Hi everyone! Okay, so this update obviously did NOT take place within a week. Sorry. School's keeping me busy. Thanks to ALL of the reviews I got on the last chapter. I'm so glad that people are enjoying this fic. Thanks once again to Annber03 for helping me out! I couldn't have done it without you!
I also have three things to share with you guys. I went as Penelope Garcia for Halloween and tweeted my picture to Kristen Vangsness. Guess what? Kristen Vangsness re-tweeted me! I'm still freaking out!
Also, I'm working on editing/revising the first 30 chapters of this fanfic. (The chapters aren't *that* bad, but I have several gaping plot holes and grammar errors and things of that nature that need to be fixed.) I've currently edited/revised Chapters 1-3. Please go check them out if you haven't and leave a review, if you'd like!
And finally...The 2014 PROFILER'S CHOICE CRIMINAL MINDS FANFIC AWARDS are back! Calling all CM readers and authors! Join us in celebrating the best of the best CM stories for the annual Profiler's Choice CM Awards! Help us and let your voices be heard. Please check out the nomination ballot and rules at the ProfilerChoiceAwards 2014 Forum. All rules and information are on the forum. Nominations begin November 15 and are due December 31st.
Anyway, enough of my ramblings! Hope you enjoy! :)
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Criminal Minds or the rights to any of the songs listed in this chapter.
Teagan was loading the last of her luggage into the trunk her purple Volkswagen Beetle when Spencer pulled into the parking lot. She waved as he parked beside her.
"Couldn't wait for me?" he teased, stepping out of his car and grabbing his suitcase from the backseat.
"I was just loading the car," she stated, holding the trunk open for him. "Case wrap up okay?" He nodded, pushing his suitcase in the trunk next to hers. "That bad, huh?"
"Yeah."
"Well, don't think about it anymore," she stated, sliding her arms around his waist. "It's just you and me and McDuffie and we're going to have a great time." He didn't answer right away, instead pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her head. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing," he answered, shrugging. "I'm fine."
"Something's wrong," she stated, pulling away and placing her hands on her hips.
"It was a really bad case and I'm tired, okay?"
"Okay," she said, a tone of disbelief in her voice. "I'm going to do a final sweep of the house and get McDuffie and we'll be set to go."
"Do you need any help?" he asked. Thank God she changed the subject.
"No, I've got it. Here are the keys," she stated as she tossed them to him. "You can go ahead and get settled in. I'll only be a second."
"Okay. Take your time, Sweetheart." She grinned before turning around and entering her apartment.
"McDuffie, are you ready to go for a ride?" The dog flew off the couch and began prancing at her ankles while she got his leash. "Okay. Let's make sure we have everything before we go." After deciding that she did indeed have everything she needed for the trip, she grabbed her music note blanket and a pillow from the couch before locking the door. Spencer was still standing outside her car, fiddling with her keys.
"What's that?" he asked as she approached the car.
"A blanket and pillow. You said you were tired and I don't want you to get a crick in your neck from sleeping all wonky."
"Wow. Thanks, but you didn't have to do that."
"I know I didn't, but I wanted to." He unlocked and opened the door for her before heading around to the passenger side, surprised to find McDuffie sitting there.
"What is he doing?"
"McDuffie, get in the back, you crazy dog. Spencer's sitting there." The dog stared at Spencer before flopping over on his side. "McDuffie! In the back! Now!" The dog nudged Teagan with his nose before hopping into the back. "Good boy. Sorry about that, Magic Man. That's where McDuffie likes to ride when he's with me." Spencer chuckled as he slid into the car.
"Sorry McDuffie, but I'm taking your seat," he stated as he reclined the seat to adjust for his tall frame. McDuffie placed his front paws on the console and whined.
"We're leaving right now, Buddy. You ready to go, Magic Man?" she asked. He nodded as she cranked the car. "I'll have to stop for gas soon. I haven't gassed up in a while."
"Okay."
"I made a playlist last night on my iPod with Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Adele, Fleetwood Mac, Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. It's a weird mix, I know. Who do you want to listen to first?"
