We returned to the house when Aurora had fallen asleep. Her purple eyelids flashed rapidly as I carried her through the quiet woods. The wind was in my hair. And Edward by my side.

The lights in the Cullen house were on. Radiating in the dark night. Sparkling on the water of the nearby stream.

But inside it was quiet. The living room was empty and I could only hear some movements upstairs.

"Where is everyone?" I asked Edward quietly.

He shrugged. "Hunting?" He guessed. "Only Esme and Carlisle are here, love."

"We should inform him of our decision."

He sighed but nodded. "Yes. We should."

I could hear soft footsteps on the stairs. Esme came down with a warm smile. "How was your night, dears?"

"Perfectly peaceful," Edward told her with a smile. "as always."

"Would you take Aurora for a while?" I asked her. "We would like to talk to Dr. Cullen."

Esme furrowed her brows but nodded. "He is in his study."

"Thank you, Esme."

Edward took my hand in his as we ascended the stairs. His thumb rubbing against the back of my hand in soothing circles.

He lifted his hand to knock.

"Come in." Dr. Cullen asked us before Edward could knock.

The door opened with an almost inaudible creek. Dr. Cullen was seated at his desk. Stacks of medical journals scattered across his desk. Half written papers crumpled up next to it.

"Carlisle," Edward began, "we need to talk to you."

"Of course, what's on your minds?"

"Edward and I have made a decision." I looked over at my husband. "We want to prioritize our time with Aurora and with each other. We're not going back to school."

There was a moment of silence. Dr. Cullen gathered a few papers. "No."

I blinked rapidly.

"What?" Edward said what I was thinking.

"No." Dr. Cullen repeated. "You will continue going to school."

I shook my head. "We will not spend our time playing pretend for some humans."

"I understand your desire to spend time with Aurora, but school is part of our cover, part of the life we've built. It's important to maintain appearances." Dr. Cullen said calmly.

"Carlisle," Edward stepped closer. "Carlisle, we've given enough to the outside world. Our family is what matters most now. We can't keep pretending. We want to be fully present for Aurora and for each other for the remaining time we are allowed to have with her. I want to cherish every moment, every second, I have with Bella and our daughter." He smiled sadly at me. "I have lost so much time with them during our separation I will not let the impressions of some stupid humans keep me from the people I love."

"Edward, I understand your perspective, but it's an unnecessary risk. I can not allow you to take that risk." Dr. Cullen sighed heavily. "We all have to play our part. I have to work at the hospital, your brothers and sisters are attending school and so should you."

Edward narrowed his eyes at him. "You enjoy working. Don't pretend it is some burden to you."

"It isn't." Dr. Cullen agreed.

"And Alice, Rose, Emmett and Jasper don't enjoy highschool. They endure it to please you."

"As should you. You can't just abandon your duty to this family because you found your wife again."

"This isn't just about Bella." Edward said. "This is about Aurora. My siblings are not separated from their mates in school. They may not like highschool but they are still with the person they love most. I would have Bella with me, yes. But I am a father, Carlisle. I can not spend all this time away from my daughter. Not when they might very well be some of the only days Bella and I get to spend with her."

"But the fami-"

"We can leave." I threatened.

I could hear Edwards' shocked gasp. I felt his stare on my side. But he did not disagree with me.

"We can take Aurora and leave this family right now. Ever since I came here I have tried to include myself in this family. I have obeyed your rules. I agreed to take off my wedding ring. I even gave into Alice's ridiculous fashion tendencies to match your family's appearances. But this is too much. Once again you are stealing from me, Dr. Cullen. You are stealing my time with my husband and daughter. To achieve what? We don't need to be in school. Everyone in Forks knows that we have just had a daughter. They will understand if we stay home. It is the most natural reaction to her birth. So why is it that you do not allow us our wish?"

"He doesn't want us to be seen as failures in the public eye." Edward said quietly, his voice weirdly devoid of emotions. His eyes were focused on the floor. "He doesn't want anyone criticizing his and Esme's parenting because this pregnancy happened under his watch, to his son. He doesn't want to be the father of a highschool dropout."

"That's it?" I questioned Dr. Cullen coldly. "That's it?" I raised my voice. My nose was flared. My eyes wide. "You are keeping us apart to keep your perfect public image undamaged? I can not believe this! How can someone be so obsessed with appearance? How can you place your reputation above your own son's happiness?

How can you do this? To him. To us. After all the hurt you've caused already. How-" I was at a loss for words. I looked over at Edward, who still did not meet my eyes. "These are the last days we will have. The last days Edward and I can hold each other. The last days we can hold Aurora. I will not let you reduce the time I have with them. You may be Edward's adoptive father but that gives you no right to hurt him and demand obedience. Edward is still allowed to make his own decisions."

"Not when they concern us all."

"Yes. But this does not concern anyone but him and me." I contradicted him. "And even if it did. As long as he is not hurting you in the process there is nothing you have to say about this. You call yourself a father but all I see is a jailor. How can you deny Edward the chance to spend the remaining time as he wishes?"

"There is lots of time for him to play father."

"You dont know that."

"Yes I do. The Volturi will not kill us." Dr. Cullen said. "They are generous and kind leaders. And they have no reason to do anything once they learn of the truth about Aurora. You are creating some existential threat where there is none."

"And what if there is?" I asked him.

"There isnt."

"But just in case this ends badly, Edward and I dont want to have any more regrets about stolen time. We will not return to school. At least not until the Volturi threat has been dealt with."

"Alright." Dr. Cullen looked at me. His eyes were dark as the night sky outside the house. "You may stay home. If that is what you need to be happy."

"Thank you." I said, not truly meaning the words. I grabbed Edwards hand and led him out.

I wanted to slam the office door.

But I didn't.