It was long lonely day for me, August 17, it was my birthday. I woke up, took a shower, got in my uniform, went to school and watched
a movie. That ‘final moments of Jack Stingham’ movie was probably a little too long for me to handle, I fell asleep halfway of it. I should have gone home from school instead of watching a movie. I watched it alone. I have never been that close to my peers, their just there when they need me, but not when I need them. I didn’t mind much though. I can feel the weight of the whole day on my shoulders, I have worn my uniform all throughout the day, and I could already imagine the food in my fridge. I was so damn hungry. It was hard living alone, that day nobody greeted me a happy birthday, except those who seen me and know about it of course. My classmates greeted me, but that’s it. No present, no special dinner, no party, it was and ordinary day. But it was supposed to be special.
I was outside the mall thinking how late I have been outside. Strange stares people make made me feel uneasy. I should have been prepared, one more minute I couldn’t touch my phone from my pocket. It’s not there anymore. Dratt, robbed. What a "happy" birthday this has been.
I rode the bus. I screamed to the old driver to have me dropped off Falcon Street. And as my mind linger from spaces to spaces; I didn’t realize I was already sleeping. A few more moments, I immediately checked if my head was bleeding, that bus driver was a bitch, after having my head bump on the seat in front of me, I shook my head, trying to find out where I was.
"Wake up sonny… we’re already at Portman Street."
"Portman street?! Dammit! Old man, I told you to wake me up at Falcon Street! Not in Portman street! Ugh! Now I have to take another ride back!" I complained after having so much trouble with the old man. The old timer could just look at me with curiosity as I get off the bus.
I looked sideways as I find myself nowhere near my destination. The noise of the people chatting and vehicles honking irritated me. The vague situation made me think for a while. Then I decided I’ll walk back to Falcon Street. With my hands in my pocket, I started walking, kicking every single stone in my way to pass time. I stopped for some drinks as I get thirsty with the few blocks I walked.
"Why did I end up like this? I should considered taking a full 12-hour sleep from now own so I don’t have to fall asleep in the bus. Yawn!" I told to myself out loud. I can see people staring at me like I’m some kind of lunatic. I didn’t bother look at them. I just want to go home that’s all. What a day, first a crappy movie, a stolen cell phone, and now this, great, just great.
Another ride and it will be home sweet home. I took one of my hands off my pocket, stood by the road and waited for my last ride. I thought that by now I’m supposed to be at home, resting my eyes, eating dinner and watching my favorite show. The chilly night made it worse, it was cold. Finally the shuttle arrived and I’m ready to get on.
"Ow!" something hit me. "Sorry. You go first."
"Ow shit! I’m sooooo sorry mister! I really am! Sorry…sorry really! I’m sor-"
"It’s ok really! Hop on the bus, you go ahead.…" talk about noisy.
A girl probably my age, wearing a hooded black and white stripes sweater jacket, converse rubber sneakers and short shorts bumped me, knocking the change off my hand. I had to pick them up, making the bus wait for me. This day couldn’t get any worse. But as I finished picking my items up, I looked up and saw her. She was still there. Did she wait for me? Why didn’t she just get on the bus?
"Uh…you go on ahead. Thanks." I told her trying to be the gentleman that I am.
"You ok? I’m sorry; your money fell because of me."
"I’m fine, thanks."
At least she was nice enough to say that. Some women today don’t even bother looking at you at times like these. The bus honked its horn at us, as we are still outside trying to have a wordless conversation. She went up and had a seat at the back of the bus. The ride didn’t have much people on it, so I picked my favorite spot, the third seat from the last seat at the back. I let my butt had the pleasure of hugging the seat as I give out a loud sigh. I was sleepy, but I knew better, I learned my lesson of course. So I tried my best staying up.
But my eyes got the best of me; I fell sideward as I slowly fall asleep. I thought I’ll land on the cushion beside me, but I landed on something else. The hooded girl that bumped me earlier, was already sitting beside me, I fell on her shoulder.
"O fuck, sorry! Shit, that was the second time in an hour. Sorry miss."
"It’s ok, I’m sorry I startled you. The seat in front smells bad. And people started to board the bus; your seat is the only one free. And you seem to be a nice guy."
Well of course I am, I thought to myself. I know she’s talking at me, but her eyes are looking at somewhere else. She gives me the creeps, she’s weird, no, rather… unique.
"Yeah, sure, my stops not in a few blocks anyway." I said.
"Funny, my stop is just a block away from here."
"Really, I’ll be getting off compound 76?"
"Yeah! Exactly! You live near there? I haven’t seen you before."
"Jeez, I’ve been there for years, I haven’t seen you too."
Our chat continued as our stop came near. And then…
"Where are we?" she said. Her voice was some kind of cute, the likes of what you hear from Korean TV.
"Ugh. Not again! This is the second time tonight that I missed my stop. We’re at 77 now, we missed a block."
"You mean you missed a stop before? Well, at least it’s just a block. We can walk from here. At least I have someone to talk to."
"Yeah, just before I got in this bus, I missed a stop. Well, we better start walking."
