Patched Up Chapter 3: I found you, a twilight fanfic

Okay, another chapter for you, before I go on holidays for a week, will be back at August 14th and hopefully post a new chapter to special world shortly after... couldn't make it before... sorry for that, anyway, I hope you enjoy this... it got a bit longer than I thought but I just had to add these little ideas that popped into my mind while writing...

ENJOY!

3. I found you

CARLISLE'S POV

"Daddy!" "Carlisle!" I sighed and tried to snuggle deeper into the covers, but something pulled my blanket back. "Dad, you have to get up!" I slowly opened my eyes and found Jasper, Rosalie and Edward standing in front of my bed. "Hey…" I mumbled, glancing at the alarm clock. 9.37 am. I smiled. The kids were probably hungry. "Okay, good morning you three." I said softly, sitting up in bed. "You're hungry, hm?" I asked. The all nodded. "Okay, what about that. You get dressed, I also put some clothes on and then we make some breakfast?" I asked them. "What about mommy?" Edward asked. "Well, your mommy is still very tired. We can make breakfast first and then wake her up, okay?" Edward smiled. "Okay!" he agreed. "Well, I'm helping you getting dressed in a minute, I'm just putting some clothes on okay?" They all nodded and left the room.

I quickly pulled on a pair of dark jeans and a white button-up and then went into the kids' rooms. Rosalie had dressed herself, almost perfectly. She was wearing a red skirt and a white t-shirt, which she wore the inside out. I helped her get it right and then helped the boys getting dressed, especially Edward since his cast was disturbing him a little. After that we went down into the kitchen to prepare some breakfast.

"So, what would you all like for breakfast? Scrambled eggs?" "Yeah." Jasper said. Rose nodded and Edward also nodded. "Okay, do you want to help me?" Again everybody agreed. "Good." I said, getting two pans out of the cupboard. I let Jasper and Rose set the table and bent down to Edward. "Hey, can you help me with a special task?" I asked him. He nodded. "Okay, I want to make your mommy a really good breakfast. Can you tell me what she likes?" Edward grinned. "She likes toast and jam, and… juice… orange juice… and she rather has fried eggs…" he said. I smiled. "Thanks, so, do you want to help me make breakfast for your mommy?" Edward nodded. "Okay, then please put a bit of the butter into the pan…"

It didn't take long to make breakfast and when I was almost done I send the kids up to wake Esme. "But be gentle, okay? Esme had a rough night." They all nodded, looking like perfect angels.

ESME'S POV

I felt something tugging at my blanket and tried to curl up into a tighter ball. I grumbled something. I was still so tired. I had just fallen asleep one minute ago. I groaned and finally opened my eyes a little. Then I saw three pairs of eyes watching me. I felt a smile come to my face. "Good morning…" I mumbled. "Daddy made breakfast." Rose said, smiling softly. I grinned. "Breakfast?" I asked. Jasper nodded. "Yes, scrambled eggs." I smiled. By now I could even smell the delicious scent wafting towards me. "Okay, I'm coming down, I'll just have to get dressed." I said, sitting up in bed.

Suddenly Rosie giggled. I looked at her, a little confused. "Why are you wearing daddy's clothes?" she asked me. I smiled, looking down at the shirt I was wearing. "Well, your daddy lend me his clothes. Like Edward had to borrow Jasper's pajamas." I explained. Rosie smiled. "It looks funny." She said. I grinned. It probably did. The clothes were much too big for me, but really comfortable. Jasper and Rosalie were leaving the room, only Edward stayed. "Are you better?" he asked shyly. I smiled. "Yes, I'm fine sweetie, just very tired." Edward smiled. "Okay…" he mumbled. "Was Carlisle not letting you sleep?" he asked. I frowned, having an idea why Edward was so worried. "Carlisle was extremely nice and gentle every time he woke me up. He had to, because of my hurt head, you know?"I explained to Edward while getting dressed in my own clothes. Edward nodded slowly. I smiled. "Okay, so let's get some breakfast no, shall we?" I asked, holding out my hand for Edward to take.

When we came down into the kitchen Carlisle was just placing scrambled eggs and toast on everybody's plate. Well, except one. There was one plate with fried eggs, toast and a glass of orange juice next to it. "Good morning!" said Carlisle as I entered and smiled. Edward instantly climbed onto his chair next to Jasper and started eating. "Here, take a seat." Said Carlisle, again pulling my chair out for me. I sat down, and looked at the plate in front of me, then back at Carlisle. "What…?" I wanted to ask but Carlisle cut me off, knowing what I wanted to ask probably… "Edward told me you liked fried eggs more…" he admitted, blushing a little. I bit my lip, also blushing. "You didn't have to…" I whispered. Carlisle grinned. "I thought you could need a good breakfast…" he mumbled, sitting down himself.

