Empty Handed
Chapter Two
BPOV
I still remember that summer like it was just passing. It was the summer I could never forget. It burned bright in my memory and imagination.
It was a time that everything I knew changed and every comfort I'd had vanished. On that one day my world tilted on its axis and spun the opposite way.
Until that point of my life, I was the same person. Everything had been structured and planned out. My future was laid out in a way I had never thought I would've wanted. Everything was perfect, life with Edward was something written in the oldest of fairytales.
I should have realized then how unobservant I had been. I should have known that a perfect love wasn't real or lasting. I didn't know how wrong I was about everything until it was too late.
We'd gotten home from our Cayman's trip right after Edward's birthday and fell right back into the swing of things. Edward started summer classes to get a head start on his medical degree, while I dove into scrap booking with Edwards mom and younger sister to pass the time.
It was supposed to be a really laid back summer for me. I only had three classes left to take in the fall in order to complete my masters degree in English and I was excited to start a new chapter in my life.
I was a little bummed out when I first learned that none of the classes I needed were offered in the summer courses catalog. Naturally driven, I'd always taken life by the horns and gone after what I wanted. School was no different. At first, I had wanted to pick up a few random classes just to have something to fill my time, but Edward had persuaded me to take it easy.
He said that I should enjoy the time off before both of our schedules exploded in September. He wanted to spend as much time together as we could before he entered into his medical program at the end of August. We both knew that when he started his internship at Seattle Children's our lives would be turned upside down.
It was going to be tough, but it was a sacrifice we were prepared for.
Not as complicated as it would've been had he accepted Boston Children's Hospital offer. Given Carlisle reputation and Edward's stellar marks, they were hungry for him to join their ranking.
When Edward had declined their offer almost immediately it had confused me, Boston would be a dream. As one of the top teaching hospitals in the country it was hard to understand why Edward wouldn't even consider their offer.
There was something off about Edward turning down a top of the line teaching hospital with hoards of seasoned professionals at the tips of his fingers just didn't fit right.
I couldn't understand him turning it down, it was a wonderful opportunity that would give him experiences that couldn't come from anywhere else. When I first pressed him for an answer as to why he wouldn't even consider it I was put off by his attitude about it. Edward just shrugged it off like it wasn't a big deal. He acted like they were all stuffed shirt, pent up asshole or something.
It was driving me crazy.
Two days later he'd gotten an offer from Seattle Children's and he had snatched up their offer like a starving man at an all you could eat buffet.
I mean, Seattle Children's was great don't get me wrong. Not number one, but still great. I was happy for him and I was more than excited for us.
It wasn't until later that week that we went out to celebrate with our family that it all came spilling out and I learned the truth.
Edward had always played things close to the chest, even as a couple there were things he didn't share with me until it was absolutely necessary. I understood that about his nature, but it didn't mean I wasn't any less put off.
Still annoyingly rational, I waited and bide my time. Eventually I would get the answers I craved, it was only a matter of time before Edward confessed what I wanted to know. I just had to be patient.
"Can I help with anything Esme?" I asked Edward's mom as I stood in the threshold of her massive kitchen from the porch door.
Flipping her caramel colored hair over her shoulder she looks around the kitchen to find me something to do. Esme knows that I like to feel useful and she often obliges me little tasks to even the playing field. "Sure, do you want to help me plate dessert for everyone?"
"Love to." I smile, inching my way inside to wait for direction.
"There's some whipped topping in the fridge, can you grab that? I'll plate out the parfait. Just give everyone a little dollop on the top."
Focusing on my task I reach into the fridge for a bowl of freshly made whipped cream. Esme is big on knowing what goes into our bodies and she avoids store bought, preservative ridden, unnatural products like they were a plague. I suppose when your family consists of doctors and health nuts it's easy to fall into a habit like healthy eating.
I try not to think about the tub of Cool Whip sitting in the fridge at my dads house as I pull the bowl onto the counter and use a rubber spatula to give the white topping a fresh turn.
"You know," Esme speaks up without looking up from her own task. "When I first met Carlisle, I was living with my mother in a little cottage on the outside of town."
"Really?" I perk up.
"Yeah. I remember how intimidated I felt when Carlisle first took me to meet his father. We'd only been dating for a few weeks but he'd insisted on meeting me. When we drove up to this big ole' house on the opposite side of town I remembered feeling my jaw hit the ground."
She looks up at me as she slides a plate over for me to top off.