"Doesn't matter," he answered with a shrug. She nodded and pressed a button on her iPod before pulling out into traffic as the opening chords of Bob Dylan's "Shelter from the Storm" began to waft through the speakers. He sat up a little straighter, smiling slightly. "This is my mom's favorite song."
"Really? I remember you said she liked Bob Dylan."
"She liked to write down Bob Dylan lyrics in her journals. This was a reoccurring favorite." Teagan smiled.
"And I remember you said she likes Simon and Garfunkel."
"Yeah," he smiled wistfully. Teagan reached over and took his hand.
"I'd like to meet your mother someday. She seems really awesome."
"She'd like you," he stated, his tone sincere. Teagan blinked, surprised by his statement.
"You think so?" she asked. I certainly hope she does.
"Yeah," Spencer replied, nodding.
"That's good. 'Cause I'm sure I'd like her." Spencer smiled bashfully then, squeezing her hand quickly. She gently ran her thumb across the back of his hand in response, giving him a brief, loving glance before returning her attention back to the road.
Spencer stepped out of the gas station carrying a small bag of Rold Gold pretzels and a cup of coffee when he noticed Teagan wasn't standing by her car. Hmm. Must have taken McDuffie for a quick walk. That theory was quickly shot down, however, when he spotted the dog in the passenger seat, front paws resting on the dashboard as he peered out of the windshield.
Oh no.
"Teagan? Sweetheart?" he called, rushing around to the driver's side. She was kneeling by the back tire, shaking violently, her arms wrapped around herself. He placed his snack on the roof of the car before kneeling down next to her. "Sweetheart?"
"I can't—breathe," she wheezed.
"Teagan, listen to me. Put your head between your knees. It helps." She complied and he heard her breathe in pained, quick little gasps. "Concentrate on taking deep breaths." As her breathing began to even out, he extended his hands to her to help her stand. Someone honked their car horn impatiently causing her to jump. Reid whipped around and glared at the driver.
"Jerk," he muttered. "Come here, Sweetheart." He ushered her into the passenger seat of the car, reaching into the floorboard for her music note blanket and covering her with it. "I'm going to gas up the car, okay? I'll be right back." He closed the door before moving around to the gas cap.
After filling up the car, he grabbed his snack from the roof and slipped inside to the driver's seat, adjusting it for his lanky frame. He glanced over at Teagan who was ashen, still trembling slightly. McDuffie was curled on her lap, whining softly. He pulled the car over into a parking spot and turned to face her.
"Sweetheart?"
"I hate this," she said, her voice tight and small. "I can't even go to a fucking gas station."
"It'll get—"
"Don't you even dare tell me 'It'll get better'! I want to know when! When will it get better, Spencer?" she sighed, exasperated. She looked up at him, tears threatening to fall. Spencer licked his lips, unsure of how to answer. "I'm just so tired of this. So damn tired. I want my life to go back to normal. I've never wanted anything more in my life." He reached over the console and took her icy hand in his.
"I know you're frustrated, Sweetheart. When do you go see the psychiatrist again?"
"I go back next week. And this Xanax isn't helping. Do you think she'll prescribe me something different if I ask?"
"It normally takes 6-8 weeks for the medicine to build up in your system. You've only been on Xanax for about two weeks. You just need to give your body time to adjust to it." She sighed and looked down at her lap.
"Then why did the psychiatrist make an appointment for two weeks?"
"Some of your symptoms should be getting better. Can you tell a difference in anything?"
"I am sleeping better," she stated. "Instead of multiple nightmares a night, I only have one or two."
"See? Something's getting better. You're not going to get better overnight, or just in two weeks. You have to be patient. I know it's frustrating. I know you'd like to do normal things, like walk McDuffie, go shopping, or even pump gas, but it's just going to take some time. You will get better. Believe me, I know what it's like." He reached over and ran his knuckle gently across her cheek, his hazel eyes full of love and understanding. McDuffie whined loudly from Teagan's lap, alerting the both of them that he needed to go outside.
"Thanks, Spencer," she said softly. "I just hate being patient."
"I know," he said with a soft chuckle. "Why don't you let McDuffie out, walk him for a few moments, and I'll go get you a bottle of water?"
"Ginger ale, please," she stated. "I hurled in the garbage can when I panicked and I'm still feeling a little queasy."
