Chapter Seven - Kevin
I enjoyed the shopping trip with Kim. It was like a grand adventure. "This is my favorite clothing store. They should have everything you need," she told me when we arrived at the mall and entered one of the shoppes. I began browsing the various clothing on the racks as Kim joined me and we discussed what I would need for my wardrobe. "I think you should get this," Kim said as she held up a beautiful pastel dress. "It would look great on you."
She was beaming with so much excitement as she helped me pick out the clothing items. Soon I had a brand-new wardrobe, complete with everything I might want or need. I felt an instant of unease as Kim pulled out her credit card and paid for the bags of clothing. "Don't worry. I have more than enough to cover this," she said to reassure me as we were leaving the store.
"Thank you so much for everything," I said as we each carried a bag of clothing and headed toward a small restaurant also inside the mall. "I don't know what I will ever do to thank you for all you've done for me."
"There is no need for thanks," Kim said. "I had fun today, shopping with you. Now we are going feed you and that baby."
Baby? Ohhh yes, the baby... that mysterious baby that I knew shouldn't be. I frowned as I thought of it. "Kim, about the baby..." I said as we neared the restaurant.
"Yes? Did you remember something?"
"No, not exactly. It's just that... well, I know that I shouldn't be pregnant right now. That part just doesn't fit."
"Maybe Dr. Collins can help. It can't hurt to talk to him. He's a really great person and he's helping Franco and Drew."
"Who... who's Franco?" I asked, knowing that I had heard Drew mention that name earlier.
"He and Drew were adopted by a woman named Betsy. Her boyfriend was abusive. I really don't know all the details."
I cringed a little when Kim mentioned the abuse. "I know that's a part of my life, too. I just don't know how..."
"I know," Kim said as we walked into the restaurant and sat down at a booth. "I think in time, your memories will return."
"And then what will happen?"
"You'll remember everything you left behind."
*What if I don't want to go back?* I thought as I gazed at Kim across the table. I knew that I wouldn't want to leave HER. I already felt so close to the beautiful woman who was my doctor and had invited me to stay with her. How could I ever want to leave?
We were looking at our menus when a waitress came by to take our orders. "What can I get you?" asked the young woman.
"I'll have 2 eggs, sunny side up and the hashbrowns please, plus a small orange juice."
"I'll have what she's having," Kim stated.
After the waitress left, we chatted quietly as I got to know all about Kim. She did most of the talking as I couldn't remember anything about my life. I was just like a book with hundreds of empty pages. I felt so incomplete. All I really knew about this world was Kim and HER life. Once again, I couldn't even imagine leaving it and going back to my own.
We enjoyed our breakfast, then it was time to meet with Dr. Collins at General Hospital. I felt so uneasy. What would he say? What would I remember?
Kim gave my hand a gentle squeeze when we arrived at the hospital and got on the elevator together. "You're gonna make it through this, Arielle. I am going to be there with you. It's going to be alright."
I managed to give her a smile as we arrived on the third floor of the hospital. The elevator doors opened and we stepped out. She lead me down the corridors to meet up with Dr. Collins.
When we stepped into his office, he said, "Hello again, Arielle. It's nice to see you. I'm Dr. Collins, but you may call me Kevin."
He gave me a bright smile as we all settled down into comfortable seats. "Hello, Kevin," I said. I remembered meeting him in the Emergency Room the day before when I woke up with no memories. I had been so disoriented and confused.
"Are you feeling a little better today?" Kevin asked.
I glanced over at Kim, seeing compassion and tenderness in her eyes. "Arielle had kind of a rough night. She had a nightmare," Kim stated.
"Arielle, could you tell me about the nightmare?"
"The dream was so strange. I saw Kim in the dream... but suddenly she was gone. Some other woman was standing in her place," I replied.
"Do you know this other woman?"
I shook my head. "No, not really. All I know is that her name is - or was Elena."
Dr. Collins jotted a few notes in his notebook. "Have any other memories surfaced?"
"Uhhh no... but... Well, when Drew came over to talk to Kim, he mentioned someone named Franco..."
As my voice trailed off, Kim filled Kevin in on what I had heard. "Arielle overheard me and Drew discussing what happened to Franco a child," she explained.
"I see. Hearing that, did you have a memory?"
"Sort of. It's just have a feeling that something like that happened to me... or to someone that I love. There are no solid memories," I answered as I placed a hand on my swollen stomach. "And most of all, I can't explain THIS."
"Your pregnancy? It makes you anxious to talk about it, doesn't it?" Dr. Collins said gently.
"I shouldn't be pregnant, Kevin. It just shouldn't BE."
A tear rolled down my cheek as I looked over helplessly at Kim. "I don't think I can talk about this anymore. At least not today," I spoke softly.
"I think I should take Arielle home now," Kim said protectively. "She needs her rest. Stress is not good for her ... or the baby."
"Alright. But I would like to suggest something that may help," said Dr. Collins.
"What would that be?" asked Kim.
"I think Franco might be able to assist Arielle. He offers art therapy. Maybe that would help her regain a few of her memories."
"Would you be willing to try that, Arielle?" Kim questioned.
"Yes, but not today. How about tomorrow?"
I just wanted to go home with Kim and spend the day with her. I was mentally and emotionally exhausted and not ready to face the demons of my past. "Tomorrow will be perfect. I have to work at the hospital, so when I am here, I will bring you by to visit with Franco," she said as she gave me a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, Dr. Collins... I- I mean Kevin," I said.
"You're very welcome, Arielle. Please let me know if there's anything more I can do to help."
I nodded and I left with Kim. We were quiet as we headed back to her place. "Arielle, are you alright?" she asked as we were driving back to her apartment.
"I think so. I just don't want to think about it anymore - everything I can't remember."
"I understand. You've been through a lot. But you're making progress. You just don't recognize it yet."
"I feel haunted. Being with you... spending time with you, it's the only thing that makes me feel safe again. Thank you, Kim."
"I am glad you feel safe with me, Arielle. I promise; we're going to figure all this out. Together," she said. "It might just take awhile."
