abilitytolove (abilitytolove) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2013-12-02 11:29:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, elizabeth weir, esme cullen |
We meet again over another coffee
Who: Elizabeth and Esme
When: Before Thanksgiving
Where: Cafe
What: Catching up
Rating/Warning: Low/None
Status: Complete
Esme had been pleased to receive the message from Elizabeth. She hadn’t forgotten about their meeting and had, in truth, been worried about the other woman. She hoped things had gone well for her, after all, the poor girl had been distraught.
Entering the cafe where they had arranged to meet she looked around and waved when she spotted Elizabeth.
Elizabeth had been idly stirring her coffee as she gazed out of the café window when a movement by the entrance drew her attention. She sat up with a smile as she spotted Esme and beckoned her over. Once she drew close, Elizabeth greeted her, standing up as she approached the table. “We meet again over another coffee,” she joked, holding a hand out to the other woman.
Esme smiled as she took Elizabeth’s hand using it to pull her into a quick hug, “We do indeed, it’ll have to be our thing” she said, “Hopefully with good news and not worries this time?” she asked as she sat down.
“Well,” Elizabeth smiled as she pulled back from the surprise hug. It wasn’t unwelcome, just unexpected, after all if one greeted the ambassador from Iraq like that one might lose one’s job. “Better news than before I suppose,” she replied as she re-took her seat. “As you can probably tell, it turns out I wasn’t pregnant in the end,” she told her, still feeling a little sad over it.
Esme had never met Ambassadors and Elizabeth was her friend so, as a tactile person anyway, she received a hug. She nodded patting Elizabeth's hand, "In time dear. At least now you know it's something you want?" she suggested with a kind smile.
“I think so, yeah,” Elizabeth smiled at her kindly, glad that she had managed to get her telepathy under a tighter rein given how tactile Esme was. “I mean, I haven’t had a chance...or the courage,” she added. “To talk to Leonard about any of it yet, but I think we’re making really good progress. He introduced me to his daughter last weekend,” she smiled happily.
Had Esme known and indeed once she did know she would be very apologetic and try to curb her instincts a little more. “I’m sure the time will present itself. Oh well that’s wonderful, now tell me how did you get along with her?” she asked
Elizabeth sighed, frustrated with herself. “It was worse than my first day at the UN,” she told her. “Infact, I would rather have lived that day over and over a million times than meet Joanna for the first time again. She was possibly the most unreadable person I’ve ever come across,” she gave a little nervous laugh and a little shrug. “I don’t know if it’s just me being paranoid, but I got the impression that she didn’t like me,” she told Esme sadly. It worried her a great deal.
“She’s a teenager isn’t she?” Esme said trying to remember, “They are notoriously hard to read, even for somebody like you. And don’t be so quick to think she doesn’t like you. You’ll just have to meet up again, maybe take her out without her dad around. Get to know her more” she encouraged.
“She’s eleven,” Elizabeth nodded. “You think it’s ok for me to...y’know, do that? I don’t want to push her or...overstep boundaries or anything,” she worried out loud. “If I’m completely honest, I feel quite out of my depth,” she admitted.
“Best thing to do is ask her” Esme said, “Offer to take her to lunch or shopping then if she says yes you know that she’s there because she wants to be. You’re a big part of her dad’s life now, she’ll need to accept that sooner or later. Everybody feels out of their depth at first, I promise but you’ll get there. Nobody receives a manual along with a child”
"Thanks," Elizabeth smiled at Esme. "I just keep letting myself get flustered by it all, when really she probably just wants to be treated like anyone else," she sighed. "Shopping and lunch seem like a really good, simple idea I can do," she agreed.
“Exactly, you just need to keep reminding yourself of that and you’ll be absolutely fine” Esme nodded, “You can’t go wrong with shopping and lunch, especially if you convince her father to give her some spending money as well” she grinned.
Elizabeth smiled, still a little unsure, but Esme's confidence buoyed her own. "God, if I can't figure out a pre-teen how on Earth could I handle a baby? It's such a stupid idea," she spoke, more to herself as she turned to look out the shop window.
