Eleanor spent Sunday morning praying for a snowstorm. The moment she woke up, she looked out the window. On the tree branches and along the street, frost and ice glistened, but there were no traces of fresh snow. And the sky didn't look like it was predicting a storm either. Apparently, she wasn't going to be able to escape her fate.
It wasn't that she didn't appreciate the Sunday mass ceremony, but ever since her mother died, she didn't see the point in continuing to uphold it. The only one stubborn about doing so was Steve. She supposed it was to maintain his image. But beyond bringing back good memories, only the darkest ones haunted her. Those where her mother suffered her father's blows and tears fell like a waterfall from her eyes.
She shook her head, trying to push those images from her mind.
Analyzing herself in the mirror, she realized she looked like a runaway bridesmaid. It was too formal for mass, although, according to her brother, that's how it was in Forks.
—Still getting ready? We're going to be late.
Steve's voice pulled her from her thoughts, which at that moment were focused on her reluctance to set foot in a chapel again. However, she had promised him, so she had no choice.
—Almost done!—she shouted from her room.
Nell turned her gaze back to the mirror and focused on the gloves covering her hands. For the first time in her life, they felt foreign to her. As if they rejected the soft fabric against her damaged skin. And it was all because of Emmett.
He had encouraged her to practice with her gift throughout the week. First with objects, then with people. His family helped with that, but it also caused her a major emotional breakdown. The brutal images from each of the Cullens' lives gave her nightmares for almost three days. Still, Emmett was there to calm her down and remind her that the past was no longer part of the present. We can't do anything to change it, but we can learn from it. And that's what she did. She learned to become stronger, just a little, enough not to faint.
—You forgot your gloves.—Steve pointed out when he saw her coming down. He was leaning against the door, wearing a suit he had used at one of his book signings. He was, in fact, more elegant than she was.
—I'm not wearing them.—When she said that, he frowned. Nell couldn't tell if it was out of concern or anger.
—Hey, if Luke said something to you about it, you shouldn't listen to him.
She sighed and came down the last two steps.
—It's not because of him. It's for me— she clarified, looking him in the eyes—Don't worry, everything will be fine.
—Nell, I don't think...—He tried to stop her, grabbing her arm. Something stirred inside her: the low, soft voice he had used, the fear hidden in his words.
Eleanor pulled away and looked at him with confidence but seriousness.
—I already told you. Everything is going to be fine.— Quickly, she took the house key and hurried outside. Steve, despite disagreeing, didn't argue back. He stayed silent during the entire car ride.
Nell, for her part, thought about Pastor Harris. She didn't know him, but her brother spoke so highly of him that it made her wonder if he was someone from this world. He must have met him during that time he had spent in Forks, just like with Officer Swan. Everything seemed so strange to her that, when she found a moment to analyze it, they had already parked in front of the church.
While she remembered what was said in a ceremony, she couldn't help feeling out of place among all those devout people. It wasn't that Nell didn't believe, but she thought that if God was big enough to be everywhere, there was no reason to go to a chapel just to meet Him.
She heard little to nothing of the Pastor's words. She was so focused on going home, just as her brother was focused on the Psalm. However, she was patient and waited. Maybe it wasn't just the atmosphere making her feel uncomfortable. It was something else, something she couldn't figure out.
When Mass ended, Nell was the first to leave, but not the first to go: Steve had the car keys, so, one way or another, she had to wait for him to finish signing autographs for the senior citizen group.
—Eleanor?
Someone had said her name behind her, and she turned, coming face to face with Pastor Harris.
—I'm Pastor Richard Harris. I saw you arrive with your brother, Steven.—He extended his hand.
Nell let out the breath she had been holding inside and smiled at him.
—Yes, I know who you are. It's a pleasure to meet you.—She returned the greeting.
The sensation of the touch was so intense that it gave her chills. Little by little, Nell stopped smiling and froze in place. The Pastor continued talking, but she couldn't understand his words. Her senses were chaos. There was no coherent scene or impression, no memories, not even a flash of images. It was pure, sharp, painful consciousness, a perception that went beyond her Gift. She felt panic, but a panic that wasn't hers or his. It was foreign, from another person. It came accompanied by an overwhelming sensation of anxiety and fear. Then, as if she had searched for it, a clue appeared: A dark, moldy basement; a girl huddled in a corner, with tangled blonde hair; a heavy hand shaped like a claw wanting to grab her shoulder. The girl turned around, her face remained in shadow, her hair moved like a whip around her.
—Are you alright?— the Pastor asked, noticing she had lost color and still hadn't let go of his hand. He noticed the scars, surprised, and almost instinctively, he stroked them.
Nell pulled her hand away abruptly and brought it to her chest, as if she had burned herself with boiling water.
Harris raised his hands in apology.
