Erica's POV!
"I think you're healed enough now." My mother said smiling while looking over my now flawless arm.
"Thank goodness, I really didn't want to have to stay in here for another couple of days. I miss my bed." I said putting my feet on the floor.
"Just make sure you take it easy." My father said.
"I know father." I said.
"We'll let you get dressed sweetheart." She said before they disappeared out the door.
Finally standing up in what felt like ages, I feared my legs would collapse from not moving for so long and I would fall to the ground but, that wasn't the case I actually felt strong. Finding the clothes that were left on the chair, I grabbed the tank top off the top of the pile and went to remove my shirt but, I paused and looked down, dropping the tank top I was holding. Realizing how much I missed while I was healing I put my hand on my now slightly swollen abdomen and could help but be amazed. Within the week and a half that I was unconscious my normally flat stomach had grown in size and was now a reasonable sized bump.
As I starred at my stomach I could hear the multiple footsteps that were coming around the corner so turned to face the already open door expecting to see my parents but, instead I was starring at Jacob, Elijah and April faces as they stood in the door way, I couldn't hide the shock and protectiveness I felt over Elijah, Jacob and my baby when I seen her but, it also brought flashes of that night. April's teeth digging into my skin, blood dripping from the bites and also down her chin and the wild look in her eyes as she continued to cut open my flesh enjoying every minute of it. As if it was a reflex my hand flew to my stomach and I backed up. Elijah's eyes glanced down at my hand on my stomach before speaking.
"Don't worry, she's not her to hurt you." He said stepping forward into the room.
"I promise I wont even come near you but, I wanted to apologize for everything Erica." April said putting her head down.
I calmed down a little but, that was only because I trusted Elijah and I knew he wouldn't have allowed this if it wasn't safe. With my hand was still placed on my stomach where the baby sat trying to protect it just in case, I stepped forward and made my way over to them, planting myself at Elijah's side holding onto him for dear life with my bump pressed up against his side. I thought about what I should say or do but, I realized it wasn't her fault. Caroline had manipulated her and it was because of that I knew it couldn't hold it against her so I did want anyone would do.
"I forgive you." I said.
Looking around at everyone's face, I could see the shock and confusion in both Jacob and April's face but, when I looked at Elijah there was no shock or confusion he only smiled as if he already knew what I was going to say. April went on apologizing for pretty much ever single bite or scratch she gave me and how she was sorry that she almost killed the baby but, I stopped her from saying anymore. She left a couple hours after that because the sun was getting ready to come up. Jacob offered to show her out but, only because he didn't trust her to be alone in our house. With everyone gone Elijah and I finally had time to talk.
"I've missed you so much." he said putting his hand on my cheek.
"I missed you too." I said pulling him closer to me.
"I don't know what I'd do without you. Both of you." he said slowly but, there was something hidden in his voice.
"Elijah, what's wrong?" I asked searching his face.
"I saw exactly what was going to happen and I thought I could somehow change it but, you still got hurt and it's all my fault." he said as sadness took over him.
"You saved my life. I would have died if you didn't get me back here as soon as you did but, I'm fine now. Look at me. No bites. No scratches. No scars." I said lifting my arms up so he could see. "And look, the baby is fine." I said putting his hand on my stomach.
I felt his body stiffen at the contact but, he relaxed and even smiled. When the sun started to shine through the curtains almost reaching us we moved out of the path of the sunlight that seeped in running across the floor and decided to go back to our room. We walked at human pace the whole way but, it was when we reached the stairs that we used our speed and ran up to our bedroom door before walking in. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see my bed in my 154 years of living. The softness of the duvet feeling amazing under my skin as I instantly climbed into bed snuggling into the fluffy bedding. Elijah laughed at me but, climbed in just after I did. We cuddled up beside each other and settled into our comfortable silence.
"Thank you, for forgiving April." He said.
"None of this was her fault, I'm just glad we are finally free of Caroline." I told him truthfully.
"You and I both, love." He answered back.
"I love you Elijah." I told him.
"I love you too Erica." He said pulling me closer to him.
"Did April say why she choose to help Caroline?" I asked him.
"She wanted me to know what it was like having someone I cared about taken away from me." He said slowly.
"I know I should feel bad but, I don't. You coming into my life was the best thing that ever happened to me, besides this baby. If I could, I would changes things so you could still see your parents but, other than that I wouldn't change a single thing about our life." I told him.
"Neither would I."
