✥Amnesia✥

I Don't Mind

 “-Was a great day.” I smile as Anne finishes her story on how she met Robin and about the day they were married. They sit so close together…plus the way they look at each other…you know they’re in love. Harry raced to the bathroom for a moment, the seat beside me empty. Gemma was also sat at the head of the table, but quickly left once she realized she had an important test to study for tonight. It’s only the three of us right now.

 “I’m sure.” I nod, taking a sip of my water.

 “Tell us about your family, Hollie.” Robin gives a warm smile. Anne turns to him as if to tell him not to say anything.

 “Yeah, sure thing.” I politely nod, laying the glass down and wiping the condensation on to the napkin in my lap. I sit up before beginning. “Well, there’s my brother, me, and my dad. Cameron, my brother, will be in London in a few days for a photography scholarship-”

 “Oh? He takes photos?”

 “Yes sir.” I nod. “He’s 18 and he’s been doing photography for almost all his life. We actually,” I can’t contain the small laugh falling from my lips. “We would take white sheets and tack them up to the walls in our bedroom,” Harry rejoins the table, claiming his old spot. “-and he would use his disposable camera, you know those bulky ones from the 90’s, to do photo shoots.” Anne smiles at the small story, as does Robin. “We got yelled at when we moved from all the holes the thumbtacks left in the walls. We actually tried to tell our parents it was termites.” I can hear Anne’s ringing laughter as I notice Harry smiling from the corner of my eye. “We said they must’ve been neat eaters.” I shrug as I recall the excuse that had caused us both spankings as kids.

 “Sounds like you two are extremely close.” Anne comments. I smile and nod, but I know it’s different know. Before mom’s…God, I can’t say the word…her accident, Cameron had been distant from everyone. Even me, which I never expected. He would stay out late for hours past dinner as we would wait for him at the table. He never spoke to anyone, staying locked away in his room.

 I’m brought back to reality as I feel Harry’s fingertips skim over my palm as Anne and Robin discuss the game on the small TV. His large hand bends mine, almost as if checking it was my own body that had hurt itself. The fingertips line up perfectly with the half-crescent marks. I can see his chest rise and fall with a deep breath as he gives me a knowing look. I’m stunned he stays silent.

 “You’re awfully quiet.” I whisper to him, not wanting to interrupt the couple in front of us.

 “You’re awfully marked up.” His eyes trail from the half crescent marks on my palms, to the beginning of the bruise under my shoulder blade, and the small scratch on the left of my knee. I tug the capris down and adjust my hoodie.

 “You’re awfully nosey.” I remark, waiting for his next reply.

 “You’re awfully defensive.” I purse my lips and glare at him. He doesn’t hesitate as he moves closer, thumb tracing across the inside of my knee. He follows it up, moving the fabric to my jeans along with it. I don’t know why I’m not stopping him. The marks end at my mid-thigh and his hand traces around the area too and chills rise across my skin as he turns to look at me. He’s only a few inches away from me and I can feel his breaths. I gently guide his hand down.

 “Hey, Hollie-“ We completely break apart at the words, my other knee colliding with the table from the scare. “Whoa, you alright?” Robin turns back to us as he feels the table jolt. I nod as he turns back to face us. “We’re gonna skip dessert and head home, is that alright with you two?”

 “Yeah, of course.”

 “Sure.” Robin nods and smiles, lightly tapping Anne’s arm. They both rise from the seat and bid us goodbye before exiting the restaurant. I exhale and lean back against the chair. I sit up immediately as I feel the cold on my left leg.