Author's note: Hello, my lovelies! Here's the next update for you all to enjoy.

Chapter sixteen

I let the scents wash over me as I took a long, deep breath. Oh, how I had missed that smell. I'd travelled the world in my time, but never found anywhere that smelt quite like Washington. The damp climate gave the landscape a sweet earthy fragrance that no other place could quite replicate. Although I had never forayed into Forks before now, it held the unmistakable signature aroma of the Olympic Peninsula. A strong breeze played with the tendrils of my golden brown locks and I closed my eyes a moment to listen to the orchestra of nature that surrounded me. I heard the whistle of the wind, the soft rustle of leaves, the tiny padding of animal paws and the scurrying of insects. After only thirty minutes in the small town, I was ready to call it home...should circumstances allow it.

Opening my honey eyes, I took my time studying the large house before me. Grand, spacious, yet simple and tasteful; it fit the owner down to a T. A desire to fully commit the scene to memory kept me from moving at my normal speed, as I advanced towards the porch. I stopped by the front door and waited, knowing there was no need to knock. The door opened and I was greeted by a warm, handsome smile I'd not seen for over ten years.

"Esme," the owner of the house greeted and pulled me into a tight embrace.

"It's good to see you too, Carlisle," I said, a smile curving my lips.

We held each other for a while and it allowed me to reacquaint myself with his scent. I hadn't realised just how much I'd missed him until then. True, ten years was not a long time in the grand scheme of things, but, after spending almost ninety percent of my life with him, it was still a significant number of years to be apart. We separated and our happy expressions mirrored one another.

"Please, come in," he offered, standing aside to let me through. I entered the house and was instantly impressed by what I saw. Alice's influence in the decor was immediate, although I wasn't blind to the tastes of Carlisle and Jasper, either. The place had a cool, calming atmosphere to it, of which I heartily approved. There was far too much hustle and bustle in the modern world for my liking, so a place of quiet and solitude suited my tastes perfectly.

"Do you have any bags?" Carlisle asked, as he fell into step beside me. We were still moving at a 'human' pace. Just because we could move at superhuman speed, did not mean we always did.

"In the car," I replied. "But they can wait."

We reached the commodious first floor lounge and I did a slow three sixty turn to get a proper look at the room. The immense glass windows at the back offered a spectacular view and I soaked it up, imagining it as a place to spend much of my time, were I to stay.

"I like this room," I commented, more to myself than anyone else. "This house is quite a find, I must say."

"We were incredibly lucky," he agreed. "Although, it required quite a bit of renovation to bring it to its present glory."

I nodded, my gaze returning to the windows. I was grateful in that moment for the vampire abilities, which allowed me the potential to stand in that spot for hours on end if I wished. It was something I most definitely planned to do. Carlisle allowed me a few more moments, before placing a gentle hand on my shoulder and offering a tour of the rest of the house. As I followed him up the wooden stairs, I noted the distinct lack of a certain pair.

"Where are Alice and Jasper?"

"They have gone to Port Angeles for the day," he answered. "But should be back soon." There was a pause, before he stopped mid-step and turned to look at me. "Speaking of which, there is something I should tell you."

000

"I'm...speechless."

There was no other way to describe my reaction. The news Carlisle had just given was unexpected, to say the least. We were currently in his study, where I reclined on the two-seater leather sofa, as he perched against the edge of his desk, arms crossed over his chest. He was watching me, gauging my response and I wasn't sure exactly what it was I saw in his face. He'd always been so difficult to read, something time had not altered, except in the eyes. They usually told you everything you needed to know about how he was feeling at any given time. However, there was a glint of something in them I had not seen before. I did not pry, knowing he would tell me if and when he needed to. "When did this start?"

"Alice first befriended her almost four months ago," he replied. "I know that's not a very long time, but it is surprising how quickly their relationship has developed. I wasn't so sure it was a good idea to start with, but you know how Alice can be once she gets an idea into her head."

