I sat up in bed, trying to catch my breath, shaking, covered in a cold sweat. I had another nightmare about La Huerta. You would think five years after, they would start to fade but they hadn't yet. They would come out of nowhere, it had been nearly a month since the last nightmare. The terror, trying to cling to reality, grasping to the fact that I was no longer in that place. My friends and I were safe and we didn't have to worry about Everett Rourke and his crazy island ever again. The blankets shift beside me and I jump.
"You okay, Princess?" Jake asks rubbing at his eyes.
"Yeah, sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." I wipe at the tears in the corner of my eyes, trying to steady my breathing.
"Another nightmare?" He sits up beside me, pulling me into his arms.
"Yes, why do I still get them? It's been five years, but when I close my eyes it's like I'm there!" I can't stop shaking, the details of the dream washing over me again.
"Hey, hey, just relax," He pulls me even closer, resting my head in the crook of his arm, I listen to his heart beat and breathe. "You know, I get them too..."
I turn my face up to look at him, "You do? Why don't you ever tell me?"
"I don't want to worry you. I know you still have trouble, you worry about everyone. Mine are just about you." He runs his fingers through my hair and then along my face. "I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for you, Hali. You got us off that island, you brought me home, you fought for me when I didn't think anyone ever would. I owe you everything and I'm still afraid of losing you."
"Jake," I push myself up and lay a gentle kiss on his lips. "You'll never lose me."
"I know," He smirks. "Everyone is safe, Hali, because of you. Let's go back to sleep."
I settle back into the blankets, laying my head on his chest. He strokes my hair until he falls back asleep. I make a mental note to call and check in on everyone in the morning, maybe get together if they're not busy, it's been awhile since the last time we were all together. But for now, all is quiet and the man I love has me wrapped safely in his arms. I listen to Jake's steady breathing as he sleeps, letting the rhythm of it lull me back towards sleep.