Chapter 37

Part 3 - added 01/21/2023

Part 1 - 12/26/2022

Living alone was difficult in the beginning. It still is but it doesn't feel as lonely as before now that she's taking classes and Jen seems to be always available when she wants to talk. Jen doesn't live here but her daily messages made her feel like she's not alone. Sometimes, she would get a sad face emoji with a chocolate soft swirl next to it in the morning which means it's that time of the month and sometimes she would get riddles that would make her laugh because she didn't realize it was a dirty joke until the answer is given. But as funny as Jen can be, her messages sometimes can be so depressing.

Asian 80 year old grandma got punched in the face by a white dude in broad daylight in Chinatown

What! New York City always has a high crime rate but lately, there's a surge especially in hate crimes. Jen is right. More people are becoming cult-like. More crazies are coming out. Racists are no longer afraid of showing their unacceptable behavior in public because they feel they're given permission to do so. It would take decades to undo what that traitorous pig did.

Heard about the rape?

What? Again? Brie immediately got off the treadmill after getting another message, then regretted doing it so fast after feeling a little dizzy. This always happens. Just need a moment to balance. Okay. Don't run. Walk…slowly. There's no need to be fast but there is a need to be upset.

"Did you go out last night?"

As nice as the hotel is, it wouldn't help to stay another night. Letting her stay here is to see if it would help her remember and to look after her but now is looking like a bad idea.

"Did you try to break into her apartment?"

It might not be her since there are many crazies obsessed with the megastar, so crazy they would risk getting caught just to get into her residence even though they know there would be surveillance cameras everywhere. This Hope doesn't seem like one of them but Riley did say the old Hope asked for the megastar because she thought the megastar works for her. Crazy. It seems that this Hope isn't that much different. Did she get her memory back? Because she's not answering the question and going wherever she pleases. "Where're you going?" It's freezing out and "How did you get that?" She has lots of cuts and bruises but not on the back of her hand. Was it there this morning? Her coat wasn't ripped last night either. "Please…tell me you didn't." The old Hope would've denied it. This one apologized. No, no, nnno. "Are you crazy!" Brie said, immediately regretting it since it could trigger a crazy person to do something even crazier. Hope didn't but leaving doesn't mean this is the end. If they find out it's her, then it might lead them here. Then millions will know. Anything involving the megastar will get millions of viewers. He's not going to like this. He's going to yell. He's going to…

Brie stopped pressing the number on the phone after getting another thought.

He'll send someone to kill her. He did it before. He'll do it again. No one will know if she's dead. Oh no. What should I do? What should I do?

(phone vibration)

Brie hurriedly head out after putting the coat on and taking the necessities without responding to Jen's text since catching up with Hope is more important and Jen has a very good point. It would take them forever to find out who did it especially now with the surge in crimes. There aren't enough cops and they've been letting them out because there aren't enough jails so the same ones do it again and again. She better not do it again.

Shoot. Missed it. It's too late to get to Hope but not too late to see where she went. Calling for a taxi now is going to be too late but looks like there's no need to. There's one coming. Hurry. Hope he's not picking up someone else. He's not. Good.

"straight ahead" Brie said to the taxi driver after closing the door. Yes, that is strange. No questions were asked but he probably will later. There it is. "Follow that yellow taxi." There's a car behind Hope's so hopefully there's no yellow light because that's all it will take to lose her. With the sky getting darker and many other yellow taxi cabs and cars, it will get more difficult to follow if she keeps going. Where is she going? Where is everybody going? Why are there still so many people hanging out in this freezing cold night? Is that guy live streaming? They say New Yorkers are crazy. They're right. "Nno, don't let him." Ugh. It seems that this taxi driver is not from New York because if he is, he wouldn't have let anyone cut in front of him. He would've honked at the car multiple times and cursed, yet this guy did nothing. Did he not understand the instructions given? Oh great. Now Hope is nowhere in sight since it just took a left turn before the yellow turned to red.

