Chapter 15: BPOV

Dear Edward,

My first day in Africa has been overwhelming and difficult to describe. I know why you love it here and why you love the people here, especially the children. I met so many caring mothers and beautiful little children here yesterday and the gratitude they showed was humbling. I don't know if you will be happy that I came here to Ethiopia Edward but I could not stay away. I needed to come here to bring you home. I miss you so desperately; the feeling is almost indescribable...it hurts deep within, an emptiness that causes a deep and heavy, pain that cannot be soothed just endured. Tomorrow Jacob, he is from the FBI and Ben will be coming down river to check on you. I wish I could come and lay my eyes on you for myself but I fear that if you see me that we can ruin our chances of your safe return. I just want you to know my darling that I love you, I miss you and I know we will be reunited soon.

With all my love, Bella

After writing the letter to Edward last night I tossed and turned. It was so hot and I could not stop thinking of Edward, the mosquito net on the bed seemed to make me feel like I was trapped. I was happy it was morning and I could be with people again and keep my mind occupied. I met Carlisle in the dining tent for breakfast. It was a typical Ethiopian Breakfast and was set up like a buffet consisting of; kiche which is cracked wheat served with a little honey and it reminded me of oatmeal, ful which is fava beans mixed with tomatoes, onions, garlic and ginger, inkulal firfir which is scrambled eggs with tomatoes, garlic and ginger and kita fitfit which is unleavened bread with spiced butter. They also served bunna (coffee) and shai which is a tea mixed with spices. The breakfast was delicious and Carlisle and I recapped our day and also spoke about seeing the rest of the Cullen's later that evening.

Jacob and Ben stopped by our table and told us that they were heading out. It was a full day drive then tomorrow they would take two boats down the river where they were hoping to see Edward. They were sure Edward would recognize Ben so they would try to signal to him not to respond. They would evaluate the situation and any obstacles they would need to overcome. They would then go back within the next day or two to rescue Edward. They would be gone anywhere from three to seven days and would try to communicate with the family. They could be bringing Edward back to me.

The plan to execute Edward's return was to try to communicate with the elders and negotiate his safe release while keeping the children that were evidently under his care safe. Jacob and Ben felt if they could assure the elders that Edward would be the doctor in charge of providing for the children but in a hospital setting and no repercussions would come to the tribe for taking Edward they could assure his safe release.

The plan seemed too simplistic to work. Would the tribesmen go for it? Some part of them must realize that they could not keep Edward forever. There were too many unknowns for my comfort. Just as these thoughts were bouncing around in my brain I felt as if Edward were trying to communicate with me. When this telepathic communication happened at times it felt as if I was in a trance but I could not ignore the beautiful voice that was speaking to me now.

"Bella love, I miss you my darling. You must be frantic my love. We have never been out of communication this long and I am longing to hear your voice and touch your skin and see your beautiful smile. I am slowly working on educating the elders and letting them know that it is so wrong to be killing these innocent children that are not even sick or 'cursed' as they believe. I think that I may even be able to negotiate my own release. Everyone can see that the children that have been under my care have been thriving; no curse has befallen them or anyone else. I want to educate all the tribes along the Omo River that still embrace this practice of Mingi. I think that is why I am here. Bella, I feel like you are close by, I know that is not possible but I keep getting the feeling that you are near to me. I cannot wait to see you again. Until then, stay safe and know that I am okay and missing you…Edward

The communication stopped but it was as clear as if he was standing beside me. I always felt exhausted after these types of messages as if all my energy was used up in just listening, but I was also filled with a peace that only Edward could infuse me with.

A/N: Please review if you wish. I will answer every one. I'd love to hear feedback from you so I can learn to be a better writer. I welcome constructive criticism. Thanks so much for reading and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.