DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN WINX CLUB.
IDK how many people are still reading this hasn't-been-updated-in-forever fic, but I still hope you enjoy!
…
Just a little concerned note!
If any of you are stuck in the southern Atlantic time zone and are being ravaged by storms, please, please, please stay safe!
I'm stuck in the middle of a hurricane as well (followed by two other smaller ones), so my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and your families! Stay safe, stay warm, stay indoors, and make sure your house is backed up by plenty of food and water.
I know that some of the people I talk to everyday are stuck, so please do let me know that you're safe and sound. *Hugs*
…
~ Presbysterian University Hospital - The Following Morning - 11:00 AM ~
"What the flippin' hell...?!"
Brandon gaped widely as he touched his face shockingly. He looked at himself in the mirror of the bathroom and watched with unblinking eyes at his own transformation over the years. He touched his shoulders in shock, wondering when they became this fit, rippled, and sturdy. When he was eighteen, he was a little muscular but he was significantly lean. His features now became much more toned and well-defined than what he remembered. His face was symmetrical with the perfect jawline and high, accentuated cheekbones. It was like staring at a complete and different stranger but also at himself.
"Well, well, well..." he smirked after ogling at himself. He turned to the side and looked at himself from different angles.
"Ooooh damn, I look good," he grinned as he posed. "Ha!" he exclaimed while smiling proudly at his drool-worthy physique.
"You lucky women," he smirked. He could pretty much tell that he was an eye feast to the women out there.
Shaking his head at himself with a proud smile, he washed his face with cool water before stepping out.
Brandon groaned as he struggled to walk from the bathroom to his bed without feeling like his ribcage wanted to crack open. It was a fairly medium-sized room. Other than him, there was one other male patient, who was separated through a curtain. He slowly sat on the bed as he flinched and closed his eyes at the shearing pain in his ribs. His head throbbed endlessly but he was a little used to the mild pain. He sat on the bed and arched back again.
The doctors said that he'll need to be under medication and observation for about two weeks before they can safely discharge him. He looked around the room as a small, disgruntled growl escaped his lips.
He so didn't like this arrangement of staying cooped up in this box. He wanted to be outdoors and it didn't help that the hospital reeked with the traditional smell of medicine and antibiotics. Great.
He breathed tightly and clutched his chest. The power of the painkillers the doctors gave him was starting to fade away and he insisted that he didn't want anymore. For some reason, he didn't feel like taking medication.
He yawned out of boredom as he looked around in his cooped space. There was a TV in front of him and there was a table beside him with a plate of fruits. He rested his head back and closed his eyes in thought.
He literally lost eight years of his existence.
Eight years of questions were left unanswered.
What is he doing now?
What's his job?
What are his friends up to?
Did he have a girlfriend-
Brandon stopped his thoughts immediately with a small frown on his face. Of course I do! he muttered sarcastically. He had more than a girlfriend. He had a wife. WIFE. He literally can't believe his luck. He can't believe that he had a wife.
"I wonder what she's up to-" he started to muse but was interrupted when he heard the voice of a crying baby. The door flew open and six people rushed inside like maniacs.
"Brandon!" six voices exclaimed in shock and relief, giving the dazed brunette a headache.
"Hey, guys," he groaned at the familiar...yet eerily older faces of his friends. He looked at each of them in wonder. They literally aged a whole decade. Some...he didn't even recognize.
"Who the hell are you?" he gawked and pointed to three girls.
Bloom, Tecna, and Flora looked at each other in wonder. Their respective partners, Sky, Timmy, and Helia chuckled slightly.
"They're our wives," Sky said with a small smile. "We sort of met them through Musa, Layla, and Stella."
Brandon groaned at that name. Stella...GRRRRRRR.
Sky cleared his throat and started to introduce them all formally. "This is Bloom. That's Tecna and that's Flora."
"Oh...uh...hi," Brandon grinned sheepishly. He sighed and frowned a moment later. He didn't really like this. Hell, he hated this. These people were supposedly his friends and yet, he had no clue of their existence.
"Brandon, it's okay," Timmy said while coming to his side. "Your memories will return soon someday."
"Will they...?" the brunette sighed almost dejectedly. The other adults frowned. They didn't like this version of Brandon. Their friend was a man with a sense of humor. This alternative of him...well. Heh.
Brandon looked at Timmy and was surprised to see how much he had changed. He appeared no longer lanky and clumsy. He manned up but the only thing that didn't change were his black square-rimmed glasses. "You look great, Timmy-ester," Brandon smirked.
Timmy felt his cheeks redden. "Uh yeah. I guess I do," he said, earning a tender look from Tecna.
Brandon chuckled. He sighed and looked around at each of his friends. His frown turned upside down as he smiled at seeing three little children: one boy and two little girls. "Are they your kids?" he smiled at the adorable little ones. The group looked at their children and beamed with pride.
Flora smiled. "This is Axel," she smiled at her two year old son who was currently sleeping Helia's arms. "And this is Lilliane or just Lily," Helia grinned at his four year old daughter who was looking at Brandon curiously.
"Annalisa," Bloom smiled as she kissed her four month old daughter's forehead who slept peacefully in Sky's arms.
