Arsonist's Lullaby

Chapter 7 - Sam

Jesse was fast asleep by the time we got to our destination. I found myself looking at him, smiling at the sight of him so at peace.

He was handsome, there was no denying that. His short, dark hair slightly messy from his hands running through them every few minutes. His usual tough and masculine features softened as he slept and I smiled as I counted the small freckles on the side of his smooth cheek. It sort of formed an awkward looking triangle and I quickly blushed as I imagined tracing them with my fingers.

Stop it. What's wrong with you? I scolded myself.

I sighed as I watched the slow rise and fall of his chest. His arms were crossed over his body in his usual defensive manner causing his shirt to slightly rise, giving a glimpse of skin that disappeared into his Calvin Klein underwear. I slightly jumped as he gave a faint kick. His brows were now slightly pulled together in a frown.

I had to sit on my hands to prevent myself from reaching out and smoothing the crease between his brows when I heard him give a soft whimper. His lips pulled slightly downward and his breathing quickened as he started to slightly squirm in his seat.

He was probably having nightmare.

Reaching out to wake him, I froze when he started to speak.

"Sorry. I'm so sorry." He mumbled in a broken voice. Sorry for what?

I wondered who he was talking about and paused, waiting for him to say something again. I felt a flush of guilt passing over me, knowing that what I was doing was wrong. But if I woke him, he would get embarrassed thinking that I saw and if I didn't he would keep suffering. Right when I decided to wake him and barely touched his arm, he let out a muffled cry.

"I'll make it better, I promise." He choked on his words.

I froze.

Who was he talking about?

Collecting my courage, I held my breath as I leaned over to wake him when he half whimpered, half whispered.

"Don't go. Just don't leave me again.....please."

My heart started breaking at the sound of his pleading voice and I pulled my hand back. This was more than being curious, I was seriously invading his privacy now. But what should I do? I thought of an idea and quietly opened my door, getting out. After waiting a couple of seconds, I went back and slammed it loudly behind me.

I watched Jesse jump in surprise at the sound, his eyes wild. Opening the door again, I faked a huge smile and said "Good you're awake. I just came back from the bathroom."

"Oh, we finally made it." He sarcastically mumbled wiping his eyes discreetly. I could tell he was still slightly shaken up though. He was tugging at his bracelet, a habit I noticed he did when he was nervous or anxious.

"Yeah yeah. Now come on, let's have some fun!" We walked over to the large ticket booth and stepped in line.

"Two tickets please." I told the woman with a dark beehive for hair. She reeked of cigarettes and mid life crisis as she lazily took our money and stamped our wrists, eyeballing an oblivious Jesse until she brushed her fingers along his.

"Have a good day." She grinned, gracing us with coffee stained teeth and fading lipstick.

"Thanks." He mumbled finally taking notice and quickly tugged me out of line.

"That was rude, she was obviously interested in you." I stifled my giggles as Jesse scowled in annoyance.

"She probably has great grandchildren." He replied dryly. Laughing, I walked up to the front of the gate and punched in our tickets as we entered.