"Okay, Sweetheart. I'll be right back. Love you."
"Love you too, Magic Man."
Teagan pulled into a rest stop in South Carolina. Not much longer to go! I'm so ready to be home. She snuck a glance at Spencer who was sleeping peacefully, his cheek resting against the window, the pillow behind his head and the music note blanket covering his lap. McDuffie was curled in his lap, his head resting on Spencer's hand. Aww, this is so cute! She grabbed her phone from the console and snapped a quick picture to send to Penelope.
Teagan: Look at my two boys snoozing away.
Penelope: That is soooo precious! OMG! I'm sending it to Morgan.
Teagan: NO! Spence will kill me!
Penelope: He won't kill you. You're not the first person who has taken his picture while he's sleeping. Morgan and I do it all the time. Don't worry.
Teagan: Why does that not surprise me?
Penelope: You love me and you know it. ;) How's your trip going?
Teagan: It's going pretty well. Almost home. We're in South Carolina.
Penelope: Great! Stay safe and have fun!
Teagan: Thanks! Have a great Thanksgiving!
Penelope: You too, babe!
Teagan turned her gaze back to Spencer. He looks so comfortable. I should just let him be. After debating a moment more, she finally leaned forward, tapping him lightly on the arm.
"Hey, Spencer," she called. "Honey, we're in South Carolina. Do you need to get out and stretch your legs for a bit?" He mumbled something incoherent in response and snuggled further under the blanket, causing her to giggle. "Come on, Magic Man." She nudged him playfully. He opened his eyes and blinked for a few moments.
"Where are we?"
"We're in South Carolina, at rest stop, just outside of Augusta. We'll be home in like, two more hours." He nodded sleepily.
"Mmkay," he said drowsily, rubbing his eyes before blinking and looking down. "McDuffie's in my lap." The dog raised his head at the mention of his name. Spencer reached down and ruffled the dog's fur, chuckling as the dog rolled over so Spencer could scratch his belly.
"What is it with you and tummy rubs?" Teagan asked, reaching over and assisting Spencer in scratching the dog's belly.
"His skin looks red under his fur," he observed. "Do you think it could be irritated?"
"It might be a little dry from all of this cool air. I'll make sure to put some olive oil in his food tonight."
"Olive oil?"
"Yeah. It'll help with his skin if it's irritated. Sometimes, if it's really bad, I have to take him to the vet for him to get an allergy shot." Spencer nodded and continued to scratch the dog's belly until McDuffie heard a dog bark from across the parking lot. He flipped over quickly, whimpering, as he pressed his nose against the passenger window before barking loudly.
"I think he wants to go outside," he said, tightening his grip on the dog's leash with one hand while reaching for the door handle with the other.
"I think so too," she said, sliding out of the car, locking the doors behind her as she went around to meet Spencer. McDuffie began to sniff the ground vigorously, while Spencer held his leash tightly.
They eventually made their way to the dog park area of the rest stop, watching as two young men threw a Frisbee to a German Shepherd. McDuffie's spine stiffened and he whimpered, wanting to play with the bigger dog.
"No, McDuffie," Teagan said. "We don't know that dog. He may not be friendly." McDuffie flopped down on the ground with a loud "umph", his tail wagging as he watched the dog. A sudden breeze blew, causing Teagan to shiver. Spencer glanced at her, concerned.
"Are you okay?"
"Oh, I forgot my jacket in the car. I didn't realize it was going to be this cold. I mean, it's tolerable, unless the wind blows too much. I'm so looking forward to a cold Thanksgiving, though. Last year it was so hot and everybody was miserable." Spencer moved closer to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and she leaned into his embrace as he rubbed her arm soothingly.
"I read that the high tomorrow is supposed to be 63. It won't be that cold."
"For Georgia, that's cold. Trust me," she replied, leaning her head against his shoulder. Spencer nodded, kicking a rock with the toe of his Converse. "You okay, Magic Man?"
"I'm fine," he stated. Teagan glared at him, raising her eyebrows.
"Really?" she asked. He sighed.
"I'm, um, just, um, a little nervous about meeting your family," he answered, rubbing his hand over the back of his neck.
