Ember spent most of the night tossing and turning, so when I woke up the next morning I got dressed and ventured out alone. She needed sleep, but honestly, I was afraid to face her this morning. Ember had never talked in her sleep before, at least not like she had last night, and I had the smallest idea as to what her nightmare were about. Me. The only words I could really make out were: Jack, don't, please, stop. Those four words were enough to make me feel like shit. It was selfish to ask her to forget everthing, but I had. The only thing she couldn't control were her dreams. I could only hope this was a one time thing, that'd it never happen again. Yesterday was just a weird day for her, which I picked up on in the stall at Petsmart.


Depsite how on edge her behavoir had me, I still had to go to the apartment and meet the movers. Looking back on it now, we probably went a little overboard, like buying a run for Bailey. When would she ever get the chance to use that? Oh well, it made Ember happy and that's what counts. When I arrived, the trucks were already parked by the building and a chubby man met with with a clipboard. Singing for the furniture to be placed in our new home, I showed the guys to our floor and told them where to leave the boxes. I could have paid extra to have them put it together, but I figured Ember would want some say in what went where and Rian and Zack could come be manly men for us. At least the living room suit didn't need to be assembled.


When the movers left, I plopped down on our new couch and stared at the boxes in front of me. This place was going to require a lot of work, but I couldn't wait to see it once it was finished. Ember and I had pretty good taste when you put us together. Now I was just hoping that she'd let me use the spare bedroom for a music room, too. For my guitars and posters and everything in between. It would be a bitch to go get them from my mom's house, but it'd be worth it. Plus, I kind of owed her a visit. It's been a while since I stopped in.


After relaxing on the couch for a good hour, thinking about my life with Ember and all the Hell I'd put her through, I figured it was time to text the guys and ask them for help. Alex and I could probably put most of this crap together, but I doubt we'd be serious long enough and we'd probably just order food and try out the new big screen. I sent a mass text to everyone, Ember included, asking them to come by the new place for help. Rian and Zack agreed and Alex said he, Ember and Bailey would be on their way soon.


I figured I could make myself useful while I waited for them, so I set out to carry in the bags from the car. I managed to hang our new shower curtain and place the matching items in the bathroom. Pots and pans and everything in between were stuck in the dishwasher so they were clean before we used them. Even the floor lamps were placed around the apartment. I'd just started working on putting the entertainment stand together when the door opened and Bailey came crashing onto my chest. Chuckling at the dog, I tossed the box to the side and let her have it as a chew toy.


"Well, at least you did something before we got here," Rian snorted, walking into the room to run his fingers along the couch. "Nice. Ember picked it out, I'm sure?"


"Yeah," I laughed, shaking my head. "Alex, wanna give me a hand here?"


"We'll go work on the bedroom furniture," Ember gave me a half-smile and pushed Zack towards the stairs. "Don't break anything!"


Honestly, I was disappointed that she didn't want to stay with me while we put together our new home, but I didn't want to press the issue. Instead, I waved the three of them off and helped Alex with the directions to the stand.


"So, you and Ember. Engaged and.. awkward?"


"I don't know what's going on with her, dude," I sighed, passing a board to Alex. "She was having nightmares last night. I'm pretty sure they were about me."


"She did kind of live through a tramatic event. Just give her some time."


"Would you talk to her for me? I don't want to press the subject. She'll come to me if she wants to talk about it.. But it's going to drive me crazy. Just ask her if she's okay?"


"Yeah, I guess I can do that. I do miss my best friend time with her."


"Take her out to get food," I suggested, helping Alex finish up the entertainment stand. Somehow, we'd managed to put the whole thing together without hurting ourselves or each other. "I'm kind of hungry, anyway."


"On it."


Alex stood up and left the room, which meant I was left to put the TV on the wall by myself. Simple enough task, and I knew I'd never let anything happen to this beautiful television. I was admiring it as I pulled it from the box the moment Alex and Ember stepped into the room.


"Guess we're getting food," Ember smiled, rocking back and forth on her heels. "Love you."


"I love you more, gorgeous."


Alex flashed me a knowing smile and tugged Ember out of the room. It made me sad, honestly, to think that I had to get Alex to talk to her. But we were on the repair, which meant there were still some bridges we had to cross before everything could be perfect between us again. I was just happy that I could trust Alex again, and that he was a good enough friend to help me out with the woman I love.


Let's just hope she loves me enough to forget my past.

Notes

I feel like CRAP. But I love you guys.
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