It’s unusual for me to have the same situation twice a day, missing a stop. I’m not that hungry anymore, looks like my hunger passed out. We talked our way back to compound 76. We walked the short distance to our home. And finally, we made it. I can already see my house, as we come near, I got my keys out of my bag, and I can see she’s doing the same. I looked at the girl and thought I should say good bye now. But I don’t see her stopping, or even slowing down. I guess I’ll be stopping before she does. Its funny how I never seen her before.
"So, this is my house, I’ll look forward in seeing you again. It’s nice seeing a new neighbor. Thanks for keeping me company." I told her.
"C’mon, stop it. First you told me you haven’t seen me before, now you’re trying to open my own door?"
I can’t really comprehend with what she’s saying. I looked at my house and the door mat that’s usually there wasn’t there anymore. Maybe I really needed sleep. I already forgot about the damn birthday, that damn cell phone, and that damn bus. All of those I’ve already forgot because I’m so freakin’ tired. I couldn’t chat with her anymore.
"What do you mean?!" I asked
"Mister, this is MY house…"
"YOUR house?!"
"Look, I’m not playing games. Have a look at my keys. Here."
What exactly is she saying, HER house?! She handed me a set of keys with funny cute key chains. They looked so adorable they have drawn my attention from what I really need to see. It placed my key and her key beside each other, like comparing two pictures. Of course I can’t tell the difference between the two keys, the one she gave me and the one I’m holding. I looked at her and in an instant she was already sucking a lollipop, how can she eat at a time like this? I asked her to explain. And all she could give me is a weird stare.
"Look, I had enough trouble tonight and I’m really really hungry. If you like I’ll walk you home." I explained to her.
"Your style is original, but can we do this tomorrow?"
"Excuse me? Ok, tell you what, for the sake of you shutting up, we’ll both try our keys, and the one that opens the door gets to have a good night."
"Me? Shutting up?! Why I nev-… Fine!"
I asked her to open the door first, if she fails, and I’m sure she will, I don’t have to waste any more breathe explaining. But the moment she twist the knob, the door clicked open. I was shocked, is she a gang member? Is this one of those new modus operandi? Is she going to pull a knife? I wasn’t scared; she looks frail enough to be standing too long, she couldn’t have a chance to hurt me. So I stayed calm.
"Ok lady! Where did you get a spare key? You’re a robber aren’t you?!"
"I told you, I live here!"
"That’s not possible! Look!"
I took my keys, locked the door again and opened it. As I expected, it opened.
"What?! You’re the robber!" she screamed.
"If I’m the robber, I won’t be walking in with the owner of the house showing her my spare key. Listen lady, it’s either you or me that’s having an amnesia here."
"That’s definitely not me!"
She’s getting angry second by second. Her cool is gone. The long tiring night made the situation worse. When suddenly, the lights inside the house lit, now we’ll be able to find out who’s lying. Who ever recognize one of us, is telling the truth.
"Andy!"
And then I realized something, what a dumbass I was! I was living alone in that house; nobody could have been inside if not me. Who was that person who opened the lights? Was it her accomplice? Am I really going to get? Did they break inside my house even before I got home?!
The door flung open. I didn’t recognize her. She was a woman in her mid 40s; she was pretty, but old enough to be my mom.
What the hell? Who’s Andy? And who’s that woman in front of the door?!
"Who’s that guy with you? It’s late at night and you took your boyfriend with you?! Come in here young lady!" the woman at the front step screamed at the girl beside me.
"Mom! Look! This man is insisting that he lives here! You’ve got-"
But even before the girl, that now I know named Andy, got a chance to finish her sentence, her so-called mom dragged her inside.
"You lay your hands of my daughter you filthy man!" she accused me.
Her mom screamed at me. What the hell is going on? Where’s MY house? Why do I have a spare key of this house if it’s not mine? Where will I sleep? More over, what will I eat? What’s happening, did I just lose? Am I the one having amnesia? Ugh! I’m so damn hungry. What to do? What to do? This is definitely a situation you won’t be calling normal. This is out of this world. Events you can only see while watching "supernatural". It’s my birthday and all I can do is grab the last cigarette I have in my pocket, I lighted it, and as the fire engulfs the tobacco, I suddenly felt sleepy. I looked at my room’s window, well where it used to be at least, that could be seen from the bench I was sitting. The light was on; I could see the girl’s silhouette moving all around. One more minute, she turned off the light, probably hit the sack. I was envious; I have to sleep, but where? Before I could come to my senses, I’m already lying at the bench.
Oh what have I gotten myself into? First the crappy birthday, the lonely movie, the snatched cell phone, the missed stop, and now this? I’m soooo hungry… soo…hungry… so… hun…gry…
…
The next morning I smelled bacon. It woke me up. I can’t believe I fell asleep in the bench without noticing it. I opened my eyes; the thing that I thought was a nightmare was true; I was still in the bench. It was late as I looked at my watch, its 11:30.
"Wake up! You really do have a habit of sleeping do you, first on the bus and then at the bench. No wonder you miss the stops you’re supposed to, not to mention your own house." What the hell?! Someone’s patting my head like I’m some sort of dog!
I smelled a very beautiful aroma. Smells like carnation flowers that used to be placed near the dining table. It was Andy, the girl that took my house. She was wearing her pink pajamas; it made her look so cute. But that’s no time to be admiring the one that took my home.
"Hey, it’s you. Uh, don’t tell me this bench belongs to you too?" I told her. "I’m sorry, I just had a very bad night and it looks like it’s not stopping."
