9. Chiara
Chiara
Today was the day that I would be discharged from the hospital.
I was happy to finally be leaving, but I was a little nervous about going home with Gabe.
I know he’s supposed to be my husband, but not remembering the life that we had before the accident puts the fear of the unknown within me.
I have to admit that he’s been the perfect husband so far.
He hasn’t left my side not one time. I asked him would he lose his job, but after he informed me he was in business with his brother, I was a little more at ease.
As we sat in my hospital room waiting for the doctor to come in with my discharge papers, we held idle chit chat where he was telling me stories about our relationship before we were married.
“I did not do that!” I laughed through my words as he told me we were out one evening when one of his ex-girlfriends approached us.
He said that they broke up right before he met me, and she couldn’t let go.
Long story short, sis saw us out and thought it was a good idea to say something to him, and when I walked back up, I snatched her by her wig and it came right off.
“You did,” he chuckled. “The shit was funny too, because she thought she looked like new money. I could tell that she missed my money more than she actually missed me,” he replied.
“I take it you love to spoil your women?”
“Woman, and I do.” He gave me an intense stare that made me feel a little self-conscience. Here I was sitting in a hospital bed with a plain jogger set on and he was looking at me like I was the most beautiful woman he has ever laid his eyes on.
Knock…Knock
The sound of someone knocking on the door and entering the room broke us away from the staring battle that we were having amongst ourselves.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Hastings. Are you ready to go home?” Dr. Kwon asked once he entered my room.
“I guess so,” I answered honestly.
“Your apprehension is normal. In a sense, you’re entering the unknown. I’m positive that Mr. Hastings here will make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible. Isn’t that right, Mr. Hastings?” He turned his attention to Gabe, who had his attention on me.
“You’re absolutely correct,” he stated.
“Great. Mrs. Hastings, here are your discharge papers and your follow-up instructions. We were able to get in touch with your primary doctor and they have already set your appointment. All that information is in the folder. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office. Do you have any questions for me now?” he asked.
“No, not that I can think of,” I responded. He nodded and handed the papers that were in his hands over to me before exiting the room.
“You’re ready to get out of this place?” Gabe asked.
“I am,” I replied just as a nurse came in with a wheelchair.
Gabe helped me into the chair and the nurse rolled me out of the room and onto the elevator while he carried our personal belongings.
When we got outside, he told the nurse to wait with me at the door while he went and got his car.
I wasn’t expecting to see the huge burgundy Tahoe pull up in front of me.
I remember him saying that he owned a trucking company with his brother, so they must’ve been doing well for themselves.
I watched as he got out and came and helped me out of the chair and into the truck.
I could walk perfectly fine, but it was hospital procedure, and he wasn’t hearing it either.
After helping me up and buckling me in, he shut the door and rounded the front of the truck back to the driver’s side before getting back in.
“You’re okay? Do I need to let the seat back or up further for you?” he asked.
“No, I’m fine.” His response was just a smile and nod. This man was fine as hell, and I was kicking my own ass because I couldn’t remember what life was like with him before my accident.
We rode the first couple of minutes in silence outside of the music playing on the radio.
“How long will it take to get home?” I asked, breaking the silence.
“Almost two hours, depending on traffic. I can usually break it down by thirty minutes if the roads are clear,” he revealed.
“I guess that what makes you a pretty good truck driver, huh?”
“You could say that. It’s straight interstate, though, so it’s a smooth ride.” I nodded and turned my head toward the window.
“You want to stop and get something to eat before we make it home?”
“No, I’ll be fine. I’m still full from the breakfast this morning.” He nodded and continued to navigate us through the steady traffic.
***
I didn’t remember falling asleep, but I was now being woken out of my slumber by Gabe’s deep voice.
“Snook, we’re home,” his voice rumbled. Slowly, I opened my eyes and sat up. We were parked in front of a nice townhome. I looked around and noticed that the other houses looked the same. There was a burgundy pickup truck in the driveway, so I knew that had to be his, too.
After getting out, he once again rounded the front of the truck and came over to my side to help me out.
“Thank you.”
“No problem, Snook. Let’s get you inside and comfortable.” We walked through the front door, and it immediately felt familiar, but nothing was registering. I walked around the living room area and noticed that there were candles placed on the coffee table. I smiled because the scent was familiar.
“You recognize anything?” I heard him ask from behind me.
“No, but I do have this familiar feeling. This candle scent. It’s familiar.”
“It should be. You have a closet full. That’s your favorite scent,” he revealed. “Come with me. I want to show you upstairs before our family gets here.”
“Our family?”
“Yeah, well, not all of them. Just my brother, his wife and daughter, and your sister. For obvious reasons, your parents won’t be here, and I’ll take you by my parents tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry about my father. He has always been protective of me and my sister. Most fathers are,” I said.
