Remember

Chapter 4

I sat for sometime getting lost in the words of a 16/17 year old teen girl and smiling at the things I wrote, but little about Ares. Only about dreams I had...dreams that felt so real that I wrote them down, but nothing good at least about Ares and the current dreams or encounters I was having. My guess was if I were to have a diary I'd have two of them because I didn't want no one snooping in my business. I was close with Casey now, but not close enough to tell her things that were important to me when I was younger. I looked for another diary and a key that went with it, but found nothing.

I checked the time and didn't realize how long I had spent at my parents. I returned the other diary along with the heart shape charm back in the box and picked it up.

"Mom! I am taking the box home ok. I'll see you and dad tonight at the rehearsal."

"Ok-bye sweetie."

"Thanks for lunch and also be careful and try not to have anymore encounters with mountain lions." Said Jake

"I'll try not to. See you soon."

I drove back home and waited for my guest to arrive. Thankfully I was hosting from our side of the family so I didn't feel to awkward about sharing my home.

When they arrived it was almost time for the rehearsal and then after a celebration dinner at an Italian restaurant that had sentimental meaning for Casey and Kam.

We met up at the place of venue and practiced walking down the isle. I was paired with Kam's older brother and Kelsey was paired with her husband Evan who also just happened to be good friends with Kam.

We were all interconnected some how. Kelsey and I had known each other since junior year and her and Evan were high school sweethearts. Emily was also connected because Evan was her older brother and when I walked into tech school for the first day and saw her sitting there I knew it was destiny and we became close too which created our friend group. Dustin and Hawkeye just randomly came into the mix, but they helped level everything out so there wasn't so much sibling drama.

We all stood at our assigned spots and I watched with envy as I saw Jake walk Casey down the aisle for practice. He looked as if he were about to cry, but he did his best to hold back tears and save them for the wedding itself.

After a few runs we were all starving and the boys were itching for a beer and the girls wine. We all carpooled to the Italian restaurant and began to devour our fill of breadsticks and have endless conversations filled with laughter and bringing two families into one and including our closest friends.

I was talking with Kelsey when I heard Casey sequel in excitement. I looked up and saw her slightly running over to a mysterious girl with dark auburn hair.

"Jenna!"

I watched the two interact and looked Jenna up and down. She was in classy business attire and carrying a very expensive Louis Vuitton purse. I could even smell the expensiveness she possessed from across the table.

Casey and Jenna turned to face the big crowd of us and one by one introduced her to everyone. It would be amazing if she remembered everyones name. Casey got to me.

"You remember Emma." I stood up and walked over to her and embraced her in a hug.

"Of course it's great to see you Emma. You know we never forgot about you."

I was almost stunned by the comment "We" but I didn't push to ask who the "we" was because I had an idea. I just didn't want to also be that dumb 16 year old girl again. Thankfully my mom came over and saved me from the situation and I returned to my seat.

"Who is Jenna?" Asked Kelsey

"An old friend we haven't seen her in years."

"I really like her purse."

I laughed

"I'm sure Casey does too."

I'm not sure what came over me, but I started drinking more. I guess I was trying to mask the fact that Jenna was here and I had a million questions to ask about her brother, but was trying not to because it wasn't about me right now. It was about Casey and Kam.

"Are you ok?" Asked Kelsey

"I'm fine why?"

"Well your attitude change drastically when that girl Jenna came."

I sighed, "Its not her I promise. I've just been going through an internal battle."

"I bet. Your sister s***h best friend is getting married. I remember when Evan and I were getting married Emily was a wreck."

"Its going to be ok."

"Are you going to be ok? Honestly Em I've seen your face during this whole process and your envious. Maybe even jealous, but not in an evil cruel way, but I know you long for companionship. Is there anyone that catches your eye?"

I shook my head no, "I'm fine Kelsey. I promise. One day my Mr. Right will come along. I just want to get through this wedding."

"Ok well I'm here for you if you need anything."

"I appreciate it. You have always been such an amazing friend to me."

"Likewise...do you think she drives a Mercedes? She looks like a Mercedes girl."

I laughed, "Probably."

We ended the night with full bellies and buzzed brains. Kelsey had planned on staying the night with me to help me make breakfast for my out of town guest that were staying with me. I was grateful for the help because I wasn't that great at cooking and I was glad for the company that she brought because it took some of the pressure off of me.

Back at my house my extend family called it a night leaving Kelsey and I in the kitchen to prepare a breakfast menu for the morning.

"I think we should do biscuits and gravy. It will be filling and it's super easy." Suggested Kelsey

"Sounds perfect to me. I know Jake wanted everyone to go out for breakfast, but too many things are going on. I also have some champagne and juice. I'm sure my aunt would enjoy that."

"I would enjoy that. Pregame before the big game." Said Kelsey taking a sip of the wine she had in her hand. I wasn't much of a wine drinker myself. I enjoyed a simple Malibu rum and coke-it was easy to make and made me feel like I was on an island. I was looking at my phone and responding to text messages.

