Wrong Memories

by Edna Curry

  Dave laughed. “It’s called a mouse.” He showed her how to make it work.

  Lucy stared at the screen, amazed at the way it worked. She was relieved when he stayed beside her for a bit, giving instructions to everyone and helping her as he taught the class to find and use a template to start a page, then give it a name and save it as a new document.

  Once she had a blank page in front of her and Dave had instructed them to use it just like a typewriter, Lucy relaxed a bit.

  “Just type a few sentences of whatever comes to mind,” he said. “Maybe something that happened to you today. Or what you enjoyed doing as a child.”

  Lucy thought a bit, then decided to write about a day at Spring Lake Park near her home. She wrote about breaking breadcrumbs and feeding the ducks that lived beside the lake there.

  “Wow, you’re a fast typist,” Dave said as he watched her fingers fly across the keyboard.

  She looked up at him, surprised. “Yes. I guess my fingers remember where the letters are on the keyboard, even if I don’t remember all the rest of the stuff about a computer.”

  For an hour, he went through various ways to use the Word program and how to add, delete and manipulate text. He moved around the room, helping various people as he went through headers and footers, various sizes of fonts and their uses, saving and naming files and a dozen other things Lucy was sure she’d never remember. But he always seemed to drift back close to Lucy, making sure she knew what he meant with each new set of instructions.

  Finally, he said, “That’s enough for tonight. Everyone save your work, close Word and shut down your computers.”

  Lucy looked at him. She had no clue how to do that. “Do I just shut off the power switch or what?”

  “No, no. You have to shut it down properly, otherwise you’ll cause all kinds of problems.”

  Immediately, he was beside her, putting his warm hand over hers on the mouse, showing her, and saying, “Take your mouse and click on ‘start’ like this, see?”

  Startled, she met Dave’s gaze. “Well, that’s just dumb. You click ‘start’ to shut it down?”

  He laughed and she admired the way his eyes crinkled.

  “Yes. It does seem wrong, doesn’t it?” he said. “Then you click on the ‘shut down’ button that pops up, see?”

  She nodded and did as he instructed.

  Everyone picked up their things and called goodnight as they left.

  Dave stopped Lucy. “Are you tired?”

  “No more than usual,” she said. She sent him a little smile. She didn’t want to mention that she wasn’t yet used to being on her feet all day. It had been years since she’d worked as a waitress.

  “Do you want to stay and practice some more?”

  “Sure, if you have time and don’t mind. I realize I’m behind most of the others in the class.” She pursed her lips in a rueful gesture. She was a lot more years behind than she dared admit to him. Was that really possible? When would she get her memory back?

  “Good. Then let’s work on the basics a little, so you’ll feel more comfortable next week.”

  Lucy went back to the computer she’d used and Dave pulled a chair beside her and plunked into it. He was much too close. How could she think with him almost touching her? His woodsy aftershave tickled her nose as he said, “Okay, do you remember the steps to start the computer?

  Nervously, she nodded and began the process. She got it right the first time.

  “Good. Now open Word.”

  She thought a moment, then remembered that it was represented by the blue W and clicked it. When nothing happened, she clicked it again, feeling frustrated.

  “Remember, you have to double-click it,” Dave reminded her.

  “Oh, of course.” She did and immediately it opened.

  For the next hour, he worked with her to help her remember all the steps of using the program.

  “You’re getting much better at it,” he said at last.

  “Yeah, I guess so,” she said. She couldn’t help yawning.

  Dave laughed. “I think it’s time to call it a night. Go ahead and shut it down.”

  Lucy nodded and began the process. “Thanks. I appreciate your extra help. But I do have to be at work by seven in the morning. I’ll call a cab.”

  “No need for that,” Dave said. “I can give you a ride.”

  “Oh, but it’s out of your way, isn’t it?”

  “Not much. Come on.”

