FFADS Chapter 19 on Fanfiction.Online
“Esme?” I called, walking into the kitchen. She hastily wiped her eyes, turning around and giving me a watery smile. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, sweetheart,” she answered. I arched a brow, like how I did with Edward. “I can see why he loves you.”
“He hasn’t said it, but I understand why he’s hesitant,” I shrugged.
“My son had such a difficult life and he always kept everyone at arm’s length,” Esme muttered. “Even his father and me. Edward doesn’t trust easily, but he let you in.”
“He’s easy to love,” I murmured. “And those people who hurt him deserve to rot in hell.”
“Trust me, many of them are,” Esme replied darkly. “Edward lived in about twelve homes before he came into our custody. Out of the twelve foster families, nine of the parents were arrested for child solicitation, molestation and wrongful death.”
“Somebody died in their care?” I hissed.
“A little girl,” Esme growled, “In a home in Dwight. Anyway, they were put away for life. The district attorney wanted Edward’s testimony because he’d told his case workers, but they didn’t listen. He stopped telling them and took the abuse until …” She walked over to a cabinet and poured herself a glass of bourbon. “Want some?”
I nodded and sipped the drink. “You wouldn’t let Edward testify.”
“He was finally accepting that he was a part of our family. Carlisle asked him if he wanted to testify but my son told him that no one cared what he said years ago. Why would they care now?” Esme frowned. “I never, in my wildest dreams, imagine seeing Edward as comfortable as he is with you and your sister. He never smiled. When he did, it was forced.” She took a sip, leaning against the counter. “He’s brilliant, ambitious, funny but he never let down his walls. To see him today? It’s like he’s a whole new person. I’m crying because I’m happy that he has someone that loves him unconditionally.”
“When we first met, Edward and I did not get along,” I snorted. “Oil and water, really.”
“He told us about how he treated you and the guilt he felt afterward. If anything, you’d figure he’d be understanding since Katie is in a similar situation with losing her parents,” Esme shrugged. “But, she has you.”
“Unlike Edward,” I frowned. “I also think that’s why Katie and Edward are so close. They’re kindred spirits, really. They both lost their parents at a young age without the ability to understand why it happened or cope with that sense of loss.”
“You also lost your family,” Esme argued.
“But, I’m twenty-eight. I have the coping skills to work through it. Yes, I struggle with their absence. I have days where getting out of bed is a struggle,” I shrugged. “Therapy has helped. Katie and I go to a grief counselor. I got the name from the preschool I enrolled Katie in. I didn’t know anyone when I moved here from the Pacific Northwest. I toyed with the idea of seeing a psychiatrist, but I didn’t want to take medications unless absolutely necessary. I miss my mom. There are moments when I wanted to call her to tell her all about Edward …”
The oven dinged and Esme checked whatever was inside. “I hope you like lasagna,” she said.
“I love it,” I smiled.
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