Faded Memories

[Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander]

[This is a story my friend is writing and she asked me to write her story and get comments, haha. Wooo, I'm in it! XD]

Chapter 1


Time seemed to stand still as she stared into his eyes. He was so close. He slowly reached up and removed his hat. She felt like she was going to scream. Why must he make me wait? He leaned forward, his lips inches from hers. Yes.

She inhaled sharply as she awakened. Breathing heavily, she quickly scanned the room she was in. The walls were white. The tile floor was white. There was a white metal door with a 10 by 10 inch window, and a small window near here ceiling in the right corner of her room. She could see a crescent moon was high in the sky. She wiped the sweat from her forehead. She sighed and threw her white covers off. She winced with surprise as she set her feet on the cold floor. She started to pace, letting her mind wander.

Who was he? Where were we? How do I know him? Why can’t I remember?!

As she paced her breathing did not slow. Surprise was replaced with frustration. She clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. She walked over to the white metal door. She slammed her fist against it 3 times, then stood there fuming. After a few seconds she knocked again.

“Hey!” she yelled impatiently.

A light flickered on down the hall. A short plump nurse with deep blue eyes and brown hair appeared in the window. She reached over to an intercom.

“Good morning Allison.”
“Denise.” She gave her a slight nod.

Allison had met Denise the first day she arrived. Back then getting her to even make eye contact was special. Denise had spent many days with Allison, telling her about her husband David and her 2 dogs Charlie and Rex. Allison enjoyed her company and quickly befriended Denise.

“What can I do for you?” asked Denise.
“Is Rudner here?”

Dr. Clark Rudner was Allison’s main psychologist. He was a handsome man with brown hair and hazel eyes. When he was first introduced to Allison’s case he was a fresh face, young and spirited. As months passed, time took its toll 3 fold. His hair had sprouted grays and lost its sheen. And the light purple bags under his eyes became a permanent feature.

“I believe he is, would you like me to go get him?”

Allison couldn’t help but smile a little. Denise had always been so kind to her even when she didn’t return the favor. She felt her shoulders lower and her fists disappeared.

“Actually, I wanted to go see him if it isn’t too much trouble. I think I left my journal in his office.”

Allison was admitted to Weller Main Mental Institution because she had severe seizers that always ended in memory loss since she was 15. Her 17th birthday was in a month. It was Dr. Rudner’s idea for her to keep a journal to help her remember what the seizers took from her. Every doctor and nurse knew of it.

“Oh, of course.”

Denise turned the intercom off and stepped back. The door made a loud noise as it unlocked. It echoed of the walls of her small cell.

As the door opened Allison quickly shielded her eyes from the light. After a few seconds she blinked and looked up to see Denise’s face, inches from hers smiling as always.

“Geez,” Allison stepped back in surprise, and then laughed. “Ever hear of personal space?”

“Hmm…” She placed one finger on the corner of her mouth and looked up. “Nope, sorry.” She gave a small shrug. “Come on, oh do you need a robe or something Hun? The heaters on the fritz and you must be cold.”

Allison looked down at her pajamas. She wore a white tank top and white pajama pants. She looked down at her bare feet and wiggled her toes.

“Na, I’m okay.” She gave her Denise a small smile. She stepped out into the hallway. She sighed and shook her head. The hall walls were white as was the tile floor.

God I hate white.

As she walked with Denise she looked down at her feet and counted her steps. She had always done this because it comforted her to know that she could control how many she took. Many things in her life she felt was out of her control.

43…44…45

By her 63rd step she was outside of Dr. Rudner’s office. She stood there for a few seconds. She slowly raised her hand to knock but stopped and let it fall. She let her head drop and she stared at the ground. A pair of hands appeared on her shoulders. She turned to see Denise, smiling encouragingly.

“Go ahead dear, its okay.”

Allison felt her sessions with Dr. Rudner were a huge waste of his time. She had already been at Weller Main for about 10 months now and made little progress. She has been Rudner’s patient for 7.

“Nurse Coker to Dr. Wiley’s office, Nurse Coker to Dr. Wiley’s office”

“Oh, that’s me,” Denise turned Allison so that they were facing each other. “Don’t worry so much, now, I’ve got to go help Wiley coyote,” Allison smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

Allison stared into her deep blue eyes. The always seemed to tap into some hidden confidence she had.

“Okay…” She gave her a tiny smile.

Denise returned her smile with one of her own and turned to leave when Allison grabbed her wrist.

“Hey, go buy some sunscreen.” She flashed a sly smile. Nurse Coker’s cheeks were always a shade of pink. It always looked like she had been out running or she was sun burnt.

