Author's note: Howdy! Again, thanks to every single person who reviewed, favourited and followed, kisses to you all XXXXXXXXXXX
As a token of appreciation, here's the next chappie for y'all :)
Chapter twenty
Teaching had been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Even as a human, I'd always longed to follow the profession. There was something incomparable about watching youngsters as they started to experience the world and filling their curious minds with the knowledge needed to face the challenges of adult life. To me, there was nothing more fulfilling than witnessing the spark of delight in a child's eyes as they solved their first math problem, or learnt to spell their own name, and it gave me tremendous pride to know I had been the one to help them do so. Naturally, the moment I decided to settle in Forks with three of my greatly-missed coven members, I started hunting for local schools. My first teaching job had come shortly before my transformation, but only lasted a short while. I was so desperate to repeat the experience, that, the moment my control over the blood lust was strong enough, Carlisle had helped me get back into the profession. Obviously, given our somewhat nomadic lifestyle, I couldn't be any more than a substitute teacher, but, now, I had the chance to become a permanent member of staff...and I had never been more nervous.
Although I had fallen in love with Forks the moment I arrived, there were downsides to the small town. The lack of teaching jobs was the most troubling for me and meant I'd had to search further afield for work. Given its close proximity to my new hometown, as well as the fact that Alice worked there, I relocated my search to Port Angeles. Lady Luck offered a helping hand as one of the high schools there was looking for a new math teacher and I immediately applied. They'd offered me an interview the very next day and it was after that very event that I found myself strolling through Port Angeles with Carlisle. The air was cool and carried the refreshment that always followed a wet morning.
"So, how did it go, Esme?" he asked, hands resting in the pockets of his long, black coat.
"I think it went very well," I replied, taking in yet another breath of the Olympic air. I was sure I'd never get enough of it. "The principal, Garry, and I got along easily and he seemed impressed with my résumé. There are a couple more applicants to interview, but I should know by next week if I got the job."
"He would be a fool not to have you," Carlisle declared with a smile. "After all, when it comes to experience, you have, at least, fifty years on even the most seasoned teacher."
I chuckled. "If only I could put that on my résumé."
We continued onwards in companionable silence for a short while as I took in the sights of a town I would possibly be working in soon. As it was a school day, the streets weren't overly busy and I imagined the majority of shops' patrons were parents making the most of their free time to partake in a little retail therapy. Alice had told me the name of dress shop she worked in, so I kept a look out for it as we walked.
"You know," I began. "I am surprised your pager hasn't gone off yet. This must be the first time in weeks you've actually been able to enjoy a proper day off."
"A little over sixteen days, actually," he corrected congenially. "You think the locals would be used to excessive amounts of rain, but apparently not." Behind the teasing, there was no real disapproval. He loved his job and, if not for the sake of keeping up appearances, he'd probably never take a day off.
The high school wasn't far from the area were Alice worked and Carlisle had parked. Although my task for the day had been completed, I wasn't ready to leave the town just yet, so we decided to spend some time in a nearby coffee shop, allowing me to soak up some of the local atmosphere, before popping in to see Alice on our way home. Of course, vampires don't eat or drink anything other than blood, so the coffees we ordered were purely for show. We sat and chatted about various topics, enjoying the rare prolonged amount of time we'd been given together. Our circular table was situated beside the large window, giving us a perfect view of the street opposite and I got occasional glimpses of my petite companion as she helped customers with a task she loved dearly-shopping.
As Carlisle and I talked, I couldn't help notice his eyes often darting to the window. At first, I thought he was simply people-watching; a pastime I, too, enjoyed. Then I realised his attention was being repeatedly caught by a specific target. I followed the gaze, which led to the stores opposite, and saw that his line of sight wasn't reaching the dress shop, but the bookstore a couple of doors away. I knew how avid a reader he could be, but, it wasn't until I saw a familiar brunette walking around inside Thunderbird and Whale that everything clicked together. Isabella seemed to be in the middle of helping a customer locate a certain book as she stood on tiptoes to reach the top shelf. She gave it her best shot, bless her, but, in the end, the significantly taller customer helped her out by removing the desired tome from its designated spot himself, before they both headed for the cash register.
I had only lived at the Forks mansion a few weeks, yet the young human's presence had become almost as regular an occurrence as the vampires living there. Her connection with the coven got deeper every day and, although I took no issue with her, I still worried about the prospect of a possible visit from Edward. I knew all too well the Volturi's stance on the matter-under no circumstances could exposure of our existence be risked. Regardless of Isabella's intentions, she would be considered a threat and they would act accordingly. At first, it had made me hang back a little, but, once we'd started talking, I was pleasantly surprised to note the similarities we shared. For a start, she also wanted to become a teacher, although her subject of choice was English, rather than math. I had kept firmly out of the argument with her mother, but felt saddened all the same by her plight and was glad the issue had been somewhat resolved. I quickly saw why the other three had grown so fond of her and why they struggled to find the best way to explain the situation concerning Edward.
