A few days passed until Carlisle and Esme found a wonderful cosy little lodge where they would be able to celebrate their anniversary and enjoy each other's presence for a whole weekend. Now that their much needed alone time was drawing nearer, Esme suddenly found herself doubting their decision to leave the children home alone. She and her husband wanted to bathe in each other's presence with no one else around to distract or disturb them, but they had responsibilities that were way more important than their anniversary was.
The mother of three wasn't sure if it wouldn't be a little too early to leave newborn Emmy in the care of his young wife and their brother. Would they really be able to handle him? Could they restrain him in case he picked up the scent of human blood? And would they be able to return home quickly enough so they could take Emmett away from this town and move so they couldn't be suspected of having anything to do with a person who went missing or a mauled body that was found?
Decisions weren't always easy, and so it had been on Carlisle to help her strengthen her resolve.
Emmett was surprisingly easy to handle – he was lacking the aggressiveness and rebellious attitude other newborns usually had. And their kids claimed to be mature enough to stay on their own for while – yes, more times than they could count Rose and Edward had encouraged them to spend some time on their own away from the house and from work. Edward had been mainly concerned about his sanity while Rose just wanted to have some time to herself... and to be able to tell Edward what she thought of him without having one of their parents overhear.
Now these two could help them out by showing how mature they were and take care of Emmett - who also thought he was very mature because of his human age. He really didn't understand their concept of age and that his physical age didn't matter for their kind. It didn't matter at all.
That big boy was a six months old newborn at the moment, who happened to look like a strong, twenty year old man. Once the newborn years would be over, he would be able to act more maturely and more like the human he used to be before the bear attack - but right now they had trouble seeing the man that was hidden behind newborn instincts.
So one evening when Carlisle came home from work, they called their children down to the living room and motioned for them to take a seat on the couch while they remained standing.
Rose was wary as she wasn't sure what they wanted to discuss. Emmett just grinned, because he liked changes and if they would move again, he would be totally okay with that. Well, as long as there would be bears, of course.
Edward stared at the floor and looked not in the least bit enthusiastic about what his parents were about to tell them. He did understand that their parents' marriage had suffered a little during the last few months and he really wanted to help them go on a short vacation to regain their strength, but it was clear as day that he would end up with quite a bit of work on his hands. He was the oldest, which meant that he was in charge. Unfortunately for him, Rose and Emmett were too stupid to understand that.
"It's nothing bad, so don't worry," Esme assured when she noticed Rose giving her a mild frown of confusion and Edward looking at the carpet.
Once the children were seated on the couch, Carlisle spoke. "We would like to ask you a question. Please be honest and voice your opinions, because we need to know if you think you can manage."
"Sure, what is it you'd like to ask?" Rose queried and tried to sound like she wasn't in the least bit worried or wary, but the fingers of her left hand intertwined with her mate's. She seemed to be fearing that this talk would be about her Emmett.
"They want to go away for the weekend," Edward mumbled unenthusiastically, as he wasn't exactly thrilled about his parent's idea.
Rose's forehead wrinkled into a frown. "Why do you-," she started to ask, but then it suddenly hit her and she let out a gasp.
"Your anniversary!" she exclaimed.
Both Carlisle and Esme started smiling, and judging by the happy gleam in their daughter's eyes, she was already supporting their idea.
"I completely forgot about that!" She slapped a hand against her forehead and laughed, then looked back at them. "Where are you going?" she queried and her eyes widened with curiosity.
Esme smiled, then reached out and smoothed a stray lock of hair from her daughter's face. "A little lodge. We won't be far."
"And what is it you wanted to ask us?"
Edward let out a soft groan. "If we are all right with staying on our own."
God, she was daft.
"Of course we are, you just go celebrate! I cannot believe I forgot!" She let out a laugh again and looked over to her mate, who just smiled back at her.
Carlisle put an arm around his wife's shoulders and let his cheek rest on the top of her head. He was relieved that Rosalie was being so supportive and happy for them, and he knew his wife felt the same. But naturally, Esme wouldn't just leave without making sure that her babies were indeed okay with the situation, and so he cleared his throat and said, "Please take a moment and think about it. Emmett is-"
The dark haired boy waved one of his big paws dismissively and let out a snort. "Oh, Pops. I'll make sure they behave, that goes without saying."
