2016
Shoving a visitor out of the way and dodging a startled patient, Simone flew down the hallway. Almost running into a wall as she turned a corner, she tried again to contact Annabelle.
(Nothing dammit…hurry Bradley)
Simone skidded to a stop in front of Annabelle's door, almost plowing into an anxious Baxter.
"We'll talk after you come out" was all she said, hastening Simone's entry into the room.
Eyes briefly dazzled by the sundrenched room, a panting Simone closed the door behind her and ran over to where Annabelle was sitting on the edge of the bed, grasping the mattress tightly with both hands. Taking a quick glance at the monitors
(Jesus Christ, her pulse, respiration…shit!)
She sat down in the chair facing the bed, pulling it forward until she was directly in front of Annabelle's dangling legs. Struggling to keep her voice calm, she tried to get Annabelle's attention. "Annabelle, Annabelle! I'm here, you have to calm down". Simone herself was beginning to panic as she saw the vital signs continue to skyrocket.
"I…can't…breathe" Annabelle managed to gasp out, face turning paler by the second.
"Just take deep breaths Annabelle, slow down" Simone urged as the signs continued to rise.
(Shit, she's going to pop)
Almost chalk white, Annabelle rasped, "Can't…Si…can't…"
(You're losing her Bradley!)
In a complete panic now, Simone did the only thing she could think of. Grabbing Annabelle's hand, she thrust it inside her loose scrub top, placing it high on her chest above the heart. Holding it in place, "Feel me breathe in and out, do you feel that?"
(goddammit baby please!)
Cupping Annabelle's jaw, she forced her to look into her eyes. "Do you feel that!" she demanded insistently. At Annabelle's faint nod, she continued her deep, calming breaths, eyes still locked onto Annabelle's, "Just breathe with me, keep breathing Annabelle, that's it, deep and slow". The minutes ticked by as the alerts gradually clicked off, the only noise the two women gradually breathing in tandem, eyes still locked on one another.
(Another brief glance The readouts look fine, no precipitating event, no neural drops, what the hell triggered this?)
(she's here! She's here, it's ok, Anna just listen, listen! I can't breathe Simone, I can't! Help, I ca…)
Vision now almost completely black, Annabelle's head fell forward.
2010
(Damn, I can barely breathe, that'll teach me to try running though the sand. But, she's here! She has to listen to me, I won't let her not! You aren't getting away from me this time Simone Bradley!)
Catching her breath, she made her way into the complex, finally spotting the Captain. "Is she through here Captain?" Annabelle asked, striding down the hallway, feeling the sand crunch between her boots and the floor. Not waiting for his answer, she quickly stepped into the office, confused when it revealed itself to be empty.
Turning quickly, she only now noticed the slightly battered condition of Captain Jact and his accompanying officer. Scrapes decorated the faces of both men, but the aide held himself painfully, and the Captain had an excellent black eye coming in. Dread coiling in her belly, "What happened, where is she?"
"Miss Tillman", the Captain responded stiffly, "she took…exception…to being detained. We had to…"
"Where…is…she" Annabelle managed to grit out, staring at the officer.
"This way Miss Tillman" he said, gesturing her out of the office and through an unmarked door. "If I may continue? When she tried to leave the building, we were forced to bodily restrain her. You didn't tell us she was a fighter, she landed two of my men in Medical before we got the upper hand" he said reproachfully. "We were forced to confine her to Cell 4…"
(oh fuck. Oh fucking sweet Jesus, she'll…)
Missing the rest of the Captain's explanation, Annabelle sprinted down the hallway, glancing into each cell. She finally found Cell 4 at the very end. Eyes wide at the damage to the cell contents, she stared through the reinforced glass, not able to see the woman contained within.
(Holy shit. No, Simone, no!)
"Indeed, quite the little wildcat" the Captain commented, adjusting his cuffs as he caught up. A humorless smirk came out as he glanced into the cell. "I take it she's been incarcerated before? She certainly knows how to make an extraction difficult".
"What?" Annabelle said distractedly, still trying to find Simone in the debris. A piece of sheet fluttered over the sink, but there was no other movement.
"A cell extraction. We will have to go in and get her won't we then? She's already entrenching, see how the bed frame has been tipped for a more difficult entry…she's flooded the cell as well; harder for us to get any momentum going. Damn. I'd bet my last Euro she knows all the tricks. Certainly appears she's gone completely round the bend. I'll assemble my team" he finished, gesturing to his aide. An insistent hand on his arm turned him back around.
