Edward's mood was sober one when he trudged towards his father's office. The fact that Kate could leave today meant that both she and Esme would be getting back to their lives separate to that of the Cullen's. The hospital just didn't have the same appeal for Edward as he flashed a smile toward the receptionist who never failed to disappoint with an obvious blush and smile back. Taking only a minute to reach his father's office Edward knocked lightly before he walked in hearing there were no patients or staff with Carlisle. His father was sitting behind his desk; Carlisle's happy face was out of place considering that today was when Esme and Kate would leave. Today was nothing to be happy about he thought as he eyed Carlisle suspiciously.
"Talk Carlisle... what have you done?" Edward asked curiously.
The one thing about living with people for twenty-four hours a day was you got to know them far too well. That meant their quirks, habits and when something had been done he didn't know about. Therefore, Carlisle's face was a good tell let alone his mind and at that moment his happy face meant that Carlisle had either done something highly amusing and chances of that were slim. Alternatively he knew something Edward did not and that was more to the point.
"Dear Edward... can I not smile on a day like today? I have done nothing parse." Came the quick reply which added a bigger smile onto Carlisle's face.
Edward found himself torn between being scared for what Carlisle had done and the idea that he could be sending Carlisle to a vampire funny farm in a few minutes. Sure, over the past few days Carlisle had been happier than Edward had ever seen him. The man spent most of his spare time with Esme but this was a kind of happy that only meant Carlisle had made a choice about something. It was that which made Edward see it as something to worry about rather than to be happy about. Like the time when Carlisle decided that Rosalie was going to be his soul mate... that was one of his crackpot ideas that had thankfully failed dramatically.
"Parse Carlisle? Tell me what you have done before I find out myself or I ask Alice! Either way... talk!" Edward told Carlisle firmly.
It was then Carlisle let out a small laugh. Living with a mind reader and someone who could have visions of the future meant that doing anything spontaneously and keeping to yourself was a nice idea but nothing more than an idea. It wasn't funny Edward though the moment he decidedly placed his hands on his hips as he tapped his foot impatiently waiting for Carlisle's answer. No he could smell a rat and not the kind he liked, this rat was suddenly annoying and scary. His father's smile was something he wanted to get to the bottom of and quickly before whatever Carlisle had done became irreversible.
"Fine, fine son. Listen Esme and Kate's home still needs some work done. Esme designed the place and the contractors are still working on the final few things. It's the small cottage on the outside of town... we went to look at it a few times remember?" Carlisle said wearing the same happy smile.
Edwards mind flickered towards the small cottage. It was very in keeping with the surrounding area he thought when they had first visited the property. It was a small out of the way cottage that would fit a vampire's needs extremely well. When they had visited the cottage it was under the cover of darkness though unfortunately it wasn't big enough for their needs or more to the point Alice and Rosalie's wardrobes. Edward nodded remembering the cottage vividly as he waited for Carlisle to continue.
"Yes well, I offered them a place in our home until the cottage is habitable. I have already checked with the others and the family are going hunting in fact, they should already have gone. It was the least I could do for them really." Carlisle replied a little sheepishly.
Carlisle had his own reasons for wanting Esme to stay, he had used the excuse of Kate having a warm house to stay in and that it would better aid her recovery. That of course was a very good reason which Esme had agreed to but there was also the strong attraction he felt toward Esme. Carlisle had never felt anything like it before, to find someone who understood his way of life and shared his love for humans was a very rare occurrence. Esme seemed to fill a void Carlisle didn't know he had, the mere thought that there could be a future for him that involved a possible companion was somewhat of a mystery and yet a very happy thought. Suddenly Edwards's whole mood seemed lifted by his Carlisle's offer to Esme and Kate. He resisted an urge to hug Carlisle though that lasted a good second or two. Edward sprang towards Carlisle nearly crushing him into the far wall with a bang. Carlisle was shocked by Edward as he looked slightly bewildered though Edward didn't care as he hugged Carlisle for a moment before letting him go.
