AN: I hope you enjoy this extra long chapter. Let me know in the comments.

Chapter 23

Sam's POV

What the hell was that? Why was I so mad at the nub? Why did I flip him over my shoulder like that? And why did I look at Carly like that? She looked afraid of me. She's never looked afraid of me before. I scared her. Oh god! What the fuck did I just do? It was like something came over me.

They don't understand you.

The negative thought ran through my mind like it came from somewhere else. I was just frustrated. Yeah, and Freddie was pissing me off.

I shoved my fists into my jacket pockets and picked up the pace as I walked. The sun had set and the sky was darkening. It was still slightly light out but it was overcast and I knew it would be completely dark by the time I got home. As I walked, my thoughts turned to the topic they typically did. Carly. Was she really afraid of me? Did I just royally screw up? I should have stayed. I should have apologized. But they looked at me with such fear and shock. I had to get out of there. I felt bad about what I did to Freddie. I mean, I'd hurt him before but this time, he didn't exactly deserve it.

Don't feel ashamed. He was hurting you. You did what you needed to. They don't understand you. They don't know you. They don't know the PAIN you're in.

Yeah, they don't know what I've been going through. They get to just go about their day, all la-de-da. And they can just go to school and live like normal teenagers. They don't have to cross souls over to the other side! They don't have to feel all the anger, pain, and torment of everyone else, from the living and the dead!

I was suddenly filled with a rage I'd never felt before. I was jealous, yes. But more than anything, I was angry. Angry at them. At everyone. Angry at the spirits that wouldn't leave me alone. Angry at every normal person who got to live a normal life. I was angry at Freddie for torturing me earlier. Angry at Carly for not getting it. How dare she look shocked and afraid of me! Doesn't she realize how much I've been hurting? She looked at me like I was a freaking stranger! Like I'm not the love of her life! I've given so much of myself over the past few months since this curse hit me! And it was all because of her! She's the reason I'm cursed in the first place! If I hadn't saved her life-!

I halted that train of thought immediately. What the hell am I thinking?! If I hadn't saved her life? Why wouldn't I have saved her life? I love her! She's everything to me! What the fuck is wrong with me?! Freddie's the one I'm angry at. Yeah, Freddie! He's the reason I fucked up back there and made Carly look at me like she didn't know who I was. I can be angry at Freddie. Not Carly. Never Carly! She is so good, sweet, and innocent all the time. How dare I have negative thoughts about her? She's the purest soul I've ever encountered. I've never thought negatively about her. What is going on with me? I'm just frustrated, that's all.

As I walked on, I suddenly felt goosebumps spread across my whole body. Not again! I passed by an alley and a spirit stepped out of the shadows. Damn it! I don't need this right now! I picked up the pace, hoping the spirit would just leave me alone. But when I glanced over my shoulder, I saw that the ghost was following me. It was a middle-aged man and he looked angry that I was avoiding him. He started chasing me and I broke out into a sprint. I heard him scream as he ran me down. Fear shot through me and suddenly I felt him run through me, knocking me to the sidewalk.

I hit the ground with a yelp, pain shooting throughout my right side as I landed. I felt him cross over but the agony from being knocked down was still pulsating throughout my body. And because I'd resisted him, the channeling process was way more painful than usual and the discomfort lingered. I rolled to my back with a grimace and groaned in pain. I sighed and then finally made it to my feet. Despair shot through me as I continued my way home. My whole body hurt.

I heard my cell phone ring as I walked and I pulled it out of my pocket. Looking at the screen, I saw that it was Carly calling me. I hit the ignore button and continued on. I couldn't talk to her. I was too ashamed, depressed and in pain. Would she break up with me? I'd never seen that look of fear on her face, especially directed at me. I felt guilty for just leaving like that. Guilty for being angry at her. Guilty for dragging her into this clusterfuck. I took a deep breath and realized I was standing in front of my apartment building. I sighed and then headed up the stairs. When I entered the front door, I saw mom standing at the kitchen counter setting out plates of takeout.

"Hey, you're just in time," she greeted me with a smile, "I wasn't sure if you were coming home tonight or not."

I sighed in relief. I was glad to see that she was in a good mood and she had actually brought home food for the both of us. That's a plus. "Hey, mom," I greeted. "Is that Chinese?"

"Yep, come grab a plate," she replied.

We sat down together at the small kitchen table and ate in silence. After a few moments, mom finally asked, "So, how was your weekend with Carly?"

"Um…it was good," I replied around a bite of sesame chicken. What else could I say? That I had almost died in a graveyard, only to be rescued by the love of my life with her supernatural ability to heal me and then I spent the majority of Saturday sleeping to rejuvenate? Then we spirit-proofed Carly's apartment and then tried to lure and trap a dark entity so I could cross it over to the other side? Yeah, that wouldn't go over too well. Oh, yeah, not to mention, I had another visit with my dead twin sister on the other side.

"Was it fun?" mom asked me.

I thought back to my sexy times with Carly and grinned. "Parts of it were," I replied.

"Good," mom replied and we continued to eat in silence. Our relationship was still awkward at times. But I was relieved to see that mom was sober and seemed to be in a good mood.