Edward's head snapped up and he leaned forward to look past his sister at his slightly demented baby brother.
"I beg your pardon?" Did that idiot really think Carlisle was about to say that 'Emmett is in charge'? Really?
Emmett reached over and placed a hand on Edward's knee, giving it a gentle pat which felt and sounded more like a sharp slap. "Don't worry, Eddie. Nothing will change, we're still brothers, but don't try to sneak out to avoid your homework," he said, then narrowed his eyes and pointed a finger at him while adding, "I'll know."
Edward inhaled sharply and turned his head to look at his parents in disbelief. Were they really going to leave them with this idiotic newborn who thought he was going to be left in charge?
"It's just for the weekend, I am sure you will get along just fine," Esme uttered and looked at all three, but it was actually only meant to calm her first-born.
Rose shook her head. "You worry too much, we are perfectly capable of staying on our own for a while. You can stay longer, two days really isn't very long."
"That is very sweet of you, Rosie, but the hospital might not agree with you."
"Oh," she muttered and gave him a sad, little smile. She knew how much they needed to spend more time together. Now that she was married and had her Em, she wanted to spend every single hour of the day with him. Nobody had ever made her that happy, and she felt sorry for them that they seemed to have barely been able to see each other lately.
"Two days is wonderful, love," Esme said and gave her a smile while leaning with her back against her husband's chest who immediately wrapped his arms around her.
"Let's see how you three get along first - we can always extend our stay," Carlisle assured his young daughter.
Since Rose and Emmett were completely okay with spending a few days without their parents, they retired to their room a little later, and as soon as the door of their room clicked shut, Edward looked back at his parents, who had settled into one of the plush armchairs.
"You're going to leave us here with a crazy newborn?" he asked in a fierce whisper, sounding appalled.
Carlisle sighed. "Edward-"
"Or better yet: You are going to leave me here to take care of these two children?"
Seeing that the boy wasn't awfully impressed with their idea of leaving them home alone, Esme tilted her head to the side and looked at him sympathetically. "Oh Edward-"
"You know that neither of them listens to me!" he raged and motioned with his hand in the direction his siblings had just left.
"Rose will take care of Emmett, I'm sure of it. Just keep an eye on them to make sure that nothing happens."
"Keep an eye on them," he scoffed, "he thinks he has to keep an eye on me!"
"He just wants to help, Edward," Carlisle told him with a little smile on his lips. He found it so sweet that Emmett already saw himself as the 'big brother' and wanted to help them spend a nice weekend to celebrate their anniversary in private. The boy cared about all of them so much and he felt responsible and protective of his wife and his 'little' brother. That was beautiful, wasn't it?
Edward leaned back on the couch and folded his arms petulantly across his chest while scowling at his father. "If he really wanted to help, he wouldn't act like such a demented-"
Esme gasped. "Edward! He is your brother and you know he still needs some time adjusting, so please watch what you are saying!" She was absolutely shocked that he would talk about her baby Emmett in that fashion.
"All right, then I'm sure you won't mind if the house is littered with bear heads when you return," Edward shot back and shrugged one shoulder.
Carlisle held a hand up to keep his wife from saying something and to get his son's attention. "Of course we don't want to come home and find severed body parts of forest animals in the house. But I already spoke to him and I'm sure he won't do it again, so don't you worry about that, Edward."
"What if he brings one home?"
"He won't," he assured.
Edward looked at him before he hung his head and bit his lip.
"Oh," Esme breathed, got up from the armchair and sat down next to her son. With one arm around his shoulders and one hand on his cheek, she pulled him closer as now she realised what was worrying her child. "We won't hold you accountable when your brother misbehaves," she said comfortingly and put her chin on his dishevelled hair while softly stroking his cheek, "so you won't be in trouble if that happens. Carlisle told him that this was the last time or he will face consequences. Still, I'd really appreciate it if you would tell him not to bring it inside if he happens to find a bear and wants to keep its head."
Edward pulled away and stared at her through slightly darkened eyes. "I've done that every single time, but he doesn't listen! He never listens, Mom! And then I have to clean up his mess!" he raged.