I grinned, knowing exactly what he meant. I also knew she wasn't stupid or reckless, so there had to be a good reason she pursued such a risky friendship. "Has she seen how it will play out?" I wondered, hoping her premonitory gift had offered a little insight into the situation.

"She's playing coy at the moment, offering nothing more than an assurance everything will be fine." I could see his mild annoyance, but knew he'd never push Alice to reveal anything she did not want to, purely out of respect for her.

"What is she like?" I asked, wondering what was so special about the girl my coven had decided to form an attachment with.

His eyes rose heavenwards as he shifted position slightly. He had no real need to, as vampires were capable of remaining still for hours, days, even years. It was part of his 'human' repertoire, one of the many mannerisms he'd adopted over the decades that allowed him to blend in with society. I'd attempted to adopt some, myself, but they were nowhere near as polished as his.

"She's...inquisitive," he eventually said and the beginnings of a small smile began to pull at the corners of his mouth. "It seems that when something catches her attention, her powers of perception regarding it are greatly increased. Had I not revealed myself, it wouldn't have been long before she figured it out on her own. She's never nosy or rude, but you can see it in her face when the cogs of her curiosity are working. Alice adores her and it is quite something to see the pair of them together."

"And the fact you are vampires does not bother her?" I was surprised. Although the vampire myth was, and always had been, extremely popular over the centuries, I knew for a fact that if any human met a real one, they would immediately sprint in the opposite direction. Yet, this girl stayed. My own curiosity had been piqued.

"Our diet, I imagine, plays a very large part in that, although she does retain a little wariness of Jasper. He senses it from time to time, but even that is waning now. Even before she knew, she had spent enough time alone with us to realise we are not going to hurt her."

I nodded and considered what I had just learnt. From what I had just been told, and listening to the way he spoke about her, I could tell this Isabella was fast becoming an important part of their lives. Hearing the depth of Alice's affection for her was both endearing and worrying. It made the news I carried all the more distressing.

"I am very happy to see how well you are all settling in here," I began, the smile on my face fading just a little. "However, the timing of this new acquaintance is...unfortunate."

Carlisle's own smile diminished and a gentle crease of concern lined his brow. Taking a breath I did not need, I braced myself to deliver the news.

"On my way here, I came across someone I have not seen for quite some time." I paused to think of the best way to tell him and fixed my eyes on his. Carlisle's reception of the information was uncertain, but I could not remain silent. He needed to be prepared, especially now they had invited a human into their lives. "We met by chance in Port Angeles," I continued, still unwilling to say the name. "I had stopped for gas when he approached me."

"When who approached you?" he asked and I knew I could stall no longer.

"Edward," I replied.

A range of emotions swam in his golden irises, all battling for dominance. Sadness, fear, curiosity, anger-they were only a few. An imperceptible shift of his jaw muscles was the only betrayal his body gave of the strong reaction that name roused. I hated to be the bearer of such a thing. I wanted so much for our reunion to be a joyous affair, but circumstance had decided otherwise. The silence in the room was deafening as I struggled to find more words to say. I wasn't sure how to continue or whether he needed a few more moments to gather his thoughts.

"How is he?" Carlisle asked, his voice soft and low. His eyes had lowered from mine and the empty seat beside me caught the brunt of their attention.

"He looked well," I answered, hating the unfortunate dip the atmosphere of our meeting had taken. "Healthy, smart and surprisingly relaxed, given the fact he was in a town full of people."

"Did he speak to you?"

"He did," I said. "He asked what I had been up to and was surprised when I said I hadn't seen any of you for over a decade. I told him of my travels, before returning the question. Apparently, the Volturi have sent him to investigate the recent spate of murders in Seattle. They strongly suspect a vampire is the culprit and he has been trying to track the killer down."

Carlisle did not speak, but nodded in acknowledgement. I stood up from the sofa and took a step forward.

