A Twist Of Magic

Chapter Five

Eventually the jet landed in Las Vegas and one of Arthur's cars picked the five of us up. We had been surprised to learn that we wouldn't be staying in a hotel, but instead Arthur had rented a whole apartment for us to stay in. Nothing but the best for his precious horseman. I found myself wishing that he'd never got involved with them, it wasn't asthough he needed the money, it was to fuel his ego.

I'd just started to get my life back on track and now Daniel was back in my life. The misty swirl of good and bad memories that were now swirling around my head was driving me crazy. Despite the good times that Daniel and I had shared, it was overshadowed by what had happened when I was seventeen. Part of me wondered if Caitlin was right, maybe telling Daniel would make me feel better. But it was a risk I couldn't take...I couldn't bear to see the shame on his face when he knew the truth. I had to keep it secret....it was better this way.

I silently walked to my bedroom and threw my bag onto the bed. I'd have given anything to be back in the flat. For things to be familiar, to know that Caitlin was in the next room if I needed someone. Even though it was still early, I changed into my nightdress, quickly climbed into bed and pulled the duvet over my head, trying to shut out the world. I closed my eyes and slipped into my usual nightmare:

I ran down the hallway desperatly trying to escape. I knew no matter now fast I ran that he would catch me- he always did. No matter how much I dodged he would always find me. The sheer terror that I felt made me slow and vulnerable. My heart was thumping against my chest, my feet bleeding, but I didn't care, I had to get away. If he caught me everything would be over. He'd cause me pain and suffering beyond my wildest dreams. I continued running.... I stopped and screamed as I rounded the corner and ran headlong into my pursuer....

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"Caitlin I'm not sure I can do this." I whispered as she handed me a tablet.

"Of course you can, you wanted to do this." she reminded me.

"I know, but I didn't realise it would be this difficult." I admitted as tears rolled down my cheeks.

"If you don't want to do this, you don't have to." she pointed out, gently squeezing my hand.

"No, I have to do this." I insisted, quickly picking up a glass of water and downing the tablet.

"It'll be okay." she reassured me.

"I just need some time alone." I whispered.

I sat bolt upright in bed and let out an ear splitting scream, my dreams had stopped for the last few months, but now it seemed as if they were returning once again. Possibly as a result of Daniel's presence. As I sat upright in bed wiping the sweat from my brow and trying to get my breath back, I heard a noise from the next room.

I quickly flicked on my bedside lamp and eyed the door nervously. The door burst open and I jumped, but sighed in relief as I saw Daniel standing in the doorway, a concerned expression on his handsome features.

"What happened, I heard you scream?" he asked, sounding slightly panicked.

"I'm sorry, it was just a bad dream." I said, slightly breathless.

"It's okay, you still get those?" he asked as he closed the door and perched on the end of my bed.

"This is the first time for a few months." I admitted.

We both fell silent as I sat and gazed at my hands. A steady stream of warm tears began to flow down my face. These horrible events from my past occupied my waking thoughts and now they were haunting my sleep.

"I'm sorry I woke you." I told Daniel.

He nodded silently and watched me closely, clearly unsure what to say to comfort me. There was a time when we were dating that I would curl up in his arms and finally feel safe...but times had changed.

"What happened in your dream?" he asked.

"I can't....I'm sorry." I whispered.

He sighed and hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arm around my shoulders and gently pulling me against his chest. Now that I was in his arms my defences were finally down and I began to sob against his chest as he held me tightly, trying in vain to provide some sort of comfort.

"I wish none of this ever happened." I sobbed over and over.

"That what didn't happen?" he asked gently.

As much as I wanted to cling to him and never let go, I knew that I couldn't do that. He didn't care about me anymore and I had to accept that. He watched me closely as I sat up and quickly wiped the tears from my cheeks.

"I think I got your shirt wet." I said smiling slightly.

"It's fine." he smiled as he glanced down at his shirt.

He watched me as I climbed back into bed. He smiled and gently placed the duvet on top of me.

"Thanks." I smiled. He nodded, stood up and slowly walked towards the door. I felt an overwhelming sense of fear about the thought of being left alone to return to my nightmares.

"Daniel!" I called after him.

He turned back to face me and raised his eyebrow as he waited for me to continue.

"Could you stay with me?" I asked nervously.

"Of course I will." he stated.

I watched him closely as he quickly climbed into bed beside me and gently pulled me into his arms. He glanced down at me as I rested my head against his collarbone, sighing in contentment as I inhaled his familiar scent. After all these years I was finally back where I belonged.