Tecna and Timmy didn't have any children as they were solely focused on their rocketing careers at the moment.
Brandon smiled and held out his hand for Helia's and Flora's adorable daughter. "Hey, Firefly," he smiled. The young child, to his surprise, yelped happily as she rushed over to Brandon.
"Uncle Brandon!" she squealed and slowly started to climb the bed.
Meanwhile, a collective gasp could be heard from around the room. Brandon froze instantly and looked up in wonder. "Um...what's wrong?" he asked as he gaped at six pairs of eyes in confusion.
"Firefly... only you call Lily that," Helia said in shock while pointing towards his daughter. Brandon's eyes widened as he looked at the child beside him with pure wonder. His lips parted slightly in shock. Meanwhile, Lily was playing with his fingers, oblivious to the adults' discussion.
Bloom grinned. "That must mean your memories are returning!" she cried out in delight while clapping with her hands.
Brandon nodded, still a little bewildered. The couples looked at each other and smiled in silence.
"She loves you a lot," Flora laughed, effectively turning the attention away to something light-hearted. "Lily, honey, be careful, okay? Uncle Brandon's not feeling too well." Lily frowned immediately and stood at edge of the bed, gazing sadly at him.
"It's okay, Flora," he smiled. He gently lifted the little girl up before placing her on his lap. His heart smiled in delight when he saw how Lily literally blew up into a ball of energy. "Uncle Brandon!" she squealed again.
"Aww, look at you. You're so big already!" he teased the child who only grinned and laughed in response.
"I'm four years old!" she smiled proudly while holding up four little fingers.
Brandon laughed and ruffled her soft, brown hair.
He was oblivious to the pair of light brown eyes watching him from the outside with a small smile on her face. Stella's eyes brimmed with happiness as she watched the adorable exchange between Brandon and Flora's daughter. Despite losing his memories, he was still a great guy to hang around with. Lily's laughs were filled with so much innocence and joy as Brandon tickled her with a broad smile. Honestly...he'll be a great father someday.
Her smile turned into a frown as she remembered how harsh he was with her yesterday. Sighing, she sucked it up. Obviously, it must've been a lot for him to take in. When he was eighteen, she was around fifteen and half. This means that she wouldn't have met him for another four years.
He wouldn't have met her for another few years. So, why was she expecting him to react to her like it was no big deal?!
Stella smiled as she encouraged herself. It's okay. He'll remember her eventually.
"Ha. The wonders a nap can do," she giggled to herself as she moved to go inside.
The door suddenly opened as everyone on the inside redirected their attention to it. "Stella, there you are!" Flora greeted happily with a kind smile on her face.
"Guys!" Stella smiled in relief as she gave them all quick hugs. "Aww, Anne and Axel are so big already," the blonde gushed at the sleeping babies.
"Auntie Stella!" Lily chirped as she jumped off the bed and ran towards Stella. The little girl hugged Stella's leg in delight. Laughing, Stella picked her up and kissed her cheek. "Hey, sweetheart," the blonde smiled as she affectionately pinched her cheek.
Brandon watched with a neutral look on his face. His eyes were fixated on the blonde who literally hopped out of nowhere. She's so gorgeous, his subconscious dreamily sighed, leaving him to glare at himself. "She could be a villainess in a hot girl's body!" he whispered inaudibly to himself.
"Lily, honey, why don't you and I go and get some icecream?" Tecna smiled as she took the young girl from Stella.
"Icecream?! Yayyy!" Lily laughed happily while launching herself straight into Timmy's arms, who caught her with an amused laugh. Tecna joined in at the little girl's sudden enthusiam before stroking the brunette's soft hair and leading themselves out.
It didn't take long for the rest of the adults to get the hint. Clearly, Stella and Brandon needed some lone time and they can't speak freely with little kids hogging all over the place.
A painful silence ensued the second everyone left, leaving the two alone. Stella felt self-conscious of herself as Brandon looked at her unblinkingly. She looked so much better than yesterday. Her red eyes and puffiness were gone but her dark circles still remained. Thank god for the power of concealer. Her molten amber colored eyes shone through as she slowly smiled. He didn't seem as stiff as yesterday. In fact, he actually looked pretty fresh and cleaned up. Brandon's breath hitched at the little smile on her lips. How did I score such a gorgeous girl?! he asked himself with a little smirk.
"Hi," she said softly.
"Hi," he said flatly and looked away rudely.
Stella sighed at his stubbornness. "Is this really how you're going to behave?! It's ridiculous and childish, you know."
Brandon turned to her with a glare. "Guess you really live up to the stereotypical dumb blonde," he muttered at her lack of understanding before turning away.
Stella gasped at the insult and marched up to him. Glaring, she smacked his chest harshly. He howled instantly and grasped her wrist instantly, making her wince in the sudden pain that shot up her arm. "You little brat!" he hissed while tenderly clutching his fractured ribs.
"Well, you totally deserve it, you ass!" she yelled as she tried to wiggle her wrist free. "Let go!" she squirmed.
"I may be a blonde, but I'm not that blonde!" Stella scoffed.
Instead of trying to give her a comeback, he was left gazing at her. She was so close to him, just a few inches away, and he couldn't help but want to hold her. His eyes darted subtly towards her inviting, coral lips. They looked so soft and full that he had to resist the urge to kiss her.
