The movie Sergei had picked was the perfect choice. It was a light hearted comedy about two friends who were always trying to pair each other up with someone but who, in the end, ended up together.
Everyone was enjoying the movie when suddenly there was a loud clap of thunder. It caught everybody off guard and Mac suddenly jumped. Harm automatically tightened his grip around her and whispered in her ear: "You're okay. I've got you."
He had never known Mac to be caught off guard by anything and certainly not thunder. Harm furrowed his brow, wishing he knew exactly what had happened.
Mac had seen his confused look and asked: "What's wrong Harm?" The only answer she got out of him was "Nothing, Mac, nothing."
The rest of the movie went by uneventfully and as soon as it ended, everyone got up and made their way to their sleeping places. Before Trish had completely exited the room, she turned to Harm and said: "Harm, darling, Frank and I would be more than happy to sleep in the living room on the blow-up mattress so that you and Sarah could take the bedroom."
Harm smiled at his mother, not missing the hint about both him and Mac sleeping in the bedroom. "Thanks Mom, but I think we'll be fine out here." Trish just sighed and retired to the bedroom.
Meanwhile Mac had gone and got some more bedding out of the closet and had settled herself down on the floor, against Sergei's wishes.
"Colonel! Please take the mattress!" Sergei pleaded.
"Give it up Sergei! I'm sleeping on the floor."
Harm sighed and shook his head at the scene. Mac would always be Mac, no matter what happened.
"Brother, she isn't listening to me!" Sergei exasperated
"Let me give it a try." Harm said. "Mac, you're taking the blowup mattress! Now move that cute little Marine six of yours!"
"Harm, I've caused enough inconvenience today! I am sleeping on the FLOOR!"
Harm let out an annoyed sigh and with one swift move he managed to pick her up in his arms and put her on the mattress.
"Now stay!" he ordered and Mac burst out laughing. Sergei and Harm left the room to get changed and left Mac to her thoughts.
I don't know how he does it, but he always makes me forget my problems. And with that she lay herself down to sleep, fully aware of what nightmares were going to follow, the same ones she had had so many times before.