"Why the Hell do you think it's okay for you to just run out of MY apartment and leave the door wide open for anyone to just walk in!" Roger yelled as I walked into the livingroom. "I don't know how you and Maurice do things, but that's one thing that erks me to no end!" He raged. Simon sat on the couch, fidgeting uncomfortably. "Roger, calm down. This shouldn't upset you so much." He said taking my side.
"Look. I just got in the apartment. Give me a second to breath." I said walking to the kitchen. "Besides, there was an emergency." I said under my breath as I got myself a glass of water.
Roger must have heard that last part, because he followed me in to the kitchen. "What kind of emergency?" His tone was a lot softer. "Are you okay?" He leaned against the counter. I could see Simon peaking in the door way.
I set down the water, before just breaking down. "Ralph had been in an accident and lost his memory." I blurted out between sobs. "He doesn't remember me, or us." My heart was shattering right in front of my friends. Feeling my knees getting weak, I slid down the cabinets. I brought my knees to my chest and wrapped my arms around my legs. "What do I do?" I asked resting my forehead on my kneecaps. I could hear Roger shuffling uncomfortably. He was never good at consoling, but neither was I.
Simon on the other hand walked over and knelt beside me. "Don't cry." He said in a calming voice as he rubbed my back. "I'm sure you'll figure something out." I looked up at him through swollen, red eyes. "And Roger and I'll help you out." Simon offered.
I looked to Roger who had a shocked look on his face. "Hold on a second." He said pushing off of the counter. "Don't drag me into all this. I'll be as supportive as I can, but there's nothing I can do to fix this situation." He stated looked down on us.
Simon and I both looked at him with pleading eyes. "Please Roger." I begged staring into his dark brown eyes. "I'm desperate." My blue eyes welling up again.
I must have looked pretty pathetic, because Roger let out a sigh. "Fine, but you owe me big time for this." He said pinching the bridge of his nose. "Now get up off the floor and quit your crying. I can't take see you like that." He muttered on his way to the livingroom.
I chuckled at his dry humor as I wiped my eyes. Simon smiled and helped me up. "See." He said beaming. "Oh!" He exclaimed reaching into his pants' pocket. "Your phone was on the balcony." Simon handed it to me. "The screen was cracked, but it still works."
I looked it over then unlocked it. A picture of Ralph and me making goofy faces looked back at me mockingly. Like Simon said there was a huge crack over Ralph's face. "Thanks Simon." I said choking back a sob. I decided I should head back to my apartment so I could lock myself away for a bit and get my head straight. "Roger." I heard a grunt in response. "Do you mind diving me to my place?" I asked going to collect my shoes.
"Yeah. Give me a second." Roger said turning off the TV. I slipped on my shoes as Roger pocketed his phone. "Maurice just texted me asking where you were, and to answer his texts if you're with me." He said walking towards the front door.
I rolled my eyes and scrawled to my text inbox. The last message from Maurice said "Jack 4 the luv of Christ! Answer me!" I typed in "On my way home." and hit send. I nodded to Roger and we went down stairs to his car. As soon as I got in, my phone vibrated. I unlocked it to another text from Maurice. "K. I'll b outside when you get here." I slammed my head backwards in frustration.
"What?" Roger asked at a stop light.
"Maurice says he'll be waiting for me outside." I replied rubbing my numb eyes. "Hope you're okay with getting a face full of the Energizer Bunny soon." I said sarcastically. From the corner of my eye, I could see him biting his lip. Turning my head towards him, I could get a better view of his flustered face. "What's your problem?" I asked.
"Nothing." He responded a little too quickly. "He just makes me uncomfortable sometimes." His face looked as if it had a sunburn. "I don't know how you can live with him?" Roger asked in a defensive way.
I raised my eyebrow skeptically, but decided to ignore it. "He can be chill when he wants to be. Besides, I was usually out with Ralph if I wasn't at work or school." I said turning to the window. The car got quiet afterwards and remained like that until we got to my apartment.
Maurice stayed true to his word and was standing outside, door wide open, standing in a plain white tee and jeans. I could not help but feel embarrassed. This only proved that Roger was right about our place earlier. "Jack!" Maurice said jogging up to the car. "Where have you been, dude?" He asked as I got out of the car. "Hey Roger!" He said, a huge grin on his face as he waved to Roger. Roger gave a half-hearted wave and pulled out his phone. It was obvious he was trying to ignore the wavy haired brunette. Maurice didn't seem to notice and shut the car door. "Well?" He asked again.
"I'll tell you when we get inside." I said through gritted teeth. "Catch you later, Roger." I said as I headed to the open door and he drove off. "Next time Maurice, shut the bloody door." I growled hearing Maurice enter the room. The door clicked, signaling it had been closed.
"What's got your knickers in a knot?" He asked parking his rear on the couch.
"Ralph doesn't remember me." I stated flatly as I kicked off my shoes.
Maurice busted out laughing. "No really. What's up?" He asked again holding his side. "You two have gone out for three years. There is no way he could forget you." I said calming down.
I felt anger building up in my gut, and I am surprised I did not punch his teeth in. "He got in a car crash and got amnesia. Ralph doesn't remember anything about our relationship, or even that his mom kicked him out and he's living with his aunt." I yelled, wiping the grin off his face.
"What?! Seriously?!" Maurice's light chocolate eyes were the size of dinner plates. "Holy shit dude." His voice level dropped a bit. I'm sorry Jack. If I'd known I wouldn't have texted you so much." He apologized.
I shook my head resting it against the hall wall. "I didn't have my phone on me so I didn't get any of them anyways." I could sense Maurice was about to say something, so I motioned for him to stop. "I'm just going to lay down. Please don't disturb me." I said before locking myself in my room. My bed seemed so inviting after the long day. I was almost asleep when my phone vibrated. Opening the message I saw it was from Ralph. "I'm guessing this is the Jack from the hospital. I was looking through this phone and your # was the only 1 that had a name that I no. Text me back. It's nice 2 talk 2 some1 least some what familiar. -R"