Brie blew out a frustrated breath while glaring at the taxi driver whom she didn't think could see since he didn't turn his head but he did see, probably from the rear view mirror or maybe he heard the frustration because he just made a damn good suggestion. He knows who's driving Hope's taxi.

"I gall heem nowl, ogay? Duong wellwee. Ogay?"

"okay, thank you." Brie said, feeling better than a moment ago and quickly added "Don't let him know I'm following him. "

"ogay ogay"

Oh good. He understood. Let's hope the other taxi driver is smart enough not to say anything that would let Hope know that she's being followed. If she knows, she might changed to another taxi. But looks like there's no way she would know since he's not speaking in English. It didn't take long for him to hang up but what did he just say? "Where?"

"I dig you dair"

It took a few turns to realize what he meant. That's because he said park and there are many parks around here. This is West St. This is the way to the Hudson River Park. (gasp) No, no, no. What is wrong with her? Many things are wrong. She's different. She's not who she used to be. She's quiet but she's obviously not clueless since she's able to trick Riley and she's smart enough to…ohh…no. She's not well so she doesn't know how to cope with what Hope was dealing with so she went out last night to…"Is it here? He got off here?"

"yea yea, be gatful, wellwee danjous, ogay?"

"I know." Believe me. I know. Brie thanked him again after paying him extra. Twenty bucks isn't a lot but he deserves it. Better hurry before it gets too dark to see. There are still people. More people is good but a group of 3 guys hanging around could mean trouble. Why aren't there any cops here? There were plenty back there where road work are being done. This city makes no sense. These two don't either. The view with the city lights, sky scraper and the river is beautiful but this isn't the right place to cuddle. Get a room. Where are you? Hope? Is that her? No. She wouldn't want to be anywhere near these two. She'd want to be alone...(gasp)

Brie quickly ran without bothering to look on the other side where other people are standing since she's been here before. This is Pier 45. Many like to come here because there is no playground and only a large area of grass in the middle where people can lie on to relax, a few trees and tables, chairs, canopies and seating area along the railing. The best place to be is at the end of the walkway where it has one of the best views of the sky, Hudson River and New Jersey but some didn't come here for the views, they came to be alone, to think, to relax, and to… "Hope!" Brie called out even though she's not sure if that's her since it's too far and too dark to see without the light pole near that area but it's the only way to get her attention if that is her. It is and it seems that her voice was drowned out by the city noise and the wind since Hope didn't turn back to look. There's no time to call out again. She's already on the other side of the railing and looking down at the river. Grab her before she notices. Too late. She noticed. Got you. "Don't you dare die on me. Hope wouldn't do this. She made mistakes too but she's not a coward and she owes me a favor so you better get back in here right now." The plan was to grab her, then pull her back in but it's more difficult than she thought so hopefully adding "I need you" will get her to

"What you doin?"

For someone who's about to commit suicide wouldn't ask that but if that's not what she was planning to do, then "What you doin?" Brie asks in the same confused tone, breathing loudly to catch her breath.

"feeding the fish"

What? This isn't summertime. This isn't daytime. She's as bad a liar as the old Hope.

"stop following me"

And as rude…and unbelievably stupid. She may be smart to put the fake beard back on but doesn't she know cops are looking for him or does she think they're useless too? "Where're you going?" Ignoring me isn't going to work. "How long do you think you can survive on your own?" For someone who can't remember who she is, she sure has more confidence than someone who does. "Do you think you're invulnerable? Your cuts need to be taken care of. You can't just leave it like that. You can die if you don't take care of it." Everyone is stubborn. She's more stubborn than the old Hope. "Ceepa!" Brie said while knowing that it might not stop her from walking away but it worked. "C.I.P.A. Congenital insensitivity to pain and anhydrosis. It's a genetic disorder. That's why you can't feel pain but it doesn't mean you can't die. You can easily die. Those cuts on your butt, you didn't know about it until you collapsed that night, you could've died if I wasn't with you." It's rare. It exists. Sadly, there's no cure. "Your face is freezing right now. You can't feel it, can you?" There's no need to feel her face. Anyone without a scarf would. A mask isn't going to help much. "And that's not all you have. You're addicted to"

(Hope's phone is ringing)

Whoever it was and whatever was said must be urgent because now she's hurrying to get out of here. It can't be Riley. She doesn't trust her. Ask later but this can't wait. "You remembered the password?" There's no need to have Cole find out how if she can. "You remember me?" Why didn't she say so if she can? "Where're you going?"