I studied him each time his honey coloured eyes flitted to the window, but made no attempt to point out my observation. The daylight shone onto his pupils and they continued to travel back and forth from the bookstore, to me, making it hard for me to read them. I wanted nothing more than to stand in front of him and view them properly, to see what thoughts and emotions swam inside them as he kept looking Isabella's way. Unfortunately, my curiosity was not sated as he soon suggested we go to see Alice.
On the way out, I decided to probe a little deeper and pointed towards the bookstore.
"Is that where Isabella works?" I asked and he had no need to follow the direction I gestured towards, as he was already looking that way.
"It is," he answered and chuckled. "And I am surprised she has not corrected you on using her full name by now."
"She did a while ago," I revealed. "But when I told her how beautiful it was, she felt too embarrassed to mention it again. I've heard you use her full name, too, so I must not be the only one to find it so."
"Indeed," he murmured, his smile widening as we moved forward.
Suddenly, he froze. I stopped a step ahead of him, before looking over my shoulder and frowning in confusion. His eyes were wide and alert and I immediately read the danger signs. I went into defensive mode and took a step backwards to stand beside him, all senses focusing on the landscape surrounding us to locate the threat. It didn't take long to emerge and a scent that had once been an everyday part of my existence wafted past my nostrils. I turned my head slowly and saw a very familiar figure stroll casually towards us.
"Hello, there," greeted the low, illustrious voice of Edward Masen. "Long time, no see."
I risked a glance at Carlisle. His body was a rigid statue, his face completely impassive and eyes alight with all the emotions I had seen when first telling him his past companion was here. The air between the two was charged with so much electricity, it was a wonder our hair didn't start to stand on end. It was extremely rare for Carlisle Cullen to be unconfident in a situation, but I could sense this was one of those moments.
"Hello, Edward," I said, forcing my smile as wide as possible. I wasn't unhappy to see him, but I was apprehensive about the direction this unexpected reunion could take. "It's good to see you again."
"You, too, Esme," he replied, a half smile of his own lifting the left corner of his lips. His claret eyes connected with the vampire's beside me and the smile faltered a little, before he inclined his head in greeting. "Carlisle."
The blonde beside me took a brief second to fully compose himself, before replying, his voice soft and expressionless. "Edward." I could only imagine how heartbreaking it must have been for him to see the shade of Edward's eyes, to know he had abandoned a life he'd once tried so adamantly to follow.
We were all silent for a moment, acclimatising ourselves to the unforeseen meeting, before Edward spoke once again.
"I apologise for the lack of advance notice," he began, his lips slowly releasing the words with each advancing step. "I told Esme I might visit once my business here was concluded and I would have followed that, but this seemed like an opportunity that shouldn't be wasted." He stilled a couple of feet away from us.
"No apology is necessary," Carlisle insisted. "And forgive my hesitation; the surprise of seeing you simply caught me a little off guard."
"So I noticed," Edward said and there was a meaning buried within those words that I couldn't quite grasp. A glance at Carlisle revealed nothing. His face was as unreadable as ever.
"How have you been?" Carlisle asked and I saw the effort he put into relaxing his posture. My still heart went out to him, wishing there was something I could do to make things easier for all involved. Sadly, I knew there was no way to avoid this initial awkward meeting.
"Very well, lately," Edward answered and I didn't miss the tone coating the last word. It riled me a little to think he would already start an argument, but I kept myself in check, not wanting to add any unnecessary aggravation. "The Volturi have been an invaluable help since I joined them."
Carlisle's pupils contracted ever so slightly, the only indication that the red-eyed vampire's words had caused any pain. "How long have you been with them?"
"A couple of decades, roughly. They had no qualms about taking me in and I repay their kindness by performing the odd task for them here and there."
"Is the investigation going well?" How Carlisle managed to keep his composure was beyond me. It seemed as though Edward's last few comments were made to deliberately antagonise. Any inclination I'd had about this being an awkwardly civilised conversation was steadily disappearing.
"In some ways," Edward explained, his eyes moving from us, to our surroundings.
"They are certain the killer is a vampire, then? We had begun to suspect as much ourselves." Carlisle was keeping the topic focused on business, I noted.
"They are," Edward stated, his eyes returning to us as he paused for several moments. "All the evidence points to an out-of-control newborn."
Carlisle nodded. "The last murder was several weeks ago. Are you very close to finding the culprit?"
