By: gemmabobella
Prompts: finders-keepers
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My Dearest Esme,
Happy Birthday, my love. You may be confused by my choice of gift for you this year. But as you know, I always struggle to find the perfect present for you. It just never seems like I can find any trinket or material object that I believe worthy of you. There is no jewel or work of art in existence to compare to your beauty and radiance.
So this year, as you are by now aware, I decided to try something a little different. I'm sure you're wondering why there was only a small, unassuming white stone contained in the box along with this letter. I'm hoping you aren't insulted or angry.
You see, there is this memory I have of you. It was from your human life, from the first time I met you and treated your broken leg. You were so brave, especially considering how much pain you were in. You were fearless. Do you remember what your secret was?
It was a small, white rock that you hid in your pocket.
You proudly pulled it out of your pocket when I remarked on your bravery, and told me "finders-keepers!" You told me the story of how you found the rock by the side of the road, picking it out because it was the only one like it. You told me "when you find something special, you have to keep it."
Simple words, common sense, and it yet took me years to fully understand.
It wasn't until you came into my life again, on the brink of death, that I fully understood.
You know how I agonized over the decision to bring you into my world. But as I gazed down at you, remembering the first time we met and the short time we spent together, your words came to me again.
Finders-keepers. When you find something special, you have to keep it.
And I had to keep you, my dearest.
Every moment with you is a reminder of how special you are and how glad I am that I was allowed to keep you.
This may not be the same little rock that you held in your pocket nearly 100 years ago, but I thought it symbolic. I found it on our last trip to Nice. It was late, and I believe you were off with Rosalie and Alice enjoying the cobblestone streets of the old part of the city, and I decided to take a stroll along the beach.
It was a beautiful night. Clear sky. Bright moon. As I waded in the tidewater, I found this little stone, tucked amongst the endless sea of dark gray and black. I thought of you and our first meeting instantly.
It is my hope that every time you see this stone, you will be reminded of just how special you are to me. I want you to always remember that you are my reason for being.
Forever yours,
Carlisle
P.S.
If you're wondering why I was not there to give you this present myself, come find me on your Isle and ask me in person. Edward has your ticket. See you soon, my love.
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AN:
Happy Birthday Nina! Wish I could give you a birthday hug in person.
-Gemma