Amnesia

Chapter Seven - What's going on? (Part 1)

Her fingers twisted the napkin over and over in her lap. Why had she agreed to come to lunch? Orlando had already ordered for both of them when she had taken a seat at the table. The steaming, brown soup smelled delicious. Still, her appetite had disappeared as soon as Orlando had greeted her. The smile he had given her had made her cheeks turn a slightly pink shade.

“I hope you like it”, he said kindly while eating. She was still hesitating.

“What is it?” she asked, taking the spoon in her hand.

“Mushroom and nutmeg”, he answered. He averted his gaze as he put the spoon in the soup and stirred gently. “It’s one of my favorites.”

She made a non-committal sound. It took all she had not to tremble when she opened her mouth to put the spoon inside her mouth. Orlando was once more watching her, his face serious and his brown knitted.

The soup was smooth and creamy and tasted wonderful. “It tastes marvelous”, she complimented with a smile and took another spoon.

“Glad you like it”, Orlando said, his voice hoarse. She lifted her gaze to look at him. He was clutching the spoon and his lips were pressed together tightly.

“What’s wrong?” As soon as she said it, she felt her throat swelling. She dropped the spoon in the soup. “What…?” It was getting hard to breathe. Air was coming and going in hisses. Orlando stood up. The waitress was making her way to their table, phone in hand. Other guests were looking over.

Orlando ushered the hovering waitress away and produced a small syringe. He leaned over her. “Sorry”, he whispered softly, his eyes sparkling. His hand lifted the hem of her dress and exposed her tight. She was to busy struggling for breath to stop him.

A sharp pain in her leg caused her to flinch. Slowly, the swelling receded and she could breathe again. Orlando took her hand and squatted down next to her chair. Once more he apologized.

Marley shook her head slowly, feeling her heartbeat slow. Why was he apologizing? She looked down at his lowered head. What had just happened? Her gaze wandered to the pen looking syringe next to her plate.

“You tricked me?” she whispered to no one in particular. Orlando didn’t answer.  She looked down at his brown hair. “Orlando…”

Someone tapped her on her shoulder. Looking up, she smiled weakly at the old woman hovering over her with a frown. “Don’t you need to get to the hospital, dear? That was a pretty severe allergic reaction.”

“No.” Both women looked down. Orlando was smiling at the old woman. “We’ve been through this before, a lot of times.”

Rising, he pulled Marley with him. She didn’t protest. It wouldn’t do any good anyway. He knew more about her then she did, so she had to trust him. Even if he had betrayed her trust just a moment ago.

Her legs wobbled slightly when she rose from the chair. He must have noticed, because he slowly and silently slipped his other arm around her waist to support her. All eyes were on them as they walked out of the restaurant.

“I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.” He was muttering to himself, over and over again. “Forgive me. Sorry…”

“Stop it!” Marley pulled herself free, placing her shaking hands on her hips. The world was spinning slightly. “Why would you even do such a thing?!”

He gave her a despaired look, then continued walking. She followed him. When they got to his car, he slipped inside without answering her. She sighed.

“Get inside and I’ll tell you.”