"Open the door" Annabelle said softly, still staring inside.
"Certainly not!" the Captain snorted, appalled at the idea. "If you seriously think I'm going to cause an international incident by endangering you with a madwoman…"
"She won't hurt me" Annabelle said, certain of her words.
"Miss Tillman, I appreciate that you feel that you know the woman you were brought in with. But this person" he said with a gesture to the cell, "I wouldn't assign less than a full security detail".
"And Captain, I appreciate your position. Now open the door, before I am forced to call Colonel Isuri. Your choice." Pinning him with her eyes, she watched him struggle and finally bend.
"As you wish. Please remember this was over my strong objection", the Captain said curtly, unlocking the door.
Not bothering to answer, Annabelle felt water wash around her boots as she stepped into the cell. A destroyed light hug from the ceiling, the intermittent flickering making Annabelle's eyes water. Edging around the warped bed frame, she stepped over a pile of shredded mattresses. Pulling down a dangling sheet, she saw nothing but more ruin behind it.
(Okay, this cell isn't that big. Where is…)
A warning shout reached her right as the mattresses erupted behind her. A cold, watery arm choked around her neck, pressing her back into the dripping figure. She held onto the arm for dear life as they both whirled, facing the inrushing officers. Annabelle went absolutely still as the cold edge of metal pricked her neck.
"Release her Bradley, there's no where for you to go!" the Captain shouted.
"Tell them to get back chickie." a dangerously soft voice whispered in her ear. The shank pricked further at Annabelle's hesitation, releasing a trickle of blood.
"Get back Captain, get back!" Annabelle tried to keep the trembling from her voice. She was relieved as the Captain and his men obeyed, retreating to just outside the door.
"Tell them to keep moving down the hall. Do it now chickie, I'd hate to make a mess of you" Simone said, caressing the metal edge over Annabelle's jaw and staring at the officers.
The Captain and his men reluctantly moved further down the hall as Annabelle relayed the orders.
"Let's go chickie, no sudden moves." Shuffling forward, Annabelle was immediately aware that Simone was hurt, limping forward with her hostage.
"Simone…" was as far as she got before they jerked to a stop, Simone hissing in her ear. "How do you know my first name?"
(Fuck. She's in it then)
Thinking quickly, "It was posted outside, by the door".
After a minute, Simone relaxed and started them forward again. "My, my, quick aren't they? Must have a new little duck to put first names on door tags. Well then, fair's fair, since you know mine, may I have the…pleasure…chickie?"
Almost at the door now, Annabelle took a chance.
(Let this work)
Annabelle leaned slightly back into Simone, making as much of her body touch Simone's as possible. Feeling the slightest hesitation from the woman behind her
(Listen baby, please, feel me!)
her voice calm, she switched to French. "My name's Annabelle, but that's not what you call me."
They stopped again, close enough for Annabelle to see the armed officers, waiting just outside Simone's field of vision, with batons at the ready.
Simone replied swiftly in the same language, "What I call you? This just gets more and more interesting. Absolutely delicious, have we met before chickie? I'm fairly positive I'd remember, but in this place, well, you never know. But continue, what do I call you?" Simone asked.
Annabelle closed her eyes and sent a prayer to anyone that might be listening.
(Please)
"Belle. You call me Belle, Simone." As the arm around her neck went completely stiff, Annabelle heard the shank clatter against the watery concrete. She whirled and looked up into shocked blue eyes right as Simone went limp and landed in the water. Annabelle's knees bruised as she immediately followed Simone to the floor, pulling the soaked figure into her lap and holding her tightly. Ignoring the officers rushing into the room, she wrapped herself around the figure silently sobbing in her lap.
"You call me Belle, my love".
2016
(cold, so cold, dreaming you? help call me help can't cold help breathe)
Confused and sinking quickly despite her best efforts, Annabelle was suddenly dragged back to the surface by silky skin under her hand and a firm hand on her jaw. Focus still swimming in and out, the world unexpectedly snapped back into being, lit by crystal blue eyes.
(warm, you're warm, feel you, hold onto me! ok, just breathe, listen to her and breathe, it's ok. Breathe in… Breathe out. Breathe in…breathe out, she's with me, breathe in…breathe out…)
Time irrelevant with her attention completely focused on the woman in front of her, Annabelle was unprepared for the wave of exhaustion that suddenly swamped her.
