Well I don't even know where to begin. I have spent the last two weeks very distracted from part 3 as I have been trying to get beta readers for my first book. This has taken up so much of my time and also trying to get reviews for The Deepest Shade of Blue as I only have one review it has meant little to no writing for part 3. This is really bringing me down which I hope doesn't show in my writing. Now this morning I have finally finished chapter 2 and here it is.
Chapter Two
By the morning of day five I'm a paranoid mess. I spent the entire rest of the night by Christian's bedside wondering if the woman would return, Then I begun to wonder if I had actually saw the woman at all. Sat next to Christian holding his hand I wonder what is going on inside his mind.
People who come out of comas sometimes describe it as dreaming. I stare at him trying to imagine what he would dream about? What if it's not a dream? But a nightmare. Oh, my god, a nightmare that Christian couldn't escape from or wake up out of. That bitch could have him right now!
I'm snapped out of my thoughts as I see the door handle begin to turn. It's not even seven in the morning, making it to early for visitors. It could be her? The woman I saw last night coming back.
Through the door I hear a muffled voice that sounds female talking but I can't make out the words. The door is not even open a crack as I stand ready to confront who ever this woman is. Bracing my hands against the arms of the chair just as the door swings open and I see Taylor stood before me.
His hand is resting on the door handle as his gaze lands on Christian in the hospital bed. I can see the anguish on his face just as behind him I see doctor Soni at the desk, she nods my way as her eyes move back to Taylor. My gaze returns to Taylor in the long brown trench coat and I can see his body shaking slightly.
"Taylor you're back!" I say in disbelief, as my mind has finally reconnected with my brain.
His eyes quickly snap up to the sound of my voice and he looks at me. I can see the relief on his face as the look of anguish softens and he moves round the bed before taking me into a hard hug.
"Ana, Thank goodness you're safe." He says while still keeping hold of me a moment longer.
When he steps back I feel my lungs fill with air not even realizing his hug took my breath away.
"How did you know where we were?" I ask wondering so many questions.
"We flew back in less than an hour ago. I came to the apartment to thank Christian for the holiday and found the apartment in a mess. I thought it might of been a robbery and after searching the place I contacted Christian's sister Mia. She told me where to find you both." Taylor tells me.
I watch him turn his back on me and move closer to Christian's bedside. It's only when he gets closer do I see his shoulders slump down. It's my only indication of his mood till I begin to move round him. He is looking down at Christian with sorrow in his eyes. I see it there then as I face him over Christian's bed. Taylor blames himself for this.
"Taylor, it's not your fault." I offer softly.
"Mia said this happened five days ago?" He replies keeping his voice steady.
"Yes. After the apartment was ransacked." I tell him.
I can already see Taylor is in action already. His mind working things out, his face returning to it's neutral show no feeling look.
"Ok. Did the doctors find any bruising on his head or neck, maybe a toxin in his blood? Even a puncture wound somewhere on his skin?" He asks carefully.
I think back to what the doctors told me they know so far which isn't much.
"No, none of them." I answer his question.
"What about Leila?" He says, as his words come out harsh.
"I think she is still locked up." I answer as I try to think back to what Christian said at the apartment about her.
"I'll check just to be sure. It seems like the type of thing she could do." Taylor says to himself.
I stare up at him in horror. Leila was the one to do this to Christian? I'll kill her, I'll tear her to pieces for what she has done. Taylor grabs my arms shaking me a little.
"Ana I meant the apartment. I think Leila was the one who ransacked the apartment. I know she is a nurse but I highly doubt it was her that put Christian in hospital."
I feel my heart rate begin to calm down as I look back at Taylor.
"Ana do you know of anyone else who would want to hurt Christian? Has he had any type of threats against him?" Taylor asks studying me.
He's looking for suspects, he wants to find the person responsible and make them pay for doing this to my beloved. Suddenly the memory of Jack Hyde screaming at us in front of the TV cameras fills my mind.
"Jesus Jack Hyde. It could of been Jack that did this." I say to him.
The name makes Taylor turn to face me.
"I've always hated that son of a bitch. He's had run ins with Christian before." Taylor almost growls out.
"He tried to shoot me while we were on stage."
Taylor's eyes seem to darken as he steps toward me.
"He maybe be a bad shot but I sure as hell won't miss. I'll find him." Taylor says sharply.
He begins to storm towards the door and then stills. Turning to face me he looks over at me then Christian. There is fear in his eyes.
"What's wrong Taylor?" I ask unsure as to why he has stopped.
"Christian would not want me to leave your side. I should stay here, I can call Sawyer." He responds.
