SONGS AND TRAILS (Book 1)

CHAPTER 23

“I’m so sorry... I shouldn’t have asked... Mima was right. I shouldn’t have involved you.” Esme apologized.

“No.” Bella wiped off a tear that escaped. “Don’t worry...”

“Is he... is it because of...”

Bella could see the fear in Esme’s eyes. “No!” she said fast. “I was little... I couldn’t protect him. You’re her mother...”

“Oh, gods!” Esme stood in distress and Bella stood after her.

“You are her mother! You can protect her! You can shield her!” Bella assured her, “Don’t be afraid! You have to be strong.”

“Is she going to be like that forever? I just... I shouldn’t have gone with her into the woods that night. I didn’t know she had followed me when I went hunting and when we got attacked... They put a curse on her... I woke up and she...” Esme sobbed.

“No!” Bella hugged her. “It’s not your fault.” she pulled away. “You can’t break down! Not now!” Esme nodded. “The curse was meant for me too.” Bella told her and Esme looked at her. “After our order was wiped out, they trailed us and almost made me a gateway. My father took it in my place. I will forever regret that... maybe if I took it he would’ve still been here taking care of me... protecting me...”

“No! It’s not your fault! Us parents... we do that and if I could take my Queenie’s place I would. That’s what we do. So don’t blame yourself.”

Bella nodded.

“Who’s there? Do we have a visitor?” a small voice was heard and they both turned to see a little girl with closed eyes standing at the doorframe.

“Oh! Sweetie!” Esme went to her and squatted to her level, “Yes, we have a visitor... It’s the lady I've been telling you about.”

“Oh!” Queenie said. “Hello!”

“Hello!” Bella responded.

When the sun rose, they were all seated at a table having breakfast with the few eggs, bread, and jam that Bella had brought them.

“Mhh! This jam is nice.” Queen said eating her jammed toast.

“Well, I’m glad you liked it.” Bella said. "I'll be sure to bring more next time."

"Okay." Queen smiled.

“She hasn’t had a good meal ever since...” Esme started.

“I understand.” Bella said. “I can always bring you supplies if you want so that you don’t have to go hunting in the morning.”

“Oh no!” Esme retaliated, “No... I didn’t even want Mima to do that because she already has enough on her plate with people calling her a whore, a witch... and all... and from what I've seen and heard, people aren't fond of you either.”

“I insist! I wouldn't give a damn if they were fond of me or not.” Bella said, “I went through the same. We starved for days until Mima saved us. Let me be the one to save you! Please?”

“Oh but... Aren’t you just passing by?”

“I am but I have friends who live here and would be willing to help.”

“But that’s too much...”

“Let me?” Bella begged holding her hand.

“Please, mommy!” Queenie begged.

“See?” Bella said, “Please!”

“Oh, you’re going to make me cry!” Esme said with a shaky voice. “Alright fine!”