Amnesia

Chapter Eight - Searching for evidence

They spent the entire day inside the library. The floor was littered with papers and binders and pictures of her family. Eric was a big help. While she read the articles about her own life, he searched for more information she could use. What he deemed unnecessary was put back into the shelf, and what he thought would be of help for her was added to the pile on the floor. She read every single line he gave her. More than once she would frown and go back a few pages in order to understand what she was looking at. A few times she would break the silence in the room to ask him a question. He answered all of them, even if he didn't know the answer to each and every one.

Both of them jumped when a loud chime sounded in the enclosed library. They looked at each other and laughed. The sound of the grandfather clock broke the tension. "Thank you for your help, Eric. I really appreciate it."

"Of course, princess", he smiled. He looked down at the floor. "Seems like Nat has her work cut out for her."

Marley laughed, a real throaty laugh that tickled her tongue. It felt strange. She hadn't laughed like that since she woke up in the hospital. "Thank you, Eric." This time he didn't deny her gratitude or answer her. They both knew what she said thanks for. She held her hand out towards in. "Help me up?"

Taking her hand in a secure grip, he pulled her up. The strength surprised her and she fell against his chest. Looking up, she felt his breath on her lips. Eric didn't push her away. In fact, he didn't move at all. He just held her hand against his heart and stared into her eyes. Before she could stop herself, she leaned closer, until she felt his soft mouth. A light peck. That was what she had anticipated. Not the spark of fire bathing her skin at the touch. His hand went up to her neck, pushing her face nearer to his, pressing their lips together. She was imprisoned in his arms. The hardness of his chest, the force in his grip, the softness of his lips, his smell, it made her head spin. She lost herself in him. Time seemed to stop as they kissed.

Their harsh breaths echoed in the dark space. "Eric", she whispered. "Tell me. Tell me what's happening."

He didn't move. "No." His answer was so low she barely heard it. Slowly, she took a step back. Her hand was still resting on his chest, but she was no longer pressed against his body. "No, Marley. I can't." Once again time stopped as they looked at each other. His face was completely devoid of emotion. "Don't ask that of me, please..." Anguish colored his voice.

"Eric", Marley said softly, stepping back into his embrace. He held her close. "I know that you're keeping something from me." She lifted her hand to stroke her thumb along his lower lip. "Seeing the articles about my father made me realize that something shady is going on here. Tell me."

A small sigh escaped Eric's lips. She felt the tremor in the fingers pressed to his chest. "Alright." Finally, he admitted defeat. Marley smiled. "You tell me what you figured out and I'll explain."

"No fair!" she exclaimed. "What if I'm wrong?"

"Well, that's your problem, isn't it, princess?" He chuckled. "Okay, okay," he held his hands up, palms towards her. A sign of surrender. "I'll tell you everything after dinner."

Leaning down, he gave her a quick kiss on the lips. She dropped her hands, smiled, and sighed. "I guess that's as good a promise as anything."

Together they walked out the door and down the stairs. No one said anything. Still, the silence wasn't uncomfortable. She felt strangely at ease in Eric's company. It wasn't until they entered the dining room that the silence got broken.

Orlando and her mother were standing with their heads close together and talking with low voices. When Marley and Eric entered the room her mother saw them, and abruptly shut her mouth. Confused, Orlando turned around. At first, his eyebrows were irritable knitted. Then he put on a big smile.