Sawyer being here would only make problems worse. I know Christian wiped his mind but I got some memories back before Christian returned them to me. What if Sawyer does too?
"No Taylor it's ok. We will both be fine." I just say.
The door begins to open and Taylor moves like lighting. With one hand he pulls me behind his body and with his other he begins to pull his weapon from his holster. As the door swings open and we both see a female stood there. In an instant his weapon is back in his holster so fast I don't think Mia even saw him draw it.
Her eyes land on both of us as she steps forward and hugs me quickly followed by Taylor. She pulls back from Taylor before looking at us both. It seems Mia is getting some sleep as the black marks under her eyes are not as strong.
"Taylor I'm so glad your back." Mia offers.
"Thank you Miss Grey and I'm sorry if I woke up you this morning." Taylor says offering Mia a smile.
"It's ok I was already up." Mia replies casually.
"Please Taylor I will be ok really. Mia is here with me now." I let Taylor know.
He seems quick to make his decision and looks at us both.
"Contact me if there is any change. I'll call you if I find anything. Both of you be careful and I'll be back as soon as I can." Taylor tells us both.
Then with a simple nod he turns and heads out of the room. I want to tell him to be careful but he is already gone. Mia turns to look me over.
"Sweetie don't worry about Taylor. Christian always told he is one of the best. I'm more worried about you which is why I went to the airport." Mia says stepping closer to me.
I don't understand what she means. She worried about me and so she went to the airport? Did I even hear her right? My next thought disappears as through the door walks my mom. She steps past Mia and grabs hold of me hugging me tightly. I feel the warmth of her as she is wearing clothing suitable for Chicago but no San Diego.
"Mom, I'm so glad your here." I say into her ear as tears threaten to spill.
It's only when I look up and see Mia look towards the door smiling I turn to see my dad walk in. In his checked shirt and blue jeans. Mom has barely released me when dad pulls me into a bear hug. I hug him back as I can't help myself.
"Daddy." I cry into his shoulder.
The tears I have been trying to hold back come pouring out as I can't stay strong anymore. As I'm held in my dad's strong arms.
"It's going to be ok baby girl." He says softly.
I feel so weak in my dad's arms as he finally releases me only for my mom to take my hand and sit down with her on the double chair. I look over to see Mia head over to Look at Christian and my dad glance back from Christian to me. My mom's hand turns my head to face hers.
"Now hunny why don't you tell me all about Christian?" She asks softly.
I start off slowly and soon find myself not only chatting but babbling on about how amazing he is. My mom sits right next to me listening to my every word as I pour my heart out to her, telling her how much I have fallen for him. My father heads out and comes back with hot drinks for us all. Mom nurses her coffee while I drink my tea.
I realize how much I have had bottled up and have not spoken so much since before Christian ended up in hospital. It's only when I finish that my mom has moved next to me and is stroking my hair.
"I just don't know what to do mom." I cry out.
"It's ok. Hunny you just need to relax and have a rest." She says running her hand through my hair.
I find the comforting touch of my mom stroking my hair like when I was younger is deeply relaxing. Feeling like the last five days have completely destroyed me and taken everything I have. My body begins to succumb to the idea of just resting my eyes for a moment. With Mia, my dad and my mom all there I feel safe. I rest my heavy head on my mom shoulder and slowly close my eyes. It's the last thing I remember.
When I open my eyes again the yellow sand is back the sky is dark and there is an icy chill from everywhere penetrating deep into my body. Held once again by an invisible force my arms are above my head and my legs pinned together.
I look around searching for her. It has to be her that has done this to him.
"Where the hell are you?" I scream out loud.
"Now now manners. I was busy attending to something. Now Anastasia what do you want?" She says walking up behind me.
"What have you done to him?" I snap.
"I'm sorry who ever do you mean?" She teases.
"Christian!" I call out.
"Ahh yes, I believe you two are getting married, how is that working out for you?" She says before laughing.
"What have you done with him?" I ask again trying not to shout.
"Well I do remember some stupid girl thinking she could take my slave away from me. Well I took what is mine." She tells me calming her laughter.
I break down into tears. It's true it's Elena who put Christian in a coma. All because I threatened her to stay away from us. My tears are pouring down my cheeks as I know she is watching me.
"So I take it the wedding is off then?" She asks half laughing.
"Please give him back to me." I sob.
"Give me one good reason too?" She hisses into my ear.
"I'll give you anything. Please just let me have him back." I offer through tear filled eyes.
"Remember Ana you brought this on yourself. Christian will never be yours. He is my pet and the faster you understand that maybe you would be with Christian right now. I must admit that your pain for the last five days has been exquisite." She whispers into my ear.
