Let's start with one little AN & disclaimer to cover everything:
Flash fiction challenge! Twenty-five entries of just 300-500 words each, based on photo prompts. This should be fun. :) Although I started with #1, I doubt they'll continue in order, just FYI.
The theme of this collection is "bittersweet" - meaning, each story is meant to build up that little ache in your gut that makes you think: "Oh ... that sucks."
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. Any publicly recognizable content is the property of the original creator.
The Twilight Twenty-Five
thetwilight25 dot com
Prompt: #01
Pen Name: miairii
Pairing/Character(s): Jacob/Bella
Rating: T
Word Count: 414
Photo prompts can be found here:
thetwilight25 dot com/round-eight/prompts
It took two months to find her this time.
Charlie had finally traced her trail to a rundown motel on the outskirts of Vancouver. She had been very careful; no cards until the cash finally ran out. Every time she did this she learned a little more, and it took us a little longer to catch up. I didn't want to think about what would happen if we didn't.
He brought me with him because we all knew I was the only one who could convince her to come back. He stayed in the car while I knocked lightly on the door, turning the knob when there was no response.
She was waiting for me on the bed. Curled tightly into a ball, frail body shaking with her muffled sobs. I crossed the room and scooped her up into my arms. I'd like to think she nestled into my warmth for comfort.
"Bells-"
"No…" she muttered, not enough fight left in her to struggle. "Too hot. Not right… I have to go. I have to keep looking…"
"Bella, it's Jacob," I told her softly. I pulled her a little closer to me. "Remember? Charlie and I are here to take you home."
She looked up at hearing his name. "Charlie…" she whispered. Seeing her agonized expression, I wanted to cry right along with her.
"Don't worry, baby girl, he's not mad. He just wants you back home with him." I paused. "We all do. We miss you."
She studied my worried eyes for a few moments before nodding just barely, relaxing against my chest. Charlie pulled open the backseat of the car as we approached, and I climbed in carefully, still holding her in my lap. He shut the door with a soft whisper that he would be right back with her things.
I pulled a blanket over both of us and wrapped my arms around her just a little tighter. She snuggled in and was asleep almost immediately. It didn't look like she had gotten any rest while she was … away.
Right before she drifted off, she mumbled the words I waited to hear each time. "Thank you for finding me, Jake. I love you."
I brushed away the all-too-familiar pang in my chest, knowing her love and my love would never quite be the same. I wanted her, but she needed me more.
"I'll always look for you," I breathed in her ear. "I'll always help you find your way home."