One of these months, I hit 955 views. Yay for readers! Even if you guys are silent. Hehe. A special thanks to my reviewers and those who favorited my story; you guys make me all happy inside. Without further ado, the LONG overdue chapter.

Chapter 19: Trepidation

As I was wheeled through the hallways of the hospital, I was happy to realize that my mind was mercifully blank and focused on the fluorescent light fixtures above me. I observed that one needed to be changed as it was flickering. On. Off. On again.

I looked to my right to see that an elderly doctor was helping a much younger nurse wheel me to an available room. Hey, Doc? I think I'm going crazy! I couldn't help but let out a giggle, and he looked down at me, confused. After all, what did I have to giggle about? Hmm?

His coat was buttoned up wrong, and it was irking me. The buttons were not in their correct holes, so the coat was positioned lopsided on him. You see Doctor, when you button it that way, one lone button is by itself. Kind of like how I am. Close to people, yet not exactly part of their group…

The doctor chose that moment to speak to me, disturbing my self-pitying train of thought. "Hello Christine. My name is Doctor Jones." Hi, Doctor Grandpa. "I will be your doctor for the length of your stay in the hospital. We'll patch you up as soon as possible, and you should be out in no time!" I reciprocated his warm albeit tired smile before looking to my left and into the worried countenance of my father. When he realized I was looking he shot me a small smile and moved to take my hand gently in his. I held in a hiss of pain, biting my tongue and closing my eyes momentarily.

When I did close my eyes, I immediately recognized the rusty, fiery pipes that were native to Freddy's boiler room. Opening my eyes, it disappeared without a trace; just the hospital hallway again.

Freaky…

And if I try again? Shutting my eyes slowly, the boiler room dissolved into view along with the clamor and whirring of the ancient yet somehow not faulty machines. My eyes scanned the expanse under my closed eyelids, finding myself deep within Freddy's metal labyrinth. Hearing the harsh scrape of metal that ruthlessly assaulted my ears, I opened my eyes again to find myself back in the comforting sterile environment of the hospital. I was in a sparsely decorated room this time, however.

"I hope you enjoy your stay at the hospital. We will do our best to make sure you leave as soon as possible." The blonde nurse smiled down at me warmly, tucking me into the covers of the bed before turning away to rummage through a few cabinets. "We need to run some tests and you'll be out before you know it." I let my mouth curl up into a halfhearted smile, feeling a tug of tiredness seep my strength from me.

Oh Freddy, you just couldn't keep away, could you?

Looking down into the auburn eyes of my daughter, I was startled to see a vacant expression. After that outburst in the church…well, I don't know what's going on with her. There's something definitely bothering her. I'm betting it has something to do with these killings going on.

I swear I'll wring the neck of the bastard who is causing all these people pain, justice be damned.

Freddy.

Taking Christine's freezing hand into my own, I squeezed it gently.

It'll be alright, baby. Daddy's here.

So sleepy. So freaking sleepy.

Must fight it.

My eyelids are drooping. I can't do this.

I have to do this.

"Christine? You there?" Oh, Dad's talking. With a concerted effort, I looked at him.

"Yeah, I'm here. Sorry I wasn't listening. Just tired. Really tired." I proffered a small smile which faltered immediately.

Dad looked concerned and sat up from his seat. I can't believe I didn't even notice that he sat down, or that the nurse left. "If you're tired, then you should rest up! You've been through a lot lately. Too much, in fact. Get some sleep."

My eyes flew open in fear. "No, Dad! I can't! I can't fall asleep!" I've gotta convince him to get me back home. I'll never make it alive over here! The urge to nod off is distressing, not to mention a matter of life and death.

I don't think Dad's quite convinced yet. He's definitely fishing for words. "Christine, honey. You need to doze off. I can speak to the nurse to see when they'll discharge you –"

"Thank you, Daddy!" I smiled, feeling tears start to prick my eyes. "Be back soon." Dad nodded to me after a small while, returning the smile before brushing some hair off of my face. I didn't miss the curious look he gave me at the development of marks on my cheek from Freddy. He nodded once more before exiting the room. I listened to his footsteps, noting that he was running.

