Chapter Sixteen-The Nightmare
It was almost eleven when Mary walked out of her private bathroom, warm and freshly scrubbed after a long, hot shower. Her face was slightly flush from the heat of the water and her damp hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Since she had taken her pills before stepping into the shower, all she had left to do was climb into bed. All her life she had loved four poster beds, so it was only natural she'd grown up with one. For years she had never drawn the curtains around her bed, finding it terrifying and clausterphobic to be closed in, but over the years she came to enjoy the privacy.
This room had been Mary's since she and her family moved here and even after leaving home, the room was still hers. The room was large, with royal blue paint on the walls and a soft cowhide, patch, off white rug on the floor. Mary preferred hard wood floors, but Stephen feared she would injure herself if she seizured and fell out of bed, which had happened during adolescence. Across from her bed was a large, long white sofa that was placed underneath the main window. Silk-satin round pillows added a decorative touch and a black armchair also provided some color.
A white lacuer coffee table was in front of the couch with magazine atop for leisurely leafing. Black ottomans were placed on each side of the coffee table. White and cream roman shades dressed the leaded glass pane windows and were drawn for the evening. To the left of the touch was a china cabinet, which held family photos and knick knacks. There was a desk with a computer and a bookshelf stuffed with books.
There was a round table placed in front of the window that lead out onto a balcony. Beside the table was a stuffed black armchair and beside the bed was a side table, that held a lamo and alarm clock, as well as a hexagonal stool. They were made of dark wood with intricate bone and mother of pearl inlay. In addition to a private bathroom, the room also boasted a spacious walk-in closet and a flat screen television on the wall. Mary considered turning on the television, but decided against it, wanting to relish the peace and quiet while it lasted.
Mary loved pillows, so the plethera of pillows in various shapes and sizes didn't disappoint her. Her bedding was off-white silk with metallic, gold, large brocade embellishment. As she pulled the covers over her body, there was a knock at the door. She sighed, wishing she could've been alone just a little longer, but bid her visitor welcome. If it was her father, it was easier to let him in as opposed to ignoring him and causing him to kick down her door in a state of panic. Yes, that had happened before, but not often and not for many years.
When her door opened, it wasn't her father who entered, but her always present bodyguard. Bobby entered the room, carrying his overnight bag. Mary's things had already been packed away since she'd known she was staying in her own room. Mary gave him a surprised look and Bobby cast her a smile.
"The General decided it was in your best interest to have me sleep on your couch so I could be readily available if needed. Your father proclaimed that since he is paying for my services I should earn that payment."
"Have you pointed out to him that it is not him, but the police department that is paying your wages?" Mary asked, looking chagrined, but not entirely surprised.
"Your mother did try to help him understand that slight technicality, but he countered that his tax dollars help fund the police department, so he is in fact paying my salary."
"I am so sorry Bobby," Mary said, looking sincerely contrite. "I am a tax paying citizen as well and believe me, I do not share my father's way of thinking. Daddy should realize you are merely humoring his whims and you do not have to be here. You could quit my security detail tomorrow and there isn't a damn thing he could do about it."
"Perhaps not, but I am certain a tersely worded message to my superiors would articulate his displeasure. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he rendered me unconscious with a blunt instrument, rolled me in a rug, and deposited me at your doorstep."
"Don't give him any ideas."
Bobby and Mary couldn't help but laugh and it was then that Mary's door flung open and there stood General Mayfield, looking displeased and ready for battle. He looked at Bobby and pointed an accusatory finger in his direction.
"I may have given you permission to stay in my daughter's room, but that invitation is soley for business purposes, is that clear?" he demanded.
"Crystal," Bobby said, tilting his chin so he was at eye level with Stephen. Although Bobby's tone was neutral, there was an element of disdain in his eyes.
"Oh for Heaven's sake, Stephen, leave them alone so they can get some sleep! It was your idea to drag Mary away from the party so stop acting like a lunatic so she can get the sleep you think she so desperately needs."
