Stephenie owns Twilight and her characters. I'm just using their names because I'm too lazy to make up my own. No copyright infringement intended.

Also thanks anyone for reading and reviewing. Sorry if I don't reply to your reviews but know that I read all of them with a smile on my face.

Mistakes-mine.

Chapter 6

Esme

If anyone had told me 17 years ago that I will marry Carlisle Cullen, I would openly laugh at him. Of course, I never could understand why of all those females that were attracted to him, I was the one he chose. Nonetheless, I was happy to have him by my side. Yes, his looks and his bad boy act was what drew me to him, at first, and as we got to know each other, I could see that so called "bad boy act" was actually a disguise. He was a handsome, attractive, kind, and yes, very much hung in the male region, which wasn't a bad thing- on the contrary, but then again the most important thing to me was how he treated me, like I was the last drop in the dessert. His queen, his beloved. His one and only. Of course, the part about him giving me multiple orgasms a day didn't hurt either. Both of us were insatiable. Within the year we moved in together, and less than a year we were engaged.

All those years of happiness were just fading memories now, it seems. The death of my beloved daughter crushed us all, making us deal with the loss in our own way. Pushing the pain away, and in the process of all those months, pushing each other away. Carlisle and I both focused more on our work, and my poor, dear, son was becoming a real rebel. He started to ditch school and becoming more comfortable with cursing, and drinking. He tried to hide the hurt he was carrying daily, every day getting better at pretending, but one long look at his green, jaded eyes, it was obvious he still blamed himself for her death, for not helping her, not saying goodbye one last time. Pain of wanting to help him but not being able to made my heart ache, and bleed. I pulled my head out of my ass, and tried focusing more on my family and less on work. On Carlisle. Edward. Trying to talk to them. Warm myself back into their hearts. It didn't help, they just kept pushing me away. It hurt, but I pushed it all back, trying to put on a smile, to show how much it didn't hurt me, but it was obvious I was never good at acting. Between Edward never being home, doing god knows what with his friends,and Carlisle constantly working, spending more time at the hospital than at home, I was all alone.

I honestly couldn't remember the last time when I wasn't crying myself to sleep.

Then, one day, Carlisle brought Bella.

Yes, I was confused and angry for him bringing her here. A stranger that looked so much like her, in age and looks. But it was obvious why he brought her here. He was trying to replace her with Bella, like she never existed, and I couldn't allow it. With a quiet whisper, he explained how at the time, the first time he saw her something strange and strong pulled at him to save her, to move her off the streets, the crippling need to watch over her. I understood that, the need to help, knowing how big his heart was, but also knowing that beside her name, we knew nothing about her. If she even had parents. If so, where were they? Are they still alive or did she escape from them? He begged me to help her, and seeing in his eyes how for some reason this meant so much to him, how much he needed my support and my help, all my defenses and common sense went away. For the first time in two years, he showed me just how much he needed me. My heart smiled, thinking how from today, things will get better. But they didn't. Even if spending my time with Bella- getting to know her and seeing just how nice of a kid she really is- had made my loneliness slowly disappear, I still hurt, ached for Carlisle's touch.

But today would be different, I could feel it. Today, I will get out of bed with a real smile on my face and spend my time with Bella, hoping to know a bit more about her life, and when the night comes, I will wear the most beautiful dress, wear my favorite earrings that Carlisle got me for our 5th anniversary, and with a grin on my face, wait for his return, giddy to find out what kind of surprise he had for tonight. He promised he would try harder, and I believed him. He will be here on time. He has to.

BPOV

Esme was in a good mood today. I found her in the kitchen singing quietly to herself while making breakfast. There were eggs and bacon, along with pancakes, grilled cheese and...were those waffles? Yumm.

"Morning Esme."

"Morning dear. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, very well, thank you. Do you need some help?"

She smiled. "Oh no need, I'm done. Just sit down and eat your breakfast."

I sat and just observed the food. There were just so much. I really couldn't remember the last time I saw this much food, or just knowing that today, I could make my tummy full without making myself worry about money or if I'll have to make a tough choice between a place to stay or food. Choose one over the other. My eyes watered a bit at the feeling of knowing I'm safe here, knowing I don't need to worry about neither of it.

I blinked a few times, willing my tears not to fall before taking a plate, some eggs, pancakes and a waffle.

God, I haven't had a decent meal in well...years.

I kept listening Esme singing quietly, moving her hips to the beat of the music.

"Wow. Somebody is in a good mood. You must have had some hot sex with Mr. D last night."

Her back was turned to me, while washing dishes, but as soon as I mentioned the "sex" word she suddenly froze, and I could hear a plate falling down through her hands, in the sink.

Seconds later, she still said nothing, but picked up her plate, washed it in silence and finally turned her face toward me. Sitting opposite of me, opening her mouth, I could see a little blush covering her cheeks.

"Was I wrong?" I asked.

