Nineteen.
As the week progressed, my memory did not improve. I could, however, remember little details of my life in Texas but nothing that would shed light on why I was here or who had waltzed themselves in my life during my stay. Andy tried to help but it proved to be futile. More often than not, I would receive throbbing headaches that would only worsen the more I try to recall my memory.
When I wasn't trying to regain my memory, I would gloss over the events that had occurred after my mom announced our move. I had understood why my brother had freaked out – he had a life here and he was forced to give it all up for a sister who couldn't even remember why she had landed herself in the hospital.
What I didn't understand was why Chris and Ryan had reacted the way they did. From what I recalled – which was very little and very vague – we weren't well acquainted. And the way Ryan barged out of the room, shaking and trembling had only fueled my confusion. I'd glanced at my brother, hoping for an explanation but only received a slight shake of the head. Chris left shortly after.
My mother had informed me that the doctor wished that I stay overnight so they could perform more test and make certain that my stitches doesn't tear open. And since she couldn't abandon her job, my brother was ordered to stay with me.
Somehow, over the course of twelve hours, my mother had found a small condo in California and had accepted the lease offer. So, the second I was released from the hospital, I was put in charge of packing up my forgotten life and depositing it in the car's trunk.
Soon, the life I'd had in Texas would soon be a speck of memory in the vastness of my mind.
...
“Jamie,” Mom called as I dumped the suitcase filled with my clothes in the trunk. I turned, squinting as the sun's rays burned my eyes, and raised my eyebrows expectantly. My mother sashayed up to me and gave me a small hug. “I'm sorry but this is for the best.”
I cast my eyes downward, wishing for the umpteenth time that I could remember. “Mom, why are we moving?”
She brushed my hair from my eyes and allowed me a small smile; the gesture brightened her features and brought a small light in her eyes. “Sweetheart, you were shot. I can't let that happen again.” She kissed my forehead and waved for my brother to come over. “Andy, take her to the school, get the withdrawal letter and her school record and files, alright? Come straight back. I still need you to take care of some things.”
My brother nodded stiffly and took my arm, guiding me to the car and pushing me into the passenger seat. I clasped my seatbelt on and stared straight ahead as Andy slid in, started the engine, and zoomed out of the neighborhood.
I focused on anything but his dampened features. The scenery was spectacular: the birds chirped and sang, the trees swayed gently in the early autumn breeze and the blue sky was clear and vast. I committed the scene to memory and sat in silence as we merged onto the highway. The quietness was deafening and the only sound that could be heard was the distinct whirring of the air conditioning in the car. Finally, I swiveled my head to the side and spoke softly, my voice amplified in the compacted space of the car. “I'm sorry.”
Without taking his eyes off the road, he replied sharply, “For what?”
“It's my fault that we're moving again. You were just getting settled and–”
“Stop right there.” Andy interjected, finally meeting my gaze squarely. “It's not your fault. If anything it's Ry–” His features darkened and he trailed off before continuing, discarding his earlier words. “It's not your fault.” He stated firmly. “Maybe this is for the best.”
I looked down at my hand. Something pulled at my chest, a fluttering, unsettling feeling. “Andy, w-why was I shot? What did I do?”
The car suddenly swerved and a gasp left my lips before he righted the steering wheel. My heart hammered in my chest and I was panting as if I'd just completed a marathon. “Sorry.” My brother apologized, taking an exit before soaring through the gates of the school.
I gripped the armrest tightly. Never in my existence have I feared for my life while Andy was behind the wheel. Apparently, my faith in his driving ability have far exceeded their expiration date. Why was he driving so recklessly? I was finally able to exhale in relief when he pulled into a parking lot. My legs wobbled as I climbed out of the car and headed for the entrance of the school.
“Go clean out your locker, okay? I'll meet you in the front.” was all he said before he spun deftly on his heels and disappeared between the masses of bodies.
I hesitated briefly before squeezing through the crowded hallways. Everything was strange and new to me; it was like the first day of school all over again. I couldn't navigate my surroundings nor could I remember which section of the school I was in. Many turns later, I stood alone in an empty hallway, bemused and lost. The tardy bell had rung long ago and the halls had emptied out. I spun around and exhaled loudly, mentally reprimanding myself.
If you couldn't remember which room was yours, what makes you think you can remember where your locker was? My inner conscience asked dryly.
