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Something Fishy

Amnesia

It's truly amazing what legs allow us to do: run, jump, dance, scramble off of a teenage girl like she's the plague. All of these are pretty impressive, especially when done by someone who's had legs their entire life. Though I have to say I felt somewhat insulted that he wanted to get away from me that fast.

If this is how all the boys act, how will I ever get one to say he loves me?

Now standing, the boy cleared his throat and averted his eyes. His eyes on anywhere but me he asked :

"Are you ok? Not like being naked on a beach isn't ok. Imean- I get it, it's a lifestyle choice, nudity, but I mean, are you okay? Wait, But what if you aren't by choice? What Happened? Did someone rap-"

I signed inwardly and stood up on my own, cutting him off. I was getting pretty good with my legs, but I stumbled towards the end. The boy's hands shot out, steadying me. I shot him a smile, and saw that now his eyes were focused on my face. Searching for an explanation I guess, but when I didn't respond he took a step back.

I figured he'd just leave me there, alone on the beach, but moments later he took off his jumper, leaving him in a thin black tee shirt and grey sweats. He offered the maroon sweatshirt to me, which I took gladly. It was over sized on me, reaching to mid-thigh level, and an indicator of just how tall and muscular he was. I looked up at him, hoping he could see the gratitude I felt. he looked down at me and said:

"Now that we have that taken care of, the names Liam. Liam Payne. And you a-" He was cut off as cute puppy bounded towards us, dark fur completely soaked. He shook himself off over Liam and I, and Liam let out a laugh. The dog nuzzled my hand, practically begging me to pet him, so I did.

"And that sea creature currently getting water all over you happens to be Loki." He looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to introduce myself. I opened my mouth, and willed for words to come out. They didn't. I closed my mouth and shook my head. Liam looked at me carefully for a moment, trying to figure me out. Finally he said:

"How about I take you to the hospital. They might be able to help you figure out who you are. I'm sure you've got a family looking for you somewhere. You can't be older than what, seventeen? Eighteen?" I shrugged my shoulders, a throb of pain in my chest. I did have a family looking for me, just here.

He called for Loki, who'd wandered off again, then took my hand and led me to the car. He opened the trunk and pulled out a pair of basketball shorts.

"I realize these will probably look ridiculous on you, but I'm sure we can find something else for you later on." I clutched the fabric to the jumper closer to me, the warm fabric from the oversized sleeves tickling my face. He laughed before reassuring me that yes, I could keep the sweatshirt. He looked like he was going to say something else, but held off. He turned around to give me some privacy, and I was struck by what a gentleman he was.

Minutes later we were on the road, Liam driving, Loki in back, and me in the seat in the front.

What was it humans called it? Shotgum?Shotgut? Shogun?

Liam called one of his friends, Louis (?), to find out which hospital his mom worked at. I was struck by just how nice Liam was being for me, including me in his life like this.

*******************************later*****************************************
It had been hours since we'd arrived at the hospital, and I was exhausted. And still hungry. They's done test after test after test, and they still couldn't seem to figure out what was wrong. They'd hooked me up to sensors, but me in this massive machine that took pictures, and made me look at pictures and try to say how they made me feel. Obviously, they didn't quite get the answer they were expecting. Or any answer for that matter.

And yet Liam stayed. The doctors had told him he could go, but he stuck with me through every test and examination. At one point a doctor mentioned something about "insurance" and "payment", but Liam told him, "I've got it covered.".

Finally, the doctor that seemed to be in charge, Dr. Striker, walked into the room. I didn't like Striker, or the way he made me feel when I wore my hospital gown. It made me miss Liam's sweatshirt, which he held for me. Striker said a long, boring explanation for why, exactly, they didn't seem to get any results.

All that I caught were the words"Amnesia" and "Potential trauma". I had no clue what either of these meant, but Liam seemed to. Then Striker began again, saying:

"Because she seems to be a minor, with family most likely searching for her, I'd like to keep her here, at the hospital. Maybe run a few more tests."
I didn't like the way he said tests, or rubbed his hands together when he said that. But Liam didn't seem to like it either. He put an arm protectively around my shoulders, and announced I'd be staying with him and the "lads". Striker started to argue, but Liam took him out into the hallway to talk.

Liam came back into the room a few minutes later, alone. He offered my the sweatshirt and a candy bar, saying that the expenses were "covered". Once dressed, I struggled to get the wrapper off the candy, and felt Liam reach over my shoulder, and pick the bar up. He handed it back, now unwrapped, and I felt like I was going to cry. I'd never had chocolate before, only seen the wrappers left in the ocean.

This. Is. Life. How have I never had chocolate before?

Once I finished, Liam led me through the confusing hallways, arm around my waist. I couldn't tell if it was meant as a protective gesture, in case Striker was still around, or a friendly one, but I liked it either way. As we walked through the doors, Liam said,

"You know, I think you're really going to like the boys. And I think they're going to like you as well." I leaned into his shoulder content for the moment, and had a difficult time listening to everything he said. Maybe it was the chocolate speaking, but I really liked Liam.

maybe He will fall in love with me...