Second Life (Book Two in the Awakening trilogy)

16: Extreme Treatment for Extreme Memories

Waves crash slowly onto the sandy shore of La Push as the birds sing softly and the trees dance ballads. The breeze lightly blowing, animals not stirring, the sun barely over the horizon. I slowly stand and look around. I walk into the woods, my fingers dragging across the bark of the dancing trees. I spin in a circle and continue walking.

"Elizabeth!" A voice calls out to me.

I start to dance with the trees, my feet gliding across the ground. I spin and start walking again. I start to hum along to the birds' hymn.

"ELIZABETH GALE! DONT MAKE THIS HARD ON YOURSELF!" I jump and start to run. "COME ON HOME SWEETHEART!"

"LIZ RUN!!!"

My legs pick up speed as I feel someone behind me. I start running faster and faster.

"YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN'T ESCAPE ME!!!" Someone grabs my hood and pulls me back. I thrash in their hold.

"NO!!!" I scream.

"LIZ!!! NO!!! LET HER GO!!!"

I feel my skin tare slowly.

I shoot straight up with wide eyes and heavy breaths. The blankets a mess, my hair in face, and dry tears on my pillow. Jake and Gabe run in.

"El, what is it?" Jake asks. I swallow as my gaze slowly meets his.

"Liz, what happened?" Gabe tries. I try to talk, but I stop. I bring my hand up to the side of my neck and pull my hand away slowly. Blood. I scramble off of the bed and run the the bathroom. I pull my hair up and stare at the slit in my neck. My eyes flick between color twice, then return to hazel. I grab goz and hold it to my neck. It fills with blood almost instantly. I pull the goz away and throw it in the trash. I look back in the mirror, healed completely. I hold my hands out in front of me.