"How was your weekend?" I asked her.

"It was fine," she replied, "I pulled a double shift on Saturday so I was able to bring in some overtime pay. And then I went to an AA meeting. It's been…difficult at times but I think I'm making progress."

"That's really good, mom," I said, looking her in the eye with a warm smile. "I'm proud of you."

She smiled back and then we finish our meal in relative silence. Once we were done, I excused myself to my room and mom got settled in front of the TV with a soda. I was happy to see her following through on her promise not to drink. As I entered my bedroom, I dropped my backpack next to my desk and was going to get started on my homework but no sooner had I closed the door than I felt the nausea.

Fuck! Another angry spirit. I was starting to recognize the different spirits with the symptoms associated with them. Nausea usually meant an angry or distressed spirit. My anxiety kicked into high gear when I heard a sickening groan. The sound came from my closet. I knew I wouldn't be able to relax until the spirit was gone so I slowly approached my closet door. I carefully reached my hand towards the doorknob but before I could even touch it, the door flew open and a burned looking older man came racing at me.

I flinched in fear as the ghost grabbed my throat with both hands and screamed in my face, his sour breath making me grimace. I fell to the floor and the spirit landed on top of me. He groaned in anguish and one of his hands reached up to clutch at my face. I stared into his eyes, fear filling me. He was horribly burned with blisters and red, open wounds covering his skin. I could feel his intense pain and it almost paralyzed me. It was agonizing. I tried to calm myself because it wouldn't help matters if I were unsettled while he channeled me. But he was so gross and scary looking and in so much pain that it made it difficult.

He moaned loudly again and the sound was enough to make my blood curdle. I needed to cross him over fast, even if I wasn't able to calm him first or take his pain away. This was too intense. But he didn't seem to be trying to channel me. It was like he wanted me to feel his pain first. Well, I'd had enough of that. I reached my hand up and pressed my palm to his cheek, gritting my teeth at the gross feeling of his burned and bloody skin. He screamed as I forcefully crossed him over and I had to clench my jaw shut so I wouldn't cry out in agony along with him. I didn't want my mom coming in here.

He finally passed through me but the pain lingered and I felt like I had been drained down to a critical level. I just laid there for several minutes taking deep breaths, waiting for the pain to subside but it never did. It began to numb a bit but it was still there. Damn it! What the hell am I supposed to do?! Just let these fuckers use me whenever they wanted? I needed to spirit proof my apartment and soon, but I didn't have any supplies. I'd have to wait until tomorrow to go out and get some more salt. Maybe some holy water too.

I finally stood and when I got to my feet, my head began to spin and throb in pain. I squeezed my eyes shut and waited for my dizzy spell to go away. I slumped against my desk and took a few shaky breaths. There's no way I can get any homework done. I should just go to bed. I could barely keep my eyes open anyway. I heard my phone ring again. I sighed, knowing it would be Carly again. I pulled my phone out of my pocket to look at the screen. Sure enough, it was Carly.

I pressed "ignore" again. I felt bad but I didn't want to talk right now. I knew she would be able to tell that I was in distress anyway and I didn't want to worry her anymore. I kicked off my shoes and fell face first into bed without even bothering to change into pajamas. I fell asleep the second my cheek hit my pillow.


I awoke with a loud gasp, pushing myself up off my pillow. I was still on my stomach. Something had startled me awake. I squinted my eyes and glanced around. I realized I'd left my desk lamp on. My bedside clock told me it was 9:42pm. I'd been asleep for a little over three hours. I heard my phone ding with a text message and realized what had woken me up. I groaned in exhaustion while pushing myself up and then sat on my bed. I unlocked my cell phone and read Carly's texts.

Are you okay?

Don't shut me out. We need to talk.

Sam, please text me back. I'm really worried about you.

I sighed heavily. The words, 'we need to talk' glared at me. Everyone in a relationship dreaded those four words. I didn't think Carly meant it how it sounded but I was still on edge. I wouldn't blame her if she wanted to break up with me. But no matter what she wanted to say, I knew it wouldn't be good. My phone dinged again and I looked at her next text.

You can tell me to fuck off if you want. Just please respond so I know you're okay.

I finally decided to reply back to her to put her at ease.

Honestly, I'm not okay. But I'm home and my mom is sober if that's what you're worried about.

She replied back quickly.

It's not the only thing I was worried about but I'm glad to hear that at least. Thanks for replying. Do you want to tell me why you're not okay?

Not now. Too tired. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Okay. Goodnight. I love you.

I smiled. Those three words put me at ease. I replied back:

I love you too.

I set my phone back on my desk and plugged it in to charge after setting it to silent mode. I desperately needed sleep and didn't need any notifications waking me. I decided to get ready for bed and headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth. After changing into my pajamas, I turned out my light and crawled into bed. I was beat. I felt like I'd run 10 miles, fought in a boxing match, then gotten hit by a truck. This whole day had been so draining; physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was so looking forward to a good night's sleep. But I wouldn't get it. Not tonight. The spirits wouldn't leave me alone. It started with the goosebumps. And the nausea. And I knew what I was in for.


