Chapter 10. Sweet Dreams
Sam was dozing lightly on the sofa, Dervla at her side. Dylan walks in and sits down in the armchair and sighs.
"My two favourite girls."
Dervla stirred at the sound of Dylan's voice. She stood up and yawned (as dogs do) then jumped from the sofa to the floor. She trots over to see Dylan as Sam's eyes are starting to open. Sam stretches out her arms, yawns and opens her eyes fully. She swings her legs from the sofa to stand up.
"Ouch!" she cries as she steps onto her injured ankle. She hops for a few more steps but Dylan pulls her backwards, into his arms.
"Where are you going?"
"To the toilet. I really do think I can manage. I'm going to bed too. It's getting late."
"Can't I just carry you up the stairs?"
"Dylan..."
"Ok, ok, I get it. On your own."
He withdrew his hold on her waist and watched her struggle up the stairs. It was obvious that she was in agony. After what seemed an eternity, Sam reached the top of the stairs and stumbled into the bathroom. Dylan sat on the bottom of the stairs, absentmindedly stroking Dervla's head while he waited for Sam to finish in the bathroom. After about ten minutes, Dylan was starting to get slightly anxious so both he and Dervla went up the stairs.
"Sam. Are you alright?"
No reply.
"Sam!"
No reply.
"Right Sam, that's it. I'm coming in."
He pushes the door open carefully, just in case. He peers around and sees Sam curled up asleep, against the bath. He picks her up and carries her to the bedroom. He lays her on the bed and sits beside her, stroking her hair and cheek. He doesn't notice her eyes opening. She smiles and grabs his wrists. She pulls him to her and they kiss.
"Thought you were tired."
"I am."
The two get off the bed and change into their nightwear. Dylan sits on the edge of the bed and pulls Sam into his lap. She slides over to her side of the bed, still holding hands with Dylan. They pull closer to each other, their bodies entwined, they fall asleep.