"I know the feeling" I confess softly. "It's still hard for me to wrap my head around the idea of me and Edward sometimes. I love our life together, but sometimes I feel so out of place."
"It can be overwhelming. The important thing is you've got to keep reminding yourself why you put up with it all."
After a beat of silence, I realize that she wants me to answer. So I do, with one word I know is the truth.
"Love."
"Exactly. Bella, I don't want you to ever feel like you're inadequate in this house. Edward loves you immensely for who you are, not what you have. Monetary material things are not a status indicator in this house. How you love and what you accomplish is the measure of a the worth of a person. You need to understand that Bella. We couldn't be more happy with Edward's choice to have you in his life."
I can only shake my head in silence as the emotion boils up into my throat.
When I'm finally able to speak, it comes out like a painful whisper.
"He's giving up so much to be with me."
"He gives up nothing to be with you, why would you think that?"
"How can you say that? Did he tell you about his offer from Boston?"
"Yes, I also understand why he chose the path he has. Boston isn't the right opportunity. Edward knows what's good for him and what isn't."
"It's not right though. Why shouldn't he want to be in that program? I just hold him back and it isn't fair."
"I think you underestimate yourself Bella. While I won't deny that you play a role in his decision making, I know that every choice he makes is a factor in the life he wants to build for himself. You're a part of that, so why shouldn't he consider you?"
"I'm not trying to seem ungrateful, I love Edward and I'm happy that he considers my feelings and well being when he makes choices, but I still can't help but feel like I hold him back."
"I don't think you hold him back at all. Having you in his life has opened his eyes to so much Bella. You enable him to think ahead, to weigh his options and consider the sacrifice. I couldn't be more proud of the man that he's becoming or more thankful to you in the role you play to mold him into all that he can be. You encourage him to be more and hold him accountable. There isn't a woman I consider more suited for my son."
Esme always seems to know exactly what I need to hear. Over the years she's become the mother I've needed. Sometimes she's the only voice that can get through and reason with me.
"You remind me of myself Bella. I wish that you'd see yourself the way the rest of us do. You are an equal part of this family and we wouldn't trade you for anything or anyone. Please stop that line of thinking that you aren't worthy to be here."
"I don't-"
She holds her hands up to silently stop my argument.
"I see it in your eyes Bella and I know the feeling. It's all to easy to be overwhelmed by this family. The big house, expensive cars, careers. Its all a lot to consider and I understand where you're coming from. But my son loves you, please don't ever forget that."
"I'll try."
Coming around the counter she pulls envelopes me into a tight hug that melts away all of my uncertainty, if even for a temporary moment.
"Then I know you'll succeed. There's nothing to worry about Bella. Edward makes his choices with you in mind and there's nothing you should feel guilty for."
"Esme, the kids are looking for dessert. Can I take something out for Emmett before he loses whats left of his mind? You know how that boy of ours gets when he's hungry." Carlisle, Edwards dad asks as he rounds the corner into the kitchen, disturbing our moment.
Without pulling away from our embrace Esme squeezes me tight before murmuring into my hair that everything will work out fine and I have nothing to worry for.
Pulling back slightly she asks, "Okay?"
"Yeah." I agree with a nod and step away to gather up a few plates for distribution. I look for the plate with the largest serving of parfait for Edward's older brother Emmett and hand it off to their father.
"Everything all right?" Carlisle asks searching my face.
"Everything's fine." Esme comes to my rescue. "Just a little girl talk, that's all." She smiles affectionately at her husband.
Looking unconvinced, Carlisle stares at me for a moment before Esme nudges him out the door after placing a quick kiss on his lips.
Needing something to distract myself from the heavy atmosphere in the kitchen, I lean by body out the porch door into the yard and searched until I find Edward's younger sister and my closest friend.
"Alice!" I motioned to the kitchen once I catch her attention. "Help?"
Disentangling herself from her boyfriend Jasper, I watched her peck a sweet kiss against his cheek before jogging across the lawn toward me.
It's not lost on me that Edward is trying to catch my eye. I'm not sure my I avoid meeting his gaze, but I do and scurry quickly back into the screened in room and out of sight.
"Time for dessert already?" She asks with a smile as she approaches me on the porch.
"Yup." I smile, but I know it doesn't reach my eyes. Everything feels so off lately and I don;t know how to fix it. Not knowing how to express my girl time needs to Alice, I stick to the task at hand and turn my way back ward the kitchen. "Everything's all done, I just need help bringing it all out to everyone."