"It's...it's nothing like that with me and..."

"Oh please Esme, don't start with that sh...crap. If there is one thing I know, then that's sex, trust me. So I'm curious, how is Daddy C in the sack?"

"We weren't...we didn't..."

"Oh Esme, you don't have to be embarrassed. Talk to me. I mean, who else are you going to talk about sex, except your friends. That is if you even..."

"I...I don't talk about my...private life to anyone."

"Why? I would go crazy if I couldn't talk to anyone about it. Talking is healthy. Keeping it all down, making it fester inside..that's never good."

"What about you?" she asked, quickly changing the subject.

"What about me?"

"I don't know a thing about you. Who you are. Just that your name is Bella and that you have 16..."

"Seventeen, actually."

"Okay. But what about your family? Do you have a mother, or a father? If so, where are they?"

"My mother is dead, and my father...is not worth mentioning. Trust me."

"But..."

I quickly got up, interrupting her before she asked anything else. "I'm not hungry anymore. I'm just gonna take a little walk if you don't mind." Without waiting for her permission, I stormed out, closing the door behind me strongly.

I didn't get far though. Just made a few steps before sitting my ass down on the soft green grass, my eyes and ears directly following the sound and the movement of the trees, looking at the nice view of more green trees, more moss, tall mountains. Everything here seemed to be green. Peaceful, in a way, but way too many green shit.

I tried to let my anger go. I understood why Esme wanted information. She was living with a stranger whom she didn't know a thing about. It was only normal for her to get curious. Yes, I knew all of that, still, it did nothing to calm me. I just sat here, on this lightly wet, green grass, just watching, observing everything and nothing. Don't know how much time had passed but I suddenly heard a sound of a car. The car was parked in the garage and few moments later, Edward walked out. He stopped for a second before walking towards me. For once, he didn't look angry or pissed, which was kind of weird since I was quite getting used to those facial expressions.

"Hey," he said, sitting next to me.

"Hi."

"What did she do this time?"

"Who?"

"My mom."

I shook my head. "Nothing."

He shrugged nonchalantly. "If you say so."

He said nothing after that, just kept sitting next to me, looking at the same direction I was.

"So..." he started.

"So..." I continued.

"I got the results from my exam and well...I...Uh..."

I smirked. "No need to thank me, I did it for your mom anyway. So, what did you get?"

"B-"

I nodded, a bit impressed. "Nice. Congrats Nerdward."

"So I'm a nerd now?Great, thanks." His voiced dripped with sarcasm.

"You're welcome ND."

"ND?"

"Nerdward."

"Why do you keep making that shit up? They're fucking annoying."

I smirked. "I know. It's fun fucking with you."

He grinned this time, a little glint in his eyes. "Oh, you have no idea."

I rolled my eyes. "There you go with your cheep innuendo jokes. Typical."

The sudden ring of his phone interrupted our dispute.

"Hello? Hey Ben. Um, yeah, sure. Ten minutes? Great. See you then."

He just stayed there for a few moments looking at me strangely, like he was conflicted about something before getting up, wiping the grass of his ass, and yeah, in that angle, his ass did look pretty good in those jeans.

Quit looking Bella. Focus.

"So...I...have to go. Ben called. Just tell mom that I was meeting him and that I'll be home late."

"Will do."

"Okay. Well... see ya."

"Yep."

A few hesitant moments later, he walked away, and into his car, speeding away.

I slowly got in the house, getting upstairs, to my room, when I saw Esme in her room, door slightly open, dressed in this beautiful black dress, putting up her diamond earrings.

I knocked on her door.

"Come in. Oh, it's you dear. Come, I need your advice about something."

"Wow Esme, you look very beautiful. And sexy."

She blushed. "Thanks."

"What's the occasion?"

"Carlisle will soon pick me up, but I don't know where he's taking me, it's a surprise. Now, which necklace should I wear?"

"You don't need those. Put this one," I said, showing a simple silver necklace.

She smiled in approval. "Carlisle bought that one for me when we were dating. We were still kids in a lot of ways. Broke. It took months for him to collect the money from his measly paycheck so he could buy it to me. He said it reminded him of me. It was simple, flawless, but beautiful."

"I bet he got a good blow job that night ha?"

Esme laughed but said nothing.

"Listen dear, I'm sorry if I was being too pushy today..."

"It's okay Esme, you were just curious. I understand. I shouldn't have walked out like that but...I just don't...like talking about...him." I whispered the last word.

She walked a few steps closer to me, putting her fingers on my chin, so she could lift my face, moving the hair from my face. It was done with such gentleness that once again made my eyes fill with moisture. When was the last time anybody looked at me with such kindness and affection?

She saw the sudden sadness in my eyes and changed the subject.

"What time is it?"

"Almost eight."

"Crap. He'll be here soon, and I'm still not ready. Need make up. Now."

Running to the bathroom like a hurricane, I laughed at her clumsiness.

