Steal the Show •On Hold•

Chapter Thirty-Two

Wally could tell that Artemis was bored. Her mom, sister, and niece were all still in Vietnam and would be for two months while they sorted out Lian's paperwork and age and whatnot before letting her travel at such a level. All she got in return was Bao, who had begged to come along, even if it meant doing a bunch of chores. Eventually, the adults agreed and Bao would stay with the Crocks until August.

"Artemis, is there anything you want to see, anywhere you want to visit, or anything you want to do?"

"Not really."

"Ok."

"Really nothing?"

"No."

"You're really lethargic today. Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I just feel like doing nothing."

"Alright. You want me to get you some food?"

"No. I'm not hungry."

"Artemis, it's 3:00, and you haven't eaten anything today."

"I'm not hungry, Wally."

"You have to eat."

"But I don't want to!"

"I know you don't, Baby. But you have to. It's bad for you not to."

"Alright, fine. But only a little."

"Got it, Babe. Want it to be a surprise?"

"Yes, please. Can I take a nap?"

"Of course you can, Arty." Wally left the room, trying to think of something that she'd eat. He finally decided on chow mein. He found and bought some as quickly as possible, along with some candies. He hurried back to the hotel. When he reached the room, he saw Artemis curled up sleeping. He set down the food.

He sat down next to her. In her sleep, she snuggled up closer to him, making him smile. He brushed her loose bangs out of her face.

After a few minutes, she flinched and started thrashing, and then screaming.

Wally immediately started shaking her. "Wake up! Wake up! It's just a dream!"

Artemis bolted awake. She looked terrified.

"Shhh, shhh," Wally said. Then he noticed her breath speeding up. "No, no. Don't panic, Babe. You're safe now."

"It was so real! I swear! He was here!"

"I know. But he's not here, I promise. Do you want me to show you around to prove it?"

"How do I know that I'm not still dreaming?" Artemis asked skeptically.

"I promise you're awake. Now, how about you take a shower, you're covered in sweat."

Artemis nodded numbly, getting to her feet. A few minutes later, she walked out, a towel draped around her shoulders, her hair loose. "Thank you, Wally."

"No problem, Arty. Here's your food."

She sat down, taking the food. "Again, thank you." She took a bite. "My god, this is good!"

After they finished eating, Wally insisted on taking her around the city. After spending hours looking around, they headed back to the hotel. "Wally?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I spend the night with you? I'm scared, and-"

"Of course you can stay with me! Go get your pajamas."

Artemis hurried to her room, grabbing an oversized (and long sleeved) t-shirt. Then after a minute of debate, she grabbed a pair of shorts. She was about to leave the room when she noticed a letter on the bedside table. She picked it up, reading it.

'My dearest, Artemis,

You seem to be doing pretty well. That was a pretty pathetic panic attack though. I mean really. Who were you dreaming about, me or your dad? I love you! I'll see you soon. But will you be able to see me?

-Cam'

Artemis dropped the letter. She thought that it was a bluff, a one-time thing, but she was wrong. Oh, she was so wrong. She ran to Wally's room, just trying to get away from the words, HIS words.

"Arty, what's wrong?" Wally asked as his girlfriend hastily threw on her pajamas.

"I'm so scared. I keep seeing him, hearing him. He won't go away! I don't want to go to sleep ever again! What if I dream that again? What then?"

Wally grabbed her shoulder with one hand and her chin with the other. "Artemis Lian Crock, you will be fine. Even if you somehow do dream it again, I will be right here for you. I love you, Babe. Now we can either try to sleep, watch a movie, or both. Which would you prefer?"

Artemis yawned. As much as she hated to be, she was tired. "Both." She got into bed, cuddling with Wally, and the two faded into a peaceful sleep.