The Mission

Twenty

Jane's hands were at my side, holding me close to her. I closed my eyes and rested against her. "Breathe," she whispered pulling away from my neck. She removed one hand from my side and touched my hair. She ran her fingers through my hair. "You're okay," she whispered. "It was just a dream," she said soothingly. 

I closed my eyes trying to calm but it didn't help much.

"It felt so real," I whispered.

"I know, I know. But it wasn't, it was just a dream. Just a very, very bad dream," she said, running her fingers through my hair. "Don't be scared," she whispered in my ear. "It won't happen, I promise on my life," she said. "I promise," she said. "I promise," she whispered, her lips on my neck. 

Chills went down my body. I took a shaky deep breath.

"There we go, relax," she said lowly running her fingers through my hair again. 

Tears began to fall. 

"Izzy, look at me," she said. 

I shook my head. 

I felt embarrassed for my reaction. She wouldn't hurt me. It was just a dream. 

"Izzy, my love, look at me," she said.

I lifted my head my eyes met hers. "I'm sorry," I whispered nearly inaudible. 

Her hand cupped my cheek. "Why," she whispered.

"I...I don't know," I looked down again. 

She touched my chin and tilted my head upwards to where I was looking at her. "Demetri shouldn't have told you that," she said.

"I shouldn't have asked," I whispered.

She touched my cheek, "He should've known better than going into that much detail," she whispered. 

I looked down and nodded staying silent. 

She continued to hold me. My hands were entwined with hers. "You promise," I whispered again.

"I promise," she looked down at me. "Do you want to try to get some sleep?" she asked. 

I shook my head no. 

"I will hold you,"

"I'm not tired," I said. Which it was a lie, I was absolutely exhausted. 

"Your lying," she said. 

I shook my head again. "I'm not,"

"Izzy, I have been alive long enough to tell when someone is lying... so I know that you are lying," she said.

I looked at her. I was too tired to argue. "I just don't want to sleep," I took a deep breath. "I just don't want to go back to sleep," I closed my eyes. I was extraordinarily tired. But I was too scared to fall back to sleep. I don't want another nightmare. 

Jane touched my cheek. 

I rested my head against her chest. 

She played with my hair, which was soothing. I closed my eyes and relaxed in her arms. Then, I fell asleep. 

.

.

.

I opened my eyes groggily. Arms were around me. I shifted slightly turning my head seeing Jane. 

"Good morning," she said smiling down at me. 

"Morning," I whispered. 

"Are you okay?" she asked.