Chapter 37 – The Past :
Edward's POV:
I opened a new journal. This one is for Bella, but it had a black cover. This would be the journal I would write to her in…when my voice can't say the words my heart wants to. I thought for a long time as I stared at the blank page.
It was funny as some vampires say that they don't remember their human lives…but I remember mine. Maybe it was because their human lives were not that interesting or maybe it just didn't hold anything worth remembering. But mine did. My human life had both horror and great love. I can remember most of it…the important things.
I decided to write it as if I were a third person, telling the story, adding to it a couple things that happened then that I learned later on to flesh it out for Bella. I took a deep breath and started to write it…hoping it came out as good as I recalled it.
Little Six was tossing and turning in his bed that night. It was his first night really laying in a big bed like this one. And he was all alone here. The room was dark and he could hear the distant piano music playing, voices laughing and talking out there too.
He wasn't used to all these sounds, and most nights his mother would lay next to him, when she was home. When she was gone, he didn't sleep much at all, he could curl up in a ball all night, hide his face, and just wait until morning when the sun would come up again. Night was always so difficult for him, and this new place made it no different or better.
The ladies had put his room on the other end of the big house, so he wouldn't be disturbed by the noises of men and music that would go on all night. He didn't argue, he was too afraid to say anything. Would they be mean to him too ? All those ladies, and the big man ? They seemed nice enough but Mama was really nice sometimes too…then she would get mad. They could too.
Somewhere, a glass landed on the floor and a high pitched shattering sound rose up into the air. Six let out a yelp and dove under the soft, white blanket, grabbing his little arms around his legs and burying his face into his stomach, crying, trying to be quiet about it. Mama was always shouting at him to be silent.
I don't like it here, the small boy thought as he wept all by himself, it's scary here.
A few moments later, the sound of the door opening a bit crept up into his ears…and a very gentle, twinkling voice spoke.
"Oh now…", the lady's voice said in a whisper, coming closer, "What's all the ruckus about in here ?"
Uh oh, Six thought, stopping his noise, now I'm going to get it.
When she entered, holding a plate with a little candle on it, she gave a little giggle, seeing the covers over his head.
She put the candle down at the bedside table and sat next to the now still little ball under the covers.
"Boy, what you doin' under there ?", she asked, not angry about it, "You won't be able to breathe in there, let ALONE sleep, you daft little monkey !"
Carefully, she peeled the blanket away, off his head…and she saw his face was wet, the shine of tears coming from his eyes, going down his face to his mouth.
She made a little sound like a tsk tsk and her voice became even MORE sweet.
"Ohh, your poor little man…", she used her nightgown sleeve, a lovely blue lace fabric, to erase the tiny tears there, "What's the matter with ye, lad ?"
He was afraid to trust her but he also knew to answer a question when it was asked.
"I had a bad dream.", his little voice answered sadly, his fist rubbing his right eye, "And then I heard something break."
Smiling at him, she shook her head slowly, "Well don't be afraid of THAT, darlin'. That's gonna happen a lot…a bunch of fools are in the parlor every night. They don't mean any harm, they're just stupid men. Next time you hear that, you just laugh. Laugh your little head off and then you lie down and go back to dreamin'."
Six thought about that statement.
"Ain't I a man ?", he asked, remembering the big man had called him that earlier.
She chuckled at the notion of that.
"No, sweet love.", she stroked his cheek with the back of her hand, "You are a little angel…and when YOU grow up…you'll be no stupid man. You'll be better than the BEST man."
And a smile grew across the young face…his emerald eyes twinkling a bit now, his cheeks reddened a bit, bringing color to his white skin.
"That's better.", she dotted her finger on his nose, "Just look at that beautiful face, little button nose…so bonny, you are. No tears should be on such a face."
"Thank you, Ma'am.", he said now, remembering his manners. Mama had taught him as they walked the three days to get here…how to be polite, nice…respectful to everyone in the house. He WANTED to be polite to HER, this lady sitting on his bed.
"So proper.", she sounded impressed, "But no need for that, love. We're going to be family now."
"We are ?", he asked…he didn't know they were related now. The only family he ever had known was Mama. Was this a good thing or a bad thing, having more family ?
"Yes, indeed.", she gave a firm nod, her eyes sparkling as they shone down upon him, "All the ladies are sisters, in our hearts. And Mr. Edward is like our Da…that means father. That's how it is here and now YOU are part of it, too."