"Don't be nervous, Magic Man. They're going to love you."
"You think so?" he asked shyly.
"Yep. My grandmother is going to adore you. Don't worry about Dad. He'll come around," she stated, giving him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. At least…I hope he does…
He frowned. What does she mean by that? Spencer couldn't help but notice the slight tone of worry in her voice. He glanced down at Teagan, who had slipped away from his embrace to play with McDuffie for a few minutes.
I hope she's right.
"God, if we don't get to my house in the next five minutes, I'm going to scream. Why is there so much traffic in downtown Milledgeville? Milledgeville isn't that big a town!" Teagan complained, throwing one of her hands up in the air in frustration. Spencer chuckled. "Don't you laugh at me, Spencer Reid! I'm tired and I'm hungry and I don't ever want to drive again."
She slowed to a stop at a traffic light and crossed her arms across her chest. Spencer leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to her lips, surprising her.
"You're cute when you're grumpy," he stated, a teasing smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"Well, I'm about to get freakin' adorable in a minute if this light doesn't change soon," she said. "Sorry. I think I'm hangry."
"Ah," he said, settling back in his seat. "The side effects of hypoglycemia."
"Shut up!" she exclaimed, smacking him playfully in the arm. "Mom said something about crockpot potato soup. She better have some waiting or I'm just going to eat a whole entire box of Cheez-It's in under five minutes." Spencer chuckled again as they finally moved forward. I'm just glad she finally wants to eat.
"Is that Blackbird?" he asked, pointing to a building with a blackbird emblem on it.
"Yep. We'll have to go there before we leave."
"Sounds like a plan." He smiled at her once more before continuing to observe the town.
Ten minutes later, when they pulled up outside the Wellers' home, Spencer began bouncing his knees up and down anxiously. She gave him a reassuring glance.
"Calm down, Magic Man," Teagan said, reaching over and giving his hand a quick squeeze. "They're going to love you." He nodded and looked up at the home with the gray vinyl siding and wraparound porch.
"Nice place," he stated, reaching for the door handle.
"Thanks," she replied. Her eyes then lit up as Stephen stepped outside. "Dad!" Spencer waved shyly at the older man.
"Hello," he greeted, nodding curtly at Reid before turning to smile at Teagan. "Hi, Pumpkin! Have a nice trip?"
"Yes. Hi, Daddy," Teagan greeted, giving her father a kiss on the cheek as she stepped inside, Spencer following close behind her. "Where's Mom?" McDuffie pawed at Stephen and whined.
"In the kitchen. Hey there, Duffers!" he said, taking the leash from Teagan. The dog flew through the house, clearly very excited to be home again. Teagan chuckled.
"Well, don't just stand there, Magic Man," Teagan said. "Come on in." Spencer smiled nervously and stepped inside, while Teagan rushed off in search of her mother, leaving him alone with Stephen. He began taking in the living room, filled with old fashioned furniture. Pictures of Teagan were placed throughout, all of them of her at various ages. One was of her probably around 4 or 5, sitting on a tricycle with a juice box in her hand, grinning widely for the camera. He smiled.
Stephen cleared his throat loudly, his hand extended out towards him. Spencer furrowed his brow.
"Your coat?" Stephen asked gruffly.
"Oh, um, yes sir. Thanks," Spencer replied, unbuttoning his coat with shaking fingers. Stephen sighed in exasperation and hung the coat in the nearby closet.
"Dinner will be ready in just a few minutes," Melanie called. "Stephen will you set the table?"
"Of course, Dear."
"And hi, Spencer," Melanie called, poking her head around out of the kitchen. "It's nice to see you again. Just have a seat wherever you like."
"Thank you, ma'am." He moved towards the kitchen. "Can I help with anything?"
"No, you cannot," Teagan replied, putting ice into drinking glasses. "You're a guest and will be treated as such. What would you like to drink? We have sweet tea, water, ginger ale, Pepsi and Diet Pepsi."
"Um, water's fine," he replied, rocking back on his heels anxiously. She nodded and began to fill the glasses before setting them on the table. Melanie came up behind him with a large crockpot of soup and placed it on the hot pad on the table.
"Where's Stephen?" she asked, placing her hand on her hips.