—I'm sorry, did I hurt you?
She tried to calm her heartbeats. She tasted blood and realized she had bitten her lip. But that wasn't what was keeping her from speaking. It was the instantaneous images that kept appearing before her; fleeting impressions that made her dizzy.
—I'm fine— she said after a while.
She didn't know at what point her brother approached to speak with the Pastor, but unlike Harris, he didn't notice her discomfort. He talked for a good while. But Nell couldn't take it anymore.
Before she could say a word, a Porsche parked skillfully right beside the road. And she held her breath when she saw Alice walking toward her and wrapping her in a hug.
—Breathe, Nell. I'll handle this—she whispered in her ear, a whisper only she could hear. Then, with a playful smile, she faced the others—Pastor Harris! Long time no see.
Richard smiled and shook her hand.
—Dear Alice. It's been an eternity. How are your siblings?
—Very well. Thanks for asking.—She turned to Steven—Sorry for my lack of manners, I'm Alice Cullen.—She extended her hand and he shook it.
—Cullen? Are you related to Carlisle?
—Adoptive daughter.—She nodded, surprising him—Just like my siblings.
In the small silence that had formed, Harris spoke.
—Were you coming to Mass, dear?
Alice smiled and shook her head.
—No, I just came to pick up Eleanor.—She wrapped her arm around hers—We're having a girls' night.
Steven frowned and looked at his sister.
—You didn't tell me anything.
Even having heard the conversation, she felt so absorbed from reality that it was hard to stay conscious.
—I forgot...
Alice intervened to save the situation.
—Don't worry. She's in good hands.
He sighed almost in a smile and said:
—Have fun.
Ignoring the instability of her legs, Nell walked quickly to the car and dropped into the passenger seat. Alice only took two seconds to settle in and start the engine; she studied her, worried.
—Nell, what happened? I saw you in one of my visions and...
She couldn't finish hearing what she was saying. She was sitting, paralyzed, receiving more chilling images in her head: the screams of a desperate woman; the slice of moonlight illuminating a face. Eleanor's eyes widened when she realized. That blonde hair, those blue eyes like the sea. It was the pale, pleading face of Shelly Turner.
Her senses overloaded.
—Stop the car.—she ordered in whispers.
—What?
—I said stop the car!
Right after, the wheels screeched on the asphalt and Nell jumped out running just to vomit in a bush. She felt heat throughout her body, and her peripheral vision darkened, but she didn't faint. Instead, her breathing began to accelerate and, shortly after, she was already hyperventilating.
Vaguely she realized Alice was approaching her.
—No—said Alice. Watching as her chest rose and fell at an alarming rate—Breathe, Nell. Can you breathe for me?
Eleanor closed her eyes and tried to control her breathing. She inhaled and exhaled a couple of times, noticing how her heartbeats slowed down a bit until, finally, they returned to normal.
—It's him—she stammered.
Alice frowned, not understanding.
—What are you talking about?
—Pastor Harris—saying it out loud was like being struck by lightning—...kidnapped Shelly Turner.
Alice stayed silent, surely unable to believe it, but believing it at the same time.
—Come— she said while carefully taking her by the arm—Let's go to my house.
She guided her to the car and drove at full speed again. Somehow, it seemed the Cullens were waiting for them because, on their faces, anxiety was etched.
Alice got out first, calming the others down, and then helped Nell out. With her gaze fixed on the ground. She didn't know how long she stayed like that. It could have been just a few minutes, an hour, an eternity; maybe it was no more than a second. But it seemed like time had frozen. She stood there clutching the coat Alice had put over her shoulders, thinking about everything she had seen and what she had discovered.
And suddenly, a tall, bulky figure appeared before her. She saw the waves of short, dark hair, an inquisitive gaze, golden eyes full of worry.
Emmett.
He placed a strand of hair behind her ear and lowered his hands to her shoulders.
—Are you okay?
For a moment she just stood there, facing him, looking into his eyes. In that instant, she didn't care about the distance between them; she also didn't care if her blood was too tempting. Emmett was someone who calmed her. He was firm, solid... safe.
—No.—she breathed, without looking away—I'm not.—She wrapped her arms around him and sank into him.
Emmett stiffened for a second before returning the hug. She felt how his ice-cold hands burned her back, but she didn't care. She stayed there, and shut out the world around her.
When she returned to reality, she was inside the house, sitting on a couch. In front of her, the Cullens debated about what had happened, and what was still happening. Nell felt like she was swimming in a thick fog, trying to reach an unattainable surface. Everything she heard mixed with the fragments she had seen of Shelly. She made her greatest effort to disconnect from her gift, to turn it off, but she didn't know how.
—Alice, bring some gloves for Eleanor.
Someone spoke nearby. It took her a few seconds to identify that it was Carlisle.
