Chapter 22 Teaser

Edward’s hands cupped my face as he pressed his tall frame against mine. It was like he was trying to meld our bodies together, forcing us to become one being.

This kiss was so different from any other we’d shared. They were always tender, always gentle, but this kiss, this kiss felt desperate, like he believed he was losing something. I knew I should pull away from him and explain that he had nothing to worry about, that he was the only person that would ever own my heart – I knew that without a doubt to be true - but I couldn’t bring myself to stop, so I kissed him back just as fiercely as he was me, telling him with my kiss that I was only his.

His lips pushed and pulled against mine, and I was lost to everything but him, yet the moment I felt his tongue caress my bottom lip, trying to enter my mouth, I was sure my knees would buckle. We’d only ever kissed that way once before, where our tongues briefly touched, but I had initiated. When my tongue had grazed his, he was a little startled at first – he caught on quickly, though.

This time, he was taking the lead. And the way the kiss began, needy and desperate, then morphed to his taking control in a way he’d never done before, made it quite clear what he was thinking, even if I hadn’t understood before now. He was making his claim on me. He was marking me as his.

Chapter 21 Teaser

I climbed out of Alice’s spare bed - she was still sleeping - and woke her up, telling her I was going home. She mumbled in response, then rolled back on her stomach, burying her face in her pillow. I could have stayed a bit longer, but I really just wanted to get home, shower and go to the hospital.

I closed the door softly behind me when I entered my house. I was pretty sure Emmett was still asleep, but I didn’t know about Charlie. He’d mentioned going fishing today, so I half expected him to be gone when I got home, but his car was still in the driveway.

I moved up the stairs quietly toward my room, but nearly jumped out of my skin when Emmett threw his bedroom door open, smiling widely when he saw that he’d startled me.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost, Sis,” he teased.

I glared at him. “Real funny, Emmett. You just scared me half to death.”

“I wasn’t trying to,” he laughed. “Why were you sneaking in, anyway?”

“I thought you were asleep,” I explained. “I didn’t want to wake you up.”

I moved around him, wanting to kick him in the leg or punch him because he stood there laughing at me. I was pushing my bedroom door open, ready to walk inside, when he spoke again.

“Don’t forget, five o’clock.”

The sounds of his heavy feet - which clearly showed there was extra pep in his step - hitting the wooden floor reverberated through the hallway, but his footing stopped short when I spun around on my heels, completely confused by what he meant, and said, “What are you talking about?”

He turned around, his forehead creased as he stared at me, apparently puzzled as to why I had no idea what he was talking about. “The concert, Bella. Remember, you’re going with Mike?

FGB Outtake Info

TeamTUS members,

You won the #FGB auction, as you well know. The votes have been tallied as to which two chapters I'll be writing in Epov. Scenes were offered and most voted for their first kiss, as well as Chapter 19. The next highest votes went to the fireworks scene. Well, their first kiss started at the end of 17, so I decided to combine that with the fireworks, which is in Chapter 18. So that means, you'll get the end of Chapter 17 and all of 18 in Epov. You'll also get Chapter 19 in Epov.

Now, here's what you didn't know. I've decided that I'm going to write a bit of the shower scene in Epov as an extra gift for being so charitable to an amazing cause, which you will get along with the two other outtakes. That also means you'll get a glimpse of the dream that led him to waking up and looking for Bella and you'll know what he was thinking when he saw her.

I had originally said that the two outtakes wouldn't be more than 5000 words, but if they end up being more than that, I don't think you'd be opposed, would you? Lol. The shower scene in Epov will only be between 1000-5000 words.

I had also stated that I would not post these on FF'n, my blog or any other site, but I will post them on these sites ONLY if the team wants them posted at a later date. I leave that decision to the team. Majority vote decides. Sophy and I will get your answer to that through email once I've finished and given her the outtakes to send to the members.

Anyway, that's what you'll be receiving. I'll be working on them shortly, and as soon as they are finished, Sophy will send them out to you.

Lastly, I'd like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your donations. Every dollar makes a difference, and because of your generosity, you've helped open that door a little bit wider in furthering the ability to find a cure for all children with cancer.

Chapter 19 Teaser

My body reacted to what he said immediately, because the words Edward spoke, the conviction within them, sparked an acute longing to be even closer to him than I already was.

The sensation was heady as it traveled through me, causing goosebumps to break out across my flesh. It wasn’t just about the physical closeness, though I realized how much I’d honestly grown to need the warmth of his touch in whatever capacity he gave it, even if it was just a mere look from his eyes, it was also about the emotional closeness I’d found with him.

I had never experienced a connection to someone like the undeniable connection I felt toward Edward. I wasn’t positive as to whether or not my particular feelings were shared, but regardless of the answer, my heart and soul didn’t seem to care either way. Every minute, every second, I was falling deeper, his mark indefinite upon me. I swear it felt as if I was always meant to belong to him.

I’d always been the one to give something, to take care of someone, and though I was doing just that with Edward, it felt different from every other time - I felt like I was being given to just as equally as I was giving. I was a bit confused by that because part of me seemed to understand, yet it was on lockdown from me, other than cryptic sensations I was occasionally granted.

I guess the truth was that Edward was teaching me as much as I was teaching him. He taught me how fulfilling handing over my heart could be, even if he didn’t know he owned it, even if it ended up broken later. Loving someone meant putting their needs above your own, but I never realized how gratifying that could be until Edward. I never realized I could love this much.

TUS POEM #5

Amazing poem written by hayboo05


It used to be just me & him.
I'd keep the bad away & he'd love me so.
We made it through all the punishment, the pain, & the tears together.
Then one night, we found her.
Or maybe, she found us.
I could tell she was good, pure, warm.
She gave me a name & made him smile.
I was to be Lancelot.
She said I was brave.
And at that moment, I felt invincible.
I'd watch over them both.
Keep them safe, while they learned that love is unexpected.
That they had softness that only each other could see.
I knew even then, we were a family.
Edward, Bella, & Me.

