Forget Me Not (Forgotten Series Companion Chapters)

Shattered Reflections

Samuel

I slowly pushed open the door door with a heavy sigh as I took in the state of the room. The bedding was torn off the bed and clothes were toss everywhere and full length mirror was laying on its side, its mirror shattered across the floor. I could hear muffled crying coming from the slightly ajar closet and slowly made my way over to it, dodging the pieces mirror as I did so.

I pulled it open and when my eyes adjusted, all I could see was red hair and pale skin as Ainsley curled up in the back corner. I made a small sound as I crouched down and moved closer to her shaking form. "Ainsley." Her name always came out of my mouth with the taste of sweet honey. Her tears seemed to increase as she tried to move further away from me. I wouldn't allow her to retreat from me anymore. I grabbed her around the waist and tucked myself against the wall as I hauled her onto my lap.

She always felt so delicate in my hands, as if she were a tiny creature that one needed to hold with the utmost tenderness and care. I would do nothing but treat this female of mine with the gentleness she needed. I buried my hand into her riotous curls and kissed her head, settling further into my spot. Her hands grasped the fabric of my shirt and she buried her face into my neck, seeking the comfort I was trying to provide her with.

It felt helpless for me sometimes, when her mind and her world view tore at her so violently she could do nothing but retreat from it and hide. Until she was nothing but a crumpled form coated in tears. I did my best to pick her back up, to brushed the tears away and simply be there for her. A familiar curl of anger filled me but I shoved it away as I grasped her small foot, rubbing her instep gently in a move that I knew would settle her and I faster than words.

"Are you okay?" My words seemed heavier in the dark of the closet and she shook her head after a moment, sniffling as she pressed her face harder into my neck. I wondered what had set her off this time. I knew she was stressed out. Today was a very important day for us both and I knew her insecurities were shredding into her. I tried to do my best to alleviate them but it was hard for me to fight against foes when I couldn't see them, when they were tucked deep inside of her brain.

I slowly wrapped my arms around her and placed my chin on her head. She would speak when she felt like it and I knew all she needed right now was for me to hold her and let her feel. As much as the emotional outbursts and tears cut me deeply I knew I had to let her feel them, to let her get them out because it was worse when they festered inside of her.

Her breathing was shaky and I closed my eyes, waiting patiently for her to speak what she wished. "I can't go out there." The words were choked and I made a small noise of acknowledgement, letting her continue rather than interrupt her. "How can I go out there?" She practically whimpered the words out and I brushed her cheek with the back of my fingers, trying to wipe away the stickiness of her tears.

"I'm not pretty." The words were waid wetly and a new round of sobs started and I held her tightly, closing my eyes as I let her cry out her hurt. I swallowed thickly, tears burning my own eyes. It didn't matter how many times I looked at her and told her she was magnificent and the most wondrous and beautiful creature I had ever seen, those insidious and cruel insecurities that hissed in her ears and completely drowned me out. "You deserve a pretty mate." I stroked her hair as she sobbed the words out. Her inner pain was like a physical ache to me. It was something I needed to fix but I was woefully unprepared for.

"I do deserve a pretty mate." I shifted my arms so I was cradling her to my chest before I stood up and carried her from the closet and into our bathroom. Make up and lotion and curlers were scattered over the surface and I carelessly pushed them out of the way as I sat her down. "I deserve the most beautiful female around." I let her go as I grabbed a cloth and ran it under the tap. I grasped her quivering chin and lifted it. Her makeup was streaky and smudged from her tears and her blue eyes were rimmed with red.