"What am I, then ?", he wondered, confused. He was no sister or father.
"Well, let's see.", she raised my chin up with her one finger, turning his face to the left then right, looking him over.
"Hmm.", she considered it and then said, "With a face like that…why, you are the little prince of the house."
The child liked that…no, he loved it. He never had such a fancy title like this one before. He would be a PRINCE ? He couldn't believe it. He had been called many things: bastard…little shit…a curse…a mistake…but never a prince. It made him feel important for the first time in his life.
His whole face seemed to glow with joy at this honor she had bestowed upon him. Then he looked troubled for a second.
"What now, your little highness ?", she smirked at him, touching his tousled hair at the top, to soothe him.
"What does a prince DO ?", he asked, wanting to do his new job properly.
With a little laugh, she took a breath and said, "Well…a good prince does his chores without complaint…he does his lessons gladly…he eats his greens…so that one day, when he becomes King, he will be smart, caring, and strong. Can you do that, boyo ?"
With a sigh of relief, his adorable smile was back and he replied, "Yes Ma'am."
"Esme.", she corrected him, "You may call me Esme. Not Ma'am. I'm no old lady."
"No, you're not.", he said right away, his voice full of marvel, "YOU'RE alainn !"
Alainn – an irish word meaning beautiful.
Esme tilted her head and smiled more, elated that the boy seemed to like her. She wanted to be good friends with him since the second he came through the door, clutching his mother's hand, not saying a word all day, so scared to make a peep or look anyone in the eye. And when he did, his eyes looked positively haunted, as if he were seeing ghosts.
He looked too small for his age and pale, thin…Esme would make sure to see that much change in the child. She was already planning tomorrow's dinner. He would have the best of everything, she told herself.
"You just got yourself some chocolate cake for dessert tomorrow, sweet love.", she promised.
His little mouth puckered into a circle and he exclaimed, "OOOH !"
"Alright, now…enough of that…", she giggled and fluffed the soft cotton around his arms, tucking him in a little more, "You snuggle down and close those magical eyes. You're no good to me during the day if you're all drowsy and slow."
She began to take the plate with the candle and then he lurched out, his hands like claws, grabbing onto her sleeves.
"WAIT", he seemed terrified now, "Can…you please stay with me until I fall asleep? It will only take a few minutes."
He was so cute and serious for a little boy. In his eyes was something different than most children had…a sadness ? A fear of something. He almost had old eyes.
"All the devils in Hell couldn't drag me away.", she accepted, and he smiled even brighter now, exhaling a little burst of air.
She was going to sit here, across from him but something told her to get closer, to hold him. It's as if her arms had no choice in the matter.
"Come here, you little monkey.", she teased, and she moved so she was sitting beside him now, and he found himself curling into her lap, putting his messed copper hair there, upon her legs, his little mouth opening wide in a yawn.
"What is your name again ?", she was asking as she put the blanket around his frail little shoulders. He shouldn't be this thin…she didn't like that. But then many people were going hungry nowadays. She felt a stab of pain that this little one was ever hungry. She would fix that.
"Six.", he said sleepily, his eyes already half closed as his arms coiled softly around her upper legs.
Six. That's a number not a name, Esme thought, and she would never say such a thing to the lad, here, to hurt his feelings.
She THOUGHT his name was Seth when his mother introduced him. It was mumbled and short, as if he was not important, something she almost forgot about. And Da shook his hand and greeted him.
That was the only interaction the boy had with any of us all day. He kept hanging back, hiding behind his mother's skirts whenever someone tried to speak to him. He even went with her to the outhouse.
But already she was sensing something strange about his mother, her new sister in the house, Elizabeth. She would be watching her…closely.
"Alright, Mr. Six.", she felt her heart swell as he held her around the legs, and her hand was moving on its own, stroking his unruly hair. He needs a bath, she noticed, his hair hard and slick. She would handle that, too. Tomorrow. If she could get him to trust her enough.
"What song do you like ?", she asked.
"I don't know any songs.", his head rose up, and his little voice sounded nervous, as if he would be scolded for this.
"Oh, naire...", she felt sad for him again, saying shame, putting a finger to his head, placing it back down, "I know them all. Don't worry, I'll teach you. How about Red is the Rose ?"
