Amnesia//L.H.

Chapter 7

This felt weird. Ashton was usually the one comforting me. This time, though, I was the one gently patting his back as he sobbed into mine.

"It'll be alright, Ashton. We don't know that this is permanent," I said, though I was doubtful.

Ashton calmed down to the point that he could talk clearly. He turned to me, his back still against the wall. The moonlight shining through the blinds illuminated his jawline.

"I know. I just-I wish that I could wake up. Like this was all just some twisted dream. I'm sorry. That probably didn't make sense."

"No, I know exactly what you mean."

He averted his eyes from my gaze and focused on a spot on the wall.

"I'm sorry I ran out earlier. It's just that I love Luke like a brother, and to see him like this-it's just heartbreaking. The fact that he can't remember any of the memories we've shared-I just can't believe it."

"I understand completely. Maybe...I don't know. Maybe if we reintroduce ourselves he might remember. I don't know if it will work, but it's worth a try. And, Ashton, if the old Luke is still in there, he's going to realize that you're still his best friend. You can make new memories. Hopefully, he'll eventually remember the old ones, too. One thing's for sure, friends never forget friends."

Ashton looks down at the ground and grins. "Thanks, Faith. You know, you'd be a really great cheesy motivational speaker."

"Shut up," I said with a smile, and playfully punched him in the shoulder. "You ready to go back now?"

He sighed. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

We rose from the floor and strode back to the room. Nearly everyone was still in tears. The doctor sat near Luke, asking him questions. Each time Luke spoke, the doctor nodded and scribbled something down on a clipboard.

Eventually, the old man stood and cleared his voice. "I've ran some tests and came to a diagnosis. Luke has retrograde amnesia, which means that he can't recall anything before the accident, spanning back quite a few years. Now I am not indicating in anyway that this is a permanent matter; it may only last a few days, maybe weeks. On the other hand, it could last forever."

At this, Liz cried out loudly, causing Luke to flinch. The doctor continued. "The best thing you can do for Luke right now, is to try not to overload him with memories for a couple of days. After that, try what you will. Luke, we'll need to keep you here just a little while longer, simply for your recovery and so that we can make sure that nothing else is wrong."

Luke nods silently. The doctor says goodnight and leaves the room. Ashton brings up my idea of reintroducing ourselves, and everyone agrees to try it, as long as they don't rouse too much of the past.

Michael stands and walks to Luke's bedside. "Hey, I'm Michael. We've been mates since year nine. We used to play guitar together." Michael stops when he sees that Luke is taken aback by this fact, and realizes he better not try and bring up anything related to the band, as it's been so much of their lives for the past few years.

"I'm Calum. I'm probably your best friend," Calum adds with levity, making everyone, including Luke, smile.

Skylar steps up shyly. "Hey, Luke. I'm Skylar," she smiled. "I'm your girlfriend. I mean, I was. If you don't feel the same way anymore, I'll understand. I'll still love you. I just don't know if-"

Luke interrupted her. "Stop. You're beautiful."

Skylar blushed and planted a kiss on his bandaged forehead. Liz kept a wary eye on her as she smiled warmly at her son.

"If you haven't already realized, I'm your loving mother. You know, the person who gave birth to you, and raised you for the past 18 years of my life." She grinned and Luke rolled his eyes, and smiled.

Ashton was last. "I'm Ashton. I haven't known you for as long as the other boys, but we're pretty close." He beamed, then looked to me, as if just remembering that I still existed.

"Oh, and also, this is my little sister, Faith."

Luke stated simply, "I know."