Carly's POV

I sat in first period, waiting for Sam to show up. Freddie was sitting directly behind me. We'd walked to school together and talked about Sam. We'd both been so perplexed by her recent behavior. Her texts the previous night were enough to relieve me of my immediate worry but I'd still had trouble sleeping. Ever since Sam and I became a couple, I found it hard to sleep any time she wasn't right next to me. But I'd been put on edge even more due to her outburst the previous evening.

"Don't worry, she'll show up," Freddie muttered quietly from behind me. "She's always running late when she's not with you." He'd caught on to my inner turmoil and I could tell he was worried too.

The late bell rang a few moments later and the teacher got started with the lesson. My heart dropped. I hoped that Freddie was right and that Sam was just running a little late but something told me she wouldn't be showing up any time soon.


I sat at our usual lunch table with Freddie and just stared at my tray of half-eaten food. Sam hadn't shown up to school and I found it difficult to eat. I'd called and texted a few times this morning but I'd gotten no answer and my anxiety had been building ever since. Freddie munched into his hamburger as he sat across the table from me. My worry was eating away and consuming me and on top of all that, I'd had a bad feeling all morning. Like my subconscious was trying to tell me something.

"I'm going to Sam's," I suddenly announced.

"After school?" Freddie asked around a bite of his burger.

"No," I replied, "right now. I can't just sit here."

"You're ditching the rest of the day?" he asked surprised.

"Yes, will you cover for me?" I asked.

"Sure," he replied with understanding. "I'll just tell them you went home sick and ask to bring your assignments home."

"Thanks, Freddie," I said with a smile and got up to leave.


I knocked on Sam's front door but there was no answer. I pulled out my key that Sam had made for me awhile back and unlocked the door. As I entered, I noticed the living room was empty and all was quiet. Mrs. Puckett must have gone to work. I closed the door behind me and called out, "Sam?"

No answer. The kitchen was void of anyone as well. I headed for Sam's bedroom, hoping to find her there. As I opened her bedroom door, I saw Sam laying asleep in her bed. I sighed in relief. At least I'd found her and she was safe. But as I approached her, I noticed that she looked exhausted. Her face looked pale and sickly and she had dark circles under her eyes as if she hadn't slept in days. Then I saw the bruises on her arm. I gasped in shock. They looked fresh. Dark, angry looking bruises up and down her right forearm and elbow and they disappeared under her short sleeve as they ran up her bicep. I gazed back up to her beautiful face and gasped again. There were scratches on her neck that looked like they had been made by fingernails.

I felt tears sting my eyes and I sniffled as a deep sadness swelled in my heart at the sight of Sam. What was happening to her? I sat down on the edge of her bed and brushed the hair out of her face. She stirred in her sleep and whimpered in pain as she woke up. When her beautiful blue eyes opened, they looked surprised as they focused on me.

"Carls?" she asked in confusion. "What are you doing here? What time is it?" Her eyes looked tired and bloodshot. I noted that they looked like Sam's eyes, not that creepy black from the previous night. They were blue, but tired, cloudy, and sad.

"It's around one o' clock. I came to check on you since you didn't show for school," I replied and wiped a tear away as I felt it fall down my cheek.

"You ditched?" Sam asked in surprise.

"Yeah, but I'm not the only one," I pointed out to her. "Where's your mom?"

"Work," Sam muttered tiredly and tried to sit up, grimacing in the process. She leaned her back against the headboard and shifted her pillow behind her. "She pretty much insisted that I stay home when she saw me this morning. I guess I'm looking a little rough."

"Sam," I said with concern in my voice, "what happened?" I traced my fingers delicately along her bruised arm and then gently gripped her chin in my hand, turning her face so I could see the scratches along her neck better.

"Just a couple spirits being a little insistent," she replied.

My face fell and I couldn't help the tears that slipped down my cheeks. I let my hand drop to my lap. "I'm afraid to ask but…how many have you crossed over since you left my apartment last night?" I asked her.

She sighed and replied, "Nineteen or twenty. I lost count."

My jaw dropped open. No wonder she looked so worn out and sick. "Did you get any sleep last night at all?"

"No," Sam answered, her beautiful blue eyes dropping down to her lap. "Not after I texted you. They wouldn't leave me alone. Every time I was about to fall asleep, one would pop up out of nowhere. I basically just laid in bed all night as they came at me. I didn't try to resist them but they drained me anyway. And some of them…were rough as they went. Like they insisted on clawing their way out. I finally fell asleep about an hour ago."

I sighed in frustration. How was she even alive at this point? She looked so drained and ill. I reached over and felt her forehead with my hand. "My god, Sam! You have a crazy fever!" I exclaimed in worry. "Have you taken anything for it?" She shook her head. "Well, have you eaten anything today?"

"I had a banana for breakfast but I haven't had much of an appetite," she replied.

"Sam!" I chastised her. "You have to take care of yourself! Wait here. I'll be right back."

I left to check the kitchen to see what I could make her but there was no food in the fridge and the cupboards were bare. I came back into her room with a glass of water and an over-the-counter pain med.

"Here, take this," I ordered, handing the glass and pills over to her. "We gotta lower your fever." She did as I instructed and downed the medicine and water. "I was going to make you something to eat but there's nothing in your kitchen."