When I turn to head back inside she catches my wrist and turns me back to face her.
"Whats wrong?" Knowing me well, she gazes at me with brows wrinkled in concern.
"Nothing." I try to show her my best smile. I want to talk, but I know now isn't the best time or place.
"Yea, I'm totally unconvinced, don't you think I know you by now Bella? We've been friends for five years and you're not a very good actress, your face is like an open book. So why don't you save both of us the trouble and tell me what's up?"
"Not right now." I huff, feeling annoyance at her prodding. I love Alice but sometimes she's pushy at the wrong times.
"Alice?" Esme pokes her hear out the door into the screened room. "Can you help me with something in the kitchen? I could really use an extra pair of hands and Bella has dessert duty I'm afraid."
"Sure mom, I'll be right there." Alice doesn't turn away from me. "We're gonna talk later missy. Understand?"
"Sure." I smile at her and follow her into the kitchen.
Grabbing a set of plates from the island, one for each hand, I turn and make my way out of the kitchen while Esme distracts Alice. I couldn't be more grateful and from the looks of Esme's knowing smile she knows it too.
When I spot Edward he's still in the same spot by the fire pit. Emmett his older brother and his best friend Jasper are gathered around the crackaling fire knocking back a few drinks.
As I approach I catch the tail end of conversation that seems to halt once I'm noticed by Jasper. If I didn't know any better I'd think I was interrupting a conversation about me.
My steps falter only slightly, but I recover when Edward looks over his shoulder at me and our eyes meet. I can't help but notice the strange sparkle there as he gazes intently at me as I approach.
"Hey Bell," Jasper calls out with a sappy smile. "What've you go there?"
"Dessert." I answer lamely. "Does anyone want any?"
"Sure." Jasper smiles exudes his southern charm. I can see why Alice is so captivated by him. If I had a thing for a Texas cowboy, I'd be smitten myself.
"I'm always up for seconds, especially when I getting them from a beautiful girl." Emmett grins over at Edward who just shakes his head with mirth. "What?"
"Say that loud enough for Rose to hear you Em." Edward chuckles.
Offering up the dessert to Jasper and a second helping to Emmett, I come to a stop next to Edwards chair. Glancing down I meet his eyes and can see he's only a little lit. His cheeks are slightly flushed from his social alcohol consumption and his hair is a little bit more wild than normal, like he's been running his fingers through it constantly.
"Having fun?" I look at the boys before focusing my attention on Edward.
"Now that you're back out here?" Edward's eyes roam from my toes to the top of my head. "Hell yea."
"How much have you had to drink?" I smirk down at him.
"Not enough." His right hand skims up my bare leg, finger tips grazing just right to leave a delicious trail of fire in their wake. It's the first contact we've had since this morning before he left for class in a hurry. A shiver makes its way up my spine as anticipation settles in my belly. I really missed him
"Enough of that you two!" Emmett's boisterous voice startles me. "Get a room would ya? My virgin eyes!"
"Virgin!" Rosalie's soft voice snickers from a recliner across the yard. "If theres any part of you that's a virgin than I'm a vampire."
Wagging his eyebrows, Emmett gets up and stalks over to her. I laugh at his antics as he steps toward Rosalie with a wolfish grin.
"Vampire? I've got something for you to suck on babe."
"Oh my god!" I giggle. "My virgin ears!"
"Now that virgin comment I believe!" Rose laughs loudly as Emmett attacks, pulling her up off the chair and into his arms.
"Please, Bella's no virgin. If I know my brother he's been tapping that for a while now!" Alice coming practically out of know where plops herself down on Jasper's lap sending me a triumphant smile.
"Sure have." Edward boasts proudly, skimming a hand up my leg lazily as if emphasizing his point.
"Speaking of," Jasper pipes up with a thousand megawatt grin. "How was the trip?"
"Can't complain." Edward grins up at me before glancing back to Jasper. "Private island, a beautiful woman at my disposal, and nothing but time on my hands? It was paradise."
"Did you enjoy yourself Bella?" Jasper wags his eyebrows at me suggestively.
"Yea Bella, how was your week for sexscapades?" Emmett chortles.
Rolling my eyes at his playful older brother, I look to Edward for help. "Why is everyone always so interested in our sex life?" I glance down into Edward's amused eyes.
"Jealousy?" His fingertips continue to skim the bare skin of my leg.
