More Than This

Chapter 4

Mal was the first to wake up that night.

"Nightmares," she sighed. Knowing that there was a minuscule chance of her falling asleep again, she went to the kitchen and got herself a glass of water. Just as she put the now empty glass in the sink she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see a groggy Jay.

"Can't sleep?" He asked, already knowing the answer.

Mal nodded. "Just a bad dream."

"Same," Jay admitted, studying the pattern in the tile.

Mal sighed.

"Bark! Bark! Bark!"

The two turned to see Carlos shaking in his sleep as Dude barked at him. Jay had seen Carlos have nightmares before, and was no stranger to it.

They walked quickly to his bed on the 'boy's side of the room'. Jay tapped his shoulder and Dude licked his face until Carlos's eyes opened, glad to be back to reality.

"What time is it?" The tired boy asked.

"Around 2 am," Mal answered.

"Bad dream?" Jay inquired, again knowing the answer.

"Yeah," Carlos sighed.

"Well at least Evie's having fun in dreamland," Mal pursed her lips. The trio turned to see Evie lying flat on her back, but whimpering softly.

"Evie," Mal whispered as she and the boys ran to the girl. She pushed the hair off her forehead and repeated her name. The princess's eyes fluttered open as she looked at the three faces huddled over her in worry. She couldn't help the tears that fell as she sat up.

"Why can't everybody be good," she sobbed, hiding her face in her hands.

"You know," Jay started. "Maybe we should all stay together. Just so we can all get to sleep."

Carlos nodded frantically in agreement.

"Sure," Mal shrugged, acting indifferent but secretly thankful for the suggestion.

Evie moved to the middle of the bed, making room on either side. On her right lay Mal, and on her left was Jay and then Carlos, who made sure to leave enough room for Dude to jump up.

The four were snug, but thankful for the contact.

Evie lay on her side facing Mal, and let out a soft sob after she was sure that her friend was asleep. She tensed up when she felt a hand hold her own, but loosened up once she realized that it must be Jay. She turned around and met his gaze.

"It'll be alright," he smiled.  Evie smiled back and squeezed his hand in return.

"If they kiss I'm gonna puke," Carlos muttered to no one in particular. Evie blushed and moved her head to be against his shoulder, and Jay wrapped his arms around her without hesitation as they slowly drifted off to sleep.

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Hey guys!

I know this is shorter than usual, but I just felt like I had to get a little more bonding I'm there. Plus, the scene reminds me a little of the book.

Let me know what you thought!

:)