Esme's POV

It happened every year on her birthday… the anniversary of her disappearance. Oh, I knew that Edward still had nightmares throughout the year as well, but on this particular day, they were always the worst. By the time he joined me in the kitchen, the tea was almost ready and I prepared myself for the conversation that had become a part of our tradition. It was our way of coping and grieving the life of the girl that still held such a prominent place in our hearts.

By the time that we both dragged ourselves away from the kitchen and to prepare for the day, my heart was heavy. I knew I would speak to Carlisle about it later in the day – another part of tradition that had developed out of the tragedy.

But right now, I knew I had to put my game face on… I was heading into my office in the heart of Forks and while I had kept today to a light load of clients, I still had to be there and in the right frame of mind.

Thankfully, it was an unusually warm and sunny day for September. As I headed out and into town, I decided to park in the small lot further down, and walk down towards the small coffee shop, ordering myself a latte before continuing on and towards my office.

I was enjoying the feel of the autumn sun on my face when I heard the scream… piercing my thoughts and stopping me dead in my tracks. 'Help me!' It was as clear as day, and yet I also doubted myself… wondered if it was my mind playing tricks on me because of what day it was. But as I looked around me, I noticed the people moving towards the sound, down the road that branched out from Main Street and down into a quieter area of town.

That's when I first saw her.

She couldn't have been more than five or six years old, curled up on the road as the people of Forks attempted to soothe her, her arms protecting her face. I knew immediately that this girl had lived through trauma and as she pulled back from everyone, I noticed the hands touching her – trying to soothe her but instead terrifying her.

"Everyone back up for a minute, let me through!" I called out quickly as I approached the scene, the young girl obviously not someone that I recognised. She was tiny for one thing, her growth appeared stunted and her features, although petite – it was the pale tone to her skin that caught my eye, as though she had been denied sunlight and proper nutrition. Beyond that, someone had made her clothes by hand, the stitching erratic but neat, forming what appeared to be a night-dress of sorts. And though you could see the stains, it also looked and smelled like laundry soap – the cheap kind, but someone had attempted to keep her clean, none-the-less.

"Hey sweetheart. I'm not going to hurt you, can you open your eyes for a minute?" As the crowds backed away and let me through, respecting my position as a psychologist, I crouched down to the girl's level, keeping a safe distance back but ensuring that if she were to open her eyes – she would be able to see me clearly.

After a moment I could see her struggling to open her eyes – blinking them open and then slamming them shut again quickly… the sunlight obviously too bright for her sensitive orbs.

"Mrs. Newton?" I whispered quietly and when she came closer to me I snatched the floppy sun-hat off of the top of her head. She looked like she was about to argue with me but I gave her a stern look, telling her to back off.

"Can I put a hat on your head sweetie? It will help with the light." I told the girl gently and watched as she began to nod her head, her eyes still struggling to open. Once I had carefully placed the hat on her head and adjusted the brim to block out some of the harsh light, I watched as she lowered her hands and finally opened her eyes, the deep chocolate colour recognisable in an instant as she blinked repeatedly, still adjusting to the light. In that moment, I was sure I had broken down – perhaps I was the one in the nightmare this time, but if I hadn't known better, I would have sworn that I was looking at our lost little girl… our Bella.

Her name slipped out before I could stop myself and the girl's eyes widened impossibly further.

"Do you know my Momma?"

Her innocent voice left me speechless and I felt the tears pooling in my eyes. I was strong, but if this girl was who I knew in my heart she was… that meant that Bella…

"Sweetie, what's your name?" I looked her in the eye, hoping that she could trust me to help her. She was still terrified, but she appeared to be open to me, and I hoped to keep that connection strong. There were so many questions that I needed answers to.

"Nessie." She answered softly.

"My Momma… she needs help." She practically whispered, her eyes closing again, tears beginning to fall quickly down her cheeks.

Looking through the crowd that I had gathered, I turned to Owen Finlay, our post man, I asked him to call Chief Swan and tell him to come down here immediately, bringing Edward. It might not have been the most responsible decision, knowing how Edward might react, but in our small town, it was the only option.

"Nessie… do you know where your Momma is?" I asked her quietly, shifting a little bit closer to her.

"Yes. I think so. She's home…. With Mr. James." She spoke carefully and I saw her eyes dart open as she mentioned his name, the fear evident behind her eyes.

"Please. We have to help my Momma." She begged me and I tried to offer her a reassuring smile.

"Nessie, do you know what a policeman does?" I asked carefully and she nodded her head. "He's a helper! Like you!" She responded.

"Exactly Sweetie. We've called a policeman to come and help us find your Momma and protect her. Is that okay?" I asked her and she nodded. "You'll help Momma too… right?" The fear was back but she surprised me by reaching out and taking my hand, grabbing it as tightly as she could muster.

"Yes. I promise. I will help find your Momma too, and we will help get both her and you to safety."