Chapter Seven: Declarations
Two days later found Eleanor and Edward visiting Marie in the hospital. Her days were numbered, and everyone knew it. It was hard on Eleanor, especially with her most recent discovery, but she was handling it as well as she could.
She couldn't bear to tell Marie what she remembered. It would break her heart if she knew. However, as Carlisle had pointed out the day before, "When have you ever kept secrets from her? Don't start now, Eleanor."
She had asked Carlisle to tell Marie on her behalf, as it would be too painful for her to do it. He had agreed, and told Marie before Eleanor came to visit, Esme taking her to the hospital later that day. Marie had been heartbroken, and had been very apologetic, as was expected. She was glad, however, that the Cullens had been so good to Eleanor in her time of need.
She was furious when she found out what Mike had done. It was her that convinced Eleanor to press charges against the boy, so when she left for the day to allow Marie time to rest, her and Esme had returned to the house to discuss meeting with Charlie. Later that day, when Carlisle had returned home, he took Eleanor to see Charlie at the police station.
It was far from a pleasant experience, what with Eleanor having a flashback to Dan while she was talking to Charlie, but both men were patient with her, Carlisle helping her out of the flashback, and Charlie silently fuming about the Newton boy. When he learned of Eleanor's most recent discovery involving Dan, he wrote it down and said that this information would be added to the file they were creating for Dan, in cooperation with the police department down south.
"What are you thinking about?" Marie asked Eleanor, bringing her out of her thoughts.
"Yesterday was hectic," Eleanor said. "I was just remembering how crazy it was."
Marie nodded sympathetically. "At least you can rest a bit, knowing Charlie will take care of both incidents," she said.
Eleanor nodded.
"How are you, Edward?" Marie asked.
Edward smiled. "I'm doing well," he said.
"Where will you be taking my daughter later?"
Edward had told Eleanor that they were going somewhere after they visited Marie. He wouldn't say where they were going, only telling her to dress warm.
"It's a secret," Edward said.
"Tell me," Marie said.
"I can't," Edward said, glancing towards Eleanor.
"You didn't tell him?" Marie asked, turning to look at Eleanor in surprise.
Eleanor shook her head. "Was I supposed to?"
Marie sighed in exasperation. "Edward, since my dear daughter hasn't told you, I might as well tell you. I can know what a person is thinking, if, and only if, they allow me to know. It's nothing like Eleanor's though." She smirked.
Eleanor groaned.
"Whoops," Marie muttered, eyes glittering with silent mirth. "Was I not supposed to say that, dear?"
Eleanor sighed. "You're annoying," she muttered.
"I know," Marie said brightly, turning to Edward.
Edward stared at the two women, shocked. "Um," he hesitated, speechless. "What?"
Marie giggled. "It's called telepathy," she said. "There are different forms of telepathy. Yours is a constant telepathy. One way. Unfiltered."
Edward stared at Marie, unsure of what to say.
"My dear mother has gifts, even though she is a human," Eleanor said. "Sort of. She's part fairy."
"What?" Edward blinked a couple of times. "You're joking, right? Fairy?"
Marie shook her head. "That takes time to explain," she said. "Eleanor can explain it later, if she wants."
Eleanor nodded.
"What gifts do you have?" Edward asked Marie.
"As I said, I can, to some extent, know what someone is thinking, if they allow me to," Marie said. "I have to focus, almost in a trance-like state, but it's useful. It works best with people I'm closest to, like Eleanor.
"I also have very sharp intuition. I know things, often more than what is told to me. I know when I am being lied to. When I can trust someone. When the people I am close to are in danger. When something is wrong or out of balance."
"It's scary," Eleanor said.
Marie snorted. "As if yours isn't as strong," she said. "If not stronger."
Eleanor shrugged.
"So," Edward began slowly. "What other gifts do you have?"
"Premonitions," Marie said. "Very strong premonitions."
"She'll get visions of things that will happen before they happen," Eleanor said.
"Similar to Alice," Edward said.
Eleanor shrugged. "I'm not sure,"
"Alice can see visions of the future, but it's subjective," Edward explained. "She sees the clearest visions of people that she knows, or people that will come in contact with people that she knows and will have a significant impact on their lives."
