Lightning || NS/TW (Fin: 30/12/13)

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Elsie’s POV

“Tilda,” I said again and this time she moved. The toddler looked confused and I gently brushed my fingers across her cheek. She looked just like her.

“El?” Matilda questioned and I nodded.

“I-What the hell happened to you?” She stuttered and I looked to Nathan. He only looked at me with worry in his eyes.

“I’m not sure I can tell you…” I mumbled and Nathan gripped my waist tighter. Tilda cast her eyes down at the ground and then looked back up again, eyeing Nathan suspiciously. I hoped she wasn't thinking he's my kidnapper or something.

“Would you like to come back to mine for a bit...catch up?” Tilda said with hope filling her eyes. It’s the least I could to after disappearing on her six years ago. I glanced at Nathan and he nodded.

“That’d be great. And this is my husband, Nathan,” I added and Tilda beamed at us.

“You’re married?” She said in awe and gave us awkward hugs, practically squishing the little girl in her arms. I giggled.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Tilda,” Nathan said politely and Tilda gave a small smile. I guess she was touched I had talked about her within the past six years. She gestured to the other direction with her head and we followed her to her flat, I was assuming. We went through a couple blocks before reaching the front door to a flight of stairs.

Her place was small and dainty…it definitely looked like a child had been living in it, but it added character to the place. Tilda set her girl down on a small, red armchair, where she fit perfectly. She told us to make ourselves comfortable and so Nathan and I took a spot on the couch closer to where the little girl is sitting.

“Mummy?” She suddenly called in the direction of the narrow hallway. The girl then looked at Nathan and me.

“She’ll be back soon, girlie,” I cooed and her eyebrows furrowed for a split second before she just slumped back in her chair. Nathan glanced at me with a small smile. I could tell he was getting antsy…it had been exactly 12 hours since we last drank from each other, and trust me, that’s a long time for mated vampires.

“Shh,” I giggled at the same time and Nathan kissed the side of my head. Within seconds, Tilda was back with fresh clothes on and a tray full of tea and biscuits. My heart broke into two. What the hell am I supposed to tell her? “Oh, I got hit my a truck six years ago and was saved by a vampire named Sam. Guess what? I’m a vampire now, too!” No way. I needed to be smart about this. As Tilda rearranged the coffee table, I leaned into Nathan and whispered lowly in a volume that humans aren’t able to hear.

“Nathan, what are we going to do? What am I supposed to say?” I asked and concern coated his eyes.

“I think it’s fine that we tell her—that you tell her,” he told me and I questioned him.

“But the law…we can’t tell humans!”

“El, Tilda deserves to know. She was your closest friend. It might benefit her somehow, you know?”

“I guess you’re right,” I said and Tilda finally finished fussing over the appearance of the table.

“Tea?” She asked softly and I declined politely, despite wanting to have the taste of tea on my taste buds again.

“Maybe later, Tilda,” and she smiled.

“No one’s called me Tilda since, you know?” She said and she sat down slowly, sipping on her tea. Again I felt jealous that she was able to drink tea, and I wasn’t able to. How is it I am suddenly missing my human habits?