PRAYERS ANSWERED
Disclaimer: The Cullen's, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline.
The awesome and talented dowlingnana searched out my errors and corrected them.
"Well, since I had success with the lady I do believe that I've got the knack down to be able to try with Isabella. I want her to have the comfort of knowing that things are going to be better soon." So with that said Edward and Michael headed back to Bella's apartment.
Edward did forget that he hadn't conquered the knack of being able to write her a note as yet, but, with all that he had learnt thus far that shouldn't be a problem for him. He's about to move objects with help, he's been able to get someone to feel his touch and to hear his whispered words, so, all things should fall into place with the step he's about to take.
CHAPTER 7: HERE'S HOPE
"Michael, I want to go back to the first place we encountered Isabella's family. For some reason I need to review that event once again. And, if I remember correctly paper and pen is always next to the phone in the house for taking notes and so forth. That is where I'll be able to practice learning to write the notes that are going to be needed for both sides of the family." Edward was talking to his advisor in an absence minded manner as he was still turning possible actions over in his own mind.
Michael looked at Edward for a very long moment and it was during that moment that he was trying to figure out what it was that Edward was trying to do. He was wondering why Edward was wanting to go that far back, the first scene really of the young woman's history, and just what was it that he was looking for or hoping to gain. No ready answers came to mind and he was a bit hesitant to ask the young man what was so important about that particular scene. What was it that had stood out that he felt it needed a second viewing?
But in the grand scheme of things he did need to know to be able to help guide his young student. So, very cautiously he asked, "Edward, why are we going back to when Isabella was born?"
"No, that isn't where we're going back to. We're going back to the very first time we heard the name Swan; the time when Renee Swan had miscarried and was upset over the fact. We're going to the first time ever." Was his answer.
"But, why? What is taking place during that occurrence that has you wanting to review it again?"
"Not, sure, but, there's something inside me that is saying I need to start at that point."
"Then if that is what instinct is telling you to do that is what you need to do. Are we going together, or, is this something that you want to do on your own?"
"Of course, we're going together. We started this journey together and we'll definitely be finishing it together no matter the outcome." Edward firmly told Michael in all sincerity. "Michael, you aren't only helping me to try to regain what I've lost, but, you've become my friend; almost like a brother, really in what seems a very short period of time. I can't imagine how I would be dealing with all of this or handling what needed to be done without you and your off the wall help."
Michael was touched by the sentiment expressed by Edward, but, he was still curious as to what it was that was calling him back to that very first scene. Did he see something, but, not realize it, or, the importance of it? Was it a person, the place, or, a thing that needed to be reviewed once more? Finally, was it something to do with Isabella, with Edward and his situation, or, maybe, both in some weird sort of way?
Whatever it was they would be taking a closer look around to try and locate what was pulling Edward back to that time slot, but, still it would help him to possibly be able to help Edward to focus more if he had some kind of clue what to keep an eye open for.
So, with a sigh and a shake of the head Michael tells Edward to lead the way and he would follow. Nothing more needed to be said for Edward to close his eyes, Michael places a hand on Edward's shoulder and the scene shifts back to the time period when Edward and Michael first encountered the Swans' and Renee's sorrow at the loss of another child because of miscarriage. And just as before when the scene becomes sharper and the wailing louder Edward and Michael take a closer look at all things around them. And, just as he had thought Edward did spy the notepad and pen lying next to the phone.
He quickly moved over to it and attempted to pick up the pen so he could write a message of hope for Renee and Charlie Swan about the future, but, was unable to complete the task. Once more he tried, but, with the same results. Edward felt the first signs of frustration start to build up within himself and knew what that led to usually; after all, it was that sense of frustration that came so often in the past that would help him find trouble or for trouble to find him, he never really figured out which it was, but, he knew that had to be a habit of the past and best left there, it's not for now or the future. Quickly pushing it away, or, at least, as much as he was able, Edward tried again and again, but, still with the same results: nothing.
Michael, at first, had been busy looking around at everything trying to work out what it was that led Edward back to this moment in time since it wasn't the time slot he thought Edward had made a reference to, but, he found no answers; nothing to indicate why Edward would have chosen to return to this particular time. Then glancing over at Edward and watching his attempts to pick up a material object and how he was handling his frustration Michael decided that he needed to get Edward to pause long enough to think about his approach.
