by Love, Sandra
“Mitch, I remember you! You took care of me. I am remembering. Jeb, I remember him.”
“Toria, I have been so worried about you.”
The reunion kind of made me jealous, because she remembered him yet not me. But deep down, I was so happy that she was remembering. I sat on the couch and we all talked. Mitch would not let go of her. You could see how much he loved her. How much she meant to him. My phone rang, and I got up and walked outside. It was Sean.
“Hey man, what’s going on?”
“Not much. But good news, I think Toria is gaining some of her memory back.”
He was silent for a moment. “Oh really. How cool is that?”
“I know. So what’s up?”
He took a deep breath. “Listen, Barb really needs to see you. She said she wants to give back the engagement ring.”
“Tell her to mail it to me.”
“Come on, man. She just wants to be civil.”
“Whatever. I will give her a call. So anything else?”
He sighed. “Maddie is making dinner tonight and wanted to know if you and Toria would like to come over.”
“Sure, we will be over about five.”
We hung up and I sat down on the porch. The door opened up and Vanessa sat down beside me. “What’s going on, boss?”
“Not much. Don’t get me wrong; I am happy she remembered Mitch, but deep down, I wish that was me she remembered.”
She squeezed my arm. “I know, but this is good process. That means she is starting to remember things. Before you know it, she will remember everything.”
“Yeah. She found out last night that she is homeless and her parents kicked her out.”
She looked at me, surprised. “How in the hell did she find out about that?”
“Barb was at the gala and confronted her about it.”
Vanessa rolled her eyes and stood up. “That bitch is crazy. I think she needs to be locked up.”
We laughed, and then I stood up with her. We both went back inside. I knew Vanessa was right. This was good progress for Toria. She remembered the one person that took care of her when she had no one else.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Toria
It was a very overwhelming day. When I saw Mitch’s face, I remembered him instantly. I remembered the times he held me as I cried, the times I was going through my withdrawal when I had no drugs. He was there for me, and I also remembered looking up to him as a father. He was telling me how he stopped the drugs cold turkey. That made me cry with happiness. He was still having his issues, but he was getting better. I didn’t remember Tony or Vanessa yet, but I was hoping that would change soon. Vanessa was the sweetest person I knew, and I was debating if I should go live with her for a while or stay with Jeb. I was torn. I really wanted to go back to work, and I planned on talking to Jeb about that right away.
I looked at the time, and it was almost four-thirty. Jeb told me we were going to Sean and Maddie’s for dinner. I was not looking forward to that. I didn’t tell him that Maddie started it all at the gala; Jeb thought it was all Barb. I just didn’t want to start anything between Sean and him. They were best friends.
“Okay, everyone, Jeb and I have to get going. Vanessa, now that you have my cell number, text or call me anytime. Maybe you and I could have a girls’ day.”
She came over and gave me a hug. “Yes, we both need that. Remember, if you need anything, please call. I will drop everything I am doing to get you.”
“Thank you so much.” I gave her a tight squeeze.
After saying goodbye to Mitch and Tony, Jeb and I headed out. We got in the car and started toward hell. Otherwise known as Sean and Maddie’s house. We pulled up to a huge house and pulled around back to what looked like a guest house. It, too, was also huge. He grabbed my hand as we walked to the house.
When we got to the door, Maddie opened it and gave me a smug smile. “Welcome to our temporary home.”
We walked in, and as Sean came into the room, the hair on my neck stood up. There was something off about this guy. It was like I knew him, but I couldn’t remember how. “Glad you guys could make it. Maddie here has been cooking all day.”
“That I have, sweetie. Please, you two make yourselves at home. I just need to finish up in the kitchen. Dinner will be served in about twenty minutes.”
I watched her walk out of the room. “So Toria, I heard you remembered some stuff.”
I looked over to Sean and smiled. “Yes, I did. I am very glad I did. I just can’t wait to remember everything.”
“No need to rush things. It will all come to you. So Jeb, there is a game Sunday. Do you want to go with me?”
“Sure.” He looked over at me and gave me a questionable look. “Will that be cool?”
“Dude, do you really need to her permission?
Wow, this guy was a tool. “I don’t care. I will just hang with Vanessa.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek. I noticed Sean was watching us like a hawk.
Just then, Maddie walked out to announce dinner was ready. She had made a feast of meatloaf, potatoes, corn bread, stuffing, green beans, and there was also a cheesecake for dessert. I also noticed there was an extra place setting. My heart started to beat and I started to sweat. My anxiety started to rise as I wondered who that plate was for.
“Wow, Toria, you look like you are about to pass out. Is that because you need drugs?”
“MADDIE! Enough!” Sean yelled.
“Sorry, I was just stating the facts.”
“Sean, it’s okay. I have my moments, but it will pass. Maddie, this all looks great.”
Maddie gave me another stupid smile. I swear I wanted to hit that bitch. She was a stuck up bitch that needed to be put in her place. We started to eat, and that was when the unexpected guest showed up.
“Sorry I am late; traffic was a pain in the ass,” Barb said. “Well, hello Jeb, Toria. So glad to see you both.”
