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

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.

Thanks to my life partner Linda for helping me overcome some major writers block with moving the plot along in this chapter.

Sincere thank you to my Beta Yeah Her.

Chapter 16: BPOV

We started our second day in the hospital. Carlisle went straight to surgery and I went to the nutrition center. When I entered I was immediately impressed with the ordered chaos that was taking place. There were many different lines and everyone remained calm and orderly. I heard some noise at the front of the tent and went to see what was going on and a very old man was holding the most beautiful little girl in his arms and was speaking in what I came to learn was Amharic. I learned that the little girl had recently become orphaned and this man could not afford another mouth to feed. He wanted the clinic to care for her. Her father had died of some infection some months earlier and the mother just stopped taking care of her. The man said mom died of a broken heart. The people of the village were taking care of little Zafrina but could not afford to feed her any longer. The man was frantic and just left. Zafrina, as she was called looked about one year old and undernourished but she looked like a little cherub. I couldn't stop staring at her with skin the color of sepia with big round eyes that looked like smoky topaz. Her hair was soft and curly and was the color of licorice and she had the cutest lips that were slightly plump and reminded me of raspberry jam. It was love at first sight. I picked up the child to help and brought her to the triage area for examination. It was obvious that she was not just going to be sent on her way. I spoke with the nurse in charge and asked what would happen to little Zafrina and she told me that she would probably be put up for adoption. My heart was immediately filled with love and I felt so drawn to her. Edward spoke to me this morning and said his purpose was to help the children here; maybe that is why we were both here. I tried to walk away and get back to my work and Zafrina began to cry, it seemed as if she was just as taken with me as I was with her. I remembered how to make a doll out of a sock that me and mom used to make when I was little so I made one for her and she stopped crying temporarily. I went about the rest of my day frequently checking back with Zafrina. I was so preoccupied with her that I was startled to realize that hours had passed. Carlisle and I met back at the dining tent and had a quick dinner and went back to our tents to change and get ready to go into town to see Esme and the others. After a bumpy hour long drive we arrived at the guest house where they were staying. We hadn't heard from Jacob yet today but we really didn't expect to hear from him the first day; yet I still couldn't help but worry.

When we arrived at the Agape Bole guest house we were greeted enthusiastically by the group. Esme was anxious to hear any news we may have on Edward so we told her that Jacob and Ben left this morning to head to the Omo River but we haven't heard back with any news yet. We really weren't expected to hear for a few days so there was no need for added worry just yet.

Esme, Rosalie and Alice went to Friendship Supermarket which was within walking distance of the guest house and stocked up the kitchen pretty well. We all sat around and had coffee and pastries while Carlisle and I talked about the medical campsite and the things we have seen and done over the past day. I talked extensively about Zafrina and also how proud I was of Edward and the work he had been doing.

Esme told us that they had all taken a walk around the capital city today and were greeted kindly by many of the locals. They stopped in the Ethiopian National Museum in route and were impressed with the exhibits and artifacts within the museum which spanned thousands of years. Esme broke down into tears as she spoke. She said it felt so wrong to be talking about such things when Edward was not with us. We all became somber and morose and continued to sip our coffee.

Just then I got the strongest communication from Edward that I have had since the beginning of this ordeal. Edward had seen Jacob and Ben and knew that his rescue was eminent. He was frantic that it be ended in a peaceful way and that no children or any of the villagers is harmed in any way.

EPOV:

Seeing Ben today terrified and exhilarated me at the same time. I was happy that they knew where I was and that I was safe. I am sure they were in communication with Bella and my family and that this news could help ease the pain they were feeling. At the same time, I was terrified that the rescue would not end peacefully. Bohlale was frantic when he noticed the men looking at me today and I was so fearful that someone was going to act in haste without regard for the outcome. I decided right then to take matters into my own hands. I would speak with Ojore tonight.

Bohlale brought Ojore to my tent. He preferred we meet here so we could have more privacy. Bohlale filled him in on our visitors along the river today. Ojore asked that I start the conversation with my thoughts.

I had been thinking about this for days now but it felt overwhelming to try to change someone's core beliefs. I felt that Ojore was ripe to change because he was feeling conflicted. He wanted to change but felt frustrated and trapped by years of practice and ritual.

After much persuading and gentle but persistent arguing and negotiating, I was able to convince Ojore to call a meeting with the tribal elders.

The next morning we met in the village and I was able to convince them that if they let me take the children to the medical campsite I would talk to the authorities regarding my kidnapping. I would tell the FBI that although I was taken without being asked, I stayed willingly to take care of the children.

During our talk, it seems as if the heavens opened up and there was a downpour of much needed rain. At first I did not understand why everyone was so excited. Bohlale explained to me that the elders took this as a sign that everything was going to be fine. If the children were cursed, then surely it would not be raining. The elders were anticipating a drought and with the rain came a celebration.

I was not naïve to think that this would be the end to the Mingi custom, but it was a beginning. I looked forward to seeing Ben and the men he was travelling with. I hope that they would return tomorrow.

As I lay in bed tonight I am hopeful for the first time in nearly three weeks. I could see a positive outcome for the children and I knew I was close to seeing my Bella. Just thinking her name had my body humming with anticipation. I could not wait to have her in my arms again.

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.