"Is that you Carlisle?" Esme calls as I come into the house. I kick my shoes off and set them next to the door.
"Yes, dear." I call back with a sigh. I check my pocket watch. I've spent the past seventeen hours at the hospital. All I want to do is get to bed.
"Oh, good. I want to talk to you about Edward."
I groan. Why? Edward and I had a good talk yesterday. I thought he finally understood how his character is effected by his behavior. He took it so well. I thought I finally made a breakthrough with him. All those scriptures he read, all the connections I made. Did none of them sink in? What could he have gotten himself into in this short of time? I can't believe he would get in trouble at school again. But who knows with that boy.
"Edward!" I bellow his name. "Get in here!"
"Carlisle," Esme comes towards the front door, her brows raised questioningly.
"What did he do?" I demand. I can hear Edward's footsteps moving through the house. "I swear, that boy is going to keep getting his ass busted until he can behave!"
"I thought I was behaving." Edward says harshly as he appears next to Esme. "I didn't do anything wrong! Tell him, Aunt Esme!"
"Carlisle, relax. Edward hasn't been anything but amazing." Esme says, putting a comforting hand on Edward's shoulder. Edward gives me a smug, but beaming smile. "He's been perfect today. That's what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Oh," I murmur. I can't help but feel embarrassed. But with his past record, could I really be blamed for thinking the worst?
"He mowed the lawn without being asked, he tidied around the house, and he has had a wonderful attitude." Esme lists with a smile. Edward rolls his shoulders back and puffs out his chest.
"See? I've been great."
I'm able to force a small smile through my tiredness.
"Isn't there something you wanna say?" Edward asks, raising his brow in the same way Esme did.
"Sorry, Junior." I sigh and rub my eyes. "Listen, buddy, I've been up for about twenty-six hours. I'm exhausted. I need to get to bed."
Edward's face falls ever so slightly. I can't imagine what in the world he expects out of me. A standing ovation?
I shake my head. I'm not being fair. This is a big step for him.
"But you're doing great. Let's talk about it after I get some shut eye." I suggest and pat his other shoulder. He smiles again as I leave.
I reach my room and don't even bother changing out of my clothes into some pajamas. I just collapse onto the bed. It only takes a second for me to feel sleep pulling me in, but I'm pulled right back into reality when the door opens and shuts again. I let out a loud groan.
"It's just me," Esme says sweetly. She crawls on the bed and pats my back. "Roll over."
I do what she says, all while keeping my eyes closed. She undoes my tie, unbuckles my belt.
"Not now, Esme. I'm dead on my feet."
"Dirty mind, Dr. Cullen." She says with a chuckle. "You'll be more comfortable if you undress. Edward is really excited to chat with you. I think he was expecting a bigger reaction, though."
"I'm too tired right now,"
"I just want to let you know that he's hoping for some kind of reward. And I for one, think he really deserves one."
I clench my teeth and pray that this conversation is kept short as she unbuttons my shirt.
"If you could just take some time to think about what you're going to say to him." She suggests. "Stand up, dear. I'll get a set of pajamas out for you."
"Esme, please-"
"You will sleep better if you're comfortable." She insists.
I stand, shrug out of my pants and let my button-up follow. Esme digs through my dresser before handing a pair of pajamas. She watches me as I pull them on and fall back down on the bed. She comes over and kisses my forehead.
"He's listening to you, Carlisle. Even when it doesn't seem like it. He's doing better. I love you."
I manage to whimper out a pathetic 'Love you' before I drift off.
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