A Step Back (Jennifer. A + David. S)

Chapter 13: The Nightmare

JENNIFER'S POV
David is so sweet, and it's just lovely to fall asleep in his loving arms. Tonight was... Interesting. Kind of strange, but definitely interesting.
Suddenly, I hear his voice. It's three in the morning...?
"No! No, please! Me, not her. No!" He whispers, in tears.
He shivers and shakes, as well as lightly squirming. I bring him closer, and let his head rest on my chest instead of mine on his. He squeezes me tightly, but he's still sleep. He whispers a few more words, as more tears escape him. Poor baby. I wonder what he's dreaming about? Should I let him sleep through it? I decide I can't watch him in this much pain, so I grab his shoulders and shake him carefully. He immediately opens his eyes. He finds my eyes in the darkness, and looks deeply into them, frightened. I hold his shoulders, and we just stare into each other's eyes. I finally bring my hand to his cheek and wipe the tears from his cheeks. I pull him back into my ams, holding his head like a baby. I stroke his hair. I run my hand down his chest affectionately, trying to make him lighten up. I don't want to ask him what's wrong, because it might make him think about whatever it was.
"Thank you for waking me." He whispers, squeezing me tenderly.
I reply with a quiet you're welcome in his ear, as he begins tracing shapes on my back, just under my shirt. I take his hand away, and hold them in front of me, inspecting them.
"Why do you have callouses on your fingertips?" I ask, touching the hard area.
He smiles, and plays with my fingers, while watching our hands intertwine.
"They're from playing guitar. I used to love playing. I was in a little skiffle band when I was a young boy." He chuckled lightly.
I smiled, watching him reminisce. He must've of really enjoyed playing. I can't even imagine him in front of people, because he's so shy. But then again, we act in front of a crew and an audience almost every night.
"Did you sing?" I ask, hoping he says yes.
He blushes, so I'm assuming so. I play with his fingers, holding our hands between us.
"Will you give me a show sometime?" I tease, poking his nose.
He nods sweetly. We just feel each other's warmth, both of us passing it on to the other. He pauses, before breathing in deeply. He's going to answer my earlier, more intruding questions.
"I usually have nightmares. Maybe a few times a week. I don't really know why; it's just always been like that. I remember when I was a teenager, I never wanted to fall asleep because of how bad they were, and how constant." He admits, lowering his voice.
I console him by bringing him closer to me, and resting my head on his shoulder, with my lips just by his ear, so I only need to whisper. When he turns to look at me, his lips are only an inch away. It's hard to see his features in the dark, but I can tell where his eyes are, and I know his body pretty well. He looks down at my lips. I know he thinks I can't see him doing this, but I can. He doesn't like me like that, he's just lonely, with nobody there for him. I lean in just a bit, letting our lips graze each other. I slide my hand down to his chest, where his heart is beating rapidly. He closes his eyes, and connects our lips. His lips taste of chocolate, probably from earlier. It only lasts a few seconds before I remove my lips from his, and peck the corner of his mouth, just as he exhales. I cup his face in my hands, smiling down at him. I run my thumb over his soft lips, staring deeply into his eyes. I love our intimate moments together.
I return myself into his warm embrace, and drift off once again.
When I finally awake again, the morning light is just beginning to come in through my curtains. It can't have been more than 7:00, which is pretty early in the morning for me to wake up on a Sunday. I smile down at David in my arms, embracing him tightly. His hair has flattened, so it's down on his forehead rather than gelled up. I brush it aside, admiring his handsome face. He's so peaceful when he sleeps, at least when he's not having a nightmare. His head is still on my chest, tilted up at me. I slowly run my fingers along his features, down his jaw, across his chin, down his nose, and along the rest of his face and neck. I tether through his soft brown hair, noticing it's much lighter than I'd thought. It's usually black, but that's probably the hair gel. When I scoot my legs closer to him, I feel something. What? Oh crap. I shake him, waking him up.
"Umm David?" I ask.
"Hmm Uh yeah?" He rubs the sleep out of eyes.
"Um well, look down." I nervously command.
He lifts the blanket, and turns bright red, covering his face with embarrassment.
"I'm sorry, it's morning wood. It's not you, it just happens to guys when they sleep, and sometimes we wake up when it's going on. So sorry." He responds, so embarrassed already.
I giggle, and cup his face with my hands. And smile at his adorableness.
"Okay, because I thought you were having an erotic dream or something!" I whisper, laughing nervously.
He tries to join in, but just fails. By now, it's gone, but I'm still chuckling. He pulls him self away, and stretches his arms up.
"Arg, what time is it?" He asks, yawning deeply.
I turn and glance at the clock; it reads 7:02. Once I tell him the time, he decides to fall back asleep.