"I can't believe you were this much of a jerkface back then!" Stella muttered incredulously.
"Well I can't believe I married a stupid and a full-of-it blonde!" Brandon growled back harshly. He instantly regretted his words when Stella looked hurt as if she's been slapped.
Before he could apologize, she wiped the frown off from her face. "You know...if the Brandon from last week saw you, he would kick your ass all the way to the next dimension," she snapped as she shoved his arm. "Jerk," she muttered under her breath before wiggling her arm free. She shot him an angry glare but in his opinion, it's one of the most childish yet cutest glares he's ever seen.
She marched her way out of the room but missed the small smile that invuluntarily came on Brandon's face. Something told him that...she was right about the 'Brandon from last week'. His eyes never left her retreating figure as she angrily stomped out of the room. Grudgingly he hated to admit, but he couldn't wait for the next time she'll return.
Stella stepped out of the room. She didn't realize that she had been holding her breath all this time.
"Well...you look...mad," Flora laughed.
Stella looked up when she heard her best friend's voice not too far away. She let out a relieved sigh. "Hey, Flora," she replied tiredly.
"Layla and Musa just got here. They went to the cafeteria to see the girls and kids," Flora said. "What about you though? You okay?"
Stella sighed. "I don't know, Flo," she murmured as she cast a glance towards the room. Flora wrapped a comforting arm around her friend's shoulders and led her to the chairs against the hallway.
"Brandon's going to remember. You know he will," Flora smiled.
"And what if he doesn't?"
Flora sighed. "Can you not talk like that-"
"I'm being realistic, Flo. I get to do that," Stella shrugged. "It's just that...memory loss or not...shouldn't he at least try to get to know me?" the blonde said as tears pricked her honey-colored eyes.
"According to him, you haven't even met the guy for another four years, Stell. He lost eight years of his life. He has the mind of a teenager. An immature teenager. You can't expect him to be okay with a wife at this age," Flora reasoned. "I mean, would you be okay if you were in his shoes?"
Stella bit her lip as tears fell onto her cheeks. "It just...it hurts so much," she sobbed. Flora sighed sadly and let her cry into her shoulder. It must be hard enough for Stella as it is. The brunette can't even imagine the pain that Stella must be going through. I mean...I wouldn't know what I would do if it happened to Helia, Flora shuddered, not even wanting to let such a thought roam inside of her.
"I can't live without him, Flora," Stella cried helplessly into her hands. "I can't bear to see him hate me," the blonde cried.
"We're gone one minute and all hell breaks loose," a sarcastic voice snorted. Stella looked up with teary eyes to see Riven shaking his head disapprovingly. The Winx as well as their respective husbands and fiances stood along with their kids in their arms.
"Thanks for coming, you guys," Stella sniffled, letting her friends comfort her.
Bloom smiled and kneeled in front of the crying blonde. "It's okay, Stell. The worst part's over, you know."
Stella nodded gratefully, knowing it's true. The worst part is indeed over. Brandon's alive and he's well. She should be thankful for that. She is thankful to the heavens. More than she could ever explain or put into words, she is thankful. She wiped away her tears, finding a new resolve to set things right.
"Are you okay, Auntie Stella?" Lily trotted towards her lap and asked in a sweet voice. "Don't cry."
Stella looked at the adorable child with love in her eyes. "I'm fine, baby," the blonde told the little girl while pulling her into her lap. "You really do have a beautiful daughter, Helia," Stella smiled when she felt Lily started to play with her fingers.
Helia smiled while Flora beamed with pride. "We have a beautiful friend too," he said. At his words, Stella handed Lily to Musa and stood up. "Thank you," she spoke while giving him a hug. "Thank you, everyone," she whispered while turning towards everyone.
"Anytime," they all grinned at her. Stella wiped the tears away. She didn't know what she did in her past life to deserve such amazing friends. The eleven adults as well as the three children lingered around the hall for a little while as they started to catch up on each other's lives.
Stella remained silent and less conversative as she took Bloom's four month old daughter, Annalisa, for a little while. She rocked the sleeping child in her arms as she gently stroked Anne's strawberry blonde hair.
Stella smiled softly at the young infant as she felt her problems dissolve away for the moment. Babies had such powerful and soothing panaceas to make problems seem so little. She failed to, however, observe the pair of dark brown eyes looking at her intently and curiously from between the curtains. Brandon couldn't help the gentle smile that graced his handsome face as he watched Stella with Sky's daughter. Wow...he breathed as he took in her beauty. She looked so natural as she gently rocked the infant and held the baby close to her heart. She was strikingly gorgeous and he wondered if this was what attracted him to her. Afterall...beauty is a dangerous deception in life. "Was I really happy with her?" he whispered to himself, unable to look away.
A day later...
Police swarmed the hospital room for a statement regarding the accident. They left Brandon alone since he lost his memories, but Stella's statement was more than enough. Cameras at the nearest traffic light showed the accident clearly, especially since it was deserted at that time of night. The driver had killed himself, wrapping his car around a tree.