"I am the closest I've been so far, although, my target is rather adept at escaping my clutches. They haven't yet left this area, however, and it may not be long before the killer reveals himself."
"We have made several attempts to investigate the murders, ourselves, although, only one of us possesses any real skill in tracking."
"Given that you seem to be setting up a life here for yourselves, I understand the limitations placed upon you." Edward gave his first smile. It wasn't very wide or especially warm, but it was a smile, nonetheless. "How are you finding things amongst the living?"
"They were...interesting to begin with," Carlisle said. "But, so far, so good. I am working at Forks hospital, whilst Alice has found a job in this town. Jasper is taking a little longer to acclimate, but it will not be long before he, too, starts integrating into the community."
Edward listened, but said nothing for a moment as he considered Carlisle's words. "I am-" a brief hesitation. "-glad to hear it." His attention turned towards me. "I take it you decided on a permanent stay?"
"I did," I answered. "I have been away for far too long."
"Still no word from the others?"
"I spoke to Emmett a few days ago and, whilst he and Rosalie have no plans to return just yet, they are considering it for the near future." I braced myself to deliver the next lines. "They both send their regards. I think they would like to see you."
Edward gave a quick nod and his eyes lowered to let his gaze sweep the ground beside me. "As I told you, there may be chance after my investigation. If all goes well, that is."
"Although you seem to have everything under control," Carlisle began. "Should you require any assistance, you need only ask. We are as anxious to have the killer found as you."
Edward looked up sharply and I expected to see annoyance in his expression, but it was neutral. "Thank you, Carlisle, but you are correct in assuming I have everything under control. However, I will keep the offer in mind."
"Where are you staying, if you don't mind my asking?" It was a futile effort, but I had to try, at least. I had expected resistance from Edward to Carlisle's offer of help, but, there was always the possibility that he accepted mine. Having him stay at the house was an unbelievably long shot, but, if you don't try, you can never hope to succeed.
"I have to remain on the move, if I am to keep up with the newborn, but, thank you, Esme."
As I said, it was a long shot, but he knew what I was implying by asking the question. He hadn't scoffed or blankly refused, but he hadn't acquiesced, either. Despite the shaky start, things seemed to be going rather smoothly for the time being. I sincerely hoped they stayed that way. The situation was currently resting on the edge of knife, needing only a little push to go either way and the tension was so strong, it was in danger of becoming a visible entity. I wanted nothing more than to bang the pair's heads together and wrap them up in the tightest embrace I could manage, until they were forced to resolve their conflict, but I knew it would never be that easy. Too much had happened between them for an easy reconciliation. With Edward's assimilation into the Volturi, there was a strong possibility that reconciliation may never happen. The notion saddened me beyond words, yet must have been a thousand times worse for Carlisle.
"Unfortunately," Edward said. "I must end the conversation here." His yes bore into Carlisle's for a final time. "Oh, and I'm sure it didn't escape your notice, but, I assure you I will not hunt in, or around, your territory. The people of Washington are safe...from me, at least."
It was a final twist of the blade and Carlisle's gaze faltered as his shoulders slumped imperceptibly. Edward may as well have punched him in the gut, whilst laughing in his face and screaming his undying love for the taste of human blood. It was a low blow and had-what I assumed to be-the desired effect. Edward nodded to me, before turning to leave.
When a distance of several feet had been created between him and us, Carlisle spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Goodbye, Edward," he said, his golden orbs fixed on the back of his former friend.
There was no reply, although I did notice a faint falter in Edward's step as he continued to walk away, before disappearing from view. Carlisle hadn't moved and his eyes were rooted to where Edward had just been. Through the immobility, his body thrummed with barely restrained emotion, causing a slight tremble in the fingers of his right hand, as it hung limply at his side. Just how hard had that meeting been on him? I slowly raised my left hand and hesitantly placed it on his shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze. He needed to know, no matter what, that he wasn't alone. He acknowledged the gesture by relaxing his shoulders and letting out a sigh.
"I..." He struggled to find the words; the short talk with Edward seemed to have exhausted him. "I'm sorry, Esme."
"You have nothing to apologise for," I said, but, could tell he didn't believe me.
He turned slowly, his eyes not meeting mine. "It seems we cannot keep the truth from Bella any longer." His voice was flat, monotone, containing none of the usual life.
"It appears that way," I agreed, wishing I could see his eyes, if only to know what he was feeling at that moment. "How do we tell her?"
His eyes turned heavenwards as he considered. They closed for a short while as he took in a deep breath. Although we had no need to consume oxygen, human habits die hard and there was still no better way to clear the mind than inhaling deeply. When his eyes opened and finally met mine, he was far more composed.
