(Shannon's POV)
I could barely sleep and eventually gave up trying. It was close to dawn when I crept into Missi's room to check on her. The daylight broke as I stood watching her sleep. I picked her necklace up off the dresser and slipped it in my pocket. That little piece of gold had greater significance to me now since it had led me to her again. The cypress had once symbolized strength to Missi, something she'd obviously had trouble finding after her accident. She would need strength to make her way out of this bogus existence and I hoped she'd want to wear it again someday. I didn't just want my princess back, I wanted her to be whole again too.
Brittany appeared in the hallway as I exited Missi's room. We had coffee while we discussed a few more details of our plan, mainly ditching Missi's phone so Michael couldn't trace her whereabouts. Once Michael's car was gone Brittany went upstairs to wake Missi.
'But who's going to walk Ubu today?' I heard Missi say as they came downstairs.
'Ubu will be fine for one day. It'll do you good to get away. Besides, I'd love for you to meet my sister.' Brittany said.
'Okay' Missi replied reluctantly.
I went to the condo to grab the rest of my things, then returned and waited for Missi and Brittany to finish getting ready to go.
We passed an exit sign for Monterey after we got on the highway. I was tempted to take it and see Missi's reaction to the lone cypress tree that once inspired her on many levels. I thought better of it since the main objective was getting her somewhere safe. When we stopped for gas and something to eat, I called Jared with an estimated arrival time.
'Wow Brit, you didn't tell me your sister was rich.' Missi said as security waved us through the gate to my house.
'It's Shannon's place. He wanted to stop by before we visit my sister.' Brittany said.
'This is really nice Shannon. What do you do for a living?' Missi asked.
'I'm in a band with my brother and I own a coffee business. Make yourself comfortable.' I said as we entered the living room.
I went out to the kitchen and made coffee, pondering what else I could do to jog Missi's memory. Obviously being where we'd spent time together wasn't effective enough for her to remember anything. I decided to try music, as lyrics had always spoken to her on a deep level. I turned on one of the songs I knew was like a mantra to her as I returned to the living room.
I could tell Missi was zoned in on the music and I hoped it might unlock something in her mind.
'This is our band. Have you ever heard this music before?' I asked.
'Yes, I have.' Missi replied with a bewildered look.
'Do you remember when?' I asked.
'Before I moved to California.' She said.
She appeared baffled, yet it was apparent she was mulling something over. I grinned at Brittany and she smiled. Now we were making progress, no matter how small.
'This is my favorite.' I said forwarding to a song that was actually her favorite.
'I remember dangling my legs in a swimming pool.' Missi said and closed her eyes.
I turned up the volume and she started mouthing the repetitious chorus.
'I'm getting flashbacks.' She said.
'Of what?' Brittany asked excitedly.
'It's going by too quickly.' She said and appeared to be reeling from the impact.
'Just relax and go with it Mi...Mel.' I said catching myself before using the wrong name.
'The tattoo.' Missi said as her eyes flew open. 'This music inspired me. I guess that's why we have the same tattoo Shannon...because of your band's music.'
'You're doing good. Keep thinking.' I said, fidgeting in my seat with anticipation of what she might remember next.
'Only good things...but I can't see his face.' She said slowly.
'Whose face?' I asked excitedly.
'He was a man I loved.' She said tearing up.
I choked up too. What she'd recalled was something I'd said many times and knew I was that man.
'Tell us something about him.' I said.
'He called me princess. But why can't I remember his face?' Missi said impatiently, her tears spilling over.
'It's okay Mel, you're starting to remember things. Don't force it, just let it come.' Brittany said and put her arm around Missi.
'Maybe a glass of wine might help you relax.' I said.
'Michael says drinking isn't good for me.' She said and stiffened up.
'We're on a mini vacation today, don't people usually let loose then?' I said repeating a comment she'd made in the past.
'I have heard that. Yes, I'd like a glass of wine please.' She said.
I knew it wasn't nice plying her with wine, but I poured her a hearty glassful nonetheless. I was curious to see if she'd swig it.
'Thanks' She said as I handed it to her.
She took a sip and closed her eyes. Raising the glass to her lips once more she took a healthy gulp and Brittany and I grinned at each other.
'It tastes so good.' Missi sighed.
'Let me know if you'd like more.' I said stifling a chuckle.
'Okay' Missi said eagerly.
'I'm going outside for a smoke if anyone would like to join me.' I said.
I didn't want a cigarette as much as I wanted to see if Missi might recall she'd smoked. I was likely pushing her a little too fast, but I was exhilarated by what she'd remembered and craved more. Brittany followed my lead.