Despite that news, Stella felt no remorse for the driver. He had it coming, she thought cruelly. Because of an idiot like him, a good man and police officer took a hit that he clearly didn't deserve.
Taking their statements, the police officers left but informed Stella to call them back in case of any improvement in Brandon's condition.
Ten days after the accident...
~ 8:00 AM ~
The five families left for their respective homes after spending time with Brandon and making sure that he'll be okay. As warm as he was towards them, the same can't be said towards his behavior with his own wife.
"Oh come on! It's been a week and half already! Can you be a little more mature?!" Stella yelled, completely exasperated at her husband's unbearably childish behavior. He faced away from her while the blonde glared at his back. Honestly. He should've adapted to the truth that he's not a single, arrogant-pricked bachelor anymore.
She sighed and looked around the room. It was full of flower boutiques and greeting cards which all wished him a speedy and healthy recovery. Some were from their own families and some were from his fellow colleagues at work.
"You do realize you're being discharged tomorrow, right?" Stella muttered as she traveled around the bed to face him once more. The situation will be worse then considering they'll going to their own home!
Brandon wasn't still completely healed yet, but he was healthy. His ribs were still a little ruptured and they would take another two to three weeks to fully function back to normal.
"...Yeah, I can't wait for that day either," he snapped back rudely.
Stella stared at him in annoyance.
His insults still stung, but she tried not to let her heart take them. She sort of understand his pain. It must be really difficult having a wife at the age of eighteen. But he wasn't eighteen anymore. He was nearly twenty-six.
He let out a small groan of pain as he turned around the bed once more to avoid looking at her.
"Oh come on," Stella sighed. "Would you really go through that pain rather than look at me?" she asked incredulously.
He snorted. "Yes, actually." He winced a second later and clutched his ribs which were still hurt.
Stella looked at the floor, slowly growing silent. There was a limit to how much she can take. She sighed sadly. "Fine then. I'm gonna head to work," she said dully. She wondered how she'll able to concentrate in work while he's here. Brandon turned to her and frowned at her dejected voice. She tried to suppress the sadness by giving him a small smile. Picking up her bag, she turned to leave but stopped at the doorstep.
"I'll um...I'll bring lunch, so don't eat the hospital food," she shrugged, knowing how he despised hospital food. I mean, who doesn't?!
Brandon frowned as she left instantly. He didn't particularly like that. He sighed a little, knowing why it was so difficult for him. He didn't remember this girl nor did he remember the love he may have had for her. And the one thing that turned him off is that...they married so soon in his opinion.
But he had to admit one thing...he didn't like seeing Stella so upset.
He sighed, looking away. He calmly looked around the window, wondering why he was in the accident in the first place. He forgot literally everything and the only significant change was that he's...he's married.
He still can't believe that. His mind didn't allow him to sink in the fact that he wasn't a go-free, careless, reckless, and crazy teenager anymore. He wasn't single. He wasn't free. He was binded to a woman. A very beautiful woman, his subconscious uninvitingly pointed out, making a light smile bloom on his lips.
He took in a deep breath before rubbing his chin in thought. His eyes narrowed slightly when the back of his hand scratched the flesh beneath his chin. His eyes widened to see a wedding band on his ring finger. His brown pupils flashed with recognition as a distinct deja vu hit him. He felt like he remembered this little thing, but unfortunately, he had no recollection of it no matter how hard he tried.
He frowned before looking away from the sight. He didn't want to look at this thing.
Marriage was stupid!
He didn't believe in marriage at his age. How could he get married at just twenty four?! Wait a second, how old was this girl? She looked definitely younger, but who the hell knows? Women manage their age pretty well by using cakey makeup products. He wondered curiously how the hell she would be under that makeup.
Probably ugly, he shuddered. He didn't have anything against makeup nor did he give ultimate important to looks. But he did have a problem with women who overdid it, so that when it's removed, they look like totally different people. And this dumbass blonde could've been doing the same thing.
Brandon sighed and tossed his head back before leaning against the wall before closing his eyes in frustration.
Just minutes after Stella left, the door opened again, much to his chagrin. He opened his eyes in irritation to see a nurse come inside towards him.
What now?! Brandon grumbled to himself.
"Mr. Shields, how're you feeling this morning?" the nurse asked while plastering a smile on her face.
Brandon thought for a moment before replying. "Can I be discharged today? Actually, right now. Can I be discharged right now?"
The nurse looked skeptical. "Sir, we'll inform your wife first and-"
"She's not my wife!" Brandon suddenly snarled, spooking the nurse. She gasped and jumped back a whole foot before hushing herself to silence. Brandon sighed and clutched his head, blaming his memories or, lack thereof. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that," he apologized with a sigh. "I didn't mean to shout."
The nurse nodded dubiously before moving to check his vitals.
Brandon frowned with a sigh and let her do her job before closing his eyes in raw frustration.
A few hours later...
~ 12:30 PM ~
Stella hummed a song to herself as she walked through the bright-lit,reflective-tiled hallways of the hospital. Her spirits were clearly lifted after escaping an impatient morning at work. She left the hospital in the morning in a depressed, dejected state. Work was horrible today and she could barely focus on her designs but not anymore. She felt rejuvenated again as she carried a cover with a hotbox inside.