"Right here," he answered, leaning down and kissing her on the cheek while carrying three serving bowls. "You forgot the toppings."
"Let me help you with that," Spencer said, rushing over to help him.
"I've got it," he sneered.
"Stephen," Melanie said warningly. Teagan stepped into the room then, looking from her father to Spencer, her face falling slightly. Melanie gave Stephen a pleading glance. Please give this a chance, Stephen. For her sake? For mine?
Dinner was an awkward affair for the most part, with Teagan attempting to make small talk and only getting grunts or "uh-huhs" from her father, blank stares from her mother, and stammering from Spencer in response. When Spencer began to ramble on the history of potatoes and spoke so rapidly that even she could barely understand him, she had to squeeze his hand to get him to calm down. He was so visibly nervous and uncomfortable that he barely touched his meal and almost knocked over his glass several times.
After dinner was over, Teagan sent Spencer into the living room with Melanie, while she and her father cleaned up the kitchen.
"Dad, Spencer really is a nice guy," she stated softly while drying a dish. "I wish you'd give him a chance."
"Whatever," he sneered. "Ask your mom if she wants me to start a pot of coffee, would you?" Teagan shook her head and mashed her lips together angrily before stepping into the living room. Spencer was sitting on the couch staring blankly at the T.V., McDuffie resting on his lap. Melanie was nowhere to be found.
"Where's Mom?"
"McDuffie came out of the guest bedroom and she went to make sure he didn't pee on the bedspread."
"Oh. Yeah, he does that sometimes. I forgot to tell you to shut the door on the way out. Sorry."
"He doesn't do that at your house, does he?"
"No, but he made a mess all over Penelope's stuff when he stayed with her. I felt terrible," Teagan said with a blush. Melanie suddenly stepped into the hallway looking very relieved.
"Well, as far as I can tell, everything looks okay in there. As for you, mister," she said, pointing to McDuffie. "If you don't stop going into other people's bedrooms, I'm going to have your butt." McDuffie snuggled closer onto Spencer's lap. "He certainly seems to like you, Spencer."
"Total change from when they first met," Teagan said with a giggle. "McDuffie peed on his shoes!"
"He did not!" Melanie exclaimed.
"He did!" she cried. "I was so embarrassed."
"You were embarrassed?" Spencer asked, smirking slightly. "You didn't have dog pee all over your shoes!"
"No, but I was covered in dirt, so there was that." Spencer laughed.
"Wait, I'm missing something here," Melanie stated, settling into her armchair. "What happened?"
"I took McDuffie for a walk one afternoon at the park just down from my apartment," Teagan began. "And there were some people playing chess near the entrance, but I wanted to stay on the main path that day. McDuffie had another idea. He got away and in my mad dash to catch him, I ended up tripping over him and knocking over the chess table where Spencer was playing. And while I was in the course of apologizing for knocking over everything, McDuffie used the bathroom on Spencer." Melanie began laughing loudly.
"Teagan," she said between laughs. "Only you could do something that crazy and still make the guy want to go out with you." Spencer smirked.
"I just come by my awkwardness naturally," she said, shrugging her shoulders and kicking her bare foot up in a little flourish, but her toe got caught in a loose thread in the rug and caused her to stumble forward.
"Careful, Sweetheart," Spencer said, rushing over to help her.
"I'll try, but I can't make any promises," she teased. "Now, does anybody want coffee?"
"Me!" Melanie exclaimed.
"I would love some," Spencer stated. "Do you need any help?"
"No, I've got it. Be right back." Teagan stepped inside the kitchen, still smiling from the conversation between Spencer and her mom, only to discover her dad was gone. She frowned, staring at the coffee still brewing in the pot. Why can't he see what a great guy Spencer is?
Later that evening, the four of them sat in the living room watching the news when a brief clip of the case from St. Louis flashed on the screen.
"Daddy, did you know Spencer and his team worked that case?" Teagan asked, obviously trying to warm her father to Spencer.
"Hmmph," he answered.
"You worked this case?" Melanie asked, intrigued.
