I don't own Twilight.
A Temporary Immortal Child
A one shot.
It should have been a horrible blow to Rosalie's perfect eternal life. The one child fate would grant her temporary custody, would never be more than that…mentally at least. Physically, the little girl would grow, and would learn some things, but as long as she would live she would need Rose and Emmett. No one would have blamed them, if they had refused the responsibility. It would be a lot to ask of any one. Yet the blonde angel of perfection and her other half surprised them all by adopting the imperfect human child without a moment of hesitation.
It took them all, even Edward, a while to understand what the new parents had understood instantly. Yes, Rosalie understood what would be required of her. Yes, Rosalie understood that little Ava, would never give her the grandchildren that had once been her deepest desire. But the moment Rosalie held the then six month infant, that dream seemed insignificant compared to the gift she had received.
The Cullen family watched Rosalie beam and Emmett boast over every little detail, every little achievement. When Ava finally held her head on her own at nine months, or when she rolled over at a year and a half. There was the purest joy when the three year old finally took her first step.
They weren't stupid, they had been told children should accomplish these things much sooner than their daughter had. The looks of pity were not unnoticed as Emmett rushed to answer the terrified grunts and moans in the middle of the night.
It was Esme who truly understood it first, and explained it to the others. She saw the adoration in Ava's eyes when massive, strong, Emmett gently spun her in the air, acting as her preferred mode of transportation over her weak legs or being trapped in the wheel chair. She saw the calm certainty, when Rosalie read a fairy tale into her ear every night, knowing she was loved.
Esme saw that Rosalie had gotten exactly what wished in way no one expected. Rosalie had wished for a child. And though she would only have for a short period of time, as long as Ava lived she would be a child. Where Renesmee had been a child (if you used the term loosely for such a being) for less than seven years, where human children only maintained their innocence for twelve years, give or take a few years, Ava would maintain her innocent and youth-ridden mind for much longer.
Twenty years, eight months, twelve days, three hours, forty-four minutes, and thirty-two seconds to be precise. Had tears been possible, there could have easily been a river. Ava's heart was not strong enough in the long run, and despite their once selfish desires Emmett and Rosalie had spent enough time on earth not to make her hold on longer than she was able.
The rest of the family walked away from the fresh dug grave in the little meadow Ava had often been brought to by her parents. Rose and Emmett deserved a little time to say good bye on their own. Esme lingered for a moment, worried for her children who had grown so much. She watched as Rosalie quickly dropped to her knees laying a handful of flowers on top, and Esme could hear the her choke out a small wish using the nickname that had made Esme understand their devotion.
"Sweet dreams, my temporary immortal child."