Jane:-saunters through the forest soundlessly; staying focused on the task at hand while I walk in search of someone-
Carmen:*slows to a walk, enjoying the peace & quiet, stress of late leaving me as I walk deeper into the forest*
Jane:-freezes, turning my body slowly in the other direction while I eye the area; inhaling the air silently-
Carmen:*relaxes completely water dripping from the leaves as my hand brushes against them hoping Eleazar will give up on work soon & join me*
Jane:-steps to the side, spotting Carmen at a distance; locking my focus on her while a smile spreads over my face, waves of immense pain escaping from me and finding their way all too easily to her-
Carmen:*pain & fire hit me, instantly it was in every vein & covered every inch of my body, I knew I was screaming but I could barely hear myself over the pain that consumed me*
Jane:-saunters carelessly to her side; maintaining my smile perfectly while I stare down at her pitiful display of emotion - suddenly releasing her from my gift-
Carmen:*instantly the pain vanishes & I find myself on the ground disorientated & gasping for unnecessary breaths, the glimpse of a near black cloak & her scent washing over me, fear replacing my pain, whispering* Jane.
Jane:-bends at the waist, leaning over her and reaching out, grabbing her chin with one hand harshly to force her eyes to mine - my voice laced with a growl as I speak- Join us, or more of your family will suffer. -pushes her down with force before taking off without so much as another sound; disappearing into the darkness of the forest-
Carmen:*hits the ground hard, shaken but unhurt, knowing that Jane has left me but fear & panic now setting in as I wait for my head to clear*
Eleazar:*leaves the house to search for Carmen, my eyes scan the forest seeing nothing. I call out concern lacing my voice* Carmen? *I rush towards the forest, calling out your name * Carmen??
Carmen:*lifts my head, shaking it slightly as I listen* Eleazar? *calls back as I push up on one arm my head still not right* Eleazar
Eleazar:*my head whips to the direction of Carmen’s shaken voice, I rush instantly to her side** my eyes find her crumbled on the ground, panic & anger consumes me. I reach your side, gently but securely wrapping my arms around you as I look into your eyes* Darling, what happened?
Carmen:Eleazar *wraps my arms tightly as I bury my face into your neck choking back the dry sobs that threaten, instead whispering* Jane...Jane was here, I didn't even see her before it was too late.
Eleazar:*growls lowly* Jane? What did say? *anger swells within my veins* Did she hurt you??*Calms down & holds you tight, stroking your hair*
Carmen:*nods & breathes out* She did, I thought she was going to kill me, but she just left me with a message.. "Join us or more of your family will suffer".
Eleazar:*looks to you & pulls you closer as I contemplate Jane's words** inhales deeply then exhales slowly almost silently thinking of our impending trip* We need to go to Volterra urgently*my mind darkens at the thought of going back to Volterra*
Carmen:*sighs sadly as I meet your eyes* We have no choice in this.
Eleazar:*looks into your eyes, shaking my head as I think of our family* No darling we dont. For their sake we must.
Carmen:*nods* I know & we can't tell them darling, its for their own safety.
Eleazar: *a sad smile broaches my lips* The Volturi, I hope will leave the family alone if we go my love * takes your face softly in my hand* I promise you this my love I Know how they work, I will Not let them touch our family
Carmen: *breathes out as fear threatens me once again* You know them better than most mi amor, I have always trusted you, I'm not about to stop now.
Eleazar: *a soft smile spreads upon my lips, I keep my fear deep down for your sake* Good, please don’t for I will never put you in harms way. *stands up, your hands still in mine as I help you up* We must go & now
Carmen: *smiles as you help me up my head thankfully now clear* We have to hurry, I don't want to give her a reason to come back *cringes at the thought*
Eleazar: *nods* we must hurry, lets go & pack I want to be on the road in 20 minutes
Carmen: *holds your hand as we race back through the forest* I don't think 20 minutes will be a problem darling *the pain of Jane’s gift etched in my memory*
Eleazar: *reaches the house as I pull out my mobile, presses call hearing the it ring & then answer* I need two seats on the first available flight to Pisa International Airport in Italy *listens to the agent* Yes, yes Please have the tickets ready to collect at the airport, thank you * disconnects & runs into the house*
Carmen: *races into our room & silently packs in record time, closes my case & turns to you* ready *smiles nervously*
Eleazar: *takes our passports from the safe & nods * yes, lets go *walks to the garage, putting our luggage in the car & gets in switching on the engine racing out of the drive my thoughts racing through my head*
Carmen: *glances back sadly to our home, pushes my fears to one side & silently takes your hand squeezing gently*