Marie nodded. "Mine is similar," she said. "However, my visions are usually definite. Fate, if you will. I see what is destined to happen."
"Interesting," Edward breathed. "What else?"
"Curious one, aren't you?" Marie said with a laugh
Edward smiled. "It's fascinating," he said. "Usually, humans don't have gifts. Or… they don't vocalize them."
Marie smiled. "I don't usually vocalize my gifts," she said, "but you're obviously very different from others."
Edward chuckled softly. "You could say that again," he said.
"As for my other gifts," Marie continued. "They vary in range and in strength. However, they aren't important right now."
"I beg to differ," Edward said. "You're fascinating."
"Eleanor is fascinating too," Marie said.
Eleanor groaned.
"What are your gifts, Eleanor?" Edward asked, turning to her.
"Not important," Eleanor said.
"Oh, come on," Marie cried. "Give him one, at least."
Eleanor sighed and thought for a moment. "I can also read people's thoughts," she said.
Edward stared wide-eyed.
"Shocked?" Marie asked, laughing.
Edward nodded. "How does yours work?" he asked.
Eleanor sighed. "Mine is different from my mom's," she began to explain. "My mom needs to focus really hard to hear other's thoughts. For her, sometimes she hears a thought and knows who it's from. For me, I just have to tune in. I'll be honest, I don't really use that gift, but I have it, and I can use it if needed. Like my mom, though, it's easier when I know the person."
"So… yours is stronger than Marie's?" Edward asked.
Eleanor nodded. "Yes, but I don't have to go into a trance. I can do it consciously and with little effort."
Edward stared again, shocked. "Can," he hesitated. "Can you try it with me? I want to see."
Eleanor nodded. "Come here," she said.
Edward walked over to Eleanor and stood next to her chair.
"Give me your hand," Eleanor said. "Physical contact makes it easier for me to focus, especially when I haven't done this with someone before."
Edward placed his hand into Eleanor's. She closed her eyes and turned to him, focusing.
"Think something," Eleanor said. She paused for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Gross!"
Edward chuckled. "It's not gross," he said.
"Is to me," Eleanor muttered, releasing Edward's hand.
"What did he say?" Marie asked.
"He said that mountain lions taste delicious," Eleanor gagged, disgusted.
Marie laughed. "Why did you pick that one?" she asked.
Edward shrugged. "I didn't know what to think," he said. "I figured that would surprise her enough."
"It did," Eleanor muttered. "Brat."
Edward grinned.
Marie watched the two, smiling softly. She yawned and stretched a bit.
"Are you tired?" Edward asked.
Marie nodded.
"Get some rest," Edward said. "I think it's time I take Eleanor to her surprise, anyway."
Marie smiled. "Good luck," she said, winking at Edward.
Edward smiled and nodded in thanks.
"What are you talking about?" Eleanor asked.
"You'll find out," Marie said, yawning once more. "Now, go, and let me sleep."
"Okay," Eleanor said, standing. She walked to the bed and touched her mom's hand. She leaned down and kissed her hand. "Have a good sleep," she said.
Marie smiled. "I will," she said. "You have fun tonight."
Eleanor smiled, then straightened. "I will. I love you."
"Love you too, baby girl," Marie said, closing her eyes.
"Come on," Edward said softly. "Let's go."
Eleanor nodded and turned, leading the way out of the room. "Where are we going?" she asked, once they were out.
"You'll see," Edward said. "Soon."
"I don't like surprises," Eleanor whined.
"You'll love this one," Edward said. "I'm sure of it."
"How sure?" Eleanor asked.
"Very," Edward replied, grinning.
Eleanor harrumphed.
Once they reached the car, Edward opened the door for Eleanor, before getting into the driver's side and starting the car. He pulled out of the hospital parking lot and turned onto the streets.
"How fast are you going?" Eleanor asked suddenly, feeling that the car was moving way too fast for her liking.
"A reasonable speed," Edward said. "About ninety-five or so."
Eleanor gasped. "You're going to crash!" she yelled. "Edward, slow down!"