"He's been unsuccessful so far, but is working hard to catch whoever is responsible." I took a few steps closer. "He asked about the others-Alice, Jasper, Rose, Emmett..." A couple more advancing steps, until we were less than a foot apart. "...and you."

Carlisle looked at me then. Again, his face remained stoic, but the whirlwind in his eyes spoke volumes. He and Edward hadn't seen or spoken to one another for nigh on forty years, after the horrific events that led to their parting. It's a time nobody ever really spoke about, because, in all honesty, I do not think any of us had really reconciled ourselves to it, yet. Although the entire coven had become extremely close during our cohabitation, I think Carlisle suffered worst with Edward's departure. Compassion was a blessing and a curse for the vampire stood before me and, whilst not possessing Jasper's pathokinesis, he'd still keenly felt the turmoil of everyone around him, blaming himself for all that had happened.

"I suggested a possible reunion sometime soon," I revealed. "When his business is concluded."

Carlisle remained quiet and I desperately wished to know what was going through his mind. I decided to keep talking, if only to chase away the uncomfortable silence.

"I don't know if it will happen," I continued. "But it could be a good opportunity to see everyone again. What do you think?"

A moment of doubt crossed my mind as I considered whether he would be angry with me. Although I truly believed the reunion had tremendous potential for good, my actions weren't entirely altruistic. The truth was that I missed everyone. I had lived a nomadic life for a decade, now and wanted to get back to how things used to be. It may be a vain effort borne of nostalgia, but could anyone really blame me for trying?

Carlisle slowly straightened and turned towards the desk. "It's been a while since we last saw Emmett and Rosalie," he began, picking up the two books resting on the desk and walking over to their empty spaces on the shelves lining the walls. "And it would be nice to see everyone again. Did Edward show any enthusiasm towards the idea?"

"He didn't dismiss the notion outright," I replied, almost feeling the waves of disquiet radiating from Carlisle. "Perhaps, given time to consider, he may find it favourable."

The ghost of a wan smile touched his lips. "We'll see," was all he said. "But I now understand why you would find our new acquaintance ill timed."

I knew I had gotten all I could out of him regarding Edward, so followed the new path our conversation was taking. "Yes, given that a member of the Volturi is now nearby, it may be wise to create a little distance between yourselves and the human."

Carlisle's expression was turning grave. "I agree. We'll talk to Alice and Jasper later, before deciding how best to explain it to Bella."

Before I could say any more, a sound caught the attention of both of us. He walked over to the window and looked out.

"Speaking of which," he said, making for the door. "They're here."

My eyes found the window and I saw a sleek yellow Porsche approaching. Excitement thrummed in my stomach about seeing Alice and Jasper again, but nervousness and intrigue about meeting Isabella were also present. I was unsure what caused my worry-perhaps it was simply the fact that a human was alone in a house with four of our kind. It was always the same whenever I confronted humans. Whilst I did not doubt my own restraint, I always kept in mind the possibility of losing control. Adding Jasper to the mix did not help and I wondered what progress he had made during my absence. It must have been quite significant if Alice's new friend was able to visit so often.

Carlisle was already downstairs by the time I reached the staircase and I paused at the bottom, hearing the trio before I saw them.

"I do not snore!" came the adamant cry of a young female.

"I never said you did," replied the relaxed drawl I immediately recognised to be Jasper's. "But something had the hotel walls a-rumblin' that night."

The two vampires entered the lounge, the human girl hot on their heels and I got my first glimpse of Isabella Swan. The adjective that immediately sprang to mind was 'average'. Nothing about the girl's physicality stood out. Granted, she had a natural prettiness, but it wasn't anything to cause many second glances. With the right clothes and makeup, she had potential to be stunning, but it was very apparent she did not consider it to be a high priority.

I was spotted within moments and Alice came rushing forwards, throwing her arms around my neck and hugging me tightly. I sincerely hoped she didn't hug Isabella this way. Her embrace was returned with equal enthusiasm by me.

