Whatever It Takes (Bold As Love)

by Lindsay Paige

  13

  Emily

  The big day is finally here and the house is filled with a delicious aroma. Turkey is cooking in the oven. Deviled eggs, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes, and so much more is being prepared for the five of us.

  “I'm thankful for all you do, Dad. Let Jake and I take care of the cooking.”

  And so we are. Magic is in the air as Jake and I bustle around the kitchen getting everything ready for the feast.

  “Oh man. This food smells so good. I'm going to gain ten pounds!”

  “You'll still be beautiful,” Jake says with a kiss on the lips.

  I grin even though I don't buy it. In his eyes, I may be beautiful ten pounds heavier, but in my eyes? Negative. An extra ten pounds is ten too many. Stirring the veggies one last time, I ask Jake to check on the turkey.

  “All done,” he states proudly as he pulls it out of the oven.

  We start setting the table and call the gang into the kitchen. Everyone flops into their respective seat and Dad sits straight in a way that demands attention.

  “As per our tradition, we will go around the table and name five things for which we are thankful. I'll go first. I'm thankful for Jake and Drake for all they have done for Emily. I'm thankful for my health, Emily, my job, and to be here with each of you today.”

  Dad turns his attention to his left where Mr. Benson is sitting.

  “I'm thankful for my sons and to Emily for helping Jake in his forgiveness. I'm thankful for my health and job as well. Last but certainly not least, I'm thankful my boys are healthy.”

  Drake is next.

  “I'm thankful for everyone here. Hmm.” He places a finger on his chin and contemplates.

  “I'm thankful for hockey and the NHL. I'm thankful to have all the things that I need and the extra stuff that I just want. Um...I'm thankful that Emily can make my brother smile.”

  Aw. That is so sweet. I tell Drake so and he grins a toothy smile. Next, it is my turn.

  “I'm thankful for my father, my health, and Jake's family. I'm thankful for Jake and all he has done for me.” I look over at Jake with sheepish eyes. “I honestly don't know where I would be if it wasn't for that day.”

  Jake leans over to place a sweet and short kiss upon my lips.

  “It has been my pleasure.”

  “Gross! We are at the table you guys,” Drake says in a disgusted voice.

  Jake chuckles and tells us, “I'm thankful for everyone at this table, hockey, the health of us all, and to be here today.”

  “That's only four Jake,” Drake tells him.

  “Right. I'm very thankful for Emily and all she has brought into my life.”

  “Let's eat!” Drake exclaims.

  Laughing, we all begin to spoon helpings onto our plates. The sound of laughing, clinking of silverware on bowls, scraping of forks, and the aroma of delicious food fill the air. This is one of the best Thanksgiving's ever. I was touched by Jake's words and I meant what I had said.

  Thankful doesn't fully express what I feel for Jake. I'm so grateful for him. Excitement fizzes inside of me when Jake slides a hand under the table to rest on my thigh. The want to curl up in his lap and have him hold me rises and builds in my chest. That'll have to wait 'till later I reckon.

  To think that if I hadn't of lost the baby, I would be expecting soon. That throws me into another world. It's a struggle to keep myself in the present and not in the past. After a fifteen minute battle, Jake catches on and leans over. I relish in the feel of his breath hitting my neck and block off all other sounds when he speaks.

  “Are you okay?” he whispers.

  I rest my hand atop of his and squeeze. My way of saying yes and no. While I feel fine, my mind is in a tizzy. Jake studies me for a moment and I notice that the fathers are leaning back in their chairs with stomaches full of good food. With supper complete and appetites satisfied, Jake stands, takes my hand, and excuses us.

  In my room, Jake sits on the edge of the bed as I stand between his knees with his hands resting on my hips. I lay my forehead on Jake's and close my eyes.

  “What's going on?” his quiet, deep voice asks.

  “Holidays are hard. I'm fine, I am trying to keep myself in the here and now. It's good. I'm good.”

