amnesia | editing

***

"What's wrong?" I asked Zann.

"What are you guys keeping mum about?" I pressed.

Zann's face split into a smile.

"I can go home tomorrow!" she announced cheerfully.

Oh no no no.

I was supposed to bottle my emotions up and not show disgust.

"Wow! Did you guys trick me?" I laughed falsely, it ringing around the ward.

Behind me, Claire shifted and I wanted to grab her hand and yell at Zann.

Don't you remember? When I brought Claire here you were supposed to remember everything! We are supposed to be over forever! I screamed at her in my head.

"Yes," Zann said, brimming with happiness.

Matthew softened and sat next to her.

He whispered something in her ear and she nodded.

"Oh yeah, Javier, I was wondering if tomorrow we could have lunch? You can stay back to discuss it now and Claire can go." Zann said brightly.

I shuffled hesitantly.

My afternoon tomorrow was actually reserved for Claire.

"Uh, sure, what time?" I asked.

"12 pm to 5 pm. Hmm?" she glanced at me hopefully.

If she didn't remember...

"Yes, I can. Claire, you can run along now. Zann and I have a lot to discuss," I told her.

Claire gave me a piteous look and walked off.

I wanted to grab her and tell her I was sorry but I had to fake this to not let Zann find out that we two were together.

"So, Zann, what did you want to discuss?" I asked.

Matt glanced at Zann who nodded.

"I'll take my leave," Matt said.

"I have an appointment." he amended and rushed off.

Zann took a deep breath and squeezed Matthew's hand.

"Is there anything going on between you and Claire?" she asked sadly.

"No, definitely not," I replied.

Matthew raised his eyebrow.

"Really, Javier?" he asked, daring me to tell.

I wasn't chicken, but I didn't tell.

"Of course not. Zann, you're the most beautiful and pretty girl in the whole universe! Claire's nothing." I commented.

Sorry, my darling Claire, but I had to lie, I thought.

Zann beamed and leaned forward to kiss me.

I jolted back.

Hurt and confusion clouded her eyes.

"Wha-" Before she could finish, I kissed her to shut her up.

It was sweet, and she pulled back and fell in my arms, sobbing.

"All this time, I thought you were really cheating on me... I should never have doubted you, Javier." she said.

Suddenly an alarmed expression flashed in her eyes but disappeared as quickly as it came.

I smiled, fake, and pulled her closer. It had been a long time since Claire ever hugged me.

I really shouldn't be cheating on her.

I hope Zann might eventually understand all this one day, if she recovers her memory.

That Claire and I were meant to be... not her and I.