Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, just my original characters and the plot regarding the Fey's
AN: I'm actually surprised I managed to write over the target word count for this chapter. My week has been really shit and I didn't think I was even going to get this chapter out in time, but here we are, so enjoy! ~ Hannah
Reviews for Chapter Forty:
Debbie Hicks - Go away you cretin.
Moonlight Starlove - Thanks :) I'll try. Things aren't solved yet mind!
Arkytior's Song - Haha, just hold on a little longer, I promise he is coming back :)
Chapter Forty-One – Problems
The problem with descending into madness was that you didn't quite know where you were when you woke up. Or that's what it felt like. I couldn't pinpoint how long I'd been unconscious for or how I had ended up where I was now. All I knew was that my mind was calm in a way that I'd sorely missed since the Cullen's had left. It was so peaceful, so still. I didn't feel like I was quaking in my boots or like I was going to vomit from the pain in my chest. I felt like I could breathe normally again and like nothing could harm me.
"You can open your eyes now; we all know you're awake."
"Bella?" I questioned though I didn't know my voice could sound so croaky.
"I'm here Ella. You gave us quite a scare. Can you open your eyes and sit up for us please?"
I groaned, it wasn't that I didn't want to do what Bella had asked but rather I couldn't will my body to move. I heard some shuffling then some arms appeared around me and helped to lift me up into a sitting position. Eyes firmly shut I willed myself to open them. It was light and airy and though it first hurt to blink, my eyes slowly got used to my surroundings. Having Bella sitting so close to me was a relief because I was feeling vulnerable and being near my twin was the best medicine for me.
I could also see Adrian, Angela, Tyler, Rose, Emmett and Angela's Mum. I was surprised Dad wasn't here.
"How do you feel?"
"Tired."
"Why didn't you tell us Ella?" asked Bella.
"Tell you what?"
She glared at me as if daring me not to know. I wasn't being difficult; it's just I was still piecing everything together and was still wrapped in the warm cocoon of sleep.
"How long have you been feeling this way? The blackouts? The hysteria? Why didn't you say anything?"
Oh, that's what they meant.
I took to fiddling with my hands while I thought of a suitable response.
"At first I didn't realise anything was wrong. I thought it was just a reaction to being stressed about the group project. When I noticed, it getting worse I began to doubt myself, sometimes I think I knew what was happening and then other times I'd think I was hallucinating. I became paranoid that if I told anyone you'd cart me off to a mental institute. Before long I couldn't tell the difference between life and make believe and by then my mind was too warped for me to even work out I needed help."
"We need to know who Marco is and why we haven't met him when you've been spending so much time with him."
I frowned wondering why they needed to know. A part of my brain seemed to understand the question while the rest of me just sat in a puddle of confusion.
"Marco is the guy Sophie and I are matched with in our group project. You haven't met him because he was AWOL when we filmed the extra scenes."
"How do you feel around Marco."
"I feel, I feel, it's like—"
I frowned. I knew what I wanted to say, that Marco scared the crap out of me but at the same time filled me with hope and longing and feelings that I had for Edward I sometimes had for Marco but I couldn't say them. I was trying but I couldn't get the words out, why couldn't I get the words out?
"Marco is—"
"Yes?"
"It's like when I'm with him I—"
"You what?"
"I can't—"
"Stop Ella."
"Adrian what's wrong?" asked Bella.
"There is a block on her mind. If she continues to try and say what she feels about Marco, it's going to cause her a lot of pain. Can you describe what he looks like?"
I shook my head, "no, when I picture him now his face is all fuzzy."
"This is worse than I originally thought. When did you first meet Marco?"
"On the first day of camp, we bonded over the over-excited camp helper."
"Shit."
"What? What does this mean Adrian?" asked Bella.
"It means that Marco has had a long time to ingrain himself into Ella's subconscious and to impact her dreams with such scary accuracy. For whatever reason, Marco wants Ella. I just wish I knew if he was working alone of working for another."
"Does that really matter?"
"Yes. If he's working alone then perhaps he just has an infatuation for Ella that has grown to obsession but if he's working for another then we must conclude that this has something to do with the brewing war. It makes no sense to go after Ella, as I've said before, I had expected them to go after you Bella. I suppose they went for Ella thinking she was a weak target because she is so often alone, which begs the question, how long have they been planning this?"
"You think this is an expert mission?"
"I don't know what it is but I think to ignore it would be foolish. Ella, is there any way you can limit the interaction you have with Marco?"
"Not really, I mean we have this major project together. We still need to film the three of us singing the song for the music video as well as finish writing the song together. Plus, we have to give a live performance of the song on the last day of camp."
"We should inform Edward of this development," said Rose.