"Edward, you're slipping back into a mortal habit. Stop and consider what it is that you are wanting to do and then thing about what you need to do to accomplish that task. You're restricting yourself once again."
"It looks so damn easy when you do it."
"That's because I've had a lot more time to learn and practice then you have. But, you must also remember that you've been given a chance to discover the real killer and to gather the evidence to bring him to justice. Also, to help another along the path of discovery. This is in hopes of you being returned so you will have enough time for a stay of execution to be issued because of the new evidence that will clear you.
"However, while you are here in this realm I need to once more remind that you must accomplish things by the ruling concepts that exist in this life that will help you to achieve your necessary tasks." Michael explained to Edward in a reminding manner meant to instruct, but, not criticize.
"Michael, I didn't think that I was using any mortal habits or methods, rather, when I was trying to pick up the pen so I could leave a quick note for the Swans."
"You might not have realized it, but, I believe that you were and that is why I'm asking you again to take your time and think about what you want to do and how best you can accomplish this.
"Don't rush it and don't try to force things, just as in the mortal life, you have to use the right muscle power.
"In the mortal world the muscle power is what's under the skin that is put into action by the signals sent from your brain. Here your muscle power is the energy that is around you and what you're constructed of that works with brain. You have to learn to concentrate that energy into following through with whatever physical action it is that you're wanting to perform.
"Some of the same principles are used in the same way in either realm of life, but, it takes concentration and practice to be able to achieve the physical side of an action in this realm of life, Edward.
"So, once again I will remind you to know what you want to do and then to think about the action required to accomplish it. Once you've done that then you reach out and work on doing it." Michael finished patiently explaining to Edward as he also gave Edward a gentle smile.
Edward had listened with complete interest to all that his companion had been telling him while nodding every so often to indicate that he was hearing what was being told to him and to show that he was understanding what was being explained. So, it was after listening to all that Michael had told him once more that Edward paused, closed his eyes, centered his concentration, decided upon his exact task and what was needed to achieve it and then he stepped forward to try to pick up the pen one more time. But, unfortunately, he still failed—again.
However, there was no sign of frustration this time as he took a much unneeded breath as he really didn't breathe any more, and tried again. This time he did manage to get the pen to move, but, had difficulty in picking it to write.
Edward continued to patiently keep trying in the same manner that he had used to communicate with the lady in the alleyway. Finally, he was able to grasp the pen and start to write, but, he didn't pause at doing just one note; no, he took the time to write two notes. One he put in his pocket and the other he looked around for a good place to leave it so the Swans would be able to see it.
Michael wasn't standing close enough to Edward to observe what the young man had written and didn't see until Edward had placed it onto the phone itself, facing outwards. It read: Grieve for a short while for what has been lost, but, keep your faith for soon the fruit of your love and faith shall truly come to pass and the light will shine for you.
Once Michael had read those words of encouragement for the grieving couple he couldn't help, but, smile at how well Edward seemed to be handling things overall and how caring he was being in his need and concern for the young woman and the parents she lost through actions she had no control over. However, Michael was curious about the other note that Edward had written, but, he assumed that it was the one he had mentioned about leaving for young Isabella.
After placing the note Edward moved back over to stand beside Michael and told him that he was ready to return to check on Isabella before taking care of the next order of business. So, as soon as Michael placed his hand on Edward's shoulder things faded and they returned to their current place in time.
Edward had chosen to return to Isabella's apartment and just as they were situated in a corner the young woman turned her head in that direction and smiled without saying a word. She was laying on a make shift pallet on the floor and the covers that Michael had placed on her before they had returned to the past were still wrapped snuggly around her.
Moving forwards Edward bent down and gently ran his crooked finger down one cheek while whispering for her to continue to have faith, keep the hope alive just a little longer as help was on the way very soon. That was when he laid the second note he had written next to her. But, as he backed away both he and Michael saw her reach out to take a hold of the note and read it.
She read it for a second time and then very quietly said, "I will for you, mine, for you." Then she turned over and drifted off to sleep. It was then that Michael was able to see the note that Edward had given her. It read: Be strong and patient. Your prayers are answered and the ones that have always loved you most are coming for you.
A/N: Edward finally managed to get his notes written. Did his words mean anything to the ones he left them for? Were they the right words to give hope where it was needed and encouragement where it was needed as well?
Let me know your thoughts and ideas.