"And that was for?" Carlisle asked as he raised a brow.
Edward felt a little embarrassed as he cleared his throat and walked towards the door. He was sure that any extra time he could spend with Kate would be happy and yet at the same time he was pleased that Carlisle had found someone he could relate to more than a textbook. To be honest Edward wondered if Carlisle would ever find anyone but now it seemed like it was just Edward who was doomed to a fate of years of solitude.
"Nothing much really... bet Esme doesn't mind staying with you!" Edward replied cheekily as a very large volume of practical cures hit him square in the chest.
"That may be but what about Kate, Edward? From your conversations I would say you were taken by her. Though I would not want to pry in you private life at all." Carlisle retorted.
Edward noticed the hint of sarcasm but simply shrugged and grinned. True Edward did like Kate and possibly a little more than like, she was someone who seemed to understand him a lot better than anyone else. She listened to him and actually paid attention to what he was saying and not how handsome he looked as some other humans did. He could have an intellectual conversation with her but Edward tried not to see any further than that. Kate was a human who was a decidedly private person, even down to her thoughts about him which seemed more conflicted than a simple like or dislike. Edward's mind flitted to what Alice had shared with the family, well everyone accept Carlisle that was. Alice had told everyone that Carlisle and Esme would soon be together. No one had a bad word to say about it other than Rose who wanted to meet Carlisle's possible wife and make sure she had no skeletons in the closet.
"Well I'm going to see Esme, are you coming Carlisle? I did take note that in one hour exactly you have requested the rest of the day off as holiday leave... and tomorrow too." Edward watched his father refuse to make a comment before he grabbed a ribbon wrapped gift from his desk before they headed out of the office.
They made their way down the white washed halls towards the room where Kate was. It had become more than a familiar journey for both men as one or both frequented the room to check on Esme and Kate. Edward noticed Carlisle smoothing out creases in his shirt and jacket as they walked, all that was left Edward thought was a mirror to check his hair but luckily for Edward they were already outside Kate's room.
"Love sick puppy" Edward muttered, as Carlisle grumbled something back.
Edward knew that if there were no humans around Carlisle would have said a little more but Edward knew to leave well enough alone. Edward was about to knock on the door when Carlisle pulled him to the side for a moment and passed the wrapped gift to him. Edward looked at it puzzled as to why Carlisle was suddenly buying gifts.
"It's for Kate from you." Carlisle whispered so only Edward could hear.
As if nothing had been said Carlisle swiftly knocked on the door entered the room. Esme was sat with a small bag in her hands, no doubt filled with clothes for her and Kate. Edward still bemused about the gift nodded a morning to Esme who's face lit up upon seeing Carlisle. Edward walked over to Kate dropping down into a chair that was beside her bed, he could see her smiling before she rolled her eyes throwing a glance toward her mother who was once again in mid conversation with Carlisle.
"Morning" Kate said in her usual sweet tone that Edward had become accustomed to.
Her face had less bruising as she now looked a little yellow. The cuts he could see were healing though he knew her ribs were still causing her pain despite what she told Carlisle and Esme. He was surprised just how insistent she was that she felt no pain and was completely fine, luckily Carlisle knew better and Edward could hear every painful thought but for a human Kate was definitely one of the tougher ones. Her leg however was now in a very chunky walking cast something that Edward knew she hated but again she tried to keep her thoughts to herself on the matter.
"Morning... you seem awfully happy today." Edward remarked, as her smile seemed to go from ear to ear.
Cute he thought as he noticed that Esme and Carlisle had left. Edward found he could be enthralled by Kate so easily, just like Esme who seemed to have the ability to make him feel completely relaxed as if she had known him all his life, Kate could be just as fascinating. To begin with Edward found it odd that a human could be so interesting though he guessed living with a vampire was bound to make anyone's life that but more interesting.
"Happy, yes I get to go home today." She said practically beaming. "No offence to you or Dr Cullen but this place is a little creepy when it's dark."
