I know, I know. I have been hiding for the past month. I can explain, really, and the people that know me can tell you it's true. I've been super busy. School's been really hard on me, along with applications for the school I'm going to and many other important projects going on. I never had the time. I'm so sorry.
This one is a bit short, but it's for good reason. This was never meant to be a long one anyway (I'm not a slacker!!!) I hope you enjoy, and I apologize for my absence.
Chapter 20: The Decent
The ride home was silent. I dragged behind from the group while running and sat in the very back of the plane on the long ride home. I sat staring out the window, watching the clouds rush by me as thought about the previous events. The soft delicate hand, the beautiful face turned horrid, and the sting of the hand across my face. I didn't want to think about it, but my mind kept drifting to it. I would have blamed the voice for the memories, but it was gone. Jane kept looking at me from a couple of seats ahead, and each time I would tell her I was fine and I just wanted to be alone. She would nod and turn away. She knew that I wasn't.
Marcus was also looking at me, anguish painted his face. He was upset, that much was certain. But I was too upset to talk to him. I couldn't let myself hurt him, even if he did the same to me.
My love for him was decreasing. I fought the flames, the anger threatening us. I was using everything I had. I couldn't bear the thought of losing him, even if he wasn't what I wanted. The thought ripped the hole in my chest further. I never wanted to lose him. It didn't matter if I didn't love him the same, it didn't matter if he hit me. I needed him. I just didn't know how yet.
I love him. I love him, I love him, I love him.
Do I?
The sense of uncertainty gave me shivers.
It was late when we arrived. I nearly leaped out of the plane, wanting to get home as soon as possible. The halls of the underground palace felt empty and cold. It gave me chills. I crossed my arms over my chest.
"Anna," I turned to see Jane standing behind me, "Come with me." She smiled. I followed her to her room.
We sat on the bed, "Yes?" I said.
"Marcus."
"What about him?"
She seemed confused, "Aren't you angry?"
I considered the question for a moment, I was unsure.
She sighed, "Well, at least you were able to convince him that you loved him. Aro wouldn't budge."
I froze, "W-what?"
"I was so tired of being the little one, only on the guard. I've seen how vampires move up in rank when they are dating another. It struck a chord in my head. Aro favored me; so it didn't seem too hard to, entice him.
"So I planned. I figured out what I would need to do to woo him. Keeping track of what he did, what interested him, and especially how to keep a secret.
"I figured out how about a week before you arrived. I was scared of you; I thought you would foil my plan. I never knew why I felt that way; you were just a human, a silly, foolish human."
I stared at her with wide eyes, "But, what about that day? The day you told him?"
She laughed, "I wasn't crying because I loved him; I was crying because my plan was ruined. It didn't work. It infuriated me. It just so happens that my anger worked in my favor."
I stared at the floor. I couldn't look at her.
"If I were you it'd be best to stay with him."
I looked up.
"It wouldn't be smart to break up with him. He would take it the wrong way. There could be fatal consequences."
I gasped and held on to the bedpost, fearing that I would fall.
"He wouldn't."
"He would."
I shut my eyes tight.
"You know it's true, Anna. He would do it."
I tried to hold back a cry as she stood up.
"Come on," she said, "We need to go. Let's get out of here."
We lay in bed, his arm protectively around my waist. I was staring out the window, his breath cold at my ear. The heat from outside felt incredible.
He had apologized. I never did formally accept, but what choice did I have? He still loved me, and that was the only way I could survive here. There was no other way.
No, there was no other way.