SHAWN’S POV
He got home and surprisingly, dinner was already served.
“You are back.” She said, immediately he got inside the sitting room.
“Yes, I am. I got you something.” He said, handing her a box.
“Wow! This is nice. How did you know I love Godiva chocolates?” She asked, already opening the box.
“Actually, I didn’t know. I just followed my instincts.” Shawn replied.
“That was thoughtful of you. Dinner is served. Just go upstairs and freshen up then come down to eat.” She said, already munching the chocolates.
“Thank you.” Shawn replied, and walked upstairs.
He got to his room and freshened up, after which he changed into something comfortable before heading back downstairs.
“Thank you for making dinner.” He said, as they sat eating their dinner of chicken and Waffles.
“You are welcome.” She replied.
“And this tastes nice.” He added.
“Thank you. That reminds me, I was chosen as a student delegate to go and visit a sick school staff member in the hospital.” Tiffany said.
“Is that so? That’s nice.” Shawn said, not knowing what to say.
Everything just felt new to him. They were almost acting like couples, preparing and having meals together, telling each other about their day and it scared the hell out of him. Commitment scared him and he was afraid that he was getting committed.
“We will be going tomorrow. Judy felt I should tell you.” Tiffany said.
“Thank you for telling me.” Shawn said, at a loss of what to say.
After that, dinner became a quiet affair. They didn’t say a word to each other until they were done eating.
“Don’t bother with the plates. I will clear everything.” She said as she stopped him from taking his plates to the kitchen.
“Thank you.” Shawn muttered and sat back.
He watched her from his peripheral view as she cleared the table, and took the plates to the kitchen.
She returned a few minutes later to announce she was going to bed. “I will be going to bed now. I have to read for a while before sleeping.” She said.
“Good night, then.” Shawn said.
“Yeah, good night. And thank you for the chocolates.” She said, raising the box.
Shawn doesn’t know why, but he felt lonely as she left. The whole place felt lonely and empty without her presence and Perfume filling up the atmosphere.
He sighed in frustration as he turned on the television to watch News.
TIFFANY’S POV
The next morning, by the time she got downstairs, Shawn was already having Tea and bread for breakfast.
“Good morning. You beat me to it today.” She said cheerfully as she walked into the kitchen to make herself the same thing he was having.
“How is your finger?” She asked, returning to the dinning room. She noticed he had taken off the bandage.
“It is healing.” He replied curtly.
Tiffany was taken aback by his tone, but decided to ignore it and probe further. “I see you have taken off the bandage.” She said.
“Obviously, yes. It is making me uncomfortable and drawing a lot of attention.” He answered.
“I see. Sorry about that.” Tiffany said, still surprised at his attitude that morning.
“I need to set things right, we are not an item and I don’t think we would ever be. This was strictly a marriage of convenience, and I don’t want it digressing to something else. And by something else, I mean falling in love and getting emotionally attached to each other.” Shawn suddenly said.
Tiffany’s mouth hung open in shock, as the words rolled out of his mouth.
“I…I don’t understand.” Tiffany stammered.
“I believe you are smart, so you shouldn’t have any issue whatsoever in assimilating what I just said.” He said, and walked to the kitchen with his mug and plate.
“Have a nice day.” He said when he returned to the dinning room, and with that, he picked up his briefcase on the chair.
Tiffany stared after him in shock. Can he ever change? Judy when she was thinking he had a good aspect to him, boom! He shows his old self again. Why was she saying that? His real self. Shawn Gold can never be nice voluntarily.
She snorted in disbelief. So he mistook her kindness for love and emotional attachment? She accepted she was warming up to him, but it was definitely not love.
“Arrogant jerk!” She cussed as she stood up and took her plates to the kitchen. She left them unwashed and hurried out. She was running late for school.
She got to school, and met the students’ delegates and a few staff, waiting by the school’s bus.
“You are late!” Freya whispered as she joined the rest in waiting. It happened that they were all waiting for Mrs Campbell.
“I know, right? It wasn’t intentional, though.” She whispered back.
Mrs Campbell soon arrived and they all got into the bus, and drove out headed for the hospital.
They got to the hospital and were led to the room Mr Derek was in. They got into the room and met Detective Copler talking to a doctor.
“Oh! You are here already.” Detective Copler said as he saw them.
“Yes, we are. Good morning, Detective Copler.” Mrs Campbell greeted.
“Good morning, Ma. I was talking to the doctor about Mr Derek’s health and how long his recovery will take. We need him in sound health to be able to tell us what happened that day. Without him, our investigation has no tangible lead.” Detective Copler said.
“That’s true. So Doctor, what recovery process does he have to go through and how long will it take?” Mrs Campbell asked.
“Okay. Like I said to Detective Copler here. There are several different treatments that may be used to help a person with organic amnesia. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. The essence of these treatments is to help the person regain their memory and learn how to function independently. In some cases, medications like cholinesterase inhibitors or anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary from person to person. So, we would try all on him and see the ones he responds to positively.” The Doctor explained.
“Thank you, Doctor. Anyways, my students, staff and I are here to see Mr Derek and present our get well soon gifts to him.” Mrs Campbell said.
“That’s fine. He is awake but has his eyes closed. You can speak to him. And please, don’t try to force him to remember anything by asking him triggering questions. I will take my leave now.” The Doctor said and walked out of the room.
“Hi, Mr Derek.” Mrs Campbell said, walking to the bed to stand beside him. Others followed suit.
Mr Derek slowly opened his eyes. “Who are you?” He asked.
“My name is Mrs Campbell. Your boss at work.” Mrs Campbell said, smiling in understanding.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t remember you.” Mr Derek said.
“I understand. I and some staff and students of Shine high school are here to see you and wish you a quick recovery.” Mrs Campbell explained.
“That’s nice of you all. I’m sorry I don’t remember or recognize any of you.” Mr Derek said in a sad tone.
“You don’t have to beat yourself up. It’s not your fault. So, guys, please, present your gifts to Mr Derek now.” Mrs Campbell said and dropped hers on the table. “Get well soon.” She said and made a way for others to present theirs.
Everyone Walked up to bed and said a getwellsoon wish or two, before dropping their gifts and then making way for the next person.
They were soon done, including Tiffany, and they all bid him goodbye before leaving.
As they drove back to school, Tiffany could not help but imagine herself in Mr Derek’s shoes. Losing her memory and not recognizing her family, friends and loved ones. She shuddered at the scary thought and immediately looked out the window to get rid of it.