Shattered Girl (Emmy)

Chapter 126

I don't know how long I was asleep before my nightmare started, I was trapped in total darkness again-footsteps getting closer. I would try and run. And just when I thought I would get away. The chain around my ankle would tighten. And I would fall to the ground. I cried out for someone to help me. But no one ever came-only the footsteps in the darkness. When something touched My arm, I screamed, flailing my arms. Trying to fight off whatever was coming for me. Voices that I recognized began to penetrate my nightmare. The twins sounded like they were close by, but it was too dark. To see anything. Other voices joined theirs. And I knew the other guys were looking for me, too. I came awake with a startled cry. I blinked tears from my eyes, with light streaming through the partially closed bathroom door. I could see. Jake was in front of his hand clutching my shoulder, and worry was etched deep in his features. When I glanced up. I saw the rest of the guys clustered around my bed, Josh still had me cuddled against his chest. And he was maaring into my ear that I was safe and everything was okay.

Patrick, Drew, and Mike were all sitting at the foot of my bed. Their hands reached out, resting on my legs. They each, in turn, repeated what Josh was telling me, reassuring me I was safe. It had just been a nightmare, and they would not let anything hurt me. I gave them each a watery smile before attempting to Speak

"I'm sorry I woke everyone." I croaked and then stopped to clear my throat. Before I could say anything else, Patrick interrupted me.

"There's nothing to be sorry for, love. We're all here for you." The rest of the guys were quick. To reassure me. Drew stood and disappeared out my bedroom door. I was returning with a cold bottle of water from the refrigerator. I sat up, resting against the headboard. And took the offered bottle after several sips. I handed the bottle back to Drew and thanked him for his thoughtfulness.

"What time is it?" I asked curiously, noting that the room had just barely started to lighten.

6 a.m.," Mike told me, running his fingers through his hair. "Do you think you can go back to sleep? Or are you ready to start the day?" he asked, squeezing

the morning to be up." They all started to argue, but I held my hand up, and they all quieted immediately. I told them I didn't want all of us to feel like zombies today, I promise I will try to go back to sleep. But if I can't, I will at least lay here and rest. I

the twins wrapped themselves around me. After several minutes of lying quietly, I knew I wasn't going

something light on TV so that at least if you can't sleep, you can lay here and rest?" he asked

really good idea." Thank you, Jake, I told him, propping myself up a little so I could kiss him. He gently

"I love

he

it against his cheek. Jake's smile widened, and he kissed my palm before rolling to look for

against me so tightly it was like

later in the morning. My stomach

I wanted to