Seeing Red (The Dark Love Series)

by Olivia Howe

  “Is there any way we could get her memory back? Is there some sort of spell of anything?” Andrew asks.

  Ann takes a deep breath. “The brain can't remember what has been erased. Her memories are not gone, they're just hidden, deeply hidden in her brain.”

  "Is there a chance we can get her memories back? Any chance at all? Even if it's one percent. I need that one percent to keep me fighting for her memories, for us."

  “Andrew, yes, there is a chance, but it's nearly impossible.”

  “What do I have to do? Just tell me. I will do whatever it takes,” Andrew pleads, begging for her advice.

  “You have to bring her memories back from the darkness,” Ann answers. “Her brain has to fight for the memories to come back. Like I said, it's nearly impossible.”

  “How do I do that?”

  “Continue to love her. Let her go about her normal routine. Then, maybe, if it's right, we can do a spell that could help, but we can't do it unless she starts to remember something, any memory of you. Other than that, her memories won't come back.”

  “I'll do whatever it takes,” Andrew states.

  “Listen, I'm not saying it's not possible, but I want you both to be ready for disappointment. This is traumatic, even for the brain, to recover from. It's not going to be easy, it's going to take a lot of time and effort,” Ann informs us.

  “How long will it take?” I ask.

  “It's hard to say. It could take days, weeks, months, years. It might not even work.

  I want you both to really be ready for that,” Ann says. She looks like she feels sorry for us. I can hear the sympathy in her voice.

  I look at Andrew and see sadness sweep across his face, but I also see a tint of hope in there. “We can do this,” Andrew says. His eyes are filling with tears. “We have to do this.”

  * * * *

  The ride home from the Anderson’s house is quiet. I was expecting that. I think we're both trying to let Ann's advice sink in. It's quite simple, actually. Either I will remember, or I won't, that's the way it is. There is a possibility that my memories can come back. At least I have that much knowledge, that much hope.

  Andrew pulls into my driveway. I see the living room lights on. My mom's probably watching a movie or cleaning. I'm surprised I don't see her peaking out the windows waiting for me to return. She was just as anxious as I was about finding out if I would get my memory back.

  The passenger door opens. It seems Andrew always opens the door for me. I really love it.

  I get out of his car, and we both start walking to my front door. I climb the three steps, and just as I'm about to open the door, Andrew starts to speak. “I'm not going to give up on us.”

  I turn around and stare into his eyes. “I really hope you don't.”

  Tears start to stream down his face. “I promise you on everything I love, I won't give up on us. I love you, Nina. I know you can't remember me, or us, but I love you so much. I've never loved anyone as much as I love you. You're my reason, my hope, my heart. One day, one day you will remember me, and that will be the second best day of my whole life, because the first was the day I laid eyes on you.”

  Tears are welling up in my eyes. I've never felt this before, this happiness. Is he the reason for this emotion? “I wish I could remember you, Andrew. I wish I could remember the way I loved you.” Tears fall down my face faster. “I don't know how I got so lucky to have someone like you love someone like me.”

  Andrew looks completely broken. “I'm the lucky one. I'm lucky to be graced by your presence.”

  “I pray that the day comes that I can see our memories flash before my eyes.”

  “I pray that day comes too, Nina. Time will tell. I'll be here no matter what. If I have to, I will try to make you fall in love with me all over again. Whatever it takes. I'm not going to lose you. You're to special too me, love,” Andrew confesses.

  “You seem like such an easy person to love,” I admit.

  A smile spreads across Andrew's face. “I love you, now and forever.” He walks toward me and I close my eyes as he kisses me so gently on my cheek. Goosebumps cover my body, and I shiver.

  I open my eyes as Andrew starts to walk away. He gets into his car and drives off. I feel like I can't move. I feel so empty, so hurt, so sad.

  Ali opens the front door. “I know I shouldn't be eavesdropping, but that was so incredibly sweet.” I face her and burst into tears. I'm crying like I've never cried before. “It's okay, sweetie. Everything is going to be okay.”

