Dream Of Me

Chapter Seven

When we approached my room Micah hesitated at the door. He looked at me, and asked "Do you want me to come in, or leave you alone?"

I thought about it for a moment. I wasn't sure if I wanted him in the room, but at the same time I knew that I really didn't need to be alone right now. Finally I made my decision.

"Come in, just for a little bit, if you don't mind."

He gave me a half smile and nodded as I opened the door. I walked in, and fumbled blindly for a second trying to find the light switch. Micah leaned over my shoulder and flipped the switch for me. I could feel his chest wresting on my back, and butterflies immediately infested my belly.

Once the light was on I walked over and sat on my bed. Micah sat down next to me as I took my shoes of, and I couldn't help but notice that he sat a little closer than he had before. I felt so tired, so drained, like I could sleep forever. Though after what happened today I wasn't sure that I wanted to sleep ever again. Would I get my usual nightmares while sleeping? They wouldn't be as bad as the ones that I faced today, but that was enough to last me a lifetime.

We sat in silence for a minute, but eventually he spoke.

"Look Violet, I don't really know what to say to make this better. I heard for the first time today what it sounded like in that room.. I had always avoided it. It scared me, you know? And I was just glad that it wasn't me in there." he took a deep breath, then continued.

"But now that I know you I almost wish it was me instead. That we could trade places."

I looked at him, a little shocked. I needed to ask.

"Why do you care that much? You only just met me. For all you know I could be a horrible person."

I wasn't trying to sound rude, but you don't meet people who care this much this easily very often. Honestly I hadn't had very much experience with boys at all. Even before what happened to my parents I was always focused on school. I guess i don't have any real basis of comparison.

He looked at me for a second as if he didn't really know what to say. He almost looked kind of embarrassed. He had a slight flush to his cheeks, and was avoiding eye contact.

"Well" he replied, "I haven't really had anybody to talk to for what seems like months, and even when I did they weren't like..like you. Plus, I don't know, I just feel like we are really similar, like I can relate to you even though I hardly know you. I don't really understand it myself. I know that probably sounds silly.. " he trailed off briefly.

"You have a drive to find answers, to figure this out. So do I. Most people that come here, it's like..they just accept it, or they think that they've gone mad or something."

It was my turn to be embarrassed, and there was no hiding it. My cheeks were burning, and I just knew that they were a vivid pink.

" I'm glad that you are here." I finally squeaked out. It was all I had. My mind was racing in confusion. I can't be falling for some guy I just met, in a place that I don't even know is real. I just felt like I couldn't help it, I felt that connection also.

He laid his hand on mine. "You look exhausted. Maybe you should try and get some real sleep."

I guess he immediately saw my paniced expression, and quickly reassured me, "You won't dream. No one here dreams outside of the dreaming rooms. At least no one that I've talked to. You should be able to get some decent wrest."

I sighed in relief. I hope that he was right. I nodded my head.

"I am very tired.."

All of a sudden it felt like I could hardly keep my eyes open. Micah stood up, as if he were ready to leave me alone. I reached out my hand to grab his sleeve.

"Could you...could you stay here until I fall asleep?" did I really just ask that? Why would he want to do that? Why did I trust him so much?

"Of course if you don't want to it's ok. I just.."

"It's alright." He interupted, picking up on my anxiety. He smiled at me softly and sat back down.

" Lay down, I'll stay right here."

I felt an overwhelming amount of gratitude as I curled up under the covers next to where he was sitting.

I felt his hand wrest on my back.

"Good night Violet."

I wanted to reply, but between my exhaustion, the warmth of the bed, and the comfort radiating from his hand, I fell straight to sleep.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

That beeping again. What is that? Am I dreaming? Micah said that no one dreamed in their rooms.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

"Is Vi going to be alright?"

Oli! That's Oli's voice! Where is it coming from? Why can't I see?

Beep. Beep. Beep.

"...unresponsive...."

What's unresponsive? I can't feel anything. The voices are muffled.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The noises fade. There is silence. Finally I sleep.