"Well, my team and I did," he answered. "I'm part of a team called the Behavioral Analysis Unit which, um, it used to be called the Behavioral Science Unit, and it's part of the NCAVC, which is the National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime, which is also part of the CIRG or the Critical Incidence Response Group. My team tracks criminals by studying human behavior." Melanie stared at him for a few minutes, taken aback by his rambling. Teagan smiled and squeezed his hand.
"Yes…well…um, what aspects of human behavior do you study?" Melanie asked.
"It's called psychological profiling," Spencer answered. "Which is a description of the character, behavior, and interests of a violent criminal that is based on evidence from where the crime is committed."
"So you're saying that you can look at a crime scene and know what type of person committed it?"
"Yes," he answered, nodding.
"Well, it must not be too damn effective," Stephen grumbled.
"Stephen," Melanie said warningly. Spencer looked down at his lap and Teagan glared at her father.
"Sometimes their profile can be wrong," Teagan said. "He didn't say they were always accurate. But they get the profile right most of the time. And there hasn't been an UnSub they haven't caught."
"UnSub?" Melanie asked curiously.
"UnSub or Unknown Subject of an investigation," Reid stated. "It's a term we use instead of suspect or criminal." Melanie nodded in response.
"So you caught the person—UnSub—who killed that poor little boy?" Melanie asked.
"Yes," he answered hesitantly, looking down at his lap again. I really don't want to talk about the case.
"How long did it take you to catch him?" Stephen asked. "Just a few days right?"
"Yes, sir," Reid answered.
"But it took you nearly three weeks to catch the bastard that was after my daughter?"
"Stephen!" Melanie exclaimed. "In the office. Right now." She stood up and glared at him. I know that look. Mom only uses that one when she's really angry. Stephen stood up hesitantly and followed her. They stepped into the office and she slammed the door behind them, their voices angry, but indistinguishable.
Spencer opened his mouth to say something, but Teagan stopped him.
"Don't."
"What?"
"Don't start. My dad…" she trailed off, trying to hold back tears that were threatening to fall. "is…I don't know. Why can't he get over it and accept this?" She glared at the closed office door.
"I'm sorry," he said.
"You're sorry? For what? You haven't done anything wrong! You're a guest and you're being treated like crap and it's just…ugh!" she groaned. "I never should have come home. I knew he was gonna be like this. I just should have stayed in Fredericksburg." She shook her head.
"Teagan," Spencer began. "I'm the one that shouldn't have come. I could have stayed home and did what I did last year."
"No, don't say that," she murmured before looking at him curiously. "What did you do last year?"
"Went into D.C. and met Garcia to watch the Thanksgiving Parade and then I helped her volunteer at a soup kitchen, then we went to Rossi's for dinner," he said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Then I swung by Leo's to visit with him for a bit and helped him close up. And then I called my mom."
"Wow! That's definitely more than I do for Thanksgiving! That's amazing, Spence!" She said, feeling a burst of pride. "I've always wanted to volunteer at a soup kitchen, but I just never got around to doing it. What's it like?" He chuckled.
"Um, well, Garcia sort of conned me into doing it," he answered sheepishly. "She told me she had to drop off some canned goods for the dinner and it was only going to take a second." Teagan smirked then.
"That was your first mistake, Magic Man," she stated. "Nothing ever takes 'a second', not with Penelope around, at least."
"I learned that," he replied. "The minute I followed her inside, I was handed an apron and was put on pumpkin pie slicing duty. I swear I could go my whole life without looking at pumpkin pie again."
"Well, unfortunately, you'll have to look at one tomorrow. My aunt makes one every year." He crinkled his nose in distaste. She giggled in response.
"Is there anything I need to help with tomorrow?" he asked.
"No, you can be the taste tester, though," she answered before looking up at the clock on the mantel. "Speaking of cooking, I probably need to go to bed. Mom likes to get an early start on the food." She glanced towards the office door, still hearing the sounds of muffled, angry voices.
"I'm need to do the same," he stated with a yawn. "I'm still tired from the trip."
"Yeah, we both could use some sleep." She stood and looked down at McDuffie. "Come on, Duffers! Time for bed." The little white dog hopped down from the couch and scampered off to her bedroom. He paused at the doorframe, tilting his head to the side and wagging his tail excitedly.
