To Cherish You Forever

Chapter 6

“I need to do some tests on him to verify what he really had.” My family and I were waiting for the doctor to talk further. It sounded like a month ago just right after the accident. Same words from the same doctor.

“I thought he is already fine. He just called my name earlier the moment he woke up.” I told the doctor, trying to make sense of what’s happening.

“Based on my initial assessment of him earlier, Alden may have retrograde amnesia. It affects the more recently stored memories than the older ones. In his case, he couldn’t remember some memories that occurred prior to the accident. He had no recollection of what happened to him.” The doctor paused before he went further.

“You should know that this is a case-to-case basis. Some people may lose years of stored memories while others could lose a year or two prior to their accident. However, most of the patients who suffered from retrograde amnesia had memories of their childhood even up to their adolescence intact.

I have to tell you that I asked Alden a few questions earlier. He thought he was just 15 y.o. He thought his accident was due to his injury while playing rugby at school.” We all remember that accident. It took place right after he joined the rugby varsity team in his high school. Mom got so worried after the school principal called her regarding his accident. Alden stayed in the hospital for 10 days.

“Doc, what about the years after that? Do you mean to say he couldn’t remember the last seven years of his life?” It was my dad who finally spoke up.

“Yes. That is why I needed to do more tests on him so we could apply the appropriate treatment and therapy for him. He will be needing a lot of therapy sessions, not just physically and mentally. We should also address his emotional side. Remember that retrograde amnesia could be permanent, progressing, or temporary. In addition, due to the severity of his injury to his lower back and down, half of his body is paralyzed.” We could not process immediately what the doctor said.

Amnesia and half-paralysis? That was such a big blow to us. It was extremely devastating. A few minutes later, I panicked when I saw my dad suddenly touching his chest. He was out of breath and he was feeling a sudden sharp pain in his left chest. He had to go to the emergency.

I will never forget how that day unfolded. It was the most horrible day of our lives. My brother woke up from his coma but he was suffering more. My dad suddenly got very sick. He suffered a mild heart attack. My mom was given a sedative to calm her down. I had never been scared in my whole life. My family is slowly breaking apart due to that accident.

I was trying to make sense of everything. Why is this happening to us? I don’t know what to do next. My dad is sick and my mom is emotionally unstable right now. I am struggling to get myself together, but I have to remain strong.

That was three years ago. Without my grandma, I couldn’t face it on my own. I owed her a lot. My father got better after that and my mom finally came to accept Alden’s situation. My grandma was such a huge pillar of inspiration for all of us. Now, she is past her 80s, but her vibrant energy and positive outlook on life never failed to lift everyone.

Since Alden woke up from his coma, he has been staying at my grandma’s vacation house at the beach. A new place and a breath of fresh air will give him a faster recovery period.

On a positive note, two years after his accident, Alden could stand up and walk on his own. He still needed assistance though with his personal care. Then, just this year, he is almost back to his normal physical self.

My dad hired the best therapists he could find to give my brother the best and most prompt treatment. My parents didn’t leave his side until he told them that he could take care of himself. My parents protested at first but they both realized that it is his way to start coping on his own… to be independent. It has been three years of roller coaster rides.

As for me, I went back to work two months after Alden woke up from a coma. I regularly visited him every weekend. I saw his struggles, frustrations, and anger. He even went through a period of depression. Fortunately, he was able to overcome everything since we were there to support him all the way. When he finally accepted his condition, his treatments and recovery went smoothly and easily for everyone.

The only problem now is his amnesia. Now, he can't only remember two years of his life prior to his car accident. He remembers every event in his life from childhood to his teenage years. Unfortunately, he couldn’t remember that his last girlfriend was named Elise. He had zero recollection of her.

When I arrived at my grandmother's beach house, I saw Alden with my parents, my grandma, my cousin Daphne and her two older brothers, her mom, and dad. It was like a happy family reunion. Who would have thought that I could finally see this day? I felt like the last three years were ages ago. It was a prolonged agony, not just for Alden but for everyone in the family. Still, we never lose hope.

“Good morning!” I greeted all of them. I kissed my parents on the cheeks, my grandma, my aunt, and my uncle. I hugged my cousins. Then, I went to my big brother, Alden. He is all smiling now.

“Where is my big hug, lil sister?” He is teasing me again, but I don’t mind at all. I immediately went to hug him tightly. I quietly said a little prayer to myself. I am just so happy to see my brother doing great with his therapy.

“How are you doing, Alden? You look really good and inspired. Did any of those female therapists finally catch your fancy?” My brother just pinched my cheeks not so gently instead of replying to my teasing.

“Aww! What was that for? Are you back to being a bully?” I complained half-heartedly to him.

“Why not? Don’t you miss all of me, including the bully me?” Then, he raised his eyebrows one after another. I looked to my parents for help. Everyone was laughing at us.

