Chapter 73

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Elizabeth's Pov

"I know why Hannah Carlyle was taken."  My voice wasn't even above a whisper, a part of me was ashamed for knowing about it and not telling anyone while the other part of me felt guilty for telling Anne and W.D. 

The clock sounded around us, telling us that the next hour had come upon us. Highlighting the essence of the night as its echo radiated throughout the city. From here, the stars were only tiny little speckles - trying to push through the blanket of darkness and overpower the man made light. 

"As much as I would like to know, I think right now the best thing we can all do is get some rest." Anne stated, my old bed was still in her room, or what used to be our shared room, as well as some of my things. I kept some stuff here just in case when the eviction notice came in. Anne and W.D had offered their apartment as a place of refuge, for any situations.  And I think this classes as a situation.... 

W.D gave me a hug once I stood up, an attempt to tell me that everything was going to be okay. But there was this over whelming knot inside my stomach that no matter how many deep breaths I took, it didn't want to go away. It was almost as if with every breath, every inhale of nightly air, fuelled my butterflies, giving them little fallen petals of my calmness to chew. 

I followed Anne to her room, stepping in her artificial shadow as we walked. My eyes focused on the sleeping Phillip, trying to tell myself that he was okay on the sofa. He seemed fine, I mean he seemed comfortable on the couch. No limbs were hanging over the end, he somehow fitted perfectly on the couch. I walked into the room Anne had pulled me into once she realized I was watching, well examining, Phillip. 

Her room had changed so much since I was last here. My old bed was pushed up against the wall, turning it into a kind of sofa. The room itself seemed larger and Anne definitely had more space to practise any floor routines she would want to do. 

"Here is that trunk you dropped off last time." Anne handed me the wooden trunk I had left here. My hands ran over its wooden surface before pausing when it got to the metal latch. I placed it on the floor, in front of the day bed and began sorting out what I had brought. I pulled out a white shirt an a long red skirt, folding up the navy blue dress once I had changed into skirt. Rummaging around the trunk I found a few things I had forgotten I had placed in here. A large blue cloak with gold embroidery, I smiled as I felt the silky fabric in my hands. It was one of the first things I had bought myself once I had gotten off the train from Pennsylvania. There was a couple of books and drawing pads, but the shimmer of something below the clock caught my eye. I had completely forgotten I had ever had this, the glimmer of the item fades as it expanded. I picked it up, removing it from its case but held it below the open lid of the trunk. I didn't really want everyone to know I had this but it was something I don't think I could ever let out of my possession. Just having it, even if it is stowed away in this trunk, just gave me the slightest reassurance of safety. That if it comes to it, I can use it. 

Anne said goodnight and extinguished the candle, leaving me in complete darkness - alone with my thoughts. Do you every feel like even when you are with people, you have never felt more alone? That feeling kind of sums up exactly how am I feeling right now. Well that mixed in with guilt and every single other emotion known to humanity. 

Right now, all I can think about is Hannah. I mean it is one more disaster I can add to my generous supply.  I tried to do a good thing, to be the good guy - have strength and to be kind. But my so call good deed, got punished servery. I actually resent offering her to stay with us, the act of charity I resent because now, that is the exact reason why we are in this mess. 

One question haunts and hurts, too much even to mention. I don't know where she is and it is all my fault. I did this to her, an overwhelming sense of guilt filled up in me - crashing like a tidal wave, making me want to cry out. 

Sure I mean well, but look what well meant did! 

Alright so be it! So be it then! I can't stay here, not while she is still out there and it is all my fault. Slowly creeping out of the bed, I picked up my calf boots, my cloak and the shimmering object - placing it into a pocket on the inside of my coat. Quietly, I made my way through the house - leaving everyone a note about my where about - before slipping out into the hallway. Placing my boots on and throwing the hood of my cloak over my head, I made a run for it into the darkness of the night. 

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