19 Chapter 19

I pretended to fall asleep during our ride home. Lorenzo held my hand throughout the whole ride. The only time he let go of my hand was when we arrived at Rodrigo's place. He gently carried me out of the car, and into the house. Diego offered to carry me to my room, and he wished Lorenzo a happy night rest.

I heard Rodrigo sending his greetings to Lorenzo, at the same time offering to walk him out.

Diego arrived at my room, and he gently placed me on my bed. He pulled down my side zip attached to my dress, and he took off my accessories.

Jana walked in soon and asked if I had returned, and Diego responded. He also pleaded with her to help me out of my dress, and into some light or any of my night wears.

Diego then exited the room, and he left me alone with Jana.

Jana took off my clothes cautiously, trying not to rip it. When she was done, she stepped out. Not long after her departure, Diego returned. I knew it was him because he returned to ensure Jana tucked me in properly.

He kissed my forehead and pulled back some strands of my hair.

"Happy night rest sis" he whispered into my ear before he left.

I remained on my bed, and fell asleep soon after.

I woke up the next day. The sun peeped through my window, and its light got in my eyes.

"Morning already" I muttered

I got out of bed and did my morning routines; brush my teeth, tidy up my room, engage in a 15minute work out before my bath, and then go down for breakfast.

"Good morning" I said as I walked into the dining room.

Rodrigo was gulping down some tea, he looked like he was in a hurry.

"Morning Elena" everyone said

"Good morning aunt Elena" the little ones said

"Good morning" I responded smiling.

"Are you ready? You both don't want to run late to school." Rodrigo said

"Okay darlings, off to school. Be good okay" Jana said kissing her children goodbye.

Rodrigo and Jana exchanged kisses, before he hugged me goodbye.

Diego on the other hand continued with his breakfast, and I took my seat opposite him.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked

"Yes I did...what about you?" I responded

"I slept well too....Elena, we need to talk. Do you have any plans today?" Diego said

"No I don't" I answered

"I'm off to work too. You're free to prepare what you wish for lunch. I'll be back by 4pm later today. Bye guys" Jana informed and she left.

Diego continued with his food, and I watched him eat.

"Aren't you hungry...make something" he suddenly said.

"Y-Yes" I said nervously. I immediately prepared my breakfast and returned to the table.

Diego was already done with his breakfast by the time I was done making mine.

"What did you want us to talk about?" I asked

"Finish your breakfast" Diego said.

"I'm done" I suddenly said.

I only had a slice of toast and a cup of tea.

"Seriously" he said

"Yeah" I responded

"By the way...how was dinner yesterday?" he asked

"Dinner was nice" I answered

"I heard you had ARROS CUBANO for dinner" he said.

"Yes...wait how did you know?"

"Never mind that, down to business. How was lunch with Arthur yesterday?" he asked

"Lunch was fine too" I answered

"Elena" he called softly "Why did you agree to lunch with Arthur, or...what do you actually see in Arthur?"

"What do you mean?" I asked

"I mean...why him?" he asked

"Why him, how?" I asked again

"Don't you understand me?" he began to sound frustrated "Why do you want to get back to him so badly?"

"I don't want to talk about this anymore please" I said

"Alright then, but if he hurts you again, this time...it's your fault." Diego said "You can leave"

I rose from my seat and headed back to my room, just thinking about what Diego had just asked.

I still don't understand.

What really happened between Arthur and I?

We broke up because we had to go our own separate ways.

At least, that's his side of his story...and I believe him.

I sat on my bed and I placed my head in my hands. I needed to remember.

Not just Lorenzo....but everything else...the missing 8years of my life.

Remember please....remember....Elena please, at least try.

I kept chanting those words in my head. I shut my eyes tightly trying to remember so hard until my head began to hurt. It hurt, and it continued to hurt still, but I ignored the pain.

I saw flashes of a lightning strike and me falling to the ground.

I screamed Diego's name once or twice, I felt I needed him instantly. If only i knew that the part I saw myself falling to the ground was actually what happened at that moment.

I felt light headed, and my body hurt from pain I couldn't relate with. I heard my name several times, but I couldn't respond.

I opened my eyes at some point, and I saw two young men dressed like nurses rushing me somewhere. I shut them again, and when I opened my eyes again, all I heard were beeping sounds. Beeping sounds which only helped after and faster. I shut my eyes again, and when I opened it again, I was in the same hospital ward I recovered from my lightning accident.

I looked around and I saw Diego next to me.

He looked worried.

"Diego" I whispered

I tried to seat up, but my body objected to my movements.

"No Elena, just stay down okay" Diego said softly

"My head hurts Diego" I said in a low tone.

"I know. That's why you need to rest some more." he said softly "I'll go inform the nurse you're up"

"Don't leave me by myself please" I said softly "The nurse will come soon...don't leave please"

He stared at me for a moment, and a smile formed around his lips. "Alright sis...I'll stay"

He sat back on his seat and he held my hand till I fell back to sleep.

The next time I woke up, I was in my room.

My hand felt warm and I thought Diego never let go of it.

I looked to my hand only to find Lorenzo with his head resting on my bed, holding my hand. His grip was tight, and I seemed he was asleep. I tried to free my hand, but I ended up waking him up.