"Yes.", his elvish voice responded and she almost laughed again. She would wager, any song she would sing, he'd be pleased with, as long as he wasn't alone.
Was it possible to fall in love in ten seconds ? Esme never fell in love with any man before…they were unfeeling brutes…but she had a feeling that one had just stolen her heart. Something was happening inside of her…and she knew that she would die to protect this little dove. It was so powerful she felt tears come to her eyes.
Blinking them away, she sniffed and began to sing. Men loved to hear her sing. Let's see how an angel feels about it.
"Come over the hills
My bonny Irish lad
Come over the hills
To your darrrrlllinnng…
You choose the road, love,
And I make the vow,
And I'll be your true love…foreeeevvver…
Red is the rose
That in yonder garden grows
Fair is the lily of the valley
Clear is the water
That flows from the Boyne
But my love is fairer
Than any….
'Twas down by Kilarney's
green woods that we strayed,
When the moon and the stars…
They were shining…
The moon shone its rays
On his locks of golden hair
And he swore
He'd be my love forever…
Red is the Rose
That in yonder garden grows
Fair is the lily of the valley….
Clear is the water
That flows from the Boyne
But my love is fairer than any.
It's not for the parting that my sister pains
It's not for the grief of my mother
It's all for the loss of my bonny Irish lad
That my heart is breaking forever" (Red is the Rose – listen to it, it's beautiful!)
Her voice was sweet and innocent…with a hint of sadness there that almost made your heart ache.
Six had never heard a woman sing before. He thought it was magic…a spell that only she could do…and it was making him not be afraid anymore…and he felt his eyes become heavier…they closed and he stayed there, in Esme's lap, loving it here.
Outside, a misty sound floated…a light rain beginning to fall.
He felt safe…for the first time in his short life. His arms held tighter, not wanting her to go when the song was over. He wasn't sure how long a song lasted, but he hoped it took a long time.
In his mind, he could see green fields filled with bright red roses…the sun shining, summertime. And brooks…and white lilies…the moon and stars…forests…trees…leaves…orange sunset.
Esme was humming the melody now…not singing any more words…but it was still lovely and comforting…he was soon giving a little snort of a snore and his arms loosened a bit from her legs, but remained there.
"Your love is fairer…than any.", she sang the line to the little creature in her lap now, her hand smoothing over his bare, skinny arm.
"Oiche Mhaith, leanbh.", she whispered in a reverant gaelic voice, as if she were in church.
Good night, baby, she'd said to him. She wanted to stay longer, but he was asleep now…and customers were waiting for her. She would come back and check on him again, later.
Carefully sliding out from his arms, she placed a pillow into them so he wouldn't guess she was gone. He hugged it and his face sank into it peacefully. Her heart felt huge in her chest as she gazed down at the sight of him. She wished she could have a child like that. Look at those eyelashes…miles long.
She pulled herself away and left the candle on the window sill, so he wouldn't be in the dark if he awoke. Tiptoeing out, she left the door open a crack, and went back to work.
The next thing that Six heard was a high pitched crow, in three little blasts, "RRR RRR RRR-RRRR !"
Shooting straight up in his bed, he opened his eyes and looked around him in shock. There was the window to his left…and a candle there with no flame. The window was open a crack and a cool breeze was flowing inside.
Six almost thought it was his mother screaming…but when the croak sounded again, he knew it was a rooster. He had been on a farm once or twice before, in his travels with his Mama and had encountered them before.
The crowing didn't stop…only a small pause in between each crow. Six rubbed his eyes with his fists and looked around him. He was alone again, the door ajar. It was really quiet now. The room still dark, just a hint of pink and purple light shining in from the upcoming sun.
Six was about to get out of bed to go find the outhouse when the door slowly opened all the way. And for a second, he ducked back under the covers…but then he saw it was HER…Esme ! She was in her day clothes now, a nice white blouse buttoned at the neck, a long, gray skirt, and a white apron over that. Her hair was up now, twisted into a stylish bun, when last night it was long and curly. Her face was clean and fresh looking, gone was the makeup she had worn last night.
"Mr. Six.", she greeted him with her hands on her hips, "Good morning."
"Good morning, Esme.", he said cheerfully, hopping out of bed, landing with a thud on his bare feet.
"Ahh, there you go.", she grinned, watching him, "Yesterday we were strangers…and now it looks like we're friends, eh ?"
