Page 23 of The Beast

Names are fired at me and places I’ve supposedly been, but nothing sounds familiar.

It’s so frustrating, especially because it’s obvious he wants me to remember so badly, which surprises me.

I love the soft way he smiles and the gentle touches he makes before pulling back when I shrink away. I can tell it hurts him, but I don’t want to be touched. I can’t explain it.

My brother returns and brings me clothes, make-up and magazines. There are flowers from names that mean nothing to me. There are so many they even spill out onto the ward outside. I have been allocated a private room apparently, which I’m happy about.

After a few more days, I am discharged and as I walk between the two men who have stayed with me throughout this whole experience, I’m nervous for a very different reason.

Where are we going? Do I have a home? Will I remember it when I’m there?

To my surprise, we are met outside the hospital by a fleet of black shiny cars. Men stand waiting like a guard of honor, dressed in black with dark shades covering their eyes.

I stare around me in shock and Alessandro whispers, “Relax, this is normal.”

“For you maybe.” I blink as I take it all in and as a man holds a door open for me, I’m almost afraid to step inside.

Alessandro sits beside me on one side and Angelo on the other and as the door slams and we follow the car in front, I whisper, “What’s going on?”

Angelo takes my hand and squeezes it reassuringly. “The hospital told us we had to take you somewhere familiar.”

“To my home.”

“No.”

“Then where?”

Angelo sighs heavily. “Unfortunately, your home has been destroyed and there is nothing left of it. The home we lived in as children has been rebuilt. There are no memories here that would trigger anything, so we have arranged for you to spend the next few months on vacation instead.”

“Vacation?”

That was the last thing I expected to hear, and Alessandro takes my other hand and says softly, “To Italy. To my home.”

“But why?”

He flinches a little and I see an emotion in his eyes that confuses me.

“Because you are safe there and because it’s the perfect place to recuperate.”

“Will you be coming too?” I stare hopefully at my brother, and he nods, the strangest expression flitting across his face.

“I will be there for a few days, no more. My wife will meet us at the airport, so you will have some female company to enjoy.”

“Your wife? Do I know her?”

I can’t believe what I’m hearing, and Angelo shakes his head. “No, you’ve only met once.”

“Why?”

I’m so confused because why would I not be part of their lives if he’s my twin brother?

“Does she hate me?” I’m almost afraid of the reply and Angelo shakes his head. “Of course not. Nobody could ever hate you.”

“Then why does it feel as if I’ve done something wrong all the time?”

The men beside me tense and I wonder what they’re not telling me. It’s so hard trying to remember. I don’t recognize anyone, not even myself, and I’m so alone. I’m hating every minute of it and yet something is telling me I’m safe with the two most scary men I have ever met. Not that I remember meeting any. It’s as if I was born a few days ago in the hospital and have yet to live my life.

I’m surprised when we pull into a private airfield and see a sleek aircraft waiting. “What’s this?”

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