"He's waiting for you," Spencer said, stopping behind her in the hallway.
"I see that," she answered. "I'm coming, McDuffie. Go on and lay down." She turned to Spencer. "Good night, Magic Man."
"Good night, Sweetheart. Sleep well."
"You too," she replied, wrapping her arms around his waist for a brief hug. He tilted her chin upwards with his index finger and gave her a very short, sweet kiss before stepping inside his bedroom for the night.
"Teagan? Sweetheart? Teagan, where are you?" Spencer called. Teagan moved towards the sound of his voice, trying desperately to move through the suddenly seeping fog.
"I'm right here, Spencer!" she yelled, the fog growing thicker and more dense by the minute. "Spencer?!" She kept racing through the fog, trying to find him. She suddenly reached a gnarled, old tree with a figure that looked oddly like Spencer standing next to it. The figure made no move towards her.
"Spencer, is that you?" she called. No answer. She raced towards the tree, only to frown. Was it her imagination, or did the tree seem to be moving? Stay still, damn it! A dull thumping noise began to sound in the distance as a tall, dark figure began to materialize. It came closer and closer…so close it could grab her.
"Spencer?" she asked timidly, moving backwards. The thumping continued to grow louder with each step the figure took and she covered her ears in an attempt to muffle the sound. "Spence?" She stumbled and fell, splayed out on the ground. The figure towered over her and she began to scream.
Teagan awoke with a jolt, shivering. McDuffie raised his head to glance at her from the foot of her bed before snuggling back down to sleep. Teagan gulped, pushing the comforter back. Well, there goes any hope of sleep for the rest of the night. The thumping sound continued and she jumped before looking around for the source of the sound. She breathed a sigh of relief when she noticed it was just a branch hitting the window. Standing up, she crept past a sleeping McDuffie before padding towards the bathroom. Switching on the light, she took a moment to stare at her pale reflection in the mirror above the sink before splashing water on her face. I look like death warmed over. Stupid nightmares. She then stepped out of the bathroom, planning to head back to bed, only to notice a faint glow of light from under Spencer's door. He's still awake? But it's so late! She opened the door as quietly as she could and peered in the room. Spencer was curled on his side, appearing to be sleeping peacefully. He looks so innocent. His face was calm, the wrinkles that lined his usually furrowed brow gone. His tousled brown hair was ruffled and his chest rose and fell with deep, even breaths. I forgot he likes to leave a light on when he sleeps.
"Do you always stare at people when they're sleeping or is it just me?" he murmured, startling her.
"Spencer!" she hissed. He chuckled before sitting up on the side of the bed and rubbing his eyes. "You couldn't sleep either?"
"No," he answered. "Did you have another nightmare, Sweetheart?" She nodded.
"I saw your light was on and thought I'd come stay with you a while. I forgot you liked to keep it on all night. Did you have a nightmare?"
"No, I just couldn't sleep," he replied. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"It's silly, now that I think about it," she said, sitting down on the bed next to him. "You were looking for me, but I couldn't find you because there was all this fog. And as I kept moving towards your voice, the fog grew thicker. And then I couldn't hear you anymore. I started hearing this thumping noise and this dark figure kept moving towards me. I moved backwards, trying to escape, but I fell. It was standing over me and I started screaming. And then I woke up."
"Why do you think that's silly?" he asked, confused.
"Because the thumping noise I heard was just a branch hitting my window."
"Oh," he said, giving her a small smile. "But it was all a dream. And you're okay?" He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.
"Yeah," she said with a nod. "I just don't think I'll be going back to sleep any time soon. Can I, um, stay in here?" He blinked for a few moments, seeming stunned by her question.
"You want to stay…in here?" he asked, a blush creeping into his neck and cheeks. "I don't think that's a good idea, Teagan." He shook his head.
"Why?"
"We're in your parents' house!" he hissed, his eyes growing wide. "Your dad will murder me if he finds out!"
"Relax, Hon," she said. "I'll be back in my room before anyone gets up. Nobody will ever know. Unless you plan on telling them?" She raised one thin eyebrow.
"No, definitely not," he replied. "But I still think it's a bad idea because um…" He trailed off, blushing furiously again, trying to find the right words to say.
