Her

Chapter 2 - "What kind of person.."

I spent the nexy week in the hospital trying to piece together this life I had. I asked questions about everything. Every so often my aunt would say something and I'd gain back a small memory but nothing significant. The doctors did multiple tests.. Poking, prodding me, and putting me into strange machines.

The absolute worst day was the day Aunt Rose actually told me what happened. I had asked her multiple times about my parents but each time she made up some excuse not to talk about it.

But I finally broke her. In some ways, I wish I hadn't.

"Please tell me.. I know you're hiding something." I was almost pleading with her.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes before grabbing my hand.

"Sweetie.." Her eyes were sympathetic. "You weren't alone in the accident."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Your patents were with you." She said quietly. Her eyes began to tear up.

"Wait so... Were they hurt too?" That was an almost stupid question to ask. I knew what she was trying to tell me but I was holding on to the small hope that it wasn't true.

"Yes, they were hurt badly.. And they-" she paused, "they didn't make it."

Tears poured down her cheek and I sat there stunned. I didn't know how to feel. I knew I should be sad but how could I miss two people who I didn't even remember? I mean, I'm sure I had great times with them.. After all, they were my parents. I just had no recollection.

I began to cry. Not because I missed them but because I couldn't remember any reason to miss them. I felt empty, like my life was this hole with nothing filling it.

I hated myself for not remembering.

What kind of person forgets their own parents? I thought.

Slowly, Rose stopped crying and we just sat there in silence.

***

Neither of us said much after that. I was lost in thought and I assumed the same for her.

Suddenly a voice broke the silence as well as the sadness.

"Its super quiet in here.." A male voice said.

"You're here!" Rose stood up. "I wasn't sure if you'd come."

"Of course I came, Petals. Why wouldn't I?" The man said.

"You know I hate it when you call me that." She fake scolded. "And I wasn't sure because of.. Well, you know."

"I don't wanna talk about that." He replied. "I would never be able to stay away at a time like this, no matter the circumstances."

A couple seconds passed and they both looked in my direction.

"How you holding up, Ad?" The man walked toward me and placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Um.. I'm okay I guess."

And really confused..

"Adeline, do you remember who this is?" Rose asked.

I took a moment to take a good look at him. He was tall with thick brown hair and a large smile. There was something about his eyes.. They looked a lot like mine.

Maybe he's related to me?

"Are you my uncle or something?" I asked, uncertain of my answer.

He began to laugh.

"What did I say?" I giggled a little bit.

After having a good laugh he smiled and said "I'm your brother, Ad. I'm Derek."

"Oh. Well, nice to meet you I guess."

"You too, Ad." I could tell he was a bit uncomfortable.. Not that I blamed him. I mean, he, being my brother, knew me my whole life and here I was, feeling like I met him for the first time.

"Its okay.. You don't have to feel pressured into remembering me." He shrugged. "Its probably best that you forget all the times that I was shitty to you anyway." He laughed.

I assumed he was joking by his nonchalant nature. After all, he didn't look like a jerk to me.

Wow, I can't believe this.. I have a brother. I thought.