Edward shook his head, amused. "No," he said. "No, it's all right, Eleanor. Vampires can see extremely well. Driving this speed is nothing. We run faster than this. Calm down."
Eleanor stared at Edward, shaking her head.
"Am I making you nervous?" he asked, hearing her heartbeat quicken.
Eleanor nodded, teeth clenched, eyes wide with fright.
Edward slowed the car down to a more suitable speed and touched her arm. "Better?" he asked, voice soft.
Eleanor nodded.
"I'm sorry for scaring you," Edward apologized. "I'm used to driving this fast. I didn't realize it would upset you."
"It's okay," Eleanor said, giving a small smile. "I just don't want you to get into a crash."
"Sweetheart, there is no way of me getting into a crash," Edward said, amusement thick in his voice, "but I appreciate your concern. I'll keep under the speed limit as best I can. Just remember, I'm used to going fast, so it may take time to remember, but I will try my best."
"Thank you," Eleanor said, breathing a sigh of relief and settling back into her seat.
Edward turned on the radio and tuned it to a classical station, keeping the volume low. "Do you mind?"
Eleanor shook her head.
After about an hour of driving and small talk, Edward pulled into a parking spot and got out of the car. He opened Eleanor's door and assisted her out. "Here we are," he said. "Let me just grab some things from the back."
Eleanor waited patiently for Edward. After a few moments, he returned to her side and placed her hand on his elbow. They walked in silence for a few moments before stopping.
"Where are we?" Eleanor asked.
"You'll see," Edward said, waving over a tall man. "Jason!"
Jason, a tall, well-built man, walked over and smiled at Edward. "Hey, man," he said. He eyed Eleanor and gave Edward a questioning look.
Edward nodded slightly, inclining his head to the girl. "Is everything set up?" he asked.
"Sure is," Jason said. "Right this way."
Jason led the couple to a large covered wagon with hay. Nearby, a horse snorted.
"Is that a horse?" Eleanor asked excitedly, head jerking towards the sound.
Edward nodded. "Yes," he said. "Would you like to go see him?"
"Can I?" Eleanor asked.
Jason hesitated. "Wait here," he said. He left, but returned shortly, carrying a lead rope. "He's a good horse," he explained, leading the way over to the male, who was stamping his foot, "but he's easily restless. He's had a hard life and doesn't usually like a lot of attention. If I see him show any signs of aggression, you need to do as I say and move away, fast."
Eleanor nodded as Jason clipped the lead rope onto the horse's halter. "What's his name?" she asked.
"His name is Alban," Jason said. "Alban was the Patron saint of refugees. He provided refuge to a priest during the time Christians were persecuted in Rome. The story goes, the priest wore Alban's cloak, so that when the Romans came to take him away, they took Alban instead. Since we rescued Alban, we all figured it fit him, with what he's been through."
"What does he look like?" Eleanor asked, walking towards Jason's voice.
"He's mostly all black," Jason said. "He kind of looks like Black Beauty, if you know that story?"
Eleanor nodded.
"We were going to rename him Black Beauty or Blackjack, but decided Alban fit him better."
Eleanor reached out and touched Alban's side. "Hey, buddy," she said, voice soft, stroking the horse's side.
Alban eyed Eleanor, moving his head over a little to look closer at her, watched closely by Jason.
"What's his story?" Edward asked.
"He was bred for racing, but his owners abused him, constantly. Beat the poor fellow. Burned him. Electrocuted him… If you look closely, you can see the scars on his body from abuse."
"Poor thing," Eleanor said. "I'm sorry Alban." She handed her cane to Edward, stepped closer, and placed her other hand on Alban's neck, stroking gently. "I know," she said quietly, resting her head on Alban's side. "I know, buddy. Trust me, I know."
Alban whinnied softly and brought his head over to Eleanor, resting it on her shoulder.
"I'll be damned," Jason breathed, watching Eleanor hug the giant creature. "He's never once done that with any one of us here."
Eleanor smiled and kissed Alban's neck. "You're a tall horse, aren't you?" she said.
"He's 16 hands tall," Jason said.
"How tall is that?" Eleanor asked.