"What time do we have to be at the salon?" She asked

"Probably around 3ish I'm guessing. You and I have to help Casey into her dress. Thankfully the venue has a bridal room so she will get ready in there. She has a girlfriend doing her hair and makeup."

"Where are they going on their honeymoon?"

"I think to Vegas his brother works there and got them a killer deal on a room, but I'm not sure. If Casey would have it her way she'd go to Hawaii."

"Probably because Evan keeps gloating about how we went and Casey is probably jealous."

"Sounds like Casey, I know she was so pissed when I went to Mexico with my nursing friends after graduation."

"Oh yeah I remember that drama. She didn't talk to you for weeks."

"She was mad because she couldn't afford it and I wasn't going to front her the money to pay for it because I was paying for myself, plus I had my mortgage to pay, and wasn't making RN pay yet at work."

"Jeeze, well you've pulled through with the wedding?"

I shook my head, but I wasn't fully invested in the conversation. I was almost distracted and very tired.

"Ok I know that look. What are you not telling me?" She asked

"What?" I laughed trying to hide my guilt

"You are hiding something!"

"No...you'll think I'm crazy if I tell you."

"My sister in law is Emily."

"True."

I was hesitant to tell her, but I began the story of all the weird things that have been happening including the dreams and the scary encounter with the mountain lion and the strange looking wolf that saved me. I told her about how I keep having flash backs of bits of memory from my childhood and Ares, but nothing is making sense and a lot of the past is still missing.

"I was hoping to read from my diary that my mom kept, but I'm pretty sure someone has the original."

"Did you ask your mom?"

"No, but it would be someone who knew about it. Not Casey either."

"Thats why you had two because you'd didn't want Casey snooping into your business?"

I nodded my head.

"Well do you think who ever has your diary is the one doing all these weird things. Why don't you ask Jenna about Ares?"

I shrugged, "I guess I'm afraid to know. I could just be overworked and stressed from the wedding that I am going crazy and Ares is just some washed up fat guy or he's married with a hot wife and kids."

"But what if he isn't."

"I just feel like something is missing. I can't remember s**t because when I was 16 I got sick and my memory was super bad. They ended up moving away a few weeks later."

"Are you afraid of the truth?" She asked me, Kelsey was also good about being honest and asking me hard questions.

"I guess I am. It must have been bad if I can't remember. They talk about people who suffer trauma usually suppress their memory of the situation."

"You think something bad happened other than you getting sick?" She asked

"I don't know what to think honestly. I think maybe my mom knows more then what she is telling me and maybe Casey too, but Casey was so happy to see Jenna so I'm not sure how much she knows or doesn't know. I know my second diary is the key possibly."

"So are you going to ask your mom for the diary? What if she doesn't have it or won't give it up?"

"I guess I'll deal with it after the wedding because I know nothing of this is just going to go away."

"So what if Ares shows up at the wedding Emma? What do you plan on doing then?"

"I don't think he will show. That isn't like him to do that."

"You haven't seen him in how long and you just assume you know him well enough that he won't show up to your sisters wedding?"

I couldn't say anything back, because she had a point.

"Look Emma, I'm not gonna judge your regardless, but say hypothetically he does show up. What is your plan?"

"He won't hypothetical or not, but just to appease you I don't know. I'm banking on him being a washed up fat guy so I can just put this all behind me and move on with my life and maybe actually put some energy into finding Mr. Right."

Kelsey laughed and I started to yawn.

"Ready to call it a night?" I asked

"I guess, this talk was getting good, but I am also tired and dying to try out your bed. I keep telling Evan we need a new one."

I laughed as we walked into my room. I did my nighttime routine and Kelsey did hers next to me since my bathroom had a double sink. My bed was a California King so it was big enough for the both of us. We crawled in with our cozy jammies on and I used the remote to click off the light.

"Oh man I know I am going to sleep good tonight, your sheets are equally as comfy."

"Night" I said

"Good night"

It didn't take long before I heard her labored breathing and little tiny snores, but I was pretty sure that was Chloe as I felt her weight at the foot of my bed. I too was equally as exhausted and knew it wouldn't take long before I too was asleep even with the anxiety of tomorrow rolling around in my head.

"I have something for you."

I gave him another look.

"Its in the glove box."

I removed my hand from his and opened it up. Inside was a tiny velvet box. I opened it up and inside was a very beautiful ring of twisted white gold.

"Its a promise ring."

"Its beautiful."

I took it out of the box and placed it on my finger. It fit perfectly.

"I was going to give it to you sooner, but..."

"I understand. Thank you it's perfect."

The memory woke up and I tried my best to go back to sleep. I was well awake before the alarm I had set. Kelsey was still sound asleep and so was Chloe by the sound of her little snores. I slowly crawled out of bed and put on my slippers and an old sweatshirt I wore in the morning. I opened the door of my bedroom and could hear the sounds of either my aunt or uncle snoring. I made my way to my kitchen and turned on my Keurig. I didn't want to wake anyone up so I crept outside to my front porch with my coffee and a blanket. I sat down on the little chairs I had and watched as what was left of the night sky disappear and the morning light come to life. The coffee was warm and the blanket was soft and cozy. I was thinking so much of my dream or memory that I barely heard the front door open and my Uncle John, my mom's brother, come out with his robe and cup of coffee in his hand.