  “Sounds like you're convincing yourself.”

  My eyes shot open and green ones stare back at me.

  “Jake,” I begin.

  “Sweetness,” Jake starts, but I know where he is going with this.

  “I'm not hiding anything from you. I'm fine. Let's go join our family.”

  I take his hand and make him stand. His body presses against mine and his scent wafts upwards consuming my senses. A chuckle brings me back to life. Slight irritation rubs me the wrong way and I leave Jake behind in my room as I stalk out. Of course, that just brings on a hearty laugh.

  The rest of the boys are lounging around the living room watching football. I sink into the couch and ignore Jake when he sits beside me. His hand possessively rests on my thigh and for spite I push it off.

  Jake's head snaps towards me and I can't help but smile at his reaction. His hand returns to its place and he gently squeezes. This time, I let his hand stay. Football, quite frankly, bores me. Resting my tired body against Jake, with my back leaning on him, I fall asleep after a hard day's work.

  ***

  We are returning to Charlotte a day early. I kiss Dad on the cheek and give him a bear hug.

  “I'll let you know when we get there. I'll miss you.”

  “I'll miss you too. I love you, honey.”

  “I love you too, Dad.”

  I walk to my car and wave before getting inside. I have already said goodbye to Drake. Jake's Mustang is parked on the curb, waiting for me. With one last call of goodbye, I get in my car and head to Charlotte.

  Hours later, maybe fifteen miles from home, a car cuts me off and slams into my side of the car. Panic grips me as my car runs off the highway and rolls into a tree.

  Groggily, I open my eyes. My surroundings show me that I'm in the hospital. But why? The last thing I remember is my boyfriend Conrad dropping me off at my house. What could have happened between then and now?

  “Emily,” a deep voice whispers.

  I turn my head and see an unfamiliar face. He has the prettiest green eyes and slightly curly black hair.

  “Who are you?”

  Terror runs through me as I realize that a stranger is in my room and I have no clue what has happened to me. Sad eyes blink three times before he answers.

  “It's me. Jake.”

  “I don't know any Jakes. Where's Conrad?”

  “The doctor warned me this might happen. What's the last thing you remember?”

  “Conrad dropping me off at my mom's. Where is he? Where's my mom? Why are you here? What are you talking about?”

  “Shh. Calm down.”

  “No! I want Conrad! I need to know what happened to me.”

  “I can tell you,” his sturdy voice tells me.

  “I don't know you.”

  “Yes, you do. You have amnesia, Sweetness.”

  “Sweetness?”

  “Yes. That's my nickname for you. I'm your boyfriend. We stay together here in Charlotte. We go to the same school. You love me.”

  I shake my head. That's impossible. Frustrated tears fall from my eyes. I want Conrad. This Jake stands and leans forward to wipe my tears away, but I turn my head. He is a stranger and I don't want him touching me.

  “The only person I trust is Conrad.”

  “Okay. I'll call Conrad for you.”

  The man leaves the room. I feel soreness in my back and stomach. My head hurts and I still don't know what has happened to me. Why aren't Conrad and Mom here? Why is this stranger in my room with me? Did he do something to me? He has to be lying about being my boyfriend. Nothing would ever separate Conrad and me.

  An hour later, relief flows through me like a tsunami when Conrad walks through the door. Jake is right beh
ind him though. Conrad sits on the edge of my bed and places a kiss on my cheek.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Like I've been beaten senseless. What's goin' on?”

  He takes a deep breath and begins to tell me what happened while Jake stands at the foot of the bed with his arms crossed.

  “You were in a car accident. Jake saw it happen.”

  Interrupting, I say, “Wait. I know him?”

  “Yes. He's your boyfriend.”

  My heart breaks in two. “What? What about us? We had such a great day yesterday. I love you.”

  “Jake wasn't lying when he told you that you have amnesia. It's been three years since that day Emily. You moved in with your dad, met Jake, and fell in love. I left you when I found out that Mel had my baby and I decided to try and make things work between us. You moved on.”

