Forever And A Day

Chapter 7

*10 year later*

“So Davina, today is your last day here at the diner, how are you feeling?” Kevin asked.

*Sigh* “I don’t know, it’s really bittersweet. Like, of course, I didn’t want to do this for the rest of my life, but, it’s scary going into something new that is unknown.”

I was able to land an opportunity that is amazing but also helpful and life-changing for people. I am now going to become an Engagement Coordinator for Trade Education Center College. I have been working at the diner as a waitress now for the past 7 years and, during that time, I took advantage to further myself with education. I got my BS in Psychology because I have grown into a passion for mental health, especially with facing my own struggles.

I don’t remember anything from 10 years ago. I can’t explain why it’s like a darkness has fallen over my mind and I don’t know what happened. The doctors told me that I have dissociative amnesia. Apparently, I was in some sort of accident that caused me some damage to my brain and other organs. When I was rushed to the hospital, they said I did not have the greatest chance of surviving but by some miracle, I survived.

*Flashback 1st year*

“Well Davina, after looking into some tests and from the psychotherapy sessions and your CT scans, it seems like the final conclusion is you have dissociative amnesia”, Dr. Klein said.

“W…what is that?”

“To put it simply, you suffered a trauma or stress that has caused your brain to block out physical memories. There is a chance over some more therapy and treatment we can possibly get your memory back but there is also the chance it may not.”

My eyes began to water. How is it that I don’t know who I am? I woke up in the hospital unaware of what had happened. I was told that I was very lucky to be alive. I don’t feel lucky, I honestly feel empty. Like a part of me is missing. In a sense, it’s true, because I don’t know who I am, but even more so, my mind is too quiet. Dr. Klein mentioned to me that it will be a struggle to get adjusted to having a conscience. You know that voice, that is your head? First time I heard it, I freaked because I didn’t know what it was. I thought I was being possessed by something or someone. I began banging my head on the table in the room I was staying in and it took 3 nurses to strap me down and sedate me.

“Davina, you alright?” Dr. Klein breaking me out of my thoughts

“Yeah, sorry I was just thinking.”

“Tell me, what’s on your mind?”

“Well…how is this something you can recover from? I don’t know who I am or where I’m from. I’m just a shell of a person at this point.”

“I can understand your feelings of concern and I am hoping that continuing psychotherapy can give you back your life. Look at the progress you made with physical therapy. Don’t lose out on hope.”

He’s right, during physical therapy, I had to learn to walk, read, write, simple tasks as in eating, changing myself, using the bathroom etc. It has been an emotional roller coaster but, I was able to accomplish that in a short time.

“Who knows, this maybe an opportunity to have a complete new start for you. There are endless possibilities out there.”

With him saying that, I felt this overwhelming feeling of warmth inside me that gave me some much comfort. I began to feel that sense of happiness that I had read and heard about. For the first time ever, I smiled at Dr. Klein.

*End of flashback*

“How do you think it’s going to play out working at a college? That sounds really professional and intense,” Kevin said.

“It is but, I think I am ready to face the challenge.”

“I’m sure Steve is out there keeping tabs.”

The sound of his name gave me that gut-wrenching feeling of sadness, but, I won’t show it.

“I don’t know, he left so I can’t speak for him.”

Kevin has been my closest friend I have made her at the diner. He was probably the only person that didn’t treat me like I was a basket case or easily broken person. He made me feel normal compared to others. He is probably the only person that knows almost everything about me. After years of treatment at an outpatient facility, I was moved into a group home where people like myself gain the chance to start over and from there, when they’re ready, they can go further into something. They recommended me to a program that is offered by the county I am currently living in offers those suffering from mental health with job placement and school programs.

I took the opportunity and got my job here, finished my GED since I have no record of my previous education, and enrolled in college. It was all new and I doubted myself so much, but I took the challenge and was able to accomplish so much in a short amount of time. I also met Steve; the guy I could say I was in love with.

*Flashback 4th year*

“Aye Vina! That guy there has been staring at you since he walked in. Need me to say something?”

I was confused as to what Kevin was talking about. He was standing looking through the expediting window shooting daggers at this man that was simply staring at me with a smile. Kevin has always been protective of me, especially since he knows my history. Anytime there was a weirdo or hard customer I was dealing with; he would take the initiative to help them or escort them out.

I was very thankful to have a friend like him and I know he’s just trying to keep me safe but, by the looks of this man, he was so gorgeous I didn’t mind him looking at all.

“Hey Kevin, it’s okay.”

“Are you sure? He's even starting to give me the creeps.”

I laughed and decided to make my way over to him. I approached the booth and saw him put both his hands on the table.

“Welcome, my name is Davina, and I am going to be your server today. Can I get you started with something to drink?”

“Davina, that is a beautiful name. Who named you?” He asked.

“Oh…Um I’m not sure.” I responded.

I looked at his face, he seemed to look 25 years old. He had light brown hair that almost resembled golden. His hazel green eyes were so beautiful that I was able to get lost in them. His face looked like it was formed by the gods and just by him sitting, you could see he was fit and tall. My breath was getting caught in my throat, because I was now intimidated just by his good looks.

“Am I making you nervous?” He asked.

“Uh…yes in a way.”

“How so?”

“Because you are probably the most beautiful person I have ever seen.” I admitted, with a blush on my face.