It's amazing how time travels.
The way it moves.
How it can only move forward, never looking back.
How some nights seem to last a lifetime and yet, gone with the merest whisper of day, arising from the black depths of oblivion. It's interesting to think that something so light and beautiful can come from such a spectre of darkness.
Two years had passed since Esme had met Carlisle.
She was now blossoming into a fresh young adult.
Though unaware she may still be of her appearance. She was indeed, beautiful.
Her lovely face had the consistency of the first day of summer with the delicate blush and dimples in her cheeks. And the warm brown eyes that held the glimmer of a young woman's innocent curiosity.
She was no longer the wild and unkempt child she was, when she was 16.
She had become tamed.
Or so people thought.
But that was only an illusion that she liked to portray when it was needed.
Whether it be to placate her high-strung mother, or whether it be to exude propriety for the sake of socialetiquette.
She kept the side of her that was riveting, vivacious and free as the wind carefully hidden; to protect it from the derogatory attacks of modern society.
But as soon as she knew no one was looking, she would be herself again.
Free to dream, free to discover, free to taste the sun on her lips as it sets across the sapphire sky.
That was something no one could ever take away from her which was her fiery determination, and her honest thoughts and ideals, untainted from square minds and people with their narrow visions of life.
Esme's graduating ceremony was held at the town square, on a sunny Tuesday afternoon in May.
It was much of a spectacle within itself. It seemed as if the whole town had crammed themselves into the little town square to wish the new graduates warm congratulations. Everywhere she looked; it seemed like a tidal wave of people bustling about with well wishes and kisses. Everything else felt confusing. The day was extremely humid, and the heat had no intention of breaking as a bead of sweat slid down her face.
The students began lining up on the stage to receive their diplomas. She was standing next to a fellow classmate as she looked out onto the sea of people. She could see her mother and father smiling at her as she gave a little wave.
She felt a little nervous about the conversation she was going to have with her parents the day after.
Esme knew that after today's festivities, tomorrow would be the proverbial sit down and talkabout what she was going to do after she graduated.
But that wasn't going to be a problem. She knew exactly what she wanted.
And it was to become a teacher.
She had it all planned out last night.
Esme was going to go west to pursue her studies. She would get into a good college and after that work as a teacher.
She knew in her heart that she had so much to offer, and what better way to encourage people who were younger than her to pursue their dreams, than by teaching?
It was a good plan.
Now it's only a matter of convincing her parents.
After what seemed like endless hours of speeches, smiling, waving and polite murmurs of thank you and congratulations, the event came to an end promptly at 5 in the afternoon.
They drove back to the house in comfortable silence; the summer heat had finally broken with gentle breeze in the air.
She was still dressed in her white graduating gown as she walked up to the large cream coloured house.
She stopped as she noticed a familiar white Rolls Royce parked out near the driveway. She could feel her stomach constrict.
Oh God, please no.
Her parents ushered her in the house.
As she stepped into the living room, she found a smile form on her lips that she did not like. In fact, it was more of a wince than a smile.
There was a banner that had been spread out with the word 'Congratulations' on it.
"Mrs Robinson." Esme said in a small voice.
"Esme dear! Congratulations." Mrs Robinson said as she went up and smothered her in a suffocating hug.
"Thank you."
Esme turned to her father for help, but he exited himself into his study room.
Great, now I'm stuck in the never-ending vertigo of gallurous talking. Help . . .
She looked around to find pastries and tea that had been carefully laid out on the table.
This is going to be a long night.She said to herself as she looked at her mother and Mrs Robinson made themselves comfortable on the sofa.
Esme noticed a young man sitting in one of the easy chairs near the fireplace. He seemed to be engrossed in a book that he was reading.
"Esme dear, why don't you pour yourself a cup of tea and join us?" Her mother said as she served Mrs Robinson a plate of cookies.
"Yes, of course. But I really should change first, shouldn't I mother?" Esme asked her voice hopeful.
"Yes. Please do dear, change out of that awful thing. But do hurry; there is someone Mrs Robinson wants you to meet." Mrs Platt replied as she sat back down.
"Alright."
Esme took one more look at the mysterious young man at the sofa. He had caught her gaze as he gave her a warm smile which she returned.
She quickly climbed up the stairs and headed to her room.
Blessedly, she was alone for a few minutes.
She went over her bed and plunged herself onto the mattress.
Esme closed her eyes for a moment.
She felt a gentle breeze enter her window.
That's odd; I swear I closed that before I left.
She opened her eyes and heard something infinitesimal drop to the floor.
She walked over to the window and shut it close. Esme then crouched low onto the floor, whatever it is that fell it had managed to roll underneath her bed.
She reached out a hand and patted the floor trying to feel whatever it is that was under there. Finally she stumbled upon something. It felt like a round circular package that could just easily fit within the palm of her hand. She took it out and examined it.
The package was covered delicately with blue-violet wrapping paper and tied up with a white ribbon.
She took it with her as she sat back on the bed.
It had no note, or letter with it.
It seemed to be some sort of graduating present. This is for me?
Curious, she untied the ribbon and took off the lid. There, nested in white silk at the centre, was a delicate gold necklace, with a small yet very lovely intricate heart pendant. A soft gasp escaped her as she took it out. It was beautiful.
Lavish yet understated. It could be easily concealed underneath her clothes.
She quickly put it on; the heart pendant shimmered as she gently touched it with her fingers.
Who could have given this to me?
She felt a wave of curiosity as questions began to pile up in her mind.
"Esme? Esme dear, we are waiting for you."
Her mother's voice echoed through the cavernous corridor from downstairs.
"Coming!" She replied.
She quickly took off her outer clothing and rummaged through her closet. She took out a simple floral embroidered dress and quickly put it on.
She took a stop at her white dressing table and ran a brush through her wavy caramel hair and neatly tucked the necklace inside her dress.
She hustled down the stairs and stopped halfway as she took in a breath and composed herself.
As she entered the living room the young man was there standing next to her mother, a smile on his face as she entered.
"Esme dear, there you are."
Mrs Robinson quickly grabbed her by the wrist and almost pushed her next to the young stranger.
He was quite tall. He had dark brown wavy hair, and brown eyes that seemed always ready to smile and a nose that was slightly turn up.
"Esme, I'd like you to meet Charles Evenson."
A/N: Once again thank you for all your kind reviews! Please keep em' coming :D I LOVE to hear your thoughts and comments :) always remember story suggestions are welcome :) and as for a certain question that a reviewer asked me, I can't reveal any hints as to what the next chapter may contain. That would spoil the surprise, but efharisto for your kind words ;)
Stay tuned for chapter 7 and God Bless!