Lo Siento

8~ Heartache on the Big Screen

Rewind to the start before it all went wrong

Ashton paced nervously down the hallway, biting his lips. It’s been a week since Calum was admitted and neither him or Michael had left the room. Ashton was planning to stay in the corridor for the entire week but hospital staff had kicked him out.

Ashton sent a quick text to Michael telling him to come outside before continuing to pace up and down the hall.

“Hey dad,” Michael whispered once he was out of the room.

“How is he? Is he hurting? Is he okay? Is he healing? Is he feeling okay?”

“Dad, he’s fine. He got surgery on his arm a few days ago but he’s supposed to be going home tonight.” Michael explained. “A nurse is in there right now, actually, giving him meds.”

Ashton bit his lip haphazardly and played with the hem of his shirt.

“You look nervous.” Michael pointed out.

“Of course I am. Has he mentioned me at all? Like me as me?”

“No, just as the guy who saved him.”

Ashton sighed and scratched his bandaged arms. Michael didn’t have time to ask why they were bandaged before a nurse came out of the room.

“Oh, Mr Irwin, you’re back.” She smiled.

“I can see him now, yeah?” Ashton asked hurriedly.

“Of course. I’ve got another patient to tend to but I’ll back soon to discharge Mr Hood, okay?”

“Wait!” Ashton spurted. “Why can’t he remember me specifically? Like, he can remember everyone else but not me.”

“Well, we’ve deduced the amnesia not only came from the concussion but from post-trauma. Something might’ve happened between you two or to you before the accident which caused it.” The nurse explained.

“Oh,” Ashton sighed. He knew exactly what would’ve caused it.

“Mikey,” Calum called from inside.

The nurse quickly walked away and the other two quickly walked into Calum’s room.

“Mikey, can you- Oh! You found the guy who helped me!” Calum grinned.

“Hey,” Ashton whispered.

“It’s so good to meet you, properly. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for your quick thinking.” Calum smiled thankfully.

“Oh, um, you’re welcome but I’m actually-”

“Dad,” Michael cut in. “This is your husband, Ashton. You hit your head in the accident, remember?”

Calum blinked and stared at Ashton, almost as if he were searching his face for something to recognise.

“Nope, I don’t know you.” Calum shrugged.

Ashton bit his lip and sat next to Calum.

“May third.” Ashton whispered.

“What?”

“May third 2020. Our wedding day.”

Calum looked quite flustered and panicked. Ashton couldn’t even comprehend what it’d be like to suddenly forget someone who’d been in your life for years.

“I’ll give you two some time alone.” Michael mumbled. “I’ll be at the café.”

Ashton nodded slightly as Michael slipped out before taking Calum’s hand in his.