The breakfast was delicious. I felt much better after it, though I was still so damn tired. "This was delicious. Thank you, Carlisle." I said after breakfast and wanted to get up and clean the table. Carlisle stopped me. "It's fine, you must be extremely tired, you can go back to bed or lie down in the living room if you want to." He said. "You too, you didn't get much sleep also…" I tried to argue but it was futile. "I am a doctor, I am used to this. I have to be awake for 36 hours and still being able to perform a surgery if needed." He said. "Don't you have to go to work?" I asked again. Carlisle shook his head. "I took the day off." I gave up and went into the living room to watch the kids play.

CARLISLE'S POV

I cleaned up the kitchen and then went into the living room to check on Esme and the kids. I found Edward and Jasper sitting on the floor, looking through a book while Rosalie was having a tea party with her stuffed animals. Esme was lying on the couch, she had fallen asleep. I smiled. I looked over at the kids. "Hey you three, I'm going to take Esme upstairs, okay? She needs sleep. You are staying here, alright?" Jasper and Rose only nodded, but Edward eyed me suspiciously for a while before agreeing.

I gently picked Esme up, careful about not waking her and carried her upstairs. Luckily Esme didn't wake up when I placed her on the bed in the guestroom. I softly pulled the blanket over Esme and looked down at her again. She was already lying on her side, snuggled into the covers. I smiled. She looked so beautiful when she slept, her caramel curls framing her face, a smile on her lips. I couldn't help but stare at her for a few seconds. My fingers, still grasping the blanket edged towards her face, softly tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. At that Esme sighed softly. I smiled. "Sleep, Esme…" I whispered and before I fully registered what I was doing or why I had kissed her on the forehead. After that, as realization hit me, I almost fled from the room, feeling terribly confused. What had that been? I had kissed her! I had… what was wrong with me? I had taken advantage of Esme! I felt disgusted with myself. I mustn't do that! She was my patient and a guest in my house!

I went downstairs into the living room. I had decided to take the kids outside for a while. "Hey you guys, do you want to go outside for a while?" I asked as I sat down on the floor between them. "What are we going to do?" asked Rose. I smiled. "What would you like to do? But please think of Edward and his cast, okay?" I said, then looked at Edward. "Is there anything you would like to do?" I asked him. Edward thought about it for a moment. "can we go play in the forest?" he asked finally. Jasper instantly cheered. "Yeah, we could build a dam in the river!" he said. Edward smiled, looking at me. "Could we?" he asked. I smiled. "Yes, I think we can, only your cast can't get wet, so maybe you could put on a glove like I wear them at the hospital, okay?" Edward nodded.

I quickly took the kids upstairs to get them dressed and then we headed outside. We spent a few hours outside, till the kids got really hungry. I made them sandwiches for lunch and then we headed out again. Edward and Jasper hadn't finished their dam and Rose wanted to build more little shelters for mice and other animals out of moss and leaves.

ESME'S POV

I sighed and opened my eyes. I felt much better now. I Noticed suddenly that I wasn't in the living room where I must have fallen asleep. I sat up and realized I was in the guest bedroom. I glanced at the clock and realized it was past 2 in the afternoon. I quickly got up and rushed downstairs.

In the living room I stopped. It was empty and there wasn't a sound to be heard. Where were they? I slightly panicked. Without thinking about it, I ran outside in the garden and started calling their names.

CARLISLE'S POV

I was watching the kids play when I heard something. "Hey, be quiet for a moment you three, alright?" They immediately stopped talking and I listened. "That's mommy!" Edward shouted suddenly. I nodded. "Yes, come on, let's get back. I think Esme is worried… " I told the kids and we quickly left the forest.

We stepped out of the forest and I saw Esme relaxing a little before she rushed towards us. "There you are!" she exclaimed. "I'm sorry." I said. "I should have left a note. We were only playing in the forest." I explained. Esme nodded. "I woke up and no one was there. I got worried." She said. I smiled. "It is my fault, really. I should have thought of that. I'm sorry. It's just, you were sleeping and I know you needed the sleep, so… well, you know… Please, let's go inside." I smiled.

ESME'S POV

Carlisle, me and the kids got back inside and I sat down on the living room where Edward, Japer and Rose told me everything about their day. Carlisle smiled at their stories.

When it got late Carlisle asked if he could take me and Edward home. "You're ready to go. I'm sure you're fine and perfectly healthy." I told her. Esme smiled. "Thank you, that would be very nice." I said.

Just a few minutes later we were all in Carlisle's car, driving towards the little apartment I had rented. "Okay. You two be nice while I walk Esme to her door, okay?" I told Rose and Jasper. "Why are you doing this?" Jasper asked. I smiled. "I am a gentleman. It is nice to do that, okay?" Jasper smiled. "Okay, but what's a genle… man…?" he asked. Carlisle laughed. "I'll tell you later, alright?" "Okay." Jasper agreed.

