[ Esme ] Compassionate, loving mother.

[Esme Cullen]

Some days for Esme, staying in the house all alone for most of the time was extremely tedious. There was barely anything to do except read about the pointless entertainment magazines that didn’t entertain her at all, they were just props of course. Some days when she’d be home alone, she’d constantly think about her beloved children; Edward, Emmett, Rosalie, Alice and Jasper. But most of all, she’d think about her other half, her husband; Carlisle. Of course there was no need to worry about her children, she could tell that they were all content, especially Edward, who had finally found the other piece to his heart, Bella.

Edward was practically her first son and she adored so much. The dread she’d felt when she first lost her baby son in her human life; oh, how she could not take the pain if that happened to Edward. But she was glad to finally realise that he had found his true love, after 90 long years alone, Bella. Esme loved her with all of her heart too, and had already thought of her as her own daughter.

Before she could continue with all the entertainment news from the human world, she heard the garage door open, too sensitive for a normal human to hear. Someone must be home, she thought to herself. She quickly glanced at the clock and sighed with relief to realise it was Edward, back at home the usual time. He had obviously been spending time with Bella, but it has been so long since they both had spent time together as son and mother. Maybe this was the perfect time to do that, but unfortunately he had gone up the stairs. Maybe next time, she thought.

But to her surprise, after a few minutes later, she found him at the bottom of the staircase, looking troubled and confused. This was a first she had seen him unhappy after his visit to Bella’s house. He looked anxious about something; something had troubled him. She wondered why he seemed so down? Esme couldn’t stand to see him upset, or at least confused. But of course she already knew that he could read her mind, and so she asked, “You’re finally home, how are you dear? Did you have fun at Bella’s place?”

[Edward Cullen]

As much love as she was able to gather.
That was it. It was only love.
Understanding as she was, this was beyond her grasp.
Anger I held.
Anger would never overtake, this she could not feel.
Understanding as she was, emotions were beyond her.
The mother. The love.
Hate, she would never see.

Edward sat at the bottom of the stairs, still sitting confused. It was not Bella who had done the job, it was the news that he had discovered from his sister, Alice. The one that could foretell the future. If only she had not seen what she had saw. Bella, really wanting to turn into one of them.

To make matters worse, he knew everyone would disagree with his decision. For Edward believed that this was a mistake. That she could not be one of them. He refused to send her to eternal damnation. Could anyone else be able to see that?

His mother surely not. Her thoughts were occupied for the love that she had for the girl. Why did she love so unendlessly? She wants only my happiness, but what about the Bella's well being. Could she not realise that too? Did she really love her that much? Surely, she was not foolish enough.

“You’re finally home, how are you dear? Did you have fun at Bella’s place?” She had questioned. The answers were obvious, but Edward was sure she only need reassuring. He simply nodded and continued staring into empty space. It was already his routine to leave almost immediately the minute he returned home, he needed Bella to take his mind of the situation. Had time not moved yet?

Esme's mind were full of many questions for him. Him and his unusual mood. He thought and thought. Perhaps Alice had not told her the news yet, even then. He did bribe her with a Ferrari, he knew his sister had a knapt for fast cars and she would be easily bought off. This was his intention, for it to stay a secret.

He quickly shook his head, and smiled his loving mother. Hoping that she would buy his bluff. But after all, Edward was a great liar. There was nothing to worry about.
"I'm just confused at this emotion, I've never felt anything like it. She's reawakening the human in me, Esme. I like it."

[Esme Cullen]

Esme, curious to know what was bothering Edward, simply asked, “You’re finally home, how are you dear? Did you have fun at Bella’s place?”

Minutes passed, which seemed to last for eternity for Esme, and with his stunning smile to melt all hearts, he simply said, “I’m just confused at this emotion, I’ve never felt anything like it. She’s reawakening the human in me, Esme, I like it.” Esme couldn’t help but stop and feel joy and elation to what he just said, but her motherly instincts kicked in and she suspected that there was more to why he was feeling down.

Esme concentrated on reading his face, hoping that that would help in determining why he looked so down. But, like as always, he had his poker face on straight away, and she assumed that he was just editing some of the story that seemed to bother him, which she could tell whenever he was in this kind of mood. He knows perfectly well that there are no secrets between any of Cullens, she thought to herself. Didn’t he know better?