"I've got nothing to be jealous about." Jasper pulls Alice against his chest and drops a gentle kiss on her neck. "No offense Bella."
"None taken." I laugh and focus back on Edward. "Do you want some parfait?"
"Share it?"
"Sure, I'll go grab a dish from your mom. You need anything else?"
"Just you will do." He smiles sweetly up at me as I back away toward the house.
"Okay," I smile back like a goof. "Anyone else need anything from the house?"
I met with a resounding no.
"Actually babe," Edward grabs my attention when I'm halfway back to the house. "Can you grab me another Angry Orchard?"
I spin so I'm jogging backward and nod. "Sure. Be right back."
When I attempt to turn myself around with finesse and fluidity, I lose my footing and practically face plant. Lucky, I catch myself just before I can fall, but my ankle twists painfully in the process. I topple over only slightly, saving myself from a total fall by grasping both my knees.
From behind me I hear an abrupt roar of laughter before it quickly dies away.
"Bell?" Edward's concerned voice comes from a ways behind me, I can hear his quickened footfalls as he catches up with me. "Are you okay?"
I cringe and blow out a deep breath, holding myself stiffly to assess the pain in my foot. In an instant he's beside me, hand cradling my back softly as he crouches next to me in concern.
"Honey? You all right?"
With the pain subsiding slightly, I focus on my breathing and try to tune out the snickers at my expense. If clumsy was an art form, I'd be a master of it.
I squeeze my eyes shut as another emotion fills me.
Embarrassment.
"I'm fine." I answer shakily. "Just give me a second."
"She okay?" Emmett's chuckling question sounds loud despite him being across the yard.
"It isn't funny asshole." Edward growls at his brother from over his shoulder.
"It's fine." I smile tightly. "I just need to walk it off, don't get upset at them. It isn't their fault I'm clumsy."
When I try to take another step, I falter, the pain radiating up my leg makes me cringe and stagger. Before I know it, I being lifted and cradled in Edward's arms. From behind us Emmett's gaffs of amusement fill the yard.
"It's a good thing you're studying medicine Ed, at least Bella has her own personal physician at her disposal. You guys'll save on health insurance and medical bills in the long run!"
Hearing another way in which we're Edward and I are on unequal footing is like a slap in the face. One I hadn't really even given much thought to. Everyone knows that I'm not exactly graceful, they do know me by name at the hospital. I don't know why I'd never seen it before.
"Put me down Edward."
"Bella, just let me get you up to the hou-"
"Put me down!" I shout. The damage is done though, I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes. "Please." I croak when he doesn't oblige my shouty request.
Gently, he sets me down without a word. When he can feel that I'm steady, he presses a kiss against my temple and stalks away back to the fire.
With the laughter died down, I hobble up toward the house without looking back at any of them.
++EH++
Upon entering the kitchen the lights are dimmed low and I can hear a low melody playing from the den just down the hall mixed with Esme's laughter.
Doing my best to ignore the sounds coming from other parts of the house I move toward the freezer in hopes I can locate an ice pack for my ankle. I can sit up here for fifteen minutes and elevate my foot.
Only a few minutes pass when I hear footsteps on the back porch and the slid of the door as it opens up to the kitchen. I positive that it's Edward, but shocked to find that it's Emmett.
"Hey," He smiles, closing the door behind him and coming to stand next to me at the breakfast bar.
"Hi." I greet back and press a frozen bag of peas against my ankle.
"You ok?"
"I'm fine. Nothing I'm not used to, right?" I attempt a smile but I know how fake it must look.
"Look Bella, I'm sorry about laughing at you." Emmett chuckles. "Sometimes your clumsiness is the highlight of my day though."
"Thanks Em."
"That's not how I meant it." Rubbing the back of his neck, I smile at him genuinely as he searches for the right words. "What I mean is that being around you is the best part of our family time. You're like a sister to me Bella, and I'm so glad that your graceless ass is around to entertain me. There isn't a better girl out there for my brother. You shouldn't let things get to you so easy, ya know? Nothing about you is unworthy of Ed or this family, if anything, you complete our circle. Ok?"
"Thanks Em, that means a lot."
"Well, it's the truth Bella. Don't think we don't see you and your internal suffering crap. You know I've lived with Edward most of my life right? I know the telltale signs."
"Whatever." I can't help but giggle at his comparison.
"It's true!" Emmett argues. "Sometimes your mood swings are just as bad as his. Don't act like you don't know it's true. Plus, it's just another point proven. You guys are sickeningly perfect for one another."