"Go home. Okay?"

No, she doesn't remember. The old Hope wouldn't say it in that tone and wouldn't use the last word. She wouldn't leave me here in the middle of the night to get my own taxi either. She would do anything to protect me to make sure I'm safe.

Brie forced her way inside the taxi after Hope got in, then immediately held onto her arm to prevent her from getting off which was a stupid plan but it worked surprisingly, probably because Hope didn't want to make a scene in front of the taxi driver or she's in a hurry or both. But why would she want to go to the W Café? Questions will have to wait since there's no need for the taxi driver to know. Getting to the destination didn't take long. Getting another apology is as unexpected as the last two times but if she thinks I would let her go by herself, she's out of her mind. Brie quickly got off the taxi after paying the driver, then quickly realized that Hope's intended destination isn't the Café. It's across the street, the Langham Hotel. Was she just trying to get rid of me because now she's in no hurry.

"You don't need to worry about me. Okay? Go home."

There's the four letter word again. That's like asking for permission. The old Hope wouldn't ask for permission. The old Hope would know why I would be worried. She would be walking like a normal person, not looking around like a tourist. This is a tourist area but there aren't many nowadays and no tourist would be out at this hour without a companion. What is she doing? Going home is no longer an option. Interruption is now necessary before it's too late.

Brie pulled her away from the car before saying "shut up and act surprised." Anyone who's not expecting a hug would be surprised but a hug might not be enough to convince others. A kiss will. Another kiss will make it more believable. It seems to have confused Hope too. Explain later. Now let's go to the hotel before the others decide to cross the street. Don't look. Just go. Why is she stopping? Standing here in the hotel lobby without any luggage is going to cause suspicion. "Didn't you book a room?" No? Was she expecting the prostitute to? Find out later. Get a room first before the cops outside decide to come in to check. It didn't take long. There's no line. There are plenty of rooms. No one wants to be in a hotel these days if there's no need to. No one except those who can't control their addiction.

Yell at her later. Bathroom first. This is nice but as nice as this bathroom is, one thousand dollars for 2 nights is ridiculous. Discounted my ass. A free upgrade to a suite shouldn't even cost this much. Now he's going to want to know why. It's because the toilet is broken. Broken heater? Would he believe the apartment is infested with lice? Mice? Think about it later. Now it's more important to find out "What were you doing?" Brie asked after getting out of the bathroom. That wasn't the question she wanted to ask before she went in but after having a moment to think, it would be wrong to accuse her even though it looked obvious. "Hey!" Brie followed. Questions can wait but there's no need to wait to tell her even if she is in the bathroom since she needs to know what she did wrong. Not only did she look like a car thief because she was looking at one car after another, she stopped to talk to a woman in the car who's either a prostitute or working undercover because there was a guy in another car across the street looking at them. "I know you don't remember but here, paying for sex is illegal! She could be an undercover cop! She could be infected! You can't feel pain but you can get sick!" She should be able to hear that even with the water running. Is she taking a shower? "You can't get your wounds wet! I didn't bring anything!" Maybe she did? Maybe there's a first aid kit here. If there is, it would be inside the bathroom or…the cabinets.

