Peaceful

Chapter 4

Mike was actually sleeping peacefully, for the first time in many years, when he heard someone crying out. He had figured one of the girls or Christine would have a nightmare. He slipped out of bed, checked on the girls and headed for Christine's room. She was tossing and turning in the bed, and he made his way to her, and turned the bedside light on.

"Chris…Chris, it's okay. Its just a dream." Mike said. He hesitated touching her but finally; just put a hand on her shoulder and began shaking her. It took a minute but her eyes opened and she focused on his face.

"It seemed so real." Christine sobbed. He sat down next to her and waited.

"It will be better if you tell me." Mike said.

"The girls?" Christine asked.

"They are sound asleep. I checked before I came in here." Mike answered.

"I dreamed he got in here and hurt you. There was so much blood and you were in so much pain. But Charlie wouldn't let me help you and you died cold and alone." Christine choked out.

"That is not ever going to happen. He's in jail and won't be getting out." Mike assured her.

"I know that. I just…its going to take me some time to understand it. To believe it. Until, I am going to see him in every dream and in every dark corner." Christine said.

"I wish I could make that go away." Mike remarked as he rubbed her back.

"Me too. I appreciate you being here to wake me up from my nightmares." Christine said.

"I wish I had been able to stop them from happening in the first place." Mike said as he got off the bed.

"You're here now. I hope you sleep well." Christine said.

"I will knowing you girls are close." Mike said before leaving the room. He looked into the girls' room, where they both were still sleeping before going back to his own room. He found himself wishing that he and Christine were sharing a bed but that was not going to happen anytime soon. He settled back into bed and quickly fell asleep.

Twice more through the night; he was up with Christine. Finally, they both just got tired of trying to sleep; and got up to fix a hot breakfast for the girls. Even though the baby wasn't his, Mike still was protective of Christine; making sure she didn't overdo. He still loved his wife after all. He just hoped she would have an entire night's sleep soon.