"He's around 5 and a half feet, maybe give an inch or so."
Eleanor rested her forehead on Alban's side. She stood there for a moment, smiling softly, running her hands along the creature, her movements slow and gentle. The horse, in response, nuzzled up to her and nickered.
"You're a good boy," Eleanor whispered.
Alban gently butted his head against Eleanor's shoulder.
Eleanor shook her head. "Shut up, brat," Edward heard her mutter, her voice not loud enough for Jason to pick up.
Alban snorted.
Eleanor shook her head again and looked towards Edward. "Hay-ride?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Are you ready?" Edward asked. "You can spend more time with Alban, if you'd like."
Eleanor shook her head. "He's being a brat," she said, patting Alban's back.
Edward placed Eleanor's cane into her hand. "This way," he said, leading the way. "Will you be driving, Jason?"
"Yes," Jason replied, eyeing the couple, smiling slightly.
Once all were in the wagon, the ride began. The pace was slow and leisurely. Edward described everything he could see, to the best of his ability, not being the best at describing things. He tried though, and Eleanor appreciated it.
"We're coming to a stop soon," Jason called from the front.
"What do you see?" Eleanor asked Edward.
Edward peered out at the scenery, trying to find the right words to describe what he could see. "I see flowers," he said. "Many blossoming. All colors. Reds. Golds. Pinks. There are tall apple trees around the area we're approaching. They look like they will provide adequate shade."
"For what?"
"For the picnic," Edward said, tapping one of the objects he had retrieved from his car.
"What's that?" Eleanor asked.
"An icebox," Edward said. "Packed with ice, drinks, sandwiches, and some salads. In another bag, I have an insulated bowl of food, packed by Esme herself."
"You planned this," Eleanor said.
"I did," Edward agreed, as the wagon slowed to a stop, and Jason hopped down.
"Here we are," he said.
"It looks wonderful," Edward said, beaming at Jason. "Thank you very much for this. I appreciate it."
Jason nodded, brushing aside the complement with a wave of his hand. "Don't mention it," he said. Turning to Eleanor, he added, "You're more than welcome to come back and visit Alban, any time, Eleanor. He obviously likes you. A lot. It's touching, knowing his past."
"I can relate to him, unfortunately," Eleanor said quietly.
Jason bowed his head. "I'm sorry," he said solemnly.
"Me too," Eleanor said, allowing Edward to help her down from the wagon, "but it's okay. The Cullens are really nice, and Alban is an absolute sweetheart when he's not being a brat."
Alban snorted.
"It's almost as if he can understand you," Jason said with a chuckle.
"He can," Eleanor said firmly. "Brat."
Edward chuckled. "Would you mind if I got a picture with the two of you?" he asked.
Eleanor stepped next to Alban, and put an arm around his neck, grinning. The horse stared straight at the phone and even winked when the picture was taken.
"Nice," Edward said, pocketing the phone.
"Well, I'll leave you two to your picnic," Jason said, getting back into the wagon. "Are you sure you don't need me to come back and collect you, Edward?"
Edward nodded. "We'll be fine," he said. "Thank you."
Alban stared at Eleanor.
"Come say goodbye to your new friend," Jason said. "He's staring at you, and not listening to me."
Eleanor laughed and approached Alban. Giving him a big hug and kissing his neck, she rubbed his side and whispered, "I'll be back, buddy. Don't worry."
Alban brought his head over to Eleanor's shoulder once more. Eleanor kissed his cheek and stepped away, raising her hand to wave at the horse. "You listen to Jason, you got it?" she said firmly, waggling her finger at Alban.
Alban nodded.
"Did he just nod?" Jason breathed.
Edward nodded, biting back a grin.
"So, I'm not seeing things?"
Edward shook his head. "You're too young to be seeing things."
"Well," Jason said after a few moments. "I will see you around then."
Edward nodded and waved him off. Once he was gone, he turned to Eleanor. "Ready to go?" he asked. "The meadow is just a few feet away."
Eleanor nodded.
Edward took her hand and led her into a beautiful meadow. "This looks like my meadow," he commented.
"Your meadow?"