When I wake up again, he's gone. He's not next to me, so I sit up, tying to search for him as if he's just a few feet away. Except for he is, his back turned towards me, with his hands on his hips. He's breathing deeply, and I can sense his eyes are closed. I clear my throat, making sure he knows that I'm there.
"Can I use your shower?" He asks, turning towards me.
I nod, before realizing he can't.
"Well Court and Lisa are still sleeping, and they are in the room right next to bathroom. Could you possibly wait a bit?" I ask.
He smiles, nodding. I peel off the blanket, and sit on top of it. He sits down, crosses his legs, and folds his hands on his lap. I stand up, and stretch my arms way above my head.
"Do you want to go on a walk right now? We can probably fit a short one in before they wake up." I ask, finding some clothes from the dresser. David nods, and spreads the curtains, looking out the window again. Since his back is turned, I quickly pull off my tank top and shorts, so I'm only wearing my panties and a bra. He then turns around.
"Hey Je- oh my gosh!" He exclaims.
He immediately closes his eyes, because he's such a gentleman. I pull my new shirt over my head, and walk up to him. He has no idea, so I reach my arm around his back, and trace a line up from the small of his back to the nape of his neck. He shivers.
"I'm just teasing you!" I laugh to myself as I remove my shorts and slip on some jeans.
I command him to open his eyes once I'm dressed. He walks up by my side.
"Hey can you chuck my clothes into the wash while I take a shower?" He asks, looking down at me, by his side.
I smile and nod, before opening my bedroom door. I lead him into the bathroom right next to the girls' bedroom.
"Here, undress in the bathroom and wrap a towel around your waist, and hand me your dirty clothes. I'll wash them while you shower." I instruct, closing the door between us. I wait for a minute, before the door opens once again. He hands me a pile of his clothes: his 'pajamas' and his dress clothes he wore yesterday. He smiles and whispers a thank you before closing the door. I hear the water begin to run, and I sit on my couch and read a gossip magazine, called Celebrity Secrets. It's really false and untrue, but it's definitely funny reading the crazy things in there. Court and Lisa still haven't woken up yet, which surprises me. David is humming, but I can't really make out what the tune is. He finally starts with the words, but I can't make out what he's saying. I tiptoe up to the door and place my ear to it, and listen.
"...When you sigh, my, my inside just flies, butterflies
Why am I so shy when I'm beside you?
It's only love and that is all,
Why should I feel the way I do?
It's only love, and that is all,
But it's so hard loving you..."
Aww, he's singing Its Only Love! He hums the rest of it, before changing songs. I smile and giggle; he's not a bad singer at all!
"You'll never know how much I really love you
You'll never know how much I really care...
Listen, do you want to know a secret?
Do you promise not to tell?
Closer, Let me whisper in your ear
Say the words you long to hear-
I'm in love with you!"
He's the sweetest! But then, I realize. Both songs he sang were about a guy in love with a girl who doesn't know. It could just be a coincidence, but I wonder... Just then, the door creaks open and he looks at me confused. He's dripping wet, clenching the towel around him. I gasp, before trying to figure out an excuse.
"I uh, was um, well... Okay, I was listening to you sing in the shower. But you are so cute! I'm sorry, I shouldn't have!" I apologize.
He shakes it off like it doesn't matter to him. I quickly remember his clothes, which were downstairs. I retrieve them from the basement and hand them to him. Since he's wet, he returns to the bathroom to change.
DAVID'S POV
I really hope Jennifer doesn't suspect anything from the songs I was singing. But you've got to admit, The Beatles were best at love songs. I place the clothes on the toilet, and towel my self dry. I pull on the newly washed clothes, although it seems weird to wear the same thing as the night before, even thought they're fresh as can be. I leave my shoes, tie, and blazer off, so I'm just wearing my purple shirt and my black slacks. I speedily towel dry my hair and leave her bathroom. Jennifer approaches me runs her hands through my hair.
"I don't have any hair gel, are you okay without it?" She asks, hoping I'm fine.
I nod like its no big deal. I usually don't really bother on the weekends.
"Hey do you possibly have the razor from last night. I'd like to shave, but it's fine if you don't. I only have a bit of stubble." I wonder.
Jennifer reaches up and runs her hand down my slightly scratchy face. It's funny how fast I can grow facial hair. I'll shave in the morning before work, and when I leave at 8 I already have a shadow around my jaw.
"Yeah I still have it. The razor is on my counter, and the shaving cream is in my cupboard. But have you ever thought growing out a beard?" She asks, tilting her head and squinting her eyes, trying to imagine me with one.
"Nah, Marta, David, and Kevin would flip and make me shave it right away." I respond, before going into the bathroom again.