There are none in the cabinets but the hotel has basic first aid kit supplies and dinner came before Hope finished taking a shower that lasted so long, she needs to be told to get out of there. A shower shouldn't take 30 minutes especially for someone with short hair. It would be impossible to keep the wounds from getting wet without wrapping it with plastic first but it seems that she doesn't care since she went right to the table to eat. She can't feel pain. She can't feel temperature. Can she taste? She obviously can feel hunger but she's also drinking the red wine like it's water. Find out later. This is more important. Now that she's been doing things that she shouldn't, she needs to know about the incident in the strip club, what the old Hope did, and the possible health issues that she could have so that she knows why she can't be alone by herself, at least not until she gets better, and more importantly "Don't attract attention. Cops could be after you." That is a lot to take in. The life of a bodyguard isn't as normal as others but there's no need to be frustrated. There's no need to slam the table. "They don't know it's you." Didn't she get that? Did she misunderstand? Why is she pulling her hair? This doesn't look good. If she can't feel pain, why is she hitting her head? Anyone who's in pain would be screaming but she's not. She's groaning. Now she's on the floor, breathing very loudly. "You okay?" Is she allergic to something in the pasta sauce? She didn't say she can't breathe so why is she grabbing her hair while facing down on the floor like a vampire who's afraid of light. "What's wrong?" Maybe she doesn't know either. Maybe Riley knows. Maybe…

Brie quickly moved to where the closet is after remembering what she found when Hope was taking a shower. It wasn't an accident and she has no intention of saying that it is if Hope asks. Searching thru her belongings was to see where she went last night. There was nothing that shows where but this proves she has a problem besides sexual desires and C.I.P.A.

"Here, take this" Brie said after taking one pill out of the small bag. "What are you doing? You need it." Brie tries to take out another until she couldn't. This time, Hope didn't just knock it out of her hand. She snatched the whole bag and threw it across the room. There's no need to try to get it because those aren't medicine. They're poison? Whatever it is, now isn't the time to ask. What Hope needs now is to be held like that night and a soothing "sshh" and gentle pressure applied to specific areas of her head should provide calmness and relieve stress and headaches which according to Noel it's only effective if it's done correctly. It seems to be working since Hope is no longer groaning. Her breathing is starting to normalize. Her eyes are still closed but not shut tight. Fifteen minutes more of pressure at the Anmian point would've been able to put her to sleep if not for the untimely call. Who would be calling me at this hour? It's not Christian, is it? Did he find out I just spent one thousand dollars in a hotel? The call can wait. "Don't move" The old Hope hates taking orders. This one does too. It's good to see that she's feeling better but "What was that?" Everyone has headaches but not everyone carries around a bag of poison pills. It seems that she has no intention of explaining either since she's taking off her robe. "What the hell are you doing?" Either she has somewhere to go or she's leaving since I won't. "Just let me stay here tonight." Brie said after taking her pants. "I'll leave you alone tomorrow. Okay?" She's not falling for it. The old Hope wouldn't have either but she would know enough not to leave now after what just happened. "I know you think you can take care of yourself but you can't. Look at yourself. You're not well." Brie quickly jumped onto the bed to get to the other side while knowing that it won't work because all Hope had to do is call room service to see if they can get her a pair of pants but looks like she's not going to. She's walking away. She can't be leaving with a short sleeve top and shorts. She's not. She found a better way, a very crazy one, one that only a crazy person would think of. "Put it down." It worked the last time but this time, it might not. "What're you doing?" She's holding the knife but this time, she's not looking like she's going to hurt herself. She's walking this way, looking like she's planning to use it. If she thinks she can scare me, she should've acted like the old Hope. "I know you're not going to hurt me so put it down." It would've worked if she didn't already showed that she cares. It would've worked on Riley though and if she were here, she would be shocked too. (gasp) "What're you doing?" Brie said, regretting to have taken the knife given because now her hand is being held onto and pulling back caused her hand to be held tighter. Trying it again will cause Hope to pull back again, thus putting the tip of the knife deeper into her heart. Only those with depression would hurt themselves. She's not one of them so "Why are you doing this?"

"She's a killer."

She remembered?

"She's a rapist."

Only those with mental illness refers to themselves as a third person but in this case, she has a good reason to but "What?"