Stephen opened his mouth to protest, but upon observing that well known look on his wife's face, he thought better of it. He had been deployed many times during his twenty year military career, but not even combat compared to the wrath that exuded from his wife. 'If mom isn't happy, no one's happy' was seemingly Carolyn's life mantra and Stephen decided it was in his best interest to keep her happy. After casting Bobby one final glare, Stephen walked over to Mary. He lifted her pillows and began fluffing them before placing them back on the bed. After verifying the heat was at a satisfactory level, he checked the time on her alarm clock.
"Would you like me to set the alarm?" Stephen asked. "we have mass tomorrow and I assume you are attending?"
"Yes I am attending Daddy and setting the alarm isn't necessary. It only takes me ten minutes to get ready, so one of the girls can wake me when their up."
Stephen nodded and before Mary knew what he was doing, he pulled the comforter over her body and tucked her into bed. Nothing was more humiliating for a twenty-eight year old woman than for her father to tuck her in as if she were still a child. Her cheeks were redded with embarassment and she silently willed him to leave her room, or for lightening to strike, whatever was quicker. Instead, Stephen placed a hand on her forehead and frowned thoughtfully.
"You feel warm honey, are you ill? Did you remember to take your pills?" he asked, frowning thoughtfully. Before Mary could respond, he looked over at Carolyn, who was sporting a strong glare of her own.
"Carolyn, could you please locate a thermomotor? Mary feels warm."
"Mary's only affliction is having a father hell bent on humiliating her," Carolyn said, entering the room and grabbing her husband by the arms. After basically shoving him out of the room, she turned back and bent down to give her daughter a kiss on the forehead.
"Goodnight Mary, sleep well."
After verifying that Stephen was walking towards their bedroom, Carolyn turned her attention to Bobby. "If you would feel more comfortable in one of the guestrooms, please do not hesitate to use the one of your liking. Unlike my husband, I do not expect you to curl up on the couch like a dog. I appreciate everything you are doing for my daughter and I'm sure tolerating my husband's behavior isn't making your job easier."
"Your husband certainly is...interesting," Bobby said, choosing the nicest word that came to mind. "I'm sure life is never dull in this house."
"That's for sure," Carolyn said with a laugh. "I know my husband can be histrionic at times...most of the time...but he means well. He just overprotective."
"Yes, I gathered as much," Bobby said. "thank you for offering a guestroom, but I am perfectly fine. The couch looks comfortable enough."
"At least let me find some extra blankets and pillows," Carolyn said, frowning when she realized Stephen neglected to secure Bobby's comfort. Carolyn disappeared and returned briefly with several blankets and pillows. She walked over to the couch and it wasn't long until it looked as inviting as many bed.
"If either of you need anything, please let me know."
"We will, thank you Carolyn," Bobby said.
"Thank you mom."
Carolyn smiled at them both and left the room so Bobby and Mary could have some privacy. Bobby took his overnight bag into the bathroom so he could shower and Mary climbed out of bed so she could select a book from the bookshelf. She may not have been tired, but in a way she was relieved her father sugggested leaving the party since the crowd was starting to make her feel anxious again. As much as she loved her family, Terra's limitless arsenol of friends was slowly making her crazy. They were all exatly the same and their endless, mindnumbing chatter and gossip was more than Mary could bare.
Mary stood at the bookself and carefully studied her options. She reached for a book, then pulled her hand back, deciding against her option. Her hand started to move left, but then some unseen force moved it to the right. Frowning, she moved her hand to the left again. She took a book off the shelf, but then shoved it back before eyeing the bookshelf from top to bottom.
She eyed each row of shelves, moving in each direction before finally settling on a book that was placed to the far right on the bottom shelf. After making her selection, she turned to walk back to her bed, but turned back to the shelf. She frowned and straightened books that to her were out of place but in reality were in perfect order. She turned to walk back to bed, but turned back to the shelf again, using tissues to cleanse the shelves of dush only she could see. As she walked back to bed, she looked up to see Bobby studying her in quiet observation.
