Love Story - Emily X Scarlett

Chapter 14

Emily's pov
I get into Scarlett shower and let the warm water run over my skin and down my face. My bruises show up more from the water but the cuts get numb from the shampoo I brush through my hair. I'm glad to be back. I can smell Scarletts house and it's warm scent instead of the cold Afghanistan air.

I put the pajamas on the radiator that I found in Scarletts draw so they'd be warm when I got out of the shower. How I wasn't wrong. They burn, the warmth is amazing and make such a big difference to wearing my greens everyday. I turn off the lights and quietly tiptoe down the stairs "Em, is that you?' Scarlett asks, I watch her from the doorway and smile "yeah" she turns around and I walk over to her. "woah, look at you. I don't even recognise you with that clean hair" I laugh and look in the pan "you don't look like a hotty anymore, youve turned into a princess' "aww thank you" she leans in and kisses my lips "are you not cold with wet hair? There's a hairdryer" I smile at her kindness "I'm okay, I like it wet. It drys better".

I sit at the table and watch her cook dinner "tell me everything" Scarlett urges, chopping up onions of the board "what was it like?" I take a deep breath "it was hard and there were some days I didn't know if I was going to make it home...it's like the dreams. The winds blow sand across the vast open desert and there's nothing for miles" Scarlett hums "did you feel safe?" He voice is higher, only very slightly "most of the time. I dreamt of you when I was sleeping so yeah" she looks at me and smiles softly "but there were moments...." I trail off remembering the memories. "Hey you don't need to talk about it if you don't want to. I'm here to support you in whatever why I can" "I know, it's just hard to explain. I'm home now though and that's all that matters".

Scarlett lifts the burgers from the pan and puts them into rolls "let's talk about something else" she says carrying the plates over. Each has an open bun and a portion of chips on the side "help yourself" she says and slides the salad plate over to me.

"This is a solid choice. Thank you for cooking" I say watching her squirt mayo on the side "thanks. I thought you'd need some real food" I laugh and nod dipping my fries into mayonnaise "yes, it sure does make a difference to ready to eat packs". Scarlett reaches for my hand across the table and we both look into each others eyes "I missed you..a lot" a small smile tugs on my lips "I missed you too" she takes her hand away and we both carry on eating "so what do you want ondo now your back?" "Well spending time with you is at the top of my list. Besides I'm taking you away" she sits up, excited "oh really? Is that my make up present for leaving for so long?' I nod "yeah. I need to book it but are you free?' "of course I am! Im jobless at the moment' I laugh "good but I mean Rose too. She can come aswell-" "Em this is just us. I want it to be just us for a while longer" I smile and nod "okay. I'm happy with that". Scarlett tidies away after dinner whilst I watch because I'm not allowed to help, her words.

As the night settles in, Scarlett takes me upstairs to her room. "Hey beautiful" she whispers climbing onto the bed next to me "hi" I smile and moves over so theres room for her to lay down. The sheets are tangled around us and her body radiates a comforting warmth. "You okay?' I turn to her feeling her brushing my arm "just thinking" I reply softly "about what?' "about everything...what I saw, what I did. Just everything" she smiles softly and moves a strand of hair out of my face with her finger "you don't have to talk about it if your not ready" I sigh, a mixture of frustration and gratitude "I want to but I don't know where to start" "let's start with right now" she whispers nudging closer "your here and I'm here. Let's take it slow" I smile and nod "do you mind?' "no, all i want is for you too feel safe and secure" her arm goes over my stomach and she rests her head on my shoulder "I love you" she mumbles against my ear "I love you too" I reply and rub her arm. Her fingers coil my blonde wet hair that go past my shoulders "what are you going to do to tomorrow?" "Probably see my mom and sisters for a little bit and then do some research on where to take you" she sits up, all her hair flopping over her right shoulder "are you going to tell me once you know?' I shake my head and smile "it's a surprise".

Scarletts pov
The nights still, a blanket of silence wrapped around my room. I lay on my side, the warmth from Emily's body reminds me she's home. I can't sleep, I keep waking up checking on her to see if she's okay. I don't think I can get around the fact she's truly home.

But something feels off, a muffled sound breaks the stillness, a whimper that sends a chill down my spine. I reach for her instinctively. Her brows furrowed and her breathing quickening. My heart races as I realise she's stuck in a nightmare.

"Em" I whisper shaking her shoulder "wake up. Your okay baby" he eyes flicker open but there's a wildness too them, a panic that makes my stomach drop. I read about night terrors, Lizzie told me too because she found out Em gets them when she comes back. "Scarlett!" She gasps, her voice strained "no! Please, don't go". My chest tightens at the sound of her fear. I quickly move closer and wrap my arms around her trying to bring her back "Em I'm here. I'm right here" I murmur. For a moment she seems to struggle in my arm, her body tensing as if she is still there. I hold her tighter, resisting her urge to pull away because I know she needs it.

Gradually her breathings calms down and the tension in her body starts to ease. "It's just a dream" I say brushing my fingers through her beautiful blonde hair. "Your safe and home with me" I kiss her forehead and pull away. Her eyes dart across the room and she grabs my hand "Scarlett?" She whispers her voice trembling "I'm right here" I start "your safe now. I promise".

We lay down, her on my this time holding me like a koala holds a tree. "are you ready to take about it?" I whisper running my hands through her hair "no...not yet" There's a long pause "that's okay, I understand. I'm here and I'm never going to go anywhere, I promise".

I vow to be there for her, to help her face the shadows of the past, one step at a time. She is home, and I will do everything I can to help her find peace in the light and sleep through the night again.