Page 55 of One Foggy Christmas
I immediately start crying, overcome with raw emotion. “Autumn!”
“Don’t cry. Don’t cry.”
But I can hear in her voice that she’s crying too.
Autumn Cassidy has been with me since kindergarten. She’s my ride-or-die. Even a cross-country move so she could attend UCLA couldn’t separate us. I remember being tight all the way up to losing my memory and hope I haven’t pushed her away the last three years like I did with everybody else in my life.
Thirty seconds of unintelligible conversation go by as we try to calm ourselves.
Autumn is the first to be successful. “I was honestly just calling to get an update from Nash. He’s been filling me in the past month.”
“Wait.” I wipe my tears on the bed sheets as I sit up. “You know Nash?”
“Of course I know Nash. I was there when you married him.”
“But I thought I eloped.”
“If you call a private wedding in Moorea, Tahiti eloping.”
I’ve always dreamed about going to Moorea. I can’t believe I actually made it happen and got married there. It’s the first thing I’ve heard from the last three years that I actually like.
“So you were the only one at the wedding?”
“No, Lindy was there too.”
“I don’t know who Lindy is.” My head drops into my hands. “Autumn, I can’t remember anything after college graduation. I don’t remember moving to Chicago, falling in love with Nash, or breaking up with Stetson. It doesn’t feel like my life. Just some story about someone else that people keep telling me.”
“I know.” Her voice is solemn. “It’s terrible, Sades.”
“I just assumed I pushed you away too. Did I? Please tell me we’re still friends.”
“We’re still close. I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you woke up. I flew in right after the accident but had to go back to California for work. I work at SeaWorld.”
“What!” My hand flies to my heart. “That’s been your dream job since forever!”
“I know! You freaked out last year when it happened, but it’s kind of fun celebrating it with you again. And”—she squeals a little—“Silas proposed to me over Thanksgiving!”
My mouth drops open. “I don’t know who Silas is, but?—”
“You do, and you love him!”
“So I approve?”
“Wholeheartedly.”
“Then, congratulations!” Tears fill my eyes again. “I’m so happy for you.”
“You’ll meet Silas sometime.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Now, this phone call isnotabout me. How are you holding up?”
“I think I’m still in shock just trying to process everything.”
“I heard your family is there. How has that been?”
Why wouldn’t they be here? I’m their daughter.
