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Beta: TwilightDramaTeach

Chapter 27: Breaking Point Outtake

Esme's POV

I went to the kitchen when the memories became too overwhelming. I needed a distraction and dinner sounded like a good one. I took a deep breath to calm myself before beginning. I pulled out pots and pans mentally scanning the pantry. I needed something that would require my full attention and keep my mind occupied so I couldn't think about Richard. I walked around the kitchen hurriedly pulling food from the cabinets. I needed to start cooking soon if I wanted to keep my mind clear.

I placed the vegetables on the island and retrieved the cutting board and knife. I started chopping the bell peppers. I could feel my eyes begin to water and sniffled hoping to stop the tears before they fell. Everyone was in the other room. I needed to stay strong for them. They needed me to take care of them. I was needed. The thought was so comforting. Richard wasn't here. I wasn't under his control anymore. I had people that loved me. I felt a tear slide down my cheek. I jumped when I heard someone clear their throat.

"Oh," I squeaked and dropped the knife. It clattered on the granite countertop. I fought down the urge to immediately start apologizing. I didn't want to be punished for my carelessness. I realized, however, that it was Edward. I was older. This was another time, another part of my life. I wasn't stuck in the memories. I turned around quickly and began gathering more vegetables to chop. I didn't want Edward to see me like this. I was his mother; I needed to be strong. "I didn't see you. I'm sorry. What can I do for you, sweetheart?"

"How are you?" he asked quietly.

"I'm fine." I made sure my voice was cheery. I was okay. I had to be.

"Mom, you don't have to put up a front." I turned back around and smiled at him so he'd know I really was okay. I continued to chop the vegetables. My family needed me. I had to make them happy. I had to make sure they were taken care of. It was my job. I heard him walk closer before he pulled the knife from my hand. He grabbed my hands and whispered, "It's okay." But it wasn't. I wasn't okay. I was having a hard time with all this, a harder time than I wanted to admit, and that made me feel weak. "Do you want me to get dad?" I nodded. I needed him. He kissed my forehead before walking back to the living room. He was so much like his father. I smiled at the thought. I had to have done something right for him to have so much of Carlisle in himself.

"Honey," I heard Carlisle say. I looked up to see him looking at me with concern. There was no pity, though, and for that, I was so grateful. "I love you." I felt my wall crumble. I stepped forward into his waiting arms. He cradled me to him and rocked me slowly as I cried into his shirt. "I love you so much, darling. You are so wonderful, caring, compassionate, loving, tough, and strong-willed. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect partner or more perfect mother for our children." His words warmed me, and I felt myself start to calm.

"He's not here, love. He can't get to you, can't hurt you," he continued to assure me. "I love you because my life before you meant nothing. You brought joy and happiness to me. When you started loving me, I finally found my purpose in this world. I was sent here just to love you, and I'll do that for the rest of my life." I sighed into his chest and pulled back to smile at him.

"Thank you," I told him. He smiled and kissed me softly. "I was having trouble. When we walked in to find Bella on the couch, I saw me. I remembered the time he pushed me down the stairs for leaving a sock in the hall. He was so mad. I could never do anything right."

"Love, you never did anything wrong. You are not to blame for anything that happened." He sounded so fierce. He always felt so strongly about it.

"I tried so hard to make the marriage work. I didn't want to be a failure."

"You were not a failure. That marriage was not meant to work. It wasn't even a marriage. You were forced into that. You had no choice in the matter. This, what we have, is a marriage. It's a partnership, and you make it work beautifully. You are the best wife a man could ask for. I will never be happy about what happened to you. You didn't deserve that kind of treatment, but the time you're thinking of, the time he pushed you down the stairs, do you remember what was good about that day?" I smiled and held him tighter.

"It's the day I met you." I felt him nodded.

"Do you know how much you affected me? I couldn't think or see straight that day. I was so scatter-brained because all I could think about was you. You were by far the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen, and I could tell you had such a kind, caring heart. I fell in love with you that day." I felt a tear slip down my face, but this time, it wasn't out of sadness.

"I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too, more than you could possibly know." I pulled back and tilted my head towards him. He pressed his lips against mine softly, but the emotion behind the action was almost overwhelming. "Let me show you." I giggled.

"Carlisle, all the kids are here."

"Who cares? It's our house, and there are extra rooms. You just have to be quiet. I know the kids have been gone for a few years, but I think you can remember how to keep it down." He waggled his eyebrows, and I was a goner. He really was like a seventeen-year-old horny boy still. I was going to protest, but how could I? I nodded as he took my hand and led me upstairs.

AN: So, there's a little more information on Esme. I hope you liked it. Next outtake will be a break from the heavy topics. It'll be a little scene between Mike and Edward. Who's excited???