Page 7 of A Lapse in Time

"Okay. I'll give you and your sister some time to talk before Noah gets back." She kissed the top of my head again before leaving the room.

My sister climbed into the bed with me and rested her head on my shoulder. It was something we did often when we were younger. She was my best friend, and we went through everything together… at least the things I could remember.

I let her get comfortable before I asked my first question. "Who is Bobby?"

"Bobby is my husband. We have been married for five years. I actually met him at one of your boxing matches."

I turned my head to look at her. "I'm a real deal boxer? Noah said something about it, and that's why I'm in the hospital now, but I just can't believe it."

Carlie grabbed my hand and squeezed it. I looked around the room and noticed a bouquet on the table that I hadn't noticed before.

"Not only are you a real deal boxer, but you are the middleweight champion of the world, belt and all." My sister had such a big smile on her face, and it made me smile.

I could tell she was proud of me. Being the champion was a big deal, but I didn't think I would ever achieve that title again. I wasn't sure I would even fight again. I wasn't sure of anything at the moment.

"Wow." That was the only thing I could say because I couldn't believe it. I remember training when I was younger and studying fights with my dad all the time but not fighting professionally. "You said something about a team. Who are they?"

"The team that helps you prepare for fights. You have a coach, a cutman, and multiple people who help you in the ring and behind the scenes. You are a big deal, sis. You have millions of followers on social media. You've been on different news stations and podcasts. You name it, and you've done it. Do you remember Evander? Noah's cousin." I nodded. "Well, he's your trainer."

It was all too much information. I remembered Evander from high school, but how did he become my trainer? I was still trying to figure out how Noah became my husband.

"Evander is my trainer, and Noah is my husband. How?"

"Can you believe it?" Carlie sat up. "You crushed on Noah hard, but y'all didn't start dating until you were eighteen. He and Evander opened a gym, and they both trained you. Noah only stopped after he became a stay-at-home dad. He wanted tosupport your career, so he stepped up when you wanted to get back in the ring. He's so good to you and Nia."

How could I not remember any of it if we dated for that long? I'm sure there had to be something I remembered, and I tried, but I kept coming up blank.

"Can you tell me about Nia?" I hesitated for some reason. I shouldn't have to ask someone else to tell me about my child.

Carlie's face lit up again. "Aww, Twin, Nia's just like you and looks just like you. She's so smart and becoming independent. You and Noah are doing such a good job with her. And she'll be a big cousin soon."

It took me a second to register what Carlie said, but when I did, my eyes widened. "Oh my God. You're, you're pregnant?" I would have shouted if my head weren't hurting so badly.

Carlie nodded her head and put her finger over her mouth. "Yes, but nobody knows yet but you and Bobby. It's only the first trimester, and we wanted to wait to let anyone else know. I figured now would be a good time to tell you."

I started to cry again, but they were happy tears. Ever since we were in high school, Carlie and I talked about having kids. We wanted our kids to grow up together, but it seemed as though I'd gotten a head start. Still, that didn't mean our children couldn't be the best of friends like we were. I just hoped I'd get my memory back by the time she had the baby or babies. The chances of her having twins were high.

"Congratulations, and your secret is safe with me," I assured her as I wiped the tears from my eyes.

There was a knock at the door, and I looked at Carlie. If I had to guess, it was Noah.

"Come in," I called out.

The door opened, and my heart raced when Noah came through, holding a little girl.

Noah looked hesitant as they walked closer to the bed. Her head was on his shoulder, so I wasn't sure she knew where she was. I couldn't recall a time when I had felt so nervous.

Noah's eyes on me made my heart flutter. I remembered how he looked in high school, but he had grown up. He’d gotten beefy over the years. His hair was shaved on the sides, but he had locs braided into four braids at the top. And good God, his beard was so full and shiny. I spotted a few strands of gray, but that was the only indication that he had aged.

He licked his dark lips when he got closer, and heat rushed to my cheeks. I may not have remembered anything about our marriage, but I could appreciate how fine he was.

I watched him as he tapped the little girl on her back, and she looked up.

"There's your mommy, Nia."

I couldn't hold back my emotions when she turned and looked at me. "Mommy!" She tried her best to get out of her father's arms.

He put her down on the bed. "Be careful, Nia. Remember, I told you mommy got hurt." She looked at him and nodded, then came over to me.

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