Disclaimer: SMeyer owns everything, but Melody is my creation.

EPOV

The day went by, lessons just going on and off. I did not need any of this, it was just something to take the time of a vampire who couldn't sleep or grow old. How I'd love to have a normal life, get old and grumpy, but then I wouldn't have everything I had now.

When Visual Arts had passed, it was time for Social Studies. This time I was happy about the lesson, it was one of the rare ones I shared with Melody. We usually met up at the door, because neither of us wanted to go in alone. If we had a chance to make our time together longer, I was sure to take all there was. We had forever, of course, but it wasn't enough.

Today was different; I waited for her to arrive until the bell signaled the start of the lesson. Not wanting to be late, I went into the class. I shared a confused look with Alice, yet she seemed not to be worried about Melody's absence.

She's talking to Jasper, stop looking so paranoid and sit down.

She sent her thoughts my way, I followed her instructions. The confusion hadn't gone off of me after I had sat down, why would she need to talk to Jasper? Was it anything about my emotions or the way I had acted lately? Did she really need to ask him about my latest moods instead of talking to me?

Edward, stop looking like you will jump out of your place. Concentrate on something, Eric looks excited; maybe you want to eavesdrop on him?

Alice still kept messing with me; I had learned to recognize thoughts of every member of my family by now. The messy buzz of other students was only a background. I didn't spy on them, though, as I didn't wanted to know what Rose and Emmett did at the night time. I tuned in on Eric; maybe he would be able to cheer me up with his nonsense. He always had something to think about, lately it was the newest Macbook. I felt as if he was longing for it, out of all things.

I wonder if Bella wants to hang out later, I could invite her to my house and we could play video games or something more mature…

I immediately went off as I saw where it was going. Why was everyone so obsessed about the new girl? I had seen her face in everyone's thoughts today, everyone had thought at least something. That face seemed to be even familiar now, like I've seen it somewhere before… it hit me. Alice's vision and the girl leaning closer, I had to mentally slap myself, so I would get out of it before I started to raid other people thoughts and if they had anything on her. It was wrong.

Finally, the person who now had had a part of my thoughts entered the class.

The teacher had started his monologue long ago, he seemed to be thrown off by Melody rushing in so suddenly, but he kept silent. Every teacher knew that we could get our excuses, everyone had gotten used to our tiny absences and Carlisle or Esme always had excuses for us in ready.

I was talking to Jasper, love. Don't be so worried, nothing could kill a vampire in a school like this, except for Mike Newton in his heat.

I had to chuckle, Melody always played nice with those who drove her crazy. He had indeed pushed her buttons too far by trying to act as the world's number one womanizer, flirting with no success and in the end, slapping Melody's butt. Then I launched myself at him, scaring him so he would not do it again. It wasn't natural for me to act in that nature, but I made Emmett proud. All he got was a smack on the head from Rosalie.

"Why were you talking to him?" I asked.

I felt concerned, you probably know the new girl, right? Well, her scent is something and as Jasper is our newest vegetarian, I was worried about him getting nervous around her. That would cause us some serious issues, like him biting her and then we would have to move. Of course, at first he did not take it well, he thought I was over-reacting… but then she innocently walked by us. You should have seen it, Jasper suddenly stiffened and I had to remind him about what was important to us. Sorry I kept you waiting and did not tell you earlier, though.

"It's okay, you had a great purpose. I'm happy that you support him, in away." I smiled, trying to sound as honest as I could. In addition, I could swear, I heard Alice snicker.

I brushed Melody's cheek with my finger, not minding the pixie that was currently making me irritated.

If I could blush, I'd do it now.

I had to chuckle again, that attracted the attention of the teacher, but, as I said before, he tried not to notice us. We knew the answers and we knew what was coming next, we did nothing wrong. Alice did love throwing some mistakes in her tests; she said it was for pure fun, so she could to seem 'normal' among the other students.

When the lesson ended, we headed for lunch.

I was hand in hand with Melody; we were the last to go, as we wanted to share a kiss before entering the chaos. It was also our stage; all of us put various foods on our plates. We played with the food on them, so that people would think we ate at least something.

After we took our seats, Alice started to sing in her thoughts again.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea…? Edward, do you know who?