"Yeah, mom needs to go grocery shopping," Sam said with a scratchy voice.

"Well, get dressed. You're coming over to my house so I can take care of you properly," I demanded. There was no room for debate with my tone. I would have just offered to stay with her and make her food and take care of her but, not only were there barely any meds or food in the apartment, I also knew Sam wouldn't be able to get any proper sleep with the spirits constantly bombarding her. At least at my place, the only people in the apartment were living.

As I helped her change out of her pajamas, I gasped in shock at the bruises and scratches that covered her body. I know there hadn't been any the last time I'd seen her naked. This all must have happened last night. "Sam," I whispered in sympathy as I stared at her in her boxers and bra, tears slipping down my cheeks.

"I'm okay, Cupcake," Sam croaked out as she pulled on her jeans. She momentarily lost her balance and sat back down on her bed. She tried to smile at me but I could see right through it.

"You're not fine, Sam!" I replied in anger. "You can barely stand up!" I was angry at the spirit world for doing this to her. And angry at myself for not being there to protect and heal her.

"Don't be mad," Sam said in sadness, looking up at me with those beautiful blue eyes. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

"I'm not mad at you, Sam," I replied to her in sympathy, caressing her cheek with my palm. "I'm mad at all the damn ghosts that won't leave you alone. And I'm mad at myself for not being here to help you. And…for causing this in the first place."

"Carls," Sam said sadly, "I told you I don't blame you. You had nothing to do with this. It's not your fault. If it's anyone's fault, it's my fault for saving you." She grinned up at me and I smiled back but tears slipped down my face in the process. She grabbed my hand and pulled me to sit down on her lap. She wrapped her arms around me in a hug and I gratefully returned it, resting my chin on her shoulder.

I quietly sobbed as she held me. How is it that she's always the one comforting me when I'm supposed to be the one soothing her? But I couldn't help it. I love her so much and I can't stand it when she's in pain. I soon got my crying under control and switched my emotions over from sad to love so that I could finally help her. I made sure to project my love to her as strongly as I could, hoping it would heal and replenish her. I felt her rubbing my back soothingly and the contact made me smile. I pulled back a few inches to look her in the eye and cupped her cheek in my hand, stroking my thumb along her soft skin.

I brought my lips to hers in a loving kiss. I felt her kiss back enthusiastically and her hands on my back slipped down to my hips and gripped me tightly. The kiss soon turned heated and I gently pushed my tongue towards hers, caressing it sensually. She moaned into the kiss and it made me smile. I felt her hands slide back up my back under my shirt and her fingers began caressing my warm skin. This made me moan and I arched my back, pulling her closer to me.

I slid my hand from her cheek down to her stomach. She was still shirtless, only in her bra and when I caressed the warm skin of her stomach, she moaned again and shivered. This reminded me that she was feverish and I pulled back from the kiss to gaze at her lovingly. At least our make out session helped heal her a bit. But I needed to get her back to my apartment so I could take care of her. We were both out of breath from the kiss and Sam was panting slightly but had a dazed smile on her face.

"That will have to tide you over for now, stud," I said to her with a smirk. "We still need to get you dressed at back to my place."

"Right," Sam said as I climbed off of her and stood up. "I hope I didn't just get you sick with all that kissing."

"Well, I'm not worried," I replied, "considering that it's probably some kind of supernatural sickness and not the flu."

She pulled her shirt on over her head and then I handed her shoes and jacket over to her. I then grabbed some paper and a pen from the desk to write her mother a note. I left a message to Mrs. Puckett letting her know that Sam would be over at my place. Then I grabbed Sam's backpack for her and threw it over my shoulders. Sam finished putting on her shoes and coat and when she stood from her bed, she swayed. I caught her before she could faint.

"Sam!" I exclaimed in fear.

"I'm okay," she replied but she didn't sound anything like it. "Just feeling a little faint." She grabbed her phone from her charger and slipped it into her pocket and then picked up her keys. As we made our way through the living room, Sam suddenly fell to her knees and screamed in pain. Her face scrunched up in agony.

"Sam!" I cried out in worry. She must be channeling another spirit. Would they ever let up? It seemed like they didn't care about what state she was in. And some must just pop up out of nowhere and cross over without any warning at all.

Sam was panting heavily, crouched down on the floor. I helped her stand up and cupped her cheek with my palm. I didn't bother to try to hide my worry for her. I'm sure she could sense it hitting her in waves. She looked me in the eye as she winced in pain and I just continued to caress her beautiful face. "Come on," I said, around a sniffle and wiped my tears away, "let's get you out of here."

We quickly left her apartment and I hailed a taxi. I knew Sam was in no condition to walk to my loft and the nearest bus stop was a few blocks away. On the ride over, Sam's head kept drooping sleepily. My heart was breaking for her and I grabbed her hand and squeezed it. She looked over to me and smiled but she looked so tired. I forced a smile in return and held back my tears.