Crouched beside her, Emmett searched for her hands. Slowly, gently, he closed his fingers over hers. That simple contact achieved what neither fear nor pain had achieved before: she broke into tears. It was a controlled cry, as if she didn't want to let a single tear escape. The others paid attention to her.
—The police won't do anything—Nell spoke. Despite being absorbed from the world, she still had her ears tuned to the conversation—The first thing they'll ask is where the body is. Then they'll question who did it, and when I tell them, they'll ask for proof. If there isn't any, they'll pull out their conjectures; which definitely won't be good.
Andrew observed her attentively.
—How are you so sure?
She stayed silent. Her mind transported to that particular morning, six years ago. Curled up in front of the TV and listening to her father's broadcast:
"—Why did you do it, Mr. Blake?"
"—There's a darkness inside me," he explained before the jury. "—A darkness that rises at night."
"—What kind of darkness?" the judge wanted to know.
"—One that whispers to you from the shadows and tells you what to do. One you can't escape from."
Then he looked at the camera, as if he were talking to her, and stayed that way. Looking. Even when they took him away.
Finally, Nell turned her neck toward him.
—Because it happened to me with my father—she explained—They didn't believe me back then when I said he was the killer. They called me crazy, just like my brothers. Later, when they discovered the truth, they didn't retract either. They kept attacking us. They said our blood was bad, that it was cursed. The police was never on our side, and neither were people. So we left.
—And you came to Forks...—Emmett murmured, attentive to her words. She nodded.
—Eleanor—Carlisle called, managing to make her turn to look at him—. We understand that what happened was very difficult for you and your brothers. But you must also understand that there are people here who believe you and care about you. Whatever you decide to do, you won't be alone.
Nell stayed silent for a moment. She wasn't used to receiving help from others. However...
—I really appreciate it— she started—but I can't let you get more involved in this.
—We finally agree on something—Rosalie commented, making everyone look at her.
—Rosalie...—Emmett warned, annoyed.
—It's the truth!—she got agitated—Why do we have to help her? What is she to us?—she said with disdain—We got involved with Bella and look at us: about to fight Newborns in a war caused by a human. What's next? Fighting a local pastor?
Her words completely unhinged her. However, she was right.
—She's part of the family— Alice defended, approaching Nell with her gaze fixed on Rosalie—And everyone in this family takes care of each other.
Eleanor observed them both. There was something tacit between them: a secret exchange that Nell couldn't decipher. After a few seconds of a staring contest, Rosalie withdrew angrily without saying a word.
In a quick movement, Emmett locked eyes with her.
—Don't pay attention to what she said.
Nell meditated on his words for a moment.
—But she's right—admitted, observing all the Cullens—You can't get involved. I caused this by deciding not to wear my gloves today. Of course, I didn't imagine seeing something like that, though that doesn't mean it wasn't my fault...
—No.—Emmett straightened up immediately—It's not your fault, it's mine.—He directed against himself the rage that altered his voice—I encouraged you to use your ability without teaching you to take precautions. I was an idiot.
Nell turned to look at him with a frown.
—Emmett, if it weren't for you, I never would've been encouraged to do anything. You showed me I can control it. Even if it's difficult—she declared. Then she looked at her hands—And that's why I have to find a way to save Shelly. Because I know what I saw and because I'm the only one who can find her.
Emmett's expression changed. Something she couldn't identify: anger, worry, fear. And then he narrowed his eyes.
Apparently, Alice saw how the situation was going to end if she let Emmett respond to such a comment, so she intervened immediately:
—You're wrong. You're not saving anything alone.
Nell stared at her and frowned.
—It's my problem. You have nothing to do with this.
—That's where you're wrong— Alice said, smiling kindly—I said it before, remember? You're already part of this family. And everyone in this family takes care of each other.
Nell was surprised to see that everyone agreed with her. That they appreciated her enough to take such a risk; something she had only experienced with her brothers, and no one else.
—And now that everything's been said...—Alice tugged her arm to make her stand up and guided her toward the stairs—come with me.
She guided her to the bathroom, left her some towels, and indicated she should shower. Making it clear that she would feel better.
As usual, she was right.
A sigh of pleasure escaped her lips when the hot water hit her skin. However, the pressure she felt in her chest, not even the water would make disappear. The facts had overwhelmed her in a way she had no words to describe. One thing was seeing other people's pasts or perceiving feelings. But entering the mind of a psychopath and him having kidnapped someone you knew? Someone you greeted daily? Someone who suddenly you didn't know if they would survive until the next day? It was terrifying.
Some knocks pulled her from her thoughts.
—Eleanor? Is everything alright?— It was Esme.
She blinked, somewhat dazed.
—Yes, sorry. I'll be done soon.