I shuddered, why of all things it had to be SpongeBob? However, I didn't ask her what it meant, she knew I wanted to, so a smug grin decorated her lips. We continued on playing with our food, as students passed by. Some of them threw us their looks, their thoughts revolving around our plates. Silly humans.

"Edward Cullen." I shuffled, who was calling me? I looked around our table, no one had said a word and their thoughts were going around various subjects. Melody – her shopping trip with Rose, Alice – SpongeBob theme song, Jasper – calming himself with memories from the Civil War, Emmett – baseball and when we would be able to play it again, Rosalie – her nails. Sometimes my family was pure entertainment.

"Edward, in about five seconds Bella will be looking at you." Alice stated. I turned my head in the way she was looking.

That girl who had haunted my head for about 4 hours was now there, sitting at the table with other students, her eyes on me. I tried focusing on her thoughts; there was nothing, blank space. It was her eyes that held some kind of sympathy for my family… or me.

Why is Edward suddenly staring at us, he looks interested? Maybe he will finally dump Melody and go out with me? It would be actually nice of him to realize how Melody is no match, she is beautiful, but they don't fit together. I'm the one he really needs, somebody who cares, but allows him to be friendly with girls.

About some things, Jessica was right, Melody did control me when it came to girls, but it was better for her. I doubt she wanted to die from my venom, well; I would not be surprised if she did. I did not understand how the girls could see their prince on a white horse in me while I was a monster, launching myself on a grizzly bear's neck.

What does she want? If she starts to hit on you, I won't be surprised.

Melody thought, looking at her, but she was full of worries about whether this puppy should be scared away, too. I squeezed her hand, calming her down.

"There's no need to be like that, Melody, I promise that she won't get near me. I won't let her, not after what you told me."

"What did she tell you?" Alice shot in.

She rarely directed her words towards Melody, so they always 'communicated' through me. Sometimes Mel did snap and take the conversation on her hands. Yes, the cold war was going on for all these years, I just held at the hope of them being closer after the wedding. Alice was happy if she could plan events, and my wedding was the one important to her now. Another hope was that she would not over do it, as she had done with Rose's weddings.

I hope that she is not talking behind Bella's back, Edward.

She narrowed her eyes at me. I felt the astonishment washing over me.

"I wasn't saying anything bad; I just explained Edward that Isabella's scent is stronger than the usual we encounter. I want us to be safe, when will you understand that you are a part my family, too. I don't wish you bad, Alice."

I tried not to catch Melody's, nor Alice's thoughts now, as I didn't want to take a part in this. They both were important to me, I didn't want to pick a side and receive the ultimatum.

Instead, I focused on Jessica. She had explained the newbie everything she had to know about us. Another frightened person in our account, I suspected, score!

Someone at our table spoke; I shifted my attention back to it.

"Alice it would be nice if you finally took Melody in, it's getting annoying." Rosalie joined the conversation; she had taken Melody's side.

Sometimes Alice did leave the wrong impression and her thoughts were rarely nice towards Melody. On the other hand, I did feel her concern, too. She was my sister, I had known her for years, and I was familiar with every one of her peeves.

"Okay, cats." Emmett interrupted, grinning. He enjoyed girls being, well, girls.

"You can talk about it at home, but now, it's better we go. People are getting surprised about us talking to each other."

Emmett was always the one to ease the tension; he also was immature and childish. He knew what to throw in if something went wrong.

Thinking that Emmett's suggestion was the best one, we all stood up from our chairs and after throwing our plates out, left the café.

"So, that means that they are together?"

"Girlfriend got the memo." Emmett laughed at the last phrase we heard before completely leaving. If we wanted, we could even hear their heartbeats, but it wasn't necessary.

Alice threw him a look; she had quite the mood swings apparently.

I parted my ways with them, as I had to go to biology, Mr. Banner already in the class. They all had the Arts class, Health or Mathematics, no one ever accompanied me and I was fine with sitting alone.

