Beneath the Surface [ON HOLD]

Chapter Six - Heartless Goodbyes

Chapter Six - Heartless Goodbyes 

I jerk awake, my mother's tear-stained face imprinted in my mind. I gasp for breath, pressing a hand to my throat, expecting to feel my pulse fluttering against my hand - but instead I feel nothing. 

My breathing hitches in panic as I desperately try to feel for any sign of a heartbeat. 

"Oh no. Oh nonononononono!" I repeat over and over again, my hands falling limply to my sides. 

Heavy footsteps pound up stairs and my door is flung open as my Father bursts in, his expression wild, "Scarlett? What's the matter?" 

I shake my head mutely and bury my head in my hands, a lump forming in my throat. 

"Oh, Scarlett..." my Father says sadly, moving towards me and wrapping his arms around my shaking shoulders. 

He strokes my hair comfortingly and kisses the top of my head, making me feel like a child again. 

We stay like that for a while, my Father trying to comfort me like he always did whenever I woke up crying from a nightmare. 

"What happened, sweetheart?" he asks softly, pulling away slightly so he can meet my eyes. 

I hesitate before shrugging my shoulders, "I- I- I don't remember." I whisper honestly. 

My Father sighs and pulls away from me, "Try to, honey. The midwife said it would help her understand what caused you to collapse the way you did."  

I sit up stiffly pushing the scratchy blanket off me, "I only remember bits and pieces Father," I say, rubbing my puffy eyes, "It is as if someone has gone through my memories and taken parts out." 

My Father blinks at me before nodding slowly, "Perhaps you hit your head?" 

I ponder his suggestion for a while before shaking my head, "My head doesn't hurt - I would have had to hit it really hard if it was to cause me to forget as much as I have."  

My Father sighs again and rubs a hand over his eyes, "I suppose you're right. But what do you remember?" he asks quietly. 

I pause again, staring out through my small bedroom window that over-looks the Dark Forest, wracking my brain. 

"I remember running through the Dark Forest," I begin slowly, "I was running from something but I can't remember what..." 

My Father glances at me sharply, "The Beast." 

My brow furrows in confusion, "What about it?" I ask confusedly. 

Surprise flickers across my Father's face, "You don't remember?"  

I shake my head in bewilderment, "Remember what?" 

"Scarlett, you gave yourself to the Beast in my place." Father says gently. 

My eyes widen and I quickly shake my head, "That's impossible. If I did than how is it I'm still alive?" 

"I have no idea, sweetheart..." My Father says, almost inaudibly.  

I watch silently as he moves towards my open window and pauses to take a breath of cold air before slamming it shut. 

"What else do you remember?" 

I twist my hands in my lap nervously, "I remember going into the Dark Castle-" 

"The Dark Castle?!" My Father all but shouts, whirling around and staring wild-eyed at me. 

"Yes," I reply soothingly, "Don't worry Papa, I don't think Nicholas harmed me in away..." 

"Nicholas?" My Father says, his eyes widening even further, "Who's Nicholas?!"