"Yes !", Six beamed up at her, throwing his arms up. Esme couldn't hold in the giggle that came out of her. What a difference a night makes !
She almost went to bend down and pick him up into her arms, carrying him off. But she held herself back. She was not his mother, as much as she might want to be.
"Well, friend, let's take you to the outhouse.", she suggested, extending her hand to him and he took it.
"Shhh.", she put a finger to her lips when they got closer to the parlor area, "The other ladies will sleep for a bit longer. We get to make breakfast and get some chores done."
"Can I help ?", he asked, looking up at her.
"Of course, monkey," she agreed, "I'm not doing ALL the work alone !"
"Yay !", Six smiled, proud to be included.
Six was glad that it seemed to be only him and Esme awake. And she didn't treat him like a baby. She brought him to the outhouse a few feet in back of the house and let him go in alone while she waited outside. It was a nice outhouse, not only a hole dug in the ground. It was a wooden bench that was low enough for him to stand in front of…and had a nice wooden lid over it…so you couldn't fall in…and you could pull the lid open…use it…then close the lid.
He was proud of himself that he was able to use it without any problem. Going back outside, Esme was right there, to the right, tossing seed out to the chickens in the coop. She smiled at him and waited as he came over. He was smiling as he came closer, looking at all the chickens.
"They're so many !", he observed, "How many chickens do you have ?"
"Umm….", Esme thought about it, "Twenty three, I think."
"Wow.", he exclaimed, grabbing the chicken wire, sticking his nose in to get a closer look.
"Help me feed them.", Esme suggested, bending a bit, showing Six that she had chicken feed in her apron, "Get a big handful."
"Oooh.", Six giggled as he got some and looked up at her. It looked like dry corn kernels and black sunflower seeds.
"Just toss it in there…", she instructed, showing him as she did it, "And shout out, Breakfast time, chickens !"
"BREAKFAST TIME, CHICKENS !", he yelled at the top of his lungs…Esme laughed again, seeing a much different boy than the shy, silent one from yesterday.
"Come and get it !", he further announced, tossing more over the gate.
They all came scurrying over and Six almost fell backwards as they charged up to him. Then she showed Six where to find the eggs and she allowed him to take the eggs out and put them in the bowl. He was perfect, very gentle and didn't break one single egg.
After they were finished, Esme touched Six's shoulder and said, "Thank you SO much for helping me. You're VERY good with the chickens. They NEVER eat like that for ME."
He was so sweet and proud of himself, his baby teeth showing as he grinned.
"You're welcome.", he answered, still being polite.
"I love your manners.", Esme complimented, leading him to the back door, into the kitchen area.
"It's a noble quality, having good manners.", she added, "Keep that up."
A bit later, after Esme dressed Six in the one shirt he owned, she took him back to the kitchen so she could start making him something to eat.
"You may sit down, Mr. Six.", she offered him a seat at the long wooden table that looked like it would hold ten people. No one else was there yet.
"Where ?", he asked, seeing so many seats. He wasn't used to sitting at a table to eat. He wasn't used to EATING, either.
"Right at the head of the table.", she held her arm out to the seat at the head, "That's where the man of the house sits."
Six gave a big smile and pulled the chair out…it took a little effort on his part…but she let him do it himself. He climbed up into the seat and watched Esme go to work. He hardly ever watched his mother cook anything.
She was amazingly organized, slicing thin pieces of meat one after another. Six watched with fascination as she used the knife, never slipping, never cutting herself. The smell of cornbread was also in the air and he wondered where that was. He wanted some. His stomach gave a little gurgle.
"So, Mr. Six…", she began, "What would you like to do today ?"
Six's face looked puzzled and he shrugged, his lips screwed up in a knot.
"I don't know.", he replied, "What are YOU doing today ?"
"Well, there are chores to be done…", she said, "But then I was thinking of going fishing."
"Oooh, I wanna go fishing !", he chirped.
"Have you ever gone fishing before ?"
"No.", he said simply.
"Perfect.", she smiled…and so did he.
They were having a nice conversation, getting to know each other, when the creek of the back door sounded…and the big man was coming in.
Six scrunched down right away, hiding, only his eyes and hair above the table surface, as Edward approached. He looked very tired but he placed a pitcher of milk down upon the little table where Esme was working. He had just been out there, milking the cows.
"Thank you, Da.", she said sweetly to the man. He brightened and grinned back at her.