"Eat up, that’s my breakfast, I wanna share it to you."
"You wanna share it to me?"
"Yeah, you told me last night you’re hungry, I can’t imagine where you’ll be getting food since I left you outside last night."
I didn’t say a word; I lowered my pride and started eating the yummy bacon that was on the plate. She was different from last night; she was far more kind than before considering the fact that I tried to break in her house with a rude attitude. And that time she just met me. My heart felt soft on her, I forgot how angry I was.
"Hey, what’s your name?!" Andy asked.
"Drew…"
"Drew huh…"
"What?!" I said while reluctantly gobbling on the crispy bacon.
"You know Drew,"
"Yeah?"
"I haven’t had bacon for a week. I told you I’d share my breakfast; I didn’t tell you to eat it all."
The bacon in my mouth flew out of surprise. I completely forgot that I’m not supposed to eat it. I was so embarrassed of what happened. I can just look at her with huge bulging eyes.
"Ha-ha! Just kidding, there’s plenty of more inside. What to come in at ‘you’re house’"
The sound of sarcasm made me curious. I can see what she’s trying to do. She cute, that’s all I can say, she tried to cheer me up. She only met me but she became friendly all at once. Is she really like this? It made me wonder is that really her house and not mine. I’m scared to come in and see that all my furniture is not inside anymore. And more than that, I’m scared that her so-called mom will scream at me again.
"Andy, right? I’m not really sure but- "
She interrupted me.
"Look Drew, it’s obvious I just woke up." She flips her messy hair and revealed a face different from last night. Damn, she’s pretty even though she just woke up. Her lips are smooth and pink, and her cheeks were red. I looked at her half closed eyes, and her cute nose. Her voice was a voice of early morning maiden, a little grumpy on one side, and a little sweet on the other.
"Hey are you listening?!" she interrupted my gaze.
"Uh, yeah, sorry…"
"I just woke up and it’s already noon, I couldn’t sleep last night. I keep on thinking about what happened. I thought about it and I’m convinced you’re telling the truth."
"You mean that’s really my house?!"
"No dummy. I believe that you’re not a burglar or something. I saw you last night, you we’re sleeping soundly in this bench. You have to admit, what happened last night was out of the ordinary."
Again, she flipped her hair, brushing it upwards since it’s getting on her face. I want to stare at it but she might notice.
"So, I want to say sorry. I want to know what happened."
"Don’t worry about it Andy, from what’s happening now, I misjudge you too."
"Come, follow me…I want to know something."
"Where are we going?"
"Inside…ummm… inside our house."
She said "our" house, that’s like saying we’re living on the same roof. What a funny thing to say. Even though it’s very obvious she lives there, she wanted my eerie sadness to fade and still played the "I still don’t know if it’s your house or mine game". It was pretty.
"But you’re mom." I told her.
"My mom, yeah, she’s the one that woke me up ‘you’re boyfriends outside! Tell him to go home; he even slept outside! Ugh! What a drama king.’ She said. It’s funny actually. She’s off to work and won’t be home until midnight, same time you saw her last night. That’s her schedule everyday."
"Ow I see. Are you really comfortable of letting me inside?"
"Yep! If you’re a bad guy you’ve probably broke in the house last night with you spare key. Knowing that you think this is your house but didn’t come in anyway made me think you’re a good guy."
"Jeez, thanks Andy."
She took my hand and pulled me to their, or our, front door. She grasp my hand, it felt so soft and smooth, I looked at her colorful fingernails, I didn’t notice I was already smiling. She stood by the front door and rang the door bell.
"What are you doing?!"
"He-he, I’m trying to cheer you up."
I don’t really know what she’s up to, but the next thing she does is pushed me inside the house all by myself and then closed the door. She was left outside. I came in, I looked at the interior; it was far more different that I remembered. The furniture were different, my books weren’t in the same place as before. I wasn’t scared, actually I laughed!
Ding Dong! The doorbell was ringing.
"knock knock! Umm… is this where Drew lives?" what a funny thing to do, Andy’s doing something awfully weird. I opened the door.
"Um, yes, actually I’m Drew, what can I help you with?"
"Hahaha! Very convincing Drew!"
She was so funny with what she’s doing. She’s trying to cheer me up considering the fact that she met me in a very awkward way. I gained her trust in an instant. She offered me food which I open heartedly accept.
"Ok, time to find out if you really live here just like you say. I want you to tell me, how many rooms are there upstairs?"
I can see what she’s trying to do. I participated. She’s asking questions to prove my sincerity.
"3! Two at the left of the stair, one with a bathroom, then another room at the right!"
"Woah! Drew! You hit the jackpot! This is weird!"
"Yeah I know. You what’s even weirder? Your room, that’s where my room used to be."
"Really?!"
"Yeah…I saw you last night walking back and fort. Hehe…"
Then I thought about calling home, just in case I was on the wrong house.
"Hey, can I use your phone?" I asked of Andy.
"Great idea, try to find out if anybody knows what happened to you. Hmmm… you do remember a number do you?!"
I looked at their telephone, and then decided it was the best thing to do. I took the handle then first dialed my own number, but even a single ring wasn’t heard. Andy asked me to use her cell phone. She thought there might be a problem in their landline. I used it and the weirdest thing happened. Their own telephone rang. We looked at each other, I was calling their home. What is going on?! What the hell?! We didn’t say a word. The last thing that happened was the most bizarre.