“Yeah, but I’m not just some nigga that he needs to protect you from. I’m your husband and if I could trade places with you right now, I’d do it without blinking.” For some reason, I believed him. Maybe being here will help bring back the memories that we once shared.
I followed him into what I assumed was our bedroom and saw that there were clothes laid out. I noticed the look on his face, and it was one of regret.
“Were you going somewhere?” I asked, still standing in the same spot.
“Uh, yeah. We were going to dinner,” he revealed.
“But my accident happened?”
He nodded, “yeah.”
Turning around, I took my time and looked at the things that were around the room.
I noticed a bookshelf in the corner filled with books.
I smiled because I remember having a love for reading.
Tracing my fingertips along the book spines, I smiled because I remember the last book I read was from this new author named Nek Mills.
Baby, Khalil was as toxic as they came and I should be ashamed by how badly I was in love with a fictional character, especially one as toxic as him.
“I would come home plenty nights and you would be somewhere with a book or your kindle in your hand,” I heard Gabe say from behind me.
“I remember my love of reading.” I paused for a moment because I felt bad for remembering things so miniscule, yet I can’t remember the man who’s supposed to be my husband.
“Gabe, I’m sorry. I’m trying to remember you and our life together, but it’s not coming together.
I feel bad because I can look at you and see how much you love me.
I promise I’ll keep trying. Just don’t give up on me.
” I felt the tears streaming down my cheeks before I even realized I was crying.
Gabe pulled me into his chest and kissed the top of his head.
“Take all the time you need, Snook. I ain’t going nowhere. I promise.” I looked up at him and smiled while he wiped my tears.
“Let me show you where everything is so you can take a shower while I get this stuff up before our people arrive.” Nodding, I followed his lead and got ready for our guests. I hope being around them will help trigger something.
Two hours later, I was refreshed, and Gabe had it smelling good.
He put some steaks and ribs on the grill, and they smelled phenomenal.
It was refreshing and sexy to see him maneuver around the kitchen and work the grill the way that he did.
I volunteered to make some sides, but he refused to let me do anything.
I didn’t know if it was really because he wanted me to relax or he didn’t trust me to do it.
He mentioned that his sister-in-law was bringing the sides, so I let it go.
I heard the doorbell ring just as he was bringing the meat in.
I got nervous all of a sudden because I didn’t want to offend these people if I didn’t remember them.
I really hope that was my sister showing up first. That way, by the time the others got here, I would be comfortable.
When I heard a man’s voice along with a woman’s, I knew I was wrong.
I heard a child’s voice too, so I assumed it was his niece.
They finally emerged into the kitchen and Gabe was now accompanied by a man that looked very similar to him and a beautiful chocolate skinned woman.
Gabe was holding who I assumed was their daughter.
“Hey sis. How you feeling?” His brother asked.
I looked at Gabe, who gave me a warm smile before speaking. “I’m doing fine. Uhm, you’re Gary right?”
“I am. And this is my wife Shannon and our daughter Gabby.”
“It’s me, Auntie Chi,” the little girl said from Gabe’s arms.
“It’s nice seeing you, pretty girl,” I greeted.
“I brought the sides. I didn’t want you to get overwhelmed, so I fixed everything,” Shannon said. “I got tossed salad, macaroni salad, and baked beans. I made you an extra macaroni salad because I know how much you love it.” She gave me a soft smile, and I returned the gesture.
“Thank you.”
As she sat the food on the counter, there was someone else at the door. Judging by the guests that were already here, it had to be Chiquita. I was correct when Gabe came back with my sister in tow, who had two bottles of wine in her hands.
“Let the festivities begin,” she said as she approached me. I watched as she interacted with Shan first and then Gary. They seem to be acquainted with one another well. She even picked up Gabby and gave her a hug and kiss before making her way to me.
“How you feeling, Chi?” she asked.
“I’m okay. You seem close to them,” I revealed.
“We’re all kind of close. They’re cool people and Shan is a damn fool.” I nodded because I picked up on her vibe and she seemed pleasant.
We spent the next few hours talking and laughing. Everyone had stories to tell about me and Gabe, and they were all either sweet or hilarious. They made my marriage seem so loving, but why couldn’t remember any of it?
Everyone left a little after midnight. Now it was just me and Gabe alone.
I don’t know why, but I was nervous about being around him now.
We both have been drinking, and I didn’t know if he expected me to have sex with him or not.
I mean, he was my husband, but I don’t think I was ready for that just yet.
It was like he was reading my mind because his next words answered my question for me.
“I’ll sleep in the guest room, and you can have our room. I showed you where everything was earlier, so you’re good. If you need me, I’ll be right across the hall.” He kissed my forehead before exiting the room and leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I need to focus on getting my memory back before I lose this man.