  “Why did this have to happen to me? Why?” I yell. “He loves me so much. He loves me more than I thought one person could love another. He was my happiness, and now I feel so empty. I know something is missing, I can feel it.”

  “Baby, I know. I feel so helpless. I wish I could take your pain away. I wish there was something I could do to help you. You just have to stay strong, honey. Just stay strong.”

  “I know Andrew will find a way to bring my memories back. I know he won't give up on me,” I continue to cry.

  Chapter 27

  Reunion

  Dear Diary,

  I woke up today feeling sick to my stomach. Evil always finds a way to my front door. Life would be so much simpler if I could just live in peace. I love having the ability to be able to heal, but sometimes I wish I was average and normal like every other teenage girl in Scarlett Hills.

  I had a breakdown last night. Luckily, my mom was there. I would have been completely lost without her. She comforted me until I fell asleep. What would I do without an amazing mom like her? I have to do something nice for her today. I want her to know how much I appreciate her. I want her to feel true happiness. I have the best idea.

  Love, Nina

  * * * *

  I leap out of my bed and start to put clothes on. I look into the mirror and see that my hair's a disaster, so I throw it up and put a headband in. I slip my Vans on, and grab my keys. I run down the stairs, and find my mom in the kitchen. “Whatcha doing, sweetheart? Why are you in such a hurry?”

  Shit. What should I tell her? Think quickly. “I have to meet Kali and work on our homework together. I completely forgot,” I lie.

  Ali stares at me for a few seconds. “Okay, sweetie. Be safe. I love you.”

  “I love you too, mom!”

  I rush out the door and get into my car. I turn the key and the engine roars to life. I start driving to the Madsen residence. It's time for my sister to come home.

  * * * *

  I drive down the rocky, dirt road to the Madsen house. I'm pretty sure Caroline is here, she has nowhere else to go. It's time for her to come home to her family. I can't wait to see my mother's face when I walk through the front door with Caroline. They haven't seen each other in seven months. It will be one of the best days, for all of us.

  I turn my car off and walk to the front door. Should I knock or just go inside? I decide to knock. William answers the door instantly. “Hey, Nina. Why are you knocking? Come on in.”

  “That's not necessary, I'm just looking for my sister,” I tell him.

  “It's okay, you can come in. She's in our room.”

  I nod my head and make my way inside the house. I see Andrew sitting on the couch in front of a blazing fire. He looks at me and stands. “Nina, how are you?”

  “I'm doing good. I'm looking for my sister,” I stutter.

  “Nina!” Caroline yells. “Hey, Sissy. What are you doing here?”

  I greet her with a hug and immediately get to my point. “It's time for you to come home.”

  Caroline looks shocked. Her eyes grow big. “Are you sure it's a good time for that? Have you talked to mom about it? Does she even know I'm back?”

  “Calm down, it's going to be fine. Mom will be so happy to have you back. We need our family back together,” I say with a smile.

  Caroline smiles back. “If you think it's time, then I agree. I'll go get some of my things.” I nod my head. Well, that was easy. I thought it was goi
ng to be much harder than that.

  * * * *

  As we drive home, I can tell that Caroline is getting anxious thinking about the reunion with our mother. It's been seven long and miserable months since they've seen each other. I wonder how Ali is going to react when she sees Caroline's bright face walk through the door. I bet she will be overjoyed.

  I pull into the driveway and turn my car off. I look over at Lynns and she's tapping her fingers against the handle on the passenger door. “Ready?”

  She looks over at me nervously. “I think so.”

  I smile at her and nod. “Let's go.”

  We get out of my car and start walking toward the front door. Caroline stops. “Are you sure she's going to be okay with this? Since I'm a,” Caroline pauses, “vampire.”

  I walk over to her and hug her tight. “She loves you regardless of what you are. She's going to be so happy to see you.”

  I grab Caroline's hand, and we walk into our house together. I see my mom about to walk to the living room, and her eyes meet ours. Ali's jaw drops and the glass she is holding shatters on the ground into thousands of pieces. She stands there staring at us. “Caroline?”

