Amnesia

Chapter 15- Riley

Standing outside Aidlyn's newly distributed room, my anxiety heightens. My heart thunders in my chest and I'm finding it hard to breath correctly.

I drag a hand down my face, careful not to touch the newly formed bruise above my eye, my head flooding with questions. Does she remember what happened? If she doesn't, how will I tell her? Will she forgive me?

That's it. I can't take it anymore. I lift my hand and knock firmly. After a moment, a muffled voice can be heard, "Come in."

In one motion, I grab the door handle and push it open.

Aidlyn sits on the edge of her bed, and the boy, Tye, sits beside her. I wince when I notice their intertwined hands. I know I have no right to be jealous, but I can't help it.

They both turn to look at me when I enter, Aidlyn's dark blue eyes piercing me with their intense gaze.

"Strieker wishes to speak with you," I lie.

"About what?" Tye asks cautiously. Aidlyn continues to stare at me, clutching Tye's hand tighter still.

"Just to inform her of the situation." It's almost as if he can see through my facade because he argues with, "I can do that myself."

"Listen, we can boot you out at anytime so I suggest you comply, " I challenge.

  Defeated, he says, "Alright, we'll go." He stands and Aidlyn does the same. Geez this guy is so persistent. "He requested she come alone," I reply.

Tye 's expression is full of suspicion, but he's not exactly in the position to query, so he says nothing. Aidlyn still seems to be fixated on my face and I've got no clue what she could possibly be thinking.

"Just come find me when you're done," Tye instructs her. She simply nods, still not uttering a single word as she follows me out of the room.

"Don't say anything until we are somewhere safe," a confused expression falls onto her face when I say this. I just want to be the first one to talk, so I can explain.

I lead her to the elevator and we stop on the academy level.

From the corner of my eye, I can see that she's tense. She doesn't look at me, she just sets her jaw in a hard line and focuses her gaze straight ahead.

Once we've exited the elevator, I nudge her into one of the empty classrooms. The lights are at the lowest setting, leaving the rows of desks cast in dim glow. I shut the door after she enters.

"What are you- " she begins to ask, but I cut her off.

"Wait, let me explain before you say anything else," I grab her wrist, inhibiting her escape. She gives me a look that tells me to go on.

But what do I say? Do I tell her about how I knew her before the memory wipe? Do I tell her that we used to be in love? Do I tell her about how I left her behind?

"I lied. I'm not actually taking you to Strieker. I just wanted to talk to you in private, without Tye questioning my every move," I blurt out, stalling.

Instead of the reaction of alarm I was expecting, all she did was stare up at me blankly, responding with, "Obviously."

"Oh ok. Well let's cut to the chase. Do you know who I am?" I ask cautiously.

Her brows furrow into a look of guarded curiosity. "I recognize you from one of my memories," she answers. "You're Riley, the boy I was caught with on the the Compound's roof."

"Is that all you remember about me?" She nods at my question and I can't help but feel complete relief.

"Tell me everything. How did I know you and how are you here now?" She demands, yanking her hand from my grasp. I can't deny the feelings of guilt in the pit of my stomach at her face of desperation.