What if...

Chapter 8 ~ Moving forward

Everyone looked at each other silently, the house building tension. My erratic heart-rate escalated from its already high beat. Edward was still behind me, reflecting the family’s behavior. I took a deep breath, hoping for it to calm me, but instead it was shaky and almost brought me to tears. I didn’t realize how scared I was.

My action must have triggered something in Edward, because he squeezed me to him gently and kissed my forehead, breaking from the trance-like stare.

“Everyone is thinking something different. I think we need to meet sooner rather than later. Tomorrow at the latest,” he expressed his tone cold and clipped. I shivered and leaned back into him, hoping to calm him. 

“Yes Edward, we meet in the middle. Chicago sounds acceptable. We will leave tonight and meet with them tomorrow at noon. Any questions or comments?” Carlisle voiced, setting the ground and taking his given role as ‘leader’.

“What are we doing after that? Are we coming back here? If not should we call into the schools?” Rosalie asked; petulance and annoyance coloring her tone. I couldn’t stop the feeling of guilt wash over me. It was my fault this thing ever started and if I hadn’t come, they wouldn’t be dealing with this. As I waited for Carlisle to answer, I picked up Edward’s hand from my waist and played with his fingers, slouching and dropping my head. He tensed beneath me, and I dropped his hand, thinking it was me that made him irate. I was wrong though, for as I turned my questioning gaze at him, he was glaring full on at Rosalie, his onyx eyes piercing an intimidating and cold stare. I felt the rumble within his chest build with his anger. What did she do that was that bad? It’s the least I deserved for bringing this to them.

I leaned up and kissed the edge of Edward’s jaw, surprising him. His expression softened as he looked down at me. My fingers traced his cheek, stopping at his lower lip then dropping to his chest where I curled sideways into him. He relaxed under me and burrowed his face in my hair, exhaling.

“We will see how it goes tomorrow and if it goes toward the reason for us to move on, we will do that. We won’t know until we understand the situation further.” Carlisle announced.

“We should hunt before our flight later tonight. I will call the airlines as well as reserve rooms in Chicago. Jasper, you go with Emmet, Rosalie and Alice first. Esme, Edward and I will go when you return. Make it as short as you can, but get your fill. Alice, can you tell when the flight will be?” Carlisle asked, once again taking charge. He stands up, taking his phone out of his pocket, looks at the time and looks at Alice.

“1 AM.” She speaks after coming out of her trance. Carlisle nods.

“It is 10 PM now. Be back in an hour, pack a few things and be ready to leave to the airport by midnight. Questions?” He looks around; no one says anything, “Good. Let’s go then.” With that group one was gone and out the door without a sound.

Carlisle and Esme walk out of the room and toward theirs, probably to pack. I sigh, sleep coming down over me.

“Let’s get you to bed love.” Edward whispers to me. Lifting me in his arms and walking down to our room. I curl into his chest, clutching his shirt in my hands.

The bed is warm and soft as I am laid down on it under the blankets.

“Sleep baby, I’ll pack your things.” Edward kisses my forehead and smiles shyly.

“You are going right?” I ask, fear of him not hunting overwhelming me. He looks pained, his eyes not leaving mine.

“You need to Edward.” I whisper, “I’ll be here, sleeping. It’s ok.” But I sound as if I am trying to convince myself.