Forgotten Memories

Chapter 9

Copyright ⓒ 2017 by NEVERENDINGMIND (of Wattpad)

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The days leading up to the first verification day were pure agony. Dread filled Charlotte as she feared what the King would think of her, should she fail in front of everyone. All she had to do was recite seemingly simple information about the country's history, yet she felt like she had already failed the King.

It seemed like cruel fate to be slaving over the books when she should remember everything from before the accident. Even so she felt glad to have the help of Sean.

Hours flew past her in a blur making it difficult to retain any information. Words, phrases, and quotes from the books flew around her head like pesky flies. There but beyond reach. Unavailable for use but pestering her nonetheless.

After Sean offered her his help, Charlotte felt rejuvenated. Her youthful energy lasted mere hours before she realized that, despite Sean's desire to help, there was no hope. She just couldn't remember any of it. It was as though she had never learned it in the first place which was very frustrating for her.

She finally came to the conclusion that the world hated her and was out to get her. She figured her only fate was to fail at the verification day and be shunned from her family for good. Maybe it seems a bit ridiculous but it felt real to Charlotte and it was crushing her spirit from the inside out.

She turned one of the pages of the book she was currently focused on, "Trordon's Own", halfheartedly.

"What if we are going about this all wrong?"

Charlotte started in her seat, having forgotten Sean was there in the first place.

"What do you mean?" She asked wrinkling her forehead in confusion.

"I mean, what if we are overthinking this. All you have to know are some names and facts. We are trying to shove these facts into your brain in a trifling amount of time, when, in all reality, the information is all already in your head."

"Are you aware of how crazy you sound?" She uttered, incredulous.

"It's not crazy though, it only sounds crazy. Think about it; who is one person you can think of who is self-centered?" He paused waiting for a reply.

"Well, that guard who patrols the lower level seems self-centered..." she hesitated, unsure of her answer.

"Good, good!" He exclaimed with joy. She could practically see the gears turning in his head.

"The guard patrolling the lower level, Lorenzo, is our example of self-centered. Now, do you remember which king was self-centered?"

"Uhmm." She thought hard trying to pull it out of the depths of her brain before admitting defeat, "No, I don't."

"Ok, don't give up on me just yet. Every time someone asks you which king was self-centered, all you have to do is think of Lorenzo. The king's name is Luis so they both start with "L's". You should think of Lorenzo when you need to know who was self-centered, which should remind you of King Luis." He said. His eyes shone with pride as he realized he might have finally solved their problem.

Maybe she could do this after all.

Closing the book she had in front of her, she looked up at Sean, "That's enough for one day, don't you think?"

"Agreed, but try to come up with some more people who match the characteristics of the King's, okay?"

"Yes sir!" She said with a sarcastic salute, trying to keep a straight face.