A/N: So sorry I haven't replied to reviews for the last two weeks, AND that this update is so late. I've started a new full time job, so it's been tough to find extra time lately. I appreciate each and every review; they really brighten up my day! But I figure you would rather have new chapters than review replies, am I right? This was beta'd by the lovely 4mejasper and JulieToo

Chapter 10

EPOV

After five days of avoiding Jacob's calls, twice a day, morning and night like clockwork, the phone stopped ringing. I'd hoped he would come after me, but it looked like he had given up. Of course, I hadn't given him any reason to hope, so I shouldn't have been surprised, but I found myself feeling disappointed and went to bed on the sixth day with a heavy heart.

The next morning, I came downstairs to find Carlisle had arrived while I was sleeping. Sarah was beyond excited, throwing herself into his open arms and not letting go of her grandpa for a solid hour. Her joy made me forget my sadness for a while and the morning was filled with laughter and Sarah's tales of school and the playground, which Carlisle ate up like any good grandpa would.

The kids were feeling restless by then and although Carlisle's arrival distracted Sarah from asking questions about Jacob's whereabouts for a while, she was in need of a new distraction by the afternoon. Esme and Alice took both Billy and Sarah out on an excursion to a nearby petting zoo and ice creamery, leaving me alone with my father for a couple of hours, giving us a chance to talk.

As we sat together in his study, a feeling of dread crept over me. I didn't really want to rehash the whole story again—part of me just wanted to forget the whole thing and pretend like nothing had happened. But Carlisle was neglecting his duties and had flown out here for the very purpose of coming to my aid, so I didn't have much choice. I owed him an explanation.

He asked me what was happening and I ran over the same story I told Alice and Esme. I omitted any mention of sex; I just felt weird talking about that with my dad. It was bad enough that Esme had pressed me about it. Thankfully Carlisle didn't ask about that part. I felt a little uncomfortable as I explained the situation. I hated that I was the reason Carlisle left his important post in Oregon; it was embarrassing that he felt the need to come out here because my relationship had gone sour. I knew it was because he loved me—maybe a bit more than the others, save for Esme. But all the same, I felt ashamed.

After I relayed the part about Marcy and my decision to leave, I fell silent and he regarded me quietly for several moments as he collected his thoughts, which only increased my agitation. I felt like I was in the hot seat, the way he was looking at me. Finally, he cleared his throat in the old familiar human way and spoke.

"Esme told me about your money troubles. Surely that only contributes to the stress you both are feeling. If you are in such dire financial straits, why didn't you tell me? I would have helped you in a heartbeat."

"I know, Carlisle, but…" I trailed off as I watched him walk over to his desk and open the secretary cover. He removed a false inlay and pulled out a thick wad of bills.

"Carlisle, no," I said emphatically, shaking my head. "Seriously, I can't take it."

"You need it, Edward."

My head kept shaking with my continued refusal. "It would hurt his pride too much. I'd have to talk to him first."

"Fair enough," he said with a sigh as he put the wad of money back, hesitating before he replaced the inlay. He was obviously extremely reluctant to keep it, but he also knew me well enough to know I wasn't going to budge. Returning to sit in the armchair beside mine, he moved on to his next point. "It seems to me that you two need to talk about more than just money."

"I know. We do. I've tried, but he doesn't listen. I want to help him but he won't let me."

Carlisle nodded thoughtfully, looking off into space for a few moments. When his eyes focused on me again, he pursed his lips, looking a little uncomfortable.

"How are things in the...erm...bedroom?"

I closed my eyes and wiped a hand over my face in frustration. Seriously, why was everyone so interested in that?

"It's an essential part of any relationship."

It took me a moment to realize I'd spoken out loud. Sighing, I opened my eyes again, but didn't look at him as I reluctantly answered his query. "It doesn't happen often enough, but I thought when we did do it, it was good. Apparently he has other ideas though." I gestured to my flat chest, indicating that Jacob might have a new interest in the breasts I didn't have.

Carlisle chuckled, which brought my gaze back to glare at him. "I suppose it is possible, but I don't believe Jacob would cheat on you. If nothing else, the imprint wouldn't allow him to."

"Ah, yes, the imprint. The reason for all of this."

"You've been through a lot in this life together, son."

"And it all led to this." I made a sweeping gesture with one hand. "This...mess...was the purpose of all of it?"

"No, the children are the purpose. That, and the fact you are living proof that it is possible for a vampire to become human again. Yours and Jacob's relationship has been vital to the merging of our species. I believe that was the true purpose of the imprinting."

"Well, that's just great, but apparently, the imprint isn't all it's cracked up to be, is it? He's supposed to love and protect me unconditionally, but he says he doesn't need me anymore. According to the rules of imprinting, we shouldn't even be able to have these sorts of problems."