"Not awake yet.", he grumbled, "Coffee ?"
"Go sit down, I'll bring it.", she waved him away, going to get his cup.
He turned and was coming towards the table…and stopped when he saw the little half face of Six there, watching…his eyes looked wide and nervous.
"Well…", he said a bit louder, with a pleased voice, "Mr. Six ! You've taken my chair."
Then Six's whole head went down under the table. Esme laughed and so did Edward.
"Be nice to Mr. Six.", Esme cautioned Edward, "He's been doing all the work this morning. He was up before you…so I gave him the man of the house seat."
"I'm always nice.", Edward chuckled, "And you're right. Come up here, Six. Nothing to be afraid of around here."
When Edward sat in the seat next to the head chair, Esme brought him his cup of hot steaming coffee. She kissed his cheek like a daughter would kiss her father…and slowly, Six was coming back up from under the table. No one forced him.
"I can't do ANYTHING until I have my cup of coffee.", his gruff voice was saying to little Six, his large, smiling face looking down at the boy.
He was a bit bald on top…then his hair was white, longer, pulled back into a ponytail of sorts…his beard was white, too, and a medium sized length from his chin, touching his upper chest. He was a big man, tall, and hefty…not fat but large. Six had seen men come and go all the time, his mother's boyfriends…but they were younger, not this old. And never this pleasant, paying attention to him.
He had very kind eyes that twinkled now as they assessed his new friend, Six.
Taking a big sip of the hot drink, he let out a very satisfied breath…"Ahhhh. Now, that's good, boy."
He took another big gulp and sighed contentedly. Six found himself smiling up at the guy, watching closely.
"Boy, that's great.", he said, looking at Six again, "Would you like some ?"
"Yea !", he was reaching out for the cup but Esme cut in.
"HEY FECK OFF !", she pointed the knife in Edward's direction, "Do NOT give that young'un COFFEE, you eejit !"
Edward laughed, pulling the cup away from Six as he frowned a bit.
"That boy will be wild as the WIND if he drinks that !", Esme went back to her cooking, shaking her head.
Now she was coming over with plates. She had a medium amount of scrambled eggs on Edward's plate…a couple slices of bacon on the side. A piece of toasted bread.
On Six's plate there was a huge amount of eggs, six slices of bacon, cornbread, and sausages…and orange wedges.
She also placed a chilled glass of milk next to the plate.
"Here you go, my love.", she smiled at the child.
"Oooh, thank you !", Six's eyes went round at the feast in front of him.
"HEY!", Edward complained as the boy picked up his fork and began to gobble up the eggs, "Why does he have more than ME ?!"
Six didn't pay attention, he just kept eating very quickly. Esme tore her sad eyes off Six to squint at Edward now.
"He's a growing young boy.", she defended, "Six, lift your arm up !"
Six lifted his right arm up obediently, chewing, no expression on his face.
"Look at that tiny thing !", Esme pointed out, "It's a miracle he could come down the stairs alone. He needs nourishment."
"I'm skinny.", Six agreed, eating some more eggs, "But I'm strong."
Esme shook her head, admiring the lad and his personality. He acts like he won't be fed if he doesn't earn his keep. Cute.
"I'm a growing boy too !", old Edward playfully argued.
"I'm not talking about your belly.", Esme patted his round stomach and Six giggled as Edward's mouth fell open, feigning insult.
"WELL !", he hissed, unable to hide a smile as Six laughed harder, taking a piece of cornbread and stuffing it into his tiny mouth.
"You see that, boy ?", he asked Six, "Women."
"Yea, women.", he echoed, drinking some milk, getting a little milk mustache.
"You prick!", Esme tapped Edward's bald head on top, "Don't corrupt the boy ! He was sweet as honey and in one minute, you've made him a man !"
Edward guffawed, watching Six lick the milk off his upper lip. Six grinned at Edward, wanting his approval now.
Esme waved a hand and went back to her duties by the hearth.
"She's right, Six.", Edward admitted, "Always treat a lady with respect. If it wasn't for women, there'd be no men. Or breakfast."
"Amen", Esme said from behind them, "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph…"
"Say you're sorry, boy.", Edward pointed behind him at Esme.
"I'm sorry, Esme.", he said right away, taking a bite of bacon, "Mmmm"
Edward gave Six a nod of approval now, and they looked very cozy together, eating.
