Nightmares or Good Dreams Chapter 10

Mary walks in the door at 4:34 tired and crabby. She shrugs out of her coat and hangs it on the back of a chair. Slipping out of her shoes, she rounds the corner into the kitchen. She can't help but smile at what she sees. Marshall is standing by the table that is covered with a tablecloth with candles, delicious looking food, the whole works.

"Hey Mare. I wish I knew what I did, but I honestly have no clue. I have spent just about all day thinking about what I did, but I can't figure it out. I really am sorry, but I just don't know."

"Marshall, it's not what you did, but what you said. I am really upset that you think I would really hurt you. I love you Marshall, and you think I would shoot you," she said while searching his face for the answer.

"Oh Mary, I was just joking. I'm so sorry. I didn't think you would take it so seriously. I know you love me," he said while walking over to her to hug her tight. "I love you too. I know you wouldn't hurt me. I will never leave you. Never. Okay?"

Wrapping her arms around him too she said, "I…I'm sorry. I was a jerk. I'm just not used to all of this yet."

"Did you just say sorry? Jeez Mary. Settle down now."

"Hey!" she exclaimed as she punched him gently on the arm.

"I know. I'm not used to this either. But, we will be okay. Stan will find Spanky, we will go back to Albuquerque, and everything will be just the way it was before."

Mary Tensed at this.

"Uh, Everything?"

"Well except us of course."

"Let's eat. What did you make?"

"Poulet Sauté aux Herbes de Provence," he said with a smile. "You're impressed, aren't you?"

"You know what, you're right. I'm so damn impressed I could run naked down the street. Good God, I'm in love with the biggest dork in the whole world," she told him with a roll of her eyes.

"Yep, and you should be proud. And naked huh? Wow, I really am good."

"Don't let it get to your head."

"Abigail?"

"Here."

"Randy?"

"Mm hmm."

"Dan?…. No Dan today huh?" 'Good.' she thought to herself. 'He's such a trouble maker.'

"Sarah?"

"Here."

"Andy?"

"Here."

"Cheri?" 'Uh oh. Not the both of them. That can't be good.'

She finished attendance quickly. Starting her class on there assignments for the day, she took a deep breath and waited for the bell to ring.

Mary was very glad to see Marshall when she walked in the door. She wouldn't tell him that thought. Oh no. He would like that too much. He'd have a field day and she knew it.

"How did today go? Are you starting to like it yet?"

"It is better, now that I am starting to recognize faces and names. You know the girl and boy I was telling you about yesterday?" she asked him while practically collapsing onto a chair.

"Yeah. What about them?"

"Well, they were both gone today. I don't know but something isn't right. I can feel it," she said with obvious concern in her eyes.

"Oh, it's probably nothing. They will both be there tomorrow."

"You think?"

"Yeah, don't worry so much. Everything will work out. Now let's hear about the other teachers. Anyone chasing after you yet?" he asked her while offering her a smile.

She chucked the pillow at his face, hitting him.

"I'm not sorry," she said as she got up.

"Is that so? Well you will be."

He got up as well and went after her.

Two more days past in the same way. Mary woke up, went to school, taught her students, went home to find Marshall making dinner, and went to bed. Her life seemed to be on repeat. Over and over. Surprising though, was the fact that she found it relaxing. She liked it, more than she thought she would.

The only bad part: Cheri nor Dan had shown up. She was beginning to worry. A lot. Way more than she should. It was like her old job all over again. She couldn't help but think of Kindergarten Cop. The only difference: He did it for the job. She however, did it without a choice, but also so that maybe one day, she will get her old job back. The only job she ever really wanted or thought about doing. Being a US Marshal.

That night she walked in the door feeling a little better. She had a plan.

"Marshall, I know you think I am obsessed about those two kids, but I am just worried. If neither one of them show up tomorrow, I am calling Stan. Or the cops, but probably Stan."

"Mare, you can't call Stan and you know it," he reminded her with a sympathetic smile.

"Oh shut up. Nothing will happen. And I think, I know, something is wrong."

"Just think about what you are doing okay?" he said, knowing he couldn't stop her if that's what she decided to do.

"Yeah, yeah."

As the bell rings to signal the end of first hour, Mary jumps in her chair. She becomes impatient with the kids for not leaving fast enough so the other kids for second hour can come in.

When the new kids finally start making their way to their seats, Mary studies every single one, looking for Cheri and Dan. When Dan does walk in she does a double take. He is pretending he is fine, but she can tell he is worried. He almost looks guilty?

She walks over to him and asks him to stay after class. He responds with a "Fine, whatever you say." The hour dragged on it seemed as she lectures about mummification and ancient Egyptians. It rings and she sighs in relief.

Dan walked up to her desk and asked, "What?"

"Why were you gone for so many days?" she asked him.

"That's none of your business."

"Where is Cheri."

"How should I know? I went looking for her. She was nowhere. I went to her house to see if she was there and her dad told me to get lost. I don't know where she is, but that's what I have been doing. I'm gonna be late for my next class if I don't hurry. Can I go?"

"Yeah. Thanks for your help."

Right before the bell rang Cheri Manstead walked into Mary's classroom.

Mary's jaw almost hit the floor. "Hello. Where have you been?"

"Oh, uh… I was…sick. I just came to get my makeup homework before my next class."

"Let's see here. Yes, here you go."

Mary watched her the whole time.

"Uh, thanks."

As she walked away, Mary couldn't help but notice that Cheri was limping and nursing an arm.

'sick huh? We will have to see about that.'

Sorry It's a bit choppy, but it would have been rather boring if I didn't make it like that. Thanks to NsCvIuS (my beta) and to Kathiann for reviewing the last chapter. I would really appreciate it if you would review, but you don't have too. But please do it, just for me????