Fame & Consequences

by Reese A. Stephens

  “I don’t see myself agreeing to that.”

  He throws his head back and laughs. Before he can respond, Carter walks in. “What’s so funny?” He still seems grumpy.

  “Elijah seems to think I’d let him buy a house for us without me helping him financially.”

  Carter gives me a strange look. Then says, “So, you’re going to go home with him, even though you don’t know him?”

  I balk at him. Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do? I do know him, I just can’t remember right now. Besides, the doctor said the best way to trigger memories is to be in familiar places and with people I know well.

  “I don’t know where I’ll live, but even you said we were engaged, so why wouldn’t I want to be around him. I need my memories back. Surely something will trigger them.”

  Elijah looks angry, as does Carter. But, having known Carter my entire life, I can see this is jealousy. So, I do what I should have been doing my whole life, I call him out.

  “Why are you jealous?”

  Carter scoffs. “I’m not jealous, Peaches, but I think you should take this slow.” He takes my hand in his and rubs his thumb across the top of mine. It’s the same motions Elijah used earlier, but doesn’t have the same soothing effect. “I … we almost lost you. I’m scared of what diving back into his world will do to you.”

  “My world?” Elijah scoffs. I look over to him. “You make it sound as if I forced her to be with me.”

  “I don’t mean that, and you know it, but you even said yourself that Hollywood was no place for her.”

  “It isn’t, but that’s not what I said. I said she’s too good for Hollywood, but I’m entirely too selfish to agree willingly for her to be anywhere else, except with me.”

  “Please don’t fight,” I groan, resting my arm over my eyes. My head is really starting to bother me.

  “I’m not fighting. I want to be sure you are doing what is best for yourself, no matter what the rest of us think.” Carter gives my hand a squeeze, stands, then kisses my forehead. “I told your grandparents I’d let them know when you were up. The trip was tough on Gran so Poppy took her back to the hotel.”

  “Now I feel bad. They shouldn’t have come. I’m fine.”

  Carter gives me a raised eyebrow. “You know they’d never stay away when you’re hurt. Jared is with them, I’m sure they are fine. I’m going to call and tell them you’re up. I’m sure they won’t stay long, visiting hours are over at eight.”

  I sigh, but nod at Carter. I love my grandparents, but I know this trip has been stressful on them. They could go home, I’d understand.

  I must nod off because the next thing I realize, a nurse is waking me to take me to my MRI. I don’t notice anyone in my room, so I wonder if visiting hours are over and they made them leave. After my test, they wheel me back to my room. Gran sits in the corner chair knitting. She looks up and smiles when she sees me.

  “There you are. How’d it go?”

  I shrug. I’ve never been a fan of the MRI machine. Luckily it was a bigger one, and I didn’t feel like I was in a coffin. “Okay, I guess.”

  “No sedation?”

  “No. Where is everyone?” I ask as the transport techs finish getting my bed in place. I’ve not been allowed to walk yet, but I’m hoping after these results they’ll let me out of this bed.

  “Poppy went to get coffee. Carter and Elijah went back to the hotel to rest. I believe Elijah said one of his men was staying around to keep watch. Elijah spoke with the hospital administration and they are waiving visiting hours for us as long as we keep it two at a time. So, Elijah and Carter will be back in a little while.”

  I’m a little shocked by the fact that he’d leave one of his guards to watch over me, and that he’d talk to administration, but maybe that’s a normal thing for him. We sit quietly for a few moments. Thankfully, it’s not awkward, just calm.

  “Gran?”

  “What is it, sweetie?”

  I open my mouth to answer, but my hospital meal arrives. I thank the delivery man for the food, but don’t attempt to eat. I look back to Gran. “What if I can’t remember him?”

  She stands and comes to sit at the edge of the bed, taking my hand. “You will.”

  “He told me we came to visit you last week.”

  She smiles brightly. “You did. I took one look at the pair of you and knew you were head over heels, and when he proposed! Oh, sweetie. I’ve never seen you happier.”