Of course she wasn’t upset that he’d keep something from her. But would it be possible for Alice to know something about this… because like all vampires they have special gifts and Esme was especially proud that her daughter had a unique gift; foreseeing the future. She knew that Edward and Alice had a special connection to communicate with whenever they felt the need to keep something quiet from the family. Is it possible for Alice to have seen what might happen in the future, and Edward had happened to read her mind? Did it have something to do with Bella, because like in all true, strong relationships, he would be thinking about her, always.

Esme finally accepted that Edward was definitely right; he did feel a human emotion that he wasn’t familiar with. Esme was determined to make sure that he did not need to hide anything from her and so she said firmly, “Look Edward, it feels like I’ve practically known you my whole life, and you know that I think of you as my real son. I love you with all my heart… if I had one,” she said trying to lighten the mood. “And I hope that you’ll never forget it, for as long as you live,” she exclaimed. “You know that you can tell me anything, whatever it is.”

[Edward Cullen]

Secret, or truth?
To hide it from the figure, that stood infront of me.
No explanation was needed.
It would be for the best.
Or much rather, the best for myself.
The selfish coward.
The matter did not concern her.
My responsibility.
My secret to keep.
For less is always more.

Edward was not bothered that Esme had not bought his bluff. Her thoughts were clear, she believed that something was out of place. Something that she was not being told.

Edward was however, tenacious. He was not going to back down. As much as Esme had assured him that she was trustworthy and that he should be able to; knowing each other for that length of time. He would not surrender to tell her. He knew he could trust Esme, but she did not need yet another problem in her life.

Her thoughts immediately flickering towards Alice. Edward smiled. Were she to ask Alice, she would never prevail. As he well knew, Alice was a loyal sister. Bribe or no bribe.

Fortunately, for Edward. Esme had believed at least only bits of his bluff. Especially him feeling unknown emotions. This was not entirely a lie, it was true he was feeling it. But that was not the reason why he sat there confused. With this advantage, convincing his mother now, would be next to nothing. If, he were to play his card right.

Still, comforting him and being as sweet as always. Esme was there amidst him, trying to unlock his emotions. Unfortunately for her, Edward had so many talents. One of which, would be hiding his true emotion on the situation.

He hated having to lie to her, she did not deserve such a thing. Her son was betraying her and never even thought to reconsider his decision. What a selfish son. Edward was debating about whether he should or shouldn't. Being sure his expression was still unreadable. He could hear the voices in his head battling over and over again. Finally, a winner had victored. The bad. The traitor.

Edward gave Esme a word hearted smile and simply said, " Thankyou and I know, I'll be sure to. When the opportunity comes." He knew by saying this he would only be betraying his mother, only half as much. " Esme, Bella's finished. I best be off." He walked out the door and waved at her. That was enough.

As he drove out of the driveway, setting forth The Swan's residence. He questioned himself. Had he made the right choice?

[Esme Cullen]

Esme waited patiently for an answer, no matter how long it took. She obviously had all the time in the world, all the time in the world for them. She’d give advice if it were needed especially in this situation, for she knew there was a problem that she was not informed about. Only something this big would cause him to keep something away from the Cullens.

Then she saw him smile. Esme hadn’t said anything, so she just assumed that he had read her mind. Was she right about something? Again, her thoughts flickered to Alice; Esme may need to ask Alice for what is going on; of course only she would know. He then replied, “Thank you and I know, I’ll be sure to. When the opportunity comes.” She expected more, but of course, he edited his story, just like always. “Esme, Bella’s finished. I best be off,” he added with a new respect to his voice. Esme was about to add something more, but he seemed eager to get out of the house. ‘I’d let him go this time’, hoping he’d heard that. Edward swiftly stood up, waved to her goodbye to her and walked out the front door, and not the garage. He was probably not going to take his car to Bella’s house. He needed time to think, she assumed, and she would give him the time.

Well she didn’t get what she needed to know; a full answer, but this wasn’t going to stop her from finding out what it was. There was always Alice, she thought again. She hoped, with luck, that he was far enough not to read what she had just thought. But, hopefully Edward wasn’t up to his dirty tricks, bribing his own sister… just like the last time she remembered so long ago.