She felt her son's frustration and it was understandable why he felt that way. It had been the same for her when Carlisle had refused to see that their boy was developing a nasty habit. She cupped his face in her hand and said, "I know, baby, but if he tries, just tell him again, yes?"
He huffed, but after a moment started to nod his head."Fine."
He still didn't sound convinced that his parents wouldn't get mad at him in case his siblings would break the rules, and Esme took one of his hands in hers and gave it a light, reassuring squeeze.
"You are not responsible for what they do, love."
When he didn't say anything, she placed a soft kiss on his temple. "Edward? I am very grateful that you cleaned up. You are always helping us so much, and I cannot tell you how thankful I am for that. With your father being at work most of the time, I wouldn't be able to raise a single newborn without your help. You are a wonderful big brother to your siblings."
Then she put her arms around him, and Edward let his head rest on her shoulder.
"Thank you, Edward."
Well, who could still be grumpy and mad when being enveloped in Esme's loving arms and hearing her words of praise? A smile appeared on Edward's face as the pride his Mom felt for him suddenly made him feel proud of himself. Her words were like a soothing balm to his ragged nerves and he leaned further into her embrace, sighing.
"I think you should go celebrate your anniversary, Mom," he whispered. "I'll keep an eye on them and see to it that the house is still standing when you return."
Esme leaned back and placed her hands on either side of his face while gazing into his golden eyes. "Are you sure, dear?"
"Yes. You deserve to have some time to yourselves." And I deserve it too. Living in a house with two couples wasn't always pleasant and he hoped that the weekend would give him a break and offer him the peace and quiet he wished for.
With the weekend drawing nearer, Edward felt his mood getting fouler by the day. He tried not to take it out on anyone, which was why he preferred to stay in his room to spend as much time on his own as he could.
The moment Carlisle and Esme would be out of the house, he would have his hands full with Rose and Em. And with their parents gone who usually managed to keep them busy at least for a few hours each day, Em and Rose were more than likely going to knock a hole into his wall with their metal bed frame. It was their seventh bed already, but it looked like it was about to fall apart in a little while as well. Maybe they should take their mating outside, because it made him feel way more nauseous than any bear head ever could.
Walking home from school on Friday, he took his time and dragged his feet, already expecting to face the worst weekend ever. It was good to know that he wouldn't be held accountable for any damage one of these kids might cause, but if they broke the rules, it would still annoy and infuriate him. Besides, he wanted his parents to enjoy their weekend, to celebrate their anniversary without worrying about what's going on at home and so he needed to keep an eye on them and just endure their stupidity. It was only for the weekend, so...
Their house came into view and with it the beautiful familiar smells that enveloped him and always made him feel so secure and content. Today it wasn't working like it should, but at least Carlisle and Esme hadn't left just yet and that made him sigh in relief.
In fact, he could barely smell his father in the air, which meant that he was still at the hospital. So luckily he would be able to lie down for a little while before he had to play the babysitter for his siblings.
He opened the gate, and immediately cringed when it squeaked. Great, the chances that nobody had heart that were next to nothing...
And indeed, right at that moment the front door was being yanked open and the grinning face of Emmett appeared.
Instantly Edward held up a hand in an attempt to signal the newborn that he wanted him to stay away from him, and weirdly enough this time it worked.
Emmett remained standing where he was, his grin just getting broader, and he bounced on the balls of his feet in excitement. What he was excited about, Edward did not know.
"Edward!" he called, and when his auburn-haired brother was right in front of him, he engulfed him in a tight hug and carried him into the house. "Momma has a surprise for you, it's-"
"Emmett, shush!"
The boy gave his mother a sheepish smile as he put Edward back on his feet and released him from the hug, then took a few steps backwards and started chewing on his fingernails nervously like he was having a hard time keeping himself from telling his brother what Esme wanted to show him.
A surprise? Edward had half a mind to glance into his brother's head to see what was awaiting him and if it was a good thing or a bad thing, but the warm and happy smile on his mother's face already told him that it couldn't be bad.
No, definitely not bad.
"Edward, dear, come." Esme waved him closer and her eyes twinkled happily at him.
He stepped over to her and let her cover his eyes with her hands, then slowly lead him into the dining room where his surprise was awaiting him.