“Ah ha, I’ve never heard that one before,” She stuck her tongue out and walked away. Before she turned the corner Allison heard her call back “Come up with some new material, Al.” Allison laughed silently to herself.

I’ll get right on that.

Allison took a deep breath and reached for the door knob. All of a sudden the door flew open and a large figure slammed right into her knocking her on to her back. She looked up surprised as she recognized the assailant.

“Ah shit, Sorry Al,” Standing in the doorway was Kuyakyn Lambert. At a towering height of 6’ 3” he was easily recognizable. He was from Australia and had a slight accent. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. He was one of Allison’s best friends. “I didn’t see you there.”

“No prob.” He offered her a hand, she reached up. With one of his huge hands he grabbed her forearm and with one quick motion lifted her off the ground.

“Uh… Kuyakyn,” Allison pointed to the floor she was hovering a few inches above.

“Oh, right, sorry.” Kuyakyn laughed as he placed her back on the ground. “Oh hey, you forgot this in my room the other day.” He handed her a small worn red book.

My Journal!

“Thanks big guy, so…” she put her hand on her shoulder. “What did you and Rudner talk about?”

“You know, I don’t really know.” He started to laugh. “He was sitting on my left side”. Allison started to laugh too. Kuyakyn was completely deaf in his left ear. “Well I gotta go Al, Kahlan is waiting for me, see ya.”

“Yea, see ya.” Kuyakyn gave Allison a quick hug and took off running down the hall.

Kahlan Clevinger was Kuyakyn’s girlfriend. Soul mate is a better choice of words actually. Like Kuyakyn, Kahlan was Australian as well and also had a slight accent. She had suffered from extreme depression. She saw her mother put a shot gun in her mouth. The results devastated her.

Before Kuyakyn, they called her a lost cause, to far gone to be saved. Allison was also Kahlan’s friend and couldn’t possibly imagine her as silent and broken. For the Kahlan she knew was sweet and friendly as was her mate. They were born for each other.

“Ms. Piekarski?” Allison spun around to see Dr. Rudner staring at her. “What are you doing here so late?” He looked down at his watch.

“Oh Uh…I just came to get my journal,” she held up the small book. “But I guess you didn’t have it” Allison laughed once nervously.

“No I guess not,” He flashed her a brilliant smile. “Would you like an escort home?”

“…Okay.” For most of the walk they were silent. Dr. Rudner was the first to speak.

“So, do you remember anything before 4 months ago?” Allison was silent for a few seconds. A frown set on her face.

“No” Dr. Rudner frowned.

“Just give it time, it will—“

“It will what? Come crashing back one night? Or will it come back just in time for me to have another seizer and completely forget again?” Allison yelled with tears in her eyes. “Huh? Which is it Doc?”

“Allison…” Dr. Rudner stopped and looked down. “You have to be patient.”

Allison sighed and to Rudner’s surprise, she laughed.

“It’s not one of my strong suits.” She let her hair cover her face as her head dropped. Rudner saw the tears as they hit the floor. He placed his hand on her shoulder. He shook his head and laughed once.

“I’ve noticed. Don’t worry, I’ll help you. Now,” He let his hand drop. “We have an appointment tomorrow at 5:00.”

“Yea, I remember.” She sniffled quietly.

“Yes well…Good night Ms. Piekarski.”

“Good night Dr. Rudner.”


























Chapter 2


She pushed her legs harder. The boys had already disappeared around the corner. She held the can tighter, finger on the nozzle. Finally they came back into view; they were wrestling each other on the grass. “Hold him!” she shouted as she stood over them. She saw her chance. Quickly she removed his hat and lifted the can. She pressed down on the nozzle and sprayed his hair a lime green. “Victory!” She shouted. Her arms above her head like she just scored a touch down.

Allison’s eyes opened to the sound of a pounding on her door. She got up, walked over, and peered out the small window. Kuyakyn and Kahlan were standing on the other side. Allison pulled the door open slightly then leaned on the door frame. “Can I help you?”

“You said you would come and watch Pitch Black with us, remember?” Kuyakyn said. “Come on, everyone’s waiting.”

“Do you have any idea what time it is?” Allison asked as she yawned.

“10:00 a.m.” Kahlan answered.

“Really?”

“Yea” they answered in unison.

Allison sighed then laughed. “Fine, 10 minutes.”



* * * *



The small room the institution used as a Rec room wasn’t much to get excited about. Again the walls were white and the tile floor was white with black speckles. There were 2 tan love seats and 1 large tan couch. A small coffee table was placed in the middle. The TV was simple, only about 27”.