"She hurt them. She hurt you. She deserves it."

"Stop it" Waiting for her to do so is no longer an option. Begging isn't going to work. Pulling isn't going to get her to release the hold. Slapping her face, then a hand twist and a leg sweep did just like the old Hope said it would but more is needed to snap this Hope out of it. "You don't know her! You're not her! You don't get to kill her. So whoever you are, stop mutilating her body and get out of it. If you can't, I'll get you an exorcist." Oh, now she's looking at me like I'm the crazy one. "Look, you're not going to be like this forever. She'll be back and when she does, you'll see what type of person she is." On a second thought, there's no need to wait. Who knows when she'll be back. "You're right. She did hurt me. She took a copy of my key without my permission. She went into my apartment, hid behind the door, grabbed me from behind." Agreeing with her is not just to get her to stay put, it's to see what she remembered but it doesn't look like she does, not about this. "She did that because she cares." That is illogical. "I fired her that day and I...regretted" It did feel different without her. Lonely, sometimes. "It's my fault." Since she doesn't care about Hope and she cares about me, then letting her know how much I missed her might be able to change her mind. "She took care of me when I drank too much. She's there when I got sick. She taught me how to protect myself. She saved me. This wouldn't happen if I didn't let her go." Brie apologized, letting her tears fall which isn't difficult to do but it seems that the pretense made it worse. Why is she shaking her head? Why does she look disgusted? Why is she putting her pants on? She's not planning to go back to Pier 45, is she? Drowning isn't a fast way to go. "Please…don't go. I need you. I need her." If nothing will get her to stay, then maybe this will. "I love her."

Brie continued begging and crying while holding Hope in a tight embrace until Hope interrupted. Unlike a moment ago, she found her accusation offensive not because this Hope just accused the old Hope of using drugs but because she just realized what this Hope thinks of her this entire time, a clueless dumb bitch who doesn't know that she had been taken advantage of.

"She didn't drug me!"

Part 2 - 01/15/2023

Summer felt like it passed by slowly. Now winter is already here. Many don't mind the snow. She probably does too but not this year and not now. Keep looking at the darkness isn't going to make the day go by faster.

"Hey, this isn't New York but we should still keep the curtains closed."

"We're in the middle of nowhere." Amy exhaled loudly in frustration at ZJ who's leaning against the doorway and acting like everything is fine when it's not.

"Dinner's ready" ZJ said before heading downstairs instead of saying anything else since the former agent has been acting irrationally since that night like someone who has never been in this situation before. This one has and she seems to have changed a lot. Since when did she learn how to cook?

"What's wrong now?"

CJ isn't this easily aggravated before either. With years of experience, she got used to it and has learned to deal with all different types of people especially those who won't listen so what's with the impatience? "She'll be down." ZJ said, then realized she had to say it again since CJ is looking like she's preparing to go upstairs.

"Cold vege is no good." CJ said before adding "I'm not going to yell at her."

She did this morning. It wasn't entirely her fault though. She was only doing what she was hired to do but what she could've done was speak in a calmly manner instead of yelling when the former agent wanted to call her former boss. It's good to see that she came to realize that but there's no need to bring the dinner up.

"I'm sorry" CJ said after knocking on the half-opened bedroom door even though she doesn't think she's wrong. "I made your favorite." Sweet and sour tofu with vege might not be her favorite but it succeeded to get a tiny smile that quickly faded which is expected but not for her to say she's not hungry. "I'm not going to force you but at least try it. It took 2 hours." Exaggerating a bit worked. Just like ZJ said, she's not that difficult to deal with and she is an obsessive worrier.

"I'll eat it later." Amy said, wondering why CJ is still standing here. There's no need to apologize or say anything else. It wasn't her idea. She did nothing wrong but staying here in this house doing nothing felt like no one is looking for Blake especially when she said Blake could be hiding which didn't seem possible at that moment but now...Maybe Blake is working undercover but for whom? CJ didn't say Blake could be working for Petrie and neither did ZJ but both of them think Petrie is somehow responsible which doesn't make sense just like now. Why is she asking about my hand?

