dream a little dream of me

ch11: walk me home

"It doesn't actually take that much to start a fire. You need three things: heat, oxygen, and fuel. Lots of fuel. And after that fire started once, it needs even less to catch fire again. Most people don't realize that fire can reignite itself. All it takes is a fuel source. The tiny, tiniest flame and poof, the whole world can explode in your face. All it takes is a single spark to restart a fire."

"Andy, it's okay, I got you."
Robert said as he helped her to get comfortable on the couch of his condo. Well, now their condo. Andy didn't say anything. She was just laying there. Her legs crossed. A blanket over her. She was just thinking. About a call Gibson made, about a call Robert made. About Vic barely making through the surgery. About Ripley choosing Travis over her. Dozens of thoughts were racing through her mind but she couldn't say a word. Robert knew that. It was weirdly to describe but Robert felt her pain. Instead of pushing her into a conversation Robert went to the kitchen and made her a favorite snack. He was aware she won't even accept a proper meal in this point. So he got her some strawberries with Nutella and hot chocolate. Once he placed the tray on the coffee table, Robert sat down next to his wife. He just placed a hand on her thigh. As a sign that he is there and that he is not going anywhere.
But he couldn't speak either. He couldn't bother her with his fight with Ripley. With the pain his leg was causing him. He couldn't even say that Victoria is gonna be okay- because, to be honest, he didn't know that and chances weren't that good. Or promising. And he didn't want to promise his wife anything he can't fulfill. Because to him, to Robert Sullivan, promises were important. Suddenly, he felt a warmth on his hand. It was Andy's hand over his. She squeezed his thumb as she somehow forced herself to sit up- but that didn't last long either. She ended up resting against his chest. She wasn't crying. She couldn't cry. It was just her feeling thousands of emotions without an ability to express them. Her best friend was fighting for life. And she couldn't be there to support her, to hold her hand, to talk to her. To see her. 
Robert had his hand around her body, comforting his wife, occasionally kissing the top of her head. He reached over and took one of the strawberries, dipping it in Nutella and bringing it over to Andy. She refused. She didn't move or speak up. He could just feel her head shaking against his chest. It was a sign she couldn't eat.
"Please, at least just one, for me- Andy."
His voice was soothing and calming- but she just couldn't eat. She felt like she is about to throw up. Like her stomach is turning upside down. She was disgusted by food. She pushed it away. On that point- Robert put it back on the tray.
"Okay, come here. I got you." 
He then carried her upstairs to the bathroom. He set her down to sit on the toilet. She had a confused look over her face. 
"I'm gonna run you a warm bath, with candles, lavander usually helps with the nervous system to relax. You need to relax, Andrea. And you need to breathe. I understand, when you get all stressed- you go silent. You're a doer, not a talker. Take as much time as you need- but promise me you will talk to me when you're ready."
Andy nodded as she just watched him doing stuff what will help her relax. He really tried his best. And knew the best way to make her feel. Once the bath was ready, Robert helped her to get undressed and get in the bath.  He sat down next to her and washed her back, gave her a massage. She could feel a dose of relief through her body. Like she forgot the reality for a moment. Like she escaped it, surrounded by warmth, foam, beautiful scent of lavander and his comforting touch.
"Do you remember the night after the incident with officer Cassidy? When you were the one who promised me that you will always be there to lift me up. To fight no matter what for me, for us and for our future family. Well, Andrea, here I am- now promising you that I will always be there for you. To lift you up. To help you overcome every obstacle life sends your way. And to prove you that you will never be alone. To walk you home."
Robert kissed her temple and he could see a little smile over her face. He was her home. Her safe place. Her favorite hello.
Andy just extended her hand, taking his and intertwining their fingers. Their moment was interrupted by a phone call. Robert Sullivan looked at his phone screen and saw it was Travis. He quickly answered it.
"Montgomery, talk to me."
Andy's focus immediately shifted on Robert and the phone call. She snapped back into the chaotic reality.
"The chances for her to make it til the morning are low. Bring Andy even if Ripley said no."
was everything Travis Montgomery said.

"Sadly, reignition usually starts at the most inconvenient moments. It catches. It takes hold. And if we aren't careful, it'll burn everything in its path. Because the fire has been here before. The fire knows what it's doing. The fire knows its way, where to go, how to move. It's already taking the path of least resistance. The fire is hotter this time. Bigger. Stronger. More powerful. And so much more dangerous."