Hey there!!! I know it's been a while since I've updated this story… so, I'm really sorry… Anyway, I've decided to continue… this story before I continue the next chapter of Heart Divided… at least I'll get one story done without worrying about the other… so, here it is Chapter 7 of SLEEPLESS DREAM!!!!
Chapter 7
"Udonna!" Vida shouted as she and the other rangers rushed into Rootcore.
Udonna appeared from the back and approached the rangers.
"I trust the battle was successful."
Xander and Chip nodded.
"Udonna, where is she? Where's Madison? Is she okay?" Vida questioned as she noticed the bed, where Madison was supposed to be, empty.
The white witch smiled and mentioned to the balcony (you know, the one shown on Ranger Down). There, stood a figure, staring out to the sunset, oblivious to the other's return.
Vida's mouth spread into a wide grin.
"Maddie!!" Vida, Chip and Xander shouted, catching the blue ranger off-guard.
Madison turned around and grinned when she saw her friends. Vida and the others ran to her, wrapping her in a warm embrace. In the commotion, Madison realized that someone was missing. Nick was no where to be found.
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That night, Madison lied on her bed, staring intently at the ceiling. At her bedside table, her lamp lit dimly. Vida slept peacefully, in the bed next to hers, exhausted from the fight that afternoon.
Madison, however, couldn't sleep a wink. Partly because she wasn't tired and partly because she's afraid she'll never wake up again.
Unconsciously, her hand reached up to her heart, she traced the scar it left, not believing that she was just shot there. And somehow, she could almost still feel the pain. Even though it was in her dream, the pain was real, the blood was real and now, the scar will forever be real.
Madison sat up suddenly. Carefully, she got up, grabbed her jacket and wore it over her pajama which consists of a blue tank top and sweat pants. She switched off the bed side lamp and tip toed out of the room.
Once out of the house, Madison breathed in the fresh midnight air and hugged her jacket closer to her. Walking down the sidewalk, she took advantage of the serene silence. Her mind kept playing back the day's events.
After she had woken up, she found herself covered in blood, her blood. For a while, she was in a state of shock. But when she had calmed down a bit that was when the pain hit her full force. Udonna and Clare were beside themselves trying to find a way to stop the bleeding. Finally, Clare, yes Clare, saved her. Now, all that's left was the scar. She made Udonna and Clare swore that they won't say a word about that. No one needs to know. Especially Vida.
"They will know… but just not now…"
That was what she had said when both Udonna and Clare had protested in her keeping it a secret.
Without her realizing it, she had been walking towards Nick's place. Madison stopped and found herself at Nick's front yard. She shook her head and laughed softly before turning around to head back.
"Maddie?"
Madison turned back and came face to face with an oil-covered red ranger, who at that point of time was trying to wipe his face, unsuccessfully, with a cloth.
Madison tried to suppress her laughter but a giggle escaped her lips.
"Here, let me help…" she offered as she took the cloth from his hand and wiped his face clean.
"There, all done," Madison began to retrieve her hand but was held firmly in place by Nick's.
They just stood there for a while staring at each other. Neither of them speaking. Aloud or telepathically.
"Eh hem!" the sound of someone clearing their throat startled the two rangers.
Both turned to the direction of the voice and came face to face with a young woman no older than 24 years of age.
"Finally done with your bike, Nick?" the young woman asked.
Nick rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"Yeah…"
She then smiled and shook her head.
"Who's your friend?" She asked, gesturing to Madison.
"Oh, right, umm… Gracey, this is Madison. Madison, this is my sister, Gracey." Nick introduced.
Madison smiled and held out her hand.
"It's nice to finally meet you,"
"You too. So… this is the Madison that Nick has been constantly talking about."
Madison blushed slightly.
"Why don't you come in… it's quite late and besides, it's cold out here," Gracey offered.
"No, no, it isn't necessary… I was just about to head back anyway…" Madison quickly refused, not wanting to bother her that late.
"Are you sure? I make really good hot chocolate…"
Madison smiled and politely refused. "Maybe next time…"
"Well, if you say so. But you got to promise to come back sometime. We'll have tea."
Madison smiled and nodded. "Sure. It's really nice meeting you Gracey."
"You too Madison," Gracey replied before heading back into the house.
Nick turned to the blue ranger.
"Come on, I'll walk you home…"
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A.N: Honestly… I really wanted to stop here… coz this story should have 8 chapters… but, seeing that I do owe you guys, my loyal readers, I've decided to continue on and finish this story!!!
(CHEERS!!!!!)
Okay… so, without further adieu, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS, MONSTERS AND CREATURES, I PRESENT TO YOU THE FINAL CHAPTER OF SLEEPLESS DREAM!!!
(CHEERS!!!!)
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Madison hugged her jacket closer to her as the cold increased. She then felt something wrapped itself around her shoulders. She looked up and saw Nick giving her his jacket.
Madison smiled appreciatively and Nick smiled in return.
After a long silence, Madison decided to finally speak up.