(Fuck!)
Cursing muscles that refused to respond, Annabelle tipped forward off the bed. Unable to do anything more than close her eyes
(linoleum splat, shit this is going to hurt!)
she was surprised to suddenly feel warm arms wrap under her legs and around her back, as Simone caught her and pulled her in close. The awkward catch almost dragging both of them to the floor, Annabelle was aware of movement
(backwards?)
as her Imprint lunged and they both landed in the nearby chair. As Simone held her securely in her lap, Annabelle had the strength for nothing more than to drop her head against Simone's soft neck.
(That was so totally embarrassing…thank god for super Imprints! Shit she's strong, her heart's beating a million miles an hour, think I scared her…)
Annabelle relaxed further into the secure grip of her Imprint, and the thudding heart under her ear slowed.
Starting to shiver from her sweat-soaked gown, Annabelle was startled as Simone wordlessly leaned forward and plucked the blanket from the bed. As it swirled down over her, she snuggled deeper, Simone tucking the edges around them both. Cocooned in warmth and safety, listening to the steady heartbeat under her ear, Annabelle's mind began to slowly drift.
(was there something before, I thought there was…sand? Felt like swimming though sand, but…shit, who knows, damn near passed out…fuck I'm tired, she's nice…soft but still strong…she's warm too, damn she even smells warm, wonder if...)
Catching herself, Annabelle rolled her eyes.
(what is it with you Anna? You totally freaked her out last time, give her a break)
After a few minutes, Annabelle hesitantly broke the silence. "Sorry", she muttered, staring down at the blanket. "I'm usually a lot more coordinated than this".
As she felt a faint chuckle go through Simone, Annabelle felt the last of the tension leave her. "Don't worry about it Annabelle, you're actually ahead of the curve for what…" feeling more than hearing Simone catch herself, "It'll take you awhile to fully recover".
(well, at least she's not pissed. Even after earlier, god I was such a total bitch)
Shaking out the pins and needles from one arm, Simone let it rest over Annabelle's legs on top of the blanket. Mustering up her courage, Annabelle looked up at Simone. Feeling the movement, Simone glanced down, directly into Annabelle's eyes.
(Wow, I mean, wow, she really is gorgeous. Holy shit. Older women have never been my type, but, there's just...this woman…)
Shaking the thought away as she saw Simone grow concerned at her protracted stare,
"Simone?"
"Yes Annabelle?"
"Um…you weren't kidding about me needing to touch you, were you? I mean, I couldn't breathe, even when you were telling me to, but when I touched you…, suddenly things started to work again. I couldn't…what happened to me?" she whispered.
Aware of Simone carefully choosing what to say next, Annabelle waited, her fingertips just brushing Simone's hand under the blanket.
(I just want to touch her, would she mind, I mean)
Clearing her throat, Simone began speaking so softly Annabelle had to strain to hear, "You were in a car accident, one where you were hurt badly. You had some broken bones and lacerations, but your most serious injury was to your head…"
(Oh, so that's…)
"I found the scar while you were gone" Annabelle interrupted, raising her head to look at Simone directly.
"Ah. And that's what…"
"Yeah, totally freaked me out. Anyway, keep going" Annabelle said putting her head back down.
"As I said, the most serious trauma was to your head. However, because of your other injuries the doctors couldn't treat it immediately. You went into a coma."
The faint sound of traffic whispered though the room as Simone waited for a response.
"How long?" Annabelle finally asked, looking up at Simone with weary eyes.
"Two years" Simone responded softly, searching Annabelle's face for signs of another attack.
(Two years? I've missed two fucking years?)
Silence.
"Were you one of the doctors?" she asked unexpectedly, not quite sure why she asked but doing so anyway. Avoiding Simone's eyes, Annabelle began to feel overwhelmed again,
(fuck it, she probly already thinks I'm a freak)
she hesitantly laced the fingers of her free hand with Simone's, while wrapping her other hand around her Imprint's wrist. Feeling Simone wince, she immediately began to move away, confused when Simone tightened her grip.
"Sorry, I just thought…" Annabelle stammered.
"It's not you Annabelle, you can…um…I mean, you're supposed to touch me. I don't mind,…I just…bruised…that wrist earlier. It's ok, really, go ahead."
