She did indeed have cancer. Lung cancer precisely. Elisabeth herself wasn't very devastated of the news, but her family and friends took the news badly. The few weeks after she was released from the hospital went slowly, just getting used to the idea of her new life. Elsie took the news hardest. She has been just trying not to worry too much. Elisabeth's eating has improved day by day and now she is able to eat almost anything.
...
"Mom really! I'll be fine. Surely I can go and have a picnic with my friends?"Elisabeth begs."It will be almost the last time I can see Daisy before she'll leave for school."
"Elsie, she will be fine. Elisabeth has been carefull since she was released."Charles adds.
"Arghh. Alright then. But I don't want to catch you running or jumping around."Elsie smiles."Take care of yourself, darling."
"I will. Thank you, ma."Elisabeth beams with a smile."Alright, come on then Charlotte!"
The girls walk outside, Elisabeth holding her sister's hand and in the other hand she carries a food basket.
"And don't you even start."Elsie turns away from the door and walks into the sittingroom."I know I am overprotecting."
"Elsie. I understand you're worried and so am I, but Elisabeth heard what Dr. Clarkson said and she knows how to behave."Charles sits next to her."It's been hard time."
He takes a hold of her hand.
"A lot has been going on lately and if there is anything you'd like to talk about, I am listening."He smiles."About your "cancer scare" if you'd like to."
"It feels od to talk about it now."Elsie sigh."Now that I'm fine and Elisabeth isn't."
"Our daughter is okay, darling. And she will be in the future."Charles reassures.
Elsie stares outside of the window. The landscape is still green and the sun is shining on the blue sky. The stillness of the sittingroom is comfortable and quiet. There is no words exhanged between the couple in a long moment.
"It was when I first found out I was pregnant."Elsie starts."I discovered a lump on left breast."
"And you went to see Dr. Clarkson?"Charles asks.
"Well after some time. First I thought it was just..."a lump", but when it grew bigger..I went to see Dr. Clarkson. He made some tests and then we waited."She explains.
"It was when you told me to invest my money wisely, wasn't it? You meant..?"Charles questiones with an rises eye brow.
"He didn't know what it was at first. There was always a big chance it to be cancer, so he told me to prepare if that was to happen."Elsie says."Death I mean. Well anyhow...When the results came it was all well. The lump was just something benign."
"But it must have been removed? I wonder how I didn't realize that."Charles asks.
"During my pregnancy we really weren't...We weren't engaged in any sexual activities so it was easy to hide till it was possible to be removed."She blushes with the very thought.
"You mean it was removed after Elisabeth was born?"He wonders.
"Precisely."Elsie nods.
"Well what an adventure..."Charles let's out a sigh."But why didn't you told me about it? Or Beryl?"
"Our parents weren't very happy with the situation, and I understand that now. It wasn't an ideal one really."Elsie says.
"I think it was, it is and it will be an ideal situation as long as there is breath in our bodies Elsie."He smiles, leaning to kiss her lips softly."We will move on day by day now. We face everything as a family and everything will be fine eventually."
"And of course you're right Charles."She smiles into his chest.
"Aren't I always right?"He jokes.
"Not always."Elsie laughs.
...
The day changes to a evening dusk. The family is gathered around the dinner table, discussing about their day.
"Did you enjoy your day?"Charles asks.
"Yes! We played hide and seek and Daisy taught me how to make a flower crown!"Charlotte beams.
Elsie's head is turned to the older girl.
"I didn't do anything you said I shouldn't."Elisabeth tolds.
"Charlotte now elbows on the table."The father scolds.
"Yes daddy."She nods.
"What did you and ma do while we were out?"Elisabeth asks.
"Just this and that."Charles says.
"Very mysterious."The older girl smiles.
"It's a good skill to manage."Elsie tolds."Are you all finished now?"
"Yes ma."The girls say in a choir.
"Can I help you with the dishes?"Elisabeth asks.
"Of course."The mother stands up, taking the dishes with her.
Elisabeth follows after her mother.
"Daddy can you play with me? Please."Charlotte jumps from her seat.
"What would you say if we'll all do something together tonight?"He smiles, taking her daughter in his arms."Hmm?"
"What do you mean?"The young girl rises her eye brows.
"We could play some games."Charles says.
...
Soon after the dinner they are all sitting in the sittingroom, playing chess which Charles has bought from London a while ago.
"Charlotte your turn."Elisabeth smiles.
Her face lit up, her eye brows wrinkled.
"Can I put it here?"She asks from her mother.
"Yes you can."Elsie answers."It looks like you two are losing this game."
"We just haven't showed our cards, is that right papa?"The older girl tolds.
"Exactly."Charles winks at his wife, causing her let out a soft chuckle.
"Mommy?"Charlotte turns to her direction.
"Oh don't mind me love."Elsie grins.
"Is it our turn now?"Elisabeth questiones.
"Mhm. Go on then."She encourages.
The game continues for some time before they hear a knock on the door.
"Who can it be at this hour?"Elsie walks to the door.
She pulls it open.
"Becky? What are you doing here?"She asks, smiling.
"I came to give you Charlotte's birthday gift."Becky whispers as she hands a box to her sister.
"You know it's still a week to go?"Elsie laughs.
"I know, but I thought I'd bring it now...So I won't forget it."Her sister explains.
"Ah alright."She shakes her head."Care to join us?"
"What are you doing?"She asks.
"Playing chess. Elisabeth and Charles are losing helplessly."Elsie says.
They could hear the young girl laughing at the background.
"How are you feeling really?"Becky asks.
"We're alright."Elsie answers.
"You're smiling again. I love to see you all so happy."She smiles.
"I'll admit...It's good to smile again."Elsie whispers.