Disclaimer: All the characters in this fanfic belong to Disney and any other company that owns the series 'In A Heartbeat', except for Dr. Andrew Bradford, Jeffrey Gile, the girl in the booth, Tara, and Connor. The movie titles are not real as well, and if they are then I don't own them. This is part 7 of the story. Please review!!!
~~~NOTE: The lines shaded purple/violet are the lines coming from the movie~~~
Scenes from the previous episode…
Val finally found Tyler's room. She was quite excited to finally be able to see him again. She missed him so much. As she held the door open, tons of emotions and thoughts were rushing through her head. When she went inside, she saw a familiar boy gazing towards her. He smiled, and she smiled back.
"I'm Tyler, and you are…?" the boy questioned her.
The question startled her a bit, but she thought to herself that it must have been a joke.
"Very funny, Tyler," she said as a come back.
"No, seriously," he said. "I don't know who you are."
"Sure you do," she said, now fearing the fact that he might not be kidding.
"No, I don't," he replied boldly.
"I'm Val," she told him concerned. "Don't you remember?"
"Didn't anyone tell you?" he asked.
"Tell me what?" she inquired.
"I have amnesia," Tyler informed her.
To be continued…
No One Else but You: "The stranger in me"
"Am…am…amnesia?" stuttered Val about the stunning news.
"Yea, amnesia," Tyler confirmed.
"I have to go," Val quickly said as she stormed out the door, almost in the verge of crying.
"Wait!!!" he yelled but was too late. 'What's her name again?'
Caitie and Jamie went back in the building. Both of them couldn't help but smile. Jamie just asked Caitie out, much to her surprise. Once again, they walked down the hallway.
"Remember how you slipped over there earlier?" Caitie pointed as she reminded him and laughed. "You're such a klutz."
"Hey!" he said defensively, but joking at the same time. "That was just because I was thinking of you."
"Working on the charm there, are you James?" Caitie countered.
"Is it working?" Jamie asked curiously, winking at her.
"I still think you're a klutz," she told him as she laughed again.
"No I'm…ahhh," he screamed.
By a sudden twist of fate, Jamie tripped again on the exact same spot. Caitie just busted out laughing. She was about to say something when Jamie stopped.
"Don't even dare say anything," Jamie told her as he got up again.
"I wasn't gonna say anything," said Caitie innocently as she stifled a laugh.
Jamie was about to say something when Val walked past them, tears running down her eyes. Jamie and Caitie looked at each other, then ran after her.
"Val, what's wrong?" Caitie called out as she approached her.
"Tyler…he had…he told me…Jamie," Val cried as Caitie led her to a seat.
"What about Jamie?" Caitie asked again as she glared suspiciously at Jamie.
"Why…," Val said between sobs as she looked at him. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Tell her what?" Caitie asked Jamie.
"Val, I'm so sorry," apologized Jamie. "I forgot. When I did remember, you were already gone."
Val continued to cry. Caitie tried to comfort her as she looked at Jamie.
"What is going on?" she asked him boldly.
"It's Tyler," replied Jamie. "He has amnesia."
"How come you didn't tell me this earlier?" she said disappointingly at him.
"I was occupied by something else, that I forgot," expressed Jamie. "I'm sorry."
Caitie just shook her head and turned her attention to Val. She felt sorry for her friend. She knew she must be feeling lost and awful at the moment. She knew that she cared for Tyler a lot, and hearing this must have been a shock for her, especially after what happened over the weekend. She knew she was heartbroken.
"Val," she said. "What about Tyler? Did you just leave him there?"
"I ran out on him," she exclaimed wiping the tears off her face. "I couldn't bare to stay there. I was just stunned. I didn't know what to do."
"Are you gonna go back?" Caitie asked her.
"I don't know," replied Val. "Maybe later. I need some time to think this through right now."
"We'll just leave you here," Caitie told her as she stood up. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay?"
"Thanks, but, I'll be fine," Val told Caitie.
"OK," she said. "Call me if you need anything."
Jamie and Caitie left Val alone. Caitie was still a bit upset at Jamie. She couldn't stand to see Val like this. Jamie on the other hand was feeling guilty. He spoke first.
"I'll go talk to Tyler, OK?" Jamie told Caitie.
"Can I come?" Caitie asked him. "I want to talk to him as well."
"Sure," he said as he offered Caitie his hand, which she gladly took. "Right this way."
