Vague traces of recognition floated through Bobby's mind. Ronnie? Is that you? Shame overtook him slowly, eating at him from within. I never told you… How… great… you looked…
The feeling of sickness filled him, like the confused heat of a fever dream…
I wanted to dance with… I mean… A cold shiver seemed to pass through him. I would give anything to… And the idea floated through his mind: He could see her, drawing close, her eyes closing slowly and her lips parting slightly…
A flush of warmth flooded his body at the thought of a real kiss – His first real kiss…
"Bobby." She said softly. "You have to wake up. You have to come through this, please?"
He heard the words but couldn't connect them with a meaning. He just loved her accent and the sound of her voice.
"Wake up! Please?"
And inside, something stirred slightly.
Coming out of my cage…"You did it Bobby, you saved us all. You did great, now please, just wake up!"
And I've been doing just fine…
"What can I do to help now?" She asked in desperation.
Gotta, gotta be down…
Bobby retreated from the thought out of embarrassment.
Because I want it all.
Thoughts of the kiss he desired floated through his mind.
It started out with a kiss…
"You're almost dead Bobby. You've got to wake up!"
How did it end up like this?
I wanted too much… Bobby thought. I don't deserve… her.
It was only a kiss…
A nasty chill tore through him and he felt as though he retreated from her words.
It was only a kiss…
"The boy who saved you is here too Bobby. We're both here."
Now I'm falling asleep…
She's with… him? Bobby felt a rush of sickness flow through him again. She's not with me…
And she's calling a cab…
She's with him… She wants… him…
While he's having a smoke…
And he'll want her too. How could he not? She's… He shivered again, feeling torn apart.
And she's taking the drag…
Why? He seemed to be wringing his soul as some might their hands.
Now they're going to bed…
Why with him… And not me?
And my stomach is sick…
Ronnie? He fought to turn the thought in to a voice but it refused to go – and he realized – he wasn't awake.
And it's all in my head…
Maybe… If I can just… Wake up…
But she's touching his chest now…
But his doubt was given form in his mind and he could see them together.
He takes off her dress now…
The other boy was older. He was a hero.
Let me go…
He pulled Bobby from the water while he was helpless.
And I just can't look…
His mind wrenched in torment at the idea.
It's killing me…
I must have looked like a fool!
And taking control…
He got angry, almost suddenly.
Jealousy…
No! He shivered with the thought. She's… She's…
Turning saints into the sea…
He struggled and fought. She's not… She's not yours! He insisted.
Turning through sick lullaby…
Don't you touch her!
Joking on your alibi…
She's not for you!
But it's just the price I pay…
She… She's…
Destiny is calling me…
She's mine! Bobby's eyes flickered open and he saw her. Slumped on his bed, crying softly. The boy who had saved him was in the bed across the room unconscious and snoring softly. They were in the mansion's infirmary.
Open up my eager eyes…
He reached out slowly, painfully, and stroked her hair.
And her face lit up with joy as she turned, teary eyed, to face him.
I'm Mr. Brightside…