the lost 5 years of my life

chapter 3: my once upon a best friend

Helen Clearwater: paralegal

I looked at the name plate on the door. I knocked at the door. It was not a good idea to drop at her work. But I wasn't sure where she lived now. And my mother only knew the firm she was working.

"Come in"
I went into the room. Helen was standing behind her desk.

She looked like she couldn't believe her eyes at the sight of me.

"Oh, Mary"
"Hi Helen"
I walked to her. Found it strange that they didn't come visit me at the hospital. She was my best friend through college. But I didn't want to make a big deal out of that.

"You heard I was in hospital right?, I was discharged like a couple days ago"

"Ahh yeah, I've been meaning to call, but I am not sure you still use the old phone number"
"Hmm, you don't know my phone? Well, it doesn't matter, I currently don't even have a phone"
We sat at the table.

It was a small room, but neat and tidy. decorated just as in Helen's taste.
And Helen too. She had her hair tied up high, wore bright lipstick and well ironed pant suit.
She was beautiful, she was always beautiful, and she hadn't aged a day from what I remembered.

"You look good Helen, well, have you heard? I lost my memories"
She looked awkward and lost words for a few seconds, and replied,

"I heard I heard, I am so sorry. Mary, I should have tried harder to contact you. Its just its been a while and I don't know .."

I thought one thing now. 5 years was a long time. We might not be best friends anymore.

I said with sadness in my voice, "we were no longer close, I guess"

She lowered her head, looking even more awkward, "actually we haven't even spoken for like 3 years, we last met at your brother wedding, yeah, Bobby invited me"

"Bobby invited you? Oh my God, did something happen between us?"

"No, its not like that, well. I am sorry. I don't know why I said that. Its not like I was mad at you. I understand. I mean, its just I don't really know what has been going on. Lately I mean"
She looked nervous. And I must have looked the same.

Well, more disappointed. I didn't know what happen. And there seemed to be no way to know more about my life from her, my once best friend.

I didn't wanna ask her who my new best friend was.

I stayed for a couple more minutes, exchanged contact info, which meant got her social media handle and phone number. I listened about her life and about our other friends.

it seemed like everyone was working the jobs we all thought we would do. and every friend of us was more or less doing fine and happy. One close friend was even engaged.

And after a while, we had nothing more to say.

"I should go now. Helen, thank you. I will contact you as soon as I get new number. I think I lost my phone too. And I don't remember passwords of any of my accounts"

but from what i heard, i wasnt active on social before the accident. another strange new thing about me.

"Of course, I understand. No worries. We should catch up"

As I turned the doornob, she reached behind me.
"Mary"
I turned around. She hugged me.

"I miss you, Mary. Let me know updates. And you can tell me anything you want to tell. I m here for you, M"

i didnt know why, but she looked sadder than she should be for a long lost friend who just had an accident and memory loss.

I felt suddenly so warm. I almost cried. Although for me, it was just a couple weeks ago we hugged. It felt so safe to hear such words in such a confused state I was in. And hearing her say my name that way it made me feel so good.

"I will, H"