B.O.P. Breach of the Peace

Chapter Three

Chapter Three
Back to Normal?
Grace Cullen
Forks, Washington

"Aunt Grace!" Alice exclaimed, barging in on my last period class that Friday. "Carlisle left a note for you in the office. Edward's getting to come home from the hospital today!" She cheered and rushed back out of the room.

I couldn't help but smile enthusiastically. After a week without him, I was more than ready to have Edward home where he belongs. The class period seemed to go on at an agonizing rate after such an exciting announcement.

Finally, the bell rang. I could hardly force myself to walk at a normal human pace out to my car. I wanted to be home with my family, every member under one roof again.

"Hello, Grace." Esme greeted me as I came in the back door.

"Hey, is Edward home yet?" I asked her, putting away my bag before shrugging out of my raincoat.

"No, not yet." She shook her head. "Alice said that he shouldn't be too far away just a moment ago."

"Perfect, then I still have time to think about what I'm going to say to him." I grumbled.

"Don't be too hard on him, Grace." Esme sighed. "Yes, he gave us all good reason to worry, but he was scared. I agree he needs to be reprimanded, but please don't be too harsh."

"Esme, he's my son." I smiled at her. "I'm upset that he left, but more than anything I'm excited to have him home. I doubt I'll be able to stand my ground very long." I laughed.

"Okay, I'm just so worried about him." She laughed half-heartedly.

"Me too." I sighed. "I don't know what we're going to do about this whole siren situation. The last time something like this happened, Emmett slipped immediately and we had to lay low for a couple of years."

"But Edward resisted and didn't cause any scene of suspicion." Esme offered, sounding very hopeful.

"Maybe not to the general population, but Bella is quite an observant young woman. I don't doubt she suspects something is amiss." I sighed.

"I'm sure you're right, sister." Carlisle nodded as he came in the backdoor, easily hearing our conversation from the garage. "From the many times I've met her father I've noticed very perceptive behavior. But, I don't think it's cause for alarm just yet." He smiled at me, kissing my cheek before wrapping Esme into a sweet hug.

I had to look away then, at such a loving display of emotion. I've long since given up on finding that kind of love. So, I moved to the kitchen window to look out across the backyard.

Just in time to see Edward run up and stop at the back porch.

"He's home." I told Carlisle and Esme, walking through the kitchen and downstairs into the living room.

"I'm sorry." Edward sighed, looking defeated as he opened the door, fully expecting to get reprimanded I'm sure.

I suddenly lost all of my nerve, seeing him so broken like that, and rushed to pull him into my arms tightly.

"I know." I nodded, holding him to me tightly. "It's okay, I'm proud of you for being so strong."

"Strong?" He laughed bitterly at me. "I was a coward. I ran away. Away from the temptation, away from help, and away from you of all people."

"I just wish you would've come and talked to me, or, really I wish I would've followed you out of school. I could've helped you. I don't know how, but I'm sure I could've said something to make you stay."

"I was afraid that if I stayed I would go hunt the Swan girl down." He confessed and I took a deep breath, somehow hugging him even tighter.

"Oh, Edward." I sighed. "I don't know what to say." I shook my head.