Part Nine
“We’ll put you on the couch,” said Giles to Jesse, as they entered his apartment.
Jesse stared at Giles with frightened eyes, and stammered in a near whisper, “Uh, I-I’d really… I mean, I don’t want to be alone.”
“It’s okay, Uncle Rupert,” said Iam quickly, “he can stay in my room.”
Giles looked at Iam and Jesse for a minute, “If you’re certain, I suppose it would be alright.”
Iam showed Jesse to his bedroom. “I understand, you know. After Uncle Rupert took me in, I couldn’t bear to sleep alone. Nightmares.”
“How long have you been with your uncle?” asked Jesse, sitting on the edge of Iam’s bed as Iam leaned against the now shut door.
“The adoption was final two months ago, but I’ve been living with him for nearly half a year.”
“Then how come you’ve got fresh bruises? And not from the jocks?”
Iam studied his hands for a moment before looking at Jesse responding bitterly, “My da was at the airport when our plane landed. He gave me a ‘proper’ welcome to America.”
“Oh, God, I’m sorry,” said Jesse, shocked.
“S’okay, you didn’t know.”
A knock sounded at the door. “I’ve brought some bedding for Jesse. May I come in?”
“Of course, Uncle Rupert,” said Iam, stepping away and opening the door.
Giles handed Iam the pillow and blankets. “Well, you boys have a good night,” he said, as he shut the door.
A few hours after the two fell asleep, Jesse awoke panting for breath. He’d been dreaming that Xander was screaming for help, but he couldn’t reach him to help. Then his parents were holding their arms out to him and calling for him, but a faceless stranger pulled him away. “No!”
“What’s wrong?” came a sleepy voice.
“Nightmare. Can-can I come up there with you?”
“ ‘Course,” mumbled Iam. “Just don’t hog the covers.”
Jesse moved from the nest of blankets on the floor and slipped into the bed beside Iam.