“Don’t you dare” Esme said sternly tapping the table so Elizabeth would turn back, “Honestly, for such a competent woman you lack self confidence. You’d handle a baby just fine, I know you would”
"Politics and children are vastly different beasts," Elizabeth mused. "I've spent most of my life building a career for myself, never really entertaining the thought of having a family," she sighed, smiling happily as she continued. "Now I've met this amazing man who I love so deeply already and now I can barely stop thinking about it all," she looked up at Esme with a watery smile before glancing away to dab her eyes.
“Oh sweetheart, it’s all a learning curve. Love, life, family. All of it. But just embrace it and try your best. That’s all that’s really needed” Esme told her, placing her hand over Elizabeth’s with a warm, kind smile.
Elizabeth smiled at Esme, turning her hand over to squeeze the other woman’s in response. “Enough about my life, how are things with you? Did you want a coffee or something?” she asked, catching eyes with a waiter and gesturing for him to come over.
“Oh thank you” she smiled and told the waiter her order before turning back to Elizabeth, “Not too bad with me. Carlisle is working far too much as usual but he refuses to admit it” she smiled indulgently before her smile dimmed a little, “I think my youngest wants to move out, but she’s still working up the courage to tell me”
“That must be hard, how do you feel about your youngest wanting to move out?” Elizabeth asked. “How old is she?”
“She’s eighteen and I know she should be making her own way but with Carlisle working so much I just...” she sighed and shook her head, “It’s silly. I should be happy for her”
"She's still your child, I can only imagine how hard it must be, taking care of someone and watching them grow up for so long, to then just...let them go," Elizabeth smiled gently at her. "Does Carlisle know you suspect she wants to move out?"
Esme shook her head, “No, he doesn’t. I mean he wouldn’t mind but he would worry about me so I’ll let everything run it’s course and see what happens before I say anything”
“That must be hard for you, bottling things up like that isn’t easy,” Elizabeth said gently, watching Esme’s face in concern. “Have you spoken to your daughter...about it?” Elizabeth asked, not knowing her daughter’s name.
“I manage. He already works so hard I try never to bother him with too much. Though he often tells me off for it” she admitted, “Not yet, I’m waiting for Alice. I don’t want to force her into anything” And she knew, selfishly, that the longer she waited the longer Alice would stay.
“Well, you know that if you ever want to talk about it I’m here,” Elizabeth told her, putting her hand on Esme’s. “I know that we haven’t known each other for that long, but I feel we have a connection. Maybe waiting’s a good thing. It gives her time to make a considered choice, but I’m always an advocate of talking things through,” she smiled at Esme kindly. “That’s why I became a diplomat I guess,” she joked. “Is Alice the only child you have living at home?” she asked, taking a sip of her coffee.
“Thank you Elizabeth, that’s very kind of you” Esme replied with a smile. Oh I have no doubt we will talk but I’m allowing it to be in Alice’s own time” she nodded, “Alice is indeed the only one left at home. Which I guess makes it harder for me to let go” she acknowledged.
“What about your other children? Where are they now?” Elizabeth asked over the rim of her coffee.
“Actually Jasper has recently returned from active duty and Edward is working at the hospital with Carlisle so I have three of them close by. Rosalie and Emmett travel a lot but visit when they can”
“Wow, that must have been a lot of work,” Elizabeth observed as she put her cup down. “I take it Edward is training to be a doctor? What about your others?”
“I love having them close” Esme admitted, her family were her life. It became obvious to most people that got to know her that she was a very dedicated loving mother. “He is. He’s a very caring man. Jasper works on the air base, he’s very dedicated to his military career. Emmett does odd jobs where he can and Rosalie does as little as possible” her tone was fond when speaking about her children, “And of course Alice is attending college to study fashion and computers”
"You must be very proud," Elizabeth smiled at Esme, it was lovely to see someone who so obviously cared about her family. "Tell me a little more about them," she asked.
