Forgotten

Chapter 3

I lined up in the cafeteria and grabbed a sandwich and a juice before scanning the area for somewhere to sit. I spotted a spare table and headed over for it, pleased that I wouldn’t have to sit with some strangers.

‘Livy! Over here!’ Called a voice from behind me. I turned around and saw Regan, my best friend who I didn’t remember, waving her hands frantically and beckoning me over. Well, at least I wouldn’t be alone.

‘Hi.’ I said, sliding into the seat next to her. She gave me a small ‘hi’ before taking my hand in hers. I jumped and stared at her small, gentle hand clutching mine, a little shocked and terrified.

She stared at me intensely, a layer of sadness behind her eyes. ‘Is it true you lost your memory?’ She asked. I went to open my mouth but she put up a hand. ‘No lies.’

Damn it. I guess I couldn’t keep it a secret for long. I sighed and told her the whole story, from the accident to when I woke up three years later. She nodded and listened carefully, not interrupting me.

After I had finished, she just sat there for a moment, and I let her think. It was all probably something hard to digest. I wasn’t sure exactly why I was telling her every single detail, but I guess I needed to get it off my chest. Finally, someone else could share my story, and maybe I wouldn’t have to go at it alone.

‘Are you okay?’ She asked, looking at me sadly. I pulled my hand away and rested my chin on my hands.

‘I’m okay. Life could be worse.’ I said.

‘Why didn’t you tell me when I hugged you? I’m sure it would’ve creeped you out and all that, some random coming up to you and hugging you like a long lost teddy bear.’ She grinned, but her face turned serious again, waiting for a response.

‘I dunno… I guess I was nervous. Nervous what people would think of me. I thought they might say things like, ‘oh, she’s some freak from hospital,’ or something like that. I wasn’t sure about…anything.’ I admitted. Whoa. It felt as if I’d just gotten rid of a load of pressure.

Regan smiled when she saw me relax, and must’ve known what was going on.

‘That’s what friends are for.’ She said.

‘Thanks, Regs.’ I said, taking a bite out of my sandwich and stopped. Where had that some from?

She smiled at the familiarity of my nick-name calling and turned to me, looking serious again.

‘Okay, since you’ve forgotten all social rules, I’ll fill you in.’ She said. Her eyes sparkled as she told me everything, pointing out different groups and telling me where they were on the Ladder of Popularity.

‘That’s the science wizzes. As the name implies, they’re geniuses and mad scientists in training, but being smart isn’t what makes you popular in this school. No, they aren’t even on the ladder; they’re more like the gum everyone steps on at the bottom.’ She patted my arm at the horrific explanation and gave me a sympathetic look.

‘Not nice, I know, but I don’t make the rules. That’s just how it is.’ She pointed out everyone else; Cool Asians, drugees, try-hards/wannabes, music lovers, green thumbs, all-round nerds, jocks, and of course, the cheerleaders.

‘Otherwise known as the Barbie Dolls, they are the leaders of the school. Gorgeous, nasty, and confident, they lead the pack and get all the boys. Look out, they’ll tear you down if you get in there way.’ Reagan shuddered and pointed to an extra-gorgeous blonde bimbo sitting in the centre surrounded by friends, laughing casually as they all sucked up to her. I recognised her.

‘That’s Evelyn, and I think you’ve already met her.’ She said with a knowing smile.

‘She’s head dog, so stay out of her way, especially. Don’t mess with her or her boyfriend, okay?’