A/N:I don't own Twilight. Stephanie Meyers does, I am just obsessed with them.

This is the first thing I've ever written.

If you feel so inclined, please leave a review. I would appreciate any words of encouragement or ideas that would make me a better writer.

Sincere thank you to my Beta Yeah Her.

_Chapter 9: BPOV

As I lay in bed that night it was hard to believe that less than 24 hours had passed since I heard the news. I knew in my heart that Edward was still okay. I bet he was even thinking up ways that he could help his captors. Edward is such a good man and I want to be strong for him through this ordeal. I cannot allow myself to wallow in grief and worry. I will be tough and I will be instrumental in bringing him home. All the Cullen's went to a nearby hotel. Renee and Phil were staying with me and Jacob and Ben would be back early tomorrow morning. I knew no one was really going to get any sleep tonight.

I wonder what Edward is doing right now? What time is it for him? It is 2 o'clock in the morning here so that means it is 9 am in Ethiopia. Edward is starting his second day in captivity. It seems so surreal that I am even thinking this. Is he awake and eating breakfast? I wonder if they are feeding him. He is so meticulous and I know that even in his campsite there are not the best of accommodations. I wonder what it can be like wherever it is that they have taken him. The temperatures reach in the triple digits and there is no air conditioner. I wonder if they even have fans, or electricity for that matter. I believe that it is a very primitive culture. We were told that he was taken for his skills as a Doctor. What can he do to help with no access to a hospital? What if he does not have the supplies or medicine needed? Will they hold Edward accountable if this boy is too sick to be treated? This chief sounds like a desperate father. I do not like the idea of Edward being held by someone who was desperate. Anxious people are unpredictable and volatile.

I didn't know what to do so I got up and made a cup of tea and sat at my desk to write Edward a letter.

Dear Edward,

I love you. Living without you is so difficult. My longing is insatiable. As I lay here I cannot be comforted with blankets or pillows- they are nothing compared to you laying here beside me. Edward, you have given me bravery I have never known. I know you will return to me. I will come and get you myself if I have to. Before yesterday, I knew I had to wait seven months to wake up with you next to me again. Not knowing when you will return has left me uneasy and unable to sleep.

Edward I was just remembering our first real date. You took me to that Italian Restaurant and we were so awkward with each other for the first half of the date. We both started laughing when we realized how silly we were being. After all, we were best friends and just because our feelings were growing deeper it did not mean that we were different people. I cherish every moment with you. You always told me that I do not see myself clearly, well neither do you. Let me tell you again how I see you.

Handsome

Adorable

Faithful

Loyal

Intelligent

Charming

Confident

Responsible

Funny

Trustworthy

MINE, MINE, MINE

With all my love,

Bella

Writing usually makes me feel a little better, but not today. The ache I am feeling of not having contact with Edward is growing by the minute. I actually feel a physical pain starting in my chest and radiating throughout my body. I actually feel like my heart isn't working properly and will not until Edward and I are reunited.

EPOV:

It is nine in the morning and I bet the thermometer is already hitting 100 degrees. Boy is it hot. I will never take fans and air conditioners for granted again in my life. I bet Bella and our families have already got the news. My poor Bella must be so worried. I cannot stand not having any contact with her. It causes a physical ache; I feel there is no purpose to my voice without her to hear me.

I will meet with Ojore and his family today. After speaking with him I will try to develop a plan of care for Chiemeka. I do not even know what is wrong with him. Bohlale told me that I would also be meeting with the shaman today. This should be an interesting meeting.

Ojore was waiting for me when I arrived at the hut. He said he was going to explain what was going on with his son and what he expected of me.

When Ojore explained Mingi to me it was no easier hearing about it the second time. I still found it difficult to believe. How could a whole society think that killing children, their own child was okay? It was just so unnatural.

The Omo River Valley, where we were situated, is named for the river which runs down its center and many ancient practices continue to thrive here. They are living in very primitive conditions here with no influence from Western cultures. The elders of the tribes determine if a child is Mingi. In general, children who are born to unwed mothers, children whose upper teeth come out before their lower teeth and twins are considered Mingi. There is no written history of where or why this practice began. The names of the tribes that practice Mingi are the Hamer and Kara tribes.