AN: This is Carlisle's point of view when Edward leaves in the beginning of Twilight because he can't handle the temptation of Bella's blood.

Carlisle POV:

"Carlisle, I have to leave, now. NOW." I looked up in surprise as Edward came into the room unannounced.

"Why?" I asked, although I was sure that he knew what I was going to ask before I said it.

"The new girl… I don't think I can resist that kind of… level of temptation. It would be dangerous for her. It would risk exposing us… I can't do that to her or you." He looked like he was asking for forgiveness. Not because he already gave in to temptation, or else he wouldn't be here, but because he had the temptation, the want to give in, still.

"Is there nothing that can be done?" I asked. It's horrible when your first child leaves you. Esme will be heartbroken.

"I know… I'm not going home, or she'll try to make me stay, and I can't do that to everyone. If people knew, the Quiliettes and the Volturi will be after us and we can't have that. I tried changing my schedule, but that stupid human wouldn't cooperate, then she walked into that tiny, enclosed space… I almost lost my grip, so I had to get out of there."

Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do in a situation like this.

"Tell Esme I love her and I'll see her eventually. A few more years and she'll leave school."

"There is another option… We could relocate," I suggested. Although all of us like Forks, we love Edward more.

"No, that's not right for any of us. I'll leave." He murmured. "There is another complication, though not as pressing a problem as the other. I can't read her mind."

I sat in utter silence, stunned. I didn't know of anyone who had mind immune to Edward's talent. "That's strange. I didn't think… well, then, anything is possible, I suppose…" I said in a muted voice to myself. Abruptly pulled myself back to the present which was Edward standing there, looking pained. "Take my car, it has a full gas tank. I'll tell the family."

"Thank you, Carlisle."

And then he was gone, as if he had vanished in the proverbial cloud of smoke.

I had a smile on my face, though. He wouldn't accept defeat. He would be back. Then who knows what will happen. I continued through the rest of my day in somewhat of a trance, my mind coming up with many "what ifs."