Chapter Three

Arthur's Pov

I woke up with a start after having such a terrible nightmare about what happened to me at the dark alley while I was lost. Only, I couldn't fight him off, and I was trapped. I woke up with tears in my eyes, sniffing. I saw it was dark. I started sobbing, as it brought back memories of when I was attacked in the dark alley, so I started to fear being in the dark.

I heard Michael yawn, then woke up with a start looking at me worried, ''What's wrong Arthur? What were you dreaming about that scared you so much?''

I didn't respond, I kept crying, and started shivering in fear.

Michael's Pov

My heart was breaking seeing my little brother broken like that. Something must have scared him so much that he won't sleep with the light off and was crying continuously and didn't say what happened.

I came over to his bed, gave him a comforting hug and said, '' It's ok Arthur, it was just a dream. Please turn off the lights and go back to sleep, we have school tomorrow.''

''I want them on, please,'' Arthur pleaded.

I turn around and close my eyes, '' Ok Arthur. As you wish, good night.''

I heard our bedroom door opening and saw dad.

''Is everything alright, boys? I heard crying?'' He asked.

''Arthur had a nightmare, and now he won't go to sleep without the light off,'' I replied.

Dad smiles, '' Come on Arthur, it is 1 : am. It can't be that bad.''

He turns the light off and Arthur turned the light on again.

''I told you dad,'' I sighed.

Dad sat down beside Arthur and said, '' Arthur, I will sit with you till you fall asleep, alright?'' He reaches for the light switch.

Arthur sighs, '' Okay, but please keep the light on.''

Dad nodded,'' Ok, Arthur, I'm here!''

I turn to the other side again. Oh boy, something must have spooked so much that he won't sleep in the dark.

Arthur's Pov

The alarm clock changes from 1:40am to 2:01am. I start dozing off, but I am too scared to fall asleep after the nightmare I just had about my attack. The alarm clock changes from 2:50 to 3:01am, but I still can't sleep. I pace up and down holding a juice cartoon. I then sing, "And on his farm he had some giraffes Ee-i ee-i O. With a..." Oh, forget it!''

Then hours passed, the clock shows it is 6:58am. I play with my Bionic Bunny Action figures.

I yawn, '' I'll get you Vermination, after I have an little nap.''

David's Pov

Just as sunlight came into the room, I looked at the alarm clock, it was 7:15am. Michael opened his eyes, yawns and rubs his face.

''Hmm dad, you are still here. I guess Arthur didn't sleep through the night very well.''

Arthur moans in his sleep.

I put a finger on my lips and said,'' Michael shh, you will wake him.'' I take Arthur's glasses off and put it on the nightstand.

''Come on Michael, you had better get ready for school. Arthur is staying home today, just say to Mr Ratburn that he isn't feeling well,'' I said.

I walked out of the room and headed downstairs. Jane was in the kitchen, feeding Kate.

''What happened David? You stayed the whole night with the boys?''

I sighed. ''Arthur had a nightmare and didn't fall asleep until around 7;15 am but he won't sleep with the light off.''

Jane shook her head sadly and said, ''I am calling Dr Bailey this morning.''

Jane's Pov

After feeding Kate, and saying goodbye to David, Dw and Michael who headed off to school and work, I put Kate in her playpen with Pal and headed downstairs. I cried for a bit and took an breath. My heart is breaking seeing my baby like that.

I headed to the phone and called Dr Bailey. I told him what happened.

''Oh, you can bring him to see me at the hospital for a check-up. Then I will refer him to a therapist,'' Dr Bailey said.

''Ok, thank you, Doctor, '' I said.

I hung up after saying goodbye.

I went to Arthur's room and woke him up.

''Arthur honey, wake up,'' I said shaking him.

Arthur woke up with a start.

''Huh, what time is it, Mom? I had better get ready for school. Mr Ratburn will kill me if I show up late,'' Arthur said with a panicked voice.

''Relax Arthur, Dad told Michel to tell Mr Ratburn that you are not feeling well. I am taking you to see Dr Bailey today and he will refer you to a therapist. We will drop off Kate and Pal at Grandma Thora's first,'' I said.

Arthur groaned, '' Aww Mom, do I really have to? I don't want to go to the doctor, I don't want to see a therapist. I don't want the whole world knowing what happened to me.''

''Honey, this is for your own good. If you do a check-up, and go to a therapist, you will feel better. So, we can know what happened to you, and who did this to you,'' I reassured him.

Arthur sighed, '' Ok Mom.''

I hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He hugged me back too very tightly.

At school

Michael's Pov

Carol said,'' Michel, Mr Shawanda class.''

Then I realized, I need to tell Mr Ratburn that Arthur isn't here.

I said, ''Guy's I will meet you there. I just have to stop by Mr Ratburn's classroom for a bit.''

I headed to Mr Ratburn's class.

''Hello Mr Ratburn,'' I greeted him.

Mr. Ratburn said,'' oh hi Michel, have you seen Arthur? It isn't like him to be late?''

''He is not feeling well sir,'' I replied.

''Ok, I hope he get well soon,'' Mr Ratburn said.

Then Buster and Francine came to me and asked me where Arthur was. I told them what happened to him in the alley.

''That's terrible. I hope they catch whoever did this,'' Buster replies sadly.

''Yeah, poor Arthur, he doesn't deserve this,'' Francine replies.