My heart sank, and Jeb’s face began to turn a bright shade of red. “Why are you here?”
“Well duh, Maddie and Sean invited me.” I suddenly lost my appetite. “Oh, and we need to talk.”
“I have nothing to say to you.”
She smiled at me and turned to Jeb. “We have unfinished business.”
I touched his arm. “Go ahead. I will wait for you right here.”
He got up, and Barb followed him outside. I just awkwardly sat there. “You know, Toria, Barb always gets what she wants. And right now, I bet she is really getting what she wants.”
Sean laughed.
“Is it okay if I sit in the living room?”
Maddie got up and started toward the kitchen. “Yeah sure, just don’t steal anything.”
I got up and walked to the living room. I had no idea how long I was sitting there when I decided to go find Jeb. I walked out the front door, and I heard them talking. I started to walk toward them and it got quiet. When I rounded the corner, my heart dropped. She was topless and they were kissing. Her eyes flew open and she saw me. I backed up and took off running. I had no idea where I could go. All I knew was my legs couldn’t move fast enough. I was almost at the end of the driveway when I saw Sean standing there.
“So I guess you got a peek of the show, huh?”
“Please, just leave me alone.”
I tried to walk past him, but he grabbed my arm.
“Leave him alone. He doesn’t need to be with a drug whore like you.”
Then I got a flash in my mind.
“You’re nothing but a whore. I made you who you are today. I am the one who made you a drug addict.” Sean laughed at me. “Run along, Whoria Toria. And suck more dick for your drugs.”
“Ouch! You are hurting me,” I said to present day Sean. “Please let me go.”
“If you remember anything about me and you run your mouth to anyone, a bashed head won’t be all you receive.”
He pushed me so hard, I hit the ground. My head bounced off the hard soil. I crawled to a tree across
the road and hid behind it. I didn’t want anyone to find me, especially not Jeb. My vision became very fuzzy and I started to get a headache. I leaned my head up against the tree to try and calm the nausea that suddenly took over. I pulled out my phone and called Vanessa.
“Hey girl.”
I began to cry. “Please come and get me.”
“Oh my god, are you okay?”
“No, I remembered some things about Sean, and Jeb was basically having sex with Barb. I think tonight was them all getting together to humiliate me.”
“Can you tell me what road you are on?”
I got up and stumbled over to the street sign, and told her what it said. She told me to stay behind the tree and she would flash her lights when she was close. It took her about fifteen minutes to get there. She must had sped to get there, because I knew it was a longer trip than that. Once in the car, I looked back and I saw Jeb running up the driveway. I just hoped that he didn’t see me.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Jeb
“Whoa Barb! Get off me!” I was pissed that she was even there, and I was even more pissed that my best friend would set this up. “I don’t love you anymore. Hell, I don’t think I ever did love you.”
“Why are you being such a douche to me?”
“Because you are not for me; Toria is.”
She grabbed her shirt and put it back on. “Why are you wasting your time with that? You are just embarrassing yourself.”
“You know what, Barb? It is none of your business what I do with my time. I love that girl, and all you are doing is trying to break us up. But I am sorry to say that will never happen.”
“So you’d rather be with someone that is addicted to drugs and is a whore than be with someone like me?”
I started to walk away, but turned back to her. “You bet I do.”
I smiled, and the shock look on her face was priceless. I walked into the house at the same time as Sean.
“Hey, where’s Toria?”
Maddie was sitting at the kitchen table, looking at her fingernails. “My guess is she is gone by now. You know, after that little show you and Barb just put on.”
I got in her face. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, you know with you and Barb basically dry humping in the backyard. She saw it all. Oh, and the look on her face was priceless. So after that, she took off running down the driveway.”
“You, Maddie, are nothing but a selfish bitch, just like Barb. You two deserve to be friends. And you.” I looked to Sean. “How could you let your bitch of a wife do this to my girl? I thought we were friends.”
“Don’t call my wife that!”
“I am done with this. I am done with you.”
I stormed out of the house and ran down the driveway. I was calling out her name, but there was no response. I had no idea where she would go. I ran back up to my car and hopped in. I pulled out my phone, and I called Brianna.
“Hey, have you talked to Toria?”
“No, why?”
Fuck. “She ran off on me and I can’t find her. She found out what happened years ago. How she was homeless.”
She was silent for a moment. “What? You have no idea where she is?”
“No. If you hear from her, please call me.”
“I will. Please do the same.”
I hung up the phone with her and started the car. I had to find her. I knew she had no money to get a cab. I pulled out my phone and called the cell phone I gave her. It just went to voice mail. What have I done? Then I realized who she would call. Vanessa. I sped all the way over to her house. When I got there, I knocked on the door.
Vanessa opened the door. “You need to leave.”
“Let me explain.”
“I don’t care what you have to say. That girl in there has been through so much. Let her rest, let her recuperate. I seriously have no idea how much more she can take. She is in the bathroom curled up in a ball. Whatever your friends have done to her has destroyed her more. So, Jeb, if you love that girl, leave and let her heal.”
I knew she was right. I needed to leave her alone. “Please call me if something happens to her. Please, Vanessa. I love her.”