Brushing away the blanket to take a quick glace at the wrist, Annabelle gasped. Further evading Simone's attempt to drop the cuff over the injury, she used both hands to bring the livid bruise closer.
(Jesus Christ, it's like someone dragged her around by a rope! Fucking asshole, I swear to god…)
Annabelle looked up and fiercely asked, "Who the hell did this to you Simone? And don't tell me it was a fucking accident, I know the difference".
(If she thinks I'm just going to stand by and…)
"Well?" she snapped, transferring her attention from Simone's wrist up to her face. Noticing Simone's stunned astonishment for the first time, she quickly reviewed her words.
(whoa! Why?...Back off Anna. You don't even know this woman! What are you doing?)
Awkwardly, she released Simone's hand. For the second time in as many minutes, "Simone, I'm…sorry, I don't know…um…sorry. Are you ok?" Hesitantly, she traced the fine bones outlined in Simone's hand, attention focused anywhere but at the confused eyes studying her.
(Shit, can I just go back to sleep now?)
"I'm fine, Annabelle, really" Simone said hesitantly, still watching an embarrassed Annabelle. After a minute's hesitation, she laced her hand with Annabelle's, receiving a solemn look in response. Trying to smooth the uncomfortable situation, she continued, "Back to your original question, no, I wasn't there."
Releasing a sigh she didn't even know she had been holding, Annabelle closed her eyes.
(Why do I even care?)
Simone continued reluctantly, "There's more Annabelle, do you..."
"Yeah, let's get it over with, places to go, people to see you know" Annabelle said tiredly, shifting to a more comfortable position snuggled against Simone.
(God she's comfortable, so nice. Best medication ever)
"So…what else?" a yawning Annabelle asked.
"Are you sure Annabelle? The rest can wait until…"
"What else Simone?"
"Ok. The original head trauma and subsequent secondary damage you sustained was localized around your memory cortex…"
"English Simone…"
"You have amnesia".
"Amnesia." Annabelle repeated in slow disbelief. "Amnesia? Like Days of Our Lives, fucked up don't know who you're married to amnesia?"
Annabelle's eyes flew open as she felt Simone go completely rigid.
What the…what the hell is going on? What did I say?
"Simone?" she asked anxiously, unable to get a look at her face as Simone quickly turned away, staring out the window. Frustrated, she watched Simone clench her jaw and bite out the next words.
"Ye…Yes, Annabelle…that kind of amnesia." Clearing her throat, Simone continued. "Apparently it spans over the 8 years before the accident." Finally catching Annabelle's eyes again, "Simply put Annabelle, the current year is 2016, and you're 27 years old."
"27" Annabelle said disbelievingly, searching Simone's eyes for the lie.
"27" Simone repeated, keeping her gaze steady.
27. Did I graduate? What did I do? Where did I live? Oh my god, what about Danny?
Trying to remain calm, "Ok. So…when will I start to remember things then? I mean, I don't remember anything except that dream I told you about".
"In my field Annabelle, we try not to rule things out but, in the past,…"
"Cut the crap" Annabelle twitched with angry tears finally welling in her eyes, "just tell me Simone".
"Fine. You won't. If you were going to have memory recovery, it would have happened in the last 12 hours. I'm sorry". Gentling her tone at the shock on Annabelle's face, "Have you had anything come back to you Annabelle? It would feel like déjà vu?...People you know in places you've never been?" Simone ventured.
Annabelle shook her head back and forth, "No, I mean I had that thing earlier, but it was more like an old Law and Order episode than anything, and I had another…uh, nice…dream earlier,
Do you want me here…
but, no memories. Just dreams that I don't really remember".
"Oh". Deflated again, Simone leaned her head back against the headrest. When she finally looked down again, she saw Annabelle barely awake. "I think that's enough for right now Annabelle, let's get you back into bed."
The blanket slipped to the floor as Simone stood with Annabelle cradled in her arms. Crossing the short distance, she laid Annabelle gently down in the bed. However, Simone's search to find a fresh gown for her patient was halted when an exhausted Annabelle refused to let go of her.
"Annabelle, I need to get you a dry gown, I'll be right back."
Hearing Annabelle whisper something, she bent over the bed, "Sorry Annabelle, what was that?"
An eye cracking open to reveal a sliver of blue, Annabelle repeated, "I just knew you were trying to get me out of my clothes". As Simone gaped at her, she laughed tiredly, "Kidding Simone. But I do think someone left a shirt here earlier", she said with a small smile as Simone went a bright red.