Chapter 15: A Piece of Beautiful (teaser)

Edward’s arm twitched against my hip, then he pulled it abruptly away as he nearly flung himself upright, scooting backward, eyes darting around the room, no doubt contemplating running.  If he moved any further from me, he’d fall right off the mattress onto the floor.  His knees were immediately pressed against his chest, arms wrapped around them, and his cheeks were as flushed as mine. “I…I’m…I didn’t-” He was stammering his words and as he did so, he never looked at me.  In fact, he looked everywhere but at me. Every word carried an intonation of regret and fear, and I felt sickened that he felt that way. But more importantly, I worried what feeling that way would do to him, if it would affect what we'd gained.

Here I was reacting to the fact that my chest was practically hanging out, but I never took into consideration how my reaction would affect him. It was obvious I’d not only startled him, but made him fearful too. I hadn’t meant to do either one, I’d just never had a guy openly stare at my chest that way. I’m Bella Swan, after all; hopelessly clumsy and hopelessly plain.

I mean, I knew his thoughts weren’t the same as other guys, but his face still showed curiosity, almost to the point of fascination. And that, the look in his eyes, the way his eyes studied me, heated my skin from head to toe, making me gasp more from that then embarrassment. I could blame my actions solely on the embarrassment but I knew better.  

Him staring at me, though I’m sure on his part was innocent, affected me and I had no idea what to do with that knowledge. But right now, what I felt didn’t matter because he was sitting there afraid and fixing that, that’s what mattered.

“Edward,” I began in a soft, nonthreatening tone. I had no actual idea what I was doing here, what to say, but I had to make an attempt. “Please don’t be upset. Please don’t pull away from me. I was half asleep. I just… I was startled and-”

He frowned, voice tiny and trembling. “I shouldn’t –” He paused, shaking his head.

“It’s okay,” I told him. “Really. Edward, I’m not angry. There’s no reason to be angry, okay? You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I just… wanted to know,” he whispered. His eyes finally met mine, glistening with unshed tears, but his bodily relaxed minutely.

“Know what?” I asked. My heart was aching painfully in my chest for him. He really seemed to think what he’d done was no short of depravity.

“About the softness.” He lowered his head, eyes focusing on his lap in shame. The more he revealed, the lower his voice became. “He told me about it…. the softness a girl has. He said it was beautiful. He said… he said I’d never know it - I wasn’t worthy. I didn't understand what he was saying, but I just wanted to know if I could see it… what he meant because I won’t… ever know it.”

Chapter 14: A State of Serenity and Rapport (teaser #2)

He shook his head, whispering, “I feel better… when you’re here, but you shouldn’t lie for me, Bella. Not me.”

“I wanted to,” I assured him, reaching for his hand. “For you, I wanted to.”

His hand gripped mine, and the warmth coursed through my fingertips, working its way up my arm and through the rest of my body, causing me to briefly close my eyes. He exhaled a shivering breath as he gazed down to where our fingers connected. “Meu anjo,” he murmured softly.

“What does that mean?” I asked, grinning. I recognized the words, he’d said them once before. And just like last time, the way he spoke them, how they rolled off his tongue as if he were always meant to say them, left me curious and content simultaneously.

The left side of his mouth pulled up into a small smile, but he never answered my question.

Chapter 14 Pictease

This pic does NOT mean smut is in the chapter. Just so you know.  ;)

Chapter 14: A State of Serenity and Rapport (Teaser)

“Bella?”

“Uh, yeah, Alice, it’s me.”

“Sorry,” she whispered, her voice gritty. “I had just dozed off when you called.”

I laughed. “Well, we had a late night, so I’m not surprised. I took a nap earlier myself.”

She chuckled loudly, but the sound was interrupted midway by a heavy yawn. “God, sorry about that,” she giggled. “Did I hear you say something about needing a favor?”

Our comfortable exchange had minutely distracted me from the reason I’d called to begin with, but now, well, now I was once again stressed. My whole body felt weighted by it. I had no idea if calling her was an entirely smart idea or how much I could and would tell her, but I knew in asking for her help, she was going to require something in exchange. And truthfully, even though I trusted Alice with my life, it wasn’t my life I was concerned about. But in order to pull this off, to be able to stay the entire night with Edward, I needed an alibi and complete secrecy when giving it. Alice was the only one who could give me that.

“Yeah,” I responded nervously. “I did.” I was positive she could hear the tension within my voice.

There was silence on her end as she waited for me to continue and silence on my end because I had no idea what my approach was yet. It wasn’t as if I had a great deal of time to think this through, so I needed the quiet to mull over what I should say to her.

“Well?” she finally asked, breaking through the dead air. “What’s the favor?”

I still wasn’t entirely prepared, but I bit my lip as I readied myself to speak. Here goes nothing, I thought. And instead of speaking articulately, my response came out in a garbled rush. “Ineedyoutogivemeanalibi.”

“I…uh…blah, blah what?” She was clearly mocking me. “English, Bella.”

I groaned out of frustration directly into the mouth piece, running the fingers of my free hand roughly through my hair. “I need you to give me an alibi.”

“Oh, so that’s what you were saying,” she smirked. “What for?” 

“The entire night,” I murmured.

“WHAT!” She practically squealed. “What are you up to, you naughty girl?” I had no doubt the wheels were turning inside that brain of hers, running through a plethora of scenarios leading me to asking such a request and none were appropriate.

My face flushed in embarrassment at her words, and I responded immediately without ideating how I should actually respond. “It’s not like that, and I can’t get into a lot of detail right now, Alice. I promise I’ll explain what I can later, but please, I just need to know if you’ll help me. I really need you to do this for me. It’s important.”

