Arabic Lullaby

Night came upon the Winner household and since the boys’ marriages, things have been quiet lately…no yelling from down the hall, no muddy footprints from playing football in the rain, yep things seemed quite peaceful except the faint sound of someone knocking on a door…

Quatre groggily opened his eyes and sat up; he stared at the digital clock on his bed stand and sighed. Who of all people would want to knock on his bedroom door at 1:00 in the morning!?  He got out of bed, wearing his usual white wife-beater and boxers, and opened his door. At first, he expected a maid or someone of the sort to be there, instead it was Aya. She was staring at the ground and fooled with the bottom of her long-sleeved PJ shirt.

Quatre stared at her for a moment, wondering why she looked so helpless. No, that wasn’t the word…scared? Maybe…
“Are you alright? Is something wrong?” He asked worriedly.

For a moment, she just stood there, in her blue PJs staring at the ground. Then, in a small voice she said, “I…I can’t sleep.”

Quatre smiled. So THAT’S why, he mused and led her into the room. “Having night terrors?” He asked as he closed the door. His answer, however, was not verbal, was her wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her head into his back  He didn’t say anything, just stood there, wondering what was wrong.

“For…for some reason…I…I can’t sleep in a room by myself.” She sniffled through his wife-beater. “I…I feel scared…I’m sorry I had to wake you…but…”

Quatre turned around and kissed her then took her hand. “Come with me.” He guided her to the bed and pulled the covers over and in a gentle voice said, “Lie down, Aya.”

Aya blushed madly but complied, she didn’t expect him to act like THIS. She watched as he carefully pulled the covers over her and walked over to the other side and lied down with her. Once he laid down, he held out his arms to her.

“Come here, Aya.”

Aya then gulped as her blush intensified. Oh god…now I wish I just stayed in my own room… Slowly, she scooted over to him and he held her to him; his hand started to run through her hair like a comb and Aya felt her eyes close…it felt so right to be here, in his arms, the feeling of his fingers through her hair…everything felt so right…but, something was missing…what was missing?

Then, she heard it…him humming faintly…and then he started to sing in a strange language…she guessed it was Arabic. She sighed…that’s what was missing…the song made the moment right…it was perfect…she soon fell into a wondrous sleep with a small smile on her face.

Quatre stared down at her for a moment then kissed the top of her head.

“Sleep well bright angel. Dream of beautiful things and happy times.” And then, he fell asleep, with his second love lying in his arms.

And as the two slept a ghostly figure stepped into the room and smiled warmly. She was glad she and Quatre could, in a way, have a second chance…

She walked over and placed a ghostly kiss upon Quatre’s head. Goodbye, my darling…hope you are happy with my choice… She stared at Aya and smiled. Take good care of him, my reincarnation… Then she left as silently as she came…