  How could Conrad just leave me like that? How could he ever think it would work out between him and Mel? How is it possible that I don't remember the last three years of my life? Jake steps forward and I can tell that he wants to comfort me. I turn my attention back to Conrad.

  “Where's my dad then?”

  “He's on his way,” Jake states, taking another step forward.

  “Emily, I've got to get back to pick up Logan, my boy. You are in very good hands, okay? Do you trust me?”

  “Of course I do, but...”

  “It's fine. Call me if you need anything. Jake has my number.”

  With that, he goes to leaves.

  “Don't go,” my voice cracks. He stops in his tracks, turns, and says he has to go. How can he leave me like this?

  14

  Jake

  Mike bursts through the threshold of Emily's room and rushes over to her. He holds her in his arms and comforts her as she breaks down in tears. Oh how I wish I could be there for her. It's mind-boggling that we were just getting back to normal and some jackass hits her. Now, she doesn't remember me.

  What if she never does?

  The thought is too terrifying to consider. Emily is strong. She will remember. She has too. What if the Emily that Conrad left decides that she wants nothing to do with me?

  I squeeze my eyes closed before popping them back open to shake the thoughts out of my head. Emily is mumbling about how she can't believe Conrad would do this to her and how she doesn't remember the past three years. My heart aches for Sweetness.

  The doctor walks in and explains in detail everything to Emily. She is good to go home. But will she want to return to our home?

  “Daddy, am I supposed to go with this stranger?”

  “Honey, he's not a stranger. Trust me, I wouldn't leave you in any one else's hands. Jake will take care of you until your memory returns. I'll be working around Charlotte for the next week. I'll be a phone call away.”

  Sweetness looks at me and shrugs.

  “At least he's good to look at.”

  That brings a smile to my face.

  “Let's get you home,” Mike says.

  I've no choice but to let Sweetness ride with Mike back to my place. Emily is hesitant about riding with me. Who am I to blame her? Her memory needs to return soon though. I need her like I need air. My body would slowly, yet quickly, shut down without it.

  Even in this state, Sweetness amazes me. She boldly walks around the apartment taking in all the pictures and items scattered about. Her fingertips trails over the door frame as she crosses into the bedroom.

  “Only one,” she questions after returning moments later.

  I nod. My eyes study Emily's as her eyes start at my feet and slowly make their way up my body. Catching me looking, scarlet creeps up her neck and spreads onto her cheeks. A smile captures my lips.

  “Alright hon, I need to get going so I can catch some sleep. Call me if you need me.”

  They embrace and Mike leaves us to ourselves. By her body language, I can see that Sweetness is uneasy. I attempt to soothe her.

  “I'll sleep on the couch and you can have the bed. We don't have a lot of time before school starts back to get to know one another. Are you up for some talking or are you ready for bed?”

  “I think I'll go to bed.”

  “Your pajamas are in the third drawer down.”

  “Thanks,” she calls over her shoulder as she disappears into our room.

  I walk over to the closet and retrieve blankets and a pillow. I settle on the couch and close my eyes. An hour later and I'm still awake. Ever so softly, the sound of crying drifts to my ears. My first thought is that Emily may be having a nightmare. Would she still have them even though she has no recollection of the miscarriage?

  I can't just sit here and listen to her cry. Tossing the covers aside, I silently walk to the bedroom. The door creaks open and the crying immediately stops.

  “Sweetness, are you okay?”

  No answer. I come closer and sit on the edge at head of the bed. Emily is facing away from me. She rolls over and buries her face in my stomach. Tears quickly soak my shirt. I slide my hand up and down her back in an effort to calm her.

  “I'm sorry,” she cries.

  “For what?” I ask quietly.

  “I'm supposed to be your girlfriend and here I am crying over Conrad. I'm sorry I don't remember.”