Edward chuckled at the thought; Kate had never spent a night alone since her admission to hospital. Between Esme and Carlisle they had every night covered though Edward had stayed for three nights just to give Esme and Carlisle some time to themselves. From the very first night Edward had found out from Esme that Kate was terrified of the dark since she had been a child and from that moment Esme had always stayed close to her daughter. There was nothing more added to it though Edward could hear there was a lot more to the story than a simple fear of the dark. Still Edward didn't pry; he liked to know Kate wasn't alone in the hospital for too long. Even though she was sleeping and probably wasn't aware anyone was in the room with her, it still gave him a sense of satisfaction knowing she wasn't alone.
"Yes I know. It's good that you are..." Edward started.
"You know maybe we should give Esme a minute." Carlisle interrupted motioning for Edward to leave the room.
"Oh ... yes of course." Edward said slightly confused for a second as he got up from the chair leaving the gift where he sat.
It was when he was passing Esme that he heard her worried thoughts, mostly that he was going to tell Kate she was staying in a house full of vampires before she did but there was something else. Edward tried not to listen but Esme's thoughts were too loud for him not to hear. Esme actually wanted to go and check out the family before Kate went anywhere near them. Then again as he left the room with Carlisle, Edward could understand why Esme would want to know that the other's were not about to go and kill Kate the minute they met her. In fact Edward suddenly felt like he wanted some assurance on that as well.
"Esme hasn't told Kate yet." Carlisle explained, "And I think she would like to meet the others before she lets Kate get involved with this arrangement."
Edward nodded understanding perfectly her reasons though the more he heard of Esme's thoughts the more he wished he couldn't hear them at all. Suddenly it was like the flood gates had opened, Esme's thoughts danced between a fear for her daughters well being and that of her own. Several times Edward heard Esme compare Carlisle to someone named Charles which he guessed was her ex fiancé and Kate's father. For a moment Edward fought the urge to take Esme aside and explain just what a good man Carlisle was, how he would never hurt her like Charles did but then as fast as the thoughts had materialized they disappeared. It was as if Esme was trying to hide it all, Edward remembered that he had explained in detail about what he could do. For a long while Edward felt guilty for invading Esme's privacy however there wasn't anything he could do to stop it unless he was a thousand miles away from her.
"Carlisle, you are sure about this... and Esme, are you not?" Edward asked sincerely.
Carlisle was taken aback by the question Edward had asked. He had never been as serious about anything before and as for Esme, Carlisle knew it was quick but he always believed that when you met your soul mate you knew. Carlisle had no idea how to begin to answer the question with the level of complexity it required though a simple thought of Yes was all it took.
"Never hurt Esme." Edward told Carlisle firmly, "Promise me you will not hurt her or Kate. You have to promise me Carlisle!"
For a moment Carlisle stood in a state of shock, why was he even thinking about this he wondered before seeing the seriousness upon Edward's face. The look was enough to tell Carlisle that Edward overheard something he wasn't sharing; Carlisle knew Edward struggled sometimes with his gift and he knew how he hated knowing things about people before they either shared their story or were comfortable enough to tell him. Still this was different and with the line of questions Edward was asking Carlisle felt like he ought to know what was going on so he could make sure never to do anything that would cause harm or distress to Esme or Kate.
"Edward I promise you I will never hurt Esme or Kate, you know I would never do that." Carlisle answered honestly.
There was no reason to doubt Carlisle, Edward knew that the man kept his word no matter what but just knowing the thoughts that had come and gone within the past few minutes Edward had to be sure. There wasn't just a human life at stake he thought to himself there was the happiness of someone who Edward now understood to be more fragile than he first assumed. Someone he now understood and cared for more and more with every passing minute.
"Please explain to me what you know?" Carlisle asked with a serious tone.
Carlisle knew it was a long shot and Edward never did tell any secrets that he had overheard but this was different. He had never seen Edward to perplexed by something before and especially enough to ask him not to hurt someone he cared for. Carlisle watched as Edward shook his head looking toward the floor as Esme appeared at the door ending their conversation in an instant.
