Page 11 of Boys Like You

Reality sets in as Beth, or Mumma B as the guys call her, sits across from me. The guys were asked to wait outside while we have a chat. For whatever crazy reason, when the guys are around, I feel calm. Maybe it’s because they found me, or they were the first people I saw when I woke up.

“I see the boys went a bit crazy with the new clothes,” she says, pointing to my numerous shopping bags.

“I didn’t ask them to buy me stuff if that’s what you’re thinking,” I blurt out defensively. I don’t know why I’m defensive, she hasn’t accused me of anything. Maybe it’s a part of the person I’m forgetting, maybe that me was a person who had to defend her actions constantly.

“I didn’t think that at all, JD, I know how caring and generous they can be. I’ve known them a long time.” I arch my brow at her, she is a good-looking woman for her age, she would have to be close to fifty, her brown hair pulled into a braid, the front slightly greying. Her brown slacks and white blouse make her look older.

“Is that the only reason you want to take me, because of them?” Again with the defensive attitude.

“I take in lots of kids for various reasons. Marlene called me to see if I would take you because of the boys – she feels they may be too much for another carer to handle, and I agree with her. Unless them being around is too much for you?”

“No,” I quickly throw out. “I like them being around, they take my mind off everything.”

“I can understand that,” she says softly.

“Is it weird that I feel connected to them after only two days? Should I be freaked out?” I watch for her reaction. Does she feel an overpowering need to have a relationship with them like I do?

“Everyone reacts differently after some type of trauma. I’ve seen plenty in my time, though memory loss like yours is a first. I have had some who have blocked out certain events in their lives, though. It’s only early days for you. And I will be here through the whole process.” She reaches out to touch my hand, I pull my hand away.

“I-I’m…” I stutter. “I’m sorry, touching is too much.” My chest goes tight, my breathing erratic, and my head spins. There is some commotion in the room, a hand touches my shoulder. I buck the hand off causing pain to radiate through my whole body. I gasp for breath, the pain so bad.

“MOVE,” a voice booms, pushing his way into the room.

“It’s okay, JD, just breathe slowly and focus on my voice.” The rasp in his voice makes me aware Mercer is in the room. “Everything is going to be fine, we will go to Mumma B’s and get you settled in. If you want, we can stay for dinner; Mumma B makes a killer meat loaf.” My breathing evens out and the tightness in my chest eases. My surroundings become clear. Beth, the doctor and the rest of the guys are standing watching me. Tears fall down my face, unable to hold them in.

“JD, I think you just had an anxiety attack, most likely associated with your memory loss. You may also get feelings of being detached from yourself, your perception of things may become distorted or unreal. I have emailed a therapist to go over everything with you in detail. I didn’t want to throw everything at you at once. I have given Beth some scripts for medication if you need it for the anxiety, also sleeping meds in case you keep getting nightmares.” I just nod at him; my head still spins. I do feel detached from myself.

“I have forwarded the referral to Lena Davis, her office should be in contact with you, Beth, in the next few days to set up an appointment. And JD, just take it easy; you did have signs of a concussion when you came in. Any headaches or dizziness, come back to the emergency room. Your ribs will be sore for a good week or two, and your face should be back to normal in about two weeks.” I notice Maximus is taking down notes and shows a piece of paper to Beth.

“Maximus has a good question; what time did JD last have pain meds?” Beth asks the doctor.

“Endone is due before bed, ibuprofen and Panadol are fine anytime from now,” he says, looking over my file.

After the doctor leaves, Mercer picks up a bag and hands it to me. Inside is a low-cut black and white pair of converse. Apparently, I am a size seven. I think Mr Cole should be a personal shopper – he picked clothes for me just from the boys’ description of me. When it’s time to leave, Beth pulls the boys aside, asking Levi and Maximus to go to the chemist and pick up the scripts. They don’t even bat an eyelid when she asks, they just take the scripts, refuse her money and go off to run the errands.

“Okay boys, grab JD’s things and help me load them in the car. The kids are excited to meet you.” I freeze. I didn’t know there would be others at the house… and kids. Do I like kids? Gauging from my reaction, I don’t think I do.

“Kids?” I don’t want to over react; little people shouldn’t be a problem.

“Yes. Damien, Dawson and Emmy,” she says. The boys are loaded with bags and ready to go. Rocky speaks up as we reach the hallway.

“Kids are horrible noisy little things.” Good, so it isn’t only me.

“Children make Rocky uncomfortable; their energy spikes his,” Beth adds.

“The thought of them makes me feel weird,” I admit.

“You will have your own space and they won’t bother you. I’m sure the boys will be over to keep you company.” She looks at Mercer and smiles. Clearly she knows they will be by my side. The thought causes a weird feeling in my gut. Good or bad, I’m not sure yet.

“I had a breakthrough with Damien,” Mercer tells Beth. “He has had it out for me since we met,” he adds with a crooked smile.

“I noticed that.” She laughs. “I just wanted to see how you both would react. You have come a long way, Merce. I’m proud of you.” Mercer looks at me and back to Beth.

“I wouldn’t get ahead of yourself just yet,” he adds.

Beth chuckles as we make our way outside, the walk slow. She tells us to wait by the loading zone and she will pull her car around. Rocky is standing on the metal bench seat by the loading zone, balancing on the back support, holding two of the bags. Mercer stands beside me shaking his head.

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