“Yeah, but fighting who?” asked Darryl. They looked confused so I said,
“Dark One?”
Harrison and Sun Girl exchanged looks. I guess they knew who the Dark One was and they didn’t like it one bit. Gold boy looked confused. “What’s going on?” He asked.
“We’ll tell you about it later.” Sun Girl said, “Jake’s our primary concern now.”
Pleased by their praise, I smiled widely and ugly, I burst out laughing at their disgusted faces. These people were very funny! Gold boy shook his head. “Let’s just say he ran into a wall. I mean that is what happened.”
They looked at me then nodded their heads in agreement. “Sure.” said Sun Girl.
“It’s the best we got.” agreed Harrison.
“But how do we get him there?” asked Sun Girl.
“Well,” admitted gold boy, “I’ve been working on an invisible hoverboard… and it’s pretty much ready… so… “
“YES!” yelled Harrison, pumping his fist in the air excitedly. “Yes, yes, yes!!!”
Gold boy smiled. “Way to go Darryl!” said Sun Girl. I guess gold boy had a name; Darryl.
“Thanks Carly.” Darryl replied. And now Sun Girl was Carly. The name held some affection in my brain, but I couldn’t understand why. Actually I could: her beautiful blond, shining hair and those intelligent, big, curious blue eyes, I could understand the affection her name held.
Darryl went to get his machine and left Harrison and Carly to ‘guard’ me. Instead of looking at them, I listened to a field mouse running towards it’s burrow. I looked at the sky. A beautiful eagle, with talons ready to kill, flew overhead. I looked away and pretended not to hear the squeal that was slowly dying on the mouse’s mouth.
Some things you just don’t want to see. Or hear.
When the eagle left, I opened my eyes to see Darryl swooping in on a floating hunk of metal. Harrison and Carly gasped. Then Harrison sneezed. I smiled and laughed and jumped in. I clapped my hands excitedly. The other three exchanged worried looks again.
We climbed aboard.
Darryl shook his head and said, “Everyone strapped in?” We nodded. “Then let’s go!”
His driving was shaky at first but soon he got a hang of it. In no time at all we landed in the desolate parking lot of Island Harbor Medical Center. There was an air of familiarity around.
Harrison took my phone from my pocket and called someone. “Hello?” he said. “Mrs Patterson? pause Yes, this is Harrison. pause They’re fine, but- pause I will, we’re at the hospital with Jake.” Harrison held the phone away from his ear and I very loudly heard a woman shouting, “WHAT!!” “He has amnesia.” Harrison continued. “pause Okay, I will pause Bye… By-” I heard the beeping that signified hanging up. I laughed and Harrison looked at me disgusted.
Harrison sneezed, then turned to the others. “She said she’ll be here in ten minutes.”
Carly nodded and bit her lip. I was then marched, by Darryl, to the Waiting Room. A lady with cropped auburn air sat in a chair. She didn’t look like she would be able to get out of that chair. “Hi Jake!” she said.
“Hi Agatha.” Harrison answered for me “Jake, he… he…”
“Yes?” encouraged Agatha.
“He has amnesia.”
Agatha gasped as well. She typed something into her laptop, then keyed in some numbers on the phone. After one ring it was answered.
“Doctor Chatterjee?” she asked. “We have a code…” She checked her list. “A code turquoise 78.”
The doctor said some words into the phone (I didn’t bother listening in) and the nurse nodded and mumbled “mhmm” occasionally.
Finally the call was over. Agatha said, “Well Jake, just sit tight until your Mom comes, okay?” I nodded.
I took a seat in a small plastic chair and tapped my feet on the floor impatiently. Carl bit her nails, Harrison kept rubbing his hands together, like an evil scientist. Minus the evil smile, plus the bad cold. Darryl just… sat there, like meh.
I started smiling at the differences in their facial expressions. Carly was worried and wasn’t trying to cover up. Harrison was failing miserably at covering up his expression, he tried his brave face. Darryl didn’t look like he cared. He had a blank expression. The best poker face ever.
I giggled.