When she removed her hands again, his eyes widened instantly and he gasped.
What he saw took his breath away.
For a moment he was frozen in place, and all he could do was stare at it in awe.
"It came before noon. I looked it over and it doesn't have a single scratch, Edward," she whispered to him. "And we got it tuned."
Edward just couldn't believe his eyes. His precious baby grand was standing there in the dining room – finally he had it back! He had no words to describe how much he had missed it!
Now he couldn't care less that he would be forced to spend the whole weekend with Rose and Emmett... he would just play the piano, because whenever he did, he didn't give a damn about anything else.
"Go ahead and play, I know you want to, baby," Esme suggested, and he just threw his arms around her neck and hugged her to himself.
She laughed and he felt like he was about to cry tears of happiness.
But that feeling vanished a moment later when the wind was knocked from his lungs – well, not just his, but Esme's as well. Emmett had decided to join in the hug and was now crushing them both.
"Hooray!" he exclaimed and tightened his arms around their shoulders.
"Emmett-," Esme managed to croak, and luckily he understood and let go.
"Oops, sorry," he said and looked slightly embarrassed.
"It's okay, dear, it was only a little painful," she assured him while gently patting his cheek. A little painful was nothing compared to Emmy's hugs in the beginning, so she really couldn't complain.
Edward was already standing next to his beloved baby grand and ran a hand over the dark walnut wood before lifting the lid. Then he pulled the leather piano bench further back and sat down before opening the key cover. He flexed his fingers, then closed his eyes for a moment and was just about to lower his fingers to the smooth, ivory keys, when he heard Emmett approaching.
"How does it work, hm?" he asked and was just about to press a random key, but Edward's eyes snapped up just in time and he slapped his hand away. The newborn hadn't been interested in pianos before, and so he better not start now.
"Don't touch it," Edward growled and his eyes flashed angrily.
Emmett eyes narrowed and darkened instantly due to the growl and the sting of the slap and while he took in a breath to give his brother a growl of his own, Esme was right beside him and slowly reached out, then let her hand run up and down her bulky boy's arm in a soothing manner.
"Ssh, Emmy," she whispered, and he turned his head to look at her. "Ssh."
His eyes slowly turned golden again as he gazed into his mother's loving face and felt her gentle touch on his arm, and when he turned his head to look at the piano once more, Edward's jaw clenched.
"You will not touch it, Emmett, ever."
Em's eyes widened and he was just about to open his mouth to complain to his mother about Edward being mean to him, but Esme held up a hand and lightly shook her head at him.
"This is Edward's, Emmy. It is very valuable and if he doesn't want you to touch it, then please accept it. You are very strong, and if you'd hit a key too hard, it might break."
This baby grand really was very dear and valuable to her eldest son. It was built in 1918 by a manufacturer in Chicago, and it was a present from Carlisle for Edward's 'second birthday'. Edward loved and cherished it as it meant so much to him, and it would break Esme's heart if it ever got damaged.
"I'll be careful," the clumsy newborn promised.
"If I see you touch it, I will hurt you," Edward threatened in a tone that almost resembled a growl. This buffoon would never lay a finger on his beauty, and if he did, he'd break them off and shove them down his throat to make sure he wouldn't dare to try it again.
"Edward, enough. I don't want to hear another threat from your mouth and stop growling this instant," Esme admonished sternly. Growling was meant to threaten or to provoke, and she wouldn't tolerate it as it would only lead to a fight.
His jaw dropped. "But he wanted to touch it!" he returned.
"That is no reason for you to growl at him like that, Edward. I want you to apologise."
Emmett is the one who needs to apologise...
But seeing that they wouldn't leave him alone and let him play as long as he didn't apologise, he took a deep, calming breath and said through gritted teeth, "I'm sorry, Emmett. I did not mean to growl at you or threaten you, but please don't touch my baby grand. Please."
Emmett shrugged his shoulders. "Okay."
"You can play on the upright piano in the living room," he offered, as he had no use for it anymore. It sounded horrible in comparison to this piano, and so he did not care if Emmett plunked away at it and broke it in half.
The newborn's eyes started to gleam. "Show me how to play!"
"I'm sure Rose would love to teach you," he replied and hoped Esme wouldn't think he was being rude. He was getting impatient and just wanted everyone to leave him alone so he could play! Was that too much to ask?
