It had been a week and Carlisle wasn't talking to anyone much. He didn't want to hunt or lay down with me or see any of his children. They girls had accepted their punishments without too much argument. Jacob was now allowed to come over when Seth did, and Bella and I both gave in and let them back to the reservation a week early anyway. They spent most of their time there, and when I asked why, they said it felt too strange to be at home when Carlisle was so distant.

Everyone had noticed, and despite several confrontations from me, Edward and Alice, he still stayed in his office. He was moody all the time and just didn't want to socialise.

He went to work, came home, sat in his office for a while, and maybe went for a hunt before showering and returned to his office before his next shift.

"Carlisle?" I knocked on his office door before entering.

He didn't look up at me, just kept his eyes glued to the book. They weren't moving, so I knew he wasn't reading the words.

"Carlisle, please tell me what's going on. I'm starting to get very worried."

"Don't worry about me…" he said flatly.

"Well it's hard when you won't even look your own wife in the eye, or your children." I searched his face for signs of emotion but nothing showed.

"Carlisle—" I started.

"Esme I have work soon, I would like to finish this chapter before I leave if you don't mind."

I took in a breath. The words felt like a stab to my dead heart. I walked backwards slowly towards the door before using my vampire speed to turn, slam his door behind me and slam the bedroom door as well. I sat down on the bed and stared at the ground. What was going on with him? Why was he distancing himself from me? I had a million questions and no answers. Edward couldn't determine the cause, Alice said she saw this happening, but not why it happened. I asked the other kids if they knew anything and none of them did.

Carlisle walked in a while later and grabbed his work bag.

"I love you…" I called before he closed the door behind him.

I didn't hear a reply. His footsteps stopped for a second, before continuing down the stairs and threw the front door.

Jasper came in a second later, "He feels guilty."

Edward was behind him, "He loves you too."

I dropped my head in my hands.

"What did I do?" I spoke louder than necessary, hoping that he might hear if he hadn't left the driveway yet.

"The girls are going shopping if you want to go with them." Jasper suggested. "It could be good for you to get out and have some fun."

I stared at him before Edward chimed in. "You can go spend a heap of his money…"

They both laughed and I shook my head. I counted in my head to stop Edward hearing my thoughts. He looked at me suspiciously but didn't say anything.

"We were going with Emmett up to the coast for the night. We can stay here, or you can come with us if you want." Edward offered.

"No, you guys go have fun. Stay safe." I said.

"Love you." Jasper kissed my cheek and walked out with Edward who winked at me. His wink just reminded me of Carlisle. It was the same, despite them having no real relation at all.

The girls came up and told me they would be home late.

I waited for them all to leave before I packed a bag. I picked up the photo of Carlisle and I on the beach. We didn't know Alice was taking he photo and we were laughing for a forgotten reason. I placed in the top and put on my necklace that Carlisle got me for our 10th anniversary. It was 24 carat gold and had a small love heart as the pendant. It was worth a lot of money, so I didn't wear it as much as I would like.

I called Carmen to ask if I could come up for a few days. She said I could stay as long as I wanted and that I was always welcome.

I wrote out several notes. One for Carlisle, one for Melody and one for each of the couples of the family. I said I didn't know how long I would be gone but I loved them all and that I would return eventually. I didn't say where I was going, and I planned on taking the water so I couldn't be tracked.

I left the letters on the pillows in their bedrooms. Each said something different, depending on the couple. I knew Alice would see me leaving soon, so I needed toleave now.

I went to the reservation first. I was met by Paul and Sam who were sitting with their partners on the grass.

I told them I was leaving for a little while and that I was just crossing through. They wished me luck and safety for whatever I was doing.

I then made my way out of Forks and over to Denali, going through the water when I could.

When I got to Denali, they were all waiting for me outside. Garrett came and took my bag.

We went inside and I told them all why I had left. I also asked that they don't tell the family that I'm here yet if they happen to call.

"I never thought Carlisle of all people would be the one to do that." Tanya said.

"It's not the first time…"

"Esme, I think you should tell them where you are. Carmen did this years ago when we had a very big argument. It terrified us all because we didn't know where she was, when she was coming back or if she was safe." Eleazar explained.

"I left a note saying that I would return." I assured.

"So did I…" Carmen spoke softly.

"They'll be fine. I need some time apart from them. Maybe it will do us all some good."

"Like what?" Tanya asked.

"Well, I can get used to being away from the children so that I don't miss them so much all the time, and they can have some time without their mother around to stress them out."

"I think they will be more stressed out when you're gone compared to when you're there…" Kate chimed in.

"We won't tell them." Tanya assured. "Not yet anyway. We'll give you at least a few days to clear your head."

"Thank you." I smiled weakly.

"You look tired. Come on, I'll show you to a room where you can lay down." Kate stood up and walked away as I followed close behind.