Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight Series or any of its characters. They all belong to Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter 10: Knife's Edge

Columbus, Ohio 1919-1920

That Christmas was the worst of my life but that New Year was the best. Charles had left for that evening to drink with his friends and had passed out in the cab of his truck just outside the local bar. It was humiliating for him as people began to whisper if the war had changed the 'kind and gentle' Charles Evenson. He was beginning to expose himself for what he really was; his mask unpracticed for so long had slipped.

But that was the last of good days and the start of my own personal hell all over again. He blamed me for everything, saying I had spoken ill of him while he was off at war. The names he called me stung and worthless became his new favorite word to describe me.

Through all of it I never cried. I didn't feel as if I could cry anymore and this only served to make Charles angrier. I suspected he enjoyed my tears, to see my pain, so when I denied him that he used it as an excuse to get worse.

I began to lose track of time as days began to feel like weeks and weeks began to feel like years. I was the oldest of souls before I realized that it had only been 3 months since Charles' return. I felt as if God and all his angels had forsaken me, to live what seemed an eternity with the blackest of hell's demons.

The abuse was constant; my friends had all left me to my monster husband thinking, mistakenly, that I had missed him during the war. I had nowhere to turn and on top of everything I was beginning to feel very ill, a fact I couldn't share with Charles for fear he'd simply try to beat it out of me.

By mid-April I was getting sick everyday and I knew I would need to visit a doctor. I waited until Charles left for work before I walked over to Martha's house. I had arranged to meet her a couple days ago for tea but I would now use it as my opportunity to go to a doctor without Charles being there. Martha was out on her porch when I arrived.

"Why hello there Ms. Esme! Long time no see, but no doubt you've been enjoying yourself!" Martha called as I approached.

"I was wondering if I could ask you a favor," I started as we shared a hug, "I've not been feeling very well lately and I was wondering if we could visit the doctor and take our tea this afternoon."

"I am so sorry you haven't felt well! Of course we can stop in with the doctor you silly goose!" Martha replied as though it was obvious that she would help, "Just let me pull the car around and we'll be there before you know it. Why didn't you have Charles take you?"

"I don't know what is wrong with me and I don't want to worry him," I lied quickly, "And he's been so upset ever since he came back. He just isn't the same Charles I married."

At least that's true, I thought to myself, he's even worse this time around.

Martha's face became concerned immediately. Clearly she had heard the rumors going around as well.

"You let me know if you need anything, Esme," Martha commanded clearly as she helped me into her car, "Promise me you'll ask."

"I promise." I replied, my voice weak with relief that I had someone to turn to if it got much worse.

The drive wasn't too long and we sat in comfortable silence. I suspected Martha had questions that she wasn't sure she should ask. Either that or she wouldn't really want to know the answers for certain. There is a difference between suspecting and knowing. Martha suspected my husband was a monster but she did not want to know yet.

"Esme?" Martha questioned when the car stopped.

"Let's get this done." I responded in the strongest voice I could muster.

The doctor's office smelled strongly of alcohol and ether, mixing to create a burning in my nose and throat. The last doctor I had seen was Carlisle and he had smelled impossibly sweet, not like this cramped waiting room. It wasn't long before the doctor called me in.

"Mrs. Evenson?"

I got up silently, trying to be calm as I followed the doctor into an examination room. I shivered in the cold as he did his exam, asking yes and no questions that I either nodded or shook my head to.

"When was your last cycle Mrs. Evenson?" The doctor queried kindly, a smile on his face.

The bottom dropped out of my stomach as I realized what he was trying to get around to.

"I'm pregnant!" I gasped.

"Yes, Mrs. Evenson," the doctor replied, beaming, "Your husband will be a proud father in several months time."

I blanched white at the mention of my husband.

"Are you feeling dizzy Mrs. Evenson?" the doctor asked, his expression worried.

I shook my head no, thanked him quietly, and then practically ran to go get Martha so we could leave. I knew that now was the time to tell someone the truth whether they were ready or not. This child, my child, could not grow up in the hell in which I existed. I needed a way out to protect myself and my unborn child. This child was my saving grace and I would do anything to defend the little soul growing inside of me.

AN: So I am aware that I am an epic failure. It has taken me far too long to post this chapter but I was having school issues and weather issues that led to its delay. I want to thank all my patient readers and reviewers. You guys are awesome and you keep me inspired. Carlisle is coming soon and Charles is soon to exit so get ready for Esme to be exceptionally cool. Anyways, I apologize again for the ridiculous delay!! Enjoy!!