She walked up to Brandon's room number before opening the door. She yawned a little before pushing herself inside. She smiled to herself at the aroma that filled her nose. She hoped that Brandon would like what she prepared for him. She had a feeling he'd be pretty stubborn, but she was determined to break through and show him just how much she loved him.
She stopped in her tracks when she saw Brandon sleeping. Her heart warmed to see him so peaceful. Careful not to wake him up, she slowly approached the bed before seating herself in a chair in front of him. Her eyes glistened to see him so at peace and calm. He almost...he almost seemed like the Brandon she wished to see again. Who am I kidding? she thought with a smile. This is the Brandon she fell in love with. Just a younger version of him, that's all.
His breathing was calm and steady and she could almost lull herself to sleep at the tranquil melody that reached her ears.
Stella sniffled as she remembered the wound at the side of his head. She joined her hands together and prayed for him. "Dear God...please let him heal fast," she whispered in silence with closed eyes. "Please."
Opening her eyes a few moments later, she leaned in and watched him carefully.
That's it.
She refused.
She refused to give up.
She absolutely refused to give up on the man she loved with all of her heart.
She knew that he would never give up on her, if it had been the other way around. Now it's time for her to do the same.
Stella pursed her lips with determination. "I won't give up. I won't give up on you," she said softly. "I'm so sorry, Brand...I'm so sorry," Stella sniffled while letting out a tear slide dow her eye. "Why did you have to take the hit for me, you stupid idiot?!"
Stella covered her face with her hands as she slowly started to cry. She didn't know how many times she felt like breaking down since the accident. Every time she thought about it, it never failed to remind her how horrific it had been. Tears fell down her cheeks even though she tried to suppress them.
"Please, please, please come back to me," Stella sobbed into her hands. "Please don't leave me..." she whispered heartbrokenly, knowing that he was never planning to live with her again. She knew that he didn't want to be anywhere near her presence. She knew that he will leave the moment he got better.
Stella stood up as she wiped away her tears. She was going insane with these stupid thoughts. She'll lose her mind if she stayed in this cooped-up hospital room any further. Bending down, she picked up the lunch bag before setting it silently on the stand beside his bed.
"I love you, Brandon," she confessed to him, knowing that it'll never reach his ears. She reached down to kiss him but instantly recoiled back in fear. She didn't want to wake him up, knowing that he's one delusional case of light sleeper.
She looked down at him one more time before turning on her heel while letting out a few exhausted sniffles. Silent tears fell down her cheeks as she prayed for her husband to get well and remember her once again. She slowly closed the door behind her as to not wake him up from his peaceful slumber.
A few seconds after Stella left, Brandon slowly opened his eyes and stared unblinkingly at the door she just used to get out. He raised himself and scrunched his face in pain at the massive pain that amalgamated in his ribs. He clutched his chest with his hand before sitting up properly. He blinked a few times at her words. He had heard every single word that left her lips and...every tear she shed.
Brandon frowned. With a frustrated groan, he rubbed his face in confusion before letting out a small sigh.
Why did he repel Stella so much? Sure, she was beautiful but...he didn't know anything about her.
He blinked, not understanding why he was thinking this way suddenly.
He didn't sound like himself, yet at the same time...he did. His eighteen year old self would've gone out with any stunning girl who was willing to latch onto his arm.
But...
The fast-forwarded version of the twenty-six year old didn't allow that line of thought. Looks aren't everything to him now.
He groaned before closing his eyes. He placed his head into his hands. Her words had sounded genuine and no matter how much he tried to deny any of this by pulverizing her with harsh accusations...
"I love you, Brandon..."
His eyes softened slightly. He knew she was telling the truth.
They fell in love.
They got married.
They were happy.
He knew that it was true. All of it. But...that doesn't mean he had to accept it...
Right...?
The Next Day...
~ Presbysterian University Hospital - 9:30 AM ~
"...You're the biggest asshole I ever met, you know that?" Stella grumbled in annoyance while crossing her arms.
Brandon rolled his eyes rudely before buttoning up his shirt with moderate difficulty. His ribs needed roughly another two weeks to completely heal, but he didn't acquire hospital services anymore.
"And you're the stupidest blonde I've ever seen. Heh, why am I even surprised?" he chuckled. "Statistics show that blondes are dumb as hell."
Stella gasped at his insult. "Oh snap. You did not just say what I think you said," she snapped while placing a hand on her hip.
He simply rolled his eyes, infuriating her even further. They were bantering about something foolish as usual, but today, he was making an exceptional effort to be the asshole of the year.
Stella sighed before checking the time. He was going to be discharged today and that was a good thing. She didn't have to come to the hospital every time to see him. He'll be wandering within the walls of their house, so she can see him whenever she wanted to.
"Well, I'm going to go and fill the forms to get you out of here, so stay put," Stella ordered while wiggling her index from side to side. Brandon looked her incredulously as she turned around on her heel and just left.
He scoffed. Exactly who did she think she was talking to?
Brandon took a deep, painful breath before buttoning his shirt up all the way. He had been stuck in hospital scrubs the past ten something days and it was an absolute nightmare to be in these ugly-ass things.