"Your symptoms of OCD began in childhood," he stated rather than asking. Mary rolled her eyes and walked towards her bed as Bobby continued speaking.
"The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't fully understood, but three main theories include biology, environment, and insufficient serotonin. Having parents or other family members with the disorder can increase the liklihood of developing the disorder, as can stressors. If you react strongly to stress, intrusive thoughts, rituals and emotional distress can be triggered."
"Thank you Dr. Goren," Mary snapped. "if my appointment has finally reached its conclusion I would like to read my book...in peace."
"I...I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable Mary," Bobby said, watching as she crawled under the covers. "it's just that I have been studying human behavior for twenty-five years, so it's hard to turn off that switch."
"I'm sorry for snapping at you," Mary offered. "I guess I'm just embarassed by my father's behavior. I know he means well, but can be a bit over-the-top sometimes. I know Daddy thinks I'm going to stay here during the remodeling of my apartment, but that isn't going to happen. I wouldn't mind staying one more day, but I want to be home by Monday. I can learn to live with dusty air and paint fumes."
"You could always stay with Allyson and Brenden," Bobby suggested. "I'm sure your aunts and uncles would be thrilled to have you as well."
"Yes I'm sure they would be, but the truth is I need some time alone. I love my family, but I am looking forward to not having them around for a few days. I won't be entirely alone, but I can ignore the work crew. Besides, I feel anxious and homesick when I am away from home too long. I like going to sleep in my own bed with my own bedding. I don't sleep as well in someone else's bed. I suppose this isn't so bad because this is also my home, but in reality my apartment is my home now."
"I think most people probably feel that way," Bobby replied. "although after going undercover so much over the years, I have learned to sleep pretty much anywhere."
"Including the couch in a home owned by a lunatic," Mary said, amusement in her eyes.
"What are you reading?" Bobby asked, changing the subject. He was an avid reader, so he always enjoyed meeting a fellow booklover.
"Moby Dick," Mary replied showing him the book cover. "I know it's a bit heavy for bedroom literature, but it's one of my favorites. I read it when I was a child and fell in love with the story, even if it did cause a temporary fear of the open water."
"How old were you when you first read it?"
"Five," Mary replied. "I know Moby Dick seems advanced for a five year old, but as a child I spent considerable amounts of time in the hospital, so books became not only a love, but a salvation. Daddy always read to me, from the day I was born. I was sick so often and missed so much school he was concerned I would fall behind, so he encouraged me to read as much as possible."
"I couldn't have been easy being so sick when those around you were well and leading normal lives."
"Yes well, everyone's definition of normal is different," Mary said with a shrug. "normal is defined as 'conforming to the standard or the common type' and like it or not, long hospital stays, days spent in bed, and daily visits to and by medical personnel were a standard part of my formitive years."
"I've noticed you do that before, change the subject when someone asks about your health or well-being following what happened with Mike. You don't want others to pity you or see you as weak, so you use your intelligence and sharp tongue to deflect from the subject at hand. I think a part of you believes if you don't acknowlege your physical limitations they will cease to exist."
"First dates must be a blast with you. Do you consider psychoanalyzing a form of foreplay?"
"If I did, I'm afraid I'm not fairing so well with you. I think if seduction was really my goal I would be intelligent enough to use a different approach. Has it occured to you that I am simply trying to get to know you better?"
"I think when it comes to communicating with others you always have an ulterior motive. I don't think you would ever randomly ask a question: not even you like the sound of your voice that much."
"I'm not so sure my partner would agree with you there," Bobby said with a chuckle.
"How is Alex? I haven't seen her since Jazz's fieldtrip."
"She's doing well. She's spending the weekend with her sister and her family."
"Oh yes, she has a nephew named...Spencer? It's Spencer right?"
