The Importance of The Phantom
"Hey! Get that gun off of him!"
And then the gun went off, tearing through her shoulder, and with a cry of pain she fell forward, arms around Riley's neck. Katie put her down on the ground and Riley lunged forward.
"YOU SHOT HER!"
Abby awoke suddenly, her breathing erratic and her eyes wide with fear. She put a hand on her heart, blinking tears back from her eyes.
She hadn't had this nightmare for almost a month now. She'd been so happy with Riley it had nearly slipped from her mind completely. But now it was back in full force. Abby shook her head a few times, like she could make it disappear again. She closed her eyes, taking a few deeps breaths into her lungs. She needed air. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, stumbling over to the open window to stick her head out into the night.
She heard the bed creak behind her as Riley sat up.
"Abby?" He asked hoarsely, getting up out of the bed. "What are you doing?"
"The nightmare came back." She choked out, pulling her head back into the room. Riley was already beside her, his face etched with worry. He looked wide awake now.
"Oh. Was it as bad as last time?"
"Worse," She sighed shakily as Riley helped over to the bed.
"Anything I can do?" Riley asked, his voice a whisper. Abby didn't reply, but buried her face into his shoulder. He sighed, rubbing her back soothingly. He tried to think of something he could do, and before he could even stop himself, a song was rolling quietly off his lips.
No more talk of darkness
Forget these wide-eyed fears
I'm here, nothing can harm you
My words will warm and calm you
Abby looked up, her mouth forming a small 'o' as she looked up at him, entranced. He put a hand on her cheek, brushing a stray tear away with his thumb.
Let me be your shelter
Let daylight dry your tears
I'm here, with you, beside you
To guard you and to guide you
Abby looked up, her lips trembling as she began to sing almost silently.
Say you'll love me every waking moment
Turn my head with talk of summertime
Say you need me with you now and always
Promise me that all you say is true
That's all I ask of you
Riley smiled slightly at her, as she appeared almost shy. Something about the moonlight made her breath-taking to him. He leaned in closer, his lips at her ear.
Let me be your shelter
Let me be your light
You're safe, no one will find you
Your fears are far behind you
Abby jumped at his closeness. Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she looked into his eyes, singing the next part softly.
All I want is freedom
A world with no more night
And you, right here beside me
To hold me and to hide me
Riley bit his lip, searching her face as his hands fell to her hips. He was slowly easing into the song.
Then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime
Let me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you, here beside you
Anywhere you go, let me go too
That's all I ask of you
Abby stared at him breathlessly, a smile twitching at the corner of her mouth.
Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime
Say the word and I will follow you
Finally their voices combined, rising in one soft whisper
Share each day with me, each night, each morning…
And finally, Abby smiled, no longer singing as she prompted him gently. She pushed their faces together, her nose brushing against his.
"Say you love me…"
"You know I do."
Their voices wavered together as their voices came together again on the ending line.
Love me
That's all I ask of…
Their voices abruptly cut off as Riley pressed his lips to hers and her arms wrapped around his neck. She pulled back, a gentle smile gracing her lips. Riley looked at her curiously, and her eyes silently thanked him. She crawled back over to the pillow and Riley did the same. She laid her head on his chest, closing her eyes.
"Love you," she mumbled tiredly.
"Love you too." Riley smiled, stroking her hair. He gently hummed the song over again for 10 minutes, waiting. He then noticed the gentle rise and fall of Abby's chest, realizing she'd fallen asleep. He chuckled to himself, closing his own eyes.
Love me…
That's all I ask of you.
Author's Note: This chapter was written by the amazing Angelic Prophesy. Be sure to give her props in the reviews I know you'll write.