"I'll do anything. I just want him back." I whimper out.
"You know he has been stuck in a nightmare for the past five days. One that he can't wake up from. He has been calling out your name all the time. He thinks you have abandoned him just like when you ran from him." I hear her smile.
Her words tear at my insides and expose my open soul. He thinks I have abandoned him? I would never leave him. I would even follow him to the edge of the world. I shut my eyes trying to stop my tears but they keep flooding out.
"There there Ana. You know I'm not the only woman to make him suffer. You should see his nightmares I don't even need to use my whip anymore. I have many ways I can torture him." She grins.
"Stop it! Just stop it please." I beg.
"But you seemed so confident that he was yours. How does it feel looking at him in that hospital bed helpless while he suffers?"
The mere thought of it has been killing me inside. I feel her move closer to me.
"Now how do you think he will feel when I take you and he is alone for eternity knowing the woman he loved the most was taken from him?" She whispers into my ear.
My heart breaks in two at the thought of Christian being alone forever. It would be a curse being immortal without your beloved by your side. Her hand rests on my shoulder firmly as I feel the heat from her fingers almost scorching my skin.
"You know Ana I could of just killed him instead. He maybe immortal but that is only because of me. I could of easily killed him and watched you suffer." Her words slide into my ear.
My world without Christian would be dead. I would be the same dead both inside and out. My life couldn't go on.
"Ohh poor Ana you would perish without Christian. Now Christian however could never die if he lost you even if he wanted too, I wouldn't let him." Her words sicken me.
She seems to be enjoying my heartache almost as if feeding off it. As her fingers tighten on my shoulder.
"Don't worry Ana I will give him back to you once I feel you have learned your lesson. So on that note you need to stay alive and healthy which means eating and drinking. I don't want my new item broken so soon. Now I have to get back, Christian is most likely wondering where I have gotten too." Her words like poison in my ear.
"Take me with you. Please I beg you." I call out to her as I feel her hand release my shoulder.
She must slip into the darkness behind me as my body feels the icy chill of a strong wind. Bound up I can do nothing to fight the strength of the wind as it increases. Finally as it becomes to much to take on my bare naked skin I shut my eyes tightly.
I feel warmth surrounding me in the darkness the smell that invades my senses makes me feel safe and relaxed. I open my eyes to find my head resting against my mom legs. Her large coat is covering me as I lay there. Her hand is still stroking my hair gently.
Moving to sit up catches both my dad's attention and Mia's who are stood either side of Christian's bed.
"Well look who decided to wake up." My dad calls out way too loud for me.
"How are you feeling hunny?" My mom softly asks me.
I can't even begin to give my mom an answer to that question. I shake my head and rub my eyes.
"How long was I asleep for?" I ask trying to avoid the question completely.
"Fourteen hours sweetie. You missed everyone visiting today. We didn't want to wake you." Mia answers.
Fourteen hours? I really slept that long? It sure doesn't feel like it. I have never slept fourteen hours straight since get drunk in university.
"Have the doctors been in? Or said anything?" I wonder.
"Well a female doctor came in earlier and took some of Christian's blood for more tests." Mom tells me.
I know I haven't told mom the whole truth about Christian and his magic. I swear she would think I'm crazy so I can't even begin to tell her how I now know why Christian is in a coma. I can talk to Mia but not with my mom and dad here.
"Mom could you go and get me a drink please?" I ask in a weak voice that barely feels like my own.
"Sure hun. What drink would you like?" Mom replies.
My mom trying to be helpful is only dragging this out longer.
"I'll let you pick mom." I offer.
"Do you want us to get you some food too?" Comes her next question.
"No thanks mom. I can't stomach anything." I mumble.
"Well I'll get you some sandwiches in-case you change your mind." Mom says.
I watch mom get up and head out the door with dad following right behind her. I'm sure they are worried about me and will talk about me while they head to the cafe. Right now though I need to talk with Mia and the moment the door shuts I jump up.
My fast movement startles Mia as she looks at me like I have gone crazy. I start babbling fast.
"Mia it's my fault Christian is like this? I threatened Elena told her Christian was mine that she couldn't stop the wedding?" I say all this so fast.
Mia reaches out and grabs hold of my hands gripping them firmly as she gazes into my eyes.
"Ana please slow down, I need you to take a deep breath and say that again slowly." She says nodding her head.
I find myself mimicking her actions and taking deep breathes trying to control myself.
"I just met Elena in my dreams, she told me she has Christian and that it's my fault." I say.
Mia is shaking her head.
"Ana you met Elena? How? Christian is the only one ever too of met Elena. She comes to him in his nightmares. How can she come to you now?" Mia asks puzzled.