“Fine! Since I am a very nice, loving, and caring sister, I will let you bully me from time to time, but on one condition.” Alden got curious as to what I was about to say.

“I am going to set up a date for you with one of my co-workers.” He suddenly looked serious and quiet.

“Hey, did I say something wrong? I just thought that it is nice if you meet other people.” I hope he didn’t get upset with me.

“Silly girl! I am not upset with you at all. It is just that, these past few days, I kept dreaming of a woman. I couldn’t see her face. She always looks blurry. In my dream, she always extends her hand like reaching out to me. I tried to hold her hand but I couldn’t. I always wake up after that,” He said while touching his forehead. He looks like he is in pain.

“Son, are you alright? Is something hurting you?” It was dad who came to us after he saw what my brother did. Alden took a deep breath before answering our dad.

“I am fine, dad. I just got dizzy right now. Every time I try to think of who that woman is in my dreams, I start to get dizzy. Do you know who she is?” My dad shook his head. It is true, we don’t really know who his girlfriend is or what she looks like. I only remember her name as Elise.

“Maybe you should not force yourself to remember her for now. Months before your accident, you wanted to introduce someone to us but you never brought her home.” It was mom who told Alden about her.

“What happened to her mom? Who is she? Why I didn’t bring her to the house? Was she in the accident with me?” I knew Alden had so many questions in his head but we really don’t know her.

“No son, you were alone at the time of the accident. You told us that she was your girlfriend at that time.” My dad stopped right there. I understand why he did that. The doctor told us before to not overwhelm Alden with too much information. He needs to remember things at his own pace.

“A girlfriend?” Alden had a troubled look on his face. My parents started to get worried. Good thing it was time for his medicine. That would help calm down his nerves.

“Please take it easy, Alden.” I came to talk to him alone. I wish there is any way I could help my brother.

“I completely understand your frustration about getting better fully. We all understand your situation. However, you need to let time takes it course. All those memories will come to you soon. Please just don’t worry too much.” I went to sit beside him on his bed.

“I am sorry I can’t control my frustrations sometimes. This woman who keeps appearing in my dreams lately has really bothered me. She is like the missing piece. That’s why I can’t calm down.” I really felt sorry for my twin brother. I don’t know what else to say to him right now. I just want to be there for him.

“Are you ready to have lunch now? Dad cooked our favorite.” I tried to change the topic. I smiled at him. He just shook his head and messed up my hair.

“Hey, don’t do that! I am not a kid anymore.” My brother has always been a great teaser. That’s what I missed about him. I used to get upset over his teasing when we were kids. Now, I realize they were just silly things. I just miss our childhood days.

“Really? You are 25 and yet you still haven’t introduced any special man to us in your life?” I smiled at him. I guess now is the right time to tell him. It will also distract him from thinking about the woman in his dreams.

“That’s what you thought. There is actually someone special right now. He is not my boyfriend yet.” I was actually nervous when I told him. My crazy brother gave me a teasing smile again. I made a fist at him.

“Are you going to keep teasing me again? I am not going to share with you about this special someone.” I warned him and gave him a sharp look.

“ Fine! Fine! I am not going to tease you nor say anything about him.” He held up his hands while laughing at me.

“I hold onto your words then. And if you start teasing me or just make any unnecessary comments, then I am not going to introduce him to you, my big brother.” I am trying to warn him but he knows me too well.

“Of course, you would not do that, Alya. You love your big brother too much.” Then, he winked at me. I am almost losing my patience, so I took a deep breath.

“Alden, stop playing around. We are just the same age.” He tried to suppress his laughter but his shoulders were shaking. So, I walked out of his room. I went outside the house. Then, Alden came to me and pulled me to where our family is currently lounging.

“Everyone, I believe our little Alya has an important announcement to make.” He then gave me a peace sign. I was so stunned that he would say that in front of our family. I can’t believe that he wants me to announce to everyone about Jacob.

“Seriously, Alden! I am not going to talk to you after this.” I felt frustrated and embarrassed at the same time. I looked around and everyone is waiting for what I am going to say. My mind went blank. I don’t want to inform everyone except my parents and probably Alden. He just indirectly told my uncle and his family and my grandma about my love life. Well, I can say something else. No one has any idea about what I am about to say anyway, except for Alden. I have to think of something interesting that’s happening in my life right now.

“What is it, Alya?” It was my mom who looks more curious. Now I am trapped because of my bratty brother.

“Uhmm… I may have a higher chance of getting promoted next month.” That’s all I could say.

“Really? That’s great news! You really are doing great in your job. I am so proud of you, Alya.” It was my dad who was beaming with happiness. I thought I got away from Alden but he had to open his mouth once more.

“I don’t think that’s the only good news she wants to announce. She just told me that there is a special someone now in her life. Are you sure he’s not your boyfriend yet?” I just wanted to smack him to the face. He was grinning from ear to ear.

“Alya? Can you explain, young lady?” It was my dad. I discreetly made a warning face at Alden.