Inside An Amnesia Patient's Mind

XVII. Make It Three

I've been waiting for her here on the bench of the mini-park just behind the library. A space meant to chill out and breathe after hours of dealing with small serif fonts and musky smell of books.

I listed many possible questions I wanted to ask in my mind but I don't know where to start.

I smack my head in frustration.

Why did I act impulsively?! God!

*ehem*

I immediately stood up upon hearing a false cough and saw her standing in front of me, smiling.

"So? What do you want to know?" I blinked a few times as I forgot the questions on the list I made.

"I-uhm-You-What's your name again?" God, Ash! That's lame.

I heard her chuckle a bit before handing out her hand.

"I'm Keirstine Samonte." I shook her hands. It was small and somewhat raspy but it was warm.

"Ashley Collins."

"Yeah, I know you. Gotta know who my saviors are." She said with a soft laugh. "Thank you." She sat at the bench and I followed.

"No problem, we're just in the vicinity that night." I lied. She glances at my direction and our eyes met. She stared at me longer as if trying to read my mind and sigh.

"I heard otherwise. Mr. Gaviona filled me with details." Nick? They're already talking.

"I-I'm sorry." I lowered my gaze, embarrassed about being caught lying.

"No, don't be. Maybe you have your reasons. Anyways, what do you want to know?" She repeated her first question.

"Are you related to Anne Collins?" The moment I say my mom's name, I saw the recognition in her eyes.

"Blood relation, not of any kind. My mom is your mom's friend from the place she came from."

"In St. Monica?" I asked and she nodded. I only heard of that place a lot of times whenever my parents were talking, but I've never been there.

"They've been best of friends and I met your mom a couple of times."

"How come I didn't know that mom went there?" I softly whispered.

"I mean, I met her here in Louisville when we moved in." she corrected.

"Really? Where in Louisville are you residing?" I abruptly asked.

"Is that one of the important questions you want to ask, Mr. Collins?" she asked with an arched brow and a suppressed smile as I gulped after realizing my questions.

"No--, well yes. I-I mean, I want to visit my mom's best friend sometimes, you know." Her smile vanished and she avoided my gaze.

"You can't. She's no longer here." God! I never intended to touch a sensitive topic.

"I'm sorry." she offered a weak smile as she played around with her thumb.

So her mother is already gone. But what about her father? And this is why mom cared so much about her because she's protecting the daughter of her late best friend.

She is one of the toughest person I've ever seen. Losing someone you loved the most may shatter you into pieces for life. And now, she's been physically bruised by those slaps and harsh words.

I held out my hand.

She looked at me with confusion.

"What is it? Another introduction?" She chuckled.