FORTY-FOUR
It’s like the first time we met. Lauren and I are silent. But his dad and Hendrick have already explained our relationship to her. Sadly, not on the part that we already fell in love with because no one knows about it.
Selective amnesia. She doesn’t remember anything since she found out she was going to marry me. She doesn’t remember that we met, had a deal, something happened, and mostly that she already fell for me. Lauren’s memory came back three years ago. The time when she will meet her daddy and they will talk about who she will marry.
“I’m sorry.” I looked when she said that. I see the sadness in her eyes accompanied by a heavy sigh.
“For?”
“For not remembering you. They said that we live in one house. That we built being a couple and we even call each other wife and hubby. But I can’t remember anything. I tried but I can’t.”
“It’s ok. You don’t have to force yourself. The important thing is you’re ok,” I said. “Just get better.”
“They said you helped me get out in my agency. That your parents helped me to pay for the expenses. Is it true?”
“Hmph.”
“Thank you, I’ve wanted to quit for a long time, and thank God you helped me.”
“Small thing. You did everything for me too.”
We were quiet again. Both felt the same. Until he spoke.
“So I called you hubby. Can I call you hubby now?” I wanted to stand and hug her tightly. I want to tell her that I hope she remembers that she loves me. I hope she remembers me.
“Yeah.”
“Hubby, am I a good wife?” she asked smiling at me.
“Of course, you do everything at home. You took care of me, you did everything. You cook, do the laundry, wash the dishes, and all.” She nodded then smiled.
“Well, I can say that we are close because I never cook for anyone. And because I cooked for you that means we are not only close but you are important.”
“Am I?” I asked with a smile. I can’t explain what I feel. She never mentioned that to me but now that she did I proved that I was more important to her than Hendrick. I can also say that she loves me more.
“Hmm,” she answered. “Because it’s not my habit to cook, I don’t cook for Hendrick. So, we are good friends?”
“Yeah.” I saw her eyes twinkle. And she seems comfortable talking to me.
“Hendrick told me that I stayed with her before the accident happened. We go together and you allow us?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh, so you’re not that strict. Just wondering why you allow us because we are a couple. Shouldn’t you be strict.” I smile. Even if she doesn’t remember me, her questioning and curious nature are still there. And the innocence is still there.
“So tell me more about us, about our friendship, and us being a couple.” I smiled softly and looked at her. I want to say that she loves me and I love her. I want to tell him that we have fallen for each other. That we are planning to continue our marriage and that she is planning to break up with her boyfriend.
But I don’t want to lead her because it will just come out that I’m a liar and taking advantage of what happened to her.
“We’re good. We respect each other’s decisions. We enjoy each other’s company. We live like a real couple.” I saw her eyes widen as if surprised. “Are you ok?”
“We live like a real couple?” she asked.
“Yeah. Why?”
“So we do the—–” She couldn’t finish what she was going to say but she signed her fingers in terms of sex. ‘Should I confess or wait for her to remember?’ “We did it?” she asked.
“No,” I replied. “We only kiss.”
“In the lips?”
“Yeah.”
“Ah!” No one spoke. We just looked at each other again. I miss her, fuck, I miss her so damn much.
“Hubby?” My heart throbs in excitement. I stared into her eyes full of innocence while waiting for what she would say next.
“Y-yeah?”
“If we live in the same house and sleep in the same room. It means that after here, I will come with you?”
“Huh?”
“I mean, I’m going home to you?”
“Yeah.”
“Ah!” Again no one spoke when the door opened and Hendrick came. I see her wide smile when Hendrick approached her with flowers. I feel hurt, but what rights do I have right now if she didn’t remember me?
“Hi, sweetheart.” Hendrick greeted her and kissed her on the forehead.
“I’m looking for you.” She said softly so I looked away when they kissed on the lips.
“I just went home to get dressed and to buy you flowers.”
“Thanks.” And again they kiss. I want to beat him in the forehead until the skull breaks.
“How’s your feeling?” I heard a stupid question.
“Physically good, I tried to remember everything. But I only get a headache when I push,” Lauren answered.
“Don’t rush it. The important thing is that you remembered us.” He said, they’re the only ones, aren’t they?
‘She’s going to break up with you. She should remember that.’
“But I want to remember Dale, too.” Then she looked at me. I just gave her a smile when Hendrick spoke.
“We already told you, he’s your husband in the paper. For business and that’s all,” Hendrick said.
‘Fuck you, how many times has happened to us and you don’t know that we already love each other.’
“Nothing more, nothing less,” he added. What if I hit him now?Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
“I know that, ’cause all I love you,” Lauren said then looked at me. I want to tell her that she loves me and not that man anymore. “But of course, since Dale is my husband and we are at home together I want to remember him too.”
“You will, soon.” And he kissed Lauren’s forehead. “For now you need to rest. You need to heal completely so we can go home.”
“We / You?” Lauren and I asked together.
“Something wrong with it?” What is something wrong with it he is saying? Is he stupid enough to take my wife with him? Maybe now he can taste my punch.
“As far as I remember she lives with me,” I said.
“But she doesn’t remember you,”
“So? we’re still married so she will come home with me?”
“Sweetheart, I think Dwayne Dale is right. Then I don’t want daddy to get angry. Didn’t you also say that we are married and everyone knows that? And above all, we are at home together, so why should I go home with you?” Lauren asked him.’
“Sweetheart.” I really wanted to stand up to spank him. Then now he will hold Lauren by the shoulder. “We talk about something before the accident happens.” Lauren frowned because of what he said.
“About what?” Lauren asks and then looks at me. But instead of answering, Hendrick shook his head.
“Never mind. Remember too and if I will remind you again but not now.”
“Sweetheart, help me to remember.”
“I will, just take a rest first. I love you.”
“I love you, too.” And they kiss again.
I will make sure Lauren will for me again you asshole.