“I know you do, and I will. But right now, go home, get rest, and leave her alone.”
I gave Vanessa a forced smile and walked to my car. I didn’t want to leave her alone. I wanted to hold her. To be with her. God, why was I so stupid? I knew something was up when Barb showed up to Sean and Maddie’s. I just couldn’t believe how they would treat me. I could see Maddie being scandalous. But Sean?
I got to my condo and went inside. I went to pour a glass of whiskey. I picked up my guitar and I started to play. I really missed playing, and I got the urge to write Toria a song.
I got out my pad and pen, and I started to play and write. I would win her back. I had to.
***
A week passed, thought it felt like eternity. My father had been in the office everyday helping keep the tension between Sean and me down. I was going to fire him, but I decided against it. He might have been an asshole, but he needed the job, and we needed the help. I’d tried to get updates on Toria, but Vanessa just shook her head. She hadn’t given me any updates on her at all. I really fucked up things with her. Finally, on Friday, right before Vanessa was about to leave, she stopped in to talk to me.
“Mr. Turner, please sit.” I did, and she continued. “Toria is a mess.”
“Why, what’s going on?”
The tears started to flow from her eyes. “I catch her sleeping outside, and when she is in the house, she is always in a ball, and when I go to talk to her, she snaps at me. As if she is angry all the time. I called Doctor Johnson, and she said that is normal. The type of drugs she was addicted to have fucked with her brain chemicals. Also, there are times she just sits there and cries. I try to console her, but she just pushes me away.”
“Have you tried getting Mitch over to talk to her?”
She sighed and looked away. “She doesn’t even want to see him.”
“Can I come by and see her tonight?”
“Please do. I plan on going out with Mitch and my brother. I invited her to go, but she just sat there and stared into the distance.”
She told me where I could find the key. I thanked her and got ready to leave for the day.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Toria
The bathroom tile was cool against my skin as I sat there shaking, and rocking back and forth. The pain in my head was unbearable. What was wrong with me? Ever since Sean pushed me down, I hadn’t been the same. I was scared, and the taste for drugs was becoming stronger. All I wanted was a pill to get me through the day. I started to remember bits and pieces every day, but none of it made me feel better. I finally remembered what Brianna said to me that last day I saw her. That ripped my heart out. That destroyed me. I was so sad that she would say those horrible things to me. I had no idea if I would ever forgive her. I knew she had stopped over a couple of times, but I was so glad that Vanessa sent her away. I also remembered who got me addicted to the drugs in the first place. Sean. He just didn’t want me to give him up. But once I got strong again, I would be doing just that. It was his fault for doing this to me. My parents… I couldn’t believe that they would allow me to be homeless and not even try to help me. I also remembered Vanessa and Tony and how they helped me. They only thing I could’t remember was Jeb. The one person who had been nothing but amazing to me, until the previous week. Why can’t I remember him?
I stood up and went to the sink to wash my face when I heard the door shut. I was wondering why Vanessa was back so early. I walked out of the bathroom, and anger washed over me. I didn’t say anything, I walked over to the lamp, picked it up, and threw it at Jeb. He ducked just in time. He ran over to me and grabbed me.
“Let me go, you asshole.”
“No, we need to talk.”
I just started to scream and shake. We finally slid to the floor and he kept a tight hold o
n me. “Let it out.”
“Why would you do that to me? Why would you humiliate me like that? Why, Jeb? Why the fuck would you go back to that bitch?”
“It’s not what you think.”
“Not what I think, really? I saw it with my own two eyes. She was having a hay day with you.”
He sighed. “Please, let me explain.”
“No! I don’t want to hear anymore lies. Everyone has been lying to me. Walking on freaking egg shells around me like I am going to crack. Well, guess what? I finally cracked. I can’t take this anymore. My life is shit.”
He turned me so I could face me. “Toria, listen to me! It was a set up. I love you. Please let me help you.”
I finally broke down and cried. I pulled her knees up to my chin and cried. Sometimes I would let out a scream and he just sat there, letting me do it. This was what I needed. I needed to let it all out. Finally, after what seemed like an hour, I calmed down. I let him explain to me what happened.
“Why would they do that to me, to us?”
“They are sad people that have nothing going for them. Barb is a sad girl that has daddy issues. Just don’t let her get to you.”
“Jeb, I remembered a lot of things this week.”
I explained to him all the things I remembered, and he sat there listening to me. When I got to the part about how Sean was the one who got me addicted to the drugs, he said some pretty harsh words. But when I told him about what happened the other night, he stopped me from talking.
“Do you think he attacked you?”
“I have no idea, but I think I want to go to the cops about it.”
“We can go tomorrow, but Toria, I want to take you to my place.”
“I don’t know if I am ready for that. I am afraid you will hurt me again.”
“Baby, I promise, I won’t.” He brought his hand to my face, and I closed my eyes. I loved when he touched me. I love how it made me feel inside. I just loved the man. I knew it had been a short amount of time, but I just knew he was the man for me.
“Okay, let’s get my things. I will have to leave Vanessa a note.”
Just then, she walked in the door.