We just stare at each other. It was weird that I dialed my own number but they phone rang. It’s not only their house, but also their number that I know. It’s not the right time to be smiling, but Andy did. The situation is thrilling her, it was exciting for her. my mind was laughing on the inside.
"Andy, I need to use the bathroom for a while."
"(giggles) Oh yeah, it’s over… of course you know where it is. What am I thinking?"
"So you really believe me now huh.. Thanks Andy. Can I use the one upstairs? The one in here has a broken flush; I don’t want to mess up your house. And wiped that smile of your face, you’re creeping me out" But she smiled even bigger.
"Oh, that toilet, my mom had it fixed…before…we…moved…in…"
That hit us both…
"Drew! It’s official!" she jumped out of her chair and in front of me. "You lived here once! Just before we moved in! You’re the previous owner then! That means…"
"I do have amnesia…"
My body fell on the couch as I realize that the last thing I remembered was watching a movie then riding a bus. What happened between those things? When did I lose my memory? How did I lose them? So many questions, so many questions. How long have my remaining memory has took me back to the past? Surely it was way before Andy moved into my house. But why did I move out? I knew this kind of cases. This is the stuff where a person bumps his head then a part of his life is erased only remembering his most memorable day.
"I’m still wearing my uniform, that means I went to school yesterday then lost my memory on the way home. What exactly happened last night?! Damn this is a mess!" I panicked while walking from left to right. Andy doesn’t seem to be disturbed. Her glances followed me wherever I go as if she’s waiting for something.
"Andy, tell me, how long have you and your mother been in this house?"
"About a year now." That’s all she can say. "hmmm… So your memory was lost last night, after doing an ordinary daily routine. Then an event caused you amnesia, and you return way back from the day you still lived here?"
"I think so too. But how did I lose my memory. The last thing I remember was my birthday." I don’t know what question I want to ask first. "When did they first screen the movie ‘final moments of Jack Stingham’?"
"Oh boy! I watched the movie on the first screening too!" she didn’t actually answer it.
"I loved that movie! Especially that part where Jack tries to shake the jet off by improvising the fuel with…umm…with… I can’t remember, it was in August 17, 2004 I think. Last last year."
"Well I remember, ‘I just watched it last night’, it was a can of soft drink. He replaced the fuel with a can of Pepsi." I still have the nerve of paradox
"Oh yeah! Now I remembered. Haha! That was hilarious; the way you said ‘I just watched it last night.’ Though it was exactly two years ago."
"Exactly two years ago. So, I went back all the way from my birthday last last year." I found a simpler explanation for Andy. "My memory since Aug. 17, 2004 up to yesterday was erased. It’s like cutting a part of a string then tying the remaining ends…"
"August 17 is your birthday? That’s tomorrow!"
"You mean today’s the 16th August 2006? Tomorrow is my birthday then!"
"Yeah! That’s tomorrow! You know, the day after today! That also mean that your birthday is the day after this! This is exciting!" what a lunatic. She was excited? For me? "Try calling a friend, maybe they can help you out."
"You’re right!"
An idea came to me. What if I try calling someone and ask for myself, about what have happened to me for the past 2 years, about what have I become. Where did I go last night? Where do live now?
But then, I realized, my phone was gone. Damn. The only thing I remember is Del’s number, and of all the phone number listed on my phonebook, it was only his that I memorized. It’s funny how accurate my memory about Del’s number was, thinking that I just had amnesia. Man, this is like being stick in that "50 first dates" movie.
I got hold of Andy’s phone, I dialed the number. I was hoping he still use it after a long time of being.
"That’s ok Drew, we’ll figure something out." Andy said as she saw my disappointed face. She knew at once that there was no answer, not even a ring. My options are beginning to dwindle.
"*sigh*, look Andy, you don’t have to do this, you don’t even know me, it’s not your job to help me. I should be going. I’ll try to shape this out for myself. You stay here. If I stay here a bit longer, your mom with surely get mad."
"Non sense! I have always dreamed of having a friend with amnesia! Besides, you’re not even sure if you dialed the right number. you’re giving up way too easy"
That statement didn’t really catch my drift. What is she saying? She’s kind of fanatical, in a endearing way. Every second that pass looking at her made my heart squashy, I’m beginning to like her. I’ve only met her for not more than 24 hours and she already became my friend.
"With a friend with forgetfulness, you can become a new you! Get it!? I can be a surgeon if I tell you and you’d believe me. Heheh, though I prefer being myself. Come on, I’ll take you somewhere. I might know someone that can help you. Grab those clothes from the drawer. They’re my brother’s you can use them. You can’t go out wearing your uniform." She’s insane…
She was right. My uniform has the stench of my sweat. I have worn it longer than I’ve met her. I really should mull over changing. She didn’t let me talk. She just hastes upstairs and a few more moments I could hear splashes of water coming from the shower in the bathroom in the second floor. She was taking a bath. Are we going somewhere? She made me wait long enough.
"I’m ready!"
Oh damn shit. I recalled those things that I told myself about Andy being cute. But when she came down, it was far more than that. She was all fixed up. She was wearing pink hooded jacket with blue spaghetti straps inside. She wears a high cut converse sneakers and those cute accessories in her hand. I can only say that she’s unique. She acts so childlike.
