Page 39 of Forgetting the Enemy
Chapter 15
Zaira
Since my argument with Michael earlier today, I’ve been hiding in my room. I’m angry and embarrassed at the same time. I’ve thrown myself at him, and all he’s done is reject me, even though it is obvious he wants me. It’s a damn head game, but all that is gonna change. I may not know exactly who I am, but I know I am a force to be reckoned with. Michael Vitali isn’t gonna know what hit him.
Ricco was here a few minutes ago asking me about my list and a phone. He said Michael had told him to get me whatever phone I wanted. So, being the frugal woman I am, I requested the newest iPhone out there, a car charger and a charger for home, Beats ear buds, Zagg screen protector, and a Kate Spade case. Thanks to Dina’s help, I’ve learned that Google is a wonderful tool on the Internet to find things. I’m guessing it’s all gonna cost close to two thousand dollars. Frugal my ass. Serves him right. Hopefully he’ll learn his lesson and not be such a dick to me again, but probably not. By the looks of this house, I really don’t think money is an issue.
Ricco said I should have it by dinnertime. Speaking of dinner, that’s another thing. I’m not going. I’ve already told the cook, Dina, I’m not feeling well and would like to have dinner in my room. After my episode with Michael, I made it a point to go straight to the kitchen and introduce myself to the staff. I will be needing them in the future, and it’s best to make sure the help is on my side.
Michael wants me gone? I’ll be gone. I will make myself so gone, eventually he will come find me, and when he does, things are going to work out quite differently than last time.
Ricco also took my list of some things I would like. My bathroom was equipped with just about every toiletry I could imagine, but believe it or not, there are some personal preferences I remember—like the smell of my favorite perfume and the specific moisturizer I use. These items were added to the list along with a few others. Ricco said I should have everything when the phone is delivered.
My memory hasn’t come back yet. It’s been two days, and although I’ve gotten some glimpses and flashbacks of things that I assume are memories, I can’t really say I remember anything substantial.
The proposal image still prominent in my head, I wonder if it was really Michael in my vision. If I am an obligation, then my little plan won’t work. Even if I know little about myself, I know enough to understand that if this is a marriage of obligation, then I have to play my part as well. There is no way out. But everything in me tells me Michael Vitali feels something for me. If I’m gonna have to spend the rest of my life with him, then I will have a real marriage full of love and passion if it’s the last thing I do.
I’ve seen other glimpses of things that I assume are parts of my memories. One is of a woman, probably in her sixties, with kind eyes. I have a strong feeling she is my mother. Usually when I see her, she has her hair tied back in a soft bun. She’s dressed impeccably and has a smile on her face. Another is of me younger. I’m sitting on a swing under a willow tree, and I get the feeling I am very sad. The final vision I’ve seen is of me at a party. In this one, I can sense I am unhappy but dutiful at the same time. And then, the vision breaks out in total pandemonium…and then nothing.
Dr. Siegel gave me a journal to make notes to help with the memories. I’ve written everything down that I’ve seen or felt since the accident. I’ll share it with him at my next follow-up appointment.
An hour or so later, there is a knock on my door.
“Come in.”
The door opens, and I find I am disappointed when I see it’s Isabella bringing in my tray of food along with two shopping bags, one from Target and one from Apple. Okay, so the disappointment of it not being Michael is wearing off quickly because now I have a new toy to play with as well as something to eat, which smells amazing.
“I have your dinner, Ms. Zaira, and some items from Ricco. Where shall I put them?” Isabella asks.
“Oh, just set everything over on the dresser, Isabella. Thank you.”
“Will you be needing anything else, miss?” she asks.
“No, thank you. Please pass on my thanks to Dina as well.”
“Very well then,” she says and turns to leave.
Once the door closes behind her, I walk to the dresser and open the lids covering my dinner. Oh man, this is amazing—roast beef, mashed potatoes, salad, and chocolate cake. Hell, I’m gonna gain a hundred pounds living here.
I eat a quiet dinner, half-expecting Michael to show up to find out why I didn’t go downstairs to eat with the family. I’m disappointed when he doesn’t. After dinner, I pull my phone out. It’s all set up, and I see there are numbers already programmed into it. Mia.Who’s Mia?Oh, wait. I believe Michael said I have a sister named Mia. Michael, Ricco, and my brother Vince are also listed.
Feeling very brave, I touch Mia’s name, and the phone dials.
“Hello?” I hear through the line. When I don’t say anything, she repeats, “Hello? Is anyone there?”
Afraid she’s going to hang up, I quickly say, “It’s Zaira.”
“Zaira! Oh my God! Is it really you? Vince said you were hurt but that you were going to be okay. He said you have no memory. Do you remember me?” She throws question after question at me and doesn’t give me a chance to answer any of them.
“Mia, slow down,” I quickly say into the phone when she stops to take a breath. “I don’t have my memory back, but Vince did tell me I have a sister. Michael programmed your number into my new phone, and well, I thought I would call. Maybe you would like to come visit with me tomorrow?”
“Oh, Zaira! I would love that!” She pauses. “What time?”
“How about lunchtime, and why don’t you plan on spending the day? It’s supposed to be nice tomorrow, and we can hang out at the pool and…” I hesitate for a moment. “Maybe get to know one another again?”
“I’d like that. I’ve missed you so much.”
I have nothing to say to that because I don’t remember her. When I don’t reply, the conversation suddenly becomes awkward.