Stella brought him lunch everyday and he initially refused stubbornly. But the hospital food was just a total nightmare that he had to suck up his pride and eat whatever she brought him. As grudgingly horrible as it is for him to admit that, she really was a great cook.
The door chimed a little, signalling someone's presence. Brandon looked up curiously to see a nurse walking towards him in a small bag.
"Sir, this is your stuff," she smiled while handing him the little cover.
"What is this?" he asked as he took it and peered inside curiously. His lips dropped into a small 'oh' when he saw a set of clothes, a wallet, and a pair of shoes. It didn't take a brainer to realize that these were the exact stuff he had on his body at the time of the accident.
"Thanks," he mumbled to which the nurse nodded. Brandon sighed in exasperation at the turn of events before taking out the wallet and placing it in the back of his pocket. It was a little weird to hold the little thing in his hands, considering he didn't have a wallet back then. All he had was pocket money that he remembered begging his parents for.
He impatiently waited for the blonde to return because another moment in this stinking antibiotic hellhole will drive him nuts. Brandon crossed his arms and tapped his foot in annoyance while glancing at the clock on the wall which ticked by.
"Oh screw this shit," he grumbled before waltzing out of the room. He looked left and right into the hallways before glancing up at the Exit sign.
"Now where is that blonde brat?" he muttered to himself, guessing that she'll probably be near the reception. He used the directional signs before moving about the hallways and floors. Rolling his sleeves till his elbows, he stepped out from the elevator into the ground floor.
He looked around the reception for the familiar dash of golden blonde. His patience started to wear thin with each passing second. He blinked in a type of relieved annoyance when he finally caught sight of her honey-colored eyes.
With a peeved sigh at her for making him wait so damn long, he marched towards her in long strides, ready to hit her with yet another rude remark. But his eyes narrowed and his feet stopped momentarily at some guy beside Stella. The moronic flirt was rubbing his shoulder against Stella's as they both stood filling out some forms.
He was no expert at relationships (or at least, the eighteen year old version of him isn't), but he was pretty sure that this unwelcome dude is hitting on the blonde.
Stella sighed as she tried to fill out the last few fields without this dude hogging over all the place. She moved a little over to her left but the idiot beside her just cast her a flirtateous wink. "How about coffee across the street?"
"How about no?" Stella snapped rudely before signing the papers and handing them back to the receptionist for verification.
"Come on, one hour is all I'm asking. The name's Andy," he grinned, showcasing all his pearly white teeth.
Brandon scowled when he reached within earshot. Oh hell no. THIS was what kept her busy this whole time?! He covered the distance between the blonde and himself in a few long strides before squishing himself between the pathetic flirt and Stella.
"Can we go now?" Brandon interrupted rudely while grimacing unhappily at the long wait. His harsh voice went unnoticed by her. His body went slightly slack in awe when her eyes illuminated to the light of thousand fireflies. Is she really that happy to see me...? he wondered, not really knowing how to feel.
"How did you find your way here?!" Stella grinned happily at seeing him.
He rolled his eyes before placing his hands into his pockets.
"I don't need to be twenty six years to have common sense," he retorted with a scoff.
Stella blushed in embarrassment. "Right. Sorry. Just one second," she said before turning towards the receptionist for a copy of the documentation. "Thank you," Stella smiled a few seconds later and took a printed form from the lady behind the desk. They were free to leave and Brandon was officially placed under Stella's care for another few weeks or at least until he's completely healed from his injuries.
"Can we get out of here?" Brandon scrunched his nose in disgust and queasiness. The stench here made him sick to the stomach.
Stella nodded before telling him to follow her. Brandon mutely followed her but not before casting a warning glance at the guy called Andy or whatever, who flirted with the blonde earlier. A quick realization struck the brunette when he sharply turned around with wide eyes.
Wait. Why do I freaking care? He blinked in confusion as he dumbly followed her.
Forty five minutes later...
~ Brandon's and Stella's House - 11:00 AM ~
Brandon stepped out of the car while bugging out his eyes in disbelief. Stella stepped out too and locked the car before going around the vehicle. She observed his shocked and rigid state before going up to him in concern.
"Brandon...are you okay?" she asked nervously before reaching to touch her forehead.
His eyes closed automatically at her soft touch before peeling them open, stunned out of his mind. His hand flew up to grasp her wrist and Stella gasped at his reaction.
"I'm fine," he murmured before slowly pushing her away and distancing himself away from her.
Stella frowned at his behavior in hurt. Why was he avoiding her? Did he hate her? She remembered how it was him who followed her around. He practically got down on his knees to get her to go out to him on their first date. Not that she was ever going to say no in the first place, but she did love the attention she received and enjoy playing hard-to-get.
But now...he acted like he can't even stand her.
"This is our house...?" he asked suddenly with astonishment. It was way too enormous for two people. However, it was a stunning construction with a beautiful garden outside and a cemented, paved driveway. The pave parted into a pathway that led up directly to the front porch of the house.
"...Don't you like it...?" Stella asked as her heart fell with disappointment.
Brandon turned towards her and frowned when she looked upset for a split second. He didn't like the frown that marred her beautiful features, although he'd probably not admit that to her. Nonetheless, outright lying that this house reeked was probably cruel and heartless when he indeed loved it.