  “Hi, mom,” Caroline says in almost a whisper.

  They run toward each other and embrace with a hug. Tears start to fall from all of our faces. My mother has a huge smile on her face. “My baby! Oh my sweet, sweet, baby!”

  “I've missed you so much. I'm so sorry for leaving. I'm so sorry, mom! I had to leave,” Caroline cries.

  “Sweetheart, it's fine. I'm just glad you're here and you're safe. That's all that matters right now.”

  “I thought you weren't going to want me here because of what I am.” They continue to hug.

  “Vampire or not, you're my daughter and I will always love you.”

  “I'm so happy to finally be home.”

  * * * *

  Caroline, Ali, and I sit on the couch in the living room and talk. I'm so happy to have my sister back home. I sit and look at Caroline. She's much paler than usual, but she looks so perfect, so beautiful. She doesn't seem like she's changed much. She only seems more mature now that she's a vampire. Other than that, you can't tell there is a difference in the person she was seven months ago.

  “Why did you leave?” Ali asks, breaking the silence.

  Caroline looks at me and then back to Ali. “I didn't want Nina to change herself into a vampire-healer to protect me. I couldn't let her to that to herself. I wouldn't be able to live knowing my sister sacrificed her human life for me.” Lynns looks at me, smiling slightly. “And, I left because William and I had to spy on the Sulivic Brothers without them finding out. The best way was making my runaway plan seem as real as possible.”

  “Where did you go? Where did you stay?” Ali asks with concern.

  Caroline's eyes meet Ali's. “We were always close to town, just in case we were absolutely needed. We stayed in different hotels and Inns.”

  “I'm so glad William kept you safe, honey!”

  Caroline smiles. “William is such a wonderful being. He was teaching me how to control my blood cravings. He taught me how to hunt and be a good vampire. I'm so in love with him, he's my everything. I never knew I had the ability to love one person so much. He's so perfect.”

  “Two sisters fall in love with two brothers. How cute!” Ali laughs.

  “How's Andrew doing?” I change the subject.

  Caroline's eyes find mine. “He's not doing so well. He started drinking lately. He's so lost, Nina. He feels like he's going to let you down. He thinks he's going to lose you forever because of what Lucian did.”

  “True love always finds a way,” Ali interrupts.

  “She's right,” Caroline agrees.

  Maybe Ali's right. Maybe true love does always find a way, no matter what. I read more of my journal, and it seems like Andrew and I have been through so much together. It's seems like we've conquered so many obstacles together, and fought off anyone or anything that stood in our way. Isn't that what you do for someone you love?

  “I think I'm going to take a run and let you two catch up,” I blurt out.

  Before I leave the living room, Caroline grabs my arm. “It's going to be okay, sis. You're going to get through this.”

  My eyes find the ground. “I really hope so.” I look up and see her smiling. “I'm so happy to finally have you home!”

  Chapter 28

  Trying To Be Normal

  Dear Diary,

  I woke up to the sun shining through the window and onto my face. I looked out and saw that it's a beautiful day outside. The sun is shining bright, and the wind is blowing gently.

  Staring out the window, I think, "today's going to be a good day." My sister is back home. My mom was overly excited to see her youngest daughter. Caroline was overwhelmed with joy, especially since she was finally home safe.

  I need to stay optimistic. I know I'm dealing with memory loss for the “love of my life”, but I have my beautiful, happy mother and my caring, loving sister back together. I have been waiting for this moment for a really long time, and it's finally here. I have my family back.

  Love, Nina

  * * * *

  I hear banging sounds coming from Lynns' room. I jump up, run to her room, and open the door. I immediately burst out laughing. Caroline is digging through her closet and throwing shoes everywhere. She looks up to see me hysterically laughing. “What's so funny? Have you see my white shirt with the big blue flower on it?” She asks.

  I continue to laugh. “It's good to finally have you home.”

