Chapter 20 20
Jenna's POV:
I had no idea how to answer his question because I wasn't the one in his memories so I didn't know whether to lie or just stay silent. But then remembering that he wasn't meant to force his memories to return I decided to lie, because that was the best decision until his memory returned completely. Suddenly, my mind began spinning, as I tried to form a lie that could explain why my hair had changed from straight blonde to curly brown, but nothing sounded believable.
Eventually, I just forced a simple lie, hoping it would suffice.
“I… I just wanted to try a new style.” I said, shrugging lightly.
Caesar tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing but softening as he studied me.
"A new style, huh? You know, you’d look really beautiful blonde. I’d love to see you like that again.” He said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. There was a wistfulness in his tone, something I couldn’t quite place, and for a second, my chest tightened but I forced a smile back at him, though I barely felt it.
“Caesar, there are a few things I need you to avoid.” Dr. Andall’s voice rang out, dragging me back to the present.“Do not force yourself to remember anything, do not strain your mind because it could trigger migraines, and under no circumstances should you take any medication that hasn’t been prescribed just to ease the confusion. Communicate with someone if you feel overwhelmed, that’s important.”
Caesar nodded attentively, absorbing every word. Dr. Andall continued with a list of other instructions like rest, hydration, avoiding stress, and pacing his daily activities. I watched him, noting how he tried to stay calm, trying to process the guidance without letting his frustration or confusion show.
After a while, Nathan leaned in toward me quietly. “At this rate, Caesar’s memories will return in less than a month.” He whispered and my stomach dropped.
If his memories returned, if he remembered everything, would he still want to be by my side? Or would he mourn the loss of his actual mate and push me away? The thought made my chest ache in a way I didn’t understand at first, and I realized suddenly just how much I depended on him being in my life.
Nathan’s voice pulled me back. “Dr. Andall is done. You should take him back now; I have a few things to discuss with him.”
I got up to help Caesar, but he shook his head. “No, I’m feeling better now.” He said, standing on his own, then I noticed a small piece of paper in his hand. “What’s that?” I asked, distracted as I followed him.
“Prescriptions.” He explained, tapping the paper.” Dr. Andall told me to get some medication at the pharmacy.”
I sighed, sliding into step beside him. “Do you know where the pharmacy is?” I asked.
He smirked, teasing slightly. “Were you not paying attention at all?”
I rolled my eyes. “Sorry. I was lost in thoughts.”
“Was it because of what had happened earlier? Because of me?” He asked softly. “Are you still upset?”
I shook my head quickly. “No… I’m not upset. I was just worried about you, that’s all.”
He studied me, not convinced. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” I affirmed. “Now, do you know where the pharmacy is?” I asked again, trying to redirect.
“Dr. Andall gave me directions.” He replied. “Let’s go.”
We walked in silence for a bit, navigating the hallway.
I stole a glance at Caesar as we walked through the bustling hallway toward the pharmacy, and I realized how much I relied on his presence. Even now, when his head had been pounding and his memories were returning in flashes, just having him beside me made me feel safer. I didn’t understand it fully, the way my heart kept tightening whenever he was near, or how seeing him in pain made everything around me blur.
For a while, I wondered if he even realized how much he mattered to me. And then I chastised myself for thinking that because I had no right. He had so many things to deal with like his past, his memories, his health and here I was, worrying about my own heart.
I tried to focus on something else, on mundane things like the lines of chairs waiting at the intersection or the smell of antiseptic in the air. But even that was overshadowed by how he adjusted his collar, how he occasionally winced slightly when he thought I wasn’t looking. I hated that I cared so much, hated that his wellbeing mattered more than anything else in that instant.
And yet… I couldn’t stop noticing.
As soon as we reached the pharmacy m, Caesar handed over the prescription, and the pharmacist packed the medications. He pulled out his phone out of his pockets to pay by transfer, and then we stepped back outside.
I headed toward the car, ready to take the wheel, but Caesar stopped me. “I want to drive.” He said.
I shook my head firmly. “No. You’re not feeling well, so I can’t let you drive.”
“I’m fine now. I can handle it.” He insisted.
I narrowed my eyes. “What if a split headache comes while you’re driving and causes an accident? I can’t risk that.”
His eyes softened, and he smiled faintly. “I just… I really want to take you somewhere.”
“Take me where?” I asked, curious now.
“There’s a restaurant I saw on the way here, I want to take you there.”
I frowned. “But you weren’t feeling well earlier. How did you see a restaurant?”
He shrugged, casual, but determined. “I don’t know… I probably just glanced around while you were driving. But I remember seeing a restaurant along the way.”
I hesitated, then finally relented. “Fine, but I’ll drive.”
He frowned but nodded reluctantly and we stepped into the car, then I drove out of the hospital. Outside, I drove slowly, scanning the streets until I spotted the restaurant. It wasn’t a fast-food place; it had a bar-like vibe, with bright lights, and a lively atmosphere. I parked carefully, maneuvering around three motorcycles, and we stepped out.
Inside, the place was perfect with an inviting energy and we walked past tables searching for an empty one, when suddenly a voice called out.“Caesar?!” We turned and I froze because at the table we were about to pass were Jerry, Jackson, and Samuel. My chest sank, and I groaned silently then glanced at Caesar, who seemed equally tense, and I knew this was going to be interesting.