Our Shared Memories

Adoption

It was much earlier than I expected it to happen; the letter came to my house notifying me that someone had been interested in the adoption of my child. It brought tears of joy to my eyes, but at the same time tears of sadness. I was truly hoping I would be able to bring myself to tell him, but it was too late already. Oddly enough, I feel as though my life is about to change in the strangest way.

Five years later in Matt's POV: (it's told from the present and past tense)

Several years have passed since I first adopted a beautiful baby girl whom I named Marielle. The choice was completely mine seeing as I was; still alone. I carefully scrutinized her every detail every single day. I watched her grow up right in front of my eyes, but I still could never figure out who she reminded me of. It was mainly her personality. It reminded me of someone who I can't remember oddly enough. Maybe it's something from when I found out I had amnesia. It tore me apart from the inside as I felt a very important part of me was gone, yet I could still never quite figure out what.

Marielle has dark brown hair that's almost the color black. She has deep dark brown eyes that twinkle whenever you look at them and she's quite tall for her age. I guess you could say she looks a lot like me. What's strange is that she has someone's personality and it irrevocably reminds me of someone who I forgot about. It makes me realize how fast kids grow up, I still remember the day I got her. I was overwhelmed with such a burden of love and happiness, it was almost impossible to take it in all by myself. Today is Marielle's birthday; June 11th. Her birthday is truly the only thing I have information about. The rest of it, that's a mystery. At times, I often wonder who her parents were, and if I'd ever meet them. But then I realize the possibility of that happening would be very slim.

I walk downstairs slowly as I realize that someone's already awake. "Is that you pumpkin?" I say while putting on a cheeky smile. "What are you doing up so early this morning?" I say while bringing her into my arms for an embrace; kissing her forehead not long after that. "I just wanted to play with some toys Daddy!" she exclaims while returning the kiss. "Mm, really," I say while taking a break then continuing, "Well, Happy Birthday Pumpkin Pie." I say while tickling her. She giggles and says "Thank you daddy!". Yep, pumpkin and pumpkin pie two of my nicknames for her, but not all of them. I have so many, sometimes I forget. I gently put her down and go to get a cup of coffee. I always need a cup of coffee to prevent me from being cranky. Boy when I do get cranky, I get very cranky.

Yesterday was officially the last day of school for Marielle. Surprisingly, she seemed quite upset. Perhaps kids actually enjoy school more during their younger years, after all; it's not as hard as middle school and up would be. Therefore, I've arranged a day off from my work schedule, and have planned to take Marielle to the park. She always loves to play in the park and go to the playground and whatnot.

A few hours pass and I tell Marielle that we're going to the park and her face quickly brightens up. Not that it wasn't before though. (A/N: Sorry if the 'dad' doesn't seem realistic. I don't have a dad, so yeah xP) We quickly get ready and bring some toys in case she wants to play with them there, then we go outside and get in the car. I strap Marielle's seat belt on in case she forgets to then do the same for me, and put the key in ignition for the car.

Within about fifteen minutes, we arrive at the park and Marielle is obviously excited which is shown from the apparent look on her face. As we walk towards the expansive field, I stop as I notice an old acquaintance of mine. I didn't really talk to her much, only she kept visiting me when I was still in the hospital. I feel my face redden as I see her dark brown hair blow because of the windy weather today. It's not really cold, otherwise I would have arranged something else for Marielle and I to do today. I tell Marielle that I'm going to say "hi" to an old friend of mine and she nods excitedly. Before I approach her I realize she's writing a story down on a piece of paper. I slowly approach her nervous of what I should say.

"H-Hi." I feel myself stutter while blushing and looking away. I watch with confusion as I see her eyes widen. "Hi." she says; her facial expression turning solemn. "Long time no see." I say trying to expand the conversation. I motion for Marielle to come and sit next to me and she obediently does as I instructed her to. "So how have you been?" I ask nervously, still not sure what we should talk about. "Hey daddy, the playground is close, can I go?" Marielle quickly intervenes. "Sure, just be careful okay? Don't run off anywhere I can't see you." I say sternly. "Okay!" she says while joyously going toward the playground. "She's so cute." Amber says with a smile. "I know, it makes me worried that she's going to grow up too fast. Her personality, it reminds me of someone I know. It seems I've forgotten who though. It pops up in my mind everyday as I try and remember who it was. It never really works." I say sheepishly while deep in thought. "Wait wouldn't she remind you of her mother?" she asks confused. "I don't know her mother, you see I adopted her five years ago. The only information I received about her is her birthday; which is today by the way. June 11th." I say quietly while tousling my hair. To my own surprise, her eyes widen slightly and I stare at her with utter confusion on my face. "Um is there something wrong?" I ask noticing she's shaking. "N-N-No T-There's nothing wrong at all. I-It's nothing." she says while putting on a fake smile. "There's obviously something wrong. What is it?" I ask while perusing her actions very closely. Tears fall from her eyes and I am beginning to feel very confused. "Which reminds me, you never told me who you really are. You know something, I can tell. Is it possible that you know what I forgot...?" I ask her giving her a very serious look. "I already told you. It would be pointless for me to tell you, if you can't find out for yourself." she says seriously while crossing her arms while refusing to tell me.