"We tell her the truth," he decided, before reconsidering. "Or, a less perilous version. I do not want to frighten her."
"Alright."
I was going to say more, when I noticed his attention had left me and fixed on something over my shoulder. I turned to see Isabella walking towards the store window, carrying an armful of books. She gave a warm smile and waved with her free hand. I waved back and sensed some of the tension leave Carlisle, just like it had before. She quite often seemed to have that sort of effect on him. Not just him, either; I'd noticed the calm atmosphere spread across the entire house whenever she'd visited over the past few weeks. I had actually spoken to Jasper about it and his description had been a little baffling. With Jasper's gift of pathokinesis, he was able to sense and, to some extent, control the emotions of people around him, yet, with Isabella, his talent didn't quite work the way it should. He compared it to listening to music whilst wearing earplugs. He could sense her feelings, yet it was nowhere near as intensely as with anyone else. He also couldn't manipulate her emotions, either, not that he was in the habit of ever doing so; he'd simply tried to out of curiosity once and it hadn't really worked. I asked if it bothered him, but he claimed to actually enjoy the reprieve her presence allowed.
She must have sensed all was not right, as her smile faltered and a crease of concern lined her brow. She really was very perceptive, at times. The change in her demeanour seemed to finally kick him out of his despondence and he started moving forward. I followed as he began to speak.
"I'll be with you and Alice in a moment."
I nodded and walked over to the dress shop, whilst he headed for the bookstore. A part of me considered lingering just out of sight, to listen in on his conversation with Isabella, but knew it would be an invasion of privacy. As he disappeared into Thunderbird and Whale, I pushed open the door to Belle of the Ball and Alice was stood by the cashier desk, serving a small queue of customers. She didn't look my way, but I knew she was aware of my presence. Serving the patrons as quickly as good service would allow, she came over and saw straight through the smile I had painted on for her.
"Was it bad?" she asked, her delicate brows knitting together. She had obviously foreseen our rendezvous with Edward.
"It was both better and worse than expected," I replied.
"Poor Carlisle," she muttered, her dark lashes resting against the white skin as her eyes closed empathetically. "Was it very hard for him?"
"Oh, Alice, I'm torn between wishing you had been there for him and being glad you did not have to witness it."
She stepped forward and embraced me tightly. "I can't imagine. I'm sorry I did not warn you, but, I only caught a glimpse mere minutes before he approached you."
"I suspected that may have been the case. It did seem like a spur-of-the-moment action on his part."
"What did he say to you?"
"Not very much," I said. "Although, he couldn't resist adding a few jabs at his former mentor," I added, disapprovingly.
"You can't be surprised by that, surely? The way he left, I'm surprised he didn't end up lunging for Carlisle, before the end."
I let out a sigh. It was all such a mess. How had things become this way? We had all been so happy together, once upon a time. My melancholic reminiscence was broken by the sound of the door opening and I turned my head to see one of the men in question enter. The change in Carlisle was surprisingly stark; only a subtle hint of distress remained from his recent encounter with Edward as he halted beside Alice and I. He offered a small smile and she wrapped her arms around his waist. He accepted the gesture gratefully, wrapping his own arms around her in response and placing a light kiss on the top of her head.
"You need not worry," he murmured. "All is well."
I watched in silence, once again finding my attention focused on studying his face. Could a few short minutes with the girl really have that much of an effect on him? There was still a little dejection in his eyes, but nowhere close to its previous level. More than ever, I wished I had spied on the pair, simply to see how she'd managed to remove so much of the sadness.
When he and Alice parted, she began her interrogation and I continued my silence, mulling over the thoughts in my head. There were many things troubling me, but, something in particular was beginning to overwhelm all other concerns. In some ways, it was exciting and lovely, yet I was not blind to the terrible danger it also presented. I needed to know more, but wasn't sure if those involved even realised what was happening, yet. I knew exactly who to talk to, but would have to wait until my diminutive companion was completely alone before discussing the matter with her. Carlisle has asked about Alice's visions regarding their friendship with Isabella, but all she'd revealed was that everything would be alright. I hadn't asked, myself, as I had only been mildly apprehensive about it, before. However, it was obvious things were changing and we needed to be prepared for whatever the future might bring. If the future I was currently predicting came into fruition, I could only pray that Alice's assertions were correct and that everything would be alright.
A/N: So, I'm assuming everyone can guess what future Esme is predicting. If not, then, um, you should probably read the last nineteen chapters ;) I decided to do some proper research for this chapter and Garry is the actual name of the real principal of Port Angeles High School. However, the name of the dress shop Alice works in is completely made up. See you all soon!