  Riding beside him in his car, Lucy again thanked him for the extra help. “I guess I should buy a computer of my own. I’ll go shopping for one tomorrow.”

  Dave nodded. “It would certainly help you learn to use it. Do you have internet access at your apartment?”

  “Martha said I’d have to order it extra. But apparently the former tenant had it, so it’d be no problem to get it.”

  “That’s good.”

  “I’d like to learn how to do research. Will that be one of your lessons?”

  “I’ll make it the next one.”

  “Thanks. I know I’m being a total dummy at this.”

  “That’s okay. Would you like advice on buying a computer?”

  “Oh, I’d love it. I’m afraid I know next to nothing about that.”

  “I can recommend the store where I got mine. I know the guy is honest and will make sure everything works for you. Would you like me to take you after work tomorrow?”

  “If you’re sure you have time, that would be nice.”

  “Tomorrow’s Saturday. I don’t have to work. What time do you get off work?”

  “Three o’clock.”

  “Good. I’ll pick you up at the restaurant, then.”

  “Okay.” When they arrived at her apartment building, he got out and walked with her up the entrance steps. “You don’t need to come up. I live on the third floor.”

  “Well, okay, but I’ll at least see you safely inside,” he said, opening the door and stepping into the hallway with her. Martha had left the hallway light burning as she always did. “Do you have your key?”

  “Yes. Thanks again for bringing me home, Dave.”

  “You’re welcome,” he said and bent to wrap his arms around her and kissed her lips.

  She gasped in surprise, then reveled in the warmth of his lips on hers and kissed him back.

  “Goodnight, Lucy,” he said and left.

  “Goodnight,” she murmured in reply, watching him walk out to his car. Then she turned and climbed the stairs to her apartment. He’d kissed her. And she’d see him again tomorrow. How lucky could she be?

  Inside, she stared at herself in the bathroom mirror. Her face was flushed and her eyes sparkled. She was a fool to get involved with a man. What kind of future could she have when she didn’t remember her past? What if she was already married? A shiver ran over her as she considered that possibility. No, surely she’d remember something that important, wouldn’t she?

  She quickly removed her makeup with cream and got into her nightgown, then climbed into bed. But sleep refused to come.

  Worries and thoughts ran through her mind, over and over. Who was she, really? Why couldn’t she remember recent events? And how could she remember things that must have happened long before she was born? Where did those memories come from?

  She touched the raised scar on her abdomen. She must have had surgery there, years ago, maybe an appendectomy, as the doctor had guessed? But she didn’t remember any operation. Surely that would be traumatic enough to remember, even if she’d been young when it was done?

  ***

  After a restless night, she woke feeling very tired. She forced herself to get ready for work as usual, then remembered her date with Dave to buy a computer. But it wouldn’t be of much use to her without an internet connection. So she stopped at Martha’s apartment and asked what she had to do to get internet service.

  “Don’t worry, sweetie,” Martha said. “I’ll call them for you today. They can just leave me a bill if they need a de
posit. They know me, so I’m sure that won’t be a problem.”

  “Thanks so much, Martha.”

  She spent the next day working as usual. She was getting better at using the cash register to make up her customers’ bills, though Sally still checked each one before she gave it to them. And some of her customers were becoming regulars at her tables. Most were friendly and told her their names, others didn’t. She gave them all friendly smiles. Finally, her shift ended and Dave appeared at the door to pick her up, as he’d promised.

  She sent him a smile and couldn’t help admiring his tall, athletic body and red, wavy hair. She shivered, remembering how good he’d felt, tight against her as he’d kissed her goodnight.

  Sally greeted him, raising an eyebrow when he waited for Lucy until she was ready to go and then they left together.

  Lucy made a face. “Sally is going to razz me tomorrow about you picking me up. And she’ll probably tell your mom.”

  Dave laughed and opened his car door for her. He dropped a kiss on her lips. “That’s okay. I don’t mind, if you don’t.”