Esme sat down with them a few minutes later, eating off her own plate.
"Well, don't you worry, Six.", Esme assured him, "You keep eating like that and you'll have some muscles in NO time. Then you can REALLY start helping Edward around here."
He nodded, taking more bacon.
"Do you like it ?", Edward asked, snickering to himself.
"Yea, it's SO good !", Six chewed and swallowed.
"Well, slow down, now.", she put her hand up, as if that would slow him, "Take your time. Let it go down proper."
"I like the way you eat, lad.", Edward drank some more coffee.
"Thank you, Sir.", the small voice said.
"Sir !", Edward smiled wider now, "I like that. Finally, someone showing the proper respect."
Esme laughed and so did Edward. Six began to feel very comfortable here. They were both very nice to him. And they talked to him. And listened.
Later, Edward was telling Six, "When you get older, you'll have coffee with me. And if you're real good, a pinch of whiskey in it. Wakes you right up."
Six looked very excited about this idea. Esme just frowned at Edward.
"Just to put some hair on his chest !", Edward said, innocently.
"He's four years old, he doesn't need any hair on his chest.", Esme complained, drinking her milk, "You just leave him be."
And when she got up and began to clear the dishes, Edward made his fingers flap as if it were a head, flapping its gums, talking too much.
Six laughed and peeked down into his shirt, looking for hair. Edward laughed heartily at that.
Then, Edward stood up, putting his unlit pipe into his teeth, and looked down at Six.
"Thank you, Sir, for the company.", he said to Six, "I haven't enjoyed an honest male conversation in some time."
Six blushed a bit in his cheeks, unsure of what to say in response. But it was clear he liked Edward a lot.
"I'm going to wash the dishes, Da, why don't you take Mr. Six outside and show him around ?", Esme suggested, "I'm sure he'd LOVE to see the cows and the horses."
"Oooh !", Six sat up more, looking over his empty plate, checking to see if he missed anything. He didn't. He ate it all and drank all his milk too. Blissfully bloated, he loved the idea of seeing animals.
Edward glanced at Esme and turned back to Six.
"Alright, Fella, do you wanna go with ME or wash dishes with the ladies ?", he asked.
"With you !", he blinked, too adorable to be left behind by anyone.
Esme smirked up at them, already best friends.
"Climb aboard.", Edward turned and bent over a bit, and Six climbed up onto his back, holding him around the neck.
Esme laughed out loud, seeing this…Six was now grabbing Edward's beard, holding onto that.
"Crack on.", Esme urged them to go, "Don't drop him now, Da."
"I won't, calm yourself girl.", he huffed as he took Six out the back door, going to the left where the stables and barn were.
"And NO smoking that pipe around him, either !", she called after them.
Later, after Edward and Six had fed the cows and horses, and took a walk around the grounds, the other girls were starting to wake up and come down to eat.
They came into the kitchen with fresh faces, as Esme had, dressed in their day clothes. Esme was setting the table, putting all their plates out with milk and coffee. They were all talking about the night before, and their thoughts on some of the men they had met. Which men were fun…which men…weren't…
Esme peeked behind her at the back door.
"When the child comes in here, stop that talk.", Esme warned, "If Edward doesn't already have him smoking a cigar and drinking from a flask by now."
"Aww, isn't he cute ?", a very attractive girl with long red hair smiled, "And so shy."
"He's not so shy anymore.", Esme shared, serving them, "He warmed right up to Edward, jumped on his back and everything !"
"Aww.", a couple of them found that so sweet. Edward was a sweetheart and they were all sure the boy was in great hands being with him.
"Where's Elizabeth ?", Esme asked aloud to the group, asking about Six's mother.
"Still sleeping.", another girl with brown hair pulled back into a braid rolled her eyes.
"Hung over, you mean.", a woman with black hair commented, taking a bite of her toast.
"Was she told the rule about not drinking too much while you're working ?", the red head asked.
"She was.", Esme stated.
"Well, she didn't listen.", the brown haired girl in her twenties informed, "She passed out right in the middle of…Mr. Hendrickson. I had to…finish him."
The other girls were buzzing and Esme glanced at the back door.
"I'll speak to her.", Esme hushed them, "Let's not forget it was her first night here. We all had our first night."
They all seemed to quiet and agree with that statement.