Carlisle helped me and Edward out of the car and escorted me to the door. I smiled at him. "Thanks, for everything you did." I told him sincerely. Carlisle smiled. "It was nothing." He said with a wave of his hand. "It was. I feel awful knowing you did so much and I could do nothing in return." I protested. Carlisle smiled lightly. "I don't expect you to, Esme. It was my pleasure, really. It was nice having you and Edward around." I sighed. I still wanted to do something in return, after all the trouble he went through for us. "Alright, but maybe I could cook for you and the twins?" I asked. Carlisle grinned. "Okay. I'd love that." He replied. I smiled. "Okay, on Friday?" I asked, before realizing the cliché. Dinner Friday night sounded like a date. Well, it wasn't. I was just being nice. And the kids would be there. And it was no date. No. Carlisle would never see this as a date. Why would he? Why would I think of it as a date? It was dinner. No more no less. Simple dinner to thank him. The end. After all, Carlisle would never be interested in me…

"Thanks for bringing me here." I said, smiling lightly as I took my keys out of my pocket. "It was no problem. I'll see you Friday then." He said, smiling softly. I nodded. "Till Friday." I said, smiling and opening the door. "Goodbye, bye Edward." Carlisle said, ruffling Edward's hair as he stepped away.

CARLISLE'S POV

I waited until Esme had stepped into the house and then turned around to go back to my car. While I walked I put my hands in my jeans pockets and promptly my keys fell out. I bent down to grab them, when I heard a strange sound. It sounded alarming, like a mixture of a sob and a scream. I instantly straightened up again and looked towards the building. Esme! I suddenly had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Without thinking about it, I ran inside the house.

Inside I heard a strange choking sound and then Edward's frightened voice. "Mommy? Are you okay?" I took two steps at once, flying up the staircase. My heart was beating frantically in my chest. I was afraid something happened to Esme. Had I underestimated her injury? Had she passed out, maybe? Was she hurt?

I arrived at the top of the staircase and saw Esme kneeling on the floor in front of the open door. Edward stood next to her, looking frightened. I was by her side in a second, kneeling down. "Esme, are you alright? Are you hurt?" I asked her worried. Esme didn't answer. She only buried her head in my shoulder, sobbing and shaking. I held her, stroking her back while trying to find out what made her breakdown like that. Then my eyes fell on the open door to her apartment. The inside was a mess. Things were strewn on the floor, clothes, books, everything. Edward was curling up against my side, looking terribly scared. "Esme, what happened?" I asked again.

"He… he found us…" she mumbled, tears wetting my shirt, but I didn't care. The only thing that counted was Esme's well-being. And Edward's. "Who? Who found you?" I asked confused.

"Charles…" Esme finally choked out, shaking and crying harder. I instinctively held her tighter, also pressing Edward against my body. I didn't know who Charles was, only that Edward called him a "bad man". "Who is Charles?" I asked, not wanting to cause Esme any more pain but needing to know this. Esme cringed at the sound of his name. "He's… my ex-husband…" she mumbled so low I could hardly understand it. "He found us… He will get us…" Esme mumbled, gripping my shirt in her hands.

I shook my head. "No, he won't. I won't let him get you." I whispered, though I didn't even know what exactly happened to Esme. Edward looked at me, fear evident in his bright green eyes. "Do we have to go back? I don't want to go back, mommy!" he cried, tears streaming down his face. I shook my head and held him closer to me and Esme. "Nothing is going to happen to you, I promise." I whispered, even when I didn't know what I was promising them. But it was obvious both were terrified and I would do my damnedest to protect them.

I gently pulled Esme away from me, so I could look into her eyes. They were red rimmed and wide open with fear. "Esme, I don't really know what's going on, but I know it's terrifying you and Edward. And I won't let anything hurt you, so maybe you should come back to my house to stay there. If you want to, of course. Or tell me where I can bring you, but I won't leave you here. It's obviously dangerous." I said. Esme looked at me with surprise on her face. "Really?" she choked. I smiled. "Yes, it would be no problem, really. You could stay with me as long as you want." I assured her. Esme still looked a bit doubtful. "Mommy? Please… I… I don't want to go back…" Edward whined, still crying. Esme looked at him. "No, we will never go back, Edward." She said, before looking at me. "Thanks… it would be extremely great if we could stay with you a while longer…" she mumbled while tears still streamed down her face. I couldn't help it and wiped her tears away. Esme lowered her head and slowly got to her feet.

"Alright, the best thing would be if you pack as many clothes as you can. I'll help you in a second, I just want to check on Jasper and Rose, okay?" I said. Esme nodded. "Yes, come Edward."

ESME'S POV

I slowly entered my apartment. I was still afraid. Afraid he was there. Afraid he would get us back to live with him. I couldn't do that to Edward. It would destroy him. Fear was making my throat tight and my heart race. I couldn't enter the apartment. Not without knowing what was there. Edward was clinging to my legs, just as scared as I was.