"Let me take a look."

There's no need to be concerned. There's no need to apologize again. This isn't her fault. Escape would've been impossible if she wasn't watching from across the building. Those two guys behind the door might not be cops but they weren't good guys either. Whoever they are, they should have mind their own business like ZJ told them to. Killing them would've been easy but there's no need to. All that was needed was a warning shot to convince them that they're surrounded by snipers and the next shot would be thru their hearts if they don't put their guns down. Whoever they are is still uncertain but one thing is. They're the ones who pulled the fire alarm to cause confusion because they thought the group of armed masked agents came for them. That's what they said. There's no reason not to believe them until CJ said they could be uncover cops which is possible but why didn't they wait for the others if they're cops? If they have been watching me, then why wait until that day? CJ has an explanation but as good as it is, she was just guessing just like now. Some of the skin is peeled off. Cuts aren't deep. It's not a knife wound. It could be from the uneven concrete tiles or the edges of the steel chairs and tables. Injuries were inevitable since there weren't time to be careful and there weren't enough lighting on the rooftop to see where everything is but this isn't serious. "It's fine." Amy pulls her hand back.

"You should still put antibiotics on it, just in case."

"I'll do it later." Amy thought that would be the end of it until she got another question that is so strange, she's not sure what CJ's intention is. Of course, it has more wrinkles that it used to. Nobody's hands look the same as they were years ago, even with expensive hand creams.

"Do you cook a lot?"

That's as odd as the last question. "What exactly do you want to know?" Amy asked but didn't get an answer until after a moment of hesitation followed by a long sigh. It's been years. Everyone has changed but is she always like this? She never talked this fast before. No wonder she lost her patience this morning. Being in a relationship can be stressful. Every relationship has good moments and bad. Having second thoughts about marriage is normal especially when the other half has expectations but no decent man would say I expect you to cook, clean and have babies. Bryan didn't look like that type that would so "Is that what he said?" Amy had to interrupt since CJ is going on and on about her relationship which is making her even more frustrated than a moment ago.

"No, but I'm always the one doing the cooking because he doesn't know how. When I don't feel like it, we ordered takeout but"

But? There shouldn't be a but after that sentence. Cooking is difficult but anyone who's not physically and mentally incapable can learn and Bryan didn't look like the unreasonable type that would say no to that so unless he's changed, then (gasp)

The gasp came out spontaneously since she just realized why CJ is holding back. It's because it's embarrassing and too personal to talk to anyone about. It's because no one would agree with her especially a man but I would. "Don't do it. If that's not what you want, then don't." Many women are willing to change and has changed for a man. CJ certainly has but learning how to cook is a good thing. It benefits herself too but…

"How do you do it?"

"I don't and I would never." Amy responded without hesitation even though it's personal, even if intimacy with a man is different with a woman. She did because she wants CJ to know that she's not the only one who hasn't done it.

"never?"

"NO." Saying it loudly isn't necessary. Saying it with certainty is. So is this. "If he doesn't love you the way you are, then he doesn't love you." There's no need to say anymore since CJ is nodding in agreement.

"I'm not the same person I used to be and I hate it."

Amy did the same, nodding in understanding and continued to listen instead of giving additional advice since CJ has more to say. It's not surprising to hear that she didn't fall for Bryan when they first met. Most couples didn't. Those who did are attracted to appearance and those type of relationships usually don't last long so it's good to know that she's not one of them. That is until she explained how Lucy was the one who got Bryan interested in her.

"How do you do it?"

This time, there's no misunderstanding. She wasn't referring to oral sex earlier. She's referring to the eyeliner, the lipstick, the makeup, the hairstyle, and everything that makes a woman more beautiful in men's eyes. It's not just the cooking. That is asking a lot. No wonder she took this assignment. That is one serious problematic relationship that is doomed to fail. This might not be the right time to talk about marriage, the good and the bad but she needs to know what she's getting herself into before she makes the same mistakes I did but first "Where's Bryan?"