"I have a meadow in Forks, deep in the forest. This looks similar to it. I can show you sometime if you'd like?"
"Sure," Eleanor said, smiling.
Edward paused and released Eleanor's hand. Taking a blanket from his bag, he spread it on the ground in front of them. He placed the cooler and bag on the blanket and took a seat. "Have a seat," he said, patting the spot next to him.
Eleanor crouched down and took a seat on the large blanket.
"Hungry?" Edward asked, pulling the food closer to them.
Eleanor nodded. "Let's see what you've got," she said, reaching for the food. She touched the warm containers, a questioning look on her face.
"Rice and beans with steak and sauce," Edward said. "The sauce is separate so you can add it to whatever you'd like."
Eleanor nodded.
Edward pressed another bowl into Eleanor's hand. "One for you to eat out of," he said. "If you need another, let me know."
"You prepared well," Eleanor said.
"I know," Edward said, a smile in his voice.
Eleanor settled back and served herself some food. She took another bowl to put some salad in and took a bottle of sweet tea from the very small cooler. Edward watched her, a small smile on his face the entire time.
"Hey, Eleanor?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you hear Alban?"
Eleanor nodded.
"How?"
"Well," Eleanor turned to face Edward. "Animals are easier to communicate with. They want to communicate with us. They just don't know how. It's very easy to communicate with them. It's almost like making a mental link from my mind to theirs. I don't usually try to communicate with animals, but sometimes, there are exceptions."
"And Alban is one of those exceptions?"
Eleanor nodded. "He's a sweetheart," she said. "He's been through a lot. I know Jason already said that, but I could feel it."
"Feel it?"
"I'm an empath," Eleanor said. "Not like Jasper, no. It's more that I can feel emotions but can't control them. And it isn't strong. It's hard to explain. It's almost as if I just know what people are feeling. I can, sometimes, feel it myself, but it's more of a knowing. I can ignore it though."
"How?"
"By shielding. I can teach you if you want."
"Please," Edward practically begged. "I can't stand hearing everyone's thoughts all the time."
"I understand," Eleanor said. "I can also show Jasper how to shield, too. I'm surprised none of you know about this."
"We don't look into our gifts," Edward said, shrugging. "I don't know why, but we don't."
"Well, screw that," Eleanor said. "I'll help you guys strengthen your gifts and work with them, rather than against them. Some of you, you included, like to work against them, rather than working with them. You ignore people's thoughts, which is fine, but you get irritated with your gift, rather than embracing it. That's fine. That's normal, and expected, but it can be a good thing if you let it."
"Amazing," Edward breathed. "Your mom was right. Your intuition is spot on."
"Practice," Eleanor said. "You learn to listen to your gut when you live with people like Dan."
Edward nodded. "I'm so sorry for what you have been through, Eleanor," Edward whispered. "I know it can't be easy, at all. You're so strong, and so brave. I'm constantly amazed by your strength and determination to survive. Even if it's hard, you still fight against everything that you've been through. You amaze me to no end."
"Thank you," Eleanor said, eyes filled with tears. "It's hard, dealing with it. There's always reminders. Nightmares. Flashbacks. Dissociation. Anxiety. It sucks."
"I know," Edward said, touching Eleanor's arm. "I'm so sorry. Can I tell you something?"
Eleanor nodded.
Edward took her hand and peered into her eyes. "Over the past week or so, I've grown to know you. Grown to like you. Grown to develop very strong feelings for you. Feelings that I can't ignore. I know it's soon, and it probably sounds bizarre to you. I know this is sudden, and you're probably wondering why feelings have developed so quickly."
Eleanor nodded.
"Well, you see how Carlisle and Esme are. How Alice and Jasper are. How Rose and Emmett are. They're mates. I wasn't sure at first, so spoke with Carlisle. I didn't understand why I felt so protective of you. Why I was so angry when I discovered how hurt you've been. Why my heart ached whenever I saw you in pain or distress. I thought that was normal, for friends. Carlisle assured me that it was normal to care, for friends, however, to the extent that it is now, is not normal for people who are just friends. To add to that, your blood doesn't bother me. I can still smell it, but it doesn't affect me, like most human blood does. I could never dream of harming you in any way, shape, or form. I want nothing more than to protect you and keep you safe. Carlisle explained to me that this is because you are my mate. The one that I am supposed to be with, forever. My true mate."