  I sigh and stare at my ring. I hope I can remember. My eyes fill with tears, and as they begin to spill over, Gran pulls me into her arms, shushing and cooing me as I cry. It absolutely kills my head, but I can’t stop.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” Elijah’s worried voice breaks through my meltdown. I can’t answer.

  “She’s overwhelmed. Maybe we should let her rest,” Gran suggests. She pulls back and wipes my face as I calm myself. “You’re going to be fine. Why don’t you sleep?”

  I nod my head. “Will you stay?” I ask her.

  “Of course I will.” She brushes my hair that’s fallen in my face to the side and kisses my forehead.

  I peek over to Elijah, to see he’s holding out a handkerchief. I gasp as I take it. “What is it?” he asks.

  “I’ve seen this before.”

  The smile that blooms on his face is radiant. “Yeah, when we were at your grandparents, I loaned it to you. You remember?” The hopefulness in his voice makes me frown and I shake my head.

  “No, I just know I’ve seen it before.”

  His face doesn’t show disappointment, but I can’t help but think he is. I know I am. I want to remember so badly. “Well, that’s okay. This is a step in the right direction, right?”

  “Yeah, I guess so.”

  He squeezes my hand and takes a seat in the chair beside my bed. “You’ll remember.” I doze off as I hear him asking, “How’d your test go?” I try to mumble a response but the chuckle I hear tells me it wasn’t audible as sleep claims me.

  I wake up right as Carter comes back in the room. “Hey, Peaches! I’m glad you’re awake. I brought you some food. The crap they feed you should be outlawed.” He plops a bag down onto the little side table, right on top of the food tray that the hospital left and that I never touched. “It’s baked ziti.”

  I smile broadly. “Sounds and smells great.” My stomach grumbles loudly.

  Elijah grabs the bag, then hands the old tray to Carter, who takes it and walks out of the room with it, coming right back. Elijah pulls out the food and sets it up for me. I wonder if it helps him, to do things for me. This whole situation is so odd.

  “Thanks,” I tell him when he hands me a fork.

  “Anytime, sweetheart.” He winks and I blush.

  “Oh geez. It’s happening already,” Carter grumbles under his breath.

  I give him a quirked eyebrow. “What?” I ask.

  He waves between us. “The two of you. You’re already falling for his charm.”

  “Did you expect her not to?” Elijah sounds smug. “She doesn’t remember right now, but I think somewhere in her brain she knows we belong together.”

  “I’m sure she does, sweetie, but I don’t think you boys should have a pissing contest while she’s hurt and in the hospital.”

  “Gran!” I shout, laughing loudly, but grab my head as a pain shoots through. She never speaks like that. She shrugs and continues her knitting as both guys mumble their apologies.

  I doze off again after eating. I’m startled awake by arguing in the hallway. I glance over to see Gran and Poppy sitting to my left, Gran doing her knitting, and Poppy working on a crossword puzzle.

  “What’s going on?” They look at me puzzled, so I clear my throat and try again. “What’s going on?”

  “Oh, Elijah and Carter are not happy with your agent,” Poppy says, setting his crossword to the side. “Don’t worry about it, you rest. It’s been a long night for you.”

  “Yeah, but why would there be a problem with Amelia?�
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  As Poppy is about to answer, Amelia, Carter, and Elijah all enter the room. “If you upset her, you’re gone.”

  Elijah is no nonsense, and I can’t help but stare at him, his tone of voice and demeanor makes me feel things in my lady bits that I definitely do not remember feeling before. It’s confusing, but not entirely unwelcome. He leans against the room's large window, and Carter flanks his position. I guess now they are on the same team.

  I turn towards Amelia. “Hi, Amy.”

  She glares at me. “I see you have no problems remembering me, but it’s Amelia.”

  “Oh, I know.”

  She rolls her eyes and ignores me. “I’m glad you didn’t die. But we have matters at hand to discuss.”

  I grin. “I’ll take that as a compliment. What matters?”

  “Your tour. You are under contract and if you do not finish, the publisher has every right to sue you for breech.”

  I’m a little taken back. I mean, Amelia is always blunt and to the point, but this seems a little cold. “I’m in the hospital, Amelia.”