Besides, Rose and Emmett wanted to spend as much time together as possible - this was the perfect opportunity for them!
"I'll ask her!" the newborn exclaimed and rushed from the room in search of his beloved wife.
Finally.
Edward flexed his fingers again before he slowly lowered his hands and started playing. His fingers flew over the keys and he felt such inner peace that he barely noticed his mother still standing behind him.
She reached out and placed a hand on the back of his head, letting her fingers run through his bronze-haired locks while she watched him play. He sighed and looked over his shoulder at her, seeing her tear-filled eyes and the smile on her lips.
She was happy for him, and she had always enjoyed hearing him play. He was sure that the quality of the instrument did most of the charm, but yes – he was a damn good pianist.
He continued playing, and she listened.
They were both so drawn into the music and the beautiful, flowing melody, that they neither heard what Rose and Em were doing upstairs at that moment, nor Carlisle entering the house and putting his bag down by the door.
Only when Esme looked up and detected him leaning with his arms crossed against the door frame did she step away from the piano and hurry over to her husband. They kissed and hugged, then continued to watch their eldest son, who was just about to finish the sonata he was playing so he could greet his father and then see him and Esme off.
"Sounds wonderful, son," Carlisle praised when Edward got up from the chair and approached his parents. Esme took a step to the side so her two boys could talk, and Carlisle patted Edward on the shoulder.
"I cannot believe it finally came," he told him with a happy sigh.
Carlisle chuckled. "You missed it, didn't you?"
"You have no idea, Carlisle."
"Well, it's just in time, I'd say," he replied while glancing at the ceiling. The door of Emmett and Rosalie's room opened and heavy footsteps boomed down the stairs. A moment later and Emmett skidded to a halt in front of them, quickly pulled his braces up and smoothed his hair down, then grinned.
"Hi Pops!" he exclaimed and gave him a big bear hug, shoving Edward out of the way without even noticing.
Yes, Edward would have to endure quite a lot of Emmett and Rose, but the piano would help him survive.
"Are you leaving now?" Emmett asked and tilted his head to the side in a questioning manner.
"Yes, son, we are."
"I'll catch you something to drink for the drive!"
While the boy's offer was really sweet, Carlisle had to decline. "No, Emmett, but thank you. We hunted just a few days ago, we won't need anything." And driving around with a dead animal on their laps would appear exceedingly strange to humans.
"Come, Emmy, you can help me carry our bags downstairs," Esme suggested and waved her big, boisterous boy over.
While they climbed the stairs, Edward leaned against the other side of the door frame and looked over at his father, knowing full well that he wanted to say something.
"Esme said she would put some money on the kitchen table, just in case you need some new sheet music or a few books," Carlisle let him know.
"Thank you."
"And make sure one of you goes to the bakery tomorrow and buys some bread. We still need to keep up appearances."
Edward frowned at his father. "I thought Rosalie's supposed to do that."
"Well, one of you has to go, I just wanted to remind you. Esme cannot go, and so either you or Rosalie need to take care of that."
"Sure, I will tell her." Grocery shopping was for girls, so it was Rose's job to buy food!
Not even a second later and Rosalie came down the stairs to greet her father, while Esme and Emmett followed after her carrying the bags.
The blonde girl hugged her father, then pulled away again and wrinkled her nose. "Are you leaving now?"
Carlisle looked a little puzzled, and so he said, "Yes, dear. Is something wrong?"
"Well, you smell like hospital... don't you think you should take a bath and get changed before you leave?"
"We don't want to lose any time. I can get in the bathtub at the lodge."
"Oh, please... father, reel your thoughts back in," Edward whined with disgust thick in his voice. Sure, it saved time if his parents took a bath together, but he neither wanted to know nor did he want to see what else they wanted to do while doing that.
"Edward, stop snooping," Esme chided and came to a halt next to her husband. Emmett was at his wife's side in an instant and grinned at his parents.
"All right, children," Carlisle said as he pushed away from the door frame and looked at all three of them. "We are going to leave now and I expect you to get along during the time we won't be here. No bickering or teasing – be respectful to each other."
"Yes," they replied in unison.
