I shot through the gym doors, pushing them open with a great force. They flew inward, but I paid them no mind as they hit the concrete wall. The sound ricocheted through the large room, echoing and bouncing around me. I ran to the middle of the gym, spinning and circling.
"Bella," I whispered.
I spun and whirled, the world around me tipping and twirling along with me. Everything was dark and surrounded by a blanket of black. My eyes broke through the darkness, and I could see the gym with great clarity.
"Come on. Where are you?" I murmured quietly, a gasp filling the air as I was finally assaulted with the most delicious scent.
I took a step forward, glancing down as my foot hit the hardwood with a disgusting squelch. I lifted my foot a few inches, my eyes widening as I saw the small pool of blood there. I traced my eyes forward, moving with care as the small pools transformed into bare footprints. A small heel, a sweet curve, five adorable toes.
I moved, slowly stepping closer to the corner of the gym. As I did so, a low sound fluttered to my ears, the sound almost causing me to collapse to my knees. I trekked on, listening intently as I continued to follow the prints.
As I moved, my mind tormented me with visions. Her skin marred and split, blood spilling. Her face bruised. Her mouth and nose dripping rivulets of sweet nectar. Her back littered with scars, each line torturing me with her past but pleasing me at the future I could give her. I had promised to protect her, and I had failed.
I kept taking measured steps, nearing the corner of the room. Finally, there was movement. I tensed, waiting. All that stood in the corner were trash bins, multiple ones. They stood in a half circle, the smell revolting, but it was being overpowered. My eyes tightened as I heard a scurry of movement again. I knew I had to be careful. I could hear her, now, but she would not be able to hear me.
Again, I remembered.
Those bumps, those bruises, those scrapes, that blood...
Her gentle sighs, soft touches, heartbeat fluttering, messy brown hair, bright smile, stunning eyes...
I had been there when no one else had been. She had loved me despite myself, everything that made me who I am.
I had let her hear me when she could hear no one else.
She was stunning, she was damaged, she was deaf...
And I was hers. Her protector, her lover, her angel, her gentleman. She had made me see that in myself.
"Lord," I prayed, "please don't let me be too late."
I stepped up to the bins, moving them out of my way with exaggerated care.
Slowly, she was revealed.
What had I done?
How had I failed so easily?
I was damned.