Page 68 of Our Moon
What do I remember? I wonder what he means for about half a second before the realization hits that I had lost my memory. The accident that killed my mom and dad took my memory from me as well.
What do I remember?
I remember that day, graduation and dinner here at Lombardi’s.
I remember my family, my brothers and my parents.
I remember high school and grade school.
I remember Lucy and Blake.
I remember the band.
I remember being in the car and seeing the headlights coming at us, too fast, too close.
I remember Chase.
I remember everything.
“I remember everything,” I tell him.
He steps back and looks at me. “Everything?” He looks past me to Alex as his eyes fill with tears. Alex steps around so he’s standing beside Trevor, his eyes full of emotion as well.
I nod, “Everything.” They both hug me, and I try to hug them back, as best I can considering this is an awkward three-way hug. We all eventually break apart and laugh.
“Maybe we should call Dr. Moody,” Trevor suggests. “I’m sure it isn’t easy remembering everything all at once. And about Mom and Dad. You should talk to her.” I frown at the mention of my parents. I know Trevor is right, and I should probably talk to my shrink. I don’t see her as regularly as I did, but I still go in once every two months and call as needed. “You haven’t really had a chance to properly mourn.”
“Later. Is that okay? Can we call her later? Tomorrow maybe? I feel okay right now, and I kind of just want to enjoy this moment and see everyone without her psychoanalyzing me.”
“First thing tomorrow morning, then.” Always serious, always in control, always Trevor.
“Is everything okay?” A voice asks from behind Trevor and Alex. I’d recognize that voice anywhere.
My brothers turn to face him, and as they do I catch a glimpse of him in between themand look into his sky blue eyes. I see everything in them. Our first kiss in the rain. Us lying under the stars looking up at our moon. Sharing everything with each other. Secret moments, touches, kisses. But most of all, love. I see love in his eyes, and he must see it in mine as well because he takes a cautious step towards me.
“Ally?” he asks tentatively. My brothers look between me and Chase, not knowing whether to intervene or let this play out. They probably wonder just how much I really do remember, and whether or not what Chase told us all was true that momentous day.
“Chase,” I whisper as I exhale the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Then I smile, and he raises his eyebrows in either question or surprise, I’m not really sure. But I don’t care. Because I love him, and I know by the look in his eyes, that he still loves me.
Suddenly, I don’t care that he lied to me. His reasoning all makes sense. He loves me. I love him. There’s no question about it. He was scared. He wanted to protect me. Suddenly it’s all a no-brainer. Why had I ever doubted this man?
I don’t waste another minute and launch myself at him. He wraps his arms around me and holds me tight. “God, I missed you baby girl,” he says, pulling me even closer to him, if that’s possible. It’s like he’s afraid he’ll lose me again if he lets go.
“I’m not going anywhere, ever again.” I assure him, holding on tighter.
After a moment he pulls back, looking into my eyes as if he’s trying to determine if this is all real. “You remember.” It’s a statement, not a question.
“I love you,” I tell him, and I watch as his eyes fill.
“I love you, too. So much. I never stopped.” He kisses me and pulls me back into him and I smile. This feeling is perfect. Being with Chase is like being home.
A throat clearing close by has us finally breaking apart, but Chase takes my hand and I smile down at where we’re joined. I look up at his face, and he’s smiling, too. Yes, this is perfect.
“I don’t mean to interrupt your little moment,” Alex says. “But we’re still standing in the back hallway of a restaurant.” I look over to him, expecting him to be annoyed at my behavior with Chase, but he’s smiling. He and Trevor both are. He nods to the dining area of the restaurant, and we all make our way out.
“Oh, I need to go wash my face! I probably look a mess from all the crying,” I say, stopping my forward motion.
Chase looks at me. “You look beautiful. You always look beautiful.”