"Spence, I'm not going to try anything, so quit worrying. We're in my parents' house for crying out loud! What kind of girl do you think I am?" she teased. His face grew even redder at her response.
"I, um, wasn't, um, uh…" he stammered. She giggled slightly. God, he's so adorable.
"I was teasing, Magic Man," she stated. "I promise we won't get caught. Dad usually gets up around 7:30. Mom gets up around 8:00, so as long as I'm back in my bed by 7:00, we'll be okay." He nodded again, staring at his lap, while he mulled this information over.
"So I can stay?" she asked giddily.
"Yes, you silly woman," he replied, leaning over and kissing the top of her head again. "You're ridiculous, you know that? And that it's nearly impossible to say no to you?"
"But you love me!" He shook his head again.
"That's highly debatable right now," he teased. She stuck her tongue out at him and he smirked.
"Well, I love you, you goofball," she said. "Thank you for letting me stay."
"No problem, Sweetheart," he replied, tightening his arm around her shoulder and giving her a quick squeeze.
"Spencer," she began. "I know it's late, but will you read to me, please?"
"Sure," he replied. "I don't know if I have any reading material that you would like, though." He stood up and began to search through his messenger bag. "I have Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Nietzsche, Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott, and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. The rest are engineering books." She bit her lip for a moment, debating.
"I've always liked Ray Bradbury. He wrote this short story called "A Sound of Thunder," which I thought was amazing!"
"I liked that one, too. It's based on the idea of the butterfly effect, although the story predates that phrase."
"It just amazed me that something as simple as stepping on a butterfly had the power to change everything. It was mind-blowing."
"So I take it that you want me to read the Bradbury then?" he asked. She nodded. He pulled the book out of his messenger bag before settling back on the bed next to her. He fluffed a pillow and placed it in the small of his back before leaning against the headboard. Teagan curled up next to him, resting her head on his chest. He wrapped his arm around her, his hand brushing against the smooth skin of her arm before tentatively settling on her hip.
"It was a pleasure to burn," he murmured, his voice soft as he began to bring the character of Guy Montag to life. By the time Spencer reached the part where Clarisse went missing, Teagan had fallen back asleep, her cheek pressed against his collarbone, arm loosely wrapped around his waist, and her blonde hair tickling his jaw. He smiled contentedly to himself as he looked down at Teagan's sleeping form. She looks so peaceful. He placed the book on the nightstand before grabbing his phone and setting the alarm for 6:30. Just in case Stephen or Melanie decide to wake up earlier than usual.
"Good night, Sweetheart," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I love you."
His alarm beeped and woke him from a surprisingly peaceful slumber. He looked down at Teagan, whose leg was entwined with his. Her lips were slightly parted, face flushed, her hair framing her face. I really should just let her sleep. But if her dad wakes up and finds us… He reached over and switched off the alarm on his phone. When was the last time I slept that long? He tightened his grip around the warm body nestled against him. When was the last time she slept that long? What's she going to do when she's on her own again? How much longer can this go on?
"Sweetheart?" he said gently. "Teagan, you need to go back to your room before your parents wake up." She grunted softly, burying her face in his chest.
"Don't want to," she mumbled. "Too comfortable." He chuckled.
"C'mon," he urged, nudging her. She sat up, rubbing her eyes sleepily and yawned.
"Sorry I fell asleep. That wasn't my intention. You should have woken me up and sent me back to my room," she stated, stretching her arms over her head.
"You looked so peaceful; I just didn't want to wake you."
"Well, thanks. I actually haven't slept that well in a while," she said. "You know, for such a skinny person, you're rather comfortable." A small blush crept in his cheeks.
"Um, thanks, I guess?" he replied, his brow furrowing.
"It was meant as a compliment, Spence," she reassured. "Did you sleep okay?"
"Yeah. I slept better than I have in a while too." She smiled before wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Thanks again for letting me stay."
"You're welcome," he replied, leaning down and pressing his lips to hers. "Now go before your parents wake up."
"Okay." She gave him another quick hug before tiptoeing back to her bedroom. Spencer settled back under the sheets, her scent still clinging to them. He stared at the empty space next to him, a strange twinge of loneliness overcoming him.
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