I leave the door open, and then I realize I have to take off my shirt again. I unbutton it and hang it on the back of the door. I reach into the cupboard and pull out the shaving cream. I lather it on, before rinsing the razor and beginning. Next thing I know, it's going fine and I cut myself. Cmon! I never do this. I do it right at the hard part- my Adam's apple. Trust me, shaving that part is so hard!
After I've finished, and rinsed my face off, I put my shirt back on and join Jennifer. When I walk into the living room she immediately notices the cut and walks over. She tilts up my chin and runs her thumb over the hurt area. I wince, when she goes over the second time.
"Aww baby did you cut yourself?" She consoles, so sweetly.
I nod, before brushing her hand away. She gets the message, and grabs her coat. I pull on my shoes and my watch.
"Okay, it's 8:02, when do you think they'll wake up?" I ask, examining my wrist.
She ponders for a moment, before answering.
"Probably not yet, but let's write a note just in case." She responds, grabbing a pen and paper.
Out for a short walk, be back soon. David & Jen.
I open the door for Jen, and follow her outside. The great thing about Jen's house is that she's close to all of the shops and buildings. Not too many people are out because the sun has only risen in the last half hour. A cool breeze chills us, so she takes my hand and walks a little closer to me. I place my blazer from last night over her shoulders as we walk down the little cobblestone lane.
"Can I take you to a little bakery a few streets away? It's really sweet and adorable! And the owner is Italian and really nice!" She begs, turning towards me. I nod in response, letting her lead the way. It's lovely in the morning, and I've never really realized that before. The wind is blowing the trees, and the warm aroma of fresh pastries and delicious food being baked surrounds us. This part of town is undiscovered in the sense that it's a little jewel, with nobody wearing it. I'm so glad we have the street to ourselves. Only two other people walked down the street in the ten minutes we walked. It was so isolated, but in a good way.
When we reach the bakery, the golden light spills onto the sidewalk outside. Jennifer glances up at me and smiles, making me feel so loved. The little things she does get me the most. When she kisses me, it's amazing and beyond perfect. But when she just grins at me, or laughs at one of my jokes, I know I've succeeded. I can't believe only a month ago I was just a stranger to her. I feel like we've been friends for so long. So long indeed. I open the door, and she walks in. She walks up to the counter and rings the bell. Just then, a little Italian man of about 55 or so comes waddling out of the back room.
"Buongiorno, Mattia!" Jennifer greets, meaning good morning in Italian.
The man smiles, and leans against the counter, which for him, was almost up to his shoulders.
"I saw the first episode of that show you are on! It's very funny, I will watch the next episode when it comes out. Would you like something? Oh, who is this handsome young man?" He speedily asks the questions as if one word.
I smile and wave, putting my hand out to shake his. When we shake hands he smiles and leans over to Jen.
"Firm handshake, definitely a keeper." He confirms, his thick accent making almost impossible to figure out what he's saying. Jen smiles up at me and rubs my bicep. He misunderstands, but Jennifer doesn't mind.
"Yes, he definitely is." Jen pauses, "Alright Mattia, could we have two coffees please?" She asks, placing a five dollar bill into the counter.
He takes the money and gives her back the change, while whisking away to the back. Jen leads me to the corner of the glowing room and sits down. I look around the room, admiring different paintings of Italy, while she watches me.
"It's nice to get away from other people. I love taking a little walk in the morning before work, nobody's around. I usually get here earlier because work starts at eight, sometimes Lisa joins me because she lives close by. You and Lisa are practically neighbours though. Matt, Matty, and Court all live pretty far away. I guess they-" I return my gaze to her, from looking at the walls for so long. She pauses when she looks into my eyes. And then I spontaneously lean across the table and kiss her. Very softly, without tongue, just like she did before. It only lasts two seconds because the man walks in and brings us our coffee.
"Aww, look at you two love birds!" He sighs, making us pull apart, before setting down the coffees in front of us.
We both blush, and before Jennifer could tell him otherwise, he wanders off. She gives me an odd look. Well, I kind of deserve that. She knows I have pretty much little to no courage at all. She reaches her hand out and wipes her lipstick off of my lips.
"What on earth was that David Lawrence Schwimmer? She asks, hitting my arm.
I look down, and clear my throat. She tries to read my body language or eyes or something.
"I don't know, I mean you do it to me." I try and cover up.
Her face softens. But then tenses again.
"Look, I've done that twice, and both times were for a certain reason. The first time you took me out on a lovely dinner and really cheered me up, and then second time you were hurting. You just kissed me out of the blue! We are not 'friends with benefits' or something! I'm not saying I didn't enjoy that, but I think we need to set some boundaries, okay? We are friends, and that's all we will ever be. You know how much I love you, and I don't want you to think I'm hitting on you or anything." She displays her slight anger.
