Chapter 9—Riley

I was still freaking out on my way to school the next morning. What did Grayson need to tell me? What did he know about my past? What was that freaky electricity thing? My head was still pounding. I felt a pain between my eyes ever since we held hands. What did he do to me? I didn’t bother with Maya’s makeup or curling my hair or wearing something nice. I didn’t care about any of that today. I just needed to find out what was going on. I should have just listened to him. But I totally freaked. I’m not sure if I just didn’t want to know the truth, or if I didn’t want him to have anything to do with my amnesia or my former life. I had no idea if my life used to be better than the one I had now, or if it was worse. I was scared to find out.

When I entered the building, the pain intensified. I still felt the electricity, but the buzzing in my head was stronger. He must be close. He stood in front of my locker when I turned the corner. His colors were nervous and hesitant. Also, remorseful. He felt bad for what happened. But was it what happened yesterday, or what happened three years ago? The only way to find out was to talk to him. I walked directly to him and didn’t lose eye contact. His colors started changing to relief and hope. I think that was a good sign.

“Riley, I’m so sorry I freaked you out yesterday. That wasn’t my intention. I was just hoping I could fill in some of the blanks for you. If you aren’t ready to talk to me, I understand. I will wait as long as you need. But I do have the answers you are looking for. They aren’t bad. I promise. Probably overwhelming though. It will be a lot to take in. So, when you are ready, let me know.”

I let out a sigh of relief. That didn’t sound too bad. I could see the honesty in his color. But was I ready to hear what he had to say? “Okay. I will let you know.” I turned and headed to class. He followed behind. Not too close. He gave me space and I appreciated that. He sat next to me but didn’t say anything. Maya had asked me a million questions yesterday, but I was not going to talk about it. She thought he had tried something with me. I reassured her it was nothing like that.

Class moved along so slowly. I noticed some whispers and stares. But I didn’t let it get to me. Their gossip what so not important compared to whatever was happening with me and Grayson. By lunch time, I had enough of waiting. It was killing me. When he saw me at my locker, I gave him a nod, letting him know it was okay to talk to me. “Would you go off campus with me? I think that privacy would be better.” He asked. “Yeah, that’s fine. Let’s go to the beach.” I followed him out to his Jeep. It looked nice and new. Clean inside and out. A group of girls gave me the eye as I climbed in. They could think whatever they wanted. They didn’t matter to me. This was more important. I already told Maya that I would be gone at lunch. She asked if I needed a bodyguard. She was a good friend.

We drove the couple of blocks to the beach and found a big rock to sit on. It was another beautiful day. I took off the hoodie and used it as a bit of cushion. We had found a spot that was a little more private. Some of the kids from school were already here with their boards. No one missed a chance to be on the beach when the weather was actually nice. I turned to Grayson and could see the anxious anticipation. I let him out of his misery. “Okay, I’m ready. But if it’s too much, I’m going to stop you. I don’t know how much information I can take at once.” “Of course. I can tell you as much or as little as you want to know. Stop me any time. This story is going to be long. So, tell me what things you want to know the most.”

I thought about what he said. It sounded like he had all the answers. But I didn’t know if that was true. What if this was all just a big lie? It couldn’t be though. His colors told me he was honest and sincere. I could tell that he cared about me. How that was even possible, I didn’t know. But I do know that his name was in my head and so were his eyes. That couldn’t be a coincidence. “Do you know what happened to my parents?” “I know more than you, but not much. Do you want all the back story, or just what I know about their death?” “Just their death for now. I think that’s all I can take.”

“All right. You and your parents lived near me and my family in Colorado. You guys took a three-week trip to California that summer. You were going to camp up and down along the coast of California. My family didn’t know what city you were in. Just that you were out here. Cell reception was sporadic since you were up in hills and mountains. We had heard from you a few times. You guys were having so much fun. On the second week of your trip, there was a terrible accident that drove your car off the road. The circumstances were strange since your dad was an exceptional driver. Because of the explosion and fire, they didn’t identify the bodies. And they assumed you had died in the accident. So, the police weren’t actively looking for you. But me and my family were. We had no leads, and we didn’t know a girl had been found near the accident. Otherwise, we would have been checking for Foster Kids and Adopted Kids. We just had no idea.”

“Did my parents love me, were they good people?” I asked. “They loved you so much. More than anything. They were great people. Smart too. Your Dad was a scientist, and your mom was a doctor. Your parents and my parents were best friends. You lived next door to me.” I let that soak in before asking my next question. “What are you doing here in Pacifica?” “Well, that is a very long story. I will have to tell you a lot of other things in order to explain that. So, do you want the short version or the long one?” he asked. “I think I’m only ready for the short version right now.” I said honestly.