Way to go, Bella. That statement in itself would obviously fuel the “need to know” fire.

“Oh, no, Bella Swan.” I could hear the sound her head made through the phone as she shook it, her tone firm when she spoke. “No info, no alibi.”

TUS POEM # 4

I counted down the minutes till I was alone
Till I could go to him, so he wouldn't be
I packed my bag with things he liked
Made sure to have the iPod and my book to pass our time
I heard the door close and the car start up
I sighed in relief
When I heard the gravel crunch
I went down the stairs two at a time
Opened & closed the door after turning the key in the lock
And finally made my way to my Abandonward and his Lancelot


Written by the wonderful hayboo05. <3

TUS POEM #3

My Warmth, My Angel
by Rose

Broken, crumpled against the wall

Inside, my soul it bleeds.

Dark memories of my past...

As I cling on to my only security.

If I could just make you see,

Everything I am, is everything I used to be,

I’m gone so far away...

So beyond the light, that no one can see...

Broken, crumpled beyond repair,

Cold to my bones,

My skin trembles under a touch,

The only touch that gives me warmth...

She looks at me with honest eyes,

With a kindness I never knew.

She takes my hand and holds me tight,

And all at once, the fears are gone...

Like a fragile string I’m holding onto

Desperately wishing that it’s not a dream,

If I were to wake up and break it...

No God, don’t wake me up from this sleep!

But she feels real, I can see her now,

I see her even with closed eyes.

She found me, she loved me somehow,

She is my Angel in disguise...

When she puts me together,

Piece by piece of my lost, broken soul,

I can almost believe in happiness

It all doesn’t hurt anymore...

I breathe the air she gave me,

When I was worse than dead.

She soothes and calms, like magic,

The storm inside my head.

Were I to lose her,

I know not what life would mean...

She’s all that keeps me going,

My comfort, my air, my warmth, my everything...

Chapter 13: Discern (Teaser #2)

When I woke up, sunlight filtering through the window and dancing across my eyelids, Alice was already awake, sitting up on the twin mattress nestled on the other side of the nightstand that sat between her bed and the one I was now laying on. She had this odd look on her face, brow furrowed, mouth in a straight line, and for some reason that look left me with a feeling of dread. I sat up quickly, rubbing the sleepy haze from my eyes with my palms. “Alice?” My voice sounded hoarse, mostly because my mouth was dry and not particularly tasting very good. I hated morning breath. “Alice, what’s wrong?”

“Who’s Edward, Bella?” That one question answered the overwhelming feeling of dread that now intensified to the point my stomach rolled in nausea.

“What?” I whispered, because I could clearly not speak above that. Honestly, I was surprised I was able to speak at all. I cursed my sleep talking because this was not a good time to be doing so, not when I was at Alice’s home and not when she was so inquisitive to begin with. I thought I had a handle on it, but I was apparently dead wrong.

“You kept making weird sounds."  Her eyebrows lifted as she leaned forward, forming an ‘o’ around her mouth with her hands while whispering, “Like sex sounds and you said ‘Edward’ several times.”

Chapter 13: Discern (teaser)

We remained in the doorway, standing on the threshold between his hallway and the boiler room, unspoken but holding onto one another. I never loosened my grip on his trembling form. If anything, I tightened it further. But now, I was feeling a little bit selfish here because I didn’t want to let him go…ever. I would gladly stand in this very spot for eternity, endure unspeakable leg cramps and discomfort, just to hold him, just to feel this…whatever it was. And I felt guilty for it, for feeling this way because it shouldn’t feel this right, and he certainly couldn’t reciprocate. That wasn’t a possibility, and I was angry at myself for allowing this feeling to creep up on me, for needing it, even if I didn’t quite understand it – which only served to add frustration to the many emotions enveloping my body now.

But he pressed his face further into my hair as he wrapped his arms fully around my waist in a tight embrace, then whispered in a shuddered breath, “Meu calor, meu anjo.”  

I had no idea what he’d just said or even in what language he spoke, but I did, in fact, believe that it wasn’t actually meant for my ears to hear; it was more a verbal musing that wasn’t really meant to be verbal. Edward was certainly proving to be more than I expected, not that that should have surprised me, and I had a feeling he just unknowingly revealed another layer.

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART AWARDS - UPDATE

Voting Round 1 is now open for the Total Eclipse of the Heart Awards. TUS has been nominated in 20 Categories. And for those that nominated, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Make sure to go vote for your faves.

http://totaleclipseoftheheartaward.weebly.com/index.html


*The Human In Them Award - Best All Human
*The 'Just The Beginning' Award - Best Story In-Progress
*The Dead End Award - Best Tragedy
*The Addictive Award - Story That Has You Checking You Email Every Minute For A 'New Chapter' Alert
*The Tense Atmosphere Award - Best Drama
*The Bitten Apple Award - Most Original Story
*The Complicated Existance Award - Story With The Best Plot
*The Creatures Of The Night Award - Story That Keeps You Up Late At Night Reading It
*The Shattering Of The Heart Award - Story That Breaks Your Heart
*The Beautiful, Shy Piano Award - Best Edward And Bella Story
*The Unforgotten Award - Story That Will Never Be Forgotten
*The Detective of Forks Award - Story With The Best Mystery
*The Heart Stopping Award - Story That Takes You By Surprise
*The Panic Award - Story That Leaves You With Suspense...Or In Other Words, Best Cliffhanger
*The Movie Award - Story That You Can Picture In Your Head...Like A Movie
*The Hair Puller Award - Story That Makes You Want To Throw Your Laptop Across The Room
*The Dazzling Protecter Award - Best Use Of Edward In A Story
*The Edible Art Award - Most Creative Story
*The Clumsy Lover Award - Best Use Of Bella In A Story
*The Stephenie Meyer Award - Best Author

Chapter 12: Method of Secrecy (teaser #2)

I reached out, placing my hand over his in reassurance. I couldn’t help but gasp as I felt that intense warm current surge up my arm as my skin came in contact with his. It only seemed to become more acute the more we touched. He inhaled a crippled breath, closing his eyes as he did so. He flipped his hand over, palm up, and squeezed my hand.  I’m not sure if either of us would ever get acclimated to that feeling.