She gives me a reassuring smile, before stroking my forearm, which is on the table. I finally look into her eyes, and I can tell she's trying to read me.
"Tell me how you feel sweetie." She asks, softening and quieting her voice.
I swallow before speaking.
"I don't quite know how I feel. I'm really sorry if I upset you, because I would never ever do anything to hurt you on purpose. I selfishly thought of my own needs before yours, and it's because I'm lonely. I guess I really want someone to be with, and to love." I admit, retuning my gaze to the coffee cup, where the milk was spinning and swirling in the dark coffee. She continues to stroke my arm, reminding me she's not mad.
"It's been a long time hasn't it? How long has it been?" She asks, inching closer.
I glance up.
"For what? I don't understand." I reply, utterly confused.
She leans across the table and whispers in my ear.
"Since the last time you... Had sex." She giggles lightly in my ear.
I blush a dark shade of red.
"Umm, well... It's been so long I don't even want to think about it." I admit, so embarrassed.
Most men are accomplished in the sex department, and do it regularly. I missed out on my prime time, where I could easily go three times in a row. Now, I probably can't even do two.
"I think you sort of misinterpreted what I said. By 'need someone to love', I meant actually fall in love with." I chuckle.
She realizes, and laughs. We enjoy the rest of our coffee, talking for what felt like hours. By the time we decide to leave, it's 8:40, and the sun is completely up. We rush home, hoping we get back before the two wake up.
COURTENEY'S POV
The eager sun shines through Lisa and I's room, awaking us. We shared Jen's guest bedroom, which has a queen sized bed. We generally wake up at the same time, which is pretty cool if you ask me.
"Oh, hey Court. What time is it?" Mutters Lisa.
I been over to check the alarm clock on my bedside table.
"Umm... It's 8:06." I announce.
Lisa sits up, rubbing her eyes. I do the same. She clambers out of bed, and opens the closet for some new clothes to wear. We both brought clothes for today, because we knew we'd both sleepover. I join her and grab my bag. Once we've both gotten dressed, we stumble out into the living room, and the light is already on.
"I guess either Jen or David is awake." Lisa mumbles, still half asleep.
I nod, and we both lazily shout their names.
"David!" "Jen! Jen?" "David, Jen, are you here?" We ask, hoping for a response.
We hear neither voices, so I guess they've gone out. I walk into the kitchen area, and on the dining table there is a note telling us they went out. Well now we are alone! Great! Lisa and I sit down on the couch, finally taking in the sunlight and waking up.
"They are quite the couple. I think Jen kind of likes David, and we know David like Jen. Maybe we can get him to ask her out." Lisa admits, please with her decision.
"Yeah, they are always together. I think she knows more about him then her parents! They spend so much time together, I can't see how they won't get together." I add.
Lisa agrees, nodding her head.
"Yeah. You know what's weird? David almost always calls her Jennifer instead of Jen even though she's told us to call her Jen. It's kind of cute though, you have to admit." Lisa giggles, "And he's pretty handsome, and he has a muscular body! I never expected that!" She finishes.
"I know right! He always wears baggy sweatshirts and long sleeves, so we never see his really body! Sad, really." I exclaim.
Lisa and I talk for a bit, before we hear the door finally open. David and Jen walk into the livingroom.
"Oh hi guys! How long have you been up?" Jen asks, sitting down next to us on the couch.
I look at the clock and decide how long.
"Umm, only about twenty minutes. So what did you two do?" We ask.
"Well we went on a walk to the bakery near Lisa's house. You know that one with Mattia?" She responds.
Lisa nods her head. David offers to make us breakfast, but we kindly deny. The four of us have a little chat, until David decides to leave, and he drives Lisa and I home since we walked here. When he pulls up to my house after dropping off Lisa, he walks up to the front door with me.
"Hey Court? I kind of kissed Jennifer this morning." He admits, blushing a bit.
I gasp, covering my mouth. Omg!! So sweet!
"Oh my god, what'd she do?!" I ask, hitting his arm lightly.
"Well she kind of freaked out, which makes sense. And then I kind of blamed it on me not having sex recently. I don't even know what happened, it was so weird." He replies, before walking away.
Wow, that takes some guts.
A/N: Ok so I've posted 3 times in one week. I think that's pretty good! Now I'm going to go back to posting every Sunday or Monday. Stay tuned because in the next few chapters something HUGE is going to happen. I may miss a week every once in awhile because a family member of mine has cancer for the second time and she's on her last limb, but I'll try and post as often as I can despite this. I'm also doing Shakespeare and another play , as well as exams so new chapters will be a bit slow. But as always, I hope you guys had a great weekend.