Holding On To Love by A.E. Neal Page B

would've woken me up or something...Ugh...Never mind. I guess I'm just grumpy 'cause I didn't sleep very well. Sorry."
     
    She reached over and squeezed my arm. "Another nightmare?" She asked cautiously.
    How the hell did she know?
    "Huh?" I asked.
    "It's okay, Ally. I know you get them. Some nights are worse than others. You talk a lot in your sleep."
    "Great..." I said shrugging.
    "If you ever need to talk about them, you know I'm here for you. Kay?" She smiled warmly and pulled my in for a hug.
"Thanks, friend. Maybe someday, just not now," I said. There was no way I could sit down and tell Kennedy about my nightmares. I wasn't even sure what was real and what wasn't anymore.
    "I'm always here if you need me. I love you like a sister, you know that right?"
    "Yeah. I love you too." I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed.
    "Girl on girl action?! Oh, hell yes!" Zac shouted from behind us. He stood next to the sink with a coffee mug in hand, wearing a black muscle shirt and a pair of green basketball shorts that hung low on his defined hips.
    "Oh, shut up Zac," I said, punching him in the arm. "Moved in already I see. Sure, just make yourself at home."
    "Whatever, Ally. You know it'll be like old times. We use to have fun once, remember that?"
    "If your implying that beating me up was fun, then, yeah sure, I guess so." I rolled my eyes at him. He reached his arm around my neck and rubbed his knuckles across the top of my head, seriously tangling my hair in the process.
    "OW! What the hell, bro?" I cursed and elbowed him in the ribs. He released me and I ran my hand over the spot to smooth my hair.
    "You miss me. Don't you?" He said playfully.
    "Hardly," I said, giggling.
    "You miss me and you love me. Say it or I'll give you horse bites," he threatened.
    "It's way too early for your shit and I haven't had my caffeine yet, so leave me alone," I whined and Kennedy laughed.
    "Come on Zac, just leave her alone," she pleaded and she tugged on his muscled arm.
     
    The tea pot whistled, I flipped the switch and poured the hot water into my mug.
    "Alright, fine," he said taking Kennedy by the waist leading her out of the kitchen. I heard her giggle as they made their way into the living room. Oh, jeez.
     
    I took a spoon out of the drawer and dunked it into my mug to saturate the teabag. I grabbed Kennedy's Pop-Tarts from the toaster and put them on a napkin. I turned the corner and made my way into the living room. Kennedy and Zac sat next to each other on the couch. His arm around her shoulder and her hand on his knee.
     
    "Hey, you forgot your Pop-Tarts," I said as I came up behind the sofa.
    She reached up with her free hand. "Oh sorry, Al. I almost forgot I made those. Thanks."
    I set my tea on the oak coffee table and plopped down into the recliner.
    "There's a 'Friends' marathon all day today," Kennedy said bouncing in her seat with a mouthful of the toaster pastry.
    I smiled and watched Monica, Rachel and Phoebe laugh as they each took turns tossing their bouquets while dressed in wedding gowns. I loved this one.
    "So, Ally. What are you working on? I thought your column didn't get published until the end of the month." Kennedy asked between bites.
    I sipped my tea and cupped the mug in both hands before answering her. "Jeanette called this morning. I guess Marissa's sick and she has an interview scheduled with the Rattlesnakes tomorrow. So, she asked me to fill in," I said nonchalantly.
    She almost choked on her breakfast. "Are you serious? You know nothing about hockey."
    "Thanks for the vote of confidence." I shrugged. "I know that. I did some research this morning. I think I've got it under control."
    "That's awesome, sis. You know, Brody plays for them?" Zac asked, swiping a piece of Kennedy's Pop-Tart.
    "I'm well aware. Thank you, brother," I scoffed.
    "What?!?!" Kennedy shouted and scooted to the end of the couch to face me. "Are you gonna have to interview that douche bag?"
    I laughed, feeling my face flush.