It wasn’t painful by any means; in fact, it was quite comforting. Truthfully, the warmth felt good. Really good. It reminded me of something, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I could feel the intensity even through my esophagus, so I had to clear my throat before I could speak. “I understand,” I told him, and even though I’d cleared my throat, my tone was still coarse. I kept speaking, hoping the grittiness in my voice would disappear so it wouldn’t be so obvious how affected I was. Whether I understood it or knew why, touching him affected me and it was beyond confusing. “I know my promising Marcus won’t hurt you won’t make a difference right now, but I hate the idea of you sitting here uncomfortable. And if it’s me, if my being here also makes it difficult for you to…uh…do what you need to do, then I can go and-”

“No,” he said abruptly, shaking his head almost violently as his fingers wrapped tighter around my hand like he was trying to anchor himself to me. “Don’t go away from me…Bella.”

I swallowed thickly, my heart shattering at the fear in his voice, the fear that I’d leave him. As if I ever could.  

FACEBOOK LINK FOR TUS

A Facebook group page has been started for TUS by the wonderful Rose-ecdc. It's meant for discussion on TUS, etc. Feel free to join us over there. Here's the link.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=117305168282608&ref=ts

TUS POEM #2

This beautiful poem was written by the amazing Rose-ecdc. <3 you, bb!
P.S. I seriously have the best readers ever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you've shown me and this story. Mwah!

THE UNACCOMPANIED SOUL

I couldn’t abandon the hope

Resting in those green eyes

I couldn’t make myself leave,

Over the desperate cry that begged me to stay.

How could I oversee the pain

That your face couldn’t hide?

How I wish I could just hold you tight

And make it all go away...

If I could steal away all your nightmares

Lock away all your fears,

Promise you it would hurt no more

And mean it...

If I could turn back time

And undo what you’ve been through;

On the past if I could lock the door

And seal it...

Chase away every cry of pain,

Every scream of despair

With a rainbow of purity

That I see in your soul.

You are a melody

That pierces my heart

Like a book of secrets

Just waiting to unfold...

Let me touch your soul

Let me comfort you

Let me subside your tremors

Let me hold you

Let me chase away

All that haunts you

Let me be your security

Let me love you...

I can’t make myself leave

I already am in too deep

I pray lord heals your wounds

That eyes can’t see...

But a heart can feel them

And yours is broken

Let me put it back together

With my arms wide open...

Everything I am is yours

You are my reason to breathe;

From the hell you’re trapped in

Let me set you free...

Would you let me in?

Would you let me hold your hand?

When all else is lost

Would you let me love you?

For as long as I am,

I’ll face it all.

Let them do what they may,

I won’t let you fall.

You will never remain

The unaccompanied soul...

-Rose.EC/DC

Chapter 12: Method of Secrecy (Teaser)

My mouth dropped open, eyes widening in shock. His answer was not one I expected to hear at all. “What do you mean ‘here’?” I asked incredulously. He continued staring at me, wearing the same expression upon his face. He seemed thoroughly amused by my confusion. “You actually take a bath here?” He shook his head, which only served to confuse me more. “But you just said-”

“Shower, not bath…Bella,” he interrupted, cocking an eyebrow while still wearing that little smirk. My eyes widened further at his statement and facial expression. His reactions proved exactly how much of an enigma he really was. There were many layers to Edward; that much I ascertained.

“But I don’t…How do you...” I paused, running my hands down my face, shaking my head. I was completely stammering my words, thrown by the fact that he actually showered here. I never in a million years expected that, it just didn’t seem probable to me. Yeah, his body didn’t appear dirty so I figured he was able to manage some kind of personal hygiene, and I guess I really didn’t know what I anticipated him to say, but it wasn’t that. “Why…I mean, where do you shower in this place?”

He stared at me, eyes twinkling with intensity as his face shifted through emotions. I was trying to read him, trying to understand what I was seeing behind those green orbs, hoping to understand the reason behind his silence and the look he was giving me. And it dawned on me as his eyes roamed my face that he was doing the same, trying to read me. Was he afraid to tell me?


His eyes finally lowered toward his lap as he whispered, “Where…where I found you.”

UPDATED INFORMATION ON TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART AWARDS

I've been nominated in more categories. To those that have nominated me, I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate each and everyone of you and the support you show me and this story. From the bottom of my heart....THANK YOU!


Categories:

*The Stephenie Meyer Award
*The Addictive Award
*The 'Just The Beginning' Award
*The Beautiful, Shy Piano Award
*The Hair Puller Award
*The Detective of Forks Award
*The Human In Them Award
*The Movie Award
*The Dead End Award
*The Panic Award
*The Heart Stopping Award
*The Shattering of the Heart Award
*The Tense Atmosphere Award
*The Clumsy Lover Award
*The Dazzling Protecter Award
*The Edible Art Award
*The Creatures of the Night Award
*The Complicated Existence Award
*The Bitten Apple Award

Edit: Three more categories were added to the list.

Chapter 11: Endeavor the Warmth (Teaser)

I was staring openly at our hands to the exact spot our fingers touched.  Neither of us made a move to pull apart, nor did the sensation dissipate the longer our skin stayed connected.  “There’s…so much,” Edward breathed out.

