Chapter 2
He needed sleep. After saying goodnight to Marcus, AJ crept into his room; he didn't bother with the light and went to lie on his bed, when he stopped. He moved to the window, opening the curtains and pushing the window up. He looked around. The words flowed through his lips, seemingly of their own accord. "Come in." What was he saying? He moved quickly, shucking his clothes off and slipping under the covers.
The breeze picked up suddenly, and the curtains when flying. He burrowed deeper within the confines of the bed, a sudden chill coursing through his body. He squeezed his eyes tighter shut, willing sleep to come, but it wouldn't. His body tensed, it was happening again. The dreams, the images, the feeling that he was never alone. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he knew he was never alone. It was there, only this time it was intensified. He'd push it away, make it stop.
"Alex..."
No, stop, he just wanted it to stop.
"Alex, turn around."
He was cracking up, he was loosing it.
"Alex, open your eyes and turn around."
That voice, it was so familiar and yet, so foreign. His body trembled slightly as he felt a gentle pull in his mind. A warm soothing presence overtook his body, he moved, his body turning. Slowly he sat up, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. His gaze stopped on the figure that was now standing by the window. His eyes widened as she stepped into the moonlight, staring intently at him. "It's...it's you!"
"Hello Alex. Long time no see." ************************************************************************
She stood there and watched his expression. He was just as beautiful as the night she'd left him two years ago. She smiled now as he pulled the covers tightly around his body.
"I assure you, you've got nothing I've never seen before. How have you been?"
He stared at her for a moment; apparent shock had set in. She walked over to the bed and sat. She frowned as he backed up a bit, shying away from her.
"We've gone through this before, the first time. You know me, we're old buddies you and I. Come on."
AJ looked at her for a few seconds more, before moving back over. The shock was gone, and was now replaced with curiosity. "So you're...really here then?"
She chuckled. "I think so."
"It's, been awhile."
She nodded. "It has."
"How have you been Aradia?"
She tipped a shoulder. "I've been ok. Surviving. I see you've had a rough two years and the last couple months especially. I'm happy to see you taking care of yourself."
"You know about that?"
"Sure, I watch TV occasionally." She didn't think it would be wise to tell him that she could feel everything he'd gone through. Every harsh word, every tremble and shudder of his body. No, now wasn't the time. There were more pressing matters to take care of. "I know you're probably wondering why I came back."
"Yeah, the thought did cross my mind once or twice."
"It's very simple really."
"It is?"
Aradia nodded. "Yes, I need your help."
