The Christmas Book
Chapter Twelve – Story Time
Esme tapped her fingers to the music on the steering wheel as she waited for the traffic light to turn to green. Humming to the sweet Christmas song from the radio, she tried not to react to Alyssa doing the same. Even though Alyssa didn't sing the words, it was the first time Esme heard her do something like that.
The day had been tough on them both, as Esme knew it would be. For one thing, it hurt that Alyssa wouldn't talk to her but would a stranger. Though Edward explained the situation and Alyssa's connection with the owner of the book store, it hadn't made her feel better.
A part of her knew why Alyssa had chosen not to talk to either her or Carlisle. Esme and Carlisle had Alyssa spend the night before the horrible accident so Jasper and Alice could go on an overnight trip for a late Valentine's Day treat.
Jasper and Alice were like her own children and she was devastated when the police arrived to deliver the terrible news. The first time Edward had brought Alyssa to stay with Esme as he worked, she cried and clung so hard to him. She associated her loss to staying with them and it broke Esme's heart.
The first few times she stayed with Esme, Alyssa had cried herself to sleep. It had taken a toll on Edward, who was still adjusting to being home and grieving over Jasper and Alice. He no doubt had many sleepless nights those first months.
Despite the fact that Alyssa had spoken to Bella, Esme didn't push her, but did take Edward and Bella's advice. Alyssa wouldn't get what she wanted unless she verbally asked or acknowledged she wanted it.
During breakfast, Alyssa pointed to the television, and normally, Esme would automatically change it to the children's show that she liked best. But that time, she asked Alyssa what she wanted to watch, but she only pointed to the television again.
Ignoring that part of her that wanted to give the little girl everything, Esme changed the channel to some cooking show. Alyssa was far from happy and kept pointing to the screen, silently asking for Esme to change it.
Esme didn't ignore her; she simply asked again what show she wanted to see. When Alyssa still refused to answer, she jumped out of her chair and stomped to the living room to color. And even though Esme hated disappointing Alyssa, she knew she'd done the right thing.
Alyssa couldn't thrive if she continued in such a manner. Esme only hoped that she'd grow out of her stubbornness and fear. Then again, Alice was notorious for her stubborn streak. That was definitely something Alyssa inherited from her mother.
A few minutes later, they pulled up in front of Hidden Treasures, and immediately, Alyssa's whole demeanor changed. She smiled brightly, almost vibrating with excitement. When Esme looked at her, meeting her gaze, Alyssa only smiled wider.
Esme sighed in relief and hoped what she had to tell Alyssa wouldn't make her retreat again. "Edward said that they have Story Time in a few minutes." The question in Alyssa's eyes made her continue. "It's when someone reads a book to a group of children."
The smile on her cherubic face fell instantly. She looked back at the store and then back at Esme, nodding slowly. Esme offered her a smile and helped Alyssa out of the car seat, walking hand in hand into the store.
Since they were a few minutes late, every little face that surrounded the beautiful, young woman on the brightly colored rug, turned to see who'd arrived. Alyssa immediately sought sanctuary behind Esme's legs, peeking from behind a dark curl of her hair.
Bella smiled at the woman that had walked in with Alyssa. She'd seen the resemblance around her eyes, the color almost matching Edward's gaze— his aunt, Esme.
"Welcome," she said, smiling at them both. "Hi, Alyssa, why don't you come sit by me?"
Alyssa bit her lip and shook her head, eyeing all the people that sat beside her. There were at least fifteen of them and she didn't know anyone but Izzy. She clutched Esme's hand and steered them to a large chair across from all the still staring faces.
Bella only smiled at Alyssa, choosing not to say anything further. It was obvious that she wasn't ready for such a large group of people, even if most of them were children her own age. She was surprised to see her come in after Edward has said that they wouldn't be able to make it.
Esme offered her a sad smile but Bella shrugged it off. She knew it wouldn't be easy to have Alyssa open up more to others. Opening the book that she held in her hand, hoping Alyssa would notice it was the same one she had Edward buy her the day before.
Careful to keep the book upright and open to the pages, she recited the lines to the book she'd already memorized. She allowed herself to imagine Edward doing something similar with the Alyssa the night before, smiling at the image the thought evoked.
Esme couldn't help but smile at the picture before her. The young woman that seemed to capture the hearts of both Edward and Alyssa, had every child mesmerized, not by the book itself but the soft, soothing tone of her voice. The softness in her smile and eyes only enhanced her features and the words as she read.
Even the parents of the children seemed to be entranced by her. Edward didn't stand a chance, Esme thought, smiling contently.
After a few minutes, the lure of Bella's melodic voice seemed to pull Alyssa to her feet. Slowly, Esme watched as the little girl wound her way around the other children until she sat on the floor beside Bella and took her hand in hers.
Bella had trailed off, smiling at Alyssa softly, winding a wayward curl behind her ear. "Hi, Aly."
Alyssa blushed at the nickname, biting her lip; she looked at the other children and dipped her chin down. After she took a deep breath, she looked up at Bella as words caught in her throat.
With another deep breath, she said, "Hi, Izzy."
AN: Betaed by kyla713. Now, we've met Esme, it's time to meet Charlie next.