"Don't let yourself go hungry, the forest is full of wildlife, so help yourselves," Carlisle then said, and it sounded like he was briefing the baby sitter for a night with the kids.
Edward had to suppress a groan. "We know, don't worry."
"Keep up appearances and water the flowers if it doesn't rain," Esme threw in. She would be devastated if her flowers died in her absence.
"I will take care of the garden, mother," Rosalie promised. "We have worked too hard on it to let the flowers die now."
"Thank you, Rosie," Esme said with gratitude, then fixed her gaze on her youngest son, who just looked at her expectantly. He was probably waiting to be assigned a very important task – and he was kind of getting one.
"Emmett, I want you to feed when you feel thirsty. Never alone, honey, but you know that. Tell Rose or Edward when you want to go on a hunt, yes?"
"Sure, Momma," he replied.
"And no severed bear heads in the house or in the flower beds, you hear? That is strictly forbidden."
He nodded his head dutifully, before he glanced at the piano and the look on his face turned a little pained.
"Don't you dare," Edward suddenly hissed.
"You have to admit that-"
"Emmett," Esme said louder than actually necessary to make sure she would gain his attention. "No bear heads and leave Edward's piano alone. He has waited very long for it and it means a lot to him. Please don't go near it and don't touch it. You are still too strong, and it's very valuable," she reminded him.
"I won't touch it, Momma," he told her solemnly.
Edward breathed a sigh of relief as the thoughts of 'decorating' the 'boring' piano with one of Emmett's special trophies left the boy's head and were replaced by thoughts of Rose. That was just as disgusting, but at least his piano was safe now.
"All right, I think that's about it. We really won't be long, and I think you'll be able to get along and leave the house standing for that amount of time, am I right?"
Rosalie rolled her eyes, then let out a soft giggle. "Yes, father, we will be perfectly fine."
He nodded at her, then they walked into the foyer and over to the front door. He pulled it open, then turned back around to look at his wife and children.
Esme was in full mothering mode again, as she told them exactly what they had told them just now, then added, "... and there is money on the kitchen table. The phone number of the lodge is by the telephone, and there are fresh towels in the cabinet in the bathroom. Lock the doors at night and-"
"Esme, love, they know where to find towels and they will be safe in this house," he told her with a chuckle.
"Carlisle, please let me finish, this is important," she almost snapped and gave him a look that told him that she did not appreciate being interrupted.
"I have put fresh sheets on your beds and cleaned the windows, so you won't have to take care of that."
Like they would ever feel the sudden urge to wash the windows...
"My sewing box is in the laundry room, so in case one of you loses a button, then-"
"Mother, enough. It seems like you don't want to leave for the weekend. We are capable of staying on our own for a few days, we have done that before. And a missing button won't set us in a panic or cause chaos in this house. Please, just leave," Rosalie said exasperatedly, but gave her mother a little smile at the end to show her that she really didn't need to worry about a single thing. But this was Esme – she always was reluctant to leave because then she wouldn't see them for a couple of days and that was tough for someone who was a mother with all her heart. It seemed like being a Mom was her destiny, and not being able to see her babies was physically hurting her.
"I guess you're right, honey," Esme sighed, then embraced her in a motherly hug, patted her golden hair and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
They said their goodbyes with more hugs and kisses, until all of them – except for Esme – were getting impatient.
In the end Carlisle managed to guide her out of the house and grab their bags on the way, and when the door closed, the children breathed a sigh of relief that they would have the house to themselves now.
The engine of Carlisle's car roared to life, and when they heard him back out of the driveway and then steer the car down the path in the direction of the road, Edward looked at his siblings with a raised eyebrow and pointed a finger at the two of them.
"Whatever you are planning on doing now - keep it quiet." And with that said, he left the foyer and headed for his piano in the dining room to celebrate their reunion.
When he sat down on the padded bench and was just about to start playing, Emmett appeared in the doorway and said with a frown, "Um... shouldn't you be doing your homework?"
Yep, the parents decided to leave the house for a few days... I personally think it's a bit early, but *shrug* Let's give them a little time to themselves ;-) And sorry for the wait, but when I read the chapter again I started adding a word here and a sentence there and then it's hard to stop!
Thanks for reading and leaving a review, guys!