"If you say so." I smile.
"I do, and so does everyone else."
"I know, I wish I could believe it." I open up. "Sometimes, I just feel so inadequate, Em. How can I ever compare? We come on from two different worlds."
"That's such crap and you know it."
"Is it? Everyone looks at me like I'm taking advantage here. They think I'm using him to mooch off of or something. It's the main reason I wouldn't sign the papers for the house in the city. I don't want to be that person."
"Who says that you are? Bella, my family knows who you are and where you come from. We know that you and Edward love each other, you're not that good of an actor you know. I think between all of us we'd be able to tell if you were pulling the wool over Edward's eyes. Not that it would matter, Ed is as smitten as smitten can be when it comes to you. Always has been, hell, you weaved a spell on him woman." Emmett suddenly gasps as if he's in shock. "My God! That's it! You're a witch aren't you? You've cast some weird spell on all of us to weasel your way into our family, haven't you! Shit! You're a witch, Rosie's a vampire, Alice's is a weird gypsy fortune telling psycho path. My grand dad was right! You women are all evil, I'd better go tell the boys!"
"Emmett!" I laugh as he makes his way toward the door to shout into the yard.
"You guys! The women are evil, run for your lives!"
Turning back to me with his huge Emmett grin, he chuckles happily at me, proud to have somewhat cured my sour mood. I'm about to thank him for the mood boost when I hear Esme and Carlisle in the den again.
"Carlisle, the kids!" Comes her gasping reply.
"What? They're outside. Besides, they're all grown ups and I'm sure that they know what it's like by now to have that urge." Carlisle's voice trails off suggestively before Esme's laughter replaces every other sound in the house.
The idea of witnessing Esme and Carlisle wandering about the house in a various state of undress makes me laugh and cringe. For all in tents and purposes, they're like my parents. It's a show I'd rather miss for sure.
"Oh my God!" I yell whisper toward Emmett who's suddenly frozen in the doorway with a look of utter shock. I can tell he's thinking the same things as I am but he's paralyzed with fear over the idea of mom and dad stumbling in here naked.
"Emmett!" Trying again in full laughter and panic mode to get his attention. "Pick me up!" I beg, knowing full well I can't make a quick get a way on this sore ankle. I'm not above asking for help when I know I need it.
Coming out of his stupor, he makes it to me in two strides and hoists me up into his arms before turning toward the door again. We're almost outside before I remember that there was a reason I came in here.
"Wait!" Emmett halts and stares down at me like he's afraid I've suddenly spotted his parents doing the dirty on the porch. It makes me laugh to the point of pain. "Grab the beer!" I gasp out through my laughter.
Grinning, he rushes us to the fridge and grabs us the last six pack before we turn and quickly leave the house.
When we make it half way across the yard we're a couple of laughing idiots.
"Shit!" I curse, realize that I didn't grab us any dessert. "I forgot the dessert!"
"There's no way in hell I'm risking a second attempt in that house." Emmett drops me in Edward's lap without even looking to see if he's ready for me. "We'll do a run to the Dairy Queen if you want something sweet."
"Or we could go back inside? It sounded like your father had something sw-"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence Swan!" Emmett wheels around with a look of disgust. "I've already got a visual!"
"What happened?" Edward pulls me close so I'm settled comfortably against him.
"Sounds like Emmet and Bella walked in on mom and dad fooling around." Alice cackles from Jasper's lap, just a little bit loopy from her single drink.
"Fortunately no, we made sure that we got out before anything embarrassing could happen." I don't hide my relief.
"Don't tell me, they were using the parfait as foreplay?" Edward chuckles into my hair, the sound warms me.
Hearing his laughter has been few and far between lately. We've been so busy, him with school and classes and me well, I guess it's just been him that been busy.
Wide eyed, I turn to Edward. "No way, are you saying that your parents use dessert in foreplay?"
"They might be older, but they're still frisky."
Long fingers tickle my ribs making me squirm and giggle.
"Frisky is putting it mildly, those two go at it like the Energizer Bunny!" Rose cackles drunkenly from her spot next to Emmett. "Talk about stamina! Carlisle can just keep going... and going..and going..."
I laugh as Alice launches an attack of flying marshmallows.
Rose squeals as they lightly pelt her and roll to the ground. I'm shocked that she manages to catch one and successfully get it in her mouth.
