Teach Me (18+)

Chapter Forty Eight

Eden's Point Of View

My eyes shot open to the sound of Gianna's screams and sobs. I sat up in our bed, turning over to her side.

She sat up, sobbing violently and rocking herself back and forward. I grabbed her, pulling her into my arms, which only made her sobs triple.

I rubbed her back softly, "I know, baby, it's okay," I told her. "I'm here."

Gianna's words came out in a whisper, "She's everywhere."

"No one is here, baby, it's just me and you," I assured, kissing the top of her head.

Her breaths were harsh and rapid, her body shook harder with each sob."Just breathe my love," I told her, wrapping my arms around her tighter.

She cried in my arms for another ten minutes before her sobs slowed. Once Gianna's breathing had calmed, I pulled her face back to meet my eyes.

I searched her deep brown eyes, " I'm here, baby, it's just another nightmare." My words are soft and sincere.

She shook her head, her eyes puffy and glossy. "I don't want to go back to sleep," she admitted, looking between my eyes.

"Okay, baby, we don't have to go back to sleep," I assured her, "How about we go make some tea?"

She nodded softly, and we both slid out of bed. Gianna's big shirt fell past her knees, while my matching silk tank top and pajama shorts hugged my body.

"Let me fix your hair, baby," I told her, pulling her hair out of its messy ponytail. "We really need to get you a bonnet."

She chuckled softly, "Only if it'll match yours."

"Anything you want, baby," I smiled, braiding her hair before searching one of my drawers for an extra bonnet, securing it on her head.

"All better," I kissed her forehead.

Gianna sat on the counter as I boiled water in the kettle. I got two mugs down and let Gianna pick out which tea she wanted.

"Extra honey, please," she smiled, looking over to me as I scooped up some honey out of the jar for her tea.

"Of course," I chuckled, going back in for a second scoop of honey.

Gianna got off the counter, causing me to drop the spoon and rush to her side. "Baby, you can't get down by yourself," I told her, wrapping her arm around my neck.

"Eden, I'm fine," she sighed, walking next to me. "I was just gonna find a snack."

"I know, baby, but I just don't want you to get hurt," I admitted.

"I'm fine," she said, a frown forming on her plump lips. "I just want to do something on my own."

"I understand, baby," I said, letting her go. I watched as she limped towards the pantry. As she headed in, I turned my attention back to the tea, focusing on any sounds she might make.

Ever since we got home from the hospital, Gianna's nightmares have haunted her, some worse than others, leaving her visibly shaken and fragile.

Some nights she's up screaming a name.

Her name.

Gianna shuffled back from the pantry with a small bag of pretzels in her hand, her limp more pronounced than she wanted me to notice. I pretended not to, letting her have the dignity she craved.

She sat back on the counter, crunching softly while I poured the steaming water into our mugs. The scent of chamomile filled the kitchen, wrapping around us like a blanket.