We finally made it to my building and I paid the driver and helped Sam out of the car. I walked her through the lobby and into the elevator. She leaned on me all the way up to my floor. We'd taken the elevator that went directly into my apartment. We stepped off the lift and I helped Sam down my hallway and to my bedroom. After I walked her over to my bed and took off her coat and shoes, she laid down and got comfortable under the covers. I covered her with the blanket and then left to go down to the kitchen to make her some lunch.

By the time I came back upstairs with the tray of food, Sam was sleeping soundly. I didn't want to wake her but I knew she needed to eat. I set the tray of food on the nightstand next to her and then sat on the edge of the bed. I brushed her hair out of her face and she stirred. I instructed her to sit up so she could eat. Once she did, she took the tray and began to dig in. I'd made her a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup. I'd also brought her some water and hot tea. She began to eat and I just sat there and watched her. I picked up the cool, wet washcloth I'd brought with me and dabbed at her forehead when she took a short break from eating.

"Carls, I'm sorry," Sam said sadly.

I looked into her eyes and saw immense sadness. I forgot that she was feeling all my emotions. My sadness, anger, fear. Everything. "Why are you sorry?" I asked her.

"For…" she paused and sighed heavily. "For scaring you yesterday. I saw the way you looked at me. I know I scared you and Freddie. You looked at me like I was a stranger. I don't know why I did that. I was just so angry and it was like something else took over for a moment." We sat in silence for a few seconds. "Were you afraid I'd hurt you?"

"No," I answered honestly. "I wasn't afraid of you. I was just afraid. You didn't seem like yourself and…I didn't feel connected to you in that moment. It was scary."

"I know," she agreed sadly. "I don't know what happened. I felt so angry at everyone. And at the situation. I felt like no one understands what I've been going through. All the pain and anguish I've been in."

I took her hand, "Sam, nobody can understand what you're going through but we're here for you. You know that, right? We love you. We just want to help."

"I know," she said. She went back to eating her lunch and when she finished, she got settled comfortably under the covers again. I folded the cool, wet washcloth and rested it on her forehead. I pulled out the thermometer I'd brought upstairs with me and took her temperature. After a couple minutes, the thermometer beeped and I pulled it out of her mouth to check it.

My eyes widened when I looked at the temperature and Sam asked me what it was. "104.2," I answered her in alarm.

"Yikes," Sam replied, "no wonder I feel like the walking dead."

I eyed her with worry and asked, "What other symptoms are you having?" I wanted to figure out if it was a regular illness that normal people have, which could be treated with regular methods. Or if it was a sickness caused by the supernatural.

"Mostly just fatigue," Sam answered, "extreme fatigue. And a headache like you would not believe, along with body aches and chills."

"Any sore throat, coughing, or sneezing? Or runny or stuffy nose?" I asked and she shook her head "no". "Well, that's good. The headache and body aches and chills are because of your fever. Hopefully, that will all go away as soon as we get your temperature back down to normal." I was hoping that with plenty of rest, fever meds, and supernatural healing from me, she would be okay in a few hours. But I was worried she might have to go to the hospital if her temperature refused to go down. I took her lunch tray and carried it downstairs to the kitchen.

When I made it back into my bedroom, Sam was asleep again. I took off my shoes and crawled into bed, curling up on Sam's side. I wrapped my arm around her waist and cuddled into her. I wanted to be as close as possible so I could heal her. I was so glad she was here, safe in my apartment where no spirit could harm her or bother her. She could finally get some peaceful sleep and hopefully replenish her energy. I was so worried when I saw how high her temperature was. The realization that she was sick because of the dead, put me on edge. Her body had worn down, not because of some normal human illness, but because her lifeforce had been drained from spirits channeling her. And I hadn't been there to heal her. I sniffled and tears fell down my face. My heart ached as I held Sam. I absolutely couldn't bear it when she was in pain of any kind.


Sam's POV

I walked along the dark alley, the cold night air blowing past me and causing a shiver to run down my spine. I looked up and saw the night sky but instead of the typical stars, they were red. I felt a fear I'd never experienced before. A hopelessness that put me on edge and made me feel like I had no control. Everywhere I turned, dark shadows seemed to whip by me. Then I heard a voice.

Sam.

I turned around but didn't see anything. Just darkness. Then I heard the voice again. A quiet whisper that sounded dark and menacing. Almost like a growl.

Sam.

I turned the other way. "Who's there?" I called out.

Let me in.

What the fuck? The shadow shot by my right side. Then my left. Then it stood a few feet in front me. My fear increased tenfold.

Give in to me!

Oh, shit! I realized it was the dark entity that had been hounding me and then disappeared the night we tried to trap it. Where has it been this whole time?

"I'll never let you in!" I shouted at it. "You'll never hurt me or my friends again. The next chance I get, I'm gonna cross you over and then-"

The dark shadow laughed ominously. "What the fuck are you laughing at?" I yelled.

Then all went quiet and it finally spoke again. You fool! I'm already in!

Then it rushed at me and I saw its evil face contorted into rage as it screamed inches from me.


I sprang up in bed, panting and gasping in air. I realized I was in Carly's bed sitting up straight and the whole thing had just been a dream. The room was barely light. It looked like evening time or early morning. Carly stirred in her sleep next to me.

"Sam?" she asked and sat up next to me. I just kept panting, trying to get my breathing under control. Carly wrapped her arm around my shoulders and hugged me close. "Was it a bad dream?"