"No don't, it will only cloud his mind."
"Ella what are you talking about? Edward deserves to know that someone is after you. He'd want to keep you safe."
"He left to keep me safe remember. Think of what it will do to him to know that I'm in even more danger, he won't know what to do with himself and it might put him off his game. What if something happens while he's distracted?"
"I think you're being stupid. Edward can take care of himself but I don't want you stressing out about this. We have a good group of us here, I won't tell Edward, for now. If the situation changes, I'll tell him and you won't be able to stop me."
I nodded and moved to stand up but Christine stopped me.
"Don't get up yet sweetie. Angela and I whipped up some strong potions to help you."
"Do they wear off?"
"Some will but we brewed a strong mind clearing potion that is the reason you feel so tired. It will keep your mind safe from this Marco character and any other suspicious people. It will last for a month so don't worry."
"Where's Dad? Why isn't he here?"
"We kept it from him sweetie. Your Dad doesn't need to know what you've been going through when he can't do anything to help."
"I don't want you to keep secrets from him, it could affect your relationship."
"Don't worry sweetie. Your Dad and I are perfectly happy and nothing is going to change that. When you're in the clear I'll let, him know what's been happening but if I tell him now what do you think his reaction would be?"
"He'd be mad and he'd want to chase down Marco and skin him alive."
Christine nodded, "exactly and your Dad is only human, I wouldn't want to place him up against an angry dark fey, would you?"
"No."
"Just stay here and relax. I've phoned the camp and informed them a 'family emergency' has occurred, you're good for a couple of days' rest."
"Why a family emergency?"
"That was at my suggestion. We don't want Marco knowing we're onto him yet. If he heard you were off sick it might just motivate him to speed up whatever his plan is."
"Oh."
"Don't worry Ella, we're going to sort this out."
"I just have one more question Ella," said Bella.
"What is it?"
"How did you get here? Your foot is broken?"
"Urh."
"I mean the car you arrived in isn't yours. Where did you get it?"
"I-I don't remember."
I nodded. Part of me wanted to scream from the rooftops about how sorry I was and about how angry I felt. I didn't want my friends and family running head first into an unknown battle but at the same time it was clear that I couldn't handle Marco alone.
Clearly Adrian was spearheading this plan. He wanted to be ready to catch Marco when he made his move. With me out of commission now and unable to offer any insight regarding Marco anyway, he was anxious to get some sort of plan in motion.
"You scared me you know," said Bella. "More than the last time. At least then I knew you were safe in the hands of the Cullen's and Adrian. I wish you had told me what was going on. I thought we were closer than that."
I immediately felt guilty and rightly so. Bella was right, we were closer than that and I had purposefully kept something from her that had impacted everyone in a big way. I had justified it by not wanting to involve her or make her worry but I hadn't avoided hurting her. I didn't even think that not telling her would hurt her and though I couldn't take that pain away from her I could try and make things better.
"I thought I was protecting you by not telling you."
"How could you think that? I thought we didn't keep secrets from each other."
"I'm sorry alright? I made a mistake. I should have told you but I didn't. Can you forgive me?"
"Of course I can forgive you, you're my sister but you better not pull anything like this again. Ella, you are like the other half of me, if I lost you I don't think I could cope with life any longer. I will do anything to keep you safe."
"I'm sorry Bella but for what it's worth, I feel the same about you."
Bella grabbed my hand and entwined our fingers. I was waiting for her to give up all pretence and jump into bed with me, it was what we did when we were little and in times like this I missed the closeness.
"You know after the baseball game I didn't think life could get any more chaotic but I think I'd prefer the chaos of that game than what's happening now."
"Is that because you had Edward and the Cullen's?"
"I don't know Bella. I just know that in this moment I've never felt more scared or alone and that terrifies me. I know you're hear and so are my friend's but I can only grasp at straws in regards to what's been happening in my head. How long was I suffering for? Why didn't I tell anyone? Part of me would love to remember all that has been happening in my mind but another part of me doesn't. What if it destroys me?"
"You can't think like that Ella. I wouldn't wish what's happened to you on anyone and I'm sorry I didn't see that something was going on but you can't go down this road of negativity. What would have happened if we'd known sooner? Maybe Marco would have taken a more drastic approach. Just remember that he cannot prey on your mind any longer. You're safe from his control that way at least."
"I know. I understand what you're saying but it doesn't make it any easier for me to deal with."
"I understand Ella. To put it bluntly you were assaulted Ella and I know that pains you as much as it pains me to hear. Marco has behaved atrociously for whatever reason or motive. It's going to take time for you to get over this but don't be afraid to take that time. We'll be here every step of the way."
"How am I going to survive when I have to spend time with him?"