(oh fuck, I totally forgot)
"Annabelle" she stuttered, "it's not…"
"Relax Simone, I've been told before that I cling like a spider monkey when I sleep. But...can I just wear that, and get out this?" she said with mild disgust, plucking at the clammy gown clinging to her skin.
"Uh, sure, I'll just..." beginning to turn her back to give Annabelle some privacy, she was forestalled by a light grip on her forearm.
"Simone? Um, this is really embarrassing, but, um, can you?..."
Closing her eyes,
(God, it's official. You're an asshole)
"Sure" she said, turning around. Grabbing hold of a sleepy Annabelle's outstretched hands; she pulled her up into a sitting position again. "Tell me if you start to feel dizzy Annabelle" she instructed, receiving only a tired nod in response. Keeping her face carefully blank just in case Annabelle opened her eyes, she reached her arms around Annabelle's neck and untied the gown. Pulling if off and setting it aside, she was completely unprepared for the vision before her when she looked back again.
The midday sun had streamed through the window to Annabelle, illuminating her perfectly. Warmed mahogany hair, strong shoulders, lean muscles, and so soft skin glowed under the sunlight's caress. Feeling mouth go dry, Simone clenched her eyes shut, leaning heavily on the bed.
(She's perfect, a little thin, but…I want, I can't! Oh fuck all Bradley, hurry and get out of here!)
"Simone?" came from Annabelle suddenly. "I.." suddenly wavering, she slumped forward, against Simone. "Yeah, feeling a little lightheaded" she finished, voice muffled against Simone's shoulder. Her bare shoulders warm against Simone's supporting hands
(good job Bradley, maybe if you ogle her long enough she'll just pass out)
Simone gently sat her back up. Ordering her stubborn hands to let go, "almost done" Simone said softly, threading her patient's arms though the shirt, distantly hearing Annabelle murmur at the dry comfort. Her shaking almost giving her away, she finished with the last button and eased Annabelle back down on the bed.
She had finished tucking Annabelle in and was about to leave when her patient suddenly opened her eyes. Giving her a sleepy smile, she wound her hands around Simone's, tucking them under her chin. With a satisfied sigh, she settled into sleep.
Simone sat down hard into the nearby chair, eyes fixed on her captor. Aware only of the sunlight moving across the bed, she watched Annabelle sleep. The buzzing of her communicator briefly distracted her, but after seeing the ID screen flash, "Michael" she let him leave a message before going back to her contemplation.
Only when the room began to darken with the onset of night did she realize how much time had passed. Still watching a slumbering Annabelle, she felt her mind suddenly clear for the first time in a long while, and smiled.
(Bradley. If you do this, she'll be ok. It's all that's important)
Ever so gently, she edged free one of her hands. With infinite care, she lightly traced Annabelle's sleeping face, barely able to feel the soft skin under her fingertips.
(She doesn't remember you, and no amount of wishing will change that. Give her what you can...a lady always knows when to leave)
Tired to her bones, Simone eased both hands away from the bed and checked her messages. Dialing Michael, she waited, waiting impatiently for him to answer.
"Michael? I got your message to call...didn't expect to hear from you this soon".
"It's your lucky day Simone, I had a cancellation. Are you up for coffee tonight?"
"Tonight?" Wedging the device between her neck and head, Simone used her free hand to trace an errant lock of Annabelle's hair back into place.
(Are you sure about this Bradley? Once you start...she needs this, her doctor. Her Imprint. Not some fucked up remnant. Just do it Bradley, sooner started, sooner...done.)
"If that's too soon Simone, I understand" he said quickly. Hopefully.
"No Michael, tonight will be fine. I'm done with rounds around 9, is that too late for you?"
"Not at all Simone…are you sure tonight's ok? It's ok if you want to wait..." he asked, hesitantly, almost pleading.
"At 9 Michael, see you then. And, thank you" she said softly, looking down at Annabelle as she severed the connection.
(Tonight then)
Her vertebrae cracking as she stood, Simone watched Annabelle cuddle closer into her pillow.
(Just one time Bradley, the last time)
Cupping Annabelle's face, she so, so gently brushed her lips over the sleep warmed pair below. Tasting the love of her life for an infinite moment, she finally let go.
Her whisper floated through the dark, disturbing Annabelle even through the distance of her dreams.
"Goodbye."