Forgotten Promises

CHAPTER 2: NATHANIEL

Even in my amnesiac condition, I remember that it is quite normal in this family to knock on the door and just open the damn thing. So I just didn't understand who was at the door waiting for a special invitation.

I could see the person's shadow pacing, then paused as if he or she was going to knock again. Well ‘she’ didn't have to because I opened the door, leaving her hand hanging in the air.

'It's a she. A really beautiful one.’ I thought, staring in surprise. She actually came. My mother had told me about how I bailed on her without proper explanation, so it's not like I actually remember her or anything.

‘‘Anastasia?” I finally managed to say, trying to end the weird tension hanging between us. She looked surprised that I called her name.

“Hi Nathaniel.” Then she smiled and my heart skipped a few beats. The pictures didn't lie. She has the most beautiful smile in the world. How the hell did I have the chance to marry someone this beautiful and then bail on her?

“Mother was right. You really have the most beautiful smile. Please come in.”

“Oh, thanks. Eunice told you about me, I guess that explains how you know my name?” She said strolling in like she was in a familiar territory. She seemed a bit nervous, or maybe I am just imagining things. She sat on my mini couch, looking around.

“Yeah… she did. She also told me about how I left without…”

“No, don't.” She quickly Interrupted and sighed loudly. “Let's not do that Nathaniel. At least not now.” Then she stood and walked up to me. “What matters now is your recovery and that's all we need to focus on. We can talk about that when this is all over okay?” Then she gave a faint smile avoiding my eyes. It was obvious that she was still hurting. The worst part was not even remembering anything about it.

“I guess so. But what if I never get my memories back? What if I never remember you or my past, ‘our’ past?” This was my biggest fear, and it felt good saying it out loud to the right person.

She hesitated as if searching for the right answer. “Then, I guess you'll have to make do with whatever memory of me you'll have starting now. It's probably best to leave the past behind.”

“Not without your forgiveness Anastasia. I just really need to know why I did what I did. Regardless, I am really sorry.” My head was beginning to ache, I'm not sure how she noticed, but she touched my cheeks and gave me a reassuring look.

“We will talk about this when the time is right, for now you need to rest. You look tired Nathaniel. You should lie down now.” Then she gently led me to the bed.

“Nathaniel.” I chuckled. “I like how you call my name. Only my mother calls me that.” I joked even though I felt my head was going to leave my body.

She giggled, revealing her perfect dentition. Damn! Anastasia is such a beautiful young lady. “Yeah! Same way you call me ‘Anastasia’ instead of Ana, like everyone else.” She joked.

I couldn't help how comfortable and safe I felt around her. I was just smiling like some teenage boy who just got the attention of his crush.

“Anastasia?” I said offering my hand which she took as our eyes met. “I'm really sorry for hurting you. I beg your forgiveness, but I understand if it's going to take you time to do that. I'll wait. But I just need you to know how really sorry I am.” I said looking into her eyes.

“It's okay Nathaniel. We'll figure things out. For now, I just need you to focus on recovering okay? Please? Can you do that for me?” She said almost like a plea, searching my eyes.

Then and there I knew I was capable of doing anything for her. I couldn't explain how or why? Maybe it's because I just really want her forgiveness so bad. “I can.” I nodded and she gave another smile.

“Thank you!! Your mother said you've refused to eat anything decent all day. I'll fix something in the kitchen for you okay?” Then she got up, ready to leave

“Don't bother! Thank you. I'm just not sure I'll eat it. The maids have tried different dishes. I can't seem to get anything down my throat!”

She turned back in confidence and had a look on her face. “Trust me, you're going to love this. In fact, the maids are going to beg for the recipe. Wanna bet?”

“Hahahhaha! Hmmmm, you're pretty confident about this. Okay. Yes, I wanna bet!!” I said laughing.

“Bets are on Mr Harrington!! When you eat this food and finish your plate. We are strolling around the estate tomorrow. You need to get out of your room. Agree?”

“Hmmm! Okay. And if I don't like it? What's gonna happen?” I asked, not sure what bet to place!

“Your pick!!” She said resting her weight on one foot.

“If I win, you owe me a trip down memory lane. 'our memory' lane. Deal?

She nervously licked her lower lip and shrugged! “Okay then. Trust me, you are not winning this bet!!!!” Then she gave me a look and smile which looked really sexy and left me wondering again how I missed my chance with her.

I couldn't wait any longer as the silence in my room was now deafening. So I joined her in the kitchen.

I rested by the wall and stole a few glances at her! Even the maid loved her. They were obviously enjoying their chit chat until I interrupted.

“Wait. Is that Spaghetti and meatballs?” I asked, looking over her shoulders into the saucepan. It was quite easy as I was taller than her. I liked it, her height was perfect and for a moment, I imagined how it would be to cup her face in my hand looking down at her and kissing her. It was just a thought, only a thought as she was probably never going to forgive me for what I did to her. That snapped me back to reality!

“Here! Have a taste and tell me what you think!” She lifted a fork wrapped in sauced spaghetti into my mouth!

“Hmmmm!!!” I chewed, savoring the taste, with my eyes closed!! “Bets are off!!! You win.” The smile of pride on her face was priceless!!!!! How the hell did I let go of someone capable of making me feel this happy?