Chapter Three: Seconds Away

About a week after waking up, the hospital finally allowed Spencer to go home. Lucky for both of us, Cruella…I mean, Paula…moved out. She and Arthur's problems were just too much for her to handle. Thank God. You know, she didn't visit Spence once the whole time she was in the hospital? Not that I'm complaining but, it upset her to know that her mom just doesn't care. I hate that for her.

She'd been home for a couple of days and was doing quite well. I hadn't spent the night with her, in fear that something would happen and I would wind up hurting her. She wasn't fully healed, after all. And let's face it. If I'm in the same bed as Spencer Carlin…what is this self-control you speak of?

It came as a shock to me one night as we lay in her bed watching a movie (Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning…but let's face it. We were only watching Jordana Brewster) when she suddenly asked me if I would stay with her tonight.

"Are you sure?" I asked gently.

"Yes. I need you beside me tonight. You know scary movie give me nightmares." She said, looking down at our intertwined fingers. I smiled and brought her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles softly.

"I'll stay." I whispered. She smiled and slid closer, laying her head on my shoulder. We stayed like that till the movie ended. She slowly got to her feet and self-consciously tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ears.

"Your PJs are still in the closet." She said quietly. I nodded and headed to her bathroom to change into my usual nighttime attire of a tank top and boxers. Normally we would change in front of each other, no problem. But I knew she was worried about her wound. As I reentered the room, I noticed two things. One, Spence was wearing an old hoodie, and two, she was already in the bed. Yeah. She was definitely worried about her wound.

I slowly climbed into bed and snuggled under the covers. She leaned over and turned off the lamp, expelling the artificial light from the room and causing the moon to illuminate the room in blue. After a moment of dead silence I made up my mind.

"Spence?" I asked softly.

"Hmm?" She answered, sleepily.

"Can I…uhm…can I lay on your chest?" I asked. It was childish, I know but…I needed it. And she knew it. Without a word she repositioned herself so she was lying on her back. I moved so that my head was resting against the soft fabric covering her chest. I closed my eyes as I heard that old familiar melody begin to sing me to sleep.

"Hear it?" She asked quietly, her voice taking on a callous tone indicating she was close to sleep.

"Yeah." I whispered back. I knew she was smiling. I felt one of her hands come to rest against the small of my back, while the other found its home against my arm. After a minute her breathing steadied and I knew she was asleep.

I closed my eyes and began counting the second away to the sound of her heartbeat.