“Alright, I always had a feeling that you survived the car crash. I work with computers a lot. Actually, I’m quite the computer hacker. Don’t tell anyone.” He said in a playful way. “Cross my heart.” I told him. “So, I started looking for anyone that fit your description. I came to California thinking I could find you in a town near the crash. I was right about that. In short, I found you in a police report about your Foster Dad Hank. I then hacked the school records and found a yearbook photo of you. Then I enrolled myself in your school and put myself in a few of your classes. I needed to see why you didn’t come back home to Colorado. Or why you didn’t at least try to contact us. When I found out you had amnesia, it all made sense. You didn’t remember me.” He made this last statement with so much sadness.

“What’s my name Grayson?” “It’s Amber, Amber King.” He said it almost reverently. I remember him calling me Amber yesterday. “Were we a couple?” I asked him timidly. “Yes, we were.” He told me unreservedly. He held out the palm of his hand to me. I looked at it and noticed the amber bracelet. It matched my necklace. I reached into my shirt and pulled it out to show him. His eyes filled with surprise. “You still have it!” I took it off and handed it to him. He turned it over in his big hands and then held it next to his. They were both raw amber stones that were wrapped with wire and then set in our own pieces of jewelry. His was in a leather band. I took a closer look and saw that they had at once been one big stone. It was amazing. He handed mine back. I put it on. I could feel that it was warm. “We have to get back to school.” I told him. “Okay, I’ll save the rest for later.”

I reluctantly got up from the rock. It was beautiful here. I would always think of this as our spot now. We headed to the Jeep. A few other kids were headed back too. They stared at us. I ignored it. I was quiet on the way back. But questions were swirling around in my head. “I know you need answers Amber. Don’t worry. I will give you all of them eventually.”

“Tomorrow at lunch. Can you tell me more then?” I asked. “Of course. Any time you want. I will give you my cell number. You can call me any time, day or night. To talk, or if you just need help.” Then it hit me. “Was that you at my door the other night? The pizza guy?” “Yeah, that was me. I’m worried about you. I read the police report. I know he’s not a good guy. I’ve been kind of hanging out by your apartment trying to keep you safe. I hope you don’t mind. I’m not a stalker, I promise.” “Oh, my goodness, No! I don’t think that at all. I wanted to thank you. You saved me that night.” “Good, I didn’t want you to get the wrong idea. You can call me or text me if he tries anything.” He told me. “Actually, I don’t have a phone.” I admitted. “That’s not a problem. I picked up one of those burner phones at the 7-11 just in case you didn’t have one. It’s in my locker at school.”

I had to rush to class right away and didn’t have time to stop at his locker. My mind was in overdrive. I wanted to ask him so much more. What was my life like in Colorado? Did he have a picture of my parents? How did he know to look for that police report? My head was still hurting too. I couldn’t concentrate on anything but his presence in class. He was like a magnet. I noticed his every move. The pace of his breathing. His colors were a rainbow of emotion. Concern, relief, anxiousness, happiness and one that I didn’t even expect. Cotton candy pink for love. Was I the reason he had shown that one before? Has he been trying to hold back that emotion since I met him? Of course, if he knew me, he knew I could read his colors. I didn’t know what to do with all this new information. We kept sharing quick glances. I was pathetic really. I couldn’t help but look at him every few minutes.

I was so disappointed to realize that we wouldn’t be able to talk again about all of this until tomorrow. If only I didn’t have that stupid job right after school. And then I needed to take care of the girls. I didn’t have the freedom to just hang out with him after school the way most kids did. “What’s the matter?” he whispered. Oh no, could he tell I was getting upset. “Oh, nothing. Just thinking about everything I need to do today.” I reassured him.

By the time art class came, I was practically exploding with the need to see him. I was getting downright pathetic. We walked to class together and I couldn’t keep the huge smile off my face. It was embarrassing. “You know you will be able to call me tonight when you get off work. I programmed my number in there already.” “Oh, right. I hadn’t really thought about it. That’s great! Thank you again for the phone.” I told him. “Actually, you will see me right after work. This is kind of embarrassing, but I’ve been driving to your job and following you home discreetly to make sure you got there safe.” He admitted. His cheeks were turning red at his confession. That was one of the sweetest things I had ever heard. “So, I was hoping you would just let me pick you up and give you a ride instead. It would make things a whole lot less awkward.” He continued. I couldn’t help but giggle. I was such a girl right now. “I would love for you to pick me up Grayson.”

In class, we had to pick partners for the art project we were starting. I of course, asked him to be my partner. He just laughed. “You have always been my partner.” He told me. We were sculpting some clay when our hands inadvertently touched. The jolt of electricity was strong. I immediately pulled my hand back. I could feel the instant shock in my head. I bent down with the pain. “I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” “Yeah, just a shock. It’s getting better. Do you know why this is happening?” I asked him. “I think I might. I’m wondering if it has to do with your accident and the amnesia. I have a lot more to explain to you about us for you to really understand it all. Obviously, you know there is some sort of electrical connection.” He whispered. “I will have to tell you more in private though.” I nodded. Now I was dying to be alone with him, so he could tell me more.