"She's came to me before. It started right after Christian told me he loves me. Anyway she said..." I go to continue.
"What do you mean? Right after? Ana you're not making any sense. Christian sees Elena because he made the deal with her." Mia tells me.
"Yeah the deal for me." I stop.
"Ana, The deal Christian made allows Elena to take over his body when she wants. Christian told me that centuries ago." Mia says.
I freeze looking back at Mia stunned. She seems to be looking at me puzzled. What the hell is going... Oh shit! It hits me fast. Christian never told Mia the truth about what Elena wanted or Mia would of never of tried to get us together.
I look at Mia as I see the realization hit her. The colour drains from her face as she stares at me.
"Elena wants you. Christian lied to me. He knew I never would of let him do this." Mia says as I see her hands trembling.
"Mia I know Christian never wanted you to be hurt. He told me what happened the night Elena visited you during the black plague." I go to say more when Mia cuts me off.
"Tell me the deal now Ana please?" Mia begs.
I know it's not my place to tell Mia the truth about the deal but I need to make her understand.
"Mia Christian didn't know what she wanted till after he made the deal to save you." I try to explain.
"Ana just tell me the deal please?" Mia pleads.
I shut my eyes and speak the words softly.
"Elena gets Christian's one true love." I open my eyes.
I see Mia's world come crashing down before her. Her eyes are looking down before she stares at me for a moment with tears running down her face she pulls me into her arms burying her head into my shoulder.
"Oh god Ana I'm so sorry. I shouldn't of tried..." Mia sobs.
"Look Mia it's ok." I try to comfort her.
"Ana I pushed you towards him. I should of kept you away." She cries.
"Don't say that. The only time I feel alive is when I'm with him. He makes me complete. I love him." I open up to her.
I feel her grip on my tighten as I can hear her sobbing subside.
Mia pulls her head back from my shoulder gazing at me. It's like something has finally fallen into place for her.
"It makes sense now the way Christian has been all these years." Mia says.
"What do you mean?" I ask confused.
"He would never let himself get too close with any women. I thought he might of had commitment issues then he saw you in the bar and it was like his whole world changed at that moment." Mia tells me.
Her words make me blush as I turn to face Christian. Looking at his peaceful face as I dread to think what is happening inside his mind. I softly run my fingers through his hair.
"She is torturing him right now because of me."
Mia moves over to my side as I gaze down upon him. She reaches her hand over to me stroking my arm.
Ana it's not your fault." Mia goes to say more but I cut her off.
"I threatened her, i told her she couldn't stop the wedding and this is what she did." I cry out.
Mia grips my arm tightly as I break down in tears.
"Why did I provoke her?" I wail as I hold Christian's hand.
Mia moves round the side of the bed and hugs me fiercely as she whispers.
"Ana if anyone can make it through this it's Christian. He's going to be ok." Mia says as I her the tremble in her voice. Her words not really comforting either of us. Just then I think I feel Christian squeeze my hand slightly.
When my parents return I take a drink then Mia and mom convince me to try and eat something. Forcing the sandwich down, It tastes dry and stale. My own body rejects the food shortly after and I bring it up. The juice drink helps me get rid of the taste of sick and my parents eventually return to the hotel for the night after unsuccessfully trying to get me to go home for some rest.
Mia and I just can't leave him alone knowing he is being tortured but feel powerless to do anything to help or save him. We can only watch him and be here for him at his bedside.
How long would she keep him to satisfy her sick pleasure? I can't bring myself to release his hand and sit next to his bed in a chair staying next to him constantly. Looking over I see Mia curl up on the sofa and slowly drift off to sleep.
Resting my head on my arm on the bed I stare up at my handsome man wanting to be with him forever.
It's only as the first rays of sunshine try to push their way through the blinds do I even realize it's morning. I must of dozed off as the sound of birds chipping in the tree outside make me turn my head towards the window. It sounds like it will be a lovely day outside, the type of day for lovers to spend together in the park.
I feel a gentle squeeze on my hand and turn my head back to look into the smiling face of my grey eyed fiance as he gazes at me.
"Christian!" I cry out. I can't help myself as I dive at him holding him tightly against me.
So Christian's back, Ana's family have arrived and Mia is very upset. Also Taylor has come back from his holiday and is now on a mission to hunt down Jack Hyde. Where will this lead our couple?
If you would like to beta for part one or part two for me please private message me and let me know and please go onto A.M.A.Z.O.N and leave a review of The Deepest Shade of Blue or even just give it a star rating please. Thank you again for taking the time to read this. S J Wright.
