THIS Is Me... by Sarah Ann Walker Page A

here.  I've been here since your accident.  I followed you from New York, and settled into Chicago while I waited for you to wake up.”  Oh. 
  “Thank you...?”
  “Suzanne, you don't need to be polite, and you don't need to be kind.  Just be yourself.  Talk to me however you like.  However you need.  I know you're struggling with all this information and confusion.  Would you like me to get the nurse for more pain meds?”
  “I'm so sorry... but I really am confused.  This is all too much for me, and no I don't want more medication.  I think it confuses me more.”
  Smiling, he says, “We can take it slow if you want.  We can just talk, and maybe we'll trigger a memory, or maybe you will slowly begin to remember on your own.  As I understand it, Mack says you could just wake up with your memory, or you may slowly remember little details over time.”
  “He told me that, too.  Um, why are you here though?  This must be so boring for you.”   
  As I speak, I find myself reaching for my own face.  I find an intense insecurity forcing me to cover my face from him.  He is so good looking- SO good looking and I don't want him to see me ugly like this.
  When he leans forward to take my hand, I flinch and move deeper into the pillows.  I don't want him to uncover me, and I DON'T want him to touch me.
  When he slowly moves back into his chair, I relax.  He smells delicious, but way too close to me.  He's invading my personal space and he's keeping me from exhaling, I think.
  “Suzanne.  You never have to hide from me.  Ever.  Though you don't remember me yet, I love you very, very much.  I love all of you, every piece of you.  You and I have been to hell and back, to temporarily into hell again.  But I'm not leaving you, so please try to trust in my words even if you can't remember me yet.”
  Silently, I nod and just take him in.  I think he's pretty tall, and he's got a great body, and he dresses fantastic, and he's just so awesome to look at.  His eyes are the loveliest dark brown I've ever seen, and his lips are those awesome full guy lips that every woman wants to kiss, and his skin looks warm, and naturally darker, I think.  He seems Italian or Greek or something with that coloring.
  “Are you Italian, or Greek?”  What a stupid question, but honestly, it's all I've got right now.
  “I'm half Italian and half American.  My Italian side is deeply Italian, but my American side is the classic British ‘once upon a time’ mix.”  Smirking, he questions, “Why do you ask?”
  “Um, you have lovely tanned skin, and your eyes are beautiful.” Holy shit!  Did I just say that?
      “Why, thank you,” he grins.
  Grinning and mumbling a ‘you're welcome’ I pause.
  When silence descends on us, I feel lost again.  I want to know so much but I don't know what to ask him?
  “Would you like me to tell you a little about us, Suzanne?  Would you like me to explain you and me?”
  Exhaling, I nod, “Yes, please.”
  Smiling at me once again, he says, “Well get comfy, love, because you and I are a beautiful story.”  Oh!
  Turning a little more to my left, I settle my face deeply into my pillow.  Clasping my hands under my cheek, I'm almost excited to hear Z speak.  His voice is deep and dark and his eyes totally mesmerize me. 

  “Almost exactly a year ago, you and I began a kind of pseudo-relationship via email when you were having problems at work and problems with your husband, and I quickly found myself intrigued by you.  You are, or were very proper and reserved and you were wrapped so tightly, I found myself curious about unwrapping you,” he winks.  Oh shit.   I think I just blushed.
  “Anyway, we spoke on the phone frequently, and eventually we met up once you left your husband.  And when we met, I was drawn to you the very moment I kissed you.  Actually, the very moment I saw your photo I was intrigued by you.  But the