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The kitchen filled with more laughter, and the conversation shifted into talking about how much hot sauce TJ had added to the chili. Too much, if you asked me. Not enough, if you asked Matteo and his Hispanic roots.
“So, you think you could do it?” Bryce asked during a lull in the conversation.
I shrugged, swirling my spoon around the empty bowl and thinking. “I don’t know. I feel like I need to try though.”
ChapterFour
MONICA
Iloved my small group from church more than I ever thought possible. When I signed up to join a group four years ago, I thought it would be awkward to sit around and eat with strangers and talk about the Bible together. And at first, it was. Then, I began to look forward to our weekly meetings. I quickly became close with Mandy Pike, who hosted the group, and Carla, one of the other single women in the group.
I loved knowing that I had people praying for me and who knew what was going on in my life. I wasn’t surprised when the group text chimed shortly after I came home from the hospital.
Mandy: We’re so glad you’re home. I’m bringing some meals for your family later tonight.
Carla: I’ve got Thursday night!
Jake: Are we still meeting on Monday? I think I’m hosting this week.
I did a double take at the name on the contact list. Jake Barrett was a contact in my phone? And why was he on the small group text chain?
I pulled up a separate text message to Mandy and Carla. They knew I didn’t remember the last six months, but the rest of the group hadn’t been told yet.
Monica: Since when is Jake in our small group?
Mandy: I’m sorry. I didn’t even realize you wouldn’t remember that. He joined at Thanksgiving. Garrett had been inviting him for months before that.
Carla: Is that a big deal? You guys seem like friends.
I didn’t know how to respond. I had barely talked to Jake in my life. Not, like, really talked. I knew him. He knew me. Well, he knew my brother.
I’d even had a crush on him early in my twenties, but I wouldn’t call us friends.
Monica: I don’t know. I barely know him.
I flipped back to the larger group text.
Monica: I’m excited to meet up with everyone. Thanks for the meals. You all don’t have to do that.
In response, Carla sent a little video clip that said “I do what I want.”
Derek: We’ve missed you, Monica! Anything specific we can pray for now that you’re home?
I started typing and then erased it. I wasn’t sure I was ready for the entire group to know I had lost six months of memories, but I wanted to share. These were my people, the ones I shared my life with.
Well, except Jake. Jake felt like he was outside my circle. It felt weird, which was the reason I was hesitating. I didn’t want the entire town knowing that I was still broken.
Then I sighed. Knowing Bryce, he had probably told him anyway. Those two were thick as thieves.
Monica: I’m mostly pain free, so that’s great. Please pray I get my memories back. I don’t remember the last six months.
I hesitated, then hit send, waiting for the conversation to erupt.
Derek: Seriously? Six months?
Garrett: When’s your next MRI? Is it swelling related? Who is your neurologist?
I rolled my eyes. Leave it to the physician to go directly to medical questions.