  “I’m aware, but as soon as the doctor releases you, you need to continue your tour.”

  “No, you don’t,” Elijah says.

  I look over at him. He’s still leaning against the window, but his arms are crossed over his chest, with a scowl on his face. Actually, Carter looks the same. My eyes drift around the room to see my brother is also in the same annoyed stance.

  “She has amnesia, Amelia,” Carter grits out.

  She waves him off. “That doesn’t matter. You don’t need to remember your past to sell your book.”

  “She’s not going,” Elijah says again.

  “I’m not sure it’s a good idea either,” Gran says.

  Amelia opens her mouth to speak when the door opens.

  “Doctor Greene, I’m so glad you’re here. Maybe you can help us,” I tell him with a smile.

  I haven’t really noticed it before, but the man is handsome. Tall, dark, fit, and bald. I’m not sure what it is about a black man with no hair, but I find it insanely attractive. He grins broadly, showing his perfect teeth. I see Elijah and Carter glaring at me, but I pay them no attention.

  “Of course, what’s the issue?”

  “This is Amelia, my agent. She wants me to resume my tour as soon as you release me.”

  He rubs the back of his neck, nodding slightly as he thinks. “Well, let me ask you a few questions,” he directs to Amelia.

  “Of course.” She practically purrs. Gross.

  “Will there be long hours in crowded areas, flying, or loud venues?”

  “I’m sure all of those would be a possibility,” she answers curtly.

  “I see. Well, in that case, my professional opinion is that Miss Parker be released into the care of a neurologist in her home area. I’m sure she’ll need some physical therapy. This was more than a mere bump to the head. The flying is especially worrisome, but the loud noises and long work hours could also be an issue. I wouldn’t recommend her returning to work until her skull and brain have totally healed. Now, that doesn’t mean that she’ll regain her memories, but we at least want the fracture and swelling to dissipate. This isn’t a quick recovery. She’ll have quite a bit to do.”

  “So, she shouldn’t go,” Carter says, eyeing Amelia evilly.

  “Well, you can expect the publisher to sue you or at the very least cancel your contract.” Amelia turns on her heel and storms out the door.

  “Well, she’s a handful,” Doctor Greene mutters. We all break into giggles until I clutch my head in pain and groan. “Pain, Sophia?” I nod. He opens up his chart then peers back at me. “Is it okay if I speak about your prognosis in front of those present?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Your MRI looks good. Everything is healing as it should. You still have a touch of fluid and swelling, which is to be expected. I think we can get you out of here in a day or two as long as you are eating, walking, and using the bathroom.”

  He continues to talk about recovery, and that he knows someone in San Francisco, California that might be a good fit for me. That’s a long way from Los Angeles, but Elijah is determined, so I have a feeling that’s where I will be going. He has me sign release of information papers so he can send my information to the doctor. Overall, in spite of the incident with Amelia, I feel like there may just be hope for me yet.

  14 Punches and Freedom

  A fter Doctor Greene leaves, a nurse comes in and asks everyone to step out so she can get me wire free. She removes every protruding apparatus, except for my IV, which she says she’ll take off after the bag is empty. She takes the dressing off my head and I finally see what’s been done to my hair. It’s a mess, with a small bald spot where it had to be shaved. The nurse helps me to the bathroom, and I find that walking isn’t too bad. I had figured my legs would forget what to do, but everything seems to be working fine. Once I’ve used the bathroom, she helps me to sit on the edge of the bed. Finally, she leaves, and my family comes back in. Gran comes straight to me where I sit with my legs hanging over the side of the bed. She hugs me tightly.

  “You are looking so much better without all those wires.”

  “I look horrible.”

  “Nonsense. You need a shower, that’s all.” I gaze up to the IV and see it’s almost empty. I could take it out on my own. It can’t be that hard. I really want to shower.

  “Where’s Carter and Elijah?” I ask my grandparents.

  “Carter is getting food,” Poppy says with a chuckle. “And Elijah said he was going to take care of the mess with Amelia.”

