Skyler turned her head once more and lifted her impossibly long lashes. She could see her face reflected in Francesca’s black eyes. Like a mirror. Skyler looked beautiful. “That’s not me.”
“Yes, it is. That’s how I see you. That’s how your mother saw you. That’s how Gabriel sees you. Who else matters? That man who claimed he was your father? A drunken shell of a human being who wanted only to use drugs to escape what he had become? His opinion cannot possibly matter to you, Skyler.”
“I didn’t want to come back. I was safe where I was.” There was a plea in the young voice, a heartbreaking plea. “I can’t face it all over again.”
Francesca stroked back the fringe of hair tumbling over the girl’s forehead, her touch soothing and healing at the same time. “Yes, you can. You’re strong, Skyler, and you’re no longer alone. You know I am different, I have certain abilities. I can dull your memories, give you time to heal properly. You will still feel the pain, but it will be bearable. You are surrounded by those who love you and you see yourself the way you really are inside, not the way that man tried to teach you. He was dead inside, a monster made of drugs and alcohol.”
“He is not the only monster in the world.”
“No, sweetheart, he is not. The world is filled with such creatures and they come in all forms and sizes. We can only do what we can to stop them and rescue the innocents from their hands. Gabriel has dedicated his life to doing so and so have I in my own way. Give us the chance to love and care for you as you should have been.”
“I’m afraid,” Skyler said. “I don’t know if I can ever be whole again. I can’t bear the sight of men. Everything frightens me.”
“Deep within your heart and soul, Skyler, you know all men cannot be condemned for the despicable things your father did. All men are not alike. Most are fair and loving.”
“I’m still afraid, Francesca. It doesn’t matter that I know what you’re saying might be the truth. I can’t take the chance, I don’t want to take a chance.”
Francesca shook her head gently. “You retreated so that you would not become like them. You wanted to be like your mother, seeing the good in people and having compassion. I read that in you easily.”
Her eyelids fluttered, then bravely remained open. “I wanted him dead.”
“Of course you did. I wanted him dead, too. That does not mean we are monsters, sweetheart, only that we are not angels. Join with us. I want you with me, I have been inside your head and know you as your own mother did. Better perhaps. I would count myself blessed to share my life with yours. If that is not what you wish, I will provide the money for your education and upbringing. Either way, it is your choice. I will not abandon you.”
Skyler twisted her fingers tightly around Francesca’s. “You know what you’re asking of me. I know you do. I’ll have to go out into the world, be with others. I’ll never be the same as they are. I’ll never fit in.”
“You’ll fit in with me,” Francesca insisted. “With Gabriel and me. We appreciate talent such as you have, we really do. We can help you develop it. There are ways to tone it down or expand it if it is necessary to do so. And you will have plenty of time to heal before you need to face the world. Try to sit up, Skyler. You’re strong enough.”
“I don’t think I want my ability developed any more than it already is. When I touch people, I know things about them I shouldn’t. Sometimes I see terrible things. No one believes me when I tell them.” There was no trace of self-pity in Skyler’s voice or in her mind. The teenager was simply stating facts as she saw them. Skyler reluctantly withdrew her hand and with Francesca’s aid managed to sit up.
“I brought you a few things, some underwear and T-shirts and a robe.” She held up the stuffed wolf. “And this. Gabriel thought you might like a friend.”