Disclaimer: I own nothing.

EsPOV

Carlisle and I reached New York with relative ease. Being back on the East Coast somehow felt calming to me. I had missed my oldest son and I was glad to finally see him. After such a long separation and being kept in the dark regarding his whereabouts, I was overjoyed to be reunited. Edward was waiting for us outside of our home in Ithaca when we arrived. I tried to restrain myself, but Edward immediately read my thoughts and ran towards me to wrap me in an immediate embrace.

Next to me, Carlisle was laughing lightheartedly. It had been such a long time since he had been able to really relax and it had severely impeded our happiness and comfort. I loved my whole family dearly, but Edward would always have a special place in both of our hearts. We simply were not complete without him.

I was happy beyond comprehension but I couldn't believe the state of my son. Through human eyes, he looked well dressed and put together and handsome as always. I could see beyond the façade though, and it revealed a deep sadness. He looked broken. The light in his eyes were barely visible. Despite this, my heart leaped upon seeing him smile.

"Edward, I am so glad to see you," I half sobbed. I could feel my eternally dry tear ducts prickling with emotion.

"I am glad to see you too," Edward stated warmly. "I've missed you so much."

After ushering us inside the house, the three of us were able to reconnect for a while. Though Carlisle and I were attempting to mask our curiosity over Edward's sudden departure and subsequent time away from us, Edward was obviously able to hear our questions. He was always the most talented of us all.

"I know that you all have a lot of questions, and I would love to answer them and ease your worries about me, but I don't know how to explain myself adequately."

Edward took a very deep breath before speaking again as Carlisle shot me a look of concern.

"Maybe over time, I'll be able to talk about it but for now, thinking of….her…it's too painful."

"Edward, no one blames you. All we've ever wanted was for our family to be whole."

I was making an effort to keep the desperation for my son from my voice, but a mother can never be wholly dishonest in her feelings toward her child, especially with children as gifted as mine.

Edward smiled in hearing my thoughts. He promised that he wouldn't shut us out again, temporarily giving me a moment of relief. As long as I knew he wouldn't be parted from us again without communication, I could survive.

Carlisle and Edward discussed the pragmatics of the situation and eventually, the three of us agreed that Carlisle and I would stay for a couple days to plan where we would go from here.

Carlisle excused himself to give Alice a phone call and I took the opportunity to slide into the seat next to Edward. I pulled him to my side and embraced him with a desperate fierceness that I hoped conveyed my feelings. I had missed him so.

Edward responded by ducking his head into my neck and holding me tight. I sensed that he was much lonelier than he let on. I wanted to be able to soothe away his pain, but he had chosen this path for himself. The most I could do would be to stay by his side until he no longer needed me.

"That will never happen," Edward responded to my unspoken words. "I will always need you. I love you, Mom."

I can't say how long we sat, holding each other, but when Carlisle came in he simply sat on Edward's other side and leaned in, rubbing his back.

Our son may have made some terrible choices, stupid even, but we had vowed to take care of him until the end of time. We both fully intended on making good on that promise. Though the three of us hadn't worked things out, I knew Carlisle and I wouldn't be leaving him anytime soon.

I could feel Edward breathe deeply and sigh. He said that he couldn't possibly ask for us to stay, but that he would be more than happy to have us live with him. My son—always so formal—but I knew he was secretly yearning to feel loved again. He looked up at me and gave me a half-hearted smile.

As Edward excused himself to hunt, Carlisle scooted closer to me to take Edward's place.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" I asked him.

"I can't say, dear. All I know is that we cannot abandon him now—not when he needs us most."

"I couldn't agree more. I think we should stay."

Carlisle nodded. He pulled me closer and kissed my forehead, sending blissful shivers through my whole body.

"I'll set everything up. We can live our lives here for the time being. You are by my side, our family is safe, and we've managed to reach Edward again. Let's rest for now."

I couldn't find a single flaw in his argument, and willingly followed as he took my hand and led me towards our old wing of the house.