  “I don’t.” She grinned at him and leaned over to give him another kiss. “You’re such a sweetheart to help me with this.”

  He drove them to a store on top of the hill on the east end of town and introduced her to Bob, the owner. Bob asked her various questions about what she needed her computer to do.

  Lucy chewed her lip thinking, then decided, “I guess a laptop would be best, so I can take it to class with me. And it would be easier to take with me, if I moved.”

  Dave glanced at her curiously. “Are you planning to move?”

  “Not right now, but you never know,” she said vaguely. “There’s not much room in my apartment for a desktop setup, anyway.”

  Bob helped her choose a laptop and he installed the software she wanted as well. Then she chose a small black and white printer and bought extra toner and paper. She paid him with a check from her new checking account, signing them as Lucille Denton since that was the name she’d used for the account. Once again, she worried as she did that, wondering if she’d get into trouble for it. She was getting farther and farther in debt to this unknown woman. If Lucille appeared and demanded the money back immediately, Lucy was going to be in big trouble. Her tips at the restaurant were good, and supplemented her paycheck very nicely. But she’d also spent a lot on clothes and necessities already.

  After they left the store, Dave insisted on buying her dinner so they stopped at a nice chain restaurant. After they ate, he spent another hour helping her get used to using the laptop. The restaurant had a wireless connection, so he showed her how to get on the internet and do searches.

  Then he took her home and offered to help her carry it all up to her apartment. She thanked him and he took the printer box and bag of supplies. She took the laptop and they went inside and started up the steps. Martha heard them come in and poked her head out of her door. “Ah, you’re back, Lucy. Hi, Dave. How’s your mama doing after her operation?”

  “She’s getting stronger, Martha. Thanks for asking. She’s getting back on her feet again.”

  “Good.” Martha’s head bobbed in satisfaction. “Lucy, your internet is hooked up, now. The guy said since you didn’t have your computer here for him to set up, he just left you a setup disk. Just put it in your computer and follow the directions. They’ll send you a bill at the end of the month. You don’t need a deposit because I already had the service here at the house for myself.”

  “Thanks, Martha. I appreciate it. Goodnight.”

  Dave led the way up the stairs and she unlocked her door. As they put everything down in her apartment, he eyed her doubtfully. “Do you think you can set up the internet? And the printer?”

  She smiled ruefully. “Probably not, but I’ll do my best.”

  “Want me to stay a bit and help? It should only take me a few minutes.”

  Her heart sped up. Dare she allow a man to spend time in her apartment? That wasn’t proper, was it? But he seemed to think it was alright, so she replied, “Would you mind?”

  “No problem,” he said, glancing around.

  She noticed and said, “It’s not a lot of space, but it’s plenty for me. Besides, I’m not here that much.”

  “Looks fine to me. Where do you want to set this up?”

  “The desk would be best, if that’s where we can connect it?”

  “Yes, here’s the internet connection on the wall behind the desk and here’s the disk Martha said the technician left.”

  “Perfect,” Lucy agreed.

  Dave sat at the desk, plugged the computer into the modem and put the disk in the drive.

  “Would you like something to drink?”

  “Sure. What do you have?”

  “Well,” Lucy said ruefully. “I guess our choices are 7-Up, Coke or water. I haven’t bought a coffee or teapot yet, nor the makings.”

  “A Coke would be nice.”

  Lucy grabbed a can for each of them, then came back, put his can beside him on the desk and moved a chair beside him. She watched his every move, carefully, trying to memorize how everything worked. Aha, the disk goes in the side and that little button moves it in and out. The problem was, she kept getting sidetracked watching the way his long fingers worked the keys, the way the muscles in his arms moved and how he chewed at his full lips as he leaned forward to read the directions on the screen.

  “The light’s not the best in here,” he said, tilting the screen a bit to see better.

