Memory in a Bottle

Jace

I go and get mom a wet rag for Delilah. She had another memory. But this time it was different. She was breathing heavily like she was running a marathon. I grabbed the cloth for the closet and wet it with warm water. I go back to find Delilah crying. I gave mom the cloth and she dabbed Delilah's face as I walked over to her.

"Hey," I put my arms around her to comfort her. "You're going to be okay, I'm here for you." I picked her up and sit on the bed with her on my lap. I kiss her forehead and rocked her back and forth. As she begins to relax her body molds to mine. "Hey, are you feeling better now?" I ask. I suddenly feel bad for wanting her the way I do. I can't ask for a relationship she has her own problems. She doesn't answer. I look down to see that she fell asleep. I smile, she looks very peaceful when she's asleep. I stand up and lay her on the bed, but she won't let go of my neck. I sigh and pick her up. I sit down at the head of my bed and kept cradling her.

"She really likes you, son." Mom whispers.

"I know. I like her too." I tell her honestly.

"She wouldn't stop crying until you came to her rescue."

"I know. But I can't ask for a relationship with her right now."

"Why?"

"Because she lost her memory, and I don't want to push her for something that she thinks she wants and regret it.... regret me." I clear my throat from the emotion that's trying to eat me alive.

"And you don't want that. Son, I know it's hard, I mean it's hard enough for me to see you like this. Just wait til she at least recovers some of her memories. I've seen you like this before, and I had to pick up the pieces that the last girl broke." She sighs and gets up. "Get some sleep, my son." She starts to walk out.

"Wait, mom you wanted to talk to me about her foster parents." I say remembering the text message.

"Yeah, I did. But after I saw what's going on with Delilah and saw your face, and I decided that right now isn't the best time to talk about it. Get some sleep, son and we'll talk tomorrow." With that she walks out.