“I am, they’re wonderful children. Adults now really” she smiled, “Oh, well. We adopted them all of course. Edward first and he was our youngest at eight, it wasn’t even planned really. I mean we knew we wanted to adopt but we hadn’t considered an older child until Carlisle’s job led him to Edward. Then came Rosalie, she was a feisty girl but she came round eventually. Emmett and Jasper came together, both fourteen and angry then Alice who was eleven but so small and afraid. We didn’t set out to adopt five older children but it seemed that was what fate had in store for us and we love them dearly”
"I didn't realise they were all adopted, that's wonderful," Elizabeth smiled. She had always admired those who would adopt or foster children, thought they were the type of people who should be lauded in society instead of these here today, gone tomorrow pop princess celebrities. "What inspired you to adopt, if you didn't mind my asking?" Elizabeth asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Esme smiled softly and sadly, “I had a miscarriage when I was eighteen which left me unable to have children” she told Elizabeth, holding her hand up to forestall any sympathy, “Carlisle and I were blessed enough to have five wonderful children and now we have our first grandchild so maybe things do happen for a reason” Part of her would always mourn the child she lost but Esme had come to terms with not being able to have any of her own over the years.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to bring up bad memories," Elizabeth apologised anyway. "You're certainly blessed by the sounds of it," Elizabeth smiled across at her. "And a grandchild? That's amazing, whose child is it?" Elizabeth asked.
Esme shook her head, “Not bad, just memories now” she replied, “Edward’s. His girlfriend Bella became pregnant before their graduation. Not planned of course but she’s such a darling little girl”
“What’s her name? How are they finding parenthood?” Elizabeth asked, taking a sip of her coffee.
“Renesmee but we call her Nessie” Esme replied, “It’s an amalgamation of mine and Bella’s mothers names” She had been overwhelmed when Edward had told her and it still hit her now how sweet a gesture it had been.
"They named the baby after you? That's so wonderful, you must be so proud," Elizabeth smiled at Esme, sensing how overwhelmed she was by the gesture. "How old is she?"
“I am, it was very sweet of them” Esme nodded, “She’s going to be one in the new year. She’s already such a clever little girl. Bella and Edward are wonderful parents”
"That's good to hear, and it sounds like you have an amazingly supportive family for them," Elizabeth nodded, picking up her coffee cup. "How did you feel when they came and told you? Must have been a shock what with them still being in school," she sipped her coffee as Esme answered.
Esme and Carlisle had tried to build a supportive home for their children, somewhere safe and secure for them. But also somewhere understanding. “We were shocked of course, but proud of Edward too. He wanted to marry Bella and do everything right. He’s determined to support them on his own despite us offering our help” though Esme looked after Nessie whenever she could.
"It sounds like they love each other very much," Elizabeth said as she watched Esme talk proudly about her family. "How long have they been together?"
“Oh well they met when he was nine so over ten years now” Esme replied smiling, “They were inseparable, even when Bella went to a different school. They were just friends at first, best friends but then hormones kick in and love happens”
Elizabeth laughed at that. "Well, they certainly have history then," she said. "Do they live far from you?"
“Not far at all” Esme smiled, “We’re lucky in that regard. I look after my granddaughter at least once a week. It gives them a break”
"Let me guess, you spoil her rotten," Elizabeth grinned at her.
“Oh of course” Esme admitted unashamed, “Carlisle and I believe that’s part of the job. That’s the story we’re sticking to anyway”
"It sounds like the two of you are a wonderful team," Elizabeth said as she watched Esme's face while she talked.
“I like to think so” Esme smiled, “After over twenty years together I guess it’s to be expected”
“Twenty years? Congratulations!” Elizabeth raised her cup in a mini toast. “How did you two meet?”
“Thank you” clinking her own cup against Elizabeth’s with a light laugh, “We met at school, I’d had a crush on him for ages but it was when he saved me from some unwanted advances that we became close friends”
“Aww, your own personal hero,” Elizabeth smiled wistfully. “Very romantic.”
“He is definitely that. I love him more than I thought it possible to love anybody and I always will” she smiled, blushing lightly, “I’m afraid I turn into a terrible sap when I talk about my husband”
“Well, the world has to have people who shine light into it, not just blot it out,” Elizabeth observed.
“That’s a lovely sentiment” Esme said, “I’ll have to remember that one”
“Well, it’s true,” Elizabeth shrugged. “You hear so much about the people who are making the world a miserable place to live in. It’s nice to be reminded that there are still good people out there making a difference,” she smiled.