Carlisle came back after a few minutes and found us still standing in front of the open door. I looked apologetic at him. "I'm sorry… I… just couldn't…" I stammered, preparing myself for his anger. But it never came. "It's alright." He said smiling reassuringly and stepped into the flat. I followed him, stepping over broken vases and picture frames on my way. I nearly choked on my breath when I saw what had become of the flat I just decorated a few days ago with so much care. Everything was broken. Drawers were pulled out, the contents strewn on the floor. Picture frames and vases broken, even the little couch table.

"Okay, let's get your clothes and get out of here." Said Carlisle. I nodded numbly and walked into my bedroom. I took one of the travel bags from the floor and handed it to Carlisle. "Can you help Edward pack?" I asked him. He nodded. "Thanks." Then I looked at Edward. "Okay Edward, Carlisle is going to help you pack all your clothes and maybe some toys, but not too much. We have to be fast, okay?" Edward nodded bravely. "Okay mommy." He said.

They disappeared into Edward's room and I began throwing all my clothes into the other travel bag. I wasn't even looking at most of them. Just threw them into the bag, wanting to get out of this place as fast as possible. I was finished after about ten minutes and headed into Edward's room to check on him and Carlisle. They were also just zipping the bag shut. Carlisle smiled at me and then took the bag from Edward and mine from my hands and we all headed back outside to the car.

Carlisle put the bags in the boot of the car while I sat Edward in the bag and fastened his seat belt. Then I sank into the front seat, feeling exhausted. "Are you coming back?" Jasper asked from behind but I couldn't answer. Carlisle did. "Yes, Esme and Edward are staying with us a while longer. Do you mind?" he asked. Jasper smiled and shook his head. "No! That's great! We can play more!" he said.

The drive back was quiet, except for the low chatter of the kids in the backseat. Edward had calmed down a little, but tears were still running down his face. Jasper and Rose were comforting him after Carlisle explained that something really bad had happened. It was sweet. Carlisle kept shooting worried glances at me but I didn't react. I was still frozen in shock. I had expected to be safe. I thought he would never find us here. He did. It was hopeless. I could never hide… I sobbed quietly, thinking of having to spend more time there. "Don't cry…" Rose whispered, leaning forward towards me. "Yes, don't cry mommy…" Edward repeated. I smiled weakly. Carlisle looked at me again and I tried to tell him I was alright, but the only sound escaping my throat was a hoarse whisper.

"Okay, were there." Carlisle finally said and opened the door for me. I stepped out of the car, my legs still trembling a little. Carlisle steadied me, then gave me the key to the house. "Take the kids inside, I follow with your bags." He said. I nodded and did as he said. Inside I instantly collapsed on the couch with Edward crawling into my lap. Jasper and Rose were standing in front of us, now looking scared and sad themselves. I gave them a weak smile and soon both crawled onto the couch with us, hugging me and Edward. It was sweet. So sweet that I began to cry once more. "Don't cry mommy, I'll protect you…" Edward whispered. I sighed, stroking his hair. "My little brave man." I whispered softly. "We help!" Jasper announced determined. I also smiled at him and Rose.

Carlisle entered the room and took the bags upstairs before joining us in the living room. He sat down on the couch next to us and looked at Jasper and Rosalie. "Alright you two, maybe you could go play in your rooms a bit? I have to talk to Esme, alright?" he said gently. The twins nodded and went upstairs. I looked at Edward. "Sweetie, would it be alright if you went to play with Jasper? I have to talk to Carlisle." I whispered, kissing Edward's head. He looked scared and tightened his hold on me. "I don't want to leave!" he said. "It's alright, shhh, it's fine Sweetie. We're not going anywhere and nothing can happen to you here. I promise it won't take long, okay?" Edward finally nodded. "That's my brave little boy." I said, kissing his cheek one last time.

Carlisle waited until Edward was upstairs before turning to me. "Esme…" He began. I bit my lip. I knew I had to tell him. He deserved and explication. I shuddered. The mere thought of him scared me to death. "Esme… it's fine, you don't have to tell me." Carlisle whispered gently, sensing my fear. I shook my head. No. He deserved to know.

"When I came here… I was fleeing… from him… my… my ex-husband…" I started, sobbing again. "I wanted to get away… I thought he would never find us…" Carlisle scooted closer on the couch and took me in his arms, stroking my back. "He… was cruel… He hit me… and Edward… he… abused me… " I whispered. I couldn't say more but Carlisle understood. "It's alright. I won't let anything happen to you." He promised. "I'll take care of you." I closed my eyes, willing the sobs to subside. Carlisle continued rubbing my back, not saying a thing for a while.