Part 3 - 01/21/2023

New York

It's quiet. It's dark. The small of amount of city lights piercing thru the window isn't enough to see but there's no need to see. Just focus on this moment. Just take it in. Just feel. Just…relax. Apparently, that's difficult to do.

Brie shifted back to her side of the bed without asking if it worked since the answer is obvious. It worked 3 hours ago but now it seems like a stupid idea. Not only did it not help, it seems to have made her uncomfortable since she didn't move like her body was frozen stiff. It wasn't Hope's idea but she agreed to it. She obviously wasn't expecting more than just a kiss. One kiss on the lips didn't work so a few more kisses on her neck and face was to see if it would. Lying on top of her didn't make a difference either but it proved one thing; She has nothing to do with the Hudson River rape case. It did seem impossible but she did go there and she has been behaving oddly and the old Hope does have extreme hypersexuality. That's what Riley said so it's good to know it's not an uncontrollable need.

"You can stay with me as long as you want." This isn't just to comfort her. It's also the only way to keep her out of trouble in case she's thinking of breaking into Han's residence like that intruder did. Just like Jen said, the intruder was easier to find than the rapist. Would she believe Hope is capable of rape? This Hope did.

It was shocking to hear that the kiss somehow helped her remember some things, even more shocking to realize that this is one of the reasons she wanted to end her own life. It's because she's disgusted with Hope. It's because she felt guilty. It's because there's no reason to believe that Hope isn't capable of that because she knows what Hope did to satisfy her needs and because that's what Riley accused Hope of. As logical as that all sounds, this Hope failed to realize one important thing and that is, the brain is a complex organ. Everyone gets confused with their own memories especially older people and amnesiacs. That is a fact. Not being able to remember what happened after having too much to drink is also a fact but not being able to remember getting raped in my own bedroom is as ridiculous as accusing the old Hope of being a serial killer and rapist when she couldn't remember where she got those poisonous pills. They might not even be date rape drugs but even if they are, it doesn't mean they belong to her. Even if they are hers, it doesn't mean she's using them for that purpose. And so what if Hope did go into my room while I was sleeping. That is creepy but that doesn't mean she did anything else. Waking up that night with a serious case of vertigo also doesn't prove that I was drugged and neither does having a dream of having sex with Christian who suddenly turned into Hope. That moment did feel real but it was just a dream.

This is not.

"Where could she be?"

As big and comfortable as the king size bed is, falling asleep was difficult last night. Hope did too since she had another nightmare. Everyone has nightmares but not everyone wanted to leave after having one. If it wasn't in the middle of the night, there's no need to stop her but it was 3:30AM. Cameras are everywhere. There's no one outside other than those who work at night time. Anyone would find us suspicious even if we have nothing to hide. The hotel security certainly would've. That's all it took to get her back to bed along with a promise but it took awhile to fall back to sleep so waking up later than usual could not be prevented and so is losing sight of Hope but there was no need to keep an eye on her every second since she knows I'm not going to stop her from leaving. That was the promise. She even changed her mind and agreed to go back after learning about Noel but not tonight which didn't seem strange since it's getting dark out and it's snowing and the room is paid for but now…

"She didn't go looking for Noel. Did she?"

Brie picked up the note that Hope left and read it again to see if there's anything wrong with it because 'I'll be right back' usually means in a few minutes not 30.

Hope's phone isn't here. None of her stuff is including the bag of pills but she forgot about the one on the floor and now Cole's texting again. It's good to know that he found a way to recover the password so he might be able to do the same with Hope's phone but replying can wait since someone is knocking on the door. It better be her. It's not. "Are you following me?" There's no way Riley would know unless she had me followed and there's no reason for her to do that unless Christian told her to. If he did, then this needs to stop. Protection is one thing. Having someone follow me wherever I go is too much.