'Wait for me.' Missi said finishing the rest of her wine.
Missi watched intently as I lit up a cigarette and inhaled deeply.
'I'd really like one of those Shannon. Can I have one please?' She asked.
'Sure' I said handing her the pack.
'I guess it's been a while.' She chuckled as she inhaled, then started coughing.
'Have a seat girls.' I said.
'This area seems oddly familiar.' Missi said looking around.
'Do you remember why?' I asked.
'No, but I think I've seen it before. Maybe in a movie or something.' Missi said.
'Would you like more wine?' I asked once we were back inside.
'I think I do.' Missi said, grabbing her glass and heading to the kitchen on her own.
I was intrigued by how she was making herself at home and serving herself.
'I'm going upstairs to get something. I'll be right back.' I said.
I dug through a box of bracelets from fans and found the one Missi had custom made for me. It was one of the things I couldn't part with after she left. I went back downstairs and handed it to her.
'Take a look at this and see if you recall anything.' I said.
She thumbed through the various symbolic beads and letters.
'You are my music.' She said slowly. 'Wait, why do I think I picked these beads?'
'Because you did.'
'Is it mine?'
'No, try again.' I said meeting her curious stare.
'I don't know then.'
'It's mine.' I said, and she looked utterly confused.
'Why would you have this if I picked the beads?'
'Think Missi.' I said using that name on purpose.
'Was I one of your fans?'
A shockwave appeared to strike, and she broke down. The realization of why she'd picked beads for a bracelet that belonged to me had obviously hit.
'No, it can't be.' She wept.
'Why can't it Miss?'
'Because it doesn't make sense.'
'Maybe because you don't remember everything.' I said kneeling in front of her. 'Look at me princess, can you really tell me you don't remember me?'
'Why are you doing this to me?' She sobbed after searching my eyes.
I hadn't anticipated how upsetting the realization would be for her and it tugged at my heart.
'I just want you to remember who you were...and what we meant to each other.' I said softly.
'But you and Brittany...'
'No Miss, we were pretending so I could be near you and help you remember.'
'I can't do this!' She said stubbornly.
'But why Miss?' I pleaded.
'Because I don't remember enough.'
'Don't you want to remember?'
'I want to know the truth. But this...it's too far out.'
I sat down beside her and folded her into my arms.
'I love you Miss. I never stopped loving you.'
'No' She sobbed pushing me away.
'Why are you fighting this princess? Are you afraid to let me in again?' I whispered.
'I need to go lay down for a while.' She declared stubbornly and stood up. She started walking away and froze.
'Oh my God!' She uttered slowly.'
What?' I asked.
'I know exactly where the bedroom is...where I used to sleep.' She said and put her hands over her face.
'Of course you do Miss.' I said.
'Why aren't we still together if this is true?' She demanded.
'I made a huge mistake, one I've never truly forgiven myself for.'
'Did you cheat on me?'
'No, I thought you were cheating on me. I went insane when I saw a picture of you and your neighbor. You looked so happy in his arms and I thought the worst. The only way I felt I could cope was relying on an old crutch. I got really messed up and did and said things that I never would have otherwise.' I replied reluctantly, pausing before I could continue.
'Then I slapped you. You said you couldn't be with anyone who'd hurt you or mistrust you. You disappeared, and I never saw you again until the other day. I was so terribly wrong Missi.' I said somberly.
It stung having to admit how badly I'd treated her over something that was unfounded. I was astonished by where that led her next, not at all where I would have expected.
'I was a different person then, wasn't I? I was stronger, so much stronger that I walked away from someone I truly loved. No wonder I didn't feel like I belonged anywhere. I'm not the person I think I am.'
'Yes, you were a strong person.'
'My head is spinning. I need to be alone. I want to go home.' She said switching modes and panicking.
'You're not going back there so Michael can hurt you again. The person you were would never have put up with that.'
'Oh God no! Last night, I remember telling you now.' She said sinking to her knees.
I sat down beside her and took her hand.
'None of that matters. It doesn't change anything for me Miss. I just want to take care of you and help you remember who you were. You wrote a book about how you overcame challenges. You wanted to help others find their strength too. You need to find yours again.'
'Michael said my book was trash and I should be ashamed for having written it. He told me never to mention it again.'
'Michael doesn't want what's best for you babe. You need to get that crap out of your head. He used you! If he cared, he never would have let other men touch you. You have to see that.'
'I can't do this.' She said and rushed up the stairs.
'I'll talk to her.' Brittany said and followed her.