TWENTY-TWO

Saturday evening

Edward's phone seems to be lighting up non-stop. In his dorm room, he is trying to focus on a lecture for the upcoming week, on a topic he doesn't understand. The words don't even look correct anymore, just a jumble of letters placed next to each other. He tries massaging his temple. It doesn't ease the pain.

Picking up the device, he scrolls through the messages.

Most of them are from the football group chat, discussing what club they are going to terrorise. A few messages mention Edward, asking if he is joining them. He sends back a quick reply, declining their invitation. The next couple are from Leah; funny photos she found online, no rush to reply. One is from Tanya, asking what he is up to tonight.

With a groan, he hits the "call" button on a special contact. The only voice he truly needs to hear.

"Hey, baby," Esme's voice is warm and comforting, even through the unreliable phone connection. Edward immediately relaxes. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, mum. How are you?"

"Just enjoying some Corrie. Have you heard about the storylines at the moment? I'm hooked and I just can't take my eyes off of the screen most nights."

"That sounds great, mum."

"Honestly, I'm surprised they haven't won more awards for their episodes this year."

"I'm just as shocked as you are."

Esme is quiet for a moment and Edward hears the TV noise disappear in the background. "Something's wrong."

"What? No, it's not. Am I not allowed to talk to my mother on a Saturday night?"

"Baby, no teenage boy wants to call his mum on a Saturday night. Spill."

"I just miss you, mum."

"I miss you too, Eddie. The house is very quiet without you in it. But the Easter break is coming up soon, isn't it? You'll be home before you know it."

"I know. It's the only thing getting me through."

She shuffles. "Is Leah not around to keep you company tonight? Any of the football boys? You could call Emmett."

"Yeah, I suppose." Edward rubs a hand across his forehead. "Is it normal to be surrounded by people but not feel seen by any of them?"

"Absolutely. That's a very common feeling. Is that what's wrong?"

"Yeah, I suppose it is. Like, I have friends, and I've been getting on well with a few girls. I don't know…I still feel wrong. Like an unwanted puzzle piece."

"Oh, Eddie." Esme sounds sad. "When you're in a new place, and you haven't fully settled in yet, it's completely understandable to feel a bit uncomfortable. You've just got to give it time. Don't be so hard on yourself."

"I really wish you were here, mum."

"I do too, baby. Just focus on what makes you happy, what makes you calm. If you can work on seeing yourself, then the world doesn't feel so scary."

"Love you."

"Love you too. I'll call you tomorrow, see if you're feeling any better."

"That would be really nice. Bye, mum."

"Bye, baby."

When the line clicks off, Edward reaches underneath his desk and pulls out his Invisi-girl sketchbook. With the bustling landscape of King's, Edward hasn't had a chance to do what he truly loves for a while.

As he presses the pencil nib against the paper, he wishes that Bella were here to watch.

He thinks back to the leaver's party. He wishes he could take it back.

He knows that he lost a part of himself when he lost her.

Sometimes all we really need is some motherly love.

This chapter was inspired by BurchGirl's review of one of yesterday's chapters. I felt like you all needed a bit more of an insight into the way that Edward is feeling. I also took inspiration from my own experience here - uni is definitely a scary place!

Hope you enjoy :D