**NICKI POV**
I woke up to the sound of voices. The sterile hospital scent. A relatively dry mouth. Oxygen being mechanically pumped into my nose.
"She's waking up" an unfamilar voice spoke.
"Hey" a slightly familiar voice smiled and waved at me. "I was so worried about you babe." He kissed my hand then my cheek.
"Can you speak?" the dorcot asked.
"Yes." I said softly.
"Whats your name?"
I stared at him blankly. what is my name?
"Onika do you remember having a severe headache?"
I thought back as far as I could.
"No" i replied.
"You had what we call an intracerebral hemmorhage. Or bleeding within the brain. Its a sort of stroke." He explained.
"Physically you are fine. But your memory will have to return gradually. There are most likely only some things you've forgotten but with your family's help you should be fine." he continued.
"Okay" I said softly.
He left.
The other man came and sat beside me. "How you feeling?"
I guess I was supposed to recognize him. But I didnt.
"Nic?" he touched my arm.
I stared blankly at him.
"You have no idea who I am huh?" he sighed.
I took a moment to think as hard as I could. I felt my face redden and tears surfaced the bottom of my eyes.
"No" I admitted.
He took my hand and revealed that I had been wearing a diamond ring. He put his hand beside mine and revealed his wedding band.
"Nic we're married." he explained.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Good."
"Why you say that?" He laughed a little.
"Because I think you're cute." I giggled. My voice was low but it was fine.
"The kids will be glad to know you're awake." He said in an effort to avoid my comment, even though he couldnt help but continue chuckling about it himself.
"We have kids?" I looked up at him.
"We adopted 4 children; Logan, Olivia, Matthew, and Skylar." he replied.
"I bet they are wonderful." I smiled.
"Yeah.."
We sat in silence for a while. I began growing tired.
"I'm sorry by the way." I replied.
"For what?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Sorry I can't remember anything. I imagine it's annoying having to tell me everything." I replied.
"Babe, its not your fault. Its not annoying. Im just happy you're better." He held one of my hands between both of his.
The doctor entered, "Do you feel comfortable enough to go home ?"
I looked to my husband. He returned the look back to me.
"You guys can take a few minutes to decide." the doctor nodded and reexited the room.
"Do you want to come home?" he asked.
"Yeah."
I had to be pushed in a wheelchair to the car and from the car to the house.
"This is our house?" I asked.
"Yeah."
"I dont remember it at all." I sighed, annoyed with my own condition.
He nodded and carried me bridal style to the bed and tucked me in.
He began straightening my side of the room up. As he finished I had built up a list of questions for him.
"Hey.. Uh husband." I called to him.
"Yes? My name is Aubrey by the way, most people call me Drake." he informed.
"Do you love me?" I asked.
"If I didnt, we wouldnt have been together this long and I would not be here with you right now."
I smiled.
"What?" He noticed.
"I always wanted to be loved by someone." I reached my arms towards him.
He embraced my hug.
He began to pull away but I pulled him back "Dont let me go."
He tightened his grip around me, "I wont." he assured me.
I sat in his arms thinking of how he didnt even know what was wrong but still didnt hesitate to do it. I felt tears escape my eyes.
"What's wrong babe?" he asked softly.
"I cant remember anything." I whined as the tears came flowing.
"Babe its okay." he pushed my hair out of my face and wiped my tears. "I know your frustrated, but this is only temporary."
"Kiss me please" I asked "I want to remember what its like to be in love with someone who loves me just as much."
He kissed me, it was slow deep and passionate. It may have only lasted a few moments but seemed like eternity. I may not have the memories we cherished together but the kiss reminded me of the love we had for eachother.
"I love you." I whispered once the kiss ended.
"I love you too." he pecked my lips and held me again until I drifted off to sleep.
