The Hope of Eden

A Glimpse

"Sissy, where are we going?" Rosalie asked groggily as she watched Eden pack their clothes.

"Dr. Slater's house. I'm going to work for him and we'll be safe." She explained briefly, trying to focus on the clothes and not Lincoln's perversion that still had her skin crawling.

His presence alone made her feel violated.

But glory to God.

They would be far from him.

"Don't cry, Eden. We'll be safe, just like you said!" Rosalie stumbled beside her to wipe the tears she didn't know had fallen.

Rosalie's small arms wrapped around her and she kissed her cheek. "God did it again,"

Eden's heart clenched at her faith and hope.

She longed to weep.

Her heart was heavy-laden.

She could still feel Lincoln's cold finger on her neck. His promise rang in her mind.

"Sissy," Rosalie whimpered softly as Eden sobbed. "P-please don't be sad. I'll be good. I-i won't," She sniffed as tears filled her eyes. "I won't make Mr. Carmen upset. He won't hit us, he won't get you, sissy. I promise,"

Her plea only crushed Eden's heart further.

"God," She cried, clinging to her sweet girl.

How could she rejoice when her heart was in shambles?

Why did it have to be this way?

"Jesus has us, Mommy. H-he promised," Rosalie whispered as Eden's cries subsided. "We'll be good a-and Mr. Carmen will be nice. Okay?" Her small hands cupped Eden's flushed cheeks. "I love you,"

Eden kissed her little girl and hugged her tightly. "You are my sweet girl. Thank you," She kissed her cheek and let her go. "Get your shoes on,"

Rosalie nodded and pecked her cheek. "Okay!"

Eden took a slow breath and continued packing their clothes.

It wasn't much, but her hands shook before, making the task difficult.

"Lord, thank You for my Rosa." She whispered, feeling her heart flutter slightly at Rosalie's joyous presence.

The little girl hummed a sweet song as she put on her shoes, not knowing just how much strength she gave Eden to go on.

-

"Dr. Slater,"

Carmen looked up and found Eden with little Rosalie trailing behind her on the stairs.

"Ms. Eden and sweet Rose. Let me get those," He met them at the bottom of the staircase.

Rosalie happily handed him her bag, while Eden clung to hers.

"No, thank you." She said politely.

He nodded, stepping aside for them to walk by. "Forgive me for coming this late, Ms. Eden. I should have sent someone for you much earlier,"

He truly felt guilty.

Rosalie looked exhausted.

"All is well, Dr. Slater. You've apologized before, all is well." Eden insisted, not wanting to cause trouble with the man already.

All that mattered was that they were leaving.

He sighed. "Well then, my car is parked by the entrance. My home is only thirty minutes from here,"

Rosalie's ears perked at the word car.

She'd seen cars before but was rarely allowed in them.

Father made them walk everywhere.