"Gross Rose, those are my parents! That's just disturbing!" Alice snorts as Jasper tries to reign in her loud mouth antics.
"It's not disturbing." I reason as I snuggle closer into Edward. "It's sweet. I hope I still have that sort of relationship with my husband after so many years of marriage."
"Awe." Rose coos. "Sweet little Bella does have a point doesn't she Em?"
I don't miss the belittling innuendo Rose throws my way. As long as I've known her she's been this way toward me. Always acting as though I'm this goody two shoes virginal sweetheart. She usually keeps her comments to herself, but I can always tell when theres something she's got on her mind. I respect Rose because she doesn't hold back or mind telling you the honest truth.
Still, her observations leave their sting. I feel invisibly branded by them and I'm not sure why.
"Definitely, you hear that Eddie?" I can tell Emmett notices the change in my expression because he's quickly coming to the rescue. I'm thankful. "You've got your work cut out." Emmett grins at his younger brother, throwing me a wink in the process. "You'd better get on that, quick."
"Noted." I feel Edward's lips at my neck, lingering and sweet. "I'll have to start fixing that right away."
"Seriously Edward, what are you waiting for at this point?" Alice chirps from her little perch on Jaspers lap.
"Fear of commitment?" Jasper teases at his best friend.
"Nah." Edward nuzzles me lightly.
"What'r you afraid you'll stop loving her and that she'll suck you and the trust fund dry before you hit forty?"
Everything turned silent, all I could hear was my own ragged breathing and the noise of the crickets in the distant field. I wasn't looking up, but I could feel every pair of eyes, the heat and weight incredulous and focused on Rose.
I knew that she wasn't exactly fond of me in particular, but she'd never openly voiced her opinion before. It wasn't lost on me that she thought this way, we lived in a generally small town and people talked, mostly to each other.
Gossiped.
It shouldn't have hurt the way it did. I knew what people said. So why did it feel like such a slap in the face coming from our close group of friends?
These were my friends too, weren't they?
Eyes still down cast, I didn't look up when Emmett's gruff voice cut off the makings of what I knew was Edward's angry rant.
"Rose's had too much to drink, haven't you Rose?" Emmett asked her poignantly, angrily. "Why don't we head home? It's late and you've obviously lost your fucking mind. Since apparently alcohol and blonde's aren't a good combination, I think we'd better go before she says something equally as insensitive and hurtful."
"Em!" Alice is as equally as shocked as I am, she voices it with a tiny disapproving tone of his name while I stare at my lap and sit unmoving against Edward. Underneath me he hasn't breathed, spoken, or moved.
"Don't even try it Alice. The comment was rude and I'm sure when Rose is sober enough to tell her ass from her mouth, she'll apologize." Emmett barks at his baby sister. "It's late, I think the night is over, so we're going." Turning back to Edward and I he apologizes and tell us he'll talk to us later.
I can only silently nod as they stand up and prepare to leave.
With gentle pressure, Edward's fingers flex at my hips silently asking for me to stand so he can get up.
I do so without a word, quickly getting to my feet and moving away to give him room to stand.
"Why don't you go grab your stuff Bell? We can get going too." He suggests. "I need to have a word."
"Don't." I whip around abruptly and face him, meeting his intense eyes that are so full of anger and fire. "It's fine. She only said what everyone else is thinking. I'm not unused to it at this point."
"I don't want you to get used to it." Edward spits. "And if anyone else here has a problem with that, or has an opinion of Bella or her intentions of our life together, feel free to get them out in to the open now because I'm not going to stand for this shit any longer. I don't care how drunk, high, or right you think you are." He looks wildly around the fire at his siblings and closest friend.
"Ed, calm down." Japer tries to be the voice of reason.
Turning away from the fire and the heavy weight of the atmosphere, I walk to the house to collect my bags silently hoping that I don't walk in on Esme and Carlisle in the middle of their sexscapades.
I can still hear him arguing, angry, and unnerved as I close the door to the kitchen, thankful for a silent house, but further saddened by how alone I feel.
A/N: I hope that all my American brethren had a greatly filling Thanksgiving, sorry I'm a week behind on posting! With the holiday, kids out of school on winter break, and one in the hospital for swollen lymph nodes, it's been a crazy week! Luckily, I'm giving you the next chapter back to back. Watch for it shortly!Chapter 3 coming your way shortly!
Music - The Luxury of Knowing - Keith Urban
Mistakes are my own, thanks to betasmith for an attempted cleaning of my mess!