Eleanor smiled. "I figured as much," she said.
"You… what?"
"I didn't know for sure, but I figured something was up. The way you acted. My intuition. It all made sense."
Edward stared at Eleanor, amazed. "So, what do you think?" he asked, after a few moments of silence had passed.
"Well," Eleanor paused. "I'm not sure. I'm not doubting what you're feeling, or what Carlisle said, at all. I understand the concept of true mates. I'm just not sure, on my end, what to think. I mean, it's really hard for me, having living with Dan. I haven't really had any boyfriends before. Well, not serious ones, anyway. I guess I'm just worried."
"About what?"
Eleanor took in a deep breath, before letting it out slowly. "I… It's just… How can someone still like me after everything I've been through? After knowing I'm covered in scars. Damaged goods?"
Edward placed a cool finger against Eleanor's lips, effectively stopping her from talking. He shook his head. "None of that," he said firmly. "Eleanor, what you have been through doesn't make my feelings for you any less strong. As I said before, I'm amazed by your strength and determination to survive. As for scars, hell, Eleanor, scars don't define you. They show what you have been through. They show that you are a fighter. Sweetheart, listen to me, and listen well. I love you for you, and nothing can change that. Not anything you say, do, or have experienced. Jessica was wrong when she told you that no one would want to be with you because of your past." At Eleanor's questioning look, Edward said, "Carlisle told me. He warned me that when I did tell you, that you might be hesitant, because of your past. He wanted me to know what Jessica had told you, so that I was aware of what might be going through your head. Speaking of what Jessica told you, you did not deserve what happened to you, do you understand?"
Eleanor looked away, eyes filling with tears.
Edward took Eleanor's chin into his hand and wiped away her tears with his thumb. "You don't deserve it," he repeated. "No one deserves what hell you were put through. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. No child should have gone through what you went through. Nor should any adult have gone through what Marie went through."
"But I'm blind," Eleanor whispered. "Why would you want to be with a blind person?"
Edward shook his head again, amazed at how many insecurities Eleanor seemed to have. "I don't care," he said firmly. "I don't care that you're blind. I don't care that you have scars. I don't care that you've had a hard life. Well, I do, but… Oh, you know what I mean. The point is, and I will say it again, and again, and again. I love you for you, including your past, your scars, your blindness, and anything else you want to bring up. You are you, and I love you for that."
Edward pulled Eleanor into his arms, where she started to cry in earnest, and rocked her back and forth. "Happy tears?" he asked. "Sad tears? Angry tears? Edward, shut up tears?"
Eleanor laughed. "Happy," she said, laying her head on Edward's shoulder. "I've developed feelings for you too, but it's going to take time for me to work through my insecurities. I'm still so confused and scared."
"I know," Edward said. "I'll be with you every step of the way. We will take things slow, I promise."
"Thank you," Eleanor whispered.
Edward smiled and kissed Eleanor's forehead. "My pleasure," he said. "Now, continue eating, or Esme will have my ass, if she knows you didn't eat."
Eleanor laughed again. "She's a good mom, Esme," She said, picking up her food.
"She really is," Edward said. "She loves you so much, you know. We all do. Even Rosalie, though hers isn't quite as strong as the others, if I'm being honest."
"Why?" Eleanor asked.
"That's her story to tell," Edward said. "She'll tell you someday."
"I thought she hated me at first," Eleanor said.
Edward shook his head. "She's never hated you."
"That's a relief." Eleanor took a bite of food before speaking again. "So, does everyone know you've developed feelings for me?"
"Yes," Edward said. "And when you're not around, they tease me to no end."
"I would say I'm sorry, but I'm not."
Edward snorted. "Now who's the brat?"
Eleanor tilted her head, giving Edward big, innocent eyes. "Not me," she said, pouting. "I could never be a brat."
Edward chuckled softly. "Stop that," he muttered. "You're making me feel like I actually have a hart."
Eleanor burst out laughing. "Score!" she cried. "I made a vampire feel undead!"