"Yes, he and Jasmine are around the same age, although she is a few days older."
"I wish she was present to hear you say that. Jasmine gets such a kick out of being the oldest of someone. Given her birth order and month of birth, that doesn't happen often."
"Perhaps it will once Maegan and her girls move here. How often do they visit?"
"They visit for holidays and a couple of times during the year, but Maegan likes being on the move, looking for the next big adventure. I think if it wasn't for the girls she wouldn't be settling down at this time in he life...perhaps ever."
"I think it's wonderful that Maegan is putting the needs of her children before her own desires. Not all parents are willing to make that sacrifice."
"Maegan has always been a wonderful mother. She may not have had the best judgement with regard to the choice of the childrens' fathers, but she would never regret having her girls. She always said she wanted to be a young mother so she could grow up with her children and spend as much time with them as possible."
"What about you? Have you ever considered having children?"
Mary felt a sad twinge when Bobby mentioned children. As much as she loved them, she knew having a family wasn't an option for her.
"Even if your health precludes you from birthing your own children, there are other options."
"Yes, I am aware of the alternative choices I have if I ever desired a family of my own, but I think I am content with the family members I already have."
Bobby could sense there was more to it than that, but he decided to save that part of his interrogation for another time. They talked a while longer and after wishing each other goodnight, they settled in for the night. As Mary stretched in her luxerious bed, she felt pangs of guilt as she watched Bobby's large frame twisting and turning to find comfort on her now seemingly small couch.
"Bobby, are you quite certain you don't want to sleep in one of the guest rooms? I'm sure I can manage without you for a few hours."
"I'm fine Mary, I promise. I'll see you in the morning."
Mary grabbed a nearby pillow and turned over, hugging it close to her body as she shut her eyes. She turned over a few times before sleep took over and she was lulled into still, dark nothingness. Several hours went by without incident until suddenly it happened. Mary did everything she could to maintain some semblence of control over her life, but there was one thing over which she had no control. The origin of this event started in Mary's childhood and continued until present day.
It happened on a regular, almost nightly basis when she was a young child, but even as its frequency tapered off over the years, it remained just the same. It lurked in the wings, hiding in the safe seclusion of darkness until the right moment occured. Mary was around three when the nightmares started and they were so chillingly realistic it was as if the events were actually happening and not just in her head. The dream was always the same, although this gave her no comfort. The dream started with the creaking of a door and a shadow looming over Mary's room.
The shadow was still at first, looming across her room and filling her with terror at what was to come. She could hear creaking as the shadow moved across her room until it was right above her bed. The matress sank as the source of the weight evenly distributed itself. Mary could feel herself shaking, her stomach clenching in terror as she remained frozen, defenseless against this outside force and too scared to even think of trying to defend herself. The room began to spin and she could feel herself floating, as if leaving her body and going to a world unknown.
Although the room was dark, she could sometimes see the flash of something brown from the moonlight casting its beams into her room. She didn't know what this brown object was, since she never stared long enough to decifer its identity. In her dream she would squeeze her eyes closed, trying to block what was to happen. It as at this point that the room would start to spin and the sensations and smells would become too much to bear. Her eyes popped open and she bolted upright in bed, her t-shirt and pajama bottoms drenched in sweat.
She could feel herself shaking as she screamed, the piercing, blood curling noise piercing the air throughout the entire house. Her bedroom light immediately eliminated the darkness from her room and her first post-darkness image was of Bobby, sitting beside her bed, his face filled with concern. He pulled her close and held her against his warm, solid frame. She was shaking uncontrollably and tears streamed down her face as she continued screaming. She was in such an emotional state she began to gag as well as sob and scream.
Bobby left her side momentarily to retrieve a nearby waste bucket, placing it on the bed in front of her face as he gently rubbed her back. She gripped the pail, her already fair hands completely white as she allowed the pent up emotion to exit her body. As she gagged, Bobby continued rubbing her face, murmuring soothingly to her.
