Chapter seven- A year without pain
Happiness.
It was the first emotion she experienced the day Charles was drafted for the war. In front of her family, she sobbed as she reluctantly hugged her 'husband' before he left.
" I'll return soon Esme. I swear I will." He spoke.
Everyone found this sincerely romantic, yet it sent chills down Esme's spine. Only she knew what this meant. He'd be back soon- to abuse her more. However, Esme let this go rather quickly, and decided to savour her freedom. Besides, it was entirely possible a Nazi would kill Charles, so he would never return. She felt radiant at such a thought, even though it wasn't the best thing to think about your husband. Esme decided she didn't care. After all, he didn't do the best things to her. He never would.
She found herself smiling more often, gaining confidence, getting her love of nature back. Often, she would sit in the warm sunlight and sketch the scenario before her. Almost always, her painting contained a man. Either in the corner hiding shyly or at the front beaming at her, Doctor Cullen was always the subject of her pictures. If she wasn't sketching, Esme would go out into town and shop, or sometimes she would read aloud. Once, she went down to the local elementary school and played with the children. It was true, what she had told the Doctor. Children adored her. There was one such incident she remembered at the hospital, which she enjoyed immensely.
Esme was learning to walk on her leg with the crutches with the aid of the good doctor, and she had to admit, just his being there was enough moral support for her.
" That's good Esme! Perfect!" He encouraged, as she walked down a corridor carefully. She giggled happily at her success, but before should turn back, there was a tug on her skirt. Looking down, Esme saw the face of a toddler. He looked about 3 or 4, and had an adorable, round face with brown curls and baby blue innocent eyes.
" Hello." She smiled, sitting down on a chair.
" Hello." He said back shyly.
" What's your name darling?" She asked softly, aware that the doctor was watching her in amusement.
" Harry." He whispered.
" It's nice to meet you Harry. I'm Esme." She smiled.
" Esme.. that's a pretty name." He giggled.
She giggled back, "Thank you."
" And your real pretty too." He whispered, blushing.
She ruffled his hair slightly, " And your very handsome." He laughed in happiness at her approval of his appearance.
" Why are you here darling?" She asked, concerned.
" Well... my mommy fell over in the kitchen, and daddy said something's wrong with her arm." He said, gesturing to his left arm.
" Oh dear... I hope she gets well soon." She said sincerely, kissing the tip of his nose. he reached in and shyly kissed her cheek, and she hugged him.
" What happened to your leg?" He asked curiously.
Esme smirked, "Well, I was feeling hungry you see, and there was an apple at the top of a tree, and I couldn't resist climbing up to get it. But I happened to fall from the tree, and well, it broke." She giggled.
" I hope it gets better soon." He smiled, playing with her hair.
" Thank you sweetie." She smiled, kissing his forehead. Just then, a man came out.
" Harry what are you doing?" He asked.
" Don't worry sir, he's just playing." Esme reassured the man, who smiled at her. Harry hugged Esme once more, before going to his father. Esme smiled again, before getting up and heading back to Doctor Cullen, who smiled at her in amazement.
" I have to admit, I didn't realize how serious you were Esme, when you told me children adore you." He said, smiling.
She giggled shyly, "I shall take that as a compliment Doctor."
Esme sighed fondly, as she remembered this. She wondered if the doctor was fighting in the war, and worried for his safety. Silently, she prayed that he would get out of it alive, and live a long, happy life.
If only she knew someone else would also be coming out alive. Someone who she wished would die.