"Morning Emma, did the snoring wake you?" He asked sitting on the chair next to me

"No," I smiled

"I swear that woman snores like a damn bear and there is no telling her the true about it either. She completely denies it and blames the dog."

"Chloe snores too."

"Not like Helen. God love the poor woman, I have to go sleep in the other room at home. I hope you don't mind if I take residence on your couch tonight. A few cocktails in her and it will shake the whole house."

I laughed, "I'll make sure there are some blankets for you."

"I appreciate it. So why are you up so early? Wedding jitters?"

"I'm not the one getting married."

"True, but your mom said you've been working extra hours at the crazy place and that you paid for your sisters very expensive dress."

"Casey and I went to go pay it off, but it was already taken care of."

"Did you ask your parents?" He asked sipping his coffee

"You know my parents don't have the kind of money and even if they did..." I didn't say much more because my Uncle John knew that my parents would not waste good money on an expensive dress and would use it for practical purchases. "We didn't even bother telling them either."

"Why not?"

"Casey and I didn't want to worry mom."

"Ah I see, well I'm sure your mom and Jake would be understanding if you told them."

"When I was younger did my mom ever mention to you a boy named Ares?"

Uncle John thought for a moment and I watched him as if I could imagine him going deep into the files of his memory in his brain.

"She called me once when you were sick and in the hospital. She told me it was all his fault, Ares, but he was going to fix it."

"Fix what?" I asked

"I guess fix you, I thought she was crazy, but I knew she was desperate."

"Why?"

"Emma? Do you not remember?"

I looked down, "I honestly don't. Everything is and was such a blur. I remember waking up and everyone around me crying with joy."

"Emma...you almost died."

"What, but I thought...I just...how come no one said anything?!" I asked, my heart was beginning to beat rapidly and I could feel as if I was going to hurl up what little coffee I drank, but I knew better. I had to refrain from overreacting, because if I knew my mom well she just trying her best to protect me.

"I thought you knew, but apparently you take after your mom and she didn't want you to worry."

"Did she say anything else about him?"

"After you got better I never heard the name until now. Why are you asking?"

Before I could tell him I heard the door click open and Kelsey popped her head out.

"Oh sorry, I thought you were alone. Chloe was looking for you."

"She probably wants breakfast." I got up from my seat and followed Kelsey inside

"Speaking of breakfast do you girls need help with anything?" Asked my uncle

"How good of a cook are you?" I asked him as he followed behind me.

"Pretty decent for breakfast. Tell me what you need help with and I'll assist you."

Between my Uncle and Kelsey breakfast was a success. I had burnt the first round of sausage so I was on kitchen clean up detail which I honestly didn't mind washing dishes because it was an easy clean up. After the clean up I had gone in and showered. The heat from the water hitting my back felt good. I didn't want to leave it. I closed my eyes and tried to remember anything from my past. From the time that I was in the hospital. A snip it of a memory came-I remember seeing my mom and she looked horrible. I called her by her first name and she came near me holding my hand.

"He's going to make it better baby. I promise."

I opened my eyes and turned off the water and I sat for a moment on the edge of the tub covered in my towel. A knock on my door.

"Emma are you ok?" Asked Kelsey

"I'm ok just finishing up. I'll be out soon."

"Ok. Casey called and she's freaking out because you aren't answering your phone."

"I'll give her a call."

I grabbed my phone and had a few missed calls from Casey other missed calls from my mom. I called Casey first.

"Whats up?" I asked her

"Finally you answer your phone."

"Sorry I was taking a shower."

"You guys aren't at the salon yet?!"

"Casey calm down its 10 as soon as I am done drying my hair Kelsey and I will leave."

"Sorry I didn't mean to freak out. Kam's family are driving me nuts already and I had a nightmare about the dress and I have a zit."

"The dress is safe. Mom is bringing it, nothing I can do about the in laws, but you better adjust quickly because they will be equally as yours as they are his, and where is the zit?"

"Its on my chin."

"I'm sure it's fine. Look seriously let me dry my hair before its unmanageable. Kelsey and I will be there to help you as soon as possible. I cross my heart Casey your wedding will be the talk for a long time."

"Thanks sis, see you soon."

"Bye,"

I texted my mom, but I really needed to dry my hair before it was too late. I told her that I was able to calm Casey down and I'd see her at the venue. She sent me a face kiss emoji and that was that. I blow dried my hair and threw on a pair of black leggings and my 'Maid of Honor' t-shirt. Kelsey had a matching one but hers just said 'bridesmaid', she also wore black leggings. We left my relatives and drove to our favorite coffee place for a much needed pick me up and then drove to the salon.