Edward shook his head, amused. "Brat," he muttered, laughing as Eleanor swatted his arm.
"How is the food?" Edward asked.
"Delicious, as always," Eleanor said. "Esme is a good cook."
"She enjoys cooking for you," Edward said.
"I know," Eleanor said. "Do you know how to cook?"
Edward nodded. "I can, yes. I just prefer to let Esme do her thing. It makes her feel more like a mother."
Eleanor smiled softly. "Speaking of mother's…" she trailed off, tapping the bowl with a finger, and staring off.
Edward took her hand. "I'm sorry," he said softly.
"I just… why wouldn't she just let Carlisle turn her into one of you?"
"She must have her reasons," Edward said.
"But she wouldn't have to be in pain. She wouldn't have to die."
"She may feel that isn't for her," Edward said. "Being a vampire is a permanent lifestyle. She may have felt… Oh hell, sweetheart, I don't know what she may be feeling. All I know is, she loves you very much, and wants to see you happy and safe before she goes."
"Do you think she knew this was going to happen? That she was going to die?"
"It's possible," Edward said, "but let's not talk about this right now. Marie is still alive. Enjoy it while you can. Spend as much time as you can with her. Treasure this."
"I am," Eleanor said softly. "I just… I just don't want to lose her. We've been through everything together. She taught me everything I know about my gifts. She's the only thing I have left."
Edward shook his head, rubbing circles into Eleanor's palm with his thumb. "You have us too. All of us. You will never be alone again. We will help you through this. I'm sure she has her reasons, sweetheart, and they must be bigger than you or I know. Remember that."
Eleanor nodded. "Can we head back, please?"
"Of course. Is anything wrong, or…"
Eleanor shook her head. "I think I ate too much. Just enough to have a mild stomachache. Nothing bad, don't worry. It happens sometimes."
"Did you not eat much before?" Edward asked gently.
Eleanor nodded. "My mom and I ate, but we were only allowed to get enough groceries to stay alive. No seconds were allowed, unless it was for Dan."
Edward scowled, biting back a growl. "Carlisle will give you something when we return."
"Yeah, about that. How are we getting back?"
"I had originally planned for us to walk back," Edward said, "but given that you are in pain…"
"I can walk," Eleanor said. "It might actually help with the pain."
"If it becomes too much, please say something."
Eleanor shrugged. "I make no promises."
Edward sighed. "In time," he said. "Everything will take time. Come on. When we get back, and if you are feeling up to it, perhaps you can explain more about your gifts."
Eleanor nodded, standing. "Sounds like a plan."
Eleanor nodded. "I can do that," she said. "Need me to carry anything?"
Edward shook his head. "I've got it."
Eleanor fell into step beside Edward, her hand on his elbow. They moved slower than normal on account of Eleanor's pain, but they made good time.
"Are you sure you're all right?" Edward asked, catching Elanor as she nearly tripped over a branch.
Eleanor nodded.
"How much pain are you in?"
"Enough."
Edward stopped walking and set his burden down.
"What are you doing?" Eleanor asked.
"I'm carrying you to the car," Edward said.
"But the food."
"I will come back for it once you are safely in the car. I'm going to pick you up, all right?"
Eleanor nodded.
Edward scooped Eleanor up and brought her face to his chest. "Close your eyes."
"Wy?"
"Because I'm going to run, and I'd rather your eyes not sting from the speed."
"Run?"
"You won't even notice. Trust me."
Eleanor hesitated but closed her eyes.
Edward made sure she was comfortable before taking off, the trees flashing by.
Edward was right. The only thing Eleanor felt was the wind as it rushed by. The run was smooth, almost as if Edward glided above the ground.
Once they reached the car, Edward set Eleanor in the passenger's seat, reclining the seat so she could rest.
"I will return momentarily," Edward said. "The supplies aren't far away."
Eleanor sat back, expecting Edward to be gone for a long time, but he was back in minutes, loading the car with the picnic items.
"Ready to go home?"
Eleanor nodded. "Ready to learn about shielding?"
"Only after you're no longer in pain."
Eleanor smiled.