Chapter 24

Ella was grateful to come inside and Susan shut the door behind her. "I thought you would eventually go," she said. "You were stubborn, quite a bit like your grandmother if I remember correctly."

"She called herself determined, not stubborn," Ella said as she set the box down. She took off her gloves and hat, putting those back in the pockets of her jacket before picking up the box again.

"That sounds like Elizabeth," Susan smiled.

Ella managed a small smile back then looked around. It was a nice house, though nothing stood out there. There weren't many decorations on the walls, though there were a few framed photos on the mantle. One was Susan on her wedding day, if the white dress and veil were any indication. She is with a man in uniform who is smiling in the photo too. There were a few of children and Ella assumed they were probably Susan's. She hadn't considered that she might have children, but it made sense.

Then, she saw a familiar picture. It was one from the photo album. It showed Susan with Peter, Edmund and Lucy. They were wearing their school uniforms, all sitting together and smiling.

"Take a seat," Susan offered, motioning to a sofa. Ella sat down there, setting the box next to her. She was getting warmer, but was still chilled so she left her coat on.

"Would you like something to drink or eat?" Susan offered.

"If it isn't too much trouble," she answered. She was hungry and though she didn't feel very thirsty, she knew it would be good to drink something.

Susan nodded and went into the kitchen. "I was going to have some tea and soup."

"Alright." Ella followed her, still carrying the box. She set it down next to the small table there. "What can I help with?"

"Nothing," Susan answered, moving around the kitchen slowly. Though Ella had noticed how old Susan looked, now that she was able to watch her, she noted how the older woman moved. She managed to move without a cane or walker, but it took a lot of time. Her shoulders seemed hunched and her hands were shaking ever so slightly.

Ella shook her head. "Why don't you take a seat? I can cook," she insisted. Susan still seemed hesitant. "Please, I don't mind," she insisted.

"Thank you, dear," Susan responded with a small smile and walked over to the table, slowly sitting down in one of the chairs.

Ella moved around the kitchen without much trouble. The soup was already in the pot and it didn't take long to put water in the kettle.

"Are you still cold?" Susan asked, noting Ella was still wearing her coat.

"It's chilly outside," Ella answered.

"I do apologize for that," Susan said. "I just don't like talking about those sad times."

Ella fought the urge to insist that they did need to talk about it. Not pressing the issue seemed to be the best option. "It's alright." She thought about how angry she had been at her family, even years later. She knew that those feelings could leave an emotional scar. She was still dealing with that scar even though she was no longer angry.

They were silent and Ella moved around the kitchen, finding bowls and spoons as well as tea cups.

The kettle whistled and Ella moved it, turning off the burner before pouring the hot tea into the two cups. She carefully carried them to the table, setting one in front of Susan, the other at another chair.

"The tea is there," Susan pointed to a box on the counter and Ella brought it over to her. Susan opened it and took out a small bag that she placed in the tea cup. "These bags are much less messy than loose tea leaves, but they aren't as good," she commented.

Ella nodded, taking one of the bags, putting it in her cup before going back to the stove to put the soup into the bowls. She poured the soup, careful not to splash any of it on her. It was chicken noodle soup and smelled amazing.

She carefully brought the two bowls and spoons over, setting one in front of Susan, setting the other down next to her teacup before taking her seat.

"Thank you, dear. I have not been feeling well today."

"They say chicken noodle soup is the best thing for that," Ella remarked.

Susan smiled slightly again. "It does help."

Ella took a spoonful of soup and blew on it gently before eating it. It was still hot, almost too hot, but it warmed her, easing the cold that seemed to have taking residence in her bones. They both ate quietly, but it didn't bother Ella. She was used to it.

As she finished her soup, she found herself warm enough to take off her jacket. She didn't know if she was welcome to stay long, but she didn't think Susan would kick her out. Unzipping the jacket, she tugged it off, setting in it back of the chair. She turned back to have her tea when she heard a clattering sound.

Susan was staring at her now, looking shocked.. She had dropped her spoon, which had made the sound.

"What's wrong?" Ella asked. Susan pointed at Ella and Ella looked down at herself wondering what she meant. "What is it?"

"What are you wearing?" her voice sounded tight.

Ella reached down and touched the locket, something that she now did often. She had gotten used to wearing it. However, she didn't hesitate, reaching for the clasp to unfasten it. "It's yours. I'm sorry. I put it on because I didn't want it to get misplaced when I found it. Then, after I talked to Lucy…"

Susan shook her head and managed to get to her feet. "Don't." She was trying to sound firm but her voice was strained and Ella knew it probably was hard for her.

"Susan, please," Ella insisted.

"You can show yourself out," Susan told her and slowly walked out of the kitchen. Ella managed to hold back a frustrated sigh. How could she make Susan see that all of this was real if she wouldn't even talk to her?

Ella knew she couldn't give up. She left her coat at the table, picking up the box before following after Susan.