I just nodded. She leaned her head against mine and I could feel her love for me but it was mixed with immense worry. That dream had been terrifying. I couldn't shake the feeling I'd had during the whole thing. It was a fear I'd never felt before. Extreme terror. But it was just a dream. Just a horrifying dream. I didn't realize I had been shaking until I felt Carly grip my hand in hers and she said, "Sweetie, you're shaking! Are you alright?"

I didn't say anything. I just shook my head, trying to get my mind out of that horrible dream. "Are you cold?" Carly asked.

"No," I answered, "actually, I feel kind of hot."

She put her hand to my forehead. "Oh, wow!" Carly exclaimed. "You're burning up!" She grabbed the thermometer that was on the nightstand next to her and popped it into my mouth. I maneuvered it so it was under my tongue. She glanced at the clock and added, "It's a little after 6pm. You've been sleeping for about four hours. It's about time to give you some more medicine if you need it."

A few moments later, the thermometer beeped and the digital display showed that my fever was 105 degrees. Carly's eyes went wide. "It looks like you need it," she said and reached over for the bottle of pills but my water glass was empty. "Oh, shoot, I'll be right back. I'm gonna get you some ice water. You stay here!" She got out of bed and I heard her quickly descending the stairs. I threw the covers off me and laid back down. As soon as she left the room, I felt her worry increase even more. She must have been trying to hold back her emotions while around me so that I didn't pick up on them. But she forgets I can sense them at a distance too.

While she was downstairs, I also sensed another person's worry. It felt like Spencer. Carly must be telling him about my fever. A couple minutes later I heard her coming up the stairs. She came right over to me and I sat up so I could take the pills. The ice water was soothing and I downed it all.

"I also brought you a Gatorade," Carly said, handing me the cold beverage. "We gotta keep you hydrated."

"So, how did Spencer take the news?" I asked as I laid back down on the bed.

She looked at me with confusion and then asked, "Oh, you heard?"

"No, I could feel the emotions downstairs," I croaked out in a shaky voice.

"Right," Carly said and then climbed in bed next to me and curled up on my side. "I told him about your fever and he seemed pretty worried. He thinks we should take you to the hospital if your temperature doesn't start going down within the hour."

"Do you really think they can help with something like this?" I asked. "I mean, you're like my own personal super immune system booster."

"That's what I told Spencer and he said that they could treat the symptoms at the very least," she replied. "Which is kind of what we're already doing. He's almost done with dinner, by the way."

I sighed tiredly. Just talking was wearing me down. A silence grew in the room and then I finally spoke up, "You don't have to hide your emotions from me, you know?"

"What?" she asked.

"I know you've been shielding your negative emotions so I don't have to feel them but you don't have to do that. I want you to feel them naturally as they come and not worry about me sensing them."

"I just know that you already have enough to deal with and I want you to only have good feelings coming from me to focus on."

"You're going to drive yourself insane if you keep doing that," I said. "Please don't hide yourself from me. I like to know what's going on and to feel connected with you. Even if you feel sad or scared."

"Okay. I just feel like you're always comforting me and I wanted to do the same for you," she replied as she cuddled into me.

"You already do make me feel better, Cupcake. All the time," I reminded her. "Just by existing."

She smiled and hugged me tighter and then realized the blankets were down by the foot of the bed. "Do you want me to bring a fan in here?"

"No, I'm fine," I replied casually.

"Well, I'm gonna at least get you another cool washcloth for your forehead."

She started to get up but I gently grabbed her forearm. "Don't worry about it," I said, tugging her to lay back down. "You being next to me is the best thing for me right now." She smiled again and got settled with her head on my shoulder and her arm wrapped around my waist. I felt her projecting her love into me, and I knew she was making it extra intense just for me. It felt wonderful. I felt her lips kissing my neck and her love energy intensified. I moaned at the soothing feeling and closed my eyes, relishing it.

Her hand gently caressed my cheek as she kissed my neck; feather light touches with her fingers. My whole body felt tingly from her loving touch. I sighed in pleasure. Carly always knew how to make me feel good. My arm that was wrapped around her, tightened its hold and I began stroking her back with my fingers. Carly moaned into my neck just from the simple contact. I could always please her with just a gentle touch, as if only my hands alone can bring her to her pinnacle. Like she craved only me. It made me feel loved, wanted, and needed all at once.

She turned my face towards hers and then moved her lips to mine. I loved the feeling of her delectable lips on my own. So soft and moist. I kissed her back just as passionately and she moaned again, her thumb stroking my cheek. Her tongue swiped against my lips but instead of letting her in, I pulled back briefly to look her in the eye.

"Sorry, Cupcake, I just don't want to get you sick," I said to her.

"I told you I'm not worried about that," she replied sweetly. "Even if this was a regular sickness, which it isn't, I'd still insist on French kissing you like there's no tomorrow."

I grinned at her and said, "Well, it will have to wait because I really have to pee."

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said, her eyes widening in realization, and then rolled off me.

I sat up and swung my legs over the side of the bed but no sooner had I gotten to my feet than my vision blurred from a sudden headrush and I swayed and fell back on the bed.

