The Essence of Water

NEW VERSION Chapter 12

It's sometime after midnight when I finally collapse and can't get back up. The water falls into the earth when I am unable to keep the connection. Aiden doesn't stir. My body aches and shivers and my head pounds something fierce. "I'll just close my eyes for a few minutes," I say to the darkened forest, "Just a few..."My mind drops and tumbles. My body jerks and thrashes. I see the betrayer's face. I'm not sure if I'm dreaming but my mind drops again and I forget the world.

"You're doing it again aren't you?" a man's voice fills my mind. The sound is familiar and comforting.

"Yes I am," the females' voice is light, like she's smiling when she says it.

The male sighs. "So what is it this time? Are we telling stories, singing, teaching her how to defend herself, or making sure she knows that all boys are evil?" he asks.

The female laughs. It's light and refreshing to hear, "I wish to show her where she can be safe."

There is silence. Then, "That won't be easy. That sort of memory could...it's dangerous. If she were ever caught, if she were ever..." His voice cuts of and he takes a deep breath. The woman soothes him.

"I know," she assures him. "But what if she needs a safe haven?"

"She'll always need a safe haven, she's our daughter," he says meaningfully.

"Stop being an ass, you know what I mean," she says.

Another sigh, "You better bury the memory deep then, so she'll only find it when absolutely needs to."

The woman takes a deep breath, "Will you help me show her?"

"I'll do anything for you, you know that," he says.

"Yes," she agrees.

There is darkness then I am running over green country sides and rolling hills. I see as if I am walking on fast-forward over dozens of miles. I fly over rivers, through streams, forests, and into the mountains where I travel to a gorge and along a mountain until I stand before a wooden cabin. The smell of wood smoke and pine trees fill my nose.

I jerk awake. My mind is foggy and heavy with sleep. My eyes water against the light and I reach out with arms of lead. I don't know where I am. "Easy there." My eyes focus on Aiden's face. I snap back to reality and punch him in the face. He cups his hand over his mouth and jumps away from me. I scramble to my feet.

"What was that for?" His voice is muffled from his hand. I take a few breaths and calm my pounding heart. Aiden nurses his blooding lip.

I don't answer him. "What time is it?"

Aiden shrugs, "The sun is setting. I'm not sure on the time exactly."

"It's setting? How long have I been asleep?" I demand angrily.

Again he shrugs, "When I woke up you were passed out. I tried to wake you up but you wouldn't stir. So I carried you for a while to get us further away." He goes and picks up a plastic bag I hadn't noticed. "I stole you some clothes that I think will fit you." He puts them down between us and turns around pointedly.

I narrow my eyes and look in the bag and decide that it would nice to have something to wear so I change quickly. He managed to grab a pair of shoes that are close to my size. Everything is a bit big, but he even thought to swipe a bra, even if it's a little tight I haven't felt this human for a very long time.

"Thank you," I force the words out. They taste bitter on my tongue.

He turns and nods stiffly. "You're welcome," it also sounds forced.