  Caroline starts laughing for a minute and then stops. “But, seriously, have you seen my white shirt with the big blue flower on it?”

  I shake my head and walk out of her room. I've missed her so much. I missed her losing things and looking like a mad woman trying to find them. I swear, her room swallows her things, and never gives them back until it wants to.

  I begin to get ready in the bathroom while Lynns frantically runs around the house looking for this and that. It's highly amusing.

  I walk down the stairs and see my mother glowing with happiness. She's dancing around the kitchen while she makes food. “It smells delicious in here. Whatcha' making?”

  “Blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon, and fruit in a bowl. I hope you're hungry,” Ali replies with a smile.

  “I'm starving,” I state, as I inhale the scrumptious smell.

  Ali beams a smile at me. She looks so happy right now, it makes me happy. “Here's your favorite. Blueberry pancakes with a side of fruit.”

  I begin eating and then hear a big thump. I look up at Ali and she's looking at me. We both stare at each other for a few seconds and then burst into laughter. “Caroline's home,” Ali laughs.

  “I bet you she'll find that blue shirt she's looking for. She always does,” I continue to laugh.

  Caroline comes running down the stairs. “I found it. Are we going to be late?”

  Ali and I start laughing. “We knew you would, you always do,” Ali says. “You have about ten minutes before you have to leave. Are you nervous for your first day back to school in seven months?”

  The smile fades on Lynns' face. “I'm so nervous. I don't know why.”

  “Here,” Ali hands Caroline a glass of red liquid. “William stocked me up on blood for you. You should probably eat before you go to school.” That's going to take some getting used to.

  Caroline takes the glass and gulps it all down within seconds. “Done! Now, let's go before we're late, Nina!” Lynns yells with enthusiasm.

  * * * *

  We pull into the parking lot at school, and I see Lynns getting even more nervous. There is no smile on her face, and her fingernail is tapping on the side of the door. Her legs are shaking wildly. I've never seen her so nervous. “Can you stop that,” I laugh. “What's wrong with you? Why are you so nervous?”

  Caroline looks at me with a serious face. “I just don't want to kill anyone today.”

 
I begin to laugh and she joins me. “It will be fine. If you feel the need to feed, then just leave. I'm sure mom can come up with an excuse for you, and if you need me, I'll be around here somewhere.”

  She looks away and takes a deep breath. “Don't feed on anyone,” she mutters to herself. “Don't do it. Don't do it. It will be fine.”

  “Caroline, look at me,” I say, and wait for her eyes to find mine. “It's going to be all right. Everything will be fine. I know you can do this. If you're not ready, then it's okay.”

  “No,” she says quickly. “I'm ready. Kali's going to freak when she sees me,” she changes the subject.

  Kali is going to start screaming the Kali scream and jump up and down when she sees Caroline. Maybe this means I won't have to go shopping with her all the time and attend all the fundraisers. A smile crosses my face. Finally.

  I turn the car off, and we both get out at the same time. I look over at the front entrance, and see the Madsen brothers standing there. I start checking Andrew out. Damn. Oh my God, he's so beautiful. His pale white skin, his dark mysterious eyes, his black v-neck shirt. He's so breathtaking, so sexy. This guy is in love with me. Wow.

  Caroline runs to William and hugs him tightly. “Baby!” She yells. “I didn't know you were coming to school today!”

  “Of course! I couldn't miss your first day back, baby,” William tells her, with obvious love on his face.

  I walk over to Andrew and smile at him. “Hey,” is all I manage to say to him.

  “You look beautiful today,” Andrew tells me with a sweet smile on his face.

  I feel my cheeks start to turn red. I hope he can't see. “Thank you.”

  I hear someone start to scream. I immediately cover my ears. It's Kali. She must have spotted Caroline. “I didn't know you were coming back to school! Why didn't you tell me? Oh my God! Yay! I have my best friend back!” Kali screams. They both begin to jump up and down, smiling and screaming. I haven't seen Kali this happy in a long time.

  “Please tell me you're going to come back and cheer?” Kali screams.