Amnesia

Chapter 3- Aidlyn

I lay back in my familiar bed, staring up at the ceiling in silence.

I can't help thinking about all that has happened recently. First the strange visions, then being called upon by the ARC. Nothing this eventful has ever happened. Come to think of it, I can't really remember a time where there was ever anything wrong. Everything has always been perfect, prosperous, and. . . normal.

The next morning, I woke exhausted from the previous day and the nagging thought of my situation.

    I get myself ready like it's a normal Friday, but like before, my thoughts can't help but drift. This day will be anything other than normal.

It takes me only ten minutes to shower, get dressed, and brush my hair and teeth. I wear black pants, boots, and a white shirt, with sleeves rolled up to the elbow. My hair is pulled back into a loose, high ponytail.

    Before I leave, I stop to pick up my bag. It sags on my shoulder from the weight of all my papers, books, and my port screen. Everything here as it should be.

    Despite my attempts to think of something else other than my "hallucination"- as the ARC had said it. If it was really a hallucination, why had it felt so familiar?

I look around at the other students getting onto the transport. Could any of them be suffering from the defect, the same as I might be?

I step onto the transport and find my way down one of the aisles to the left. Sitting quietly, I wait for the rest of the passengers to board and take their own seats.

People continue to stream through the door, but my eyes soon find someone I instantly recognize. A boy, wearing similar clothes to what I am wearing. His hair neatly and lightly combed to the side, in contrast to the first time I had seen him. His green eyes scan the rows, stopping to reach mine. When he sees me staring at him, he gives me a small grin. Oh boy, this can only mean trouble. In this moment, I know that he recognizes me too.

The boy takes a seat in the opposite row, a couple seats ahead. Did he always take this transport? How come I have never seen him before?

The both of us had been called to the ARC. Could it have been for the same reason?

Choosing to ignore him, I act as if I never realized he was there.

The rest of my day is seemingly as the usual- I visit all my classes and seminars as I do usually, yet I still keep my eyes out for the boy, failing my attempt to deny his presence. But I don't see him again.

. . .

I've been home for a couple hours and have successfully contained my interest, but can no longer. I reach for my port and sit at the small table in my kitchen. I click the search engine and type: The Addendum tablet

-- The solution to hunger, thirst, fatigue, sickness, ultimately meant to sustain the human needs. First created in 2049 during THE DEADLOCK CONFLICT by American scientists. (Head scientist, DR. John Manson)

    John Manson. I search this name and several links come up referring to the Addendum tablet. I read through everything that popped onto my screen.  Website after website, trying to learn as much as possible. I even look over the world history in depth. Still, nothing new. There isn't anything I can find that I don't already know.

    I rub my aching eyes and stand up from my chair, stretching out my soreness. Picking up my bag and port, I move over to the tan sofa.

My apartment is cozy. One small kitchen, one small living room, and one small bedroom. I like it here, but then again I don't remember living anywhere else. When my parents died during the supply shortage, I was sent here when I was thirteen. I've gone to school here, lived here, essentially grew up here most of my life.