I walked over the grass and twigs, feeling it crunch under my shoes. The house loomed over me, and for the first time in as long as I could remember, I felt afraid.
I walked through the door and touched the frame, just like I used to when my Alice was here.
A hummingbird flew around my head, as free and beautiful as my Alice was.
Another wave of sadness lapped at my feet like water from a lake onto the shore.
"Jake," the wind whispered in a voice that seemed to bounce off the walls of my head. "Jake," it said clearer, taking on a feminine edge. It was becoming much like that of... Ella's. "I spoke to who I could. You helped me," a voice that was now distinctly Ella's echoed in my mind. "This was the only pleasantry I thought was sufficient for everything you did for my people and I." My breath hitched, and I saw a figure familiar to me manifest itself. "Goodbye, Jake, I hope you enjoy the gift." Ella whispered, her voice fading as the figure became more female, and more clear.
Black hair cascaded down her pale, bare back in corkscrews.
Sharp eyes opened, thin lips parted, and an equally sharp nose slid through her perfect features. A perfect hand reached out to me, touching and memorizing my dirty, broken face. Her long, uncovered legs were elegant.
"You're back," she announced cheerily.
I gasped and grabbed at her wrist, begging her to be real.
My hand fell onto warm her warm, real skin.
"You're here?" I questioned, not quite believing this beautiful gift.
"Of course I'm here, silly! This is my home," she smiled, showing off her shockingly white teeth.
I couldn't choke back the sob that escaped me.
A soft kiss soothed me. Another sent my heart racing.
"Let's... get you some clothes," I whispered, suddenly realizing I had to look down at her; she wasn't an arm's length away anymore, but pressed against me. Her hands were holding my face and holding me together, as if I would fall into millions of pieces if she let go.
She stared back up at me, challenging me.
"Let's not."