My head snapped up, eyes locking onto his face. His were focused on our hands, but his expression more than defined his confusion – I understood that feeling all too well. I was wearing my confusion badge a lot since I’d met Edward.

One of his eyebrows was raised higher than the other, nose was slightly wrinkled and there was an obvious crease between his brows. “Why, Bella?” he whispered, shaking his head. I bit my lip hard, completely terrified of the underlying reason to his question. This thing that kept happening when we touched, was it too much for him? Would he want me to leave now?  I was terrified that was the case, that I was going to be rejected by him now, and because of that, I’d never wanted to know someone’s thoughts more than I did in this moment. “Why are you?”

“Why am I what?” I asked as I pulled my hand away, careful not to do so too abruptly.  I tried to mask the tension in my voice, but I knew I was failing miserably.

“It’s so warm. Why…why are you so warm?”

“I don’t-”

“He didn’t… It was never…” He seemed lost in his musings, so much so, I felt as if I were standing outside a room, eavesdropping. “He wasn’t warm.”

The way he said it, the agony twined with his words, made my heart feel as though someone took a straight razor to it, slicing through the tough muscle to the source of me, penetrating my soul. His pain had such a daunting affect on me, and I barely knew much about him or what happened to him. “Edward, what did he-”

He inhaled sharply, glancing down at his hands. “I don’t want to, Bella.”

“What, Edward?” I wanted to reach out to him, terrified I might be pushing too hard. No, what I really wanted to do was touch him again. “What don’t you want to?”

His eyes met mine pleadingly, and he exhaled his words on a crushed whisper. “Be in the cold anymore.”

TUS QUESTIONS

I've been asked a copious amount of questions in regard to TUS. Some I will answer, some I have already answered in the story, but all questions will be answered as the story progresses. Here is a list of questions that I've been asked, and I will or have answered. If you do not see your question here, it's possible I can't answer it yet. However, feel free to ask and if I can answer it, I will edit this post with an answer to your question.


Q. How old is Edward and have you mentioned it in the story yet?

A. No, I have not mentioned it in the story yet, but there is a reason for this. However, I'll ease your mind and tell you that he's 20.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Q. Why hasn't anyone reported Edward or told that he's there? He needs help.

A.  Yes, you're right, he does. However, the only other person besides Bella that knows Edward is even there is Marcus, and he stated in Chapter 5: Puzzle Piece why he hasn't told about Edward. Here are Marcus's exact words...

“I really hoped that trust would grow so that I could get him out of this place and somewhere better. I know he doesn’t belong here, but revealing he's here, especially in the state he's in, I would have signed his death warrant. They'd come in here and take him, lock him up in a place full of crazies, and that would most definitely kill him. That reason is the only reason he’s still here. He's not crazy he's just lost, and he needs someone to find him. He’s been silent and completely solitary almost seven years, until now. I've done what I can for him, but it wasn't me he chose, it was you. Don't make that choice be an empty one for him."

Keep in mind that just because no one but Bella and Marcus know about Edward being at the hospital right now doesn't mean it'll stay that way.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Q. What happened to Edward?

A. The 'what' is still being developed, but with the information that has already been given in the story, it's safe to say he's been abused by someone.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Q. Is Marcus really a good guy?

A. I assure you, Marcus is a genuine man. What he's told Bella is the truth, so you can rest easy. He has no malicious plans for anyone.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Q. Was Edward kidnapped?

A. Well, that's the million dollar question, isn't it? This will be answered, but not now. These things take time, darlins'.

___________________________________________________________________________________

 Q. Wouldn't Edward be REALLY dirty? It's a hospital in ruin right? Where would he shower?

A. No, Edward's body is not dirty. There is electricity to the building and water. Marcus made sure of this. Also, Edward's room itself is not filthy, but it's not the Sheraton. Marcus led Edward to that room to get him out of the filth. The shower issue was coming in a later chapter, but I'll answer that now, I just can't give away any more details.

___________________________________________________________________________________

 Q. Is Edward mentally handicapped or slow?

A. No, to both. But he is lost inside himself and terrified. You'll find out more as the story develops.





 

NOMINATION

I just received an email stating TUS was nominated in three categories on The Total Eclipse of the Heart Awards. To those that voted, thank you SO much! Nominations are still open so be sure to vote your faves!

Categories I'm nominated in are:

-The Detective of Forks Award - Story With The Best Mystery
-The Shattering Of The Heart Award - Story That Breaks Your Heart
-The Dazzling Protecter Award - Best Use Of Edward In A Story

http://totaleclipseoftheheartaward.weebly.com/nominations.html

Chapter 11 Pic Tease

Chapter 10: Labyrinth (teaser)

I tried to understand the sensation as I glided my fingertips across my bottom lip. It was unlike anything I’d ever felt before. It definitely felt like an electrical current or something of equal power, but it wasn’t painful. On the contrary, it was warm and intoxicating, like heated silk whispering along my skin. How I managed to feel that by sharing a touch with someone was beyond me.

Edward’s gasp interrupted my reverie, so I glanced up, meeting shocked eyes. I instantly froze, terrified that whatever happened between us in that touch would set him back, that I’d lose the ground I’d gained with him. “I’m…uh…sorry.” I ended up blurting out the first thing that came to mind, and it certainly wasn’t that articulate.

Apologizing may not have been the right approach, but it wasn’t as if I really knew what approach to take. I was flying completely blind here. But my apology didn’t seem to ease his tension, so I took a deep breath, doing the one thing I could think of, I told him the truth…sort of. “It’s okay, Edward, that was just a static shock. It happens sometimes when people touch each other or touch something metal. It happens to me every now and then when I grab onto a door knob.” He seemed to ease moderately, but there was something that passed within his eyes, something fleeting that I couldn’t name, but my heart definitely reacted to it.