"It's wonderful to see you, darling," I said, with a broad grin on my face as my eyes met her mate. "And you, Jasper."

He nodded his head, flashing the infectious grin I had missed so much. "If I didn't know any better," he remarked. "I'd say you've grown even more ravishing."

I pulled away from Alice and batted my eyelashes teasingly. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr Whitlock."

"How long are you staying?" the pocket-sized beauty beside me asked. Alice was never known for beating around the bush.

"I haven't made any definite plans, yet," I confessed. "But-"

"Oh, please stay!" Alice begged, not even letting me finish. She really could be quite adorable, at times. Her begging was unnecessary, as the prospect of setting up a permanent residence in Forks wasn't an unpleasant one-as long as they'd have me, of course.

"Hmm, we'll see," I replied, wanting to tease her a little, although she was probably fully aware of my decision, if the knowing smirk on her face was anything to go by.

Her eyes suddenly widened further with excitement and she skipped over to where the human girl was standing, who I noticed hadn't moved from the spot she'd been in when Alice first saw me. Isabella clearly did not wish to interrupt our reunion and, were it not for her unmistakably human scent, she could have quite easily gone completely unnoticed.

"This is Bella," Alice introduced, putting an arm around the human's shoulders to manoeuvre her forward.

"Hello," I smiled, extending a hand. "I'm Esme Platt."

She took my hand, the grip hesitant to begin with. "Hi," she replied and I could see her coffee coloured eyes brimming with the curiosity Carlisle had mentioned earlier.

"I've already heard so much about you," I commented conversationally as our handshake concluded.

She looked slightly abashed at my remark as her cheeks flushed pink. "Oh," she said, her eyes flitting quickly to Carlisle, before returning to me. "Nothing bad, I hope."

"Don't worry," Jasper grinned. "Carlisle's manners would never permit him to mention your snoring."

"I do not snore!" She insisted, her eyes flashing with annoyance, despite the smile she tried to fight. "Tell them," she solicited Carlisle, who simply held his hands up defensively.

"Switzerland," he chuckled.

"Coward," she shot back.

"That wasn't a denial," Jasper teased.

"Don't make me throw holy water on you," Bella warned as her eyes formed scowling slits.

I actually laughed at that comment, revelling in the camaraderie on display. Before any further insults could be batted between them, Alice herded the quarrelling pair towards the stairs. "Come on, children," she cooed. "Save the bickering for later."

Jasper began his ascent and Bella turned to face me once more, before following him.

"It was nice to meet you," she offered, shyly.

"You too," I replied.

The three walked up the stairs and I strolled over to the bottom of the staircase to watch them until they disappeared from view. I was stunned by what I had just witnessed.

"That's incredible," I breathed in amazement as Carlisle came up beside me. "Besides us, I have never seen him so relaxed around anyone, let alone a human."

"It's not only Alice Bella has had an influence on," he explained, leaning against the banister. "He was very anxious about her to start with, but frequent exposure has allowed him to acclimate very well. He says she is very calming to be around."

I mulled over his words and noticed Jasper wasn't the only one calmed by her presence. All signs of tension in Carlisle's posture had evaporated and he looked more like his tranquil self. His eyes remained focused on the spot where the trio had vanished above us and I continued to watch him for a while, wishing I had returned to the coven a few months earlier, if only to observe Isabella's integration into the coven first hand. A wealth of questions was queuing in my mind and I was pretty sure Miss Swan's inquisitiveness had met its match. Right then and there, my decision was finalised.

"So," I said. "Which room is mine?"

A/N: What do you all think? I wanted to be able to show a little more plot development, but knew it was impossible if I stayed with Bella's POV, so decided to use another. Generally, I don't see enough of Esme in fanfics and thought it might make a nice change from the obvious characters I could have used. I hope you liked it and I'm working on the next update as we speak :)