Two Days Post Ithaca Leaving/One Day Post Break-Up

[themidnightson]

 
Edward has told many lies in his life.

You . . . don't . . . want . . . me?

No.

More lies than the number of days he's been whatever state of living this is.

I've let this go on too long.

You're no good for me, Bella.

Lying doesn't bother him by and large. He doesn't lose time on it ever.

And I'll make you a promise in return.

I promise this is the last time you'll see me.

I won't put through anything like this again.

Because he doesn't care about the people he's lying to.

You can go on with your life
without any inference from me.

It will be as though I never existed.

Comments

[ofthefamily]

Please, Carlisle thinks at the horrible piece of plastic in his hand.

Please pick up the phone.

Somewhere else, it's ringing.

[themidnightson]

It rings once. It rings twice.
It's the third ring, when the sound changes.






"Yes."

[ofthefamily]

"Edward." It comes out like a rush, like a breath long held in.

But then he lacks in anything even the most remotely useful to offer.

"Where are you?"

[themidnightson]

"Des Moine."

More than half of the way from Forks to Ithica.
But still not New York state. And not Ithica, itself.

[ofthefamily]

He's following.

Carlisle tries not to sound relieved. Relieved is surprised and he has to have more faith.

"Is there anything you need that I can do."

[themidnightson]

Need. Did he




"No."

[ofthefamily]

He wishes Alice were here.

"I won't ask for an ETA."

[themidnightson]

There would be a new piano. Rosalie's smug superiority.

The blase with which Emmet blew off 'mistakes.'

Esme's concern. No Alice or Jasper.

Carlisle . . . His family.





"I'll get there." Quiet. Less than steady.

[ofthefamily]

"Thank you."

[themidnightson]

"Maybe not today."




"I can't--"




"--don't want--"

[ofthefamily]

"Do what you need. Just come home."

[themidnightson]

There's only silence this time.

[ofthefamily]

Carlisle's hand curls into his hip to keep his voice clear from worry.

"Edward?"

To see if he's still with him.

[themidnightson]

It takes too long.







Infinitely small. Eternally owed.
"I couldn't ta-- manage -- all the...voices."

[ofthefamily]

Carlisle only had that burden briefly. Barely for a speck of time in their lives.

He still gets it.

"When you can. Please? And let us know that you're safe."

[themidnightson]

"I'll--"



Catches.



Labors at silence.

"-get there."

[ofthefamily]

It's the best Carlisle can hope for.

"I'll see you soon."