The Hope of Eden

Gentleness

1919
Sacramento, California

The door slammed harshly as Mother stepped into the bedroom.

Eden cradled Rosalie's warm face, her hands shaking as sure anxiety filled her heart.

She didn't want to go.

Rosalie needed her.

"Listen here, Eden. Mr. Naid is asking about you and you need to come out." Mother spat, jerking Eden's hand away from Rosalie. "Stop coddling that brat."

Eden stiffened, wishing she could scream at Mother. Wishing she could tell her to go away.

She didn't want to see William.

She never did.

"If you don't go, Eden, the girl will suffer. Go and do what Mr. Naid asks, or she won't be fed."

Eden's blood grew cold.

It wasn't a threat, but a promise.

"Do you want the child to make it through this sickness, or will you be disgustingly selfish?"

Tears stung her eyes as she forced herself to shake her head.

She would always choose Rosalie.

"I-i will go," She stammered, gently caressing Rosalie's cheek.

My sweet girl. One day, we will be free.

Standing hesitantly, she pressed a kiss onto her forehead, praying for one day to be tomorrow.

"I'll be back tomorrow, sweetheart," She whispered, though her little girl was asleep.

Mother jerked her arm and pulled her toward the door. "Stop wasting time." She opened the door and pushed Eden out of the room.

Biting her tongue to keep from crying, Eden swallowed her emotions.

William was extremely observant.

If he noticed one hair out of place, he would question Father and Mother, and in turn, they would hurt her and Rosalie.

There was no safety in this home.

"Ahh, my beautiful Eden," William praised as Eden entered the living room. "Simply exquisite," He took her hand and kissed her cheek.

Eden smiled the best she could. "Hello, William,"

His eyes lit up. "Such a lovely woman," He shook his head exasperatedly before kissing her hand. "How is our Rosalie?"

Eden's smile fell slightly and he raised a brow.

"Answer me truthfully, Eden." He demanded, his stare hardening.

"She is ill, William. A fever from the change in the weather," She explained cordially. "I-i was just tending to her before Mother came to get me,"

William lowered his head. "Oh, poor Rosalie."

Despite the discomfort and fear he gave Eden, he was always true about Rosalie.

In his own way, she believed he loved Rosalie dearly.

Only it wasn't enough to change his heart and ways.

He lifted his head, gently squeezing Eden's hand. "Clifton, Ada, take care of my daughter. Don't you dare cut corners." He glared at the careless people before kissing Eden's hand again. "Come, my bunny. You will return in the morning,"

-

1921
Lynchburg, Virginia

Eden sat up, her heart pounding a mile a minute.