Val stood up from her seat. She couldn't stand the empty halls, echoing every single movement in the building. She decided to take a walk outside. As she got to the back, she saw a small garden and decided to sit there. It was the same place Caitie and Jamie were at a while ago, though not of Val's knowledge. She stayed there quietly. She didn't cry anymore, just an emotionless look on her face. 'That then,…now this? Why? What if he can't remember me anymore? What if he never does come back? Then he wouldn't know how I feel? He doesn't even remember what he felt…what he said…who I am. God, I want Tyler back.' Val drifted into tears again. Several minutes later, she felt a hand on her shoulders.
"Tyler?" she whispered as she turned her head, but it was only Hank.
Hank gave her a weak smile, as Val just dropped her head to her hands again. Hank had a sympathetic look on his face. He could only imagine what she's feeling. He just went home earlier to get something, and then came back as soon as he could to give Jamie a ride home. He ran into Jamie and Caitie, however, and was told about what happened with Val. He looked for her, and luckily, found her. He sat beside her.
"Are you OK?" he asked her as he handed her a handkerchief.
"A little better," she told him as she took it and wiped her tears off.
"I'm sorry about what happened," sympathized Hank.
"It's not your fault," Val assured him. "I guess I just couldn't accept the fact that this happened. When Tyler told me, I didn't know what to do. I think I didn't handle the situation correctly. I just left him there."
"Well, you have an excuse," Hank told her. "You didn't know when you visited him. If that was me, I would have done the same thing. When I heard the news, I was shocked as well, but I knew that I just needed to deal with it, for Tyler and myself."
"I guess you're right," exclaimed Val. "I'll go and see him now. I think I'm ready."
"Do you want me to come with you?" offered Hank.
"That's OK," replied Val as she gave Hank a small smile. "I can deal with it."
Tyler just finished talking with Jamie and Caitie a while ago. His thoughts lingered on their conversation. Jamie told him about Val, and apologized for not telling her. 'It wasn't his fault.' Caitie also introduced herself. She told him she was Val's best friend. She also said that Val is a little bit sensitive at the moment, and that he should be easy on her if she ever comes to talk to him. 'I'll remember that.' Lastly, Jamie and Caitie told him that the two of them were close friends, and that's why she acted that way. 'I didn't mean to hurt her. I thought she knew. But I guess if she was a close friend of mine, she acted rightfully then. I just hope she comes back. I want to get to know her.' All of a sudden the door opened. 'This must be her. I can tell by the way she opened that door.'
"Hey there," he smiled and greeted her as she came into view.
"Hey," she greeted back. "I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to run out…"
"You don't need to apologize," he told her. "I understand. Jamie told me."
"Oh," Val said awkwardly. "Um, I'm Val by the way."
"I know," he exclaimed. "You told me earlier. What's your last name?"
"Lanier," she told him as she found a chair and sat next to him.
"You don't happen to be related to a young blonde, are you?" he asked her.
"You mean Brooke?" she asked him, surprised.
"Yea," Tyler replied. "That's her name. She came in a few minutes after you left. She told me that she ran into my doctor, and he told her about my condition. She didn't stay long though. She said she had something to do."
"Like what?" she asked.
"Who knows," he replied. "Well, anyway, Jamie and Caitie told me that we're close friends. I'm sorry if I caused you grief or anything."
"It's not your fault," Val told him. "You didn't do this to yourself."
"Tell me more about you," he stated deliberately so as to change the topic.
"Well first of all, I'm 16 years old," she started. "I'm a cheerleader for Kingsport High. I'm an "overachiever" says Caitie. I'm also an EMT. I love school, and my family and friends. There's more, but I guess that's about it for now."
"It's nice to finally meet you again, Val Lanier," Tyler said as he shook her hand.
"Yea," Val replied. "It's nice to see you too."
Val's gaze dropped on the football on the table beside Tyler.
"I guess Hank told you how you won the game for Kingsport, huh?" said Val.
"Yea," Tyler replied as he grabbed the ball again. "He gave me the football, although he said I gave it to him."
"Tyler?" she began to ask. "Do you know if you'll ever get your memories back?"
"The doctor said that with time, I will eventually remember," he informed her. "And also with the help of medication, counseling, family, and friends."
"If you ever need anything, I'll be here for you," she told him.
"I'll keep that mind," he remarked.
There was a knock on the door before someone came in.
"Val," said Caitie. "I don't mean to interfere, but can we go now? I have to do something at home."
"I'll be out in a sec," she told Caitie before she left.
"I guess I'll see you around," exclaimed Tyler.
"Yea, later," she replied to Tyler as she bid him farewell. "Get better, OK?"
"OK," he responded as he waved and said goodbye to her. 'She seems nice.'
