A/N: Thank you to my friend soulmate who convinced me not to lose hope. I was feeling unappreciated because no one was reviewing. I started to think the story had lost its appeal and wanted to stop. But I am not. If you love this story, say so. If you can't wait for another chapter, let me know. I can't sit around knowing someone is out there waiting to see what happens next. Happy B-day Jen!

Chapter 6 A Heartbreaking Soul's Cry

Esme POV

We had arrived at Victor's manor shortly after my apparent panic attack. Victor insisted we go there as a safety precaution until I could contact Carlisle. As a vampire, the only doctor I could see was my husband since malady and affliction generally do not happen to us. But perhaps my husband could make some sense of my evident breakdown.

Victor went to contact the convention to leave a message for Carlisle as to what had happened. He left to meet up with him and bring him back to the manor. I was fine at this point and merely wanted to leave. But Percy insisted that I stay and rest. Was he serious? Vampires don't rest. Finally, Victor returned around 7:30 PM; Carlisle was not with him. I was overcome with a fit of anger.

"I thought you went to get in contact with Carlisle, Victor. Where is he? Why isn't he with you? Why won't you let me leave? My husband is going to be upset enough since it is long past five o'clock, when we were to meet him," I seethed, angry at being kept against my will under the guise of protection.

"Esme, I have some horrible news. That's why it took me so long to get back." Victor said softly. "I had to verify it for myself. There was an earthquake in the region where the doctor's were traveling. Their car was destroyed in a pit of flames. Apparently your Carlisle helped everyone to get out of the car; but it exploded before he could escape," Victor reported.

"No you are mistaken," I said, as I shook my head disbelieving anything he was saying. Something about this man was disreputable. He was obviously up to no good and I was certainly not falling for that. "No, you don't know Carlisle," I told him emphatically. "He would never leave me."

"Esme, My father and I both checked. He is still at the convention, gathering what information he can find," Victor pleaded for me to believe him, but I knew something was not right about him; therefore he could not be trusted.

"No," I reiterated again, "they just need to look again. Tell them to check for a second time." His face looked so pained I could almost believe him. It made me falter. "No. Carlisle will come for me. He would never leave me alone again. He swore to me that I was no longer…. alone."

"Esme, honey, four witnesses saw him blow up in that car explosion. That's what took so long. I went back to check. He was not there. He's gone sweetie. I am so sorry." He hung his head as if guilt plagued him.

"Are you? Are you really Victor? Isn't this a tad bit convenient for you?" I attacked. How dare he think he could play at remorse! He was probably thinking this could work in his favor. "Don't call me sweetie. Don't you dare use endearments with me! I want to go to the sight of the accident. I want to see for myself. I don't believe you. Get away from me Carlisle would never leave me. You don't know what you're talking about. Get out! Get out!"

"Esme let me help you," Victor pleaded. "Let me see you through this. I want to help…"

"I don't want your help! I don't want to get through this! I don't want you. I want Carlisle. Carlisle! CARLISLE!" I screamed for him as a wave of dread swept over me. Carlisle would never leave me; he was always at my side protecting me, loving me. Carlisle would never let me suffer if he could help it…at that moment it hit me. Carlisle was gone. There was no way I would be here arguing with this man if my soulmate were out there. Carlisle would not leave me to fend for myself unless there was something definitely wrong. And considering we were nearly indestructible vampires, there had to be something wrong. I screamed his name over and over because I couldn't do anything else. I could only feel and scream and feel and scream in an endless cycle. My long ago desire for death had returned with a vengeance. Without my Carlisle, nothing was worth enduring. So I screamed some more. Perhaps someone would put me out of my misery.

"Andrew!" Victor yelled, "We need you! Get in here now!" he snapped at his coven member. Maybe this was the one who would help him to kill me, to end my suffering. Without my Carlisle, why would I fight? I would join him as his soul ascends into heaven as I know it will. We will be together as it should be.

"CARLISLE!" I screamed again. I hoped it would numb me or make something change; appear different than it was now. What was the saying? The definition of insanity is repeating something over and over again, but expecting a different outcome. I was definitely feeling the insanity. Yes, vampires can go insane.

"Victor, what is going on?" asked the vampire who suddenly appeared at the doorway. He sounded merely concerned, not murderous. I needed an executioner.

"CARLISLE!" My breath started hitching and sawing rapidly. There is a worse pain than turning. Edward was right about this feeling. It tore through your soul with a grated edge and all you can do is feel the pain.

"Put her under, now. She is going into hysterics. Her husband was killed today, Andrew. She needs your help. She needs to feel nothing for a while. Put her under, Please!" Victor screamed at my executioner.

"CARLISLE!" I howled once more to overtake my tearing soul.

Then just as suddenly as it has come,the pain went away. I felt nothing. Not like when Jasper would use his power. Jasper would lessen the pain or numb it. This was a direct cut-off. Then something I had not experienced since my change- nothingness, almost like sleep. I became immediately lethargic. I remember that I had just lost my husband. I remembered that this was a bad thing. I just did not feel anything. This must be akin to something Alec of the Volterra did when he cut off peoples senses. I could hear, feel, smell, see and taste absolutely nothing. I felt nothing. Not sadness, nor anger, nor loneliness, nor fear or peace. It was a zombie-like state.

Back in the states:

Jasper POV

"Alice! Alice! What's wrong? Baby, snap out of it talk to me." I tried to calm her down as she shook uncontrollably in her vision. She finally started sawing her breath in and out and she grabbed me and clung desperately, whispering, "Mom and Dad; I can't see them. They just disappeared! Oh God, Jazz, what does this mean? We have got to get home, NOW! Call Edward and Bella."

"I'm calling the airport now. Get our things together." I said as I picked up my phone and started dialing the airport to get flights home. "Just leave everything. I don't care about any of it." Alice replied obviously despair taking over. "No, I countered. That may cause undue worry when someone realizes we left everything or we show up at the airport with no luggage. Remember what Carlisle taught us. We need to blend in."

The phone was ringing against my ear, its tone shrill and penetrating. The ringing ceased as someone finally picked up the phone. "Hello Jasper," said the deep male voice that was Edward's even tone.

"Edward, Alice just had a vision. Something is up with Mom and Dad. I have tried their numbers but no one answers. Do you know where they went?" I asked.

"I know it had to do with a convention for Dad. He sort of let some details slip about an itinerary and a seminar on cancer research but that was all I got. Jazz, what did she see?"

"According to her…nothing. It's like they disappeared off the map. She says that's NEVER happened before; she says she can't see them at all; as if they don't exist. She can't see anything. Edward, she's near hysteria. We heading back home now."

Edward's response was instantaneous. "We are heading back to the house also. I am going to do some research when I get there. I should have something when you arrive. I'll call Rose and Emmett. Have Alice to check on the Volturri to see if this is some type of attack or coup.

"Do you think it could be that? I asked, my throat tightening at the thought.

"I am not ruling anything out until we know for sure." Edward said calmly. "We'll see you when you get home." The phone clicked in my ear, and I closed it with a snap, looking at Alice as I felt the waves of worry rolling off her. I wrapped my arms around her, pouring as much calm into her as I could. She pushed her face into my chest, and I felt her shudder with a soft sob. I placed a soft kiss on her forehead and then pulled away to pack our things as quickly as possible while Alice called to book tickets at the Airport. The sooner we got out of here, the better.

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