"No...I...I just can't believe that it's ours. It's beautiful," he suddenly said quietly, making her glance at him astounded. She appeared taken aback that he would actually say something nice for a change. Their conversations from the last two weeks consisted of rough and rude remarks from his side and attitude showoff from her side.
"Really?" Stella bit her lip hopefully.
He simply gave her a nod before eyeing the building in front of him again.
Well...guess he had something to occupy himself with like sightseeing.
The couple made their way inside the house. Stella twisted the door open and stepped inside. Brandon felt a wave of nostalgia and recognition hit him as he stepped inside the home. His eyes blinked rapidly as he took in the interior of the house. Being here felt familiar, yet so distant at the same time.
"Why can't I remember?" he whispered to himself as he struggled to recall at least some bits of his lost memory.
A sharp bolt of pain hit him and he instantly hunched over in pain. "AHH!" he cried suddenly while clutching his head and bending on one knee.
Stella gasped and rushed over to him. "Brand!" she raced over to the hurting brunette in concern and panic. "What's wrong? Are you okay?! Do you remember anything?!" she asked, a little hopeful and excited as she bombarded him with questions.
The pain spiked his vitals for a hot second before settling down. He opened his eyes and started to stand up when he saw Stella's concerned and panicked face in view. "I'm fine," he hissed before removing her arms away from him.
Stella's eyes clouded with tears at his harsh and mean tone. "Brandon...do you hate me?" she asked with tearful eyes while suppressing a small cry.
Brandon stopped in his tracks but didn't turn around. He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. What the hell am I doing? he thought tiredly. Do I really hate her? Taking a deep breath, he turned around to give her the answer she seeked. But the golden mist that formed in her hazel gold eyes threatened to spill and she looked like she really wanted to cry. A deep, dark instinct inside of him urged him to rush over to her and hug her tightly, but the irrational part of him told him to stay put.
This is just too much. Yeah, that's it. How can she possibly expect him to be okay with all of this?
"I...I don't," he finally said slowly.
"Really...?" she asked again with hopeful eyes.
"But it doesn't mean that I like you," he finished neutrally, making her eyes widen again. Her heart fell into a pit of hopelessness once again while he continued, "I'm not ready for this, Stella. I'm not ready to accept you, let alone be with you."
"I...I don't think I can stay here after I heal completely..." he finally finished. Stella gasped as her body went slack and icy cold immediately. The tears that stayed just the brim of her eyelashes no longer stayed still. They spilled messily down her cheeks.
He frowned almost guiltily because he really did feel sorry for this girl. "...I'm sorry," he said with a sigh.
Stella refused to accept that apology. She refused to give up. "You don't have to accept that we're married. We can start fresh again! We can get to know each other-"
Brandon held up his hand. "It won't change anything," he stated firmly.
The house's normally cozy melody turned into an uncomfortable silence. Stella felt faint and dizzy and her eyes wandered over his face hopelessly, praying that he's just playing a trick on her.
With a deep sigh, he turned around to go somewhere else. Anywhere is better than standing here and looking at her heartbroken face like it didn't matter to him.
Within seconds, Brandon disappeared into a room and locked it shut behind him. He felt the compelling urge to break and shatter something really heavy to subside his rage. He felt angry. But not at Stella...it was at himself.
Stella's eyes watered as she surrendered on her knees before starting to cry. A moment without him was enough to make her miss him like crazy. And now he tells her that he's going to leave soon. Her mind warned her of this but her heart paid no heed to the harbingers.
A choked sob left her throat as her shoulders shook in sync. Despite wanting and needing to stay strong, she found her resolve breaking. She put up with his harsh attitude for the last two weeks because she held her to that thin strand of hope that told her that things will get better and will eventually be okay.
But...she was wrong.
Stella's eyes turned longingly towards the doors that Brandon just disappeared behind a few moments ago.
Meanwhile...
Brandon leaned back against the door with his fists shaking near his sides. An unhappy growl, low in his throat, left his lips as he resisted the urge to bang his head against the door. He closed his eyes before moving towards a cushion chair and flopping on it. He grunted when he felt his wallet in his back pocket.
He took it out to avoid the discomfort only to cast it aside on the little table in front of him. The wallet opened as it slid and rotated around the glass before stopping to the halt.
Brandon's interest piqued when the photo inside caught his eye. With shaking fingers, he leaned over and picked up the wallet.
The flaps opened to reveal a bunch of cards on one side and...a photo on the other.
It was a small photograph of Stella and...him. She was dressed in all-white sleeveless while he looked like he had a dress shirt on. The photo was taken a little sideways. The blonde was laughing from ear-to-ear and hugging him from behind while he grinned and winked for the camera.
"Noooooo, s-s-stop!" Stella squealed as laughed hysterically as she struggled to push him off miserably.
"What's the magic word, princess?" he laughed as he pounced on top of her and tickled her mercilessly.
Brandon dropped the wallet in shock when the back of his brain ached at the memory flash. He took a deep breath. He could practically hear the sound of her laughter in his ears. Even though it was for a split second, he could picture a vivid memory of a lake and greenery around. He was pretty sure that he personally never went there...
...the first eighteen years of my life, Brandon finished in amazement.
