*Some have told me they're receiving notifications through the app. I don't prefer it, but it might be worth a try.
15.
Carlisle's murmured assumption opens a floodgate of memories I'm not prepared for.
Wisps of blond.
Fiery red curls.
Redder eyes.
Being thrown over a shoulder and carried away. Stuffed into the back of a van.
Edward thrashing beside me as we drive through the trees for what feels like forever.
A cabin.
Days and nights and swirling vision as more bitter liquid is forced down my throat.
Stumbling.
Confusion.
Evil laughter.
Escaping … but more like being released.
Breathing so fast and so hard it hurts.
My bare feet numb to the forest floor as I run.
Rapid footfalls behind me as I try to get away.
Being caught and a stone-cold grip I can't escape.
Bright red eyes.
Edward.
But not my Edward.
The beautiful man I call mine, but frantic. Crazed. Confused.
Stinging, searing pain as he bites me. The reluctance as he swallows and his trembling body beneath mine.
Warm lips and the soothing of his tongue.
Regrets and apologies before he lays me down and runs away.
"Oh, god."
I practically trip over my own feet as I lunge off the sofa and run down the hallway, nearly missing the bathroom before I expel the contents of my stomach. I close my eyes and lay my head on my arm, eyes closed as I try and catch my breath.
A cool, damp cloth is pressed to my forehead.
My eyes flutter open and I'm met with Esme's.
"I'm sorry if I'm overstepping," she says. "But I thought this might help."
"Thank you," I whisper. For a moment, I allow her to fuss over me, but more so because all my energy has left me. I don't have the strength to protest.
"If you'd like one of us to drive you home, Bella, we'd be more than happy to do that for you."
I blink, unseeingly, and focus on my breathing.
"We know this evening hasn't been easy on you. Hearing what we are. Recalling what happened that night. Well, I can only imagine what you're going through."
I turn my head to look up at her. "I can't leave until I have some more answers, Esme. I need … I need …"
She brushes a cool, comforting hand over my forehead. "Shh. It's okay. I understand. And we'll do everything in our power to help you find them. Help you find him, too."
She helps me clean myself up before we join everyone in the other room.
"Am I right to assume you had a few more memories come back to you just then?" Carlisle asks.
"Yes. Too many."
He nods. "I thought as much. You likely repressed most everything traumatizing from that night. The few memories you did have were so unimaginable, so unlikely at the time, you dismissed them." He studies me for a moment before asking, "Can you tell us what you do remember?"
I close my eyes once again and shuffle through the horrifyingly vivid memories, whispering, "Edward is the one who fed from me."