  Gran smooths back my hair, but when I wince, she stops. “Sorry, baby.”

  “It’s okay.” I squeeze her hand.

  The door opens and Jared walks in. “Hey, you’re up.”

  “Yes, finally. I’m tired of this bed.” I smile at my brother. I turn to Gran and squeeze her hand. “I know you guys need to get back. It’s okay if you go home.”

  “Oh, we don’t want to leave you, sweetie.”

  “You have a lot to do. Carter will be here. I’ll be fine.”

  “I’ll be here too.” I glance at my brother, puzzled. “I’m your bodyguard.”

  “You’re a cop? When did that happen?” I’m so confused.

  Jared smiles sadly at me. “I’m not a cop, but Elijah hired me when you guys were home. I was supposed to guard you, which I supremely failed at. I’m surprised he hasn’t fired me. I’m pretty sure we told you.” I shrug, maybe they did and I don’t remember.

  “You didn’t fail,” Elijah says as he comes in the door, clamping his hand on Jared’s shoulder.

  “She got hurt.” This is the first time I’ve realized how torn up Jared is. That’s probably why he’s not been in my room as often.

  “But I’m alive. I don’t remember what happened, but you kept me alive.”

  He snorts. “Barely.”

  “Stop beating yourself up. I’m alive, isn’t that what matters?” He nods but says nothing. I turn to my grandparents. “Are you guys going to head back?”

  “I hate leaving while you are still here, but if you really are okay, I’d like to get back. Cliff is over-working himself, I’m sure,” Poppy says.

  “I’m fine. I promise. You guys should get home. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to Pop.”

  “If you’re sure,” Gran says.

  “I am. I’ll have the guys. They’ll call if there’s anything to worry about.”

  We say our goodbyes and Elijah follows them out to help get them scheduled for the next flight. Jared will drive them to the hotel and then the airport. I’ll miss them, but traveling and staying some place new is hard on them.

  Carter stays with me. “So, what now?”

  “Well, I’d really like a shower.”

  “I’ll help you.” I eye him skeptically. He scoffs. “I’ve seen you naked.”

  I blush. “That’s not the point, and that was accidental.”

>   He shrugs and winks at me. “I’ll go get a nurse to take that thing out so you can shower.”

  He leaves no room for argument as he heads out the door, returning moments later with a nurse. She quickly takes out the IV, checks my head and clears me for my shower, only if I’m comfortable, and Carter promises to stay in there with me, in case I become dizzy. I agree, but reluctantly. I really want that shower. Carter grabs my arm and helps me stand. I’m a little wobbly, but find my balance quickly enough, just as I did earlier when I first got up. Once I’m in the bathroom. I get in the shower before taking my hospital gown off and handing it to Carter through the closed curtain.

  “You feeling okay?” he asks as the water comes on.

  “Yeah. There’s a seat in here.”

  The water is amazing on my skin, and even my scalp, though I’m very careful as I wash my hair not to disturb the tape over my wound. I’m extra careful to make sure my wet hair isn’t resting on the wound.

  “Car?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Why do you think it’s a bad idea that I go back to California with Elijah?”

  I hear him sigh before he answers. “It’s not that I think it’s a bad idea, but you don’t remember him, Sophie. I’m worried about you.”

  “I don’t remember him, but he’s shown me all these photos and told me things that no one else would know about me, unless we were very close. The doctor thinks being in familiar places will help me remember. I need to go with him.” I shut the shower off and stick my hand out for a towel, he hands it to me and once I’m wrapped in it, I open the curtain. “I need to do this. I need to get my memories back,” I tell him.

  “Fine, but I’m not leaving you. I planned on moving with you after your signing anyway. You’re my best friend, Peaches, and I’m not going anywhere.”

  “And you’re mine, so please don’t fight me on this, or make Elijah uncomfortable; try to control yourself.”

  Carter snorts. “Well, I can’t make any promises on the second thing. As your best friend, it’s my job to get under his skin.” He pulls the chair he was sitting in out and helps me sit. “I’ll dry your hair.”

  “Gently, my whole scalp hurts.”