The week has gone by, and it was once again Saturday. Another week over and done with. Looking through his window, Tyler was once again captivated in his thoughts…
'This week surely went by fast. Now I'm in my own home. My own room. Can you believe this house? This is like a mansion. It's so huge. William is not a king, is he? And we have a butler? His name is Jeffrey. Jeffrey Gile. He's OK, but he constantly calls me "Mr. Tyler.'' It's kind of annoying. He's probably 50 years old. Anyway, Mom said a couple of my friends are coming tonight to hang out with me. You know, catch up on the "olden days." Hank and Val are coming here for sure. Jamie and Caitie couldn't though. Jamie has some agenda going on, and Caitie has some family stuff to attend. I wonder what they're doing…
Nighttime has befallen on Kingsport. A small glimmer of light from the moon shined, almost imperceptible. Out of the corner, a car sped off heading towards the traffic light, almost too quickly.
"Jamie!" yelled Caitie. "For the fifth time, slow down."
"I will," Jamie shot back.
"Then how come you've been driving recklessly for the last minutes, Mr. Speedy?" Caitie snapped.
"First off, I'm not used to driving my mom's car," Jamie began to explain. "Next, I'm used to riding motorcycles. And finally, we're running late and we might miss the show we're supposed to watch."
"Then what are you waiting for," Caitie exclaimed. "Step on it!"
Jamie did what he was told, and stepped on the gas. Luckily, he didn't get caught with a speeding ticket. All of a sudden, heavy rain came pouring down on them. After they parked the car, the two rushed, literally, to the ticket booth.
"Two tickets to 'HIGH SOCIETY WASHOUT', please," Jamie told the girl on the booth, almost out of breath.
"I'm sorry, sir" the girl informed him. "That show has been sold out five minutes ago."
"So much for slowing down," Jamie whispered as he glanced at Caitie.
"So much for being late as usual," Caitie countered. "What took you so long anyway?"
"My hair needed attention," Jamie said defensively. "I can't abandon them in the time of need."
"Whatever," Caitie retorted.
"Um, excuse me," said the girl in the booth.
"What other shows do you have available?" asked an irritated Jamie.
"Actually, we only have one show left," the girl in the booth replied. "If you have gotten here five minutes ago, you could have gotten the tickets."
"Sure, rub it in," Jamie told the amused girl in the booth. "Just give me the tickets."
The girl in the booth gave him the tickets after he paid for it.
"Caitie, let's go," he called out as he headed inside the cinema.
Caitie followed him from behind. She was still quite annoyed, but she wasn't mad at him anymore. 'I could never stay mad at him.'
"Jamie," she called. "Wait up!"
"Are you still mad at me?" Jamie asked her without making eye contact.
"No, of course not," Caitie assured him. "You're my only way home, so I can't afford to lose you."
"Thanks a lot," Jamie replied jokingly, acting as though he was hurt.
"You're welcome," Caitie stated with a smile on her face.
Jamie then gave the tickets to the usher.
"Go all the way down to the right," he directed them.
"Thanks," said Jamie as he took Caitie's hand and led the way.
They got in the theater, and went ahead to choose their seats. They decided to sit all the way in the back. Looking around, they saw a bunch of couples in the room. Then, almost immediately, a thought crossed Caitie's mind.
"What movie are we supposed to be watching anyway?" she asked.
"I have no clue," Jamie told her.
The two just had a little conversation of their own, as they waited for the show to come on. A few minutes later, the movie just about started. The two watched intently, their eyes glued to the screen. Finally, the answer Caitie was looking for flashed on the screen.
"THE PERFECT MATCH!" yelled Caitie.
"I don't want to watch this!" added Jamie.
"Ssshhhhhh!!!/Keep it down!/Shut up!" came a bunch of noise from the crowd.
"Jamie," whispered Caitie. "Look what you've gotten ourselves into."
"Sorry," said Jamie as two blond figures popped on the display. "I'm suffering as much as you are. This is like watching Val and Tyler, only they're 10 times bigger."
"Tell me about it," Caitie said defeated. " I guess we don't have a choice. I don't want to go back outside and deal with that stupid rain."
So Jamie and Caitie just watched the show, despite their wishes. Thirty minutes had passed, and still the show was just as dull as it had begun. Caitie was unusually bored. She doesn't know how much she could bare to take anymore of this torture. She turned to see how Jamie was doing, but was only met by surprise.
"Jamie…," she whispered.
"Quiet," he told her silently, never taking his eyes off the show. "I'm watching something here."