"We'll think of something alright? I promise Ella, we won't let you go anywhere you aren't comfortable going and we will keep you as safe as we can."
"I love you Bells."
"Love you too Ella. Why don't you try and finish your project song? If it's finished, then all you have to do is film it and perform it. You'd spend less time with Marco that way."
"Ok."
Bella handed me a pad and pen but she didn't leave me for which I was grateful. Most of the song was already finished, Sophie and I had kept Marco out of the song writing process because we'd discovered he was terrible at lyrics and bitter that we'd written a girlish song. I just needed to figure out one last verse and the bridge to the chorus. What had started out as a lone effort had turned into a collaboration between Sophie and I and I was incredibly proud of the song we'd made.
It had a strong upbeat rhythm and positively spoke of moving on after a breakup but in a catchy tune way.
I guess my main concern wasn't the music video but was performing live. The live performance was 50% of the project grade. Even though it was a summer camp, the group project carried weight with it. There were prizes for those that came 1st, 2nd and 3rd as well as certificates and credits that could be written on CVs. It would all help when it came to applying to collage.
Bella was reading a ratty book in the chair next to the bed I was in. I realised I must be in the spare room of Angela's house. Again, I worried for Dad but with Christine's assurances tumbling around my head, I pushed the worry to the back of my mind, Dad was fine and would always be fine.
I always forgot in times of trouble, how soothing my sister's presence could me. Over the years I had become dependent on her. She kept me safe from harm and stood by my side through everything. In every instant of pain, worry or sadness I could see my sister standing next to me and trying to make things better. She was my other half, the one who knew me best, the one who would pick me up when I was broken and mend me with kind words and a lot of love.
She was the most important person in the world to me and I knew if she needed me to fly to the moon and find an obscure cure to save her, I would do it without a second thought.
"You've been staring at me for a while Ella, everything alright?"
Blinking, my eyes refocused on Bella. She didn't need to know how mushy things were getting in my mind.
"Do you want to hear the bridge? I think I've finally worked it out."
She nodded.
"Guess I should say thank you | For the hate you's and the tattoos | Oh baby, I'm cool by the way | Ain't sure I loved you anyway | Go ahead, babe, I'mma live my life, my life, yeah." (1*)
"That bit goes before the 'shout out' bit, right?"
I nodded.
"Yeah, sounds good. Are you finished then?"
"Almost, I've rewritten the second verse. Can I test it out on you?"
This time she nodded.
"Oh, I deleted all your pics | Then blocked your number from my phone |Yeah yeah, you took all you could get | But you ain't getting this love no more |'Cause now I'm living so legit (so legit) | Even though you broke my heart in two, baby | But I snapped right back, I'm so brand new, baby (I'm so brand new) | Boy, read my lips, I'm over you, over you." (2*)
"It's good, honest but can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"It's not about you and Edward, right?"
I laughed, "no. It certainly started because I was annoyed by people at camp assuming Edward had left me or broken up with me but it evolved into something more special. It's just a fun song really and I think Sophie put more of her 'relationship' feels into it than I did."
"Ok, I was just checking. I know how much Edward loves you and you him. I wouldn't want you to break up over his need to protect you."
"I know we've had many conversations this summer about Edward, however, I can honestly say we haven't broken up."
"I sense a but here."
"BUT he still left and he's going to have to work hard when he gets back. I'm not backing down on this. I'm not going to pretend like he didn't leave me for the entire summer despite his reasons. He didn't even give me a choice in the matter and that hurt. If he comes back and he's serious about us, then he's going to have to work for it. He's going to find that I'm not a doormat and I don't need a man to complete me."
"Meow!"
"I'm serious! I do love Edward but I'm more than just the man I'm with. If I don't set the rules now, what's to say he won't make another decision regarding my life without telling me first?"
"You're right. If Adrian did what Edward has done I don't think I would have the power and the confidence you have. It probably would have broken me."
"Well then isn't it a good thing that Adrian knows that and would never leave you."
"We're a pair aren't we."
"A fantastic pair of twins."
Bella laughed. She always thought her laugh was embarrassing but I rather liked her tinkling laugh. I yawned but couldn't hide it from Bella.
"Tired?"
I nodded.
"Try to get some sleep."
"Will you stay with me?"
"Of course."
"No not on the chair. Will you sleep in the bed with me like we did when we were kids?"
I guess Bella must have seen something in my face for she just told me to budge over before she joined me in laying down on the bed. She started humming in my ear. It was relaxing and reminded me of all the other times she'd comforted me in the same manner.
[x]
I woke only a couple of hours later to the small of intoxicating cooking. From what I could tell someone was cooking Italian, I hoped it was lasagne but I couldn't be sure. Bella was no longer in bed with me and for a moment I panicked until I saw her standing in the doorway.
