Problems in Paradise

Chapter 2

"Anni!" I felt someone grabbing my shoulder. "Anni! Annabelle!" More shaking. "Anni, honey, wake up! Wake up, sweetheart, it's okay. It's okay! Wake up! Wake up!" I shot up out of bed. I could feel tears streaming down my face. I was hot, sweating, and shaking.

"What happened?" I asked Leland, a little too loudly.

"I was gonna ask you the same thing," Leland said like it should be obvious. I looked at him, confused. "You were screaming. Did you have a bad dream?"

"He was chasing me," I explained. Suddenly, the details of the dream slammed back into my head. I started crying, rubbing my eyes, and Leland hugged me, hard.

"Hey, shh shh shhhhh, hey, it's okay. It's okay. Hey, shhh, it's okay. You're okay now." He let me sob into his shoulder for what felt like an hour without saying anything. When I finally slowed my breathing, he asked, "do you wanna talk it about it over some ice cream?" I nodded.

"What time is it?" I asked as we made our way out to the kitchen.

"It's 2:30," he answered me.

"Oh my God, I am so, so sorry. I woke you up?! Oh my God, I'm terrible, I'm so sorry-"

"Hey," he cut me off. "I said I'd take care of you. This is part of that. Okay?" I nodded.

"Now, I have an extremely important question." I looked up at him, scared he'd ask about the dream. "Do you want rocky road or chocolate peanut butter cup?"

I smiled, grateful. "Peanut butter." He handed me a pint of Ben & Jerry's and a spoon.

After about 3 spoonfuls, he asked, "Do you wanna talk about it?"

"I don't know," I said honestly.

"What was happening?"

"I was running...he had a gun...he was in uniform...It just all seemed so real, I guess," I said.

"Well, it sure as hell scared you. I'm willing to bet it's not the last time either," he responded. I didn't know what to say so I just kept eating. "I have an idea that might help, if you're not opposed to it." I looked up from my pint. "Well, you know how kids sleep with their parents when they have nightmares?" he asked nervously.

"Leland," I said sternly. "I can't...my husband...it's been..." I said nervously. "I haven't even known you for 24 hours. I haven't even now you for twelve hou-"

"I don't want nothing like that from you," he said seriously. "I told you I'd protect you, and if that means from dreams, then so be it. Just sleep next to me. In my room. In my bed. Let me hold you, keep you warm, keep you company, and be close if you do have another one. I'll even sleep on the damn floor."

"You don't have to sleep on the floor," I laughed. I finished my ice cream, put my spoon in the sink, container in the garbage, and turned to look at him. "I think it would help."

"Do you trust me?" he asked me.

"I do," I said honestly. He led me up to his room and I laid on the bed. He took a blanket and pillow and laid on the floor. After about 10 minutes of tossing and turning, I rolled over to look at him. He did not look comfortable, but he was pretending to be asleep.

"Leland," I stated. He popped open one eye lid. "Will you..." I started nervously.

"Do you want me to come up there?" He asked knowingly.

I nodded, "please?"

He came up and laid in the middle of the bed. I laid next to him without touching him until I thought he was asleep. After a few minutes, I scooted over, put my head on his chest, and wrapped my legs around his body. Nothing sexual, just...sensual. Comforting. As I began to drift off, I felt his arm wrap around my shoulders and his chin nuzzle into my head. Maybe I will be okay I thought to myself.