Good. Hurry back. I don't want to know what Freddy has in store for me, but I am certainly not ready for it.

Freddy.

Looking around my cramped hospital room, I noticed that Dad had a steaming cup of coffee that was hidden from my plain of sight when he was sitting. Aha! Exactly what I need.

Sitting up slowly, I tried not to jostle the IV drip as I steadily moved myself off the bed. Finally, I was on my deathly cold feet on the black and white tiled floor. Grabbing a hold of the plastic cup, I gulped down the scalding coffee, burning my tongue in the process. Paying no heed to the pain, I took a few seconds to breathe and peered into the cup. I drank half of it…hopefully it'll be enough. Can't arouse Dad's suspicion.

I crawled back into bed, minding my mangled hands. By the time Dad returned, I was comfortably back in the same position, not quite feigning a yawn.

"Chrissy? I pulled some strings for you," Thank GOD for my Dad! "The nurse told me that they'll release you now if I keep an eye on you at home, and you'll have to return tomorrow – "

"Thank you SO much Dad! I knew you could help me! Now I can sleep in my own bed!" I climbed out of bed, tearing off the heart rate monitor to hug him closely. The flat line attracted the attention of a nurse outside my door and she rushed in. "Is everything okay?"

Dad answered, "Yes, we were just leaving." Kissing my head, he handed me the dress I was wearing during church to change into and went to stand outside, taking the nurse with him and shutting the door.

The relief I felt was palatable. You can do this, Christine. Shirking my hospital gown, I quickly wriggled into my dress, rushing outside to join my Dad.

"Okay, I'm ready!" I brightly said, clutching Dad's arm. Dad let out a chuckle as he scanned my body, and I quickly realized why – I wasn't wearing any shoes. With a small smile, Dad whisked me into his burly arms and carried me down the hall, letting me down gently before the front desk. As he was signing me out of the hospital, I scanned the lobby, eyeing a TV that was on mute. News about an officer getting shot? Shit, who could it be?

No.

No. Not Officer Miller!

Freddy. Fucking. Krueger.

"You okay honey?" Dad put a hand on my shoulder, bringing me back to reality. "Yeah, Dad. I'm fine." My lips twitched upwards in a semblance of a smile, and he whisked me back into his arms. I nuzzled my face into his chest, taking comfort in his cologne and warmth.

The car ride was uneventful; just shared silence of the two of us, each in our own worlds. Dad would look at me and I'd catch him staring. He'd then look away and back at the road. It broke my heart to see him so worried about me, but it was justified worrying – although of a kind that no one in their right minds would ever even dream about.

Ha, dream.

Lucky for me, Dad put on the emergency lights to get home as fast as possible and we got there in just a few minutes.

Ahh, my bed. My warm comfortable bed. That I shouldn't fall asleep in, my mind chimed.

Yes. I can't fall asleep. My life depends on it.

"Okay, kiddo. We're here. I'm sure your Mom is worried sick, so try to look alive, okay?" I nodded, plastering a more positive image on my face. Dad shut his car door, walking over to my side to open it like a true gentleman would. "Shall we?" I chuckled at Dad's antics, nodding again.

I fought the scratchy throat feeling that I got when I wanted to cry. I love my parents, and I could lose them at any minute.

Wrapping my arms around Dad, he whisked me out of the car and used his hip to close the door. Mom already had the door open and stood there, a wreck on legs.

"Christine! Are you alright?" Her meek tone struck a chord in me. I couldn't help it, a tear slid down my face as I replied, "Yes, Mom. I'm alright."

Now that I've finally convinced her to change and stay in bed, I'll stay guard and protect Christine from this Freddy fellow.

No way in hell am I going to let some creep endanger my little princess.

Sneaking a tiny peek through a small crack through the door, I see that Christine did take my advice and is sleeping soundly. Good girl. She needs it. I can't imagine what she's going through between all this supernatural crap and her friends dying. All by the hands of this Freddy guy.

Taking my state issued gun into my hands, I ready the tool of killing.

Just you fucking show up here, Freddy. I'm waiting.