  “Don't worry. Cry all you need. You survived. You were able to move on and so was Conrad. You fell in love with me and you were happy.”

  Sweetness delicately sits up and brings her knees to her chest. Her arms wrap around her legs and her chin rests between her kneecaps.

  “What did I like about you?”

  “I play hockey. You liked my little brother and how I cared for him. Long story short, I have many incredible traits and you love them all.”

  That brought a small smile to her face.

  “Would you like me to tell you how it happened?”

  She tilts her head at me and nods.

  So I start at the beginning. How we were paired together for an English project and how the verbal abuse from her mother had left her in a bad state. I told her how she hit it off with my brother and then began babysitting him.

  At night when she couldn't sleep, she ran. I told her that she stopped by my house one night and how it soon became routine. I stopped once I got to Valentine's Day.

  “Sounds like we were good together.”

  “We are.”

  “I can definitely see why I was interested. You're hot and seem nice enough.”

  Chuckling, “Thank you.”

  “I think I'm going to go to sleep now.”

  “Sweet dreams.”

  I leave her to fall asleep. I'm not too far behind her.

  ***

  In the morning, Emily is nestled against me. Vaguely, I recall going to the bathroom during the night. I must have crawled into bed with her. The need to use the restroom is strong, but I don't want to wake Sweetness. She's going to freak out when she finds me in bed with her.

  The strawberry scent of her shampoo fills my senses and I can't resist the urge to play with her hair. Slowly, my fingers wrap around a strand and twirls. I lose myself in the softness of her messy brown hair. Sweetness looks up at me with those beautiful sleepy eyes and smiles.

  “That feels good.” She returns to her position before popping back up. “What are you doing in here?” She holds the covers up to her neck even though she is well dressed.

  “I got up in the middle of the night to use the restroom and must have come to bed instead of back to the couch.”

  She leans back down and turns away from me.

  “Please leave.”

  “What is it?”

  She whispers, “I thought I remembered something, but it went away.”

  Without thinking, I ask, “Want to go ice skating today?”

  “I don't know...” she trails off. Then, just like that, she changes her mind. “Yeah. Why not?”

  “Great. Go get ready and I'll fix breakfast.”

  I toss the covers aside. Shuffling my feet, I head to th
e kitchen. Sizzling pops of grease sound as bacon is laid on top of the skillet. I turn another burner on high to start eggs as biscuits bake in the oven. Scooping the cooked eggs onto their respective plates along with the bacon, I walk over to the oven and pull out the biscuits.

  Turning around, I find Emily leaning against the wall watching me.

  “You look extremely good cooking. Do you fix meals often?”

  She takes a seat at the bar and I place a plate in front of her before rounding the island to sit beside her.

  “Unfortunately, that is something we argued about recently. You do most of the work around the house.”

  Emily just nods and digs into her food. We eat silently and I can't help but wonder what she's thinking. Glancing over, I see that she is dressed in jeans, a long sleeve t-shirt and a scarf thrown around her neck. I didn't even know she owned a scarf. That's the first I've seen her wear one.

  After we eat, Emily offers to wash the dishes so I can get ready. Opening the drawer, I pull out a black long sleeve t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans. I slip into my clothes, brush my teeth and hair, and put on socks and shoes.

  My skates are already in my bag. We'll have to rent Emily a pair once we go to the local ice skating rink.

  “Ready?” I ask.

  “Yes, I am.”

  I open the door and we're off to the rink.

  15

  Emily

  How could I have ever gotten over Conrad? I hate to admit it but waking up in Jake's arms this morning stirred a feeling of safety within me. That said, if I got over Conrad, even though I didn't remember the past three years, then why can't I enjoy the presence of this hot guy? On wobbly legs, I step out onto the ice. Immediately, I reach behind me for Jake. His strong hands firmly grasp my hips.

  “It's okay. I've got you.”

  His words are promising.

  “Alright. Now pretend you are rollerblading. It's that easy.”

  “I've never roller-bladed.”