"Sam!" Carly cried out in worry and climbed over to my side of the bed. "Are you alright?"

I took a deep, steadying breath and then nodded, feeling my blood pressure return to normal and my vision cleared. "Yeah, I just didn't realize how weak I am. My legs are kind of wobbly. This fatigue is kicking my ass."

"Yeah, all the color drained from your face. Here, let me help you," she said sympathetically and then helped me to stand.

I was hit with a wave of dizziness again but I just leaned on Carly for support. She wrapped her arm around me and helped me cross the bedroom. We'd only made it a few feet when another headrush crippled me again and I felt my head pounding painfully from the pressure. "Shit!" I exclaimed and fell onto the ice cream sandwich loveseat in the middle of her room. I couldn't see because of the headrush but I felt Carly sit next to me and wrap her arms around me. My vision looked like static on a TV with no signal. I could feel Carly's intense worry. "I'm okay," I tried to put her at ease. "I just felt like I was gonna faint."

She didn't say anything as I gulped and took a few deep breaths. The pressure in my head subsided and my vision cleared. "Just let me sit her for a minute," I said. I finally looked over to her and she had tears silently streaming down her cheeks. "Oh, Carls, I'm sorry!" I said to her in sympathy. I felt bad for making her worry so much.

She sniffled, "You don't have anything to be sorry for, Sam. I just…" She trailed off but she didn't need to continue. I could feel her immense sadness and worry. She just hugged me as I sat there and tried to regain my strength. Then I felt her love for me pouring in. "I love you so much," she whispered and then kissed my cheek and this caused my body to feel tingly all over. She rested her forehead against mine and stared into my eyes. She cupped my cheek and I closed my eyes to savor the feeling. After a couple minutes, I was ready to try again.

We stood slowly and after a couple seconds I nodded to her, letting her know I was ready. We finally made it into the bathroom and she sat on the edge of the tub as I used the toilet. I finished quickly and, as I was washing my hands, I stared at myself in the mirror. Holy chiz! I looked like I should be dead! No wonder Carly was so worried about me. After I'd dried my hands, she helped me back to the bed.

"Do you want to change into pajamas to be more comfortable?" she asked.

"Uh, I think I'm just gonna get out of these jeans. And my bra is begging to be tossed out the window," I replied and she actually chuckled. I slipped out of my jeans and then took my bra off under my shirt, leaving me in my boxers and t-shirt. I yanked off my socks and threw them towards the hamper but they only made it about halfway. After getting settled on the bed again, I suddenly felt cold and I pulled the covers up to my chin.

"Not hot anymore?" Carly asked.

"I'm freezing!" I replied, shivering and teeth chattering. I felt Carly's worry build up again. She grabbed the thermometer and took my temperature.

"Well, it's down to 103.8," she said after checking the number, "that's progress." But she still looked worried. I knew I wouldn't be out of the danger zone until I got it under 100. She climbed into bed next to me and cuddled up on my side, locking her legs with one of mine and wrapping her arm around my waist. Her body heat felt good against me and after a while, I stopped shivering. I felt her love energy rejuvenating me but I was still extremely tired. "Better?" she asked.

"Yeah, thanks," I replied, feeling nice and toasty under the blankets with her clinging to me.

"No problem," she said and kissed my shoulder. Then she rested her head back on my chest.

After several minutes, my fatigue was starting to wear on me and I felt myself starting to drift off to sleep. But then I heard Carly's phone ringing and I jolted back awake. She grabbed it from the nightstand to answer it. I kept my exhausted eyes closed as I listened to her side of the conversation.

"Hello?" Carly answered. "Yes, Mrs. Puckett, Sam's here." I peaked my eyes open to look at her and she glanced in my direction. "No, she's sleeping right now. She's been so tired." She paused and then continued after a few moments, "Oh, her phone must be on silent or something…well, she has a pretty high fever but we're monitoring it…yes, I promise to take good care of her…sure, I'll let you know if she needs to go to the doctor…you're welcome, goodbye."

"My mom actually called to check up on me?" I asked in surprise after Carly hung up the phone.

"Yes, she's worried about you," Carly replied, "she saw my note I left her and said she tried to call your phone but you didn't pick up."

"Oh, yeah, I put it on silent mode last night, hoping to get some sleep," I said.

Carly got settled back by my side but then we heard Spencer yell from downstairs, "Carly, dinner is ready!"

"What are we having?" I asked her.

"Spencer made homemade beef stew," she replied.

"That actually sounds perfect," I mumbled sleepily.

"I'll go get it. You stay in bed," Carly commanded and then got up to leave. I don't think I could have gone anywhere even if I'd tried. I was just about to drift off to sleep again when Carly returned with a tray of food and drinks.

I sat up and rested my back against the headboard with a pillow behind me and Carly handed me a warm, steamy bowl of stew with beef, potatoes, peas, and carrots. It smelled incredible. She set down a plate of warm, buttered cornbread muffins on my bedside table and then got situated next to me in bed with her own food. We ate in silence for several minutes, savoring the delicious meal.

"This is really hitting the spot," I said after gulping down my iced sweet tea.