"If the offer is still there we would like to accept." Esme asked smiling.
There was no need to even ask Edward thought as he could hear Carlisle was more than delighted with the outcome. He couldn't deny that he was extremely pleased with it as well but he couldn't deny he was a little apprehensive about Esme and Kate meeting the rest of his family.
"Of course it is." Carlisle answered.
When Edward re-entered the room Kate was staring toward the wall with a blank expression on her face. For a moment Edward was worried the whole let's meet the local vampires talk hadn't gone so well but the minute she saw him Edward watched as Kate smiled again.
"Looks like I'm not leaving after all Dr Cullen." Kate said smiling, "Who knew I had a physiotherapy appointment today. Funny no one mentioned it."
Sly, Edward though glancing toward Carlisle and Esme who were stood nodding innocently at what Kate had said. Kate knew what was going on but she decided to play along with the game as long as her mum was happy. There was no harm in staying there for another day she thought to herself looking at Carlisle and Esme.
"Well I guess you had better go mum, I think I have this therapy stuff covered." Kate said.
"Oh I am sure you do." Carlisle replied before looking toward Edward, "But your mother and I would feel more comfortable if Edward was to accompany you to your appointment while we are away. If that would be something you wouldn't mind?"
"Sure Dr Cullen, I wouldn't mind if Edward doesn't?" Kate replied.
Edward glanced toward Carlisle and Esme who seemed to eagerly await his answer. Edward enjoyed spending time with Kate but at the same time he wanted to make sure that everything went as planned with his family and Esme.
"Sure Carlisle, you two kids go have fun!" Edward teased as Carlisle glared.
Esme walked toward Kate, hugging her carefully before she left quickly followed by Carlisle who gave a quick goodbye. Edward could see that Kate was visibly nervous about something though her thoughts were too muddled to clearly pick anything out.
"Do not be nervous, my sisters and brothers are hunting today. It is just a precaution and your mum will be in safe hands with Carlisle." Edward saw Kate's face show hint of sadness which Edward struggled to understand.
Humans were so very unpredictable at times and so very confusing. Something for him that was as plain as day, could have a human puzzling for hours. If his family was hunting so as not to hurt Kate and he had just assured her that Esme was in safe hands with Carlisle what was there to be sad about he wondered.
"Why are you sad? Have I offended you?" Edward asked cautiously.
Kate shook her head as she smiled again. She hated that they were going out of their way, just because she was a stupid human. They were hunting because she was going to make their throats burn and it was that she could not stand. To put so many others through what her mum had told her was the toughest thing she had ever had to overcome.
"No not offended... it's just... well I am causing a problem. I am human... you will all have burning throats... I should go somewhere else... there's a motel in town it looks good." She said as if she had just found a solution.
Edward had expected fear and a good dose of fear, worry and terror that they would kill her. No, she was trying to appease them, make the killers feel more at ease. This caused Edward to laugh as he hooked a finger under her chin causing Kate to look at him. For a moment he was transfixed by her electric blue eyes, the kind that he felt could pierce a lie or fiction he would try to spin for her.
"Kate... we can all handle it. Hunting today lets us know if you are more... desirable to one of us. Jasper has a tough time with humans so it is safer that way. You do not need to go somewhere else just stay close to me ok?" Edward said softly.
He had his own reasons for wanting Kate to stay close to him, for some reason he felt extremely protective of her, like Esme but more so. Edward flashed another smile for her as he took his hand from her face feeling her shiver under his touch. Urgh he thought suddenly frustrated that he was an ice cube and she was like a furnace in comparison.
"Well I still don't like it. It is bad enough my mum... you would think she's never seen a man before. I will stay close but do not think I need a bodyguard. I can look after myself fine thank you" Came her sturdy reply.
Edward chuckled at her comment about Esme; Carlisle and Esme were very much together he thought. It made him happy to know that they were becoming closer with every day; though he did wonder about how long he could stand the sweetness of it all. Hearing Kate's thoughts he knew she was not too pleased with the hand holding and long seemingly endless chats either.