I watched Angela enter, she had the new girl by her side and then it hit me. My throat burned, I grabbed the table to control the sudden impulse to kill. To bite a human, to taste the blood of the person that was causing this pain in me. The struggle had me under its spell, I did not feel any other emotions that the will to do anything, so I could taste the blood. It was Bella, Melody was more than right about her scent. My eyes widened, I understood, she would have to sit next to me. The classroom was filled, maybe she would have liked to sit next to Angela and I could sit with Ben? That would not really keep me away, and hearing her voice wouldn't ease my pain, it would make my battle even worse.

As she sat down, I backed away. She blushed, obviously, not understanding how close she was to someone who could kill her with a simple move. Mr. Banner started to explain the subject and that was when I found myself plotting ways how to lure her away. I could ask her notes, lead her to her locker and then act as if I had forgotten something in the class, asking her to come with me. Bella would agree, wouldn't she? But everyone would've seen her entering it with me, people would hear if she started to yell by my mistake of not holding her mouth closed. I had to wait until no one was following her, maybe I should follow to her house and then I would do it? She wouldn't be in pain, as I would drain her until the final drop of blood fell in my mouth and her screaming for help echoed in the walls of her room.

I remembered Carlisle, if I did this, I would put all of them under danger. Someone would notice, I reminded myself. Trying to calm myself, I noticed the look on her eyes. She was scared, I had done that to her. The monster in me was probably dancing in my eyes, showing him off to her innocent eyes. Isabella didn't suspect anything, did she? I questioned myself to turn away from her; Bella kept looking at me now and then through the curtain of her chestnut, or was it auburn, hair. I tried to ignore the strawberry scent which had filled my lungs, I knew I had to breath, be normal. God, what did even normal mean now?!

3, 2, 1.

I thought before the bell rang and hurried out the classroom. I needed a fresh breath; I didn't care if someone noticed me moving in an unnatural speed. I needed to get out of the place before I did something truly awful. I would never come back, I wouldn't risk everything that Carlisle had done so we would feel somewhat home. He hoped we could live here for more than a while, he hoped that no one would notice us not getting old. In our previous locations, people had indeed gotten suspicious over our looks. There was no chance of us staying here for forever, so Melody and I would wait until they were ready to leave and meet up with them at our new home.

I hated myself for being so weak, even Jasper wouldn't have reacted this way. I bet, Emmett would get the kick out of this. I was always the one who had no trouble with resisting blood, I had killed way too many before and I was far from going back to the blood lust. Giving up was not made for me, yet now it seemed okay just to go away and take Melody with me, as I needed someone who was my family to keep me sane. Someone who could tell me not to go back to school and kill the girl.

It didn't feel right just running away, so I spent the time sitting in my car, waiting for them to arrive. They had two lessons left, but for me, two lessons were almost like two minutes. Finally, they came.

"Edward, don't do this." Alice pleaded, as she got in the back seat, Jasper next to her and Melody took the front passenger's seat.

"Alice, do you know that I could've killed her, I don't want to live like that. It wears me out and after a while, I might lust after the blood of others, too."

"What happened?" I had forgotten about Melody.

"We're moving." I coldly stated, starting the engine.

"Moving? Edward, I can tell that you're struggling with dilemma, you're not sure about it." Jasper piped up.

They all threw their thoughts at me, I was close to yelling at them. It was my choice; I could not just take the challenge, get some guts and keep on being here. I was not able to guarantee that I wouldn't break.

"Jasper, I and Melody are moving. It's all I can say for now."

"Edward, we can't just move, we're attending school and it will be weird to just disappear. What is it about, anyway?"

She had questions; unfortunately, I didn't know how to give her proper answers.

"Isabella Swan." Alice was first to talk.

Melody was confused, but she kept her nature.

"So, can't you just kill her? One human, it's not that much, Carlisle would forgive you and we would continue on with our lives."

If looks could kill, then Alice would've broken the rearview mirror by now. She didn't like the way Melody was thinking, but she did know that Melody became a vegetarian just when she found me, so she was like a mini version of Jasper. She did have the will power, though.

"It's not like that; it's not easy to kill someone so noticeable." I explained.

"Edward, you could switch classes." Alice suggested.

She had seen my ways of killing Bella in her head, but she said nothing.

"You know that whenever she'll walk by, whenever wind blows her hair near me, I won't be able to control myself." I hesitated with words.

Now I was showing how feeble I was.