"I'll help you… I know a great lawyer. He will never touch you or Edward again." He promised after a while. I just broke into more sobs. Carlisle was confused. "I'm sorry… did I say something wrong?" he asked instantly. I shook my head. "I can't…" I choked. I felt even worse now. I had no money. Not a penny left. I would not even be able to pay for the medical treatment Edward and I got, not to think of a lawyer… "I can't…" I started again, but couldn't finish the sentence. Carlisle looked at me. "Esme, shh, what can't you do?" he asked. I lowered my head, scooting away from him a little. I was feeling worthless now, mean, like I was using him and his compassionate nature. "I have no money…" I whispered so low I could barely hear it myself.

I didn't know what happened then. I the fraction of a second Carlisle had hugged me again, holding me securely into his arms. "Oh Esme… don't worry. It's no problem…" he replied. I shook my head. "I can't even pay for the medicine we got! I can't pay you for letting us live here… I couldn't even buy food!" I cried. "I have no money left!" Carlisle shook his head and smiled. "Sh… I don't expect you to pay anything, okay? I'm happy you're staying here. I don't want you to pay rent or something. This house is too big for me and the twins alone… and for the other things, don't worry. I will pay for everything." I shook my head violently. I wouldn't let him do this. "No, you can't. It isn't your business. I can't make you pay for me! I get a job! I'll pay for everything!" I said. "Shh, I have enough money. It won't be a problem. My uncle left me his money when he died. I never touched it before, other than to set up funds for the kids or buy this house. I know he would have wanted his money spend on important things. And this is important. It helps you. And you can pay me back later, okay? When you have a job we can still work things out, but for now just let me handle the finances, okay?" I wasn't totally happy with this, but I didn't argue anymore. I was tired. I wouldn't make Carlisle pay for me and Edward. It was none of his business. He shouldn't have to pay for the mistakes I made. It was his money and I just couldn't accept that. But I would get to this later. Right now I only wanted to sleep and forget this afternoon's nightmare…

CARLISLE'S POV

I sensed that this discussion wasn't over but I really didn't mind doing this for Esme and Edward. I would do anything I could and I knew Aro would have loved to see me spend his money on a good cause. And this was a damn good cause and important to me. I wanted to help Esme. I wanted to make her and Edward be happy again. I wanted that look of fear to vanish from their eyes. But for now Esme just needed rest. She was worked up and stressed. Probably also exhausted from all the crying. "I get you a glass of water, okay?" I asked gently and got up. Esme smiled grateful at me when I got back. She took the glass from my hands and sipped it. I sat down beside her, noticing that Esme was still extremely tensed and her eyes were flicking through the room, checking everything.

"It's alright, I locked all doors and no one knows where to look for you… I promise nothing will happen to you." I said. Esme nodded, very slowly relaxing while she drank the water. "Do you want to lie down for a while?" I asked her. Esme shook her head. "No, but we can we check on Edward?" she asked, biting her lip anxiously. I smiled. "Of course. We probably should, I don't want to know what mess they have created while we talked." I said and got up. Esme didn't smile but the corners of her mouth turned up just a little bit.

ESME'S POV

I knew that Edward was probably alright, but I wanted to see it with my own eyes. I followed Carlisle upstairs. We had just arrived on the landing when we heard the kids talking in Jasper's room so we went there.

Carlisle opened the door and looked down at the kids – and froze. They were sitting on the floor, stuffed animals in front of them. Jasper had a stethoscope around his neck, Rose was obviously trying to take the blood pressure on her teddy and Edward was wearing one of Carlisle's white lab coats, which was much too long, and bandaging the paw of a stuffed dog. I couldn't help but smile a little. This explained why they were so quiet. But at least they were alright. I looked around the room and saw Carlisle's medical bag on the floor, the contents, scattered on the floor.

CARLISLE'S POV

I didn't know what to say for a moment. None of the kids had noticed us yet, much too engrossed in their playing. It looked sweet somehow, but Jasper and Rose knew that they weren't allowed to touch my medical bag. And they usually never did this.

I cleared my throat and three little heads turned towards us. They instantly lowered their heads and Edward even cowered away. "Haven't I told you, not to touch my medical bag?" I asked sternly. Jasper and Rose bit their lips. "Sorry daddy…" the mumbled simultaneously. Edward backed against the wall not looking at me and I instantly regretted my stern voice. I knelt down and smiled softly. "It's alright, Come here, all three of you." I said more gently this time. Jasper and Rose came to me and after a long look even Edward approached me. "I'm not angry, okay? But this is my stuff. I need it for work and these things are no toys. You could hurt yourself with them. That's why I don't want you to play with my stuff." I explained. All three nodded. "So, who had the idea to play doctor with my things?" I asked. "Jasper? Rose? I know it wasn't Edward, he doesn't even know where I keep my medical bag? And how did you even get it?" I wondered. I always kept my bag in the top shelf of my closet. "I had the idea. Jasper got the bag… he climbed on top of the chair…" Rose whispered, not looking at me. I sighed. "You know this was very dangerous, right? Jasper could have hurt himself, he could have fallen." I said. They all nodded. "Okay, I know you're sorry and I know you won't do it again, so this is over. Now help me to get all my stuff back together, okay?" I said. They all nodded and ran to get the things from the floor.