"We've always tried to make the best of anything we are given. After all there must be a reason for it. I'm not religious but I do believe in fate and destiny."
"And it would seem that it believes in you as well," Elizabeth smiled. "My mother says that life only hands us what we can deal with, we just have to find a way and I think it's true. Obviously you were destined to be a great mom, despite your initial setback," she said quietly before shaking her head and moving on. "Are you all getting together for Thanksgiving?"
"I hope so. Thank you" Esme replied, "I'll make dinner as usual. The kids usually drop in. Its hard for them all to do a set time"
“It’s hard when everyone starts having their own lives, we’ve been living away from home since we were eighteen and my mother still has a hard time when either my brother or I can’t make it home for the holidays,” Elizabeth laughed.
“It is hard as a parent, part of you never really wants to let go even though the logical part of you knows you have to” Esme replied, “I’m sure your mother must be pleased for you - having Leonard now”
"I uh...haven't exactly told her yet," Elizabeth admitted shyly. "Since my last debacle of a relationship she tends to look at any potential suitors as psychotic devils incarnate. I don't want to inflict her on him just yet," she joked, half seriously. Her mother was lovely, but after Simon had cheated on her, repeatedly it turned out while she had been in another country, her mom was cautious of anyone who might hurt her daughter. "I'll probably spend the holiday with my best friend Sam this year," she told Esme with a smile. She loved spending time with Sam, it could be so easy to tease her but in the blink of an eye she could be spouting astrophysic babble out of her ears.
“Ah I see. A little protective of you still” she smiled, she could relate to that. “Oh well that sounds lovely, it’s nice to have close friends around especially in the holidays”
"Yeah, he was a jerk and I'm her little girl," Elizabeth grinned. "Yeah, Sam's great, we just have a really chilled time away from all our school work, catch up on our reading and the like," she smiled as she explained.
“Which is just what you need over the festive period” Esme nodded, “Rest and relaxation. Do either of you cook?” she asked.
"Badly," Elizabeth laughed. "Sam's better than me though, but we manage to pull it off pretty well on the holidays," she grinned.
“Well if you need anything sending over let me know” Esme offered, “I always make too much and Carlisle wouldn’t mind popping over to drop off some dishes for you”
“Oh, that’s too kind,” Elizabeth smiled, Esme really was one of the nicest people she had ever met. “Thank you very much, I will keep it in mind when I manage to burn the ready meals we have in the freezer,” she laughed.
“You aren’t making a ready meal on Thanksgiving surely?” Esme asked, not being able to imagine not making a proper meal especially on such an important day.
“Like I said, neither Sam or I have any real flair for cooking and rather than risking burning the house down we try and go with the option that doesn’t involve the fire department,” Elizabeth laughed. “Been there, done that and trust me when I say that not all firefighters are like the ones in the calendars,” she joked.
Esme chuckled, "Oh dear, not even a silver lining" she teased gently, "But then I insist that you let me send over dinner. I honestly do make too much and I can't stand the idea if you two not eating a home cooked meal on Thanksgiving. Or you'd be more than welcome to come over" she offered too.
“Nope, we were most disappointed,” Elizabeth winked over the top of her coffee cup as she took a sip. “Oh no, we couldn’t impose on you,” she shook her head after swallowing quickly. “Thanksgiving is for family and you should spend it with them, not running around after two people, one of whom you haven’t even met,” she smiled. “We would be most appreciative if you happen to have any extra food, but we wouldn’t impose on your family time,” she told her with a kind smile. “You’re so kind to think of us Esme,” she told the woman across from her who she now considered a friend. “Thank you.”
“Oh well you’re welcome sweetheart” Esme said with a smile, “And you would be more than welcome to join us but I understand if you prefer not too. It can get to be a bit of a mad house sometimes. I insist on ensuring you both eat well though so Carlisle or one of the boys will come round with dinner for you both” she said, her tone indicating that there was to be no argument though in the nicest way of course.
Elizabeth laughed at that. "Ok, ok, I know when I'm beat," Elizabeth grinned, holding her cup up to clink with Esme's in a toast. "Thank you again, I look forward to it."