The others adopted that he’s a weirdo face. I wonder why. I sat there listening to the sound of their heartbeats. It sounded like a series of over-excited drummers. Ba-Bum Ba-Bum Ba-Bum Ba-B-. My listening was interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up in the parking lot. I instantly turned off my super hearing. I rubbed my hurt ears.
We stood up for no reason. A beautiful woman with a regal face and long blond hair. At first I thought she was Carly’s mom. They looked alike.
“Oh, Jakey!” she rushed towards and inspected my face. She hugged me.
Agatha cleared her throat. The lady jumped back and brushed her navy suit. “Sorry Agatha, please tell us the problem.”
“Well,” She began. “As I’m sure you know Jake is experiencing a form of amnesia. He remembers basic things like talking and definitions of words and stuff, but the more complex stuff, actually remembering people, that is damaged.”
“How did this happen?” the lady asked.
“He… ran into a wall.” said Darryl.
“Oh.”
“But not to worry!” announced Agatha. “He’ll be fine after a bit of rest and some basic treatment.”
“Phew!” said the lady, relieved. “I was getting worried.”
“Not at all, Mrs. Patterson!”
“So when do we start?”
“Well-”
Agatha was interrupted by the arrival of Doctor Chatterjee. Doctor Chatterjee was a fit Indian doctor who looked like he went to the gym regularly. He had bright blue eyes and a charming smile. “Why hello Jake!” he said, in a friendly voice. “How good to see you again!”
I waved uncertainly.
“Now, shall we begin?”
“Okay…” I said.
“So Jake please follow me.”
The others made a move towards him, but he held out a hand. “No visitors please. The patient needs to be alone.”
“Oh.” they said, unhappily.
Dr. Chatterjee led me to a big, bright room at the end of the hallway. Room 98. He opened the door and stepped aside to let me in.
I hesitantly walked into the bright room. It was empty except for a hospital bed, some machines and a child’s table and chair.
I sat down on the chair.
“Now Jake,” Dr. Chatterjee began. “Hospital tradition requires me to take your temperature. He took a thermometer out of a cup of boiling water and told me to raise my arm. I obeyed and he placed it in my armpit. “Now hold it there and don’t move.”
Once again I obeyed and the doctor busied himself by typing down my medical information on computer.
After a few minutes the thermometer beeped. I let loose an uncontrolled yelp of surprise, and the thermometer crashed to the ground. The doctor also yelped and rushed to pick up the thermometer.
“Ah!” said Dr. Chatterjee. “Just as I suspected! Ninety-eight point seven degrees Farenheight!! A tiny bit over normal, but in this heat, who can blame ya? I mean summer’s right around the corner! Lucky, huh?”
His ramblings gave me a headache and I asked if I could lie down. He seemed delighted by my answer and led me to the bed. He lifted the blanket, but I pushed it away and shook my head. It’s like what he said. It’s boiling!
I slept without the blanket for a good two hours. When I awoke my mind was clearer than before. I couldn’t remember all the people in the Waiting Room, but one name kept coming to me with a lot more familiarity this time.
Carly.
Carly
XXIII
I looked over Jake as he slept. He had waken once, so Doctor Chatterjee invited us to see him. But by the time we got there he was asleep. He snored, but I didn’t care. I only cared about the word he kept o
n muttering in his sleep.
Carly.
I literally swooned and cried when I heard it. I mean, come on, it’s not every day a hot boy gets amnesia, forgets who you are and then starts muttering your name because your the first person he remembers, is it?
And he didn’t mutter ‘mom’ once! Okay, maybe that’s a little harsh, but hey! It’s my thoughts not hers! Plus I’ve been a bit emotional with the whole Kevin and Karen thing. Urgh! The K-Twins! Ugh! I felt like I was choking on a hairball.
“Carly?” asked Jake’s mum, genuine care touched her voice, “Are you alright?”
“Oh. I’m fine Mrs Patterson, thanks for worrying.” I responded.
“No prob, girlfriend!”
I laughed. I know where Jake gets his humor from. As well as his hotness! Jake’s parents were really good-looking! And his sister Jane was adorable! Her lovely blond hair and sky blue eyes. Awww! People even mistook us for twins, because of Jane’s over-average height. I was so happy! I’ve always wanted a little sister. I mean, sure I’ve got Hilde but it’s not the same. I mean we don’t look that alike. But Jane and I were like twins!