"Alright, then I'll let Tanya know about our visit." Melody cheered up; I remember her sister and her family. The Denali clan, all of them had put moves on me prior, she was the one who got through the shell.

Staying with her family didn't seem as such an bad idea.

I drove in the illegal speed, as fast as I could. We were home faster than we got to school in the morning. As I pulled up, I looked at the house. My home that I was leaving because of a human. Didn't that sound ridiculous? Nevertheless, I had to keep everyone safe, I couldn't betray them just because I wanted to bite something.

"You'll come back, Edward." Alice whispered, and then she got out of the car.

Not waiting for any of us, she entered the house.

When I entered the living room, I heard Carlisle's and Esme's thoughts, it wasn't my goal to hurt them, but I had done it, too. They were waiting for me, taken aback by what they had heard from Alice.

Edward, how sure you're about it.

Son, you know that we will support you at any decision you make, just be sure that it's the one you want.

That was the thing about both of them, their thoughts came together, in the end. They were made for each other, I had never seen two people being so similar and clicking together that well. Esme was younger than I was in vampire years; Carlisle had found her after he had turned me a vampire. I always felt as if she was my real mother; the resemblance was surreal in both looks vise and the character. By now, I hadn't have many memories of her left. I did write them down occasionally, but it was hard to keep it all together. I felt guilty, but I could not control my memory.

"Carlisle, I am sure. There's no need for the both of you to look so afraid of me, I will be fine." I told to them, going up the stairs.

Luckily, they both couldn't read my mind or feel what I felt.

I had thought of taking some things with me, but there in front of me stood Melody, a bag already packed. I anxiously looked her, almost laughing at my idiotic self – I hadn't asked if this was what she wanted.

"Melody, do you even want to go? I don't want to push you." I murmured, she brought herself closer to me and hugged me.

"Edward, you know I'll go to wherever you want me to as long as I go with you." she whispered in my ear, kissing my cheek, then my lips.

"And you know that I am always happy to see my family, I miss them." She purred.

Melody was good at distracting; I pulled myself back, rubbing my eyes. The pair of chocolate brown eyes and the purely curious look stared at me. Could vampires go mental?

"Can we leave?" I asked her. She nodded.

I took the small bag and went down the stairs, hand in hand with her.

"Esme, Carlisle, Alice, Jasper… we're leaving." I stated, trying to sound as if I was sure about what I was doing. I had made a decision; all I had to do was to believe in it myself.

Esme hugged me, while the three of them stared. That was all they did, stare. They didn't believe it, their thoughts revolved around the fact that I had been taken away by a scent, when I had encountered so many of them before. It was impossible for me to be this weak. They would explain this to Emmett later, Rose would hate the fact that she would have to lose one of her 'let's go shopping' friends.

"You'll come back."

MPOV

Six days had passed; all of them had been a mess. It was a mess for Edward, but it affected me too. I was happy to be with my sisters, they all had so much to tell me. For example, that they had taken a liking for men who were humans and that they no longer killed the innocent, they had become vegetarians eventually. I didn't notice that earlier, in the past, when we had met for a short amount of time. That made me happy, because then I didn't have to fight with myself when I visited, as sometimes they had had the human's blood lingering on their skins. Earlier it could drive me crazy, it made the lust rise and I felt pathetic. I understood Edward; I knew what I had felt was his feelings multiplied by ten. I felt sorry, I was worried, yet he didn't want to tell me anything. Sometimes, when we talked at night, he just spaced out. He wasn't there.

I told about my concerns to Tanya, as she was the closest one to me and I trusted her not to judge Edward or me. My family loved him, but the first liking had been lust for his beauty. I knew it and I felt that Tanya was the one who had had the least of the feelings, so I turned to her. She promised she would talk to him, as I was the 'shy' one out of the family and I didn't know what to do. Tanya was there for me.

"Melody…" a soft, familiar voice spoke.

For the last hour I had been sitting in my room, thinking. Thoughts were messing my head, but I wasn't sure if I should hide them around him. I wanted him to know that I cared.

I looked at the owner of the voice. Edward was here, standing next to me. The last days he had been looking worse and worse.

"Thanks for that." He chuckled, but it wasn't joyful. We both knew how he suffered, we all saw it and he wasn't oblivious either.