"She told me."

"Who?" Brie asked without thinking because Hope wouldn't have. Shockingly, Hope did. She did because she knew I would be worried. She's not here because there's no reason to be here. She told Riley to relay the message because she remembered who she is. That's good news. That all makes sense except "Why didn't she tell me herself?" There's only one reason why she didn't. She can't because she's sick but that's not it. It's because she's busy? That's a very bad answer especially when her wounds haven't fully healed yet. "busy doing what? Where is she?"

"She's fine."

She should know that doesn't answer the question. "Where...is she?" This time, it worked. Maybe Hope knew this would happen because she picked up Riley's call. "Hope?" It is her. There's no reason to doubt Riley but all of this just seems so strange. "You okay?" No answer is given but she sounds more than just okay. No wonder Riley didn't want to call. The old Hope is back. Not only did she not apologize for leaving with just a note, she's calling out the mistakes I made. For a woman to take a taxi alone in New York at night time is dangerous but she should know why I did it. I know there are lethal drugs out there that look like candy but those don't look like candy. How should I know they're poisonous? "What are they? Why do you have them?" Hope didn't answer the questions nor did she stop speaking like she's in charge.

"Go home now! Don't go out alone. Don't go out at night!"

Now she sounds just like Christian. "Well I'm glad you're feeling better." Brie hung up immediately but held the urge to throw the phone since it belongs to Riley who is looking like she understood what just happened even if she couldn't hear what Hope said. Most likely, she got yelled at too. She deserves it. I don't. "Next time, don't call me." Brie said, then proceeded to reply to Cole's message to let him know that his help is no longer needed until she heard Riley's apology. This is her fault but there's no need to come all this way just to give me the message unless she came to escort me home but that too doesn't make sense. "Who else is here with you?"

"What?...No one."

So she came by herself? That's possible but there's absolutely no reason for Hope to leave a note, then decided not to come back. "How long have you been here?" It's not a confusing question so why doesn't she understand the question? "Have you been staying in this hotel?"

"no"

"You haven't? Then how did you get here so fast?" This is a busy city. It's even busier now with the snow. Hope was only gone a little less than 30 minutes so there's no way she could get here so fast even if she has her own car unless she's lives around here; She doesn't.

"I was nearby when she called."

If she has the mask on, it wouldn't have been that noticeable. "Why are you lying?"

"I'm not."

"Then what were you doing nearby?" Does she know she's a very bad liar because now she's looking like she's thinking of an explanation that would make sense. The hesitation wasn't long and being nearby for business is a very good answer but which wealthy client would book this expensive hotel and willing to take a risk of getting infected. There is a vaccine but it hasn't been distributed yet, at least not here. "Who's the client?"

"That's confidential, you know that."

Yes I know but does she know she's not very good at protecting client confidentiality? "Did she ask for it or did you offered?" There's the look of getting caught off guard again. So the old Hope is back and so is her uncontrollable need. No wonder she was talking so fast on the call. She didn't want to be bothered because she was in the middle of it. I don't believe this. "Who is she with?" The answer is irrelevant. Ugghh. No wonder she said Hope's fine. "Tell her, don't ever call me again and you, don't ever call me about her again." Being frustrated can't be controlled because she left me here, worrying about her while she's having fun.

"Sorry"

"yea well" Brie didn't continue since Riley did. Only now did she realize that Riley isn't just here because of Hope. She's not apologizing because of Hope either.

"I don't know how I could've forgotten…I'm sorry."

Now she remembers?

"How did she"

So she doesn't remember. Sometimes people forgets those who are unimportant to them. That happens. Either that or she's one of those who doesn't have a good memory. Whether she does or not, it doesn't matter but for her to ask about Brooke now seems as strange as a moment ago. "Why do you want to know?" She should know why I asked since she was hiding information about Hope earlier and now she has that same apologetic look of guilt as that night when she knocked Hope out with the stun gun.

"Was it my fault?"

"What?"