"Elean" he called softly. "How do you feel?"

"My head still hurts, but not as much as before." I answered "What happened?"

"Well, according to what Diego told me, you stressed your mind. Where you trying to remember anything?" he asked

"Yes" I answered

"Why?" he suddenly said "The doctors said your memories would return, you just need time." he said

He had that same look Diego had on his face the last time I woke up.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked

"Like what?" he asked

"That look...concerned...worried...scared, mostly sympathetic. Please stop it, I'm fine." I said

"I'm sorry if my sorry if my facial expression bothers you, but seeing you hurt or in this condition bothers me." he said

"I'm not dying Lorenzo and I won't die, stop please" I said annoyed

"I never said you were dying, neither did I say you were going to die. But what led you to this condition has its consequences. The doctor stopped by earlier and informed us all that you mustn't strain your mind anymore, it has serious consequences..."

"Consequences like what?" I asked interrupting him.

"Consequences more than mere brain damages. Remember that your amnesia came as a result of falling victim to two lightning strikes, which in turn caused damages to the brain structures that form the limbic system, which also controls your emotions and memories..." Lorenzo explained

"Yes and very true, you're well informed young man..." a young man said walking into the room. I recognised him from the hospital.

He was the doctor that attended to me.

"These structures include the thalamus, which lies within the centre of the brain, the hippocampal formations, which are situated within the temporal lobes of your brain."

"Well....can it be cured?" I asked

"Mmmmm....in most cases yes. Amnesia resolves itself without treatment. But if an underlying physical or mental disorder is present, treatment may be needed. In your case, I would advise you to avoid recalling the memories that have been forgotten, and avoid stressing the mind as well. If such repeats itself, I would have to recommend Psychotherapy." The doctor explained

It's quite funny how I understood every word he said.

"I heard hypnosis works as well" Lorenzo said

"Yes, its quite effective. But if she sticks to the advice I just gave to her, we won't have to go for the options mentioned earlier." the doctor said

"Directly from the horse's mouth, Elena hope you got all that?" A voice spoke from behind the doctor.

The doctor turned round, and he made way for the person to walk in.

It was Rodrigo. His hands were folded, and he wasn't looking so happy.

"Thank you doctor for your time and help" Rodrigo said.

The doctor and Eodrigo exchanged hand shakes.

"You're welcome. Elena, take good care of yourself. I'll be back later this evening to check up on you again. Farewell." the doctor said.

"Thank you doctor" we all said

"I'll walk you out" Rodrigo said to the doctor, and they both left the room.

"Are you hungry?" Lorenzo asked

"Yeah, what's breakfast?" I asked and Lorenzo laughed

"What's funny?" I asked

"Its actually lunch time." he answered

"Seriously!"

"Yeah, the doctor comes here three times a day to check up on you. This was his second time." Lorenzo explained

"How long was I out?" I asked

"Today makes it a week actually. Thankfully, you responded to treatment quickly" Lorenzo answered

"One week!"

"Don't bother yourself about all that. The most important thing is that you're up, and you're feeling better. Jana is busy preparing lunch in the kitchen, and Diego is assisting her..."

I honestly wanted to ask after Diego

"....I'll go check up on them. Do you need anything in the mean time?"

"Maybe a glass of water and my phone please" I answered

"Alright" Lorenzo said and he left

Few minutes later, Lorenzo returned with a tray. A glass of water and a bunch of bananas were carried on the tray. Next to them was my phone.

Lorenzo placed them on a stool next to my bed.

"I guess lunch won't be ready anytime soon." Lorenzo informed

I guess the banana was to sustain me till lunch got ready.

Lorenzo helped me seat up, and I gulped down water immediately.

I reached for the banana to eat, but Lorenzo didn't eat.

"Aren't you eating?" I asked

"No...I brought them for you. They are yours." he answered

"Alright, since they are mine, I wish to share them with you. I alone can't eat all this myself" I said

Lorenzo placed his head in his hands. I looked closer to him and I realhe was laughing.

"What's funny?" I asked smiling

"Nothing" he answered smiling back in return.

"Alright then have a banana" I said handing him a finger.

He took it from me, and we began to eat. We laughed and said some terrible dry jokes. After some time, I requested to lay down.

Lorenzo immediately put the tray aside and he helped me down. He then took off his shoes, and he lay next to me. He unlocked his iPad, and we both watched some funny videos on you tube.

A rap knock on my door interrupted us and Lorenzo got up to answer it.

He opened the door and Jana walked in with a tray.

"Something smells nice." I said and she laughed

"You mean lunch right? How are you feeling? Sorry for the delay, Diego was delayed by traffic. His wife came visiting, and she stayed for 4days. He went to drop her off at the airport, and on his way back, he branched at the food market." Jana said softly

"No problem, I understand." I said "Wait! Did you say his wife came to visit, and I unconscious throughout her stay" I said

"Yes" Jana answered

Damn it- I cursed internally.

I wished to see her.

"How is she?" I asked

"She's doing well" Jana answered

Jana dished out my food and she served me. Lorenzo had already helped me seat up. The food looked delicious.

"You aren't from our side, but you prepare our food well. Where did you learn to prepare them?" I asked

"Internet" she simply answered