Naia's POV

It was around 9:00 now and I had just realized that I didn't pack any of my clothes.

"Gabby?" I asked, she looked up and smiled. She picked up a tote bag and tossed it at me. I caught it confused.

"I knew you would forget so I packed some stuff." Gabby said and I grinned and thanked her.

I brushed my teeth and my hair before changing into pajamas. Mouch was sleeping on one of the couches so I climbed onto the other one.

"Sleepy, kid?" Herrmann asked me and I shrugged.

"A little bit." I responded.

Herrmann chuckled, "Trust me, when you lay down and have blankets on you, you'll feel a lot more tired."

"I'll take you word." I said, wrapping the couch blanket around me and laying down on a pillow.

Gabby came over and gave me a kiss on the head. "Sweet dreams." She said and I gave her a weak smile.

"Yeah, hopefully." I said. Sleep had not been my best friend lately. I had horrible nightmares which often made me wake up soaked in my own sweat. Sometimes I'd scream or cry and that would wake up either Matt or Gabby who would then come an comfort me until I fell asleep again.

I closed my eyes and soon I was asleep.

"Do you know what murders get?" James yelled as he shoved me under the water again. I could feel the sides of the tub with my fingers and the cold water make my clothes cling to me. I wasn't sure how long I was under but soon my lungs were screaming for air. Thankfully, at that time, James heaved me back up and I gasped for air, coughing as James continued spitting insults at me.

I shook my head, "No, no! It's not my fault!"

James sneered and then pushed me back under the freezing water. My eyes were shut so I couldn't see anything except for blackness. The lack of air was making me dizzy and my body begged for oxygen. James pulled me out at threw me against the wall. My body crashed against it before sliding down onto the floor.

"Who were the other kids?" James shouted. When I didn't answer, he kicked me. "Tell me!" He roared.

I shook my head, "You'll hurt them just like you're hurting me! I'm not an idiot!"

"I'd say otherwise." James said, kicking me repeatedly. "I promise you that I'll find them and force you to watch me hurt them."

I woke up with a start, panting. I looked around the dark room before realizing that I was at the firehouse and that everything was okay. I took a deep breath and laid down again but I couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I'd see James' mean face and my eyes would shoot open again.

Finally, I got up and walked to the bunk room. I couldn't really tell who was who but knew where Gabby's bed was. I quietly crept over and shook her.

"Huh?" Gabby asked half asleep. She saw me and alertness shot through her eyes.

I shook my head, "No, everything's okay. I just had a nightmare."

Gabby smiled and shifted over in her bed and patted the space she had created. As quiet as possible, I climbed in next to her and Gabby draped the blanket over me. I snuggled next to Gabby. Feeling safe, I closed my eyes and fell back asleep.

"Hey Munchkin! How did you sleep?" Matt asked me the next morning while he drank his coffee.

I nodded and lied, "Good."

Gabby looked over and we shared a smile. Jimmy made waffles for breakfast and I had one with bananas on top. I got ready for school and when I was ready to leave, I waved to everybody. "See you tomorrow!" I said and left. The walk to school was fine and I did my usual routine of getting my stuff ready.

"Hey!"

I shut my locker door to see Nate standing there with his hands in his pockets. I smiled, "Oh hey!"

"So what do you have first today?" He asked as we walked to homeroom together. I looked down at my timetable, double checking.

"History." I answered before making a face. "We have a test."

Nate nodded, "Yeah, spent all night studying."

I laughed, "I may or may not have forgot to study."

"I feel like you're the smart type though so I wouldn't be too worried." He smiled, showing his dimples.

I shook my head and chuckled, "I'm not so sure about that."

"Awww, don't be so modest." Nate said as we walked into the classroom. I laughed and we took our separate seats.