Cold shoulder. Now I finally knew the meaning. It had been one month since Edward's birthday. Ever since then, Carlisle had been acting like a completely different person. He ignored me and would not even acknowledge I was there when I entered into a room.

I wanted so badly to reach inside and melt his cold heart but he wasn't letting me get any closer. It seemed like he was purposely doing this…like he was pushing me away for some reason. I really wanted to find out why.

Being a vampire in the summer, was far from fun. I wasn't permitted to go into town during the day when the sun was out so I wouldn't attract attention. Needless to say, I was getting pretty restless just staying on Carlisle's property all day long. I was ecstatic when he came home with some exciting news.

"Esme, the chief surgeon has asked me to host the annual hospital banquet here. Could I ask you for an enormous favor?"

"Of, course. What is it?"

"Well, I'm not much of a party-planner. Do you think you could take care of all the decorations and catering. I would gladly pay you for helping me throw this banquet."

"Oh, I would love to help. You wouldn't have to pay me, it would be my pleasure."

"Well, that settles it. I will have the money for you in the morning so you can begin with the planning. Let me know if you need anything."

"Alright."

I was thrilled to finally find something to occupy my time. I was also thrilled that Carlisle actually spoke to me in a civilized manner. The banquet was in one month, on August 20. I had so much to do and luckily I had nothing else to do so I could devote every second to my party planning. I had to go into town when the sun started to go down. I had to visit the florist, caterer, and any store I could think of to get decorations, table linens and other such things.

I wanted the house to look elegant. I really wanted it to be to Carlisle's taste so I didn't want anything to be over-done. I wanted to impress him, or at least get him to talk to me. The week of the banquet finally rolled around. I hadn't had much luck with getting Carlisle to warm up to me. I was so occupied preparing everything that I forgot to ask Carlisle if I was even invited and what our cover story was. How was I supposed to explain me living with Carlisle and his son? That would surely raise eyebrows and be cause for more gossip.

The day before the banquet arrived and I was so nervous. I hadn't been able to find the perfect dress. I had one day left so I had to really get it together. Edward came into the room and just stood there. I could tell he wanted to say something.

"Edward, honey, is something wrong?"

"No. I just wanted to give you some advice about Carlisle."

"Um. Ok, go ahead dear."

"He likes the color green so I got you something to wear. I hope you like it. "Let me go get it. It's in my room."

He returned with the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. It was emerald green. It was simple yet elegant…it was perfect.

"Edward, it's beautiful. I can't believe you got this for me."

"Well, a son's duty is to help his mother."

"Oh darling, thank you so much."

"Your welcome. I love you Esme."

"I love you too, honey."

I think that was the day I felt like a mother, like I knew where I belonged.

Edward took care of the dress so I didn't have to worry about much else. On the day of the banquet, we went hunting early so we could come back early to get ready. I took a shower and did my make up while my hair dried. It just occurred to me that I looked kind of plain. I didn't think to get any jewelry to go with the dress. Oh well, it was too late now.

I did my make up natural but I thought I looked nice. I did my hair in an elegant up-do. I put my dress on and admired myself in the mirror. I heard a knock at the door. Carlisle asked if he could come in.

"Yes of course," I replied.

He came in and just stared for a moment.

"Sorry. You look beautiful. There's just something missing."

I frowned. I thought I looked fine but apparently not good enough for him.

"Here's what's missing"

He took a black velvet box out of his pocket and handed it to me. Inside there were emerald and diamond earrings. They matched my dress perfectly and did complete my outfit.

I was completely shocked he would go through the trouble. I wasn't sure what to make of his gift. I wasn't sure if he gave it to me so I could wear it to impress his co-workers or for another purpose. Well, for know I didn't want to worry about it. I wanted to make the best out of our nice moment.

"Wow. I really don't know what to say. They're beautiful."

"They kind of reminded me of your eyes. They used to be green. And Edward helped since he chose out your dress. It always helps when you have a son who can read minds."

"Thank you. That was very thoughtful."

I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

He held out his arm and I took it.

"Are you ready to go meet our guests?"

"Yes I am. But first, I would like to get our story straight. What is our story? What have you told everyone at the hospital?"

"I told them we were married. That we have been married for eight months. That's how long you have been living with Edward and I. I told them it was a small, quiet wedding. They think Edward is my nephew, whom I have adopted. I told them he is my deceased sister's son. They were quite anxious for details but I was pretty vague. As long as we both have the basics down I think we'll be fine."

He grabbed my hand and we walked hand in hand to greet our guests.

As soon as the guests arrived, Carlisle practically ignored me. He was giving me the cold shoulder again. It really was quite difficult to keep up with his mood swings. One minute he was being sweet and giving me jewelry, and the next minute he was ignoring me. I expected him to be at my side, introducing me to his co-workers. I kept glancing at him to try to steal his gaze and give him a hint. When I finally caught his eye, he just turned away and put his hand on his female co-workers back. That was such a low blow. Well, two can play that game. If he thought he could make me jealous, well he had another thing coming.

I paid close attention to all the guests. I noticed a blond, very good-looking man having a bit of a disagreement with Carlisle. I took that as my cue.

"Carlisle, would you mind terribly if I borrowed your friend for a dance?"

"This is Joshua. He is a pediatrician."

"So, you work with children. That is amazing that you have the patience to care for children. Carlisle doesn't really have much patience for children. Well, Joshua, how about a dance?"

"I would be delighted."

As I walked away, I caught a glimpse of Carlisle's expression. He looked angry. Oh, well. He would have to control himself around his guests. I finally felt good about getting even with him for treating me this way for the past month or so.

I couldn't help, discreetly flirting with Joshua. I would throw my head back in laughter every moment I could. A slower song came on and I got closer to Joshua. I would whisper in his ear, even though I didn't feel comfortable. I knew this would drive Carlisle crazy.

The moment the dance was over, Carlisle came over. He looked like he was trying to hide his anger but I could tell it was there.

"Joshua, would you mind terribly if I borrowed my wife for a minute."

"Not all. After all she is your wife," he said, with a smug look on his face.

He grabbed me by the arm and practically dragged me to his study.

"Just tell me one thing…what the hell are you thinking?"

"I don't know what you mean?"

"Don't' play innocent with me, you know perfectly well what I'm talking about. Are you trying to make me look bad in front of my colleagues?"

"Your making yourself look bad. You're the one who has completely ignored me all night. So much for being your so-called wife."

He had me back up against the wall with his face about an inch from mine. I couldn't stop there though. No matter how angry he was, I wanted him to exactly what I thought.

"Carlisle, ever since Edward's birthday you have been so cold towards me. "You have ignored me. You don't even acknowledge me. I thought that all changed the moment you gave me those earrings but my mistake. I guess it was just a bribe to keep me in check and play your happy little wife."

He was so close to me I could feel his breath, strongly in my face. Any closer and our lips would be touching.

"I gave those earrings to you because I wanted to. I don't need a reason to give you something. I also don't have to explain any behavior to you. You live with me therefore it is your duty to play the role of my wife."

I could not believe he said it was my duty. I did the first thing that came to mind, so I slapped him.

He caught my hand just in time.

He pulled me even closer. I thought this was the moment our lips would touch. He lingered for a second then let me go and pulled away.

He gave me one last look and walked out of the room.