He picked up the wallet and opened the flaps of the wallet again before staring curiously at the picture. They looked...happy. Unbelievably happy. He could hear the reverberating sounds of her giggles in the background. A smile involuntarily graced his lips as he continued to observe.
Stella's arms were around his chest while she happily rested her head against his back. They were both glowing and radiating with joy.
That's when he realized why. His eyes darted towards Stella's hand where a small sparkle was caught in the photo. It didn't take a brainer to realize that it was either their engagement or wedding ring.
He blinked and lifted up his own hand where a silver wedding band encrusted itself around his finger. Why didn't I notice this before? he wondered in awe as he rotated his hand around to view it carefully.
They were really happy, weren't they...?
Brandon's eyes wandered towards the living room. The door he used to get inside blocked his view but he knew in the back of his mind that this wasn't right. He had no right to hate Stella or treat her like some kind of a disgusting bug. She wasn't a witch. She wasn't some gold-digger who was after his money or whatever else.
She seemed really sensitive and no matter how many times he had tried to hide that during the past two weeks, he knew in the back of his mind that it was true. She was a beautiful girl and he had been really mean to her.
Brandon took a great deep breath before clutching his wallet tightly in his hand in pure frustration. In the next split second, he stood up straight on impulse. He walked towards the door, his pace increasing with every second before stepping outside.
His heart churned with guilt when he was instantly welcomed by a sniffle in the living room.
Stella gasped to herself when she heard the door open and his footsteps grow closer. She stood up from her place before wiping her face clean of tears. But more threatened to grace her when she grew afraid to face him. Why was he coming here again? Will he leave sooner than he said...?
Brandon averted his eyes a litte awkwardly when he walked towards her. He placed the wallet in the back of his pocket before stopping a foot or two away from her.
"Um..." he coughed a little to get her attention. He looked up to see her expectant eyes. He frowned at the visible tear streaks on her face. While he didn't remember his memories with her, he still did care for her. That can't be out of the blue. He had to have genuinely loved her before in order to care so strongly for her now. Even with no memories, he still cared. He still gave a damn.
"...I...um...I owe you an apology," Brandon finally said before stepping closer to her.
Stella's eyes widened at his words. What...? she blinked in confusion.
"...I'm still not ready for...you or...us," he stammered a little before continuing. "But...I...I won't leave," he admitted.
Stella blinked rapidly at his words. He's not leaving...? She let out a huge breath of relief, not even realizing that she has held it in for so long.
He's not leaving...she repeated in her mind.
"So...you'll stay...?" she asked with tearfully happy eyes. "Really?"
He nodded slightly and a little unsurely. "Uh...yeah?" he replied awkwardly, wondering if he made the right decision at all.
He is staying...
He's staying!
He's staying!
Stella let out a small cry of happiness before running up to him and launching herself into his arms. She looped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly while tears of joy slid down her cheeks.
Brandon let out a surprised grunt and nearly fell backwards when she threw herself on him out of nowhere. He staggered aimlessly for a few moments before catching his balance at the last second.
His eyes widened in disbelief at her death grip on him. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she cried into his shoulder while thanking him endlessly.
Despite the force of her hug sending a painful pang against his fractured ribs, he didn't choose to comment or say anything.
He didn't push her away or cringe (which he would've easily done two weeks ago). Her hair tickled the side of his cheek and he could easily sense the intoxicating scent of lavenders. He took a deep breath, ignoring the way it hurt his chest.
Is she really that happy...? Brandon wondered in awe while hearing her sounds of pure, innocent, and light-hearted joy. Listening to her thank him profusely somehow made him feel so special and loved like never before.
And involuntarily...his lips stretched into a small smile as he slowly lifted his arms up.
Stella gasped inaudibly when she realized in horror what she has done.
Oh god...she gulped as her face grew hot. Great, now he'll just throw me across the room for touching him, she bit her lip in fear before slowly pulling back.
Her eyes widened when she felt his arms slowly wound around her. Her heart swelled with elation and delight as she basked in the soothing comfort of his embrace. That's when she realized how much she missed him.
"You're welcome," he finally said in a low voice, just below her ear, as he hugged her back.
Tears slid her cheeks as her extinguished hope rekindled once again. She closed her eyes and sniffled, but this time, it was out of the lost faith that she gained back.
I WILL help you remember, Brand, she promised him silently. I won't give up on you.
She once again found the will to not give up on this man. The man she chose and loved with all of her heart and soul.
He was worth just too much and she can't bear to part with him.
At any cost.
...
Tiny preview for the next chapter...
Titled: Amnesia Amusements
"Stella, this is literally the most humiliating moment of my life. Please stop," he begged while sealing his eyes shut.
"...I'm the one in a towel and you're the one embarrassed...?" she asked in amusement.
So...
I'm not sure if anyone is still reading this fic, but I did get a few requests to update it and hence...
For those of you who're following SH, I will update it someday, but it will take a few more days. Perhaps another week or two?
Anyways, thank you for reading! I hope you guys enjoyed it.
Pleaseeeeee reviewwww if you can! It would mean the world to me! :) No, seriously, it would :)
P.S. Is this story still worth continuing...? *nervously stares at computer*