ESME'S POV

I watched as Carlisle scolded the kids and smiled. He was very reasonable. Not angry but explaining why they weren't allowed to play with his things. I had noticed how Edward had cowered back in fear of Carlisle yelling and had been ready to step in between but Carlisle had probably noticed it too and reacted very well. He was really excellent with kids and I knew Edward already liked him a lot.

I went over to the kids and Carlisle and helped them picking up the various medical instruments of Carlisle. Finally they had everything back in the bag. Carlisle sat up. "Okay, have you taken anything else?" he asked. Edward quickly went to Jasper's bed. "A book…" he admitted as he gave the thick volume back to Carlisle. Carlisle smiled. It looked like a huge medical textbook. "Why would you have taken this?" he asked surprised. "We needed to know how to treat our patients." Jasper replied like it was obvious why they would need the book. I smiled and Carlisle chuckled. "Alright, and did you find everything in there?" he asked. "There are strange pictures in it… they're icky!" Rose said. Carlisle laughed. "I bet they are. Okay you three, I'm gonna put my things back in my room. And remember, no more playing with my things for work." They all nodded.

CARLISLE'S POV

I went into my study and put my medical back on the top shelf of the closet. I trusted Jasper and Rose not to steal my bag for playing again but I would still relocate the bag later. I wouldn't want to take any risk. There wasn't anything really dangerous in the bag but the kids could still harm each other accidentally when playing with my utensils for work. Not to speak of the possibility something went missing. I didn't want to go looking for my light pen or something on the floor of their rooms, especially not early in the morning just before work…

I closed the closet's door and went back to the kids. When I stepped into Jasper's room Esme and the kids had cleaned up almost everything. I smiled.

ESME'S POV

Carlisle left the room and I smiled at the kids. "Okay you little doctors, maybe we should clean up the rest, hm? And then I think it's dinner time." I said, eyeing all the stuffed animals lying around. They all pouted and murmured some protests but still helped me putting everything back where it belonged. It wasn't that much and when Carlisle returned almost everything was cleaned up already.

I turned to him and he smiled that breathtaking smile of his. "Okay, so should I make dinner?" he asked, looking at me and the kids. I smiled and nodded. The kids also agreed and we headed down into the living room.

"Well, what are we having for dinner?" I asked Carlisle. He shrugged, looking caught off guard for a moment. "Eh… I don't know…" I laughed a little. "Okay, can you cook?" Carlisle grinned. "Well, yes… a little… enough for me and the twins…" he said. "What would you want for dinner? Is there something Edward doesn't like, or you?" he asked. I thought about it for a moment. "Fish. Edward isn't really fond of fish." I told him. "Okay. So, how about you keep an eye on the kids and I make dinner?" he asked. "I can help you." I said. He shook his head. "You made dinner last night." "But you made breakfast. A breakfast that could have fed an army." I argued back. He held up his hands. "Alright, alright. Let's make dinner, together." He said.

I nodded. "Okay." Carlisle turned to the kids. "Hey, do you want to watch TV while Esme and I make some dinner?" he asked them. "Yes, please." Edward said. Carlisle smiled. "Okay, I'll turn on the TV."

CARLISLE'S POV

I turned Disney channel on for the kids and then went into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Esme was already there, looking through the fridge. "Found something?" I asked her, smiling. "Well, we could make homemade pizza. It would take a while but you have everything here, vegetables, cheese…" Carlisle smiled. "Yes, Jasper and Rose will like that, and I love pizza." He said. I nodded. "So we're making everybody's favorite tonight." I added, taking everything out to make pizza dough.

After a while the pizza was in the oven and cleaned everything up and then set the table, though it would still take a while until dinner was ready. I sneaked a look into the living room and saw Edward hiding a yawn. Esme watched me. "It was an eventful day." She said. I nodded. "Yes, we should have dinner and maybe let them all take a hot bath afterwards. That will relax them. And hopefully stop Edward from having nightmares." I said slowly.

ESME'S POV

I involuntarily smiled when Carlisle thought of Edward. He didn't want him to have nightmares. "Thank you…" I whispered. Carlisle shrugged. "He's a sweet boy, really. I like him a lot." He said.

"I think it looks good." Carlisle said a few minutes later. I grinned. "Yes, I think the pizza is done. I'll get it out and you get the kids." I told Carlisle. He nodded.

I took the pizza out of the oven and cut it into pieces. Just after I was finished three pairs of little feet ran into the kitchen. "Not so fast! You'll hurt yourself!" Carlisle called after them but they were already seated at the table. He shook his head as he entered the kitchen and sat down.

Dinner was obviously delicious, according to the kids' smiles and their faces with sauce all over them.