"What?!" she told me as I realize I was looking at her without blinking. My stare lasted for seconds, no, more like minutes. She looked at me with a smile.
"is my look weird? Its fine if you don’t like it. I’m comfy this way."
"No! No! Of course not. I liked it. It’s that, you look good on that. Hahaha! What am I saying?"
"Why thanks Drew! My mom thinks it’s a mess. Only few people say it’s cute. One of it was my dad. And my bro’s clothes looks good on you too!"
"Yeah, it’s a perfect fit. So Andy, where are we going?!"
"She again grabbed my hand. We went outside and started commuting. She didn’t tell me where we were going. She just said she doesn’t have class, and we have to hurry if we want to see him. But who’s "him"? I just got a long with her.
She’s kind of weird, she doesn’t know how to cross the streets, and she kept on holding my hand every time. She craved for ice cream but she can’t finish a cone, so she gives it to me. Her shoe laces keeps on untying but she doesn’t even bother to tie them again. She was a real life comedian. She pulled my shirt as we came into a stop.
"Here we are!" she said pointing at a medium sized house. Where are we exactly?!
"Andy? What’s this place?"
"You’ll find out."
Then as she rings the door bell, a few more moments, a lofty slender man with glasses opened the door.
"Andy!" the man called her then hugged her tightly.
"Dad!" the cute Andy hugged him back; her hood fell down exposing her drawn-like little face.
It was her dad. We came in, I introduced myself. Andy told everything that had happened from last night. It’s a good thing her dad’s not as mean as her mom. He understood the situation instantly. Andy left the two of us alone, then prepared a snack for us. Andy was familiar about the house. It seems like she lived there once. But why is her dad not with them. I looked at the house with amazement, and then her father coughs.
"So, you had amnesia huh. But what I can’t think about is why you have a spare key of Andy’s house?" Andy’s dad said.
"I don’t know sir."
I and Andy’s dad talked for a while Andy herself plays with Kitty.
"She’s Kitty. She’s Andy’s dog. Funny huh, Andy named her Kitty when we got her, what a crazy name to give a dog. Andy’s always been like that with her. She spend more time playing with Kitty than playing with real humans. I can’t bare to see her face when her mother objected in bring Kitty along with them when we separated. So I took the dog and care for it. Andy’s my treasure. I was lonely when she and her mother left me." Her dad said.
So that’s their story, they were a broken family. But Andy loved her father I know. But her love to her old man isn’t enough if her parents don’t love each other anymore. Now I can see why her mother acts that way. She might have developed a grudge against men. And once she saw me last night, she got the wrong impression, that’s why she shouted at me. It figures.
But aside from that story, her dad agreed to lend me a room in their house. Her father was a doctor. He said he could help me. And the only cure for amnesia is to wait. Explore places I think I might have been. That way I might be able to remember something. I’ll stay there for the night. I can’t sleep on the bench like I did before. Andy and her dad were so kind. I was so lucky to have amnesia in the right place with the right people.
"So, Drew! I hope you and my dad get along well. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow then! Dad, lend him some clothes, I’ll be taking him there tomorrow! Cheer him up a bit I think." Andy told me and her dad.
"Yes dear. That place would probably do the thing." her dad replied.
What exactly is "that" place, where is "there"? I didn’t bother ask for an explanation. It’s obvious they won’t tell me anyway. I and Andy’s dad gave her a ride home. Then it was his dad and I left on the apartment. We chat for a little bit since we aren’t that sleepy yet.
"So Mr. Cuthburt, why did you and Andy’s mom on bad terms?!"
"Call me Johnny, Andy calls me that when no one’s around." What a cute father-daughter relationship they have. "Well, I wouldn’t call it bad terms. You see, I have always spoiled Andy, and her mom objects that. When she was in high school, her mom and I always engage into fights. Next thing I knew, they were packing their bags. Andy was confused, but she told me that I had to be the man and let her stay with her mother so she can take care of her. I smiled and let it be. I think she got her happy-go-lucky traits from me. Don’t you think."
"I see that Johnny. She does act like you. I bet you miss her so much."
"You bet, but her mother doesn’t have any objection when it comes to visits. She can stay here whenever she likes as long as she tells her mom."
"ummm… Jonny, thanks for everything. You’ll been a pal. And Andy, you’re lucky to have her. She’s not like any other girls. If I was to have amnesia in a park, I wouldn’t last 10 min. from any other stranger."
"Nice to hear that from you Drew."
It was like talking to a brother. Like an older male version of Andy..
*
The next day the scent of bacon woke me up again, this time it was early 9am. I didn’t open my eyes yet. I just wished that when I wake up, that delicious bacon would be the same bacon Andy served me. So I smiled without opening my eyes.
"What are you smiling about smartass?!" a pat on my head quickly opened my eyes.
"A-Andy! What are you doing here?! It’s too early for a visit!" it was her all along, she gave me a shock. What I acted was too embarrassing. I dreamt of her and now he’s in front of me.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Ha-ha! Did I scare you? We have to go there early so we could get a lot of stuff done. I’ve been here for the past hour, I cooked the bacon myself, and stared at you for at least 10 minutes. You sleep funny." Silly her.