"Edward, the imprint will always hold you two together. But you're wrong. When you love someone intimately and for as long as you two have, you're bound to clash over things. Look at Emmett and Rosalie. They fight all the time. Even Esme and I have our moments."

"Not this bad though."

"No, but you need to remember who you two are. Let's face reality," he said, giving me a pointed look. "Two essentially adolescent boys were never going to have an easy ride forever. You were bound to have a blow up of enormous proportions eventually. The question is, can you recover? Do you even want to? Because I could take you home with me, Edward—you and the kids. You wouldn't have to be alone like you were before Jacob, before Bella. You're young, and special—"

"And saddled with three kids," I was quick to remind him.

He nodded emphatically. "Like I said, special. I'm certain men would be lined up around the compound for a chance to court you. You'd be beating off potential suitors with a stick."

I looked at the floor and smiled as I imagined that. "Father, thank you for trying to cheer me up. But I don't want someone else, so stop trying to set me up."

"I'm not!" Carlisle replied indignantly, looking affronted at the suggestion.

I snorted. "Listen to yourself, Carlisle!"

His brow furrowed as he reviewed what he'd said in his mind. Then, he smiled. "Yes, I suppose I was," he conceded, having the decency to look abashed.

"Well, I appreciate that, Dad, but I want Jacob. The Jacob that he used to be."

"Edward, I understand. But depression is a serious illness. He won't be the same unless he gets help, but you can't make him do that. No one can. He has to make that decision for himself."

"I know. I've tried so hard, but it did nothing."

"A depressed person needs outside perspective. He probably feels like he can't explain everything to you without hurting you. I am sure you are aware that some of his troubles may even stem from you."

Over the last several days, I had considered that possibility, although I wasn't entirely sure what I might have done to exacerbate his condition. "I do understand that he might not want to tell me everything. But he won't see someone. I've suggested an anonymous group setting, and one-on-one counseling. He has said no vehemently and explicitly each time though."

Carlisle nodded. "Men have trouble admitting weakness, particularly an alpha male like Jacob."

I scoffed, running a hand through my hair. "Great. Well, where does that leave me?"

His eyes filled with sympathy. "You just have to wait, if you're willing to do that. You can't fix him. Jacob is the only one who can make changes, and he has to recognize that he has a problem first, and then want to fix it."

I sighed deeply. "You're right, Carlisle. I know you are."

"I know it's hard to hear, son." He gave me a pitying look and laid a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I think the best we can hope for is that Jacob realizes what he's missing now that you're gone, and that will force him to do something about his behavior if he wants you back. If you want to go back, that is."

I just nodded, not knowing what else to say. I honestly wasn't sure what I wanted to happen, and running over this whole thing again was making me feel exhausted. Carlisle seemed to recognize that I was done talking for the time being, and he rose from his seat.

"I'll let you think things through now. But know that my offer still stands. If you want to come back with me, you can. We'd be happy to have you."

"Thanks, Dad."

~SOD~

For the next several days I holed up in my bedroom. Carlisle, Alice and Esme had given me a lot to ponder and as the days wore on with no more calls from Jacob, I had given up on my last shred of hope. My family did everything they could to occupy the children and give me the space and time I needed to come to a decision and mourn my apparent loss.

I began to second guess leaving him the way I did, particularly in the mental state that he was in. It was hard to believe that he hadn't come to get me and the kids yet, and eventually I began to think that instead of seeking solace in Marcy's arms as I'd been inclined to believe until that point, maybe he'd gone and killed himself. Would I feel it if he did? Would the imprint tear my heart in two if he died, or would I feel an emptiness like the one I was feeling now? I had nothing to base it on, no way to know. My brain couldn't comprehend that possibility, and I did a lot of sleeping.

Finally, on the eleventh day of my self-imposed exodus, I decided to call him. Just to see if he was alive. But the phone went straight to voicemail, no answers to be had. On autopilot, I tucked the kids into bed as I had every other night.

As I trudged up the stairs back to my room, I heard a distinctive sound in the distance. It was getting louder by the second, the unmistakable rumbling of an antique motorcycle engine. My heart leapt into my throat as I ran down the stairs. The others had heard it too and were already grouped at the bottom of the stairs near the door. The noses of my parents and sister wrinkled as his pungent scent drew ever closer.

I had all but given up on him coming for us, but the delay made sense to me now. He'd been left with no other option but to fix that bike. I wondered where he found the money for it. The engine gave a final roar before it cut out in front of the house and heavy footsteps clamored up the porch steps.

I had a split second to decide what I wanted to do. My family was all looking at me standing frozen to the spot, still unsure. Now I would have to face with the truth, regardless of how ready I was to deal with it.

A/N: The most evil cliffhanger of all, I know. I'm sorry it's so short too, but this was the best place to stop. Would love to hear your thoughts. All of the reviews have been spectacular and thought-provoking :) I promise to post the next chapter a lot faster!