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Chapter Seven: Away From Home

Edward

It was midday on Saturday. I felt as though my stay at Denali had lasted for almost a week; in fact, I hadn't even been here for twenty four hours. Tanya was being a gracious host, despite her mind loosely hoping in romantic opportunities. I was annoyed.

The others were a much more bearable. Eleazer's jokes were mildly funny while Kate enjoyed surprising everybody with a sudden electric style shock. Her gift was different to my own. Kate's talent allowed her to produce a small but concentrated burst of energy that doubled up as pain. My own little gift allowed me to move away before she had the chance to shock me.

Why so quiet Edward? Is something bothering you? The thought was Kate's. I didn't know what to say or how to even explain, so I merely shook my head slowly. Her head turned slowly back to the gothic novel she was entertaining herself with. Carmen and Eleazer were nowhere in sight; as I couldn't hear their thoughts, I assumed the happy couple to be hunting with Irina.

I sighed.

I missed Forks. I missed my family. I missed Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, Rose and Emmett. And Alice. I missed Alice and her crazy ideas. Everything was different now……

I failed to notice that Kate had stood up and leaped over to me. She placed her hands on the back of my armchair.

"Edward, what is bothering you?" Kate asked lightly, "Are you missing Carlisle? And the rest of your family? Because if you leave, Edward, we're not going to consider it a major insult."

I had not come down to that line of thinking. I had not even considered leaving yet. No. I wasn't ready. I wasn't prepared to face the disappointment of my family nor the wrath of Bella's scent. I could not return in my current state. It would do nobody any good.

"Just thinking." I said casually; Kate nodded curtly.

Esme

Carlisle was at the hospital while Alice and Rosalie headed to a mall in Seattle. Jasper and Emmett were in the garage, tinkering with the Jeep. This left me, alone, in the vast expanses of the Cullen home.

I walked out of the bedroom that Carlisle and I shared. I imagined Edward playing the piano; his hands would move intricately along the keys, creating a number of fantastic tunes and harmonies. Listening to Alice and Edward together was another beauty. I laughed about the fond memories.

I sat on the banister and allowed myself to slide at a relatively slow pace down to the ground. In a few short steps, I was standing by the grand piano and then sitting upon the stool.

In my youth, I had played a little music. The flowing melodies and rich sounds were magic to my ear; though, I would never be as passionate as Edward had begun. I placed my hands onto the keys and began playing.

My own small compositions were easy to remember and uncomplicated. The music was relaxing but also brought back painful thoughts. I could never play as elegantly as Edward. I could never match his musicianship skills. I could never fill the silent gap that he had left.

When Edward left, he took more than just his physical person.

He took away a son.

And left a family in chaos.

Bella

My weekend had been quite uneventful. I had spoken over the phone to Angela; she was also in high spirits about La Push. Jessica had also offered to watch a movie with me at her place. To this, I had agreed although the general plotline of the film had been very boring.

Unbelievably, I was happy to return to school on Monday. Something very odd in the back of my mind yearned to see Alice again. Despite her relationship with him and obsession with fashion, we had a lot in common. I found it easy to talk and have fun with Alice.

I also wanted to see my other new friends again. Angela and Jess were pleasant company; we had things to talk about and things in common. Mike and Eric were also enjoyable to be around.

I arrived at school at the usual time and looked around the carpark. Mike was waving at me not too far away and I returned his gesture. I also noticed a dazzling, red convertible parked nearby. It was a pretty vehicle; just too fancy for my taste.

"Hey Mike!" I called out, once he was in shouting range. "Have a good weekend?"

"Yeah, not too bad." Mike answered, shrugging. "It's nearly time for first period. Do you want to walk to biology together?"

Of course, I said yes. I could not simply disappoint that lively smile. We headed to class; Angela joined us halfway there, jabbering about La Push this weekend. I was extremely happy to be back in the awesome school world. My delight only multiplied to find my desk empty and my lab partner missing. Not that he was much of a helpful partner anyway.

I paid little attention to Mr Banner. He was going on and on about something in a tone that was dull and sleep worthy. I spent the class doodling randomly on the corner of my book. Statements such as 'Biology was better in Phoenix', 'I hate Edward Cullen' and 'I wonder how old Jacob is now' were written.

It was a relief when the bell rang to signify the end of first period. I packed my bag slowly and departed the room with Mike and Angela.

"What have you got now?" I asked her.

"Government." Angela said, while making a brief vomiting gesture. 'I'll see you later, Bella."

I waved Angela goodbye as she turned down a corridor. As Mike and I went to the gym, we discussed the homework we had been set. Mike was funny; he frequently made jokes about some of the aspects of the school. When Jessica arrived, she began an animated narration of her activities this weekend.

Mike

I finished changing and jogged outside. Coach Clapp marked the roll and was very happy to find everybody present today.

"We will be doing badminton." He announced in between humming a song by the Black Eyed Peas. "I want you to pair up. Andrew, set up the nets."

Andrew was a mildly athletic idiot. Sure, he was sporty; but why was Coach Clapp so fond of him? Sure, Andrew played badminton on weekends; but, he couldn't recite the basic rules to save his life. I didn't like Andrew one bit. He had once tried to sit with my friends and me at lunch; we rejected him with a firm finality.

I zoned out of scornful memories. The students were all moving and pairing up.

"Bella, would you like to be my partner?" I asked her eagerly.

"Sure" Bella answered, a beautiful smile playing on her pink lips. "But, believe me I'm not good at all."

I didn't care if Bella was completely crap at badminton.

As long as I got to play with her.