"It is my birthday. That’s right, I had amnesia, ha-ha! How ironic, I forgot I have amnesia. And thinking I just celebrated my birthday yesterday. At least that’s what I thought."
"Hey! That’s right, a funny story!"
"Thanks Andy, you’re the first stranger to greet me a happy birthday for so long."
"we’ve known each other for the past 24 hours, you can’t call that strangers anymore. Actually, you’re the first boy in years that became this close. Usually, boys are jerks, and they laugh at the way I dress."
"Most girls are jerks too; they’re snob whenever I have amnesia."
She laughed her heart out with what I said. I had a warm feeling now that I made her smile.
"It’s the Jack Stingham anniversary today! Come on! Let’s go there." She said.
"Yeah about that, I was thinking. Where exactly is "there"?"
""there" would be the carnival! My dad always takes me there since we moved in to our new house… which somehow your house too. Ha-ha!"
"Carnival huh… I hadn’t been there for a while."
She is wearing a funky outfit again. From the day I met her since this moment, I have already lost count of how many times the word "cute" came into my mind every time I look at her. Am I actually….
…falling for her?
"Hey!" she screamed at me, and then I snapped out of day dreaming. She threw me a bath towel and asked me to hurry up and take a bath. I did, I could just picture what it would be like. A day at the carnival with Andy, the cute weird girl I have just met after mistaking her house to be mine. After a few moments, I was ready. We said goodbye to Andy’s dad. He looked at me with a weird stare but still smiling. He told me last night that he hadn’t seen his daughter smile like that. My coming to her life made it exciting. He said that Andy always complain of life being boring and all. I having amnesia made her life adventurous. He gave a final stare. As if he’s saying ‘that’s my daughter, you take care of her.’
Finally we had our feet on the road to the carnival. It was still the same as I remember it, loud and full of people.
"Wow! It hadn’t change a bit!" I screamed out of enthusiasm.
"I’m glad you liked it!"
"Listen Andy, I don’t actually know how to say this, but you do know I don’t have any money on me….Do you?"
"Well… I don’t actually have money myself."
"What?!" I screamed. I thought we’ll be spending time riding the rides of our lives, not looking at people riding the… She’s just plain random. She does things you won’t normally see everyday. I asked her what she plans to do.
"We’ll sneak in!" she said.
"Sneak in? Are you mad?!"
"We’ll, you should have noticed the first time you saw me. Ha-ha! I’ll show you a secret."
Then she grabbed my hand once more and dragged me to a secluded spot.
"Look!" she said "I discovered this secret spot myself! The first time we went here, I played with kitty and we ended up seeing this." While she was saying that story, she bent down on a fence. One more second, she was lifting a gap. The metal screen was broken. There was a secret passage, an entrance that leads directly to the carnival’s darkest corner. Nobody would notice us sneaking if we would use that gap.
"Nice work Andy! I like how you work it out!"
"My pleasure! Come on!"
We went inside like convicts trying to escape. We giggled our way in. The thrill of getting caught made the situation funny. A security guard even flashed a light at us.
Every ride was a ride of our lives like I imagined it would be. I had so much fun with Andy. She was not like any ordinary girl. Sure some girls are good with poise, but it is better if you’re a girl not caring about what people will say, just like Andy. We didn’t have money to buy food, so we helped ourselves with the free rides.
My clothes were almost torn because of that spooky train ride. She keeps on pulling my shirt, it was fun. I can’t believe how we were called to the management office after Andy punched the living daylights out of one of the ghoul that scared her. The management was amused of hr so they let us off. Good thing they didn’t notice we sneaked in.
She even puked more times than I can remember. Even though she had her most terrifying moments at those rides, she wanted to ride them again and again. Little by little, I’m figuring out what I’m feeling about her. My heart beats fast even just thinking about how she looks what more if I think how she acts… She’s not my type but she made herself to be. I liked everything about her, her tormenting sleepy eyes, her petite nose, her smooth sparkly lips, her long brushed up hair, her cute cherry cheeks, and there I was using the word "cute" again.
"Drew… I want to ask you something."
"Yeah?"
"You lived at our house way back right? Last year? And you told me that my room used to be your room."
"Yup! Why? Did something come up?!"
"Do you like stories? Or writing them?"
"I’m a writer part time, so you can say that."
"So you did write them! I saw stories and letters from a secret compartment in the wooden floor of my bed! I thought that since you’re the only one that lived there, you might have made them. I didn’t tell you this until now because I’m not so sure about it. I found it a week after moving in to the house. Avery night I read a piece, each stories made me smile. They were...hmm… cute!"
What is she talking about? I don’t remember ever putting a secret compartment on the floor of my room. What is this, a twist in my story? First it wasn’t my house and now there’s somebody else writing a letter. I felt sad, sad because a letter that was not written by me made Andy happy. I guess I got jealous of a letter writing phantom that we don’t know if it even exists. I though that maybe after I moved out, a guy rented the house for only a few days, then left those letters for Andy to discover. The mystery of my being just dug a hole deeper away from being solved.
"Y-yeah! I wrote them! I never actually thought someone could find them!"
"I knew it! I knew it!"
I lied of course. I wanted Andy’s happiness to be caused by me, and not some other mysterious fellow. I’m the only one mysterious here. But I didn’t let that bother me; I still tried my best to enjoy.