TUS POEM

This amazing poem was written by hayboo05. <3 her!!!

It was fate 

Of that, I have no doubt

He drew me in

I wanted him out

He was broken and lost

He thought it was his fault

I wanted to show him the truth 

He let me in little by little

It didn't happen fast and it wasn't at all simple

He needed to know I cared

About him and his brave little bear

I wanted him to have a life

I needed him to live

Not just exist

I wanted to help put him back together

And make him whole

I no longer wanted him to be, The Unaccompanied Soul

WHAT INSPIRED ME TO WRITE TUS

I've been asked by numerous reviewers what was the catalyst behind writing The Unaccompanied Soul.  Here's the thing, there are SO many abused children, women, even men in this world who are affected excessively throughout the rest of their lives by someone's malicious cruelty, but though it may hinder them from doing things or reacting in ways that come easily to you and I, it doesn't mean they can't function, doesn't mean they can't find themselves; especially with the help of someone who cares enough to be their light through the dark. I don't tread on this subject lightly, I'd be a fool to do so, and no matter how much it hurts our hearts to read about abuse, it's something very real and something we should be more educated about. Abuse, whether it's physical, mental, or sexual can break a person, but it doesn't mean that break has to be soul-deep. I guess I'm optimistic in believing there are no souls that aren't savable, they're merely lost and need direction. It's amazing the results you find through love, compassion and patience. Just remember, when you walk down the street or pass by in your car, and you see this strange person who talks to themselves, seems afraid of their surroundings, and you think they're completely mental, what you may not realize is THEY are Abandonward. Keep that in mind.

FUTURE SCENE FOR TUS

For those who missed the teaser on Fictionators, I posted a future scene of TUS. Call it my way of easing the angst a bit. ;)  I can't give you a Chapter # for this scene yet, just know it's coming. If you didn't read it, here it is.
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“Hi,” I mumbled, lazily smiling up at him.

“Hi,” he whispered. He was propped up on his elbow, head resting in the palm of his hand, body pressed against mine so I could feel the intoxicating warmth that was him; he was watching me.

“You okay?” I asked as I wiped the sleep from my eyes.

  

He nodded. “Yeah, I was just watching you sleep.”

“You were?”

He nodded again. “I like to watch you.” He paused as his gaze shifted off me, face appearing beset in thought. Minutes later, his eyes met mine, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. “You talk…in your sleep.” He brushed his knuckles lightly across my cheek. “You said my name.”

“I do,” I affirmed, because I did dream of him…consistently.

“I dream of you, too,” he replied; no hesitation, no prorogued response. He laid down flat on his back, placing his hands behind his head, staring up toward the ceiling. I assumed his actions meant the end of our conversation, and I had no inclination to push. But the moment I laid down beside him, he sighed emphatically, then said, “Sometimes….sometimes I think I dreamed of you even before I met you, that maybe in another life time you must have been mine.”

CHAPTER 9 QUESTIONS

I've been asked a few times about the "shock" Bella and Edward experienced. I know you're wondering why this time was different, especially when they'd touched just hours before. I'll try to answer this as best I can. Have you ever been around someone and when you touch them, you feel something, even in a small quantity? There's something there, but you're not quite sure what it is, and you find the more you're around them, the more you touch them, the more intense that sensation becomes? Even if you don't quite understand it or why you're experiencing it, the feeling is still there. I suppose you're more apt to feeling such a sensation when you're open to that particular person, especially if that person is meant for you. It's amazing what you miss when you're closed off.
I hope that helps answer your question. ;)

If you have any further questions, please feel  free to ask. I'll answer if I can.

Chapter 9: Acquiesce (teaser)

When I arrived, Marcus was on the second floor, filling a copious amount of lawn bags with garbage that lay cluttering the cemented floors.  I chuckled at his incoherent mutterings. “Bad morning?”

He laughed as he dropped the bag he held between his gloved hands. “You could say that.” He looked around, exhaling a sonorous breath in annoyance. “I knew this would be a lot of work, but no sooner do I get one portion finished, kids come through here vandalizing or partying, and I have a whole new mess to clean.”

“Marcus, I-”

“That wasn’t a jab at you, Bella,” he interrupted, his tone compassionate. “So please don’t take it that way.”

I nodded, cleared my throat, then gestured toward my tote bag. “I brought you lunch. Should I set it on your bench in the boiler room?”

“Bella,” he shook his head, sighing. “You have to stop doing that.”

“Why?” I asked. “I just…I’m sorry if I offended you.”

A small smile played at the corner of his lips. “You didn’t offend me, I’m just not used to someone doing something nice for me, let alone wanting to. I’ve never been high on anyone’s priority list. I guess what goes around comes around, right?”

“I don’t believe that,” I told him. “And it’s never too late to let people see the real you, because I happen to see someone who’s very unselfish.”

“You’re wrong, Bella. Taking care of one boy doesn’t make up for years of being self-absorbed.”

“I think it does. People change, Marcus. You’re proof of that.”

“If I’ve changed, it’s all because of that boy.”

My Two Fave Guys

I saw these pictures and they reminded me so much of Abandonward & Lancelot, though Lancelot would be a bit more tattered.

Chapter 8: Meet the Parent (teaser)

I kept my eyes off him as he ate, because the last thing I wanted was for him to be self-conscious around me in any way, but I talked to him, telling him all about the idea Marcus and I came up with so I’d be able to stick around longer. I made sure to include, “Only if you want me to.” at the end of the sentence - which he seemed to. At least, that’s how I interpreted the grunt in response. Sometimes I wondered if he ever tired of me talking so much, but then again, I had to make up conversation for two people. In the end, I guess maybe he didn’t because he’d yet to ask me to stay away. I honestly hoped that day would never come.

