Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

Chapter 8 : Memory issues

Chapter 8

The next day...        

Riker POV

I woke up, and immediately stretched. My back feels achy. 

"Good, you're awake. I made pancakes," Rydel said, sitting down on the floor next to me.

She put a plate of pancakes down beside me. I slowly sat up, and Rydel helped me a little.

"Are you feeling better since last night?"

"Last night?"

"Yeah."

"Um... What happened last night?"

"Rik, you fell. And then threw up. You were really out of it and weird, and you hit your head. And then you just wanted to go to bed."

My stomach dropped. 

"Rik? You ok?"

"I don't remember any of that."

"You don't?"

"No... What's wrong with me!?"

"Hey, calm down. I'm going to tell mom you don't remember. Just stay there and calm down, ok? Everything's going to be ok."

Rydel got up and left. 

I was becoming really worried. Why can't I remember!? 

"Riker, what's the last thing you remember last night?" Mom asked.

"Um... Rydel said she was going to take a shower, and then come down for our sleepover. And I told you I was hungry, so you made me a snack. And the last thing I remember was waiting for Rydel to come down."

"I think I should take you to the doctor's."

"No, please. I really don't want to. I've been tested and poked with needles enough."

"Riker, something is wrong with you. I'd like to get this figured out before it gets worse."

"Let him eat his pancakes first. He's probably hungry," Rydel said, putting her arm around me.

Mom left. I ate my pancakes. But my mind was racing. I don't know why I can't remember last night. And I'm worried.

Later...

Rydel POV

Riker got home from the doctor's. I was waiting for him in the living room. I've basically decided I want to be here for him throughout this whole thing. He seems extremely stressed out and scared, and I can't blame him. I'd feel the same. 

But I feel like if I keep him company, maybe I can cheer him up and make him feel better.

"Hey, Rik. How was the doctor's?" I asked, when he walked into the living room.

"They couldn't find anything wrong with me," he said, sounding miserable.

He sat down on the couch next to me, and got under all of his blankets. Once he was settled, he laid his head on my shoulder.

"Why can't I remember?"

"I don't know, Riker. But you seemed super tired and out of it last night. Maybe you were just tired."

He sighed.

"It'll be ok. Try not to worry," I said, putting my arm around him.

"Too late... I feel like whatever is wrong with me is getting worse. First I'm having these weird seizures, and now I can't remember stuff?"

"What happened at the doctor's?"

"They stuck me with needles, did random tests, and talked to me and mom... They couldn't find anything wrong though."

"Aw... I'm sorry."

"Rydel?"

"What?"

"I'm scared I'm going to like... die."

"Rik-"

"No, I know what you're going to say. But how can I not be scared? I don't know what's happening, and I don't know what's going to happen to me next!"

I wrapped my arms around him.

"Look. Even if something happens, we're with you 24/7. If something happens, you know we'll get you to the hospital or call an ambulance. Don't worry."

He sighed again.

"You'll be ok. We'll take care of you."

"Thanks..."

Riker and I decided to watch a movie on the couch together. I know he's tired of watching movies, but I helped him find one he hasn't seen before.

Later...

Riker POV

So... Mom gave me another bath after dinner. I was super not thrilled.

But now I was curled up on the couch in my pjs next to Rydel and Ross. Ross went out today and bought me some movies I haven't seen. There's really not much I can do on the couch, so I guess movies are my new hobby.

But I was becoming more ok with this whole situation. Things are definitely better now that I'm not alone. Even though my life is very different now, being with my siblings is helping.

Our movie ended, and Ross got up to make more popcorn.

"How are you feeling, Rik?"

"I'm ok... I mean... Do I seem ok?"

"Yeah, you seem normal."

"Ok. If I'm not, tell me, ok?"

"Yeah. But you seem fine. You looked really pale last night, but you look normal now."

"Ok, good... I don't know if I'm going to make it through another movie though. I'm getting tired. Are you staying down here with me again?"

"Yeah, if you want me to."

"Ok, thanks."

I hugged my sister.

"I'm going to lay in my bed on the floor in case I fall asleep. Do you think you can walk me to the bathroom, please?"

"Yup."

Rydel walked me to the bathroom. I did my business quickly, and then brushed my teeth. I left the bathroom and Rydel walked me back to the living room. I got settled on the floor, and Rydel laid down next to me. Ross stayed on the couch. 

We put on another movie, and I fell asleep listening to it.