What the hell. I’m here with her, I won’t let a stupid invisible man that writes stupid poems ruin my night. It’s not like Andy’s in love with him already. I don’t even want to think about that.
Finally she got tired. She asked me…
"How about a movie Drew?!"
Wow, a movie. It’s funny that it all started with me watching a movie, and here I am, watching another one. Only this time, it won’t be lonely. This was the first birthday I had in years where I actually have someone to celebrate it. Actually, this ware two birthdays I had consecutively in days where one is awful and one is unforgettable. I was glad, no, it was ecstasy, and she made it the best birthday ever. I think about it, why did she waste time on me? Doesn’t she have better things to do? How about friends? Boyfriend? That’s right, she was new in town. Or was it something else, did she like be back? I thought about it, this time I have someone beside me, I won’t be coming home alone. I want to tell her what I really feel.
"Drew! We’ll watch Jack Stingham 2!"
"J-Jack Stingham 2? Really?! No way! They have that movie? You mean they have a sequel?"
"You’re so cute!" she called me cute. "You really did lose you memory. You don’t even know about the part two. That’s why I asked you to come out with me. Maybe Jack Stingham will cheer both of us."
She just called me cute. And here I thought she was the only one. We watched the movie. It’s awkward how I just remember watching the movie a day ago, and now watching its sequel the day after. I never want to remember my past life. If I would be given a chance to forget it permanently; I would gladly choose it, just to be with her. I’ve decided, I’ll tell her what I feel once we get home.
The movie was done. Unlike before, Jack Stingham amused me. I thought that movies tend to be beautiful when you have someone special beside you. It was great, I was… happy, happy not to remember.
We rode the bus. The shuttle we both ride from the mall. I remembered how it all started in a bus too, and now here I am, half asleep in the bus. Andy’s head is resting in my shoulder. I could just look at her face.
I suddenly thought about those letters again, it was weird. My mind curiosity wrestled with my sleep, and it came on top. I couldn’t help imagining things. Am I being selfish? But no matter, those letters won’t find their writers, so Andy won’t have to meet him, or her, but what if the writer finds them. I am scared that Andy might just introduce me as a friend. I was paranoid. But I was smarter than that.
She yawned. I wish I could see that face every morning, serving me bacons, acting weird and all. I loved her. I love that exact moment. I closed my eyes… I wanted it to last for a lifetime. I want myself to be a part in Andy’s life. I don’t even care if I ever recall my memories anymore. Indeed, love can be instantaneous and unpredictable. Who would have thought you could fall in live with a girl like Andy.
…crack
I bumped my head too hard it made the window cracked! I laughed! I laughed uncontrollably.
"Andy… I just cracked the window."
...
"Andy?"
She wasn’t there anymore. I stood up looking sideways in search of her. She wasn’t anywhere inside the bus.
"Sit down boy! We’re nearly at Falcon street!" the bus driver said.
But I didn’t, I’m worried where Andy might have gone to. I panicked. I just found the cutest girl I have dreamed of and now she disappeared in an instance. Finally I arrived at Falcon Street. I got off as soon as possible. I’m thinking that she might have been home by now. Maybe she wanted to do another weird stuff. At least that’s what I wanted to think. The last ride I’m about to take in order to get to Andy’s home took a while. A few more moments, it came finally. I rushed inside, the travel was fater that I expected. I was in front of Andy’s house in seconds. The lights were off. I banged the door screaming her name.
"Andy! Andy! Open up Andy!"
But nobody answered. I want to scream louder but I know it won’t do any good. First I sat at the door step. I did all the stuff to pass time. I smoked some cigarette, I threw rocks. One hour passed, then two, finally I thought I’d wait for her mother to come so that I’ll be able to ask her about Andy. Midnight came but even a sign from her mother wasn’t seen. I wonder what happened. I sleep for a while and later I found the girl of my dreams missing. And here I thought things won’t be a disaster anymore. I sat at the bench where I sleep the first night I met Andy. Little by little, I could feel my eyes getting heavy. 1…2…3…I fell asleep.
I dreamt of Andy and I, all those times we spent together, actually those 2 days we spent together. That best birthday I ever had with her. Will I ever have the chance to experience it again?... Andy…
*
Morning came; I was on the bench sleeping for the second time. I thought the smell of bacon and that cheerful laugh of Andy would wake me up. But instead, the cold mist and the loud vehicles did the job. Andy was still not beside me. I got up, wiped my eyes and stretched a little bit. I looked at my watch, it was 9am. Her mom probably wasn’t inside anymore, she’s off to work at 7. I tried knocking at door again. I won’t give up. I want to see her. half an hour and still no one’s answering.
"Andy, please open up." I just whispered.
Then I remembered! I had a spare key! Her mom’s not home anymore, she won’t mind if I enter. I know she won’t. Maybe I should wake her up for a change. So I grabbed my key from my pocket. I thought about it for a while, to open or not to open?! Then the thought of seeing her made the open option come on top. I inserted the key, twist it nervously, open the knob and pushed the door bit by bit.
...
No. what I saw inside was probably worse than amnesia…
It was my furniture. That messed up room, torn rags, picture frames, I all recognized them. It was my house. I closed my eyes and hoped that when I opened then I’d see Andy’s stuff. But no, it didn’t help, I opened them and my things were still there.