"I didn't see you at Rootcore just now,"
"I… umm…" Nick started.
"I wanted to thank you…" Madison continued as if he hadn't spoken at all.
"Huh?" Nick looked at the pretty witch curiously.
"You saved me…" Madison began, looking up at him.
"Maddie…" Nick said but was once again interrupted.
"I knew you were there, you know… I didn't see you, but I knew you were there. And somehow, I was really glad. I knew you'd save me… just like you always do…"
Nick stopped walking.
"I didn't save you… I failed to…"
Madison halted and turned back to look at the red ranger.
"I couldn't do anything. I let you get killed. I've failed you…" Nick continued.
Madison walked towards him.
"Nick…" She started.
"NO. You don't understand Madison. I just stood there. I didn't even try to do anything! I just let you die! And that scar you have now is a reminder that I have failed you!"
Madison wasn't surprised that he knew about the scar. Neither Udonna nor Clare would've been able to keep it from him.
"Nick," She began in a soft voice.
"If you had failed me, I wouldn't be here. And this scar," she touched her heart lightly; "This scar is just a reminder of where I've been. Of the courage it took you, Xander, Vida, Chip, Daggeron, Udonna and Clare to save me. If you had really failed me, Nick, there won't be a scar, there won't be me…" Madison concluded.
She then, turned her back to him and continued walking.
Nick stood dumbfounded for a while before jogging up to her.
"I've never been so scared my entirely life." Madison stated once she sensed that he was in hearing range.
"Turning into stone or getting shot by Occulus pales in comparison to what I just experienced." She continued.
She knew that she was just adding on to his guilt but she had to let him know.
"When he placed his blaster at my heart, I could see my whole life flash in front of me. I looked around, trying to find a way out. That was when …" She paused.
"That was when I saw you. And somehow, in some weird way, I knew that everything was going to be alright, now that you're there."
"When I was lying there, I saw you again." She suddenly halted upon reaching her driveway, causing Nick to look at her curiously.
"You were crying…" She said, her voice no louder than a whisper.
She slowly turned to face Nick. She walked up to him and reached out her hand to his face. In a trance-like state, she traced an invincible tear down his face.
"I've never seen you cry before…" She whispered.
Just realizing what she was doing, Madison let out a shy smile, almost embarrassed that she let herself do that.
"I'm sorry…" she stated.
Madison began to turn away only to have her wrist caught by Nick.
Nick stepped in closer and caught her by surprise by pulling her into a hug, his chin resting on her shoulder. By instinct, Madison hugged him back just as tightly.
"Never," He began, his voice hoarse.
"Never leave me again. I want you to always be by my side. I don't care if I'm selfish. I don't want you to always be here. With me. Promise me." He demanded softly, pouring his feelings out.
Madison smiled tearfully against his shoulder.
"I promise,"
Slowly, both broke apart. Nick brushed away the tears that had escaped Madison's eyes. Madison held his hand in place, leaning into his caress. She turned her head slightly to kiss his palm.
"Eh hem!"
Startled, both Nick and Madison jumped away from each other, looking around for the said person. They finally noticed Vida leaning out of the second floor window where their bedroom is.
"You two do know what time it is now right?" She asked.
"Even the both of you are not tired, I am. And sis, we've got school tomorrow. Finish up whatever you guys were doing and go to bed." Vida continued before shutting the window shut.
Both Nick and Madison broke into soft laughter.
"Well, Vida's right, I got school tomorrow… I better go…" Madison started unconsciously fingering the jacket.
"Oh, your jacket…"She said just realizing she still had his jacket. She made a move to remove it.
"No, don't," Nick stopped her.
"Looks better on you anyways," He continued.
"But…"
"Besides, you're gonna need it," Nick interrupted her.
"I will?" Madison questioned curiously.
Nick nodded.
"My girl needs a jacket anyway..."
Madison's eyes widened at the realization of what Nick had said. She smiled shyly and looked away.
Nick took a step towards her and lifted her chin up. Slowly he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on the side of her lips.
"Goodnight," He whispered against her lips.
"Goodnight," She replied.
Madison turned and walked towards the door. Suddenly she halted and ran back to Nick.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a long passionate kiss on him. Instinctively, Nick wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back with equal passion. Both of them not having a care in the world. Because at that moment, time belonged to them and them only. Whatever the future holds for them, they knew that they'll always have each other…
THE END!!!
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A.N: WOOOHOOOO!!! That's it!! The end of Sleepless dream!!! I really hope you enjoyed it!!! I really want to thank all my loyal readers for being so ever loyal!!! It's been fun writing and sharing this story with you… I don't know if there'll be a sequel… I suppose it's up to you guys to vote!!! Anyway, since this story is done… I'll now be able to concentrate on Heart Divided… And just a reminder, chapter 5 will be up on Jan 22nd 2007!! Don't miss it!! Sooo… that's all from me here, I'll see you in Heart Divided!!
P.s. Comments would be nice… hehe…
