Because she was different

Dreams and Nightmares

Chapter 5. 

They all watched the fireworks together. When they got back inside, they decided to watch another movie. Alexis soon fell asleep in Kevin’s arms. “I’ll go tuck her in.” Rick said as he took his little girl out of Kevin’s arms and carried her upstairs to her room. “I’m going to sleep to.” Martha said to everyone, “I have an early day tomorrow, rehearsing for my play, so goodnight everyone.” she made her way towards her bedroom as everyone wished her a goodnight.

 Kate and Rick sat together in the couch. Lanie and Javi cuddled up in the other one and Ryan sat in the armchair as they watched the movie end. “I think I’m going home. I don’t want to make it too late, or early... Thanks for the great evening Rick.” Kevin said as he said goodbye to everyone and headed out the door. Lanie and Javi stayed for another movie.

 At the end of the 3th movie from that night, Kate had fallen asleep and she leaned against Rick. Javi and Lanie decided to leave. While Javi gathered their stuff Lanie walked over to Rick and the sleeping Kate. “I can see you care about her.” Lanie said just louder than a whisper, “You make sure she gets home?” Lanie questioned.

“I have a guest room. I think I’m going to lay her there. I don’t really want to wake her up…” Rick said as he looked back at Kate. He couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her asleep. She was so peaceful and beautiful.

“Okay. Well, take care of her. Because otherwise… I know where you live.” Lanie half joked.

“I’ll do that. Now you two enjoy the rest of your night.” Rick said as Javi joined them.

“We’ll do. See you next time Rick.” Lanie said and added a goodnight as they showed themselves out the loft.

--

 Rick had sat there on the couch, watching Kate sleep. Careful not to move because he didn’t want to wake her up. But as he was looking at her he noticed her face going from peaceful asleep to a kind of frown. His first thought was that she was waking up but when she started to move her head and squeeze her eyes shut, he knew she was having a nightmare. He had seen it once when she was watching Alexis sleep. “Kate? Kate, wake up.” He said to her hoping he was right, and not waking her because of something else. When she didn’t wake, he tried again and shook her a little. When he saw she opened her eyes he could see that she was confused and afraid. “Hey, Kate. It’s okay. You’re at my loft. Everything is alright.” He said to her as she sat up and he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.

“Thanks for waking me up. How late is it?” she asked silently.

“It’s 3 am. You fell asleep during the 3th movie and Lanie and Javi went home after that. Kevin after the second.”

“I- I should go home.” She mumbled as she stood up, Rick stood up with her. “It’s too late, or early… just sleep here. I have a guestroom upstairs that you can use.” He saw her considering. He was just about to say something when she agreed. “Yeah. Okay. Thanks Rick.” She had a tired smile on her face. He figured she was too tired to argue with him.

“It’s the last door on your left. I’ll bring you a shirt and boxers if you like?” he questioned as she nodded and headed for the stairs.

 When he had his shirt and boxers ready for her to sleep in, he went to his guestroom. He knocked on the door but there was no answer. “Kate?” he opened the door slowly to see her lying on the bed, asleep. He knew how horrible it was to sleep in jeans. Would I be crossing a line if I put in on myself? He asked himself as he thought that she wouldn’t mind. And he really didn’t want to wake her again. So he took of her shoes and asked himself how the hell she ran in these heels. When he wanted to pull of her pants, he hesitated… he decided it might be better if he didn’t. But he did pull of the thin jacket she was wearing and put the boxers and shirt on the nightstand.