  “I guess not. I’ll stop and buy bigger lightbulbs tomorrow. Oh, no, it’s Sunday, the stores will be closed. Monday, then.”

  He frowned at her. “Lucy, the stores are open on Sunday.”

  “They are?” She swallowed, sighing. Another thing that had changed. “Okay, I’ll do it tomorrow. Or maybe getting a lamp would be better?”

  He glanced up at the light fixture in the ceiling. “Probably a lamp would be better.”

  He asked questions as to which programs she wanted to use for email, then helped her set up her account, letting her type in a user name and password.

  “Do you want to do social media?”

  “What’s that?”

  “It’s places on the internet where people talk to each other. Like Facebook and Twitter.”

  Lucy remembered the librarian saying the pictures of people she’d found were on Facebook. “Oh. Maybe later.”

  “Okay. Just searching and email for now, then.” Finally, he had her send him an email, just to see how it worked. He showed her where to enter his address and where to type a message.

  “But this is silly. You’re right here. What should I say?”

  He grinned. “Say you enjoyed our time together today. Well, if you really did, of course.”

  She poked his arm. “You know I did. I couldn’t have done this alone. Thanks so much.”

  “Good. Now hit send.”

  She did and saw the message disappear. “It’s gone,” she exclaimed in dismay.

  “It’s in your ‘sent’ folder, if you ever want to check what you said to someone,” he told her. “And I got it on my cell phone. See?” He pulled out his cell phone and showed her the message.

  “It goes that fast?” She stared into his blue eyes, wonderingly.

  “Yes. Almost immediately.” He typed a bit on his cell phone.

  “How do I know when anyone writes to me?” Lucy asked. “Not that I know anyone who could send me anything.”

  “You click on send and receive messages. Like this,” he said.

  A message popped up and she excitedly exclaimed, “I’ve got mail. How can that be?”

  Dave laughed. “I just sent it to you from my cell phone.”

  “Cell phones can do all that?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, I need to learn how to do that stuff,” she said excitedly.

  “Your phone’s manufacturer has a website that explains it all in detail. They call the lessons tutorials. See? You ca
n even print it out to refer to if you forget something. Here, I’ll bookmark it on your computer for you, so you can find it again if you leave it.”

  “Thanks, Dave. You’re a sweetheart to be so patient with me about all this.” She glanced up at him and their eyes met. He pulled her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her.

  “It’s a pleasure, Lucy. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” His gaze begged permission from her and when she didn’t move, he bent and kissed her.

  Lucy sighed softly and her eyes closed as his firm lips teased hers. She reached up to lace her fingers into his soft, red hair. His tongue teased hers and electricity shot through her as they kissed over and over, making hot tremors of need run along her veins.

  He shivered and finally pulled away. “I’d better go and let you get some sleep. Goodnight, Lucy.”

  “Goodnight,” she said, smiling as she reluctantly watched him leave. She heard him whistle a tune as she closed the door behind him. She moved to the window and watched as Dave walked down the sidewalk to his car. He was a tall man and covered a lot of ground with long strides. Then he got into his car and pulled out into the street. It was dark now, and soon she couldn’t see him as another car pulled out and followed him. She dropped the curtain and stepped away.

  He was a nice man. Dared she hope this could continue? But what if she wasn’t who she thought she was? What if her memory came back and she had a whole, other life? Would she have to go back to it? Would she want to?

  She went back to her computer. It was all set up, now, so she could begin searching for the truth. What would she learn?

  Chapter 7

  After Dave left, Lucy sat at her computer and debated where to start searching for information on her family. She rose and found the articles the librarian had printed out for her about her own and her parents’ deaths, but needed to know more. After several false leads, she found one obituary that mentioned the cemetery where her parents had been buried. Calvary. Of course. She remembered going there as a child when her father’s uncle had been buried there. As she recalled, it was a huge place with lots of green and was surrounded by trees. She determined to go there after work tomorrow, and take flowers for the graves.