Fate

Not-So-Nice To See You Again

GRACE'S POV

James handed me a shirt and I wouldn't be as insecure as I was the last time. But at the same time I'm not putting on any stripper show.

I just slipped off my shirt and put the new one on and the pair of sweats that were surprisingly larger than expected. As I finally wiggled into them and started to walk, I tripped on the material that was much too long.

As I fell, two strong hands caught my waist - somehow - I don't know how but they managed to keep me from falling onto my face.

"Careful there," James said with his hands still on my waist but I was now facing him.

"I thought you were used to me being clumsy? I get hit in the head with rocks, I drown, and trip on my own feet. I'm definitely used to this and should be way more bruised and scared if it wasn't for you," I shrugged because it was the truth.

"I'm supposed to make you fall aren't I? But as long as I'm there to catch you everything is fine," he said pulling me closer to him.

I put my hands around his neck and gave him a small peck on his lips but frankly, that wasn't enough for him. He pulled me right back against him and I could tell someone really missed my kisses!

I pulled away and went into his bed, pulling the covers over my head and waiting for him to come next to me and hug me, making me feel safe in his arms.

***

I don't know when I went to sleep or remember falling asleep but all I know now is that I'm by myself. I checked my phone. It was 9:30 in the morning and I had one missed call from Bridget.

Probably wondering where I was because I told no one I left nor that I was staying the night somewhere.

I texted Bridget:

Sorry. Spent the night at James'. Wanna come over and visit?

I doubt that she'd want to, but it is worth a try. Maybe she'd just want to see James and forget about Luke.

I walked into the living room to see James sitting on the couch, it almost looked like he was about to pass out. He looked exhausted.

"Morning babe. You looked really sleepy. Everything okay?" Curiosity took over me.

"Yeah. I just couldn't sleep last night. I don't know why but I just couldn't close my eyes. I was up all night. Do you usually talk in your sleep? Or scream in that matter?" he asked rubbing his eye with the the bottom of the palm of his hand.

"No... Bridget has never said I did. I've never been told that, why? Did I do something last night?" Oh great. Knowing me I probably said something extremely embarrassing.

"You just screamed. Almost like you were in some sort of pain. It was scary. I don't like seeing you like that. Does anything hurt?"

"No. Not at all. I feel perfectly fine... are you sure you didn't dream this or something? I don't recall that I did those things..." I don't. I don't talk or walk or scream or anything in that case. I just sleep! Nothing more.

"Positive. I couldn't sleep after that. Maybe that's why. You just scared me. Watching you in pain puts me in just as much pain. I couldn't do anything. It was as if I was my fault and then I couldn't stop it."

"It isn't your fault! I didn't even know I did that. Don't blame something I did on yourself... Do you mind if Bridget came over? I don't really think she will but I asked."

"No, not at all," he said standing up and walking in the kitchen.

Okay... Well he obviously needs some sleep.