Amnesia

5

I was running, my chest burning from the stress of air through my lungs. It was so dark, the trees hung low, scraping my face. I kept running, unsure of where to go. It was so dark. I pushed my legs harder when I hear someone screaming. I don't know who, my head is foggy and I'm scared. I ducked as a low branch almost clothes lined me.

I pushed harder and harder until I fall into a pit. I can't remember much, I'm scared, people are screaming. I look up to see a man pick me up, alerting the others. I almost cry in relief until a worried look crosses his face.

I recognize him as..Andrew?

~

I wake up in a sitting position, my body aching and my heart racing. Was that a memory? I think to myself, I'm not really sure. I cradle my bruised face in my hands, unsure of how I feel.

When I got enough energy I glanced around my old room. My dresser full of trophies sat in the corner next to a poster of The Dixie Chix. My closet is closed and last night's clothes tossed next to the hamper. I squinted, thinking back, swearing I had made them into the hamper.

The walls were still painted the same light blue and my bed still had the same comforter from when I was in high school.

I rubbed the smooth material, remembering all of the slumber parties I had as a kid. Remembering all of my few friends. Sarah, Mariah and Gale. They had been cheerleaders, all three the stereotypical prep. Blonde hair, well fit, refusing to eat carbs and tall.

They befriended me because they loved how smart I was. Now that I think about it; they weren't really my friends. They only hung out with me when they needed help with homework. I shrug it off, and swing my stiff legs over the side of the bed.

I stretch, receiving pops and cracks in return. It felt good to sleep without waking up every other hour.

I walked to the bathroom and began what I remember as my morning routine. I looked at my reflection as I brushed my teeth and smiled at the foaming paste. It felt so good to be home.
I like brunettes.

I stiffened, the smile disappearing from my face. I searched once more for the memory fruitlessly. Nothing came to mind, not even an explanation as to why I was hearing the same voice.

I almost choke on my tooth paste when I put two and two together. The voice although out of reach, reminded me of Andrew. Even in my mind, I remembered the sound of the real Andrew and the one stuck in my head. His voice that is.

I quickly finished, already making up my racing mind to find Andrew.

I hastily dressed, tying my hair in a pony tail. I laced my sneakers on and raced down the stairs and out the door. I didn't stop to give an explanation as to where I was going, I didn't want to look at my dad.

Right when I closed the door, I was immediately swarmed by flashing cameras and news reporters.

I shrank back, covering my eyes from the flashes. I struggled to find the door knob.

"Is it true you were kidnapped?" One reporter asked.

"Did you runaway?"

"Are you faking it?"

"Who took you?"

I was confused and angry. "Who the hell are you people?!"

They didn't stop with their questions and flashes until I fely a strong hand come down on my shoulder, yanking me inside. I still couldn't see due to the spots in my eyes from all the stupid cameras.

"Are you alright?" My dad asks, dead bolting the door away from the vultures.

I just nodded, "what the hell?"

My dad gave a smirk, "where do you think you were going? And weren't you paying attention?"

I look at my mom, whose lips are tightly pressed together, her face worried.

I just shook my head, feeling like a five year old that gets caught sneaking a cookie before dinner.

"Thays what probably almost got you killed. Haven't I taught you-"

I cut him off before he can rage and before I start screaming at him. "To always mind your surroundings. Have common sense. Scream 'fire' instead of 'rape'."

His lips formed thin lines as he inhaled through his nose, with a quick nod, he went into the kitchen. I heard the coffee pot whine to life and I looked at my mom.

"I remember Andrew, the guy who saved me." I said hesitant.

She didn't look at all surprised, "I knew you'd remember something. Although I wished it were later than sooner."

I understood her fears and I couldn't come to agree with her.

Instead I switched the topic to the vultures outside. "Why are they even here?"

Mom looked out the window to catch a glimpse when a flash hit her face. She blinked back and rubbed her eyes. It would have been comical if they weren't so pushy. Or even stalking my house.

"Maybe because you're alive. Many people don't get to come home, Lisa." She answered, closing the curtains.

Frustrated that people have a lack of understanding at the word 'privacy', I kick off my shoes. So much for being normal. I think bitterly.

I flop myself onto a chair and stare at nothing. I think about my life (things I remember) I think of my brother, Nick and his wife Cheryl. I liked Cheryl, she was optimistic, bright and a genuinely happy person. She looked so pretty in her sweetheart neckline wedding dress. Her stark raven hair was braided and curled into a makeshift headband. Her deep brown doe eyes held so much love for Nick.

It was a fairytale wedding, the ceiling was covered in star cutouts with a very large moon cutout. All of which were hanging by shimmering silver string. The tables were clothed in soft, light pink linen. It was magical. I remembered wishing to find love like that some day.

"Earth to Lisa!" My mom chuckled, waving her hand in front of my face.

I looked at her, my mind racing back to reality, "did I miss something?"

Mom laughed even harder, tears brimming her eyes.
Glad I could make you laugh. I thought, as I took a quick,glance my,dad's way. He was smiling too, but I could tell it wasn't genuine. It didn't reach his eyes, so it appeared to be a sad smile.

"You're brother is at the airport with Cheryl. They'll be here soon." She said giddy with excitement.

My heart plummeted, did he think I died too?

I must look like I'm about to spew because mom takes a step back and I do. I'm so nervous, I apologised as mom looked at me sadly. I cleaned it with bleach when I came to my senses. I inhaled the smell of the disinfectant through my mouth, afraid if I didn't, I'd repeat.

Once the stomach acid was cleaned and disposed of, I re-brushed my teeth. I brushed harder than I intended when I saw pink tint the brush and foam.

I rinsed and headed for bed, suddenly feeling really sick.