The Hope of Eden

The Beginning

"Eden!"

Rosalie shouted her voice wavering.

Eden hurried to her, hoping to quiet her as Father would be angered by her voice.

"Rosalie, what's the matter?" She asked quietly hoping she'd quiet down.

Rosalie spun joyfully and hugged her tightly. "I think things are going to change,"

She could hardly contain herself. The poor thing was jittering.

Eden took her hand and led her to the bed. "Sit down and tell me,"

Rosalie squealed. "Daddy, he, he apologized to me. For everythinggg,"

Eden's heart dropped. Memories stabbed her like a knife. "H-he did?"

She nodded, unaware of her sister's distress. "I just knew if I prayed, and prayed, and prayed, God would make things better!" She threw herself in Eden's arms. "He won't hurt us anymore. He wants me to come and sit with him!"

Eden held herself together by the strength of the Lord. Her body was still healing from the wounds he caused just yesterday. Her mind struggled to comprehend the promises of God that kept her moving.

How was she supposed to tell her innocent baby sister the truth?

"Rosalie, I want you to hear me," It took everything in her not to break down. "Do not let your guard down around him. He, he's done this before. To me."

The joy in Rosalie's eyes faded. "B-but sissy, h-he promised,"

"Listen," Tears blurred Eden's view, but she pressed on. "I-i don't want you to come out of this room. Promise me. No matter what you hear, stay in here with the door locked." She hugged Rosalie tightly, weeping. "I am so sorry he lied to you, baby. But please, promise me you'll stay put."

Rosalie nodded, tears filling her eyes. "I promise, but Eden, why are you crying? What's going to happen?"

Eden pressed a kiss onto her cheek and stood, trembling. "I love you, Rosalie. Lock the door behind me."

Images of that night blinded her.

It only got worse.

Her naïve hopeful heart trusted his words.

She refused to let him break Rosalie.

"Eden," Rosalie grabbed her hand and she flinched. "Eden, no."

She shook her head strongly, though she was dying inside. "If i," her stomach clenched. "When I return, have your things packed."

Rosalie's hand slipped to her side as tears of confusion and sorrow welled in her eyes.

She didn't understand what was happening, but everything in her screamed panic.

"I love you, Rosalie." Her throat was pinched. "No matter what you hear. Stay."

The door shut behind her, sending chills down her spine.

Rosalie hurried to lock the door and quickly put her clothes in her small suitcase.

She had to do exactly what Eden said. Eden knew best. Eden was her protector.