Being that Edward presumably was a belated eater, or maybe it was simply because he still wasn’t used to being around someone while eating, even though he’d been doing it for the past week now, he’d just finished when six o’clock rolled around. I glanced up at him when I saw through my peripherals that he was laying his bowl beside him.

“It’s time for me to go, but I’ll be back in the morning.” I grabbed my tote bag, slinging it over my shoulder and stood up, stretching my limbs a little before I walked toward the only exit/entrance in the room.

“I wish-” he paused, as if hesitant to continue what he wanted to say. “I wish…you could stay.”

I stood inches from the door now, unmoving. “I do too.” I bit back the tears that stung the corner of my eyes. “But I’ll be back tomorrow.”

I moved through the doorway, knowing if I stood in that spot any longer or even chanced a look at him, I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to leave, and that was not a possibility right now; I had to leave. I’d barely cleared three steps between me and the doorway when I heard him say, “You…you make it…not hurt so much.”

The tears fell relentless now.

Chapter 7: The Plan (teaser)

I turned back around and proceeded down the hallway. I pushed through the doorway, parting the blanket that obstructed the door, and glanced around the room for Marcus. “Marcus, are you in here?”

He poked his head out from around the large boiler. “Yeah, I’m over here.” I stepped toward the boiler, stopping when I stood beside him. He was on his knees, fumbling through archaic parts piled in an old crate, but paused when he saw me next to him. “Everything alright?”

I sighed. “Yeah, everything’s fine. I just…do you remember when you told me if I needed anything to come find you?”

He nodded. “Of course.”

“Well,” I started, biting my lip. “I need your help.”

He immediately stood up. “Tell me what you need me to do.”  There was no delay, just a simple, sincere response.

Chapter 6: A Slight Progression (teaser)

I sat back up, placing my back against the wall and glanced over toward Edward. My mouth fell open, and I let out a low trembling breath. He’d been watching my interaction with Lancelot, and apparently was pleased by it because the right side of his mouth actually turned up into a small smile. I was completely staggered, though it was a pleasant shock.

I had to correct myself almost immediately so that my reaction didn’t startle him. I smiled back at him, and reached inside my bag to pull out the book. “I brought Walden by Henry David Thoreau. I hope you like it.”

I began to read, getting completely lost in the words. He remained quiet, of course, but listened intently to what I was saying…until the fourth chapter. “There is commonly sufficient space about us. Our horizon is never quite at our elbows. The thick wood is not just at our door, nor the pond, but somewhat is always clearing, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, and reclaimed from Nature. For what reason have I this vast range and circuit, some square miles of unfrequented forest, for my privacy, abandoned to me by men? My nearest neighbor is a mile distant, and no house is visible from any place but the hill-tops within half a mile of my own. I have my horizon bounded by woods all to myself; a distant view of the railroad where it touches the pond on the one hand, and of the fence which skirts the woodland road on the other. But for-”

“I,” he started, then paused. I waited anxiously for him to continue speaking, my heart fluttered triumphantly in my chest, because that one word was the first word I’d heard from him in nearly a week, but right now, that one word was everything. He was staring at me, almost pleadingly, so I smiled to reassure him. “I…like it.” He glanced from me to the book.

“Me too,” I whispered hoarsely. I bit my lip to catharsis myself of my emotions. “This book was always one of my favorites. I have a weakness for classic literature.”

I swear he smiled again. It was fleeting, but it was there. “Please,” he whispered. 

Chapter 5: Puzzle Piece (teaser)

I was completely deadlocked; fear resonated through my entire body, disabling my ability to do anything but breathe in and out almost violently while practically crushing the fabric of the blanket between my fingers.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to be afraid because I’m not going to hurt you. I am, however, surprised you came back; especially to see the lad.”

I dropped the blanket, pivoted slowly on my heels, and flashed my light toward the voice, coming face to face with an elderly gentleman who was probably in his late fifties, early sixties. He had jet black hair with a tinge of gray, dark eyes, a bit on the thin side and rather tall. A person's face, especially their eyes, creates obvious and immediate cues that lead to the formation of an impression, and his told me, along with his smile, that he was good natured; I could feel it.

“W-what do you mean by ‘the lad’?”

He walked over toward the workbench, flicked on the lamp, and placed a grocery bag on top, then faced me once more, smiling as he pointed toward the entryway that led to the room Edward was hiding in. “The lad.”

“You mean…Edward?”

“Edward, heh?” He shook his head, the smile still appreciable. “Did he tell you his name?” I nodded. “After nearly seven years, I finally find out his name. Ah well, better late than never I always say.”

I gasped. “Seven years? What do you mean seven years?”

He nodded; his focus was now on the grocery bag as he removed items inside it. “That’s how long he’s been here.”

“Oh, my God,” I cried, feeling a mix of consternation and anger. “How could you…how could you keep him here, especially that long?”

His hands stilled, and his body went completely stagnant, until he finally turned to face me, wearing a pained expression. “I didn’t keep him here. I found him here.”

Chapter 4: Home Again (teaser)

Fifteen minutes later, I was sitting inside Charlie’s cruiser on my way to the hospital. “How’s the head, Kiddo? You doing okay?”

“Dad, I’m fine,” I chuckled. “I’d feel better if I could just get home in my own bed. I think an icepack would be good enough. I don’t need to see a doctor.”

“Bella,” he started; his tone authoritative. “You’re going. The way I see it, you gave your old man quite a scare, so the least you can do is go see Dr. Cullen and have him look at that head of yours. I realize you hate hospitals, but I’d feel better all the same if I knew you were okay.”

I sighed. “I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

He shook his head. “Nope.”

