Page 50 of Absolution

“I understand, it’s for as long as time will allow.” My face falls with my stomach. She’s rejecting me before I can even tell her the worst parts of me. Maybe she can see it, as transparent as the veins beneath my skin. My sins run as deep as my blood.

“It’s not- “

I hold my hand up. “Please do not say those words to me. Let me live with a shred of dignity.”

“Oh, stop!” she slaps my arm, knocking it down. “You’re so dramatic!”

I clutch my chest over my heart. “I hope you know how to do CPR because you’re killing me.”

“I bet you’re always like this, odd and a bit quirky.” She scrunches her nose as the corner of her eyes wrinkle.

“Fine, I’m kidding! What were you gonna say?”

She picks her nail, contemplating how to ask her next question. “Do you have any idea how you lost your memory?”

“Amnesia.”

Her brow quirks. “Ya think?”

“I’m kidding, of course, I know, or at least I’ve been told.” She shifts, scooting closer to me as she leans in. “A combination of a couple of things, blood loss from bullet wounds, and a blast that rocked the hell outta my noggin. Hit me so hard, I can’t remember who I am.”

“So, it’s TBI?” Again, her expression dulls.

I nod as fear grips me as I think what she’ll do with the knowledge to understand what she’s getting into. Will she run when I tell her everything? “Yes, traumatic brain injury to my parietal and temporal lobes.”

“That’s a tough blow. How are you handling all of this?”

“Are you wanting to know if I’m insane or ready to fly off the handle? Or are you asking if I have flashbacks or triggers you need to steer clear of?”

“I’m asking how you are in general, it’s a lot to deal with, but apparently you need to start with why you’re being an asshole first.” She spins, ready to run. I grasp her wrist, pleading with her to stay.

“I’m sorry. It’s a subject I always hate having, most people ask ignorant questions. I live in fear someone will think I’m going to go into a rage and hurt them.”

“Have you… had any problems?” Her eyes dart toward the wall behind me.

I shake my head as I answer. “No, I haven’t. I do have dreams, but nothing seems to trigger me. So far, no true flashbacks. Nothing in real-time or to throw me off and send me reeling.”

“Just as I thought,” she yanks her hand free. “you’re harmless!”

Before I can respond, I’m waylaid upside the head with a pillow. Scarlet’s on top of me, pelting me with hit after hit. I can’t get ahold of her well enough to stop her assault.

I duck, wrapping her up around the waist and roll onto the floor. Our laughter echoing around us, helping to egg us on and keep the fight going. I finally get her wrestled down, holding her arms over her head.

“Gotcha!” I hover over her, spellbound as I’m ensnared in her beauty. As if on cue, Emmie lets out a battle cry. Scarlet scrambles from the floor, running down the hall.

“I’m coming, little lady.”

“And I wanted to…”

Scarlet walks back into the room with Emmie, cutting my thoughts short. “Please, don’t teach her any more of your special words.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I bat my lashes, feigning innocence.

She rolls her eyes as they crash into the couch. “I don’t think I’ve ever woken her up, must be the company I’m keeping.”

“She’s good, maybe a little badas…” Scarlet’s head whips around, glaring at me. “asterisk is what I was going to say. No bad words here, no ma’am.”

Scarlet’s eyes narrow. “You’re going to make me regret this, aren’t you?”