I wasn’t amnesia at all. It was the 18th of August 2004 on the calendar. It was late that I realize there was a door mat where I wiped my shoes before entering. I It was a blast to the future! I do not like this one bit. I don’t want it. I rushed to the toilet on the first floor, I flushed it, it was broken. I remembered all features Andy told me about their house, all of it weren’t there anymore. Then I remembered that secret compartment she told me about. It wasn’t there too. Am I cured of amnesia? No, this can’t be, what’s the deal?! What’s happening?! I know it’s pretty obvious now that I am at my house but I’m not accepting it.
Did I really had a glimpse of the future or was it all a dream because I had too much stress from last night. I sat down and think for maybe hours. I don’t know what to do. I should have acted normal and happy since everything is ordinary now. Nothing’s different. But that’s the reason why I don’t like it. But it is true, it was a blast to the future, I am still wearing her father’s clothes. This is weird, rather supernatural. If it was what really happened, then that explains why I was still wearing my uniform back then. If it was amnesia, I would have worn something else, 2 years have passed, I should have graduated already.
And that spare key. It wasn’t a spare after all.
I knew what to do. I change my clothes from my cabinet, it felt awkward, this is the first time I actually don’t what to see my own stuff. I know how to prove it. I wanted to see one more thing in order to be convinced. The carnival, I should check it out. I rode the bus to the carnival. I went immediately to the broken fence Andy showed me. I looked at it only for a few minutes, while thinking if I should check it out. Then slowly I bent down. But I was hurt to find out that the fence was screwed solid, shut tight, it has no gap or the sort of it. There I thought that It might be all a just dream, a dream that seemed so real. Andy wasn’t real at all, since the fence wasn’t broken. I was furious, I was mad. I wanted to have Andy. I walked away, and then in a while I didn’t know what came to me. I kicked the fence crazy, letting out all anger inside me. I lasted for minutes as I recalled. I have torn the fence open, I have created a gap.
Then I found myself laughing. I could still picture what the fence looked like when Andy showed it to me, it looked exactly the same. So, I was the one that created the gap. The puzzle is almost complete. I don’t care if it’s supernatural, or how it even happened, or will I ever be able to travel time again. All that I am happy about now is that the fence is broken! The fence is broken! Yes! The fence is broken! Is it a coincidence? A coincidence, that of all people to discover the result of my rage, it was Andy. I smiled.
I broke a fence that soon Andy discovered, then later she shows me, I came to look but it’s not there anymore, so I broke it out of anger, then she shows it to me? A cycle? I don’t really care.
I traveled alone from then I will go to her father’s place; maybe there I will be convinced that Andy is indeed real. I remembered exactly how we commuted. Those times she tied her shoe laces and those times she ate ice cream, I recalled them all. A few more minutes and I was in front of her dad’s place.
"Are you Andy’s father?!" I didn’t even bother say good morning.
His eyebrows crunched at each other as he figures out what is happening. He looked the same, tall and slender. I giggled because I know now that my Andy is not fiction.
"How did you know my daughter?!" her dad said.
She’s real! She really does exist!
"Tell me, are you a friend of her?" her father asked.
"Yes sir, I am."
"It’s been a while since I last saw my daughter. She and her mother left me long ago. I have not connections to them what so ever. I’m sorry. I miss my cute angel too."
He said "cute", she is in fact not imagination.
"Just wait a year Johnny." It’s a good thing he didn’t asked me why I know his name.
I waved him good bye. As I return to my place. I know exactly what to do. I realized that back then I shouldn’t have been worried about the letters Andy found in a secret compartment in my room. So no body did live here after me, just Andy and her mom. I shouldn’t have felt sad because somebody else made her happy, because it was none other than me. I wrote the letters and made that hole on the floor. I worked on it as soon as I get the chance. I expressed all my love to Andy that I didn’t have the chance to tell her before. I made so many letters enough to be read until we meet again. I was relieved. Now I only have to wait until she arrives.
After finishing the letters and tucked them in the compartment I made with what tools I have in the house, my mom called. She said the house I was living was too big for me living all alone. She arranged a smaller apartment from me not to far from where I lived. So that’s why I moved out. A month later I packed my things and got out. I left the house that was soon going to be Andy’s. It’s funny how I didn’t see myself in the future, two years from now.
A year later and somebody have bought my old house. I walked my way home while the song "rain drops keep falling on my head…" plays. I didn’t bother ask who lives there now.
…
I’ve waited patiently. Another year have passed; it was August 16, 2006, the day I met Andy. I watched a movie, rode the bus, fell asleep, and missed my stop. Exactly what happened that day, except I didn’t watch Jack Stingham. I was walking with a smile; I knew what will happen next. I was looking at the sky. I can’t wait. Suddenly, I was looking not the sky but the ground. I stumbled and fall. What the hell?
"Ow shit! I’m sooooo sorry mister! I really am! Sorry…sorry really! I’m sor-"
I got up. A hooded girl with black and white striped jacket, converse rubber sneaker and accessories caused my fall. I smiled and looked at her. I could only say…
"It’s ok really! Hop on the bus, you go ahead.…"
Then I picked up my change. I looked up, and she was still there.
.
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