“How’s Emmett?” I asked. “Does he know that I-”

“He does,” Charlie interrupted. “He wanted to come, but I told him to stay home. He came with me to search for you. We’d barely been home an hour when you called. We weren’t giving up.”

“I’m sorry, Dad.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay, Bells. That’s all that matters.”

Chapter 3: Don't Go (teaser)

Time seemed to pass, possibly hours that we both stayed apoplectic in our neutral corners of the room. He, however, seemed as alert as he had hours ago, whereas I began feeling quite lethargic. I was having a difficult time keeping my eyes open, and the pain in my head was more noticeable now; probably due to the decrease of adrenalin in my system. I grappled against the fatigue, but failed miserably.

When I woke, I was still propped up against the wall, but I was once again covered with the sheet and something placed upon my lap. I gripped the sheet, pulling it down my body, seeing the tattered bear draped across my legs. I immediately glanced up toward the corner I knew he’d be in and saw him watching me; his face looked affable, almost innocent appearing. And somehow, in that moment as our eyes met, I understood he wouldn’t hurt me; that if I wanted to leave he’d let me.

I removed the sheet completely, placing the bear down gently on top, and shifted my body enough to brace my hands along the wall. I pulled myself up slowly, careful not to agitate my concussed head, then gently turned around, taking small steps toward the door. I watched him as I inched further toward the exit then glanced between him and the door just as I approached it. “T-thank you for…umm… helping me, but I need to leave. I’m…I’m going to go now.”

I reached for the door handle, twisting hard to open the door. “Don’t…go,” he whispered so soft in pitch, that had I not actually felt the words more than heard them, they probably would have been curtained from me. The tribulation in that two-worded plea sent a tumultuous ache through me, so acute that I painfully gripped the door handle within my hand. I instantly wanted to somehow comfort him, and it occurred to me because of that I was probably losing my mind.

Chapter 2: Enigma (teaser)

Thump.

Thump, thump.

Thump.

Thump, thump, thump!

My eyelids fluttered painfully over my eyes, and my heart felt as if it were beating in my head, reverberating off my eardrums straight to my brain. And when I turned slightly, hoping to alleviate the sound, an acute throbbing dominated the inside of my head.

I winced fully, and the echoed intonation only served to increase the tempo of the throbbing. Human instinct was to touch the part of you that hurt, but I was afraid if my fingers even lightly brushed over my forehead, and that wasn’t even where the full extent of the pain resided, it would only worsen the pain I was feeling.

Even still, through the biting discomfort, my eyelids steadily fluttered their way open. My vision was obscured, but I could make out that there was really nothing but blackness surrounding me anyway. Well, almost nothing but blackness.

As my vision focused, I noticed from my peripherals that there was a small patch of light dancing toward the corner of the room, and just as I recognized I was seeing some light, realization that I did not recognize where I was stormed its way across me like a tsunami. My breathing became staccato, which I noticed was the only sound I heard around me; everything else was silent.

I paused for the briefest second, trying to recollect anything that would explain why I was laying somewhere completely unfamiliar, surrounded by near darkness and breathing in a musty scent I wasn't accustomed to smelling. And then it hit me; I was spending the weekend with Alice, we’d went to that old hospital with a group of others, I was exploring the place with Jess, she lost her phone, I went to find it, I-

Oh God! I remember! 

Just as I recalled falling and those portentous green eyes, whose gaze I literally felt slick across my flesh, I was inundated with terror. I knew where I was now, and I did not want to be here. I attempted to prop myself up on my elbows, but the minute movement awarded me with a bout of nausea while augmenting the ache within my skull.  My eyelids literally wanted to close against the pain, but I fought to keep them open. It occurred to me that that struggle, keeping myself alert, could mean my life.

So I forced my eyelids to keep from shutting; my teeth clenched together, jaw completely taut, further intensifying my agony. And once my eyelids were fully open and free of closing on me, though the rest of my discomfort remained, my eyes darted around the room, searching for a way out of this place.

I’d barely made a full scan of the room when I heard an audible exhale of breath, and just like a magnet, I was drawn to the sound. There in the corner, where the room was moderately illuminated, was a shadow. I wasn’t alone, and I knew without an ounce of ambivalence who was there.

Chapter 1: Hide and Seek (teaser)

Here's a teaser of the first chapter. Hope you enjoy!
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 I paused when I cleared the first room and neared the door of the large bathroom, urging my emotions to become sedate. I inhaled one last deep breath, then rounded the corner into the room, flashing the light desperately over the marred floor in search of Jess’s cell.

I became more frantic the more expanse of the floor my light drifted over with no cell phone in sight. I took a few steps forward, feeling the tears trickle against the corner of my eyes because the fear was now eating at my insides. I was ready to give up because I felt rocked by the terror when my light reflected over something shiny. I flashed the light back in the direction of the shiny object, finding Jess’s cell. I breathed out loudly in triumph, launched myself near it and bent over to pick it up. And just as I gripped the phone in my hands, the air became thick and chilling. Goosebumps literally attacked my body without mercy. I lifted up so slowly, mainly because I felt so paralyzed by whatever entered that room and altered the atmosphere.

And when I was finally standing upright, I eased the hand that held the flashlight up in front of me. There was a body standing just a few feet away, and though I knew there was someone there, it wasn’t actually real to me until I stopped at his face. But really, all I could focus on was the ominous green eyes that held mine. He stepped toward me, and I tried to scream, but the sound was caught in the back of my throat.

I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t look away. The fear became so caustic that it felt as if I were being swallowed whole by it. But when he gripped my arm, something instinctual kicked in, something that aimed to preserve my life. I threw myself backward to get away, but in doing so, my foot caught on some broken tiling along the floor. The last thing I recalled before complete blackness was the way the light shimmered over his face as I fell, reflecting the deep green in his eyes, the same eyes that left me immobilized with fear.