I mean I’m not even that pretty. I know I’m not ugly or anything, but I certainly wasn’t like my beautiful mother. No where close to Mama. But Jane, she was gorgeous.
Sometimes I wonder how they mistake us for being related.
“Carly.” I heard Jake mutter. The sound of his voice shook me out of my thoughts. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and focused on the way his forehead turned into that cute nose and then continued down to his-.
“Carly?” asked his mum. “You’re crying. I mean… you’re tearing up. Are you sure you’re okay?”
I wiped a tear from my eye and nodded. “I’m fine.”
“Cool beans.”
I laughed again. Jake’s Mum was awesome!
I noticed another snore next to me. This one was more of a heavy breathing then a snore though. I looked next to me. It was Harrison.
I checked the time. It was nearly seven o’clock. Darryl had to go to the FTK as it closed early on school days.
Harrison’s cold had completely disappeared after getting some pills from the doctor. He called his Mum to tell her what happened. He was instantly granted permission to stay.
After all, there was only a week left in school. All tests were over and the report cards were being set home on the Thursday before we vacated for summer.
I nudged Harrison awake.
“Wha?” He said, confused. “Where am I- oh.”
I giggled silently into my hand. “Wakey, wakey sleepy. It’s morning.”
Harrison shot straight up. “What?” he shouted.
Jake also awoke. “Harrison! Shut up! I’m trying to slee-”
He was interrupted by his mother crushing him in a bear hug. “Oh my baby boy! You’re alright!” She checked him over. Tears of joy ran down her face.
Jake smiled uncertainly then looked around. “Why am I at Island Harbor?” He asked.
“You don’t remember?” He shook his head. “You had amnesia!”
“Wha-” He started, then a look of understanding washed over him. “Right! Now I remember!”
“Well,” his mother said. “Time to leave.”
They got off the bed. “Not so fast, Mrs Patterson,” said Dr. Chatterjee. “Jake needs to stay overnight to ensure he’s alright! You’re invited to stay too.” The doctor smiled reassuringly at her.
“Oh.” she said, surprised. “Well Harrison and Carly, thanks for staying, you can go now.”
I shrugged and said goodbye.
“Bye,”
“Bye Mrs Patterson!” said Harrison. “See you later, Jake!”
Jake nodded. “See you!”
“Bye Jake.” I said.
“Bye Carly.” His eyes lingered on me a bit longer than normal. I blushed and he looked away. Now I was certain more than ever that he had a crush on me.
I had a huge smile planted on my face the entire way home.
I rang the doorbell once and leaned on a nearby wall. Ahhh. Jake. I imagined his beautiful face. His deep, inviting emerald eyes. His longish, messy mop of beautiful blond hair. His muscular physique. His chiseled face. Ahh. Beauty.
Papa opened the door, snapping me out of my vivid daydream. My hand was waving in the air, visualizing stroking his soft hair.
I put my hand down, embarrassed, and waltzed into the house.
I felt like I was floating on Cloud Nine. I practically flew up the stairs. I twirled in my bedroom, I flipped, I danced to some love songs. No feeling on Earth could match my extreme happiness. I wanted this moment to last forever, so I wrote it down in my diary.
Dear Diary,
So Jake had amnesia and all, but what I’m really happy about, is that he stared at me! OMG! I love him sooo much! He’s amazing! And you’ll never guess what happened before that! So he couldn’t remember me and all, but then when he was sleeping he kept muttering my name! My name! He didn’t say Harison Harrison or mum! Nope! He said Carly! That’s me! I’m Carly! OMG! I’m literally screaming right now! I can’t believe it! This is the best thing that’s happened to me my entire life!!!
Even better than my report card. It’s literally the best day of my life! And he stared at me! Did I mention that? It’s awesome! He actually looked right at me! It was as if… as if… he was in LOVEEEEEE!!!!!! OMG!!!!!
But… could it be true? Could I be right? OMG! I’m freaking out right now! I’ve got to call Alex!
