AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Way to bring my mood down, Pippa.
“She did. It’s not common for dissociative amnesia to last this long and not be permanent. But it’s not unheard of.”
Pippa’s silent for a beat before she slowly nods. “Memory or not, you should talk to Jesse. You need to know what happened.”
I open my mouth to respond but she cuts me off.
“Afteryou’ve spoken to Gretchen. Take today to rest and explore this beautiful city. I’ve blocked out my calendar for sister time this afternoon, so we can have some fun. Book an appointment with your therapist, talk things through, and see what she says.”
I almost gasp because Pippa’s usually the first to choose the out-there idea route—fake dating, anyone—but this time, she’s making a sensible suggestion.
Disappointment fills me but I nod with a fake smile. “Yeah, I guess I can do that.”
***
I manage to get an after-hours therapy appointment for that evening instead of waiting the two days for my scheduled one, because it turns out, the fact I remembered something is actually a big deal.
So, after spending the morning on Pippa’s balcony, watching the world frantically go by, I’m ready to check out her life, knowing there’s nothing else I can do before tonight.
“Where should we go first?” Pippa asks as she reapplies her blush. “We’ve got the wharf, the bridge, Alcatraz…” She trails off when she looks my way and laughs at my confused expression.
“What’s that look for? What did you expect me to do? Take you shopping?”
“Honestly, yes. I thought you’d take me to your favorite shops, favorite restaurant for dinner, maybe even your favorite bar.”And I’m not sure I’m in the mood for any of those things.
Pippa laughs again. “Oh, I definitely have plans for all that.Afterwe get the touristy things out of the way. This is your first time in a big city. I want you to see the sights.”
“Okay.” I smile genuinely. Distraction can’t hurt. “I’ve always been intrigued by Alcatraz.”
“Perfect. I’ve actually never been there.”
“What?” I gawk, completely baffled.
“I never really got around to doing that stuff.”
My head tilts to the side as I think that through. But rather than asking any questions, I just go with it. Pippa and I are very different individuals. I shouldn’t be surprised that she skipped all those things for herself. I should be grateful she’s suggesting them now, even though it’s of no interest to her.
So, after a quick thank you, we plan our day and off we go.Please let this work.
We’re all smiles as we step off the boat, but we’re both a little frazzled. Alcatraz was an experience. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but what I got wasn’t it. What I do know is there’s no chance I’d go back there at night; it’s definitely haunted.
But it did help to take my mind off things.
When we arrive at the pier, though, I’m happy that it’s exactly how I pictured it based on the images I’ve seen, and I absolutely love it.
I feel like I’m in the middle of a film set, a romantic movie, about to meet the love of my life. At least, I do until a group of kids run past and almost knock me over on their way to the arcade area. It makes me wonder if San Francisco residents visit here, or if all these people are outsiders like me.
It makes me think about my life.
One day it would be nice to find my place, to finally belong, and I hate that I don’t even feel that way in the only place I’ve ever called home.
“What about taffy? I can’t remember if you’ve tried it or like it,” Pippa says, interrupting my thoughts as we walk.
“Huh?” My face scrunches.
“Taffy? Do you want some taffy?”
“Oh, yes.” I smile. “I’d love some.”
