Where the Streets Have No Name
Chapter 56
Elvira, for once, followed through with Edward's request without making any kind of snide retort and tended to Ella as Edward soothed away Carmen's rage.
Edward did get to apologize to his mother as he drove her to a hotel that day after Carmen fell into a sedated slumber.
Esme understood, of course; she had suspected that something was amiss. Carmen had her sympathies, but her concerns were for Edward and Ella.
"Oh, Edward! How long has this been going on? Why didn't you tell us?"
"I don't know... I just found out a few months ago, and by pure accident too. Carmen... she didn't... she didn't want me to know...
"I didn't know what to do... I mean, I didn't want to upset her any more than absolutely necessary. She feels very... strongly about not sharing it with anyone. Least of all her mother.
"I wanted to tell you and Dad, but... " Edward explained his side of the dilemma the best he could.
"Well, maybe you should talk to Elvira, regardless of what Carmen thinks. Carmen shouldn't be left by herself at home with Ella. As her mother, Elvira's presence has got to have some positive influence..." Esme said uncertainly.
"I'm not sure if I can trust Elvira not to make things worse. You've seen how critical she is. In fact, there's a good chance that at least part of Carmen's problem stems from how her mother acts around her. I don't want to breach Carmen's trust, Mom. I need her to know that she can depend on me. If I tell Elvira and then things go south..." He shook his head. "I can't take that chance."
"You know I would stay if I thought it would help," Esme said.
"I know, Mom. Thank you. I'm really sorry for... for what I did back there. It wasn't your fault, but I made you feel like it was..."
"It's okay, honey. I'm not mad at you, or Carmen. Really. She couldn't help it." Esme put her hand on her son's shoulder to press the point home. "You did the right thing. I can't imagine the kind of pressure you're going through. She's your wife. You need to do what's right for Carmen. And Ella, of course.
"But Edward, I... I can't promise you that I can keep this a secret from your dad," Esme confessed.
Edward sighed. He didn't expect his mother to lie to his father, by omission or otherwise. That's not how their relationship worked.
"I know, Mom. I know."
Thank you Lulabelle98, HeidiJoVT, and Dinx.