A Twist to Twilight

Chapter 16

Althea POV

I struggle to open my eyes. I haven't felt this tired in a long time. I don't know how long I slept but it doesn't feel very long at all. After a few minutes of contemplating opening my eyes, I just do it.

It looks like it's almost night time by the position of the setting sun. It's twilight.

"Argh, I don't want to move," I say complain.

I don't know how long I've been asleep. I need to call Paul, I think.

I slowly get out of bed and go look through my backpack for my phone.

My eyes widen in surprise at not only the amount of time I've been asleep but also with the amount of calls and messages I received from everyone back home. 'Oh no'

Paul sent a message that I should call Alice as she can't see anything when he is involved.

I take a deep breath in and out. 'This is not going to be fun. My mate and entire family couldn't get a hold of me. We haven't even booked a flight back to wherever we all are heading'.

I press the call button, "Althea! Are you okay?" I hear Alice's frantic voice.

"Hi Alice. I'm fine. I'm sorry for not answering my phone. I was busy yesterday," I tell her.

"What about the day before yesterday? What happened? Are you hurt? I had a vision of you sleeping. Everyone is here listening including a fuming Paul" she asks.

'The day before yesterday?' I think in confusion. 'Oh yeah, I didn't realize I slept for so long. No wonder everyone is so worried'

"I'm not hurt. It's just been a long few weeks. I needed rest, that's all. But the good news is that I'm coming home soon. I just need to book a flight. I'll probably get a flight for tomorrow," I tell them.

"We are happy that you are safe daughter," my father says.

"Thank you father" I reply.

"Can I speak to Paul alone please?" I ask.

They hand him the phone.

"Hello Paul," I greet softly.

"Do you have any idea how worried I was? I had to come to your family for help" He says.

"I realize that. Everything is okay now. I'll be with you soon. We can go eat something and watch a movie when I come back," I tell him.

"I can't wait. Please get home safe. I hate the idea of you getting hurt"

Aww, my heart, I think joyously.

"I can't wait either. I'll call all of you in a few hours. I need to get something to eat and check on the others" I tell him.

"I'll hold you to that. Keep your phone with you" he says.

After the call I left to find the others. Deano was the only one awake besides myself.

"Hi Deano. How are you? How long did you sleep?" I ask him.

"Hi Althea. I'm good. I woke up this morning. I couldn't believe I slept for so long" He replies.

"I know. I haven't slept this good and this long in years" I tell him.

"I'm so relieved that the problem with the stingray is solved" he tells me.

"Me too, I just wish we could find those bastards who did this to him" I tell him concerned and angry.

"They'll come out soon enough and we'll stop them" he says putting his hand on my shoulder.

"Indeed we will".

I booked my flight for tomorrow afternoon. The others have woken up this evening as well and we all went to have a celebratory meal.

The next morning we all went to explore Durban. I did some shopping for everyone back home. I packed my bags and phoned Paul along with my family letting them know that my flight will be over twenty seven hours with one layover in between. I know Paul is upset that the flight is so long but he needs to get over it. I'm just as desperate to see him as he is me.

I could at least call them from the flight.

Finally I arrived in Seattle. Paul came to pick me up. He was already waiting for me when I arrived. When I saw him I left my luggage on the floor and ran to him, hugging my body to his and gave him one big kiss on his lips. He is just as surprised about the kiss as I am but that didn't stop him from kissing me back.

After a minute we let go, headed to the car and to Forks.

"So what was the problem you had to help with? You said you would tell me once you came back" he said expecting an answer.

"You are right. I said that I would tell you. I want to tell my family as well. Can it wait until I can tell them as well? I don't want to repeat myself"

"Fine. Which country in Africa were you in at least?" he asks.

"South Africa" I reply.

"Oh, is the country actually named South Africa?" he asks.

"Yes, but technically it's called the Republic of South Africa. I was in the city of Durban. It's very humid there."

We continued to talk until we arrived at my home.

"Welcome home" Esme is the first to greet me. Everyone is here, including Bella.

We all shuffled inside.

"Before I start, I want to say that the problem is solved. And everyone involved is safe, including me" I state.

I take a deep breath and recount the tale of how it all started. Everyone was shocked beyond belief. 'I understand, a giant stingray that size shouldn't exist but it does'.

They were all angry about me risking my life facing the stingray with no guaranteed survival. I spared no details. I even told them how frightened I had been the first time I saw it and how frightened I was when I had to face it again.

Paul was listening intently as I spoke. His face was in a permanent frown.