"I said I wouldn't leave you alone."
"I know, I'm sorry, I just woke up and you weren't here, I panicked."
"It's alright. I guess the smell woke you up?"
I nodded.
"I made lasagne."
"Really?" I asked with childish hope in my eyes.
"Yup."
I jumped out of bed and then swayed unsteadily on my feet. Bella moved forward with concern.
"I'm alright, really. My legs weren't expecting my fast movement. I'm just excited for lasagne. You don't make it often."
"Only when you need it."
"Thanks Bella," I said softly.
She smiled and hugged me tightly.
"Adrian thinks he has worked out why you were targeted if you're up to hearing it?"
I knew I had a haunted look in my eye as Bella said that and I squeezed her hand to show the fear I felt but I nodded nonetheless. I'd like to know why.
We walked into the kitchen in silence. Bella sat me down and put a large plate of lasagne down in front of me. In my excitement for the treat I didn't realise that everyone else was sitting around the table watching me, until Adrian began speaking.
"So everyone remembers how I said Fey can sense emotions right?"
I nodded along with everyone else.
"Our Ella is a fascinating and unique person. I never paid too much attention to it because Ella is Ella. I'm around her so much that I didn't think of it."
"Think of what?" asked Bella.
"Ella has an appealing scent. It's different from what vampire's smell and from how the Edward smells her through the mate bond. Even I smell her differently because to me she's family. It was only when Enzo pointed it out that I thought about it seriously. Ella's sweet scent is particularly appealing to dark Fey because she embodies a scent that they cannot attain as dark Fey. Their bodies cannot assimilate anything sweet because of the darkness that lies within them, therefore they seek it out in other ways."
"So you're saying she's in danger because of that?"
"Yes and no."
"Please explain before I hit you," said Emmett.
"Ok, it's like this. On the one hand, yes, Ella's scent makes her a target for dark Fey. The war brewing in the Fey world is very real and it is a threat to all societies. I had expected, as I've explained before, that someone would go after Bella as we are mated. However, in hindsight, Bella is safest because she is always by my side. It makes sense for the enemy Fey to seek out another way to tear us down, i.e. doing after Ella, Bella's twin. Of course, it could be a coincidence but I don't think any of us believe that."
"Ok, so you've explained how she is in danger, so how is she not in danger?"
"We can assume that Marco is a dark Fey. Now, it's clear that he's infatuated with Ella and that's how she's not in danger."
"How do you mean?"
"I said that dark Fey crave sweetness. Ella is especially sweet for reasons unknown. Dark Fey covet sweetness more than anything else. It is unlikely that Marco would put Ella in any real danger because it could mean losing that sweetness that she has."
"Then why did he torture my mind."
"If you had been anyone else Ella, it would have worked. You would have fallen for Marco the way he wanted you to."
"But I didn't."
"No, you didn't. Your body fought the twisted thoughts he placed in your mind. You're mated to Edward, regardless of if that bond is complete, your body fought the virus Marco had given you because your body knew it was wrong. I think that's what caused the blackouts, it was your body's way of protecting you."
"So you're saying my bond with Edward saved me?"
"Essentially."
I smiled, then laughed.
"What is it?" asked Rose.
"Even when he's not here he's protecting me."
I missed him.
"Edward is old fashioned, he thrives off protecting you, knowing you're safe and showering you with love. It would please him that he can still protect you from afar."
I smiled at Rose, dipping my head in thanks.
"I have a plan regarding you spending time with Marco," said Rose.
"Oh yeah? What is it?"
"I'm guessing you want to film the rest of the video in the same location as where you filmed the extra scenes?"
"Yes, Sophie and I had talked about it and thought that would be best otherwise there would be a disconnect between scenes."
"Well, for that to happen I assuming that first you'll have to have a camp representative to oversee you being off-campus? Secondly, since the area in question is behind our house, it only makes sense that both Emmett and I oversee what you'll be doing. That way you'll have three people, two of which you trust in play against Marco."
"That could work," I replied.
"Apart from Marco working out the two of you are Vampires, I don't think that set-up could jeopardise anything. Marco would be none the wiser, Ella could get the group project finished and we can gather information to use against him when the time comes," said Adrian.
"So we're all in agreement over this plan then?" asked Bella.
Everyone nodded.
"Bella…"
"Yes Ella?"
I could tell she thought I was going to disagree with what had been said. I sense it because I could see she was holding her breath.
"Can I have some more lasagne?"
(1 & 2 * - as you've probably worked out, the song being used in the group project is: 'Shout Out to My Ex' by Little Mix. Amazing song, one of my favourites.)