I groaned and started for the double doors at the end of the hall with the exit sign hanging above it. As I walked, my fingers skimmed along the cold, rusty metal of the lockers and tried to regain any recollection of my time in this school. Like any other times I tried to conjure up a memory, it failed.
The hallway branched right and left, like a T, and when I reached the doors, Chris and Ryan rounded the bend. I smiled and ran up to them, glad to recognize familiar faces. “Hey, guys!” I greeted.
Ryan stopped and froze, a grim smile began to spread across his face. “You remember?” He asked hopefully, taking a step closer to me.
I shook my head sadly. “No. I don't. The only reason I remember you guys was because of the introduction my brother made at the hospital.”
Their faces fell visibly and my heart twisted uncomfortably in my chest. Finally, Chris piped up, breaking the tension. “Well, hey, how do you feel?”
I smiled, grateful for the change in topic, even if it was abrupt and patted my stomach, wincing in the process. “Sore and exhausted.” I answered truthfully, making a face. Pain and I were not on good terms lately.
“Shouldn't you be in bed rest?” Ryan inquired, his jaw tensing.
I laughed but the sound was strained. “I would be if my mom isn't running around, trying to pack up the house. I'm just here to clean out my locker; Andy's in the front, getting my records. Oh, and if I wasn't moving today.”
“Moving?” Ryan echoed. “Why so fast? Your mom just announced the move a few days ago!” His voice volume rose with every syllable.
“You know my mom, or maybe you don't.” I backtracked. “Anyways, The landlord need her to sign the lease in person and since she doesn't trust us to stay here after what happened, we're going up there with her.”
Chris spoke up hoarsely. “She found a house already?”
I nodded slightly. “Well, a condo.” I pursed my lips and looked around the empty corridor. “Would you guys mind taking me to my locker, assuming you know where it is?”
Ryan agreed and began turning, going in the opposite direction. I scrambled to follow him while Chris flanked me. I turned my head and arched an eyebrow. “Shouldn't you two be in class?” I questioned. Ryan turned the corner and led us up a flight of a stairs. The slight jostles of my stomach was enough to sent a bolt of pain straight to my center.
“Are you okay? Do you need me to carry you?” Ryan called back to me. The corners of his lips curled up in a hint of a smirk and I made a face.
“No, thanks. I'm fine.” I replied. On the second floor, we wound through the complicated labyrinth of classrooms until we reached rows and rows of lockers. Halfway down the middle, Ryan stopped and pointed at one: 786. I smiled my thanks and grabbed the combination dial...before my mind drew a blank on my combination. I banged my head against the door of the locker and sighed loudly.
“Twenty-two, thirty-seven, six.” Ryan belted out. I raised my hand to the dial and spun the numbers. Miraculously, it clicked open.
“And now I'm very scared.” I teased, grabbing the jacket hanging on the hook on the right wall. With a grunt, I began to gather my books and materials. I stacked them in my arms and slammed the locker door shut, staring mournfully at the green metal box. With reluctance, I turned around, giving the boys a watery smile. Even though I didn't remember what transpired between the three of us, their absence would cause me a tremendous amount of sadness.
“I-I have to go. Andy's waiting for me.” I announced, voice choked up with emotions. I cleared my throat and hoisted the books tighter in my arms. When I cast my eyes downward, I saw Ryan's hands tightened and his form shook.
Chris opened his arms and I walked into them. He wrapped his arms around my torso and I gave him a small squeeze, feeling a tad bit awkward. I pulled back and he moved aside, pushing Ryan forward. I smiled tentatively and wrapped my arms around his stiff torso. He didn't move but eventually, he loosened and embraced me back. I snuggled my face in the nook of his shoulders and felt his arms snaked around my waist, pulling me tighter against him.
The world and all my worries disappeared briefly. It felt like just the two of us, alone. To my surprise, tears sprung to my eyes and I wiped them on my arms, laughing with embarrassment.
“I'm going to miss you.” I murmured in his ear.
“I wish you could remember who I am.” He replied.
I nodded my agreement and felt a pang as I pulled away. I turned and took a step back. “Can you tell anyone that I happen to forget good-bye?”
They both nodded.
I tried for a brave smile but it came out as a grimace. Just then, my phone vibrated with a text from Andy. “I have to go. Maybe we'll come back to visit one day?” I asked to offer some comfort and reassurance that I'll see them again someday. With that, I turned and retraced my steps. In just a few minutes, I burst through the double doors into the front office. I spotted Andy standing by the exit with a manilla file in hand.
