After the days had passed and my nervousness seemed never-ending, Carlisle sent Edward to the border between Forks and La Push. He was our best chance of getting an answer, as he could hear the thoughts of the wolves without them needing to transform. It was already noon when I left the house, and since then I had been sitting on the steps in front of the house, the sun warming my face, yet the coldness in my heart remained. The afternoon dragged on agonizingly slowly, and I nervously chewed on my fingernails while I impatiently awaited the sound of Edward's footsteps. Hopefully, he would return with good news. Maybe, just maybe, he would bring one of the wolves with him. Or better yet, he would come back with the long-awaited news that I could go home. Back to Paul, back to my parents.
Esme had brought my lunch outside, a lovingly prepared sandwich and fresh fruit. She sat down briefly beside me, her eyes radiating warmth and care. "How are you, Mary?" she asked gently, offering me a bite of the sandwich. I smiled weakly back, but my thoughts were elsewhere. Esme tried to cheer me up by talking about the latest developments in the house and how Emmett and Jasper had picked a new movie to watch together. But when she noticed that I wasn't really listening and seemed to be lost in my thoughts, she left me alone, but not without making sure I had eaten.
I heard him before I saw him. Edward approached the house with long, quick strides and a serious expression. In his hand, he held a small object that I recognized as he got closerâmy phone. A flicker of hope surged through me, and I jumped up to run to him.
"And?" I burst out, looking at him almost breathlessly. Worry and hope collided within me, and I couldnât hold back the tension any longer.
"Let's go inside," he said, walking past me into the house. His voice was calm, but I felt the weight of his words. "Then I'll tell you and the others everything together." I hurriedly followed him, my heart racing, and the anticipation of possible good news made me almost bounce. We quickly sat down with the rest of the family in the living room.
I looked at Edward expectantly, my hands trembling slightly with excitement. But I seemed to be not the only one curious; Carlisle also appeared interested, his eyes sparkling with curiosity as he watched Edward closely.
"It wasn't easy to talk to them," Edward began, and I felt the tension in the room intensify. "But I was able to convince them that I could talk to Sam for a moment." His face was serious, and I held my breath as he continued. "He made it clear to me that no decision has been made yet. He gave me your phone so you can contact your parents directly. They seem to be noticing that they havenât heard from you in person, and they are starting to get suspicious." He spoke the last words directly to me and handed me my phone. I took it hesitantly, the familiar weight feeling both comforting and frightening. I thought of my parents, who were surely worried about me, and of Paul, who was waiting for me in La Push. The connection to them was so important to me, and I knew that now I had the chance to show them that I was still here.
"Edward," I began, my voice trembling, "what about Sam and the others? Do you think they will let me go back to La Push?"
Edward looked at me, and I could see the uncertainty in his eyes. "I don't know, Mary. It depends on many factors, and I can't speak for them. But I could hear positive thoughts from Jacob and Seth. The pack seems to be divided about the situation." I nodded slowly.
In that moment, I felt like I was riding a wave of emotions, swinging between hope and fear. Perhaps this was the first step back to the life I missed so much. I took a deep breath, opened my phone, and searched for the chat with my parents. I scrolled back to the date of my disappearance and began to read. The main part began after my parents return.
Mom: Hey Mary! Weâre back! Where are you? We miss you! â¤ï¸
Mary: Hey! I missed you too! ð
Dad: What happened? Why arenât you home?
Mary: So, itâs a crazy story. I got a spontaneous internship at the hospital!
Mom: Really? At the hospital? Thatâs exciting! How did that happen?
Mary: Yeah, it just came up. Dr. Cullen, a doctor here, offered me the chance to work with him for a few days. Itâs a great opportunity for me!
Dad: That sounds really exciting! But why didnât you let us know beforehand?
Mary: It all happened so fast; I didnât have time to inform you. I didnât want to worry you.
Mom: Donât worry about that. But how long will you be there?
Mary: Probably a few more weeks. I can stay with Dr. Cullen, which makes it easier.
Dad: That sounds good! Weâre glad youâre with someone you trust.
Mary: Yes, I really feel comfortable here. Itâs a great experience, and Iâm learning a lot!
Mom: Thatâs great! Weâre proud of you. But remember to write us regularly, okay?
Mary: Of course! Iâll keep you updated.
â¦
Mom: Hey Mary! Howâs your internship going? Are you coming to visit us this weekend?
Mary: Hey! Itâs going great, but I have a lot to do this weekend. Maybe next time? ð
Dad: All right! Weâre looking forward to your report. Take care!
â¦
Mom: Mary, weâre worried. You havenât seen us for so long now.
Mary: I know, Iâm sorry! But I have so much to learn right now. Itâs really exciting here!
Dad: We understand itâs exciting, but we just want to see you again. It's not that far away, you know.
Mary: I understand. Iâll do my best to meet you soon.
â¦
Mom: Mary, we really feel like something is wrong. We just want to see you.
Mary: I understand, but I canât come home; thereâs just too much to do.
Dad: Weâre seriously worried. Can you at least call us?
Mary: Iâll try to set that up. I love you!
Slowly, a tear rolled down my cheek. I couldnât help but think of the pack that had worked so hard to come up with a believable excuse to keep my parents at bay. But I knew they would become skeptical. It wasnât normal for their daughter to just disappear and not even contact them by phone afterward.
The messages were regularly exchanged over the last few days. The last message had just been sent that morning. I decided to call my parents and reassure them so they would worry less. Taking a deep breath, I gathered all my courage before pressing the receiver. The wait for the dial tone seemed to last an eternity. I knew I had to be strong, that my voice should sound steady and calming, even though my heart was pounding against my ribs.