Here to Help

Chapter 5

"You can rest easy now; I've got you," Luz whispered as she heard Amity's breath even out, the green haired girl finally falling asleep. Wrapped in her arms, it had taken about an hour for the girl to calm down, the whole time of which Luz's hold on her never wavered. Despite the intense pain she was in, Luz never once complained, the ache in her heart for her friend worse than that of any broken bones. As Amity lay asleep, Luz stared into the darkness, unable to quiet her mind as she replayed Amity's words. "What do I do?" she muttered to herself. Knowing what she knew now, there was no way she could let Amity go home, not if it meant her getting hurt, but being confined to her bed, Luz feared there was not much she could do. At least she's safe for now, she thought, gently tightening her grip on the girl in her arms. Looking down at the sleeping girl, Luz couldn't help but hope that whatever dreams were presently running through her mind were gentle and kind. Unable to sleep, Luz kept watch over the girl, on alert for any kind of unrest in her friend, as she contemplated what to do. As the hours ticked on and the first hint of the sunrise made its way into the room, Luz, unable to keep her eyes open any longer drifted asleep, the sound of her breath slowly falling in sync with Amity's.

——

As the sun made its way into the room, gently falling across the young witch's face, Amity's eyes slowly flickered opened. Sleep still clouding her vision, Amity turned and buried her face further into Luz's shoulder. The bed she was once scared to inhabit now felt warm and inviting as she lay safe in the arms of her friend, granting her the rest she so rarely had but desperately needed. Though a twinge of anxiety resided deep in her stomach, fearing she had said or done too much following her nightmare, the warmth of Luz's embrace offered a sense of security that allowed her to push her worries aside; if there was one person she could trust not to judge her, it was Luz. Settling in to let sleep claim her mind once more, as she lay still, a soft, rhythmic sound graced her ears - a heartbeat. How lovey, she thought, the sound of Luz's heart slowly lulling her to sleep, a beautiful dream gracing her mind.

——

"Good morning sleepy head. How are you feeling?" Amity asked, staring down at Luz as her eyes flickered open and a groan left her mouth. Brow furrowed in concern, Amity took in the tired look etched into the human's face. A pang of guilt growing in her stomach, Amity felt horrible at the thought of having caused Luz to lose sleep.

"Hey there, Amity," Luz whispered, sleep still in her throat, "I'm okay, how are you?" Offering her friend a soft smile, Luz turned to face the green haired girl leaning over her.

"I'm okay. A lot better now that I slept..." Amity answered sheepishly, eyes avoiding the human as the guilt in her stomach continued to knot.

"Good, I'm glad. Once you fell back asleep, you looked so peaceful. I'm glad you feel rested. You certainly deserve it."

Rubbing her arm, Amity turned from Luz, eyes staring out the window. "Yeah... I really needed it. Luz... about what I said last night... About the nightmare..."

"Yeah?" Luz questioned, nerves growing in her stomach as she moved to prop herself up, fighting back a groan of pain in the process.

"It's just... It... it was just a dream. That doesn't really happen," she remarked as she attempted to hide the truth.

"But if it were real..." Luz spoke stunned, grief in her voice, "I hope you know you could tell me... I really care about you, Amity and well... if you aren't safe, if something is wrong, I wan't to be there for you; I want to help..." As her voice trailed, Luz sighed as sadness for her friend engulfed her. I just don't understand, Luz thought, why would she protect her parents when they are hurting her? Once again not wanting to push Amity, Luz offered her friend a way out, "But of course, it is up to you. The last thing I would want to do is pressure you or force you to talk about or make you do anything you don't want to. Either way, please just know I am here for you..."