—Oh no, honey. Stay as long as you need. I just came to bring you a change of clothes. I'll leave them on the sink. Okay?
—That's fine. Thank you very much.
—You're welcome.—Even though she hadn't seen her face, Nell knew she had a smile on her face.
Before leaving, she looked in the mirror. The pajamas she had brought her were silk and in two pieces. A color between sky blue and gray. It was bold, eye-catching. Nothing she would normally wear. But being naked wasn't an option.
Avoiding looking at herself in the mirror a second time, she left there. The house, suddenly, seemed empty. There was no noise at all, not even a whisper. As if she had crossed a portal into another world. She wasn't sure what to do next, so, dragging her feet a bit, she walked to the only room she knew well.
—I had a feeling you'd come.—he told her. Sitting on the bed, with his gaze fixed on the floor.
—You mean you heard me coming.
Nell was surprised when he didn't say anything. She observed him, focusing on the width of his shoulders, the perfect stillness, but there was also something else. He looked so serious that, honestly, she didn't know how to react. Until he pointed at the bed with his head.
—You can sleep here. Call me if you need anything.—Emmett got up, heading toward the door.
Nell immediately cut him off.
—What's wrong?—she asked.
—What's wrong with what?
—With your attitude, Emmett.
He shook his head, with a very hard look.
—I don't want to talk about it.
Gently, he pushed her to one side so he could pass. Although Eleanor managed to grab his hand in time before he could run off at the speed of light.
—It's because of what I said before, right? What I said about Shelly.
—What did you expect?—he said, suddenly turning toward her—That I wouldn't worry? That I'd be okay with leaving you alone with someone so dangerous? This isn't a game, Nell.
Hearing that, she got annoyed.
—I know it's not a game. That's why I have to find her.—Her face acquired a sad expression.
Emmett eased his expression a little.
—And you will... But not alone, okay?
Nell made a face of annoyance.
—I think that's already clear. Alice repeated it like three times.
—You took your time recognizing it.—His playful tone was subtly returning to normal.
—Shut up.—
She gave him a little push on the arm that didn't move him a centimeter.
—You'd better sleep.— He pointed at the bed again—You look more tired than a bear in full hibernation.
Instead of responding with some biting comment, Nell just looked at him. Vaguely she heard him say something more before moving away a bit.
—Would you mind staying?—she hurried. Taking him by surprise—It's just, with everything that's happened...well, I don't want to be alone.
—Of course.—Emmett didn't think about it for a second.
She would've liked to say that his presence helped her close her eyes and sleep through the whole night like a baby, however, none of that happened. Every time she tossed in bed, Emmett pulled his gaze from the window, in case she was trapped in some nightmare. But the reality was that she suffered from insomnia.
At some point in the night, she opened her eyes, and huffed as she sat at the foot of the bed.
—Am I bothering you?—he asked.
She looked at her hands and shook her head.
—No. I just can't sleep.
Emmett approached and sat beside her.
—Want me to read you a story? Or, maybe, sing you a lullaby?— he said with his playful tone.
—No, thanks. I'm disturbed enough already.—Nell noticed the change in his expression. It seemed like he was about to say something that, surely, would make her furious. It was impossible not to get ahead of it: —It's no one's fault—she assured him, with her gaze still on her hands—The important thing is that I'm fine. At least physically. And as for mentally... I will be with time.
Suddenly, their gazes met. Charges of energy began to fill the atmosphere. They stayed like that for a long time, while energy passed from one to the other through that simple and single point of contact.
Emmett moved a bit closer. Bringing his face closer to hers. Nell froze; noticing the whirlwind of thoughts crossing her mind. Was Emmett going to kiss her?
Nell continued observing him fixedly. She couldn't ignore the intensity and longing she perceived in that narrow closeness. Part of her wanted him to kiss her, although the other, the one that was slowly imposing itself, warned her against it.
She wasn't ready for it...
Much to her regret, she diverted her gaze, perceiving Emmett's disappointment and at the same time his acceptance. When he moved away a bit, Nell noticed she could breathe again.
—I think I should try to sleep— she murmured. Avoiding his eyes.
She returned to the bed. This time giving him her back. Wishing her thoughts would stop overwhelming her.
—Do you want me to leave?—Emmett tried to untangle himself to grant her some space.
—No—she said, surprisingly sure. Then, she faced him—I said I didn't want to be alone, remember?
His mood changed again and a mischievous, irresistible smile changed his features.
—Alright.—With his super speed, he turned off the light and settled on the couch—I'll stay to listen to the sonata of your snores.
Nell rolled her eyes and turned her back to him again.
—Good night. Or whatever.
—Rest well.
Maybe it was the way he said it, or the velvety tone he used. But, from one moment to the next, she fell deeply asleep. Well, at least for a couple of hours.