invite Monroe and Whitney as well. Perhaps grill out in the garden, the weather is going to be lovely this weekend."

I beamed.
"Oh Carlisle that's a marvelous idea!"
"Yea, it sounds great Dad." Edward enthused, dishing himself a generous serving of chilli. "It'll give Alice a chance to catch up with Jasper." He teased, winking to Alice.
"Now Edward leave your sister alone, or we'll invite Bella for you to swoon over."

That had him. He looked to me, ascertained that I was serious, then nodded, tucking into his food. My gaze shifted back to Alice.
"Don't listen to him sweetheart, he's just teasing."

She merely nodded, pushing her food around her plate slowly.
"Alice, aren't you hungry?" Carlisle asked, clearly noticing her apparent lack of appetite as well.
"Not really Daddy. I don't feel so good." Carlisle reached to Alice's forehead, gently placing his hand there. He knew Alice only called him Daddy whenever she was ill, or wanted something.
"You don't have a fever. Do you feel sick?"

Alice nodded, looking to me.
"I'm sorry mom, this looks delicious, but -"
"No darling, not to worry. We can reheat it for you later if you're feeling better. Go on upstairs and I'll come and check on you when we're finished."

She nodded, moving from her chair without her usual grace or speed, and trudged upstairs. I sighed softly, looking to my husband.
"Oh Esme, don't worry yourself. It's probably an upset stomach or a touch of the flu. She'll be right as rain in a few days."

I nodded, though I was still worried. It was unusual for Alice to be ill, and the whole house felt it when she was. We missed her exuberant and infectious chatter, and it always made us uneasy to see her not feeling her best. Emmett had always poked fun at us when Alice was sick, saying, "Come on guys, Pixie will be fine in a few days, she just needs to recharge her Duracell!" He knew our incessant worrying would do her no good, so I resolved to just give her what she needed until she picked up.

Edward cleared his throat, standing.
"That was delicious Mom. I'll clear this up and then go see if Alice wants any help with her homework, she said she had a ton."
"Alight darling. Take her up some water and some aspirin, and some Pepto Bismol, and ask her if she needs anything else."

Edward smiled wryly, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards.
"Yes Mom, don't worry."

I smiled, letting myself calm. It was easy to overreact when any of my children were under the weather, but I had to accept that at 17 Alice was more than capable of taking care of herself. Carlisle's smile was almost teasing. It was as though he was silently remembering my fussing over the children, as they grew old enough to take care of themselves. I huffed lightly, making my husband chuckle.
"Oh Esme, sweetheart, she's seventeen. I know she's your baby but please, resist the urge to check on her every hour?"

A couple of hours later I knocked on Alice's door to check on her. Carlisle would be proud of my restraint. When there was no answer I opened it tentatively, smiling softly when I saw that she had fallen asleep on her bed, curled into a small ball. Removing the book from her hand I set it on the desk before tucking the duvet gently over her small form and pressing a light kiss to her forehead. She shifted a little in response, sighing softly in her sleep. I turned her lamp off before stopping at the door to take a last look, hoping she'd feel much more herself in the morning.