"And don't forget we have a wee one in the house now.", Esme reminded, "We have to watch our mouths…watch what we say and do in front of the boy. And don't take it out on him for what his mother's done."
Esme was always the voice of reason, like the mother of the house, even though she was only 29. But the other girls were younger so they looked up to her for advice and guidance. She seemed to know everything, and do the right thing in every situation. And she was clearly Edward's favorite.
When they came back, Six was sitting up on Edward's shoulders, holding onto his beard, split in two directions, one end in each little white hand.
"Duck, boy.", Edward squatted a bit as they came through the back door. Six hunched his head down and they entered, then straightened up again inside.
The girls were all laughing and going, "Awww" seeing the two of them.
"Look at them.", the redhead, Amy, smiled admiringly.
"Isn't he ADORABLE ?!", the girls were now seeing Six clearly for the first time, and they were stunned by his beauty.
"Yes I am.", Edward grumbled, "But keep your hands to yourselves, girls."
"Give me that little leprechaun.", Esme reached out to him up there.
Six looked very happy but now that Esme was taking him off Edward's shoulders, and putting him down near all these new ladies, he looked shy again.
"Everyone…", Esme held him in her arms and he buried his face into her neck, "This is Six. He's a very polite young man…but a bit shy at first. Say hello to the ladies, love."
"Hello to the ladies love.", he repeated, shivering a little.
They were all smiling at him, adoring him already.
"Six.", she took him around the table, still holding him, "This is Amy."
The red head put her toast down and dusted off her hands, wanting to say hello.
"Hi, sweet thing !", she turned towards him, tickling his ribs as he let a laugh burst out of his lips, "I like your hair ! It's just like mine ! He could be MINE !"
"Not on your BEST day.", the black haired woman teased, and three of the girls laughed at her comment.
"If this child wets on me because he's being tickled, I'll be very put out.", Esme warned the rest of them.
The girls thought that was funny too.
"Six, this is Molly.", Esme said as they stood next to the black haired woman.
She was more mature in her greeting.
"It's very nice to make your acquaintance, Six?", she put her finger out and Six grabbed it, shaking it like it was an entire hand. She wasn't sure she got his name right…Six ? That was strange.
"He's four years old, not a professor at the college !", Amy rolled her eyes at Molly. She always acted so intellectual all the time. It drove Amy crazy sometimes.
"Hi.", Six answered Molly, not sure what she was saying. But she smiled warmly at him so he felt safe enough to talk to her.
"Then, this is Hannah.", Esme brought him to the brown haired girl next, the youngest girl here, 19 years old.
"Hey, Cub.", she grinned, "Don't go in my room."
She liked Six but she used to have seven brothers and she used to them being underfoot and in her things all the time.
Six frowned a bit.
Esme frowned at Hannah, tapping her on the head, "Yes, Six, don't go into her room. You're not strong enough for that yet."
The other girls giggled at that one, even though Six didn't get its meaning.
Hannah laughed too, able to take a little joke.
"And last but not least, this is Sabrina.", Esme brought him near a blonde haired girl, 25 years old, her hair long and straight.
"Hi Six !", she said in a little baby girl voice so he wouldn't be afraid of her, "You are SO handsome !"
He really seemed to like her and his cheeks turned a little pink.
He finally said, "Your hair is yellow."
"Blonde.", she corrected as a couple of the other girls chuckled.
"Can I touch it ?", he asked, putting a little hand out.
"Sure.", she looked down and allowed the tot to move his fingers down the side of her hair.
"So pretty.", he cooed.
"Thanks, Six.", Sabrina really felt touched that the child liked her hair.
"You're welcome.", he said, putting his arms around Esme's neck now.
"I guess he picked his favorite.", Hannah joked, "Sabrina, take him upstairs…"
Esme made a loud noise, pretending to clear her throat as they laughed.
"What did I just tell you ?!", Esme shouted at Hannah, "Act like ladies, if you can, and stop that this instant ! This is a CHILD."
"Don't eat the head off me !", Hannah looked scolded, "I was just teasing."
"Well you're not to tease THIS one.", Esme defended him, "He's a wee bairn, innocent as a colt, so leave him be."
Six didn't seem to even know what was going on and was not upset at all.
Esme put him down in one of the chairs next to Sabrina and bent down, at eye level with him.
"Six, would you like some water ?", she asked him. It was already getting warm out there.