"I would have it no other way... and yes I do believe you can look after yourself." Edward said as he again laughed seeing Kate turn a deep shade of pink.
Kate seemed to suit her blush he thought as he watched her pick at the blanket she was sitting on. Her slightly pink cheeks made her appear to be more human than vampire but Edward still didn't understand how it was possible for a human to be so pale. Then again the world was full of things he didn't understand and this was certainly one of them.
"Good... well I'm going to be the best house guest in the world. Silent for most of the night and at school in the day. Probably won't even notice I'm there." Kate told him.
Edward grinned realizing he had forgotten that she would sleep for most of the night. Though school was easy, enough as they would most likely all be in the same classes. Still it would be a nice change to have a human presence around the house and someone different he could talk to that didn't want to style him in fashionable clothes or fight him like Emmett.
"I'm afraid it's too late for me not to notice you but yes you sleep. School should be interesting... we go to Forks high. Therefore, you will be the talk of the schoolyard on Monday but at least you have the weekend to get ready." Edward said glancing toward the present on the chair. "Oh before I forget, Carlisle got you something."
Edward wasn't about to take credit as he had no idea what the gift was. Should it upset Kate then he was having no part in it. Edward watched eagerly as Kate slowly opened the gift revealing a large pack of Derwent artist's pencils and a Windsor and Newton sketching pad. Edward stared for a moment regretting giving Carlisle full credit for the gift as Esme had told him Kate loved to sketch though it was too late now to add his name into the mix.
"Wow, I... wow." Kate stuttered glancing at Edward then back to the pencils and sketch pad. "I can't accept this, it's too much, too nice"
"It's for you from Carlisle; he thought you might like it so I can't take the gift back." Edward said chuckling. "You have to take it up with him yourself."
Edward watched as Kate smiling and placed the sketchbook and pencils next to her. If there was one thing Carlisle was good at it was showing people he cared. A small gesture of pencils and a sketchbook showed that Carlisle had no only listened to what Esme told them but also he cared enough to get something Kate could use. For a moment Edward was annoyed he hadn't trusted Carlisle enough to give Kate the gift himself but the look on her face of appreciation and warmth made that feeling disappear.
"Well just in case I am asleep or at this therapy thing tell Dr Cullen thank you." Kate replied.
No sooner had she spoken than a nurse appeared to take Kate to her appointment. To begin with Edward had thought his father was joking but it appeared that Carlisle had been serious as Edward told the nurse he would take Kate and there was no need to keep her tied up there. Edward could almost feel the blood racing under Kate's skin as she swung herself from the bed wincing and gasping as she tried to stand up. Edward left her be for a moment hearing her 'I can do this on my own' thoughts. That was until he heard her yelp in pain. As fast as he could Edward stood her on one leg supporting her feather lightweight seeing a small tear fall from her blue eyes.
"Kate... just hold on ok. I have you, don't worry." Edward said softly.
The nurse had left a wheel chair, something of a hospital policy for Forks but one look from Kate told Edward he would have to fight her to get her into it. Edward brought a hand up to her face gently brushing away her tears away as he felt Kate tighten her hold on him as she swayed. She gingerly placed her broken leg on the floor as she placed some weight on it. Edward held her carefully while she began to walk towards the door.
"Sorry... I hate not being able to do this." Kate said moving slowly.
She was really something else Edward thought as he steadied her while she walked to the appointment. It only took her a few more minutes before she found her new stride. Edward found her speeding up a little as she walked more and more steadily. Edward barely had to keep her up right though he did not take his arm from her shoulders as they walked. The entire day flew by as Kate easily managed her twenty steps for the physiotherapist before returning to her hospital room. Edward could hear she was in pain but she certainly didn't show it, even when another doctor came in to check on her as per Carlisle's orders Kate didn't make any sign that she was in pain. Still as the day went on Edward sat and chatted away telling her about the places they had been to visit and in what era's and decades.