As always, I don't own F29D if I did there would be some major work haha!
"If I squint hard enough it's almost as if things are normal between you two." Dad said gruffly. Mom scowled at dad's attitude and I really noticed the strain and fatigue I've brought to them both. I could feel a difference in atmosphere and observed Jackson revert to a guarded stature. Unsure of what to do I tried to start a conversation.
"So mom, what did the doctor say?" I watched my parents move closer and prepared myself for her maternal yet doctor-like voice. "You have selective retrograde amnesia. Essentially, the incident that brought you here which I'm assuming Jackson filled you in on?" Jackson and I looked at each other awkwardly for a moment and nodded. "Well we believe the fall and impact to your head caused this blockage of memories related to Jackson as this type of amnesia is common to cause selective memory loss for things related to the traumatic incident."
I noticed Jackson's eyes darken at what my mom said and I think she sensed it too. She looked at him apologetically and touched his shoulder for a moment. He had a very small and sad smile on his face when she went all maternal on him. Even dad looked like he had some sympathy for him. Whatever said and done, I feel like both of them knew that we had something special. That was angered me the most, everyone knew and I am clueless and trying to make sense of it all.
Jackson cleared his throat and we all looked at him. "So is this temporary or...?"
My breath hitched at the thought of never knowing. I looked at my parents anxiously and saw the hesitancy on their face. "Well, her doctor said we would have to run some scans to better predict that. But this type of amnesia is typically temporary but how long it takes for her to recover it is unknown." I could tell he was beating himself up again mentally so I spoke up.
"Well if it's typically temporary that should be a good thing. I mean the rest of me is in working order so I guess it could have been worse..." I wince at my choice of words. Great, now everyone is thinking about what could have been and feeling even worse rather than grateful... It's clear my lack of smoothness hasn't changed.
There was a knock on the door and I think everyone was relieved for a distraction from this. A woman walked who couldn't be older that 32. She had green eyes with specs of hazel, brown hair and had a smile on her face. "Hi Melissa, I'm so happy to see you awake. You don't remember me but my name is Sarah. I'm Jackson's foster mom." I smiled when I pieced it together and accepted her gentle hug. She really seemed lovely and it was nice to meet the person who is giving someone like Jackson the chance he deserves.
She stood next to him after and I spoke up softly. "Well it's nice to meet you." She smiled back and quickly spoke to my parents. Carefully I brushed my pinky against Jackson's thumb that was resting against the bar on my bed. I can't begin to imagine what he's feeling but I was hoping that my tiny gesture would help in some sort of way. Our eyes locked and I think the message was received as I saw his eyes lighten up a bit.
Just as quickly as it happened our fingers separated when Sarah spoke up. "Well dear, I think it's time I take Jackson home. I'm sure you'll see him soon enough." I smiled as she playfully squeezed his shoulder. Jackson smirked slightly and rolled his eyes. I laughed lightly. "Well, I hope to see you soon as well. I'd love to get reacquainted with you."
Her smile grew and she spoke up softly. "I'd love to, darling." The parents all left to allow Jackson and I to say our goodbyes. It was relieving to know that we had some privacy. But I was unsure of what to do or say considering all the information thrown at us today.
Jackson stood up and fiddled with his watch for a moment. "So, I'll see you again.. That is if you want me to." I spoke up with no hesitation. "Of course I would. Jackson, I don't hold any animosity or anger at anything that's happened. I don't want you blaming yourself for any of this because I certainly don't." He scoffed slightly. "Mel, I honestly can't fathom how you hold no anger towards me like your father."
I rolled my eyes at the thought of my day's behaviour. "My dad is very picky with who I associate with. If it weren't for Nathan's established parents he would be doing the same thing... He's just protective of me. I'm his only child and he's always been a stubborn person. My mom balances him out and brings more emotions out of him. If it weren't for my mom it would be hard to separate him from a robot." I say with a slight laugh.
Jackson still doesn't look too swayed. "Jackson, I may not remember you but I care about you and if I was friends with you once, I'd love to be friends with you again... Who knows this could be a shot for me to go on without any knowledge of my many awkward misadventures with you. I'm not exactly the most coordinated person when it comes to talking... Or walking for that matter." I grinned when I heard him laugh, it was music to my ears.
"Your clumsiness was what charmed me into talking to you in the first place." He said with amusement. Oh how I wish I could remember that moment. Yes, I'd probably be blushing because my clumsiness and socially awkward behaviour can seriously be cringe-worthy but it would be nice to remember that poignant moment with him.
"You know, maybe on my next visit I can tell you about it." He said thoughtfully. I smiled appreciatively at the idea. "I'd love that. Who knows, maybe it'll help bring back some memories." He nodded briefly and quickly came down and swooped me into a hug. I was thankful most of the wires were removed as I was able to hug him back. I buried my head into the crook of his neck inhaling the scent of his cologne. I felt him run his fingers through my hair for a moment as he held me tightly. It felt like it lasted a lifetime when sadly it lasted maybe a minute and twelve seconds... I wish I could say I wasn't counting but this is a moment that needs to go in the books!
He pulled back and smiled. "I'll see you soon. Maybe tomorrow or the day after depending on a few things." I smiled trying not to act disappointed at the thought of not seeing him for more than a day... I'm just starting to get to know him and he's already done quite a number on me.
"Well, I'll be waiting!" I respond with a smile. Just like that he gave me a last wave and walked out. My body felt like it was floating on a cloud, I may not remember him but my subconscious certainly does!
I'm back and this is long overdue! I sincerely apologize for delaying my loyal readers who could have potentially gave up on checking! I'm very sorry. School is quite stressful but I haven't forgotten. I'd like to thank everyone who has stuck by me and I hope I will continue to have your support!
What were your thoughts on this chapter? Did you like the writing style? Has it changed to you? I feel like it's different but I'm liking it. Do you want the next chapter to be solely Jackson's perspective or split with others? It was interesting writing only in Melissa's perspective. Anything you'd like to see in future chapters? I like ideas cause it gives me new perspectives and things to toy with!