"I'm going to hunt, are you coming?" he cut the silence.

"No, I did that yesterday." I whispered.

He was so wrapped up in thinking about this human, he didn't even notice me anymore. I stood up to leave the room, he pulled me in a hug and kissed my forehead.

"You know that I'm sorry for doing this to you."

I nodded, not saying a word. If Edward wanted, he could read my mind.

You're not here anymore, you're back in Forks, searching for her, aren't you?

In some sick, twisted way, I was jealous. He abruptly stopped my trail of thoughts by kissing me. Edward had put all of his passion in it, but I wondered, when kissing me, did he think of how he bite her? He sucked my lower lip, I moaned. But as I got into it, he pulled away, nervousness returning in his eyes.

"I should go before I get too hungry."

It was all he said before he leaped out of the window and disappeared in the woods.

Was I the one whose life he feared? It was ridiculous, he couldn't kill me either way, yet he was acting like I was some fragile little human, like I was her…. it downed on me, but I didn't accept the thought. Not now, I would see how the talk with Tanya went and then I would make my assumptions, I told to myself.

The night passed, at about 5am Tanya stormed into my room. She looked sad, yet happy. That confused me.

"You're going back, Melody. Edward has decided it." She explained her diverse emotions. I could tell that she didn't want me to leave so fast.

I decided to be direct, no secrets and lies. No beating around the bush.

"Tanya, do you need me around?"

"It's not that I NEED you, it would just be fun if someone else stayed here. Kate has been driving me up the walls lately, speaking about some human guy she met."

Tanya chuckled, I softly smiled. Before I could answer, Edward entered the room, he looked lost and yet the flame in his topaz eyes was back. He grinned at me, then Tanya.

"So, you've heard the good news yet?" he asked, putting his arm around me.

"Yes, and I was thinking… about staying here for a while." I stated, like he wouldn't have heard my thoughts now.

Tanya got lost in her excitement, so lost that she clapped her hands. I threw a look at her.

"What, it's just nice to see you again." She explained, grinning from ear to ear.

Even looking so silly, she was still beautiful. I didn't doubt that out of us all, she was the prettiest sister.

"Edward, I hope it's not making it worse." I mumbled, seeing that the vampire beside me had suddenly stiffened.

"No, as long as you promise to come back."

"I promise to, you know that I wouldn't leave you." I answered, his eyes were searching for something. On the other hand, he might be trying to tune out.

He didn't want to hear my thoughts, did he? I switched the debate in me and strictly told myself to say, not leap after him.

Tanya felt where this was going, so she left me alone with Edward. I didn't understand, did he need me so I would keep him down in Forks? I didn't think that I was such an good distraction.

"I scared you off, didn't I?"

"Edward, stop talking rubbish. I want to spend some quality time with my family; I haven't properly seen them for years. The short visits do not count." I explained.

The way I had chopped my words out, obviously amused him.

"Okay, I believe you."

"Now that you've done it, you should leave. Otherwise you'll be late for school."

Edward laughed, then I saw him stiffen, he probably had remembered the scent that he would have to encounter.

"You won't hurt her; otherwise I'll be disappointed in you for being so weak, love."

I tried to assure him, even though I did not care for the human. All I cared was my life and the Cullens not having to face difficulties. If I had my way, I was sure, Isabella wouldn't exist. Luckily for me, I hid these thoughts from him, I didn't want Edward to sink into scourging himself.

We said our last words and I once again watched him disappear. I didn't spend my time wishing for him to come back and make me come along, I was sure now. And I would return to Forks after a week either way. There was nothing to miss, Alice was probably going wild when she saw these happenings in her visions. Her stupid, stupid visions.

I had no time to wallow in my thoughts, as Tanya, hearing Edward leave, had come up and dragged me down. Finally, some girl time not a suffering vampire. I smiled.

A/N: THANK YOU FOR YOUR REWIEVS! YOU SURPRISED ME. and now I'm acting like a happy, bouncing Alice. :)

the story is finally moving somewhere, as you see, everything was really rushed. there will be no emotions from Bella on Edward's absence, as you know her feelings already.

for those who have read Midnight Sun, this might seem weak, but again, I didn't want to do the copy+paste thing.