“Let's go.” I ordered hoarsely, keeping my head down.
Together, we walked out into the parking lot with the sun beating down on the asphalt. I swiped my forehead and my fingers were wet with sweat. I made a face and dragged it down the length of my jean-clad thigh. On the way back, the scenery reflected my pain and sadness. The sky had darkened and the clouds floated along the murky blue vastness. The breeze slowed and the trees drooped to one side.
They look like they were weeping.
…
The moving truck whizzed past us as we pulled into the driveway. My eyes zeroed in on the Sold! sign staked on our front lawn. I scowled and clenched my fist as Andy idled the car. A second later, my mother tore out the door, locking it behind her, before racing to the car.
Andy climbed from the driver's seat and she replaced him. I pushed the passenger side door open and switched seats with my brother. I can't be in close proximity with my mother right now. She wouldn't tell me what happened. She wouldn't tell me why she was so hasty to move our family. I was in the dark and I didn't like it.
“Did you get it?” She asked as she reversed gears and slowly inched forward, taking one last look at the house.
“Yeah.” Andy handed the file to her and she looked it over, nodding appreciatively before stuffing it in the glove compartment.
I sighed and leaned back against the leather interior, taking my iPod from my pocket and slipping the earbuds in my ear, trying to drown out my heartache by the music pounding rhythmically in my ears.
“You'll love the condo.” My mother chirped, shooting my brother and I a wide smile.
I doubt it, I thought sourly. As we past our house, my eyes watered at the sight. Even though I have no recollection of my life in Texas, I had a feeling it was the best part of my life.
…
“Jamie,” Someone hissed. “wake up!”
I jerked upward and flailed my arms violently. “Ah! What?” I shouted, springing up.
“We're here.” Andy helped me out of the car. I stumbled and stretched, squinting against the blinding sun.
“God, I don't remember the ride being that long.” I complained as the spots vanished from my vision and I took in the gleaming pristine building towering in front of me. In the distant, I could hear the waves rolling against the shore. The air smelled of salt water and sand. Seagulls and pelicans calls filled the atmosphere. People bustled about, jogging or strolling. Some smiled at Andy and I while others ignored us, their thoughts occupied with music from their iPods.
“C'mon. Mom's in the landlord's office, signing the lease.” Andy informed me. “She'll be out soon.”
I nodded and stretched my neck, trying to work out the crick at the base of my neck. “How long have I been asleep?”
“During the entire trip here.” He chuckled and ruffled my hair. I danced out of the way and leaned against the closed trunk. My brother sat next to me and propped his feet on the bumper and stared straight ahead. “How are you feeling?” He asked.
I shrugged and ran my fingers through my hair. “Fine.” I replied tersely. Andy gave me a look and I repeated more firmly, “I'm fine, alright?”
Andy nodded, holding his hands up in a gesture of surrender. “Alright. If you say so.” We sat in silence, watching as the sun dipped behind the horizon. The air thickened with humidity and I felt the spray of ocean water touched my cheeks. The breeze ruffled and lifted my hair, caressing my face. “Hey, there's Mom.” Andy jumped down and helped me off the bumper.
We reconvened and she showed us the two-year lease in her hand. “Okay, guys, let's move the stuff up to our condo. The movers is delivering the rest of our stuff tomorrow.”
I frowned. “Why do they always take so long?”
“Sweetie, they have a restriction against driving overnight.” Mom informed me.
I snorted, and grabbed the nearest box, keeping it a good inch away from my midriff. “That's stupid.” I commented.
“That's how it works.” She stated.
As they walked ahead, I trailed behind, struggling with the box in my hand. A jogger ran past and bumped me from behind, causing a gasp to tore through my lips. The box slipped from my hand and I prepared myself for the impact and the shatter.
“Got it!” Someone said then the box appeared in my peripheral.
I blinked and raised my eyes to the stranger. His gray eyes widened and his lips broke into a wide smile. “Mia?”
I grinned and took the box from his hands. “Mitch!”
“Oh, my God! You're back!” He pulled me into his embrace and placed a wet, over-exaggerated kiss on my forehead.
“Yeah,” I exclaimed, pushing him away and dodging his overzealous arms trying to pull me back into his arms. “I'm back.”
Somewhere in the back of my mind, a voice announced grandly: And it begins anew.
__________________________
New chapter update! No Author's Note so...LOL. Enjoy!
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