That Dream

By: Lady-Evie

***

Evelyn O'Connell felt helpless as she stood on the edge of the dirigible.

It seemed as though all she could do was gaze out onto the desert sand. So much had happened since she first had that reoccurring hell of a dream. Six weeks ago if you would have said to her she was going to prevent the end of the world once again and save her son from the control of Imhotep, she would have literally laughed in your face.

Evelyn enclosed herself with her arms in hope of ridding herself of the desert cold. Her thoughts caused her to halt suddenly, however. Her son, Alex came to mind. It occurred to her that he, too, was probably facing the cold as well. And all he had was a pair of khaki shorts, a thin shirt, and a small jacket. No to mention his wool socks and leather shoes!

She felt a lump form in her throat. It wasn't fair. Her son had done nothing to deserve this! She pictured Alex alone and frightened, tied up somewhere, with no better purpose that to lead his captors to the lost oasis. She shook her head, causing a small tear to travel slowly down her cheek.

And what about Rick?

Her husband soon came to mind. She slowly turned back to the campfire; Rick sat there staring at the small flames, deep in thought. Obviously he too was thinking of Alex.

Rick must have felt her eyes on him, for he glanced up at her. His face wore an expression that couldn't be described. Then, ever so slowly he smiled. Not his charming goofy smile, this one was serious yet comforting; loving, yet also longing.

All Evelyn could do was duplicate his gesture. She slowly glanced back at the desert and exhaled. Rick amazed her, even after their many years of marriage; each day she learned something about him she didn't know before. One thing she loved about him was his ability to make her smile in even the worst of situations. Her reoccurring dream for example, had left him with an endless number of sleepless nights and tiring days. She recalled him saying "Ever since you had that dream I haven't had a decent night's sleep," while at a Temple in Thebes.

But each night, as he had done the night before, he found ways of cheering her up. Weather it be sweet things like a small nibble on her ear, to crazy things like making her laugh at all hours of the night by tickling her with his rough, gentle fingertips.

Evelyn wanted to crawl into a hole right now. It seemed as though no matter how you looked at the situation, all blame was hers. And now, because of her childish curiosity, she was on what seemed to be a long hunt for her own flesh and blood. She wished she had been the one who had placed the bracelet on her wrist; she wished she was the one leading Imhotep to the oasis. And she wished she hadn't given Alex her curiosity which had gotten them into this mess in the first place.

Truly, all faults were hers.

Evelyn sensed movement behind her but didn't bother to look. It was probably Jonathan stirring in his sleep anyway. But when the kind hands of Rick embraced her she did all she could to keep the endless tears from flowing. Instead she clasped his hand; Evelyn needed him now, more than ever to calm her fears, as he had done each night when she experienced the nightmare.

After a few moments of silence she quietly spoke, barely above a whisper,

"I-I want him back, Rick... I want him in my arms..."

She avoided eye contact, in fear that if she looked at him, she may start crying. She didn't need that... he didn't want that. He wanted her to be strong, like him. And like Alex. Rick wasn't worrying, or so she thought. If he was, he was excellent at not showing it. And if he wasn't worried, why should she be?

"I know," he said at last. "We taught him well... he's smarter than you-" At this comment she nodded still keeping her eyes away from his. "-he's tougher than me..." Rick trailed off obviously hoping she'd get the message. Evelyn began speaking rapidly.

"I love him so much, I-I just can't-"

"I know that... and Alex does too..." he sighed and caressed her shoulder. "I'll get him back Evie, I promise." Evelyn then realized that Rick would be true to his word. He would get Alex back, and just as they did nine years ago, Rick and she would send Imhotep back to the underworld, along with the Scorpion King. So there was no reason for her to worry, right?

Right.

"I know you will," Evelyn murmured, finally working up the courage to face her husband. Rick warmly enveloped her in his arms and the couple stood there looking out into the desert wondering where this adventure would lead them. Rick and Evelyn had a goal. And that was to find their son, no matter what it took. They would find him and bring him home...

Or die trying...

**End**

****Author's Notes****
Hey, sorry it took so long to update. Yes, it is the summer and yes, I should have more time to update, but I've found that in the summer I'm busier than during the school year. I admit this hasn't been my best fic, but I promise you all, I will have better ones to come... (I AM working on a new one, and it's basically my version of how everyone's favorite O'Connell child came into this wacky world. I hope to have it up soon. If anyone has any ideas please send them to me!) Again, thank you so much for reviewing, it really means a lot to me. Peace out!

Lady-Evie