Wait never mind. I forgot for a moment that me and Alex were officially EBFF’s. Ex-Best friends forever. :( I can’t believe I’m saying this but… I actually miss her. In fact I do know why I’m saying this! We were like BFF’s! I have GOT to CALL HER!
Wish me luck! Here goes nothing.
Yours Sincerely,
Carly M.
p.s. I’ll tell you what happened later, k?
After some pacing, I finally gathered enough courage to call Alex. I cleared my throat. I pressed Alex’s name on my phone and waited for her to answer.
At first I expected her to either ignore it completely or hang up. Instead she picked up the phone.
“Alex?” I asked uncertainly.
Then I had to hold the phone away from my ear, as Alex started screaming. I smiled: this was going better than planned.
“I’ve got so much to tell you!” I gushed, excitedly. “So…”
Darryl
XXIV
I know, I know, it probably would of been nicer to stay at the hospital longer. And yes, in case you’re wondering, I lied about the FTK closing early. But for good cause!
Sanjit still had his Reading class. And I was the teacher.
We wanted to keep it private; no point in him getting bullied. So everyday at seven we snuck up to the roof and had a half-hour study session.
We had passed the simplest lessons, and were now on the more complex words and the silent letters. He also had to work on his pronunciation of some words.
So in my defense, my lying was for a good cause! Besides, Sanjit wants to be a doctor when he grows up. And he wants to own an orphanage. He wants to make sure that those who went through the same fate as him don’t suffer as badly. By suffering he means not being allowed two helpings of dessert.
In many ways he is stupid.
Carlos was also a big factor to me leaving early.
I had grown to like Carlos even more. Somehow he was still here. But it wasn’t ‘adopting season’ until summer, so thankfully for me, he was with us for an extra month. Yippee?
Man, I’m gonna miss that guy when he leaves. He’s like really smart. And his drawings are like wow! I can’t believe he’s only six! His drawings are a whole lot better than mine. And he uses this kind of watercolor effect, that makes you think it’s a blank paper, but when you look closer you see that there’s someone hiding in it. He’s amazing!
He said he was highly influenced by Vietnamese artists. Those guys are amazing at art! Especial
ly paintings, there city paintings and trees are amazing. They also use the watercolor effect.
“Hi Darryl!” Carlos walked over to me, a big, fat smile was planted on his face.
“Hey little guy!” I responded, ruffling his hair a bit.
Carlos backed away from me. A serious look was on his face. “I’m not little! I’m almost seven!”
“I know! You’re a big boy!”
That made him smile a bit. “Do you really think so?” he asked.
“Of course!”
“Thanks! Most people don’t. You’re nice, Darryl!”
I smiled, “Hey, no soy bueno! Sólo digo la verdad!” I told him I wasn’t nice, I was just telling the truth. Carlos smiled, he liked it when I spoke Spanish. Not many people here are fluent at the language.
“Gracias!” he told me.
“De nada!” I replied.
Carlos’ green eyes twinkled with joy. I felt a brotherly emotion to him. I prayed that whoever adopted him, as someone was sure to do, would adopt me as well. The chances were very rare, but as I’ve said before, a boy can dream. Especially a deprived one. I would hate to see Carlos go. It would kill me!
“Darryl! Come see my pintura!” I smiled as he led me to see his latest painting. As expected it was amazing.
“Carlos,” I began. “You’re one increíble artist. My personal Picasso!”
Carlos beamed brightly at my compliment. He opened his mouth to say something else, when Sanjit came marching down. A scowl was planted on his face. The scowl made my brain turn.
The session! I had forgotten about! It was all I could do to not swear. “I’m so sorry, Sanjit! Can we do it now?”
“Forget it!” He said. “I have better things to do. Keep hanging out with Carlos” He said this in such a spiteful way that Carlos’ eyes started tearing up. Soon he was bawling.
My brotherly instinct forced me to comfort him, despite how much I wanted to slap his stupid face! How dare he hurt my pequeño compañero? Was he really that jealous that I was spending my time with Carlos, instead of him?
I stepped closer to him, so Carlos couldn’t hear me, “Our little friendship is over! Goodbye,”
The Super 4 : Dark Death Page 11