After dinner we had agreed on making the kids take a hot bubble bath to calm them down. So we got up and I carried the dishes over to the kitchen counter. Carlisle helped me. "Okay, so we make the dishes now and then get the kids ready for their bath?" I asked Carlisle. Just before he could open his mouth to answer Jasper's head perked up. "Bathing? Daddy, can we take a bubble bath?" he asked. Carlisle only chuckled. "Bubble bath!" Edward cheered and came running into the kitchen, Rose on his heels. "Yeah!" she cheered. I started to laugh. Apparently the kids were eavesdropping on us. "Yes, yes, alright. You are going to have a bubble bath, after Esme and I cleaned the kitchen, alright?" I interrupted Carlisle. "I can do the dishes tomorrow… or later, let's get them their bath…" I whispered. Carlisle gave me a long look. "Alright, we do the dishes later. Put them in the dishwasher. I don't want you to do all the work tomorrow…" he said. I smiled. "Alright, now let's get these little devils in the bathtub." I said, smiling at the three kids, waiting impatiently for a decision.

"Alright you three, let's get you into a nice bubble bath." Carlisle said. "I'm getting towels for you, maybe Esme can get the water running?" he asked me. I nodded. "Yes, no problem." I said. "What about my arm?" Edward piped in. Carlisle turned to him. "Ah, we'll use a little trick, so it doesn't get wet, we put a bag over it, okay?" he explained. Edward grinned.

Carlisle went upstairs with me and the kids and then disappeared in a little chamber, probably to get some towels. I wanted to lead the kids into the bathroom down the hall, but Jasper shook his head. "No, not there! Daddy's bathroom, the tub in there is huge!" he said and pulled me along. I just followed him.

Jasper dragged me through a door on the left, after a minute I realized that I was in Carlisle's bedroom and blushed a little. But I had no time, Jasper pulled me after him, entering Carlisle's bathroom which was attached to his bedroom. I felt a little self-conscious in there. After all, this was Carlisle's.

The bathroom was really huge. The tub was in the far right corner. It was half-round, looking more like a small swimming pool. I understood that Jasper wanted to bathe here. "Okay, let's see…" I said, letting water fill the tub. The kids were all impatiently pulling their clothes off while I selected a nice foam bath that smelled of lavender and vanilla. I hoped this would calm the kids down and let them sleep nicely. I was afraid of Edward having nightmares. He used to have terrible ones.

"Can we get in the tub already?" Rose asked impatiently, pulling on my legs. I looked at them and smiled. All three of them were sitting on the bathmat, already naked, waiting to get in the tub and giving me puppy dog eyes. Just then Carlisle stepped in the bathroom. When he saw the kids he chuckled.

CARLISLE'S POV

I went into the laundry room to get some nice fluffy towels for the kids and then went into my bathroom. I knew Jasper and Rose would want to use the huge tub in there. They loved it. Halfway to my bathroom I turned back again, remembering they would surely want some toys to play with in the water, so I got Jasper's pirate boat and his toy orca and seal and Rose's mermaid Barbie and her two toy dolphins.

I stepped into my bathroom to find Jasper, Rosalie and Edward sitting naked on the bathmat, watching Esme pouring foam bath into the water. I chuckled. They looked so cute.

I bent down to Edward. "Okay buddy, let's do something about your cast." I said, making a mental note to ask if Edward's cast could be changed for a brace so he wouldn't have to worry about getting wet. I pulled a plastic bag over his cast and then fastened it with a rubber band. "Good, I think you're good to go bathing now." I said, smiling at Edward. Behind me Esme announced that the water was ready. In an instant all kids were on their feet. Jasper was the fastest and climbed in the tub. Before Edward could try the same with his cast and maybe hurt himself I had quickly lifted him up and put him in the water next to Jasper. Beside me Esme did the same with Rosalie.

I gave the toys to the kids and then sat down on a stool to watch them. Esme sat at the edge of the bathtub, listening to the kids telling her what they were playing. I smiled. It made me happy to see how readily they accepted Esme and Edward. Especially Jasper seemed to be over the moon to have someone who he could play with all the time. Just now he was playing with his pirate ship while Edward played with the seal and the orca.

ESME'S POV

After a while the kids started to get a little and since the water was also turning colder Carlisle and me decided to get them into bed. None of them did protest. Carlisle lifted Edward and then Jasper out of the bathtub and dried them off with some towels while I took care of Rose. Carlisle went to get the kids' pajamas and dressed first Edward then Jasper. But before he let Jasper put his shirt on he was rubbing some sort of ointment on Jasper's scars.

CARLISLE'S POV

After Edward was dressed in his pajamas I got up to get Jasper's ointment. Jasper followed my movements with his eyes and frowned. "Daddy… I don't like that…" he whined. I kneeled down in front of him. "Jazzy, I know you don't like it, but you need this for your arm." I told him, cringing when I saw the scars on his arms. It was my fault and I hated myself for this, every single day. "But daddy…" Jasper argued again. I sighed. "Jazz, this is important, so the skin on your arm won't hurt or get stiff, okay. Come on, let's get over with it…" I told him, rubbing the ointment onto his arm.

