Hello readers! I'm sorry this is late; but school before the Christmas break is hell. For some reason all teachers decide to give you as much work as possible before holidays. Plus I had a lot of trouble with Fanfiction on this chapter-which sucks. On with the story!
After supper Esme led me to my room. I could tell she'd put a lot of work into setting it up, she'd painted the room a pretty pink and had even gotten a lacy bedspread and a small shelf filled with books and toys. I wondered if she knew I wouldn't be staying here long; I wondered if she knew that Royce and my parents were probably already on their way to get me.
Suddenly I felt very undeserving of everything Carlisle and his family had given me. I wasn't even giving them anything in return! With my parents I always had something to offer. I'd dress up and behave and smile at the right times so people would have another reason to be jealous of them. I hadn't even dressed nice on my way back from the hospital. I'd simply put on the offered Dora shirt and not bothered to complain.
I hovered awkwardly in the door way with my arms crossed over my chest protectively while Esme finished putting the sheets on my bed.
When she finishes she smiles at me.
"How about we get you cleaned up?" She says sweetly.
I nod my head. I can handle that; being clean and looking pretty is something I am familiar with.
Rosalie came out of the shower bundled in towels and teary eyed. She paused at my office door with her head down. Behind her Esme hovered uncertainly. I met my wife's gaze and she shrugged helplessly. I motioned to Esme I could handle it, and she disappeared back down the hallway to help the other kids to bed.
"Sweetie what's wrong?" I immediately questioned, standing up from my arm chair and bending down so I could be at her level.
When I got no response from the distressed little girl I picked her up and sat down with her on the reading chair that was placed in the corner of my office. I turned her around so her face could rest against my chest and I could hug her to me with my arms.
Rosalie drifted closer to me and I continued to hold on to her. Rosalie was a very cuddly little girl. As a baby I doubted she'd gotten the love and attention she'd needed, now that she was older she craved it after all the years of lacking. I didn't mind holding Rosalie or giving her hugs at all, she was a lot different from what Edward, Emmett, Alice, and Jasper were like when they first came to live with me and Esme.
"Please tell me what's wrong Rose, I want to help." I pleaded with her as she continued to sniffle into my chest.
She remained silent. I accepted she wasn't comfortable with talking to others about how she felt; I knew she wasn't even sure of what she was feeling yet.
"I don't look pretty anymore." She eventually whimpers into my shirt.
I close my eyes in despair. How much pressure and fear had Rosalie's parents instilled in her about looking good? It was sickening.
"I think you are beautiful Rose. I know the bruises are still there but with time I'm sure-"
"What about the scars!" She screams suddenly, looking at me accusingly. "What about the scars Carlisle?" She whispers.
"You're still one of the prettiest little girls I've ever met Rose. It's not just because how you look on the outside, it what's in here too." I said soothingly, pointing to her heart; she'd leaned back a little on my lap so she could see me properly.
"I'm supposed to be pretty. I'm supposed to-" she stops and bits her trembling lip once more, begging herself not to cry.
"You don't have to be anything sweetie. I think you're perfect, just the way you are."
Rosalie is persistently rubbing her eyes in a desperate attempt stop the tears from welling out of them.
"You can cry honey. Crying is normal. It's okay to cry." I assure her.
She tries to remain strong for a moment longer but when she catches my sympathetic look all hopes of her avoiding crying go out the window.
Just like that; Rosalie's wall comes crashing down. The mask she always was so careful to keep on around others seemed to shatter.
She's sobbing uncontrollably and all I can do to help is hold her and let her cling to me, muttering soothing things to her throughout the ordeal. Doing just about anything I can to help her; but knowing deep down that I could only do so much.
In that moment I feel absolutely useless; and I hate it.
I know...super depressing. But I promise things are going to get happier soon. Please leave a review. Until next time!