"So much for being the macho man," Caitie said under her breath.
Caitie went back to watching the movie. Another hour passed by. Now, both Caitie and Jamie were watching the show intently. Amazingly, the show seemed to have gotten their interest.
"Can I ask you something, Tara?"
"Go ahead."
"Well, this is really tough to say,…"
"Connor, what is it?"
"I really like you…"
"I like you, too."
"…more than a friend."
"But we're best friends…"
"That's what I'm talking about. We're best friends, and I don't want to lose that."
"Then why are you telling me this?"
"Because I can't help what I feel!"
Jamie turned his eyes to Caitie. 'Caitie, that guy is saying what I've been meaning to tell you all along.'
"I don't want to lose our friendship either, but this is just not right."
"At least I'm being honest to myself. Can you honestly tell me that you don't feel the same way."
"Yes…no…I don't know. This is really confusing. I can't afford to lose your friendship. It means a lot to me."
Caitie turned to look at Jamie. 'I feel the exact same way she does about you, Jamie.'
"I'm still you best friend. Your friendship means a lot to me too, but I want more than that. Can't you see how much I love you. I'm risking it all by telling you that."
"If you love me then why are you doing this? You're hurting me…"
"Because I want to be the one to stop you from hurting,…to ease your pain."
"Connor,…it will never be the same…"
"It will be better, Tara. I promise you."
Jamie and Caitie held each other's gaze. No words came from either lips, as though they could read each other's thoughts. As they got closer, Jamie noticed a tear trickle down Caitie's face. He reached out and wiped it with his bare fingers.
"I love you, Tara. I love you forever."
"I love you, Caitie. I love you forever."
"I love you, too, Connor. More than you ever know."
"I love you, too Jamie. More than you ever know."
The two kissed. (Blah blah blah…end credits)
At this, the two met each other's lips, releasing everything that they had been holding back for as long as they could remember. The kiss seemed unending, yet it both filled the two with bliss. As they broke apart from each other, all they could do is look into each other's eyes, a small smile on their faces.
"I love that movie," exclaimed Jamie.
"Me too," agreed Caitie as they kissed for an encore.
Hank and Val were already at Tyler's house. With them were a bunch of pictures, old stuff, etc. They all sat in the living room.
"Tyler, do you remember this?" Hank asked him.
"No," replied, annoyed by the frequently asked question.
"I remember this," Val exclaimed excitedly. "This was when we all went to the beach."
"That must have been fun," commented Tyler.
Hank took out another bunch of pictures.
"Tyler, do you remember this?" Hank asked him again. "This was when you and Val paired up for the three-legged race."
"I remember," Val said. "We kept falling down. Whenever I used my right leg, he uses his right leg, too."
The conversation seemed to have been going back and forth between Hank and Val. 'If I left, would they even notice? Well, there's no use for that. They already think that I'm not here.' The whole time they were there, they only talked about who Tyler was, and what he did. Tyler only felt left out. Even though it was for his own good, he couldn't help but wish they would just go away. 'I know they want me to get better, but can't they talk about themselves instead of me. Maybe I'll remember something for a change.'
"Well, Tyler, we have to go," Hank told him. "I'll leave this pictures for you."
"We'll see you tomorrow," said Val as she caught up with Hank. "Bye, Tyler!"
"Yea, bye," he replied.
Tyler went over the stuff they left behind. He looked through the pictures, seeing different images of him. All the while he was thinking about what Hank and Val said. 'Tyler did this,…Tyler did that,…Tyler was this,…Tyler was that. I don't even know myself. There's a stranger in me that I couldn't find,…that I couldn't understand. I don't know who this person in these stupid pictures is.' Frustrated, Tyler threw the pictures across the room. If he didn't know any better, he would have yelled and cried his lungs out.
"Take it easy," William said from behind.
"I'm sorry," Tyler apologized. "I'll pick them up."
"Don't worry," William told him. "I'll do it for you later. We have something to tell you."
"OK," Tyler replied as William pushed his chair to his office. When the got there, Daphne Jenks was in there with some strange looking guy.
"Hey, Tyler," greeted his mom. "I'd like you to meet Detective Lucas High."
"Hey," Tyler said as he shook his hand. "So, what were you going to tell me?"
"I have some good news," Detective High replied. "Tyler, we got your assailants."
To be continued…
I'm sorry for the delay. My finals just finished last Friday. Plus, I got the dreaded Writer's Block syndrome.L I know this is bad, but I hope you like it anyway. I'll post the next one A.S.A.P.J And please review!!!