Esme's POV
I listened as Nessie spoke to Carlisle, slightly jealous but happy that she was coming out of her shell enough to talk and ask questions. It was healthy. I hadn't expected her to comment on Bella's mother though – Renee. As far as I had been aware, Bella hadn't asked after her and nobody had dared to bring it up yet. Both Bella and Nessie had been through enough, and it wasn't the right time to pile on further hurt and pain.
Taking a minute, I checked in with Carlisle to make sure everything was alright. He assured me that the psychological damage was the worst part of both Bella and Nessie's health, and even though they were both incredibly small, that they would be released quickly once they began to show signs of improvement from the malnourishment and dehydration. Aside from that, they both needed secure rest.
Once Carlisle left to continue his rounds, I stayed with the girls throughout the night, watching as Nessie laid awake and played with her mother's hair before finally succumbing to exhaustion herself.
"Esme?" Carlisle's gentle touch startled me awake and I took a second to look around, shocked when I realised that the previous day had not simply been a dream.
"What is it?" I asked as he helped me stand, leading me out of the room and closing the door quietly behind us.
"I just thought that you should know, perhaps you can be the one to tell her…"
"Is he dead?" I asked, seeing the struggle on his face. It went against every oath he had sworn as a medical professional, but I also knew that he was relieved – glad in a way that the man who had hurt our Bella, was no more.
Nodding his head he confirmed, "Alcohol poisoning… of all things." He sighed, scratching his head. I relaxed, breathing a sigh of relief. It hadn't been Edward… a brief concern that had plagued me since finding out that he had literally thrown the man off of Bella when he had found her.
"When Bella asks, or when I feel she is ready, I will let her know." I spoke softly, hoping that Bella would be okay with me being there for her. Professionalism aside, she was like another daughter to me. I needed to be there for her as though she was my own child.
"Dr. Cullen?" I hadn't seen the door open and I smiled as Nessie poked her head out of the room.
"Yes sweetheart?" He replied and we both crouched down again, back to her level.
"Yesterday was Momma's birthday." She whispered and I nodded. We all knew it… but we hadn't been sure how much either Nessie or Bella knew. We were taking things slowly and gradually with them.
"You're right. It was." I responded carefully. "September 13. Do you know when your birthday is?" I asked and she nodded excitedly, her eyes lighting up. "Mine was the day before September 12. I'm nine now." She smiled and I couldn't help but smile back.
"Momma used to read me a book about a birthday party. I never had a birthday party." She stated matter-of-factly and I vowed right then and there to give this darling girl, whatever she wanted.
"When Momma feels better, can we have a party for her?" The innocence and concern that Nessie had for her mother blew me away. I couldn't believe that this little girl who had never experienced something as positive as a birthday party, was only concerned for her mother.
"Of course! And when you are ready, we can have a party for you too!" I told her cautiously, but her eyes grew wide in excitement, the deep brown coming to life at the very thought.
"With a present too!" She exclaimed and I nodded. "Of course. Is there anything that you would like?" I asked carefully, not sure what she knew and what she was looking for.
"A dress. A new one. Momma told me that not everybody has to make clothes and we can buy pretty dresses in a store. I like green the best." She stated and I chuckled. She had such an amazing personality and it was beginning to shine through.
"We'll have to see what we can find!" I told her and before I knew it she was gone, she had turned back inside the room, leaving the door open a crack. Looking through the space I saw Bella sitting up now, Nessie in her lap and telling her all about the party she wanted to have… complete with a green dress.
"What are you doing?" Carlisle glanced over at me, watching as I pulled my phone out of my pocket.
Nessie has requested a green party dress. Also, pick up some every day clothes for her to wear as well. She really likes the colour green.
"Texting Alice." I laughed quietly and so did he. We both knew that she would take care of the request.