Close As Strangers // C.H.

Chapter 2:

Brooke's POV

Los Angeles doesn't seem to bring back any memories so far. We have only been here for two days, visiting the city and walking along the beach.

Calum said he has a surprise for me tonight, he's going to take me somewhere that he hopes will jog my memory.

He won't give me any hints, and Max already left with him to help him set something up. They left me here at this hotel.

It's not bad, I mean it's got a pool and it's right beside the beach.

I grab my laptop and sit on the ledge of the room's balcony. The sun is just setting and it's beautiful.

I open up my pictures and videos to browse through them. All I see is pictures after pictures of a family and a group of friends that I can't remember.

There is quite a few dozen pictures from being on tour with Calum and our friends.

Imagine my reaction when Calum told me that him and the guys were an international band. I was so shocked, but then he took me to one of their concerts. It was an absolutely amazing experience.

Max has told me stories from when we were little, but I can tell that he is holding out on me. He makes it seem like there is something he wants to keep me from.

I have only talked to my mom once and the call didn't last too long. She didn't know what to say and, of course, I didn't know what to say either. She hasn't called to talk to me, but I know she has been calling Max everyday.

I always hear him say the same thing, "Do you really think if she had her memory she would want to go home? She didn't, so why should I take her now?"

It just makes me guess that I don't get along with my mom.

--

"Brooke?" Max calls out to find me on the balcony.

"I came to escort you and your belongings," he says holding back a laugh.

"Why are you talking like that?" I let my laugh out.

"Hey don't laugh. I am trying to play the part," he tries to keep serious but failing.

"Okay, I'll go with you."

I help Max grab my bags and we head out of the hotel.

--

It took us about ten minutes to get to where we were meeting Calum. I wish I knew where we are, but Max tied a bandana around my eyes so I couldn't ruin the surprise.

I feel the car pull up somewhere and park. After a minute of silence, the bandana drops and my mouth drops to the floorboard. We are parked at what looks like a summer home not but a mile from the beach.

Calum comes jogging up to the car and opens the door for me. He smiles at me, and I give him a confused smile back. As I slowly get out of the car, I notice his smile grows even wider.

"Well, um we stayed her before you left back for college. I thought we could maybe stay here together again and it would help."

I don't know what to say. I just stand there staring at him. I have to admit that it's absolutely beautiful especially the way the sun is starting to set right now. If Max and he thinks it will help then why not try.

"Okay," are the only words that slip from my mouth. Calum nods and Max takes my bags into the house.

"There's another surprise," Calum's sticks his hand out and surprisingly I take it.

We walk to the backyard and it's amazing too. There is fairy lights hanging in this one large tree in the middle of the yard. There's a projector and a screen, patio chairs and cushions, not to forget popcorn.

I look around taking it all in and turn back to see an observing Calum.

"This is exactly how I had everything set up the first night we stayed here." Calum tells me.

"Ah. There's something, I don't know. Every time I'm near you or if we are just barley touching, it seems like a familiar feeling. It's like a feeling of comfort. I want to remember so bad, I'm sorry."

I look down so I don't have to see the disappointment on his face like I have so many times this week. Almost instantly his hand brings my face back up to look into his brown eyes, a small smile gracing his lips.

"Hey, it's okay. You'll remember everything soon."

"How do you know?" I question.

"I just know."

We start staring into each other's eyes. His eyes flicker between mine and my lips. I slowly start to lean in as does he when he notices, that is until we hear a throat clearing.

We immediately jump away from each other to see Max, who doesn't look happy at all.

"Calum, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Calum nods and follows Max inside the house. I ease up to the door so I can at least hear the end of their conversation.

"Calum, you have to slow down. You have to understand, she just lost her memory and it's going to take time for her to remember. I know you love her, but you're going to have to be patient and that includes no kissing."

Calum attempts to interrupt, but Max continues, "At least take her out on a date first."

Calum seems to way the options and nods his head in understanding. I notice the guys starting to walk out so I hurriedly make my way to take a seat.

Max sits in a separate seat a few feet away from me, and Calum sits in the same seat as me causing our thighs to brush. I get that same familiar feeling once again.

He grabs us a bowl of popcorn and sets it in the middle of us. Soon The Avengers: Age of Ultron starts playing on the screen.

I think this was a good idea, staying where we used to stay, even if we have Max. It's actually good that Max is here to watch over us. He is my original source of comfort being that I remember he is my brother.

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Thanks so much for reading. Vote and comment you thoughts plz (: I hope to update next week.