Chapter 5. Reliving the fall.

"Let me run a bath for you. You can relax and take all the time you want. I'll go find some clothes and leave them on the bed for you." Etta pushed up from the bed and headed towards the bathroom.

"Thank you, Etta. No one has been this nice to me in year. I still can't believe you are real." Annalise said shyly.

"You'd better believe it! Just wait until you meet the rest of the family. They are going to love you." Her bright, sing song voice was slightly muffled under the noise of the running water.

A short while later, Etta reappeared. "All ready. I wasn't sure what kind of bubblebath you would like so I picked one that matches your scent." She smiled and made her way to leave. "See you later, Bestie." She sang as she left.

Annalise limped to the bathroom. The bubbles were almost to the lip of the tub, so invting. She gingerly stripped off the pyjamas and unwound the bandage from her knee.

Lifting her bad leg first, she balanced on her song one. The heat of the water instantly soothing the ache. Slipping in fully, she couldn't help but sigh deeply.

Annalise was surrounded by steam and the smell of honey and orange blossoms, matching her scent perfectly.

She ducked under the water and lathered up her chestnut hair. It was long and matted. She shampooed and conditioned twice.

Annalise felt a little silly just lying there. Usually, bathing had to be quick and economical in the cold stream. Now she splashed and scooped up a handful of foam, blowing them as far as she could.

Relaxing back, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Suddenly, she was back on the cliffs edge, Jasons hand painfully gripping her wrist, his sneering face in front of hers and then she was falling.

She woke herself, flailing and splashing in the now cold water. Breathing heavily, it took a long minute for her to realise where she was.

Standing up, she reached for a towel. Her frame was so slight that it nearly wrapped around her twice. Once she felt it was secure, she grabbed a small one and put her hair up into a turban.

Annalise stepped out and pulled the plug, making her way back through to the bedroom. As promised, Etta had laid some clothes on the bed for her.

She dried off quickly and pulled on the new underwear and leggings. There wasn't any fresh bandages for her knee but she felt like she didn't really need them anymore. The swelling had all but gone. She then slipped on the green vest top and an oversized light grey hoodie.

Annalise had to fold the sleeves up twice so that she could use her hands. Sitting at the vanity, she towel dried her hair carefully and worked out all the tangles and matts with a brush she found in the drawer.

By the time Annalise had finished, her hair flowed midway down her back, falling in natural waves, shinier than she had ever remembered seeing it.

Feeling at a loss of what to do with herself, down time having never been a luxury afforded to her before now, Annalise lay back down on the bed, staring at the ceiling until her eyes felt heavy again.

The air around her whipped her hair across her face, legs struggling to hold her weight. The wolves from Cold Claw had found her.

She faced them down. Jason gripped hertightly. The ground cracked beneath her and once again she was falling.

"Anna! Anna! Wake up!" Etta was holding on to her arms as she struggled and writhed back to consciousness. Evenually, she stilled but her breathing remained rapid, eyes wild.

"Shh, Shh, it was just a nightmare. You're safe." Etta cooed gently, brushing her hair hair off her sweat slicked forehead.

For the first time, Annalise actually initiated physical contact, sitting up and hugging her friend tightly. "Not a nightmare...a memory." Annalise panted, still holding on for dear life.

"I've got you, Anna. You're not there anymore. You will never have to go back ther.Do you hear me? Never."There was a fierce protectiveness in Etta's voice that brought tears to Annalise's eyes.

"Dry those eyes, Bestie. You can't meet my parents like this. They'll think I did this because they will love you instantly." She feigned indignation.

This made Annalise huff out a small laugh. Releasing her death like grip, she wiped her face on the sleeves that were covering her hands.

"I'm nervous. what if they decide to send me back?" Ettas mock offended changed into one of disbelief.

"Pu-lease! That won't happen. my parents have been pacing around, anxious to meet you. I hope you do not mind but I gave them the cliff notes of what you told me happened to you." She looked worried, but deep down, Annalise didn't want to keep retelling her story.

"It's okay. I am okay. I'll go wash my face then I'll be ready to meet my Bestie's family." Etta squealed in delight.

"We'll go down for dinner. Nothing formal" Etta tugged on Annalise's arm, taking her with her off the bed and towards the door.