"Mary, it was just a dream. You're safe now. You're going to be okay. Shh..."
As he continued to try to calm her, the bedroom door flung open and Stephen and Carolyn burst into the room. They raced to her bedside and Bobby moved away from the bed so they could sit beside her. Carolyn wrapped her arms around Mary, rubbing her back as she tried to calm her.
"What's going on here? What did you do?" Stephen demanded, his hateful glare fixated on his favorite target.
"I...I had the dream again!" Mary sobbed, gripping onto her mother for dear life as the last of the bile left her body.
Once the dry heaving subsided, Carolyn placed the waste basket on the floor and held Mary close. As Stephen gently rubbed her back, Carolyn handed Mary some tissue so she could wipe her mouth.
"Oh honey, I'm so sorry," Stephen said, his voice filled with love and concern for his daughter. "I know how much this dream upsets you. Is there anything we can do to help you?"
Suddenly, an expression of guilt washed over his face. "We forgot to leave the hallway light on outside your door. That's what must have triggered the dream to re occur."
"We were going to leave it on, but after the scene your father made I didn't want to cause you further embarassment," Carolyn said, looking just as guilty. "I'm so sorry, sweetie. Would you like us to leave the light on?"
Mary nodded. "T...that would be wonderful," she admitted, looking a little sheepish. "I'm sorry for disturbing you."
"Mary, we are your parents. Being here and supporting you isn't a disturbance at all," Stephen reassured her.
"Your father's right, honey, we want to be here for you."
At that moment, the four adults heard footsteps and they turned to see Diana and Jasmine, looks of concern on their faces too. Mary felt upset enough for disturbing her parents: the last thing she wanted was to scare her sisters.
"Mom, Daddy, I'm fine, really. Why don't you and girls go to bed and pretend this didn't happen, okay?"
"Of course honey, anything you say," Stephen said.
Stephen and Carolyn gave their daughter a final kiss before ushering their youngest daughters out of the room. They left her door cracked and the hall light remained on, just as promised. Mary looked over at Bobby, smiling a small, sheepish smile at him.
"Thank you, Bobby. I..."
"Don't mention it," Bobby said, knowing the last thing she needed was to continue to dwell on this incident. He was curious about what had so upset her, but he knew now wasn't the time to ask. Her emotions were just starting to settle and he wanted to make sure she was completely at ease before he asked any questions.
"Do you need anything? Would you like something to drink?"
"Tea would be nice," Mary admitted. "preferrably decaffinated since we have to be up in..." she looked at her alarm clock and groaned. "three hours."
"One cup of decaffinated tea coming right up," he said, giving her a warm smile, setting her at ease.
As he left the room, she climbed out of bed and walked into the bathroom, wanting a cold shower to wash away the sweat that overwhelmed her body. On her way to the bathroom she grabbed a fresh change of nightclothes and stepped inside, shedding the old ones. While she was turning on the shower, Bobby was walking down the hall so he could go to the kitchen and fill her tea order. As he walked towards the master staircase, he heard voices coming from the master bedroom. Silently, stealthfully, his long legs quickly enveloped the space between him and the door. He listened intently, his curiousity peaked as he heard the conversation taking place.
"Stephen, this has gone on long enough. Mary has a right to know..."
"Carolyn, I am her father and I am telling you she cannot know! Do you know what this would do to her? Don't you think she has suffered enough? Her health is precarious at best and this could send her over the edge!"
"Stephen, I am her mother and I love her just as much as you. I, too, worry about her health, but this has been tearing her apart for years! The dreams are persisting and it's only a matter of time..."
"Carolyn, we are not telling her and that is final! I love you, respect you and often defer to you, but on this subject I will not yield. This could destroy her and I cannot let that happen!"
Stephen and Carolyn continued their heated discussion and Bobby moved away from the door. He walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, the wheels in sharp, detective mind turning.