"I'm glad you still have your appetite," Carly said in reply. "Although, it's not as large as it usually is. But I'm glad you're able to eat and keep it down. You need to replenish your strength."

"I'm just worried what's going to happen when I go back to school," I said with a hint of concern to my voice, thinking about the last time I was there. Dealing with everyone's emotions contributed to my exhaustion tremendously.

"Well, you aren't going back tomorrow, that's for sure," she said, "I want your temperature back down to normal and your energy back up to 100 percent before you face the outside world again and have to deal with spirits who want to drain you. And we really need to figure out how to shield you from unwanted energies. We'll need to practice that first thing as soon as you're feeling better."

"Maybe this time we'll let the nub stay home," I suggested and then took another spoonful of the delicious stew.

"I'm sorry he was doing that to you," Carly said with sympathy, her eyebrows scrunching up. "He shouldn't have been tormenting you like that."

He's jealous of you.

The thought popped into my head and then I blurted out, "He's probably still peeved that you're my girl instead of his."

"You really think he's still holding a grudge against you for that?"

I shrugged, "He seems like the type. And now that he's found a way he could torture me, he's taking advantage of it. I'll probably have to shield myself from him from now on."

"Freddie's your friend, Sam. I really don't think he'd do that."

"But he did," I said looking into her eyes and she looked concerned.

He's always been jealous that Carly loves you instead of him. You should probably do something about that.

What the fuck? The thought came out of nowhere like it wasn't even my own.

It's true. He's never been your friend. He's only hung around you to try to get into Carly's pants. You should get rid of him.

"Do you want seconds?" Carly asked me, pulling me out of my thoughts as she stood from the bed.

I cleared my throat. "Uh, no thanks," I replied, "I'm full."

She took my empty bowl and set it on the tray with hers and then said, "I'm gonna take the dishes down. Do you need anything while I'm downstairs?"

"No, I'm good. Thanks," I said. She left and I got settled back under the covers. My strange thoughts were upsetting me and leaving me feeling depressed. Why was I suddenly feeling so angry towards the nub? Yeah, he's a dweeb and annoying and he tried to torture me the last time I saw him but he's my friend, right?

He's never been your friend. He hates you. And you hate him.

I don't hate Freddie. He's just annoying. Yeah, we probably wouldn't even speak to each other if it weren't for Carly but…

He's an ass that doesn't deserve to breathe!

Okay, I really need to get some sleep. My fever is getting the better of me. Yeah, that's all this is. It's the fever talking. I'll feel better after a good night's sleep. And after Carly heals me some more.

You're pathetic! You can't do anything without her! You're a Puckett for fuck's sake! You don't need anyone!

I sighed in frustration. I tried to clear my head from all the intrusive thoughts. Where was all this negativity coming from?

You're a Puckett! Negativity comes with the territory.

I heard Carly coming up the stairs and I could feel her love streaming in. It was welcoming and soothing. She smiled at me as she entered the room and then climbed back into bed. She cuddled into me, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"I love you so much," I whispered, not even realizing I'd said it out loud until Carly spoke.

"Aww, I love you too!" she replied with a huge smile and tightened her hold on me. It felt so relieving to have her close by.

"Seriously, Cupcake, I don't know where I'd be without you," I added on, feeling even more relief and love the more I said. The positivity was outweighing the negativity that had been consuming me while she had been downstairs. "You make everything better," I said with a smile. The truth of those words was comforting and I felt Carly kiss my cheek. Her love for me was oozing out of her now and I felt every ounce of it. The intensity of it was enough to silence the negative thoughts. It was overwhelming and wonderful. "Thanks for always taking care of me."

"Happy to do it," she replied with a smile and then kissed my lips. She always smelled so good, with hints of berries and jasmine, and it made me want to kiss her even more. Her natural feminine beauty, combined with her compassion, intelligence, and strong will, made her so alluring.

Carly caressed my cheek as she deepened the kiss and I kissed back with a growing hunger of my own. I wanted to keep going but my fatigue took over and I had to pull back slightly to breathe. She looked into my eyes with desire but I think she understood that I wasn't feeling up for anything strenuous. And as if she could read my mind, she said, "Babe, you look so tired. I should let you sleep." Her face was full of compassion.

"That's probably a good idea," I replied with a yawn.

"Are you feeling any better?" she asked with sympathy.

"A little," I replied.

"I better take your temperature again before you go to sleep. I know Spencer is going to want a progress report soon." And with that she stuck the thermometer back in my mouth. After a few moments, she took it out when it was ready. "103.1. It's getting better. Very slowly. But at least it's going in the right direction."

After Carly turned off her bedside lamp, she snuggled back into my side and I was filled with relief again. I still felt physically terrible because of my fever but my emotions were good, all thanks to the beautiful brunette by my side. As I drifted off to sleep, I tried to chalk up my negative thoughts from earlier to my bad fever but it was still alarming to say the least. I was just glad I had Carly. She was always able to comfort and soothe me. She was like an angel that drove out the darkness. Everything would be fine as long as I had Carly.

AN: Sorry if it seemed like not a lot happened in this chapter but bear with me. I'm going somewhere with this as most of you can probably tell.