Just as I was about to leave the room, I could hear a phone ringing.

"Bella, could you get that please?"

"Hello? This is Esme Cullen's phone."

"Bella, it's Carlisle. I need to speak to Esme for a moment."

"Sure thing. Here she is."

Esme answered with a warm smile, but soon, it started to fade a way, and a new, hurtful, but fake smile was there.

"Of course Carlisle. It's okay. Next time. Yeah. Bye."

As soon as she slowly sat on the bed, she covered her face with hands and started to cry. I didn't hear her, but I could read her body language. She was trying to be quiet, but to no avail.

"Esme, what happened?Did he cancel on you?"

She just nodded once, not revealing her face.

"Asshole," I whispered.

I don't know why, but in that exact moment she decided to finally show her face, covered with tears.

"Yeah. He is."

Then she did something I didn't expect. She actually chuckled. It wasn't loud, but muffled, and maybe even a bit amused. Just a tiny bit.

"Forgot to tell you, Edward was home, but a friend called. B...Bud?"

"Ben..." she interjected.

"Yeah, anyway, Edward said he'll be home late."

She just nodded, getting up to blow her nose.

She came after a moment, all her make up removed.

We sat in silence on her bed, until she silently blurted out to me that she thinks Carlisle is cheating on her.

"Cheating?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I called him a few times at the hospital and the nurse would always say that he left, but when he would come home, hours later, he'd often smell of cheep women perfume. I even caught him a few times lying, but I never said anything."

"You have to talk to him Esme."

"I know." Then she snorted. "But how can I do that when he is never home?"

"I'll talk to him for you."

She shook her head. "No offense Bella, but I don't want to get you involved. This is between me and Carlisle only."

"Can I at least kick his ass then?"

She smiled. It was a tiny smile, yes, but at least she wasn't crying anymore.

"We'll see dear. Can't promise you anything."

It was about 2 am when I heard the front door open, and ever so quietly close.

I walked right up to the hallway to see Carlisle. Good, just the person I needed to talk to.

"Well, hello there...Carlisle." I growled the name.

He seemed startled to see me.

"Bella, what are you doing up so late?"

"I should ask you the same."

"Where is everyone?" he asked, not answering my question.

"Asleep. At least Edward is. Esme is still probably crying upstairs."

"Crying?"

"Yes, you ass. Crying, because you stood her up."

"Language Isabella."

"Don't tell me what to do, you're not my father. And don't call me Isabella!" I yelled, my voice dripping with venom.

Who the hell does he think he is?!

"My house, my rules, and I'll do whatever the hell I want, like it or not."

"You know what? Do what ever you fucking want you cheater, I'm going to pack my bags."

"Pack? What are you talking about? And why are you calling me a cheater?"

"Because now I know exactly why you brought me here. Did you really think if you convinced me to stay at your place for a year, everything will go back to normal? It won't, and it's your fault."

"My fault?"

"Yes, your fault. You have a wonderful, kind wife and a son that both seek for your attention, and what do you do? You turn your back on them so you could sneak around and be with your mistress, and let me tell you, when I first met you, I really thought you were different Carlisle, but you're not. You're just like any other man."

"Hold on for a moment! Why do you keep talking about cheating? Just because I canceled once..."

"Not just once." I sighed. "Did you realize that since you've brought me here, I've only seen you twice. Not that it bothers me, but just imagine how much it hurts Esme. She's alone all the time. Don't you think that's sad? Don't you think that you at least owe it to her to explain why you're cheating?"

"Why are you constantly talking about cheating?! I would never cheat on my wife."

"She caught you Carlisle. No point in lying anymore."

"Not that it's your business, but I'm actually telling the truth. I would never cheat on Esme. I love her."

"Then what?" I asked, putting my hands over my chest.

"I..."

"Yes...?"

"I...I've been...helping...someone..."

"Who?"

"If you don't mind, I'd rather explain that to my wife."

"Do that then. I'm certain she's still awake."

He nodded.

I turned my back and started going upstairs just as he called my name.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry...I shouldn't have yelled at you...You were just trying to help. I know that you're just...that you're not my...you're..."

"Slow down Daddy D, don't give yourself a hemorrhage."

He gave a tiny smile. "You'll stay right? I mean...Esme needs you."

"Do you?"

"Esme does."

"I was asking about you, not Esme. What do you want?"

"I want...just...stay. "

I nodded, seeing how hard that was for him to admit. "Okay, I'll stay."

He gave me a true smile. "Thank you."

I nodded. "Now go talk to your wife. Apologize. And you better do it right, because if you hurt that poor woman again, be prepared for your ass to be kicked. And I'm not joking."

He chuckled. "I know. I'm counting on that."

Was it too obvious about Bella bluffing to leave? Don't worry, she's not going anywhere...not yet anyway.

BTW, in this story, there will be no cheating, of any kind.