"Yes, please.", he answered with a very adult tone of voice.
Esme smiled at Sabrina and the others.
"See ?", she pinched his little nose, "He's a little winged angel !"
All the girls were looking at him as if he were a puppy they'd just brought home. Esme gave him a little glass of water and he used two hands to bring it to his mouth.
At first, the girls didn't know what to say to him…but then Esme stood there, behind him, trying to break the ice.
"Do you like to draw, Six ?", Esme asked him, "Because Hannah is a very talented artist."
Hannah looked at Esme as if she said something wrong.
"I never drawed before.", Six scratched his perfect tiny nose.
"Oh good.", Esme said gladly, "Because Hannah would LOVE to teach you how to do that."
Hannah's mouth opened but then closed again as Esme shot her a look.
"Sure.", Hannah grinned at the child, "That would be…fun."
"It sure will be.", Esme's fingers stroked Six's hair.
"I'm sure everyone would LOVE to take a turn and have some fun with you, Six.", Esme peeked down at him as he smiled, looking more relaxed, "Everyone is very nice here."
"We're going to teach him music…and art…", Esme began, "And his letters…"
The other girls began talking now and he was talking back with them…it was going very well…and then someone was coming into the kitchen.
It was Elizabeth. Her face was all messed with smeared black and red make up…and her eyes looked like little slits, her hair all askew…her black lace nightie still on her body.
Six darted right under the table and covered his eyes, rolled into a ball. All the girls saw this and looked at Esme.
Edward was not here right now, he had left the kitchen moments ago to have his smoke.
"SIX !", Elizabeth growled, holding her throbbing head as that shout stung her brain, "SIX !"
Six was cowering under the table, whimpering quietly, trying to stay hidden.
Esme's eyes glazed over with a very hard edge. Gone was the warm, jovial woman she was seconds ago. Now she was a tiger, stalking her prey. The other girls stayed quiet, watching.
"Where is that little bastard ?", Elizabeth took a step closer to the table and all the girls there moved to block Six from her view, already protective of him too.
Esme stepped forward.
"Elizabeth.", she said coldly, "First of all, while you're working, you are not to have more than two drinks per hour. Second – you don't fall asleep or pass out while with a client. Third – you come downstairs with a clean face, brushed hair, wearing day clothes. Ready to do your chores, not hung over…and NOT screaming like a banshee. The next time you fail to do this, you are docked a night's pay."
Esme wanted to say more…about Six. But she couldn't tell his mother what to do with her own son. All she could do was protect him as much as she could…and try to keep Elizabeth away…or busy.
Elizabeth could take Six away and then Esme would have no chance of helping the boy.
"Do you understand all this ?", Esme asked now, her brow raised.
Elizabeth pulled her hand through her hair, now embarrassed in front of the other girls….and she swallowed.
"Yes.", she said with a tense voice.
"Good.", Esme made herself smile at the woman, "Now go get freshened up and then come have breakfast."
She gave a little nod…then squinted and seemed to be hurt by the sunshine coming in.
"Where is Six ?", she asked, looking around.
"He's with Mr. Edward.", Esme said with a friendly voice, knowing she wouldn't try anything with Edward there, "They have become fast friends and he's showing Six the animals."
"Oh.", Elizabeth put both her hands on her head, turning back to the doorway out of the kitchen, "Well, tell him when he gets back…I wanna see him."
"Alright, dear.", Esme put a hand on Elizabeth's back, "See you soon."
Once Elizabeth was gone, and some moments passed, Six was still under the table, not moving.
"What on earth ?", Molly looked stunned by this.
"Never heard of a bad mother ?", Esme asked her, "How fortunate for YOU."
Amy peeked under the table and Esme did too.
"Come out, darlin'," Esme called to him, "It's alright. She's gone."
But Six made a very scared sound.
"Oh my God.", Sabrina looked now, "Poor baby."
"Come on, love,", Esme said more gently, "Come give Esme a hug."
Then Six started to move…and crawled out from under the table and leapt into Esme's arms.
"There we go. Don't be afraid, my baby.", Esme held him as the other girls watched with sad faces.
"We will have a private meeting later.", Esme said to the other girls, "We have to all keep an eye on this."
END OF CHAPTER 37
* I hope it's okay if I do a couple chapters about Edward's past. Thanks for all the great reviews and thoughts ! I love that you are enjoying it as much as I am !