Amnesia

6

I didn't sleep, I just sat there in my room, too wired up to relax and think. I couldn't even hold a steady train of thought. Nick and Cheryl were going to be here soon.

I was excited and nervous, even a little frightened. He had come back to Mississippi, and even brought Cheryl. Nick should be here soon, my parents didn't stray far from the airport, but it was still a long drive there.

Deciding to eat rather than drown in my mix of emotions, and repeat the same thing; I headed to the kitchen. I was immediately engulfed in the smell of fried chicken and rice. It smelled so nice, my stomach unable to stop from growling. I had missed breakfast, so I imagined I would be really hungry. Even with the spewing, I couldn't help but be hungry. I have a weak stomach.

"Are the vultures still outside?" I asked, afraid to glance out the window and receive the same response my mother did.

Dad looked up, surprised that I had made an appearance. Mom smiled, "yeah, unfortunately."

I figured as much, I just wanted a normal life. Taking a deep breath before my courage left my body, I walked to the front door and swung it open. I can hear protests from both my parents.

I ignored them and was once again assaulted by the media circus.

"Lisa!" One woman yelled, shoving a microphone into my face.

I didn't speak until everyone shut up. I was beginning to regret this, when my voice spoke up against the rush of questions, before I can register a thought. "My name is Lisa Greene," I started, shocked at how my voice remained calm and strong. I held up my chin, "I cannot give you an answer, due to amnesia. I cannot give you the answers you all want to know. But I can give you this." I waited a little more, my heart thundering in my ears. "I want to be normal. I want that part of normalcy where I'm not harassed or questioned. I want to live my life out in peace. So if you will, please respect that and leave. Before I call the authorities for trespassing. As you all may know, my parents own this land."

They all looked shocked, and I felt a bit smug. They grumbled and shut down their electronics and packed. I didn't watch them any more and walked inside. My stomach was in knots and my heart was racing. I didn't want Nick and Cheryl in the middle of this frenzy.

Mom and dad greeted me in the doorway to the kitchen, their eyes bright and teeth showing in those smug smiles.

I smiled with them, "now we can rest easy."

Dad let out a belly fit of laughter and mom joined in. It was contagious, and I nearly cried from the fit of laughter wracking my body.

We all stopped, letting out a few more giggles before dad walked over and hugged me. I was taken aback and slowly returned the hug catching him off guard. "I'm sorry, Lisa. I should have more faith in you. We'll catch the sicko, and hopefully you'll get your memories back. Even if I really don't want you to."

I smile, it not an apology but it is. I hug tighter, "it's ok. I love you dad."

He kissed the crown of my head, "and I love you, baby girl."

I don't know how long we stood hugging but mom began to sniffle. We looked at her and saw her fanning her eyes. "I forgot to wash the onions off my hands, silly me."

I laughed a little at her obvious girly moment as I let dad go and hugged mom. I was finally getting that little back of normalcy back, and I couldn't have been any happier.

Mom let me go before gently pushing a stray hair behind my ear. Even though it was gentle, I still flinched involuntarily. But she didn't seem to notice.