Carlisle and Esme

6. The Monster Within

Chapter Six

We settled into life at Rochester as best as we could. Edward went to the private high school. As it was private, most wealthy people sent their children there. This included the Hales and Kings.

I got my job at the hospital, leaving Esme at home. She wasn't too sure about this but she soon settled in. But it made me sad to see her stuck in the house day and night. And worried that her human memories would come back to haunt her. Being alone in such a big house wasn't good for any person, human or vampire.

"Esme?" I walked downstairs. She was looking outside the window. I went up behind her. "What's wrong?" I asked her.

"I was just thinking about Edward... He's not been acting right lately." I looked through the window to see him lying on the grass under the shade of a tree. He had his eyes closed but we both knew full well he wasn't asleep. But Esme was right. He hadn't been himself.

Edward turned his head to see us looking. I heard him sigh and he got up then was inside the house in another moment.

"Edward?" Esme and I turned to face him. I placed my hand on her shoulder.

"I can't do this anymore. I have to leave." I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach but I could see the pain it caused Edward to say this.

"How long for?" I asked him.

"I don't know. I'm sorry, Dad... Mom..." I sighed sadly and went to hug him. Edward... My son.

"Don't be sorry. But stay safe, Edward. Please." He may not have been of my blood but he was of my venom. I may not have been part of his DNA but he was my creation. My only child, the only chance I would ever have of a family.

But I couldn't blame him. Edward had stuck to the diet of animal blood for nearly fifteen years. And he couldn't stay in Rochester which was filled with temptation. And he couldn't stay with us when Esme was still so new to this life. That would be unfair to her.

Esme gave a dry sob and hugged him tightly.

"I love you..." She whispered to him. I could see Edward almost falter but I knew his mind would still be set.

"Love you too, Mom." They pulled away and I reached a hand out to pull Esme back to me.

"You will always have a place you can call home, with us Edward. Don't forget that." I told him.

"I won't." Edward promised. He took a deep breath looking at us for the last time. He then left and Esme burst into non-existent tears. I spun her around to face me and held her close to me.