After I finished treating Jazzy's arm we brought the kids to bed. I was carrying Rose and Jasper, while Esme carried Edward. All three were half asleep. I placed Jasper in his bed, gave him a soft kiss on the forehead and then brought Rose into her room. She instantly snuggled deep into the covers and closed her eyes. She was asleep before I left the room.

ESME'S POV

I gently put Edward to bed and tucked him in. He was already half asleep. I gently stroked his messy copper hair and kissed his head. Then I bent over Jasper who was already sleeping. "Sleep tight." I whispered before also kissing his forehead. Then I went into Rose's room and kissed her good night. I really loved the twins already.

Outside of Rose's room I met Carlisle who had just been checking on the boys again. He smiled at me. "Let's clean up the kitchen, should we?" I asked him. Carlisle sighed lowly but nodded.

CARLISLE'S POV

While we cleaned the kitchen I tried to talk to Esme. "So… eh… Do you want me to take Edward to daycare with the twins tomorrow?" I asked. Esme frowned. "Daycare?" she asked. I nodded. "I have to go back to work." I told her with a sad smile. Despite all the terrible things that happened today I had still enjoyed it. Especially the morning. I had enjoyed waking up to the kids smiles and making breakfast with all kids. Or even now. Even this simple and normally dull task, cleaning the kitchen, was enjoyable with Esme here. I felt less lonely. I had someone to talk to in the evening. It was nice.

"But, the kids could stay here. I am here." Esme said, a little confused. I looked up. "Well, they can stay here, of course, I just thought it might be terribly exhausting, watching three kids all day." I told her. Esme smiled. "I love them, all of them. I don't mind." She told me, smiling. I nodded. "Alright, I am working the early shift, so I start at 7 and will be home at 5 in the evening." Esme nodded. "Alright, that's fine." She replied. "So…" I started, unsure how to continue. "Eh… About you staying here…" Esme looked at me, a scared look crossing her face for a second. "I mean, we have to talk about some things. First of all, you can stay as long as you want." I assured her. "You really don't mind?" Esme asked again. I shook my head. "I don't, I'm actually happy. It makes the house livelier." I told her. Esme smiled a tiny smile. "I would like to stay here for a while, but I will get a job and pay for my things and Edward's, and I will pay you rent or something as long as I stay here…" Esme insisted. "Okay, okay, wait. I told I don't mind paying for everything for a while, so take your time finding a job, alright? I don't want you to jump onto the first, probably bad, hard job you find just to get some money. And for the rent, I already told you, I didn't want this." I said. Having Esme and Edward in my house made me happy and that was more than enough payment, but I couldn't tell her that. "But, I won't be living here off your money." Esme insisted. I nodded, I had expected that. "Alright, well, how about you pay for groceries? And I take care of everything else?" I suggested. Esme thought about that for a moment, but after a while she nodded. "Alright, we can do that, for now." She agreed. I nodded. I was satisfied with this response, for now.

"Okay, so, you will need a car…" I said lowly. "I mean, for getting the groceries and everything else… I will leave the keys to my car here tomorrow morning and some money, alright? I think my fridge is really low stocked." I ended with a grin. Esme nodded. "Yes, I noticed that. But, I can't take your car, I mean, how will you get to work then?" I shrugged. "Call a cab. No problem really." I replied. Esme shook her head. "I can drive you." She said. "You can't." I reminded her gently. "The kids will hopefully still be asleep and you can't leave them alone." I said. Esme nodded. "Right, 7 is quite early, I wouldn't want to wake them up. But I will pick you up at 5." Esme said stubbornly. I surrendered. "Alright, alright. You can pick me up at five. Do you have a cell phone?" I asked her. Esme shook her head. "No, sorry." She mumbled. I smiled. "No, problem. I just call home then, if I have to stay at work longer…" I said. Esme nodded. "Fine, I will be home then. We can go grocery shopping in the morning with the kids." She said. I smiled. "Alright, that sounds like a plan. So, I think we have everything settled, or do you have more things you'd like to talk about?" I asked her. Esme shook her head. "No, I think it is fine for now." I smiled. "Alright, how about we go to bed then. It is really late. I have to get up early and I think you're tired, am I right?" I asked, getting up. Esme nodded. "Yes, I am." She mumbled and followed me upstairs.

"Good night. Have a good day tomorrow." I said, smiling at Esme. She smiled back at me. "Good night, you too. And thank you again, for everything." She said before going into her own room.

I got dressed in my shorts and a t-shirt and fell into bed, a happy smile on my face. I felt good, the first time in a long while, really happy. Jasper and Rose were also happier. Esme and Edward had changed everything in less than two days. The house already felt more like a home. And I felt less lonely. I hoped Esme and Edward would stay with us for a while. I sighed happily and fell asleep with that thought in my head.

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