Replay: Amnesia | BOOK 1

Chapter 3

"So, Cora. You don't remember anything about yourself?"

You startle at Chris's voice and nod. "I don't remember anything beyond this morning after I woke up."

"Where did you wake up at? Surely if you were home, it would help jog some memories."

You can see all the boys watching you out of the corner of their eyes, waiting for a response. Even Peter seems interested as he moves his piece a few paces. The only one not paying much attention is Karika, who stares intensely at the board.

"Um..." Discomfort rises in your chest and you shift in the comfortable chair. "You're right. I know I wasn't home."

"If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine," Oliver offers, not looking up from the board as his fists clench in his lap. His cheeks are slightly pink as he says this, his words quiet. "Karika couldn't at first, either."

Your gaze switches to the only other girl in the room. Oliver's face grows redder as Karika closes her eyes and exhales, meeting Oliver's eyes. He looks away immediately, apologizing quietly, ears red like fire.

"You?" You ask, waiting for an answer. It seems as though everyone is holding their breath.

Karika turns to you and places her hands in her lap, both of them clutching to the denim around her legs.

"Yeah," she says, looking up at you, her gaze unwavering. "I woke up one morning with no recollection of anything that happened to me." The words were so monotone, as if she'd said them before over and over. How many people did she have to explain it to? "Luckily, I had my dad around me and a few days later, I got everything back, but the amnesia changed me forever." She hesitates, watching you with something like a warning in her eyes. Her next words are careful, filled with purpose. "Don't let this change you."

You stare at her, confused and unsure of what to say.

She turns back to the board and rolls the dice, not saying anything more. A shudder washes through your system as the guys stare at you two.

"What are the odds?" Chris says, staring at Karika with an intensity he hasn't shown until now. It captivates you and you find yourself staring at him. Suddenly, he breaks his seriousness and a smile breaks through, his eyes squinting. "Such a coincidence that you two had the same thing happen, and of all things, she came here to you."

He rests his head on his hands. "So interesting."

Karika grimaces. "Go back to your story, Chris, before I banish you from the group."

In mock fear, Chris sits upright and places a hand on his chest, mouth dropping open. "You would never! What do you take me as, trash?"

He laughs but Karika says nothing else as she moves her piece.

"How much do I owe you, Peter?" she says flatly, her stare more like a glare toward him.

He grins and says, "Double what it says on the board."

"What?" She says, focusing on him again. "You're lying. I'm done playing the game. You guys can have at it. Feel free to take my spot, Cora. I'll be in the kitchen."

She stands up, the mood shifting in the room once again, the boys watching her leave with different emotions on their faces. You feel this pull to follow her, to comfort her, as if you're wanting to repay her for her kindness earlier. Maybe you should.

"Why are you so mean to her?" Oliver quips, giving Peter a little shove after a moment's hesitation. He sounds angry.

Peter laughs as Chris delves into his notebook, sitting back on his side of the couch.