There were many familiar faces lounging about. James lindy was sitting on the floor against the couch, elbows on his knees. He had a psychopathic anger issue. But with his random humor and usually kind nature you’d never suspect it. He had short blonde hair and bright blue eyes with a hint of gold.

Allan Shaffer sat on the couch right behind James. Allan was short with shoulder length black hair and eyes the color of melted chocolate. Allan never spoke unless he felt he had to and it was usually just 1 word.

Livvy Anderson was sitting on the arm of the couch opposite of Allan, painting her nails. Livvy was an insomniac. Her bright blue eyes were almost always a little blood shot.

And Rick Rhodes was stretched out on one of the love seats. He had a form of turrets that caused him to start laughing every few minutes. He, like Denise, was always a light shade of red.

“Look who I found,” Kuyakyn said. He started into a sprint, then jumped threw the air and landed on the other open love seat. “She was trying to hide.” He patted the empty space in front of him, beckoning to Kahlan to come lay with him. Kahlan smiled and plopped down on the cushion.

“Was not,” Allison walked around and sat in the space between Allan and Livvy. “Hey guys.”

“Good Morning” Said James
“Allison” Allan said giving her a slight nod.
“Morning Boo-tiful” Livvy leaned down and kissed Allison on the head.
“Tee hee...Hey” Rick said.

Everyone sat there for a few seconds…

“Uh Kuyakyn,” Allison started.

“Yea?”

“You gonna start the movie?”

“Oh, right.”

They all sat in silence as the watched, other then the occasional giggle from Rick and a few damn he’s hot‘s from Livvy. Once the credits appeared everyone who had become statues came back to life stretching and yawning.

“I’m hungry” Livvy said and picked up a vogue magazine.
Everyone look at Allison and smiled. She sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Oh hey, I have an idea, why don’t I go get snacks? What do you freeloaders want?”




“Popcorn” was Allan’s answer.
“Pringles, plain” was James answer.
“Cookies” was Livvy’s answer.
“Cheetos” was ricks answer.

“And some junior thin mints” said Kuyakyn. Kahlan nodded in agreement. Allison shook her head as she turned and headed for the kitchen. Well she reached the kitchen she sighed. There a large white refrigerator and a large tan cabinet.

What is it with these people with white and tan?

She walked over to the bulky cabinet. As she opened the doors she spotted a box of popcorn, a tube of plain Pringles, a package of chocolate chip cookies and a jumbo bag of cheetos. She grabbed the box of popcorn and pulled out a package. She tossed it into the microwave and returned to the cupboard. Her eyes scanned the shelves.

Thin mints…thin mints…where the hell are those firkin thin mints…

She walked over to the fridge. She opened both the fridge and freezer sides. She again scanned the shelves. No thin mints. She perused he lips. She closed the doors and walked over to the kitchen entryway.

“Yo Kuyakyn,” she called “where the fu…” Abruptly the room started to dim and spin. She put a hand on her head and grasped onto the door frame. She felt very light headed. She staggered back. Her legs could no longer keep her up. All went black and she crashed to the floor.

“Snacks?” Allan asked after a few minutes had passed.

“Yea, where is she? I’m totally famished over here.” Livvy said not looking up from her magazine.

“Babe, go check on her” Kahlan put a hand on Kuyakyn’s arm.

“Fine,” he sighed, kissed Kahlan on her forehead and got up. “Pick a movie before a get back” he called.

“Hey Al, where’re the snacks…Al?” He popped his head into the kitchen. “Al?” Then he spotted her. “AL!” He ran to her side and lifted her head of the tile floor. He looked down when he felt something warm and wet on his hand. His eyes widened as he registered the sticky crimson liquid as blood. He placed her head in his lap. He could hardly stand to see her shudder and convulse. He ground his teeth and looked away.

“Somebody help!”

Chapter 3


She could feel the music pulse through her as she danced. Lights flashed, speakers blared and people moved all around her. She could feel his hands on her hips. She smiled and closed her eyes. She let the music move through her, let it come and momentarily free her from reality. Nothing but him and her was left. She turned around and faced him. He smiled at her, she smiled back. She put her arms around his neck and brought her body against his. She swayed to the rhythm, tying to seduce him. She brought her face close to his; he in return, also drew closer. As their lips met a shock of pure pleasure was sent through her. Ah, Suddenly she felt a pain from deep within her head. She let go of him and closed her eyes. She winced in pain and put her hands on her temples. What’s going on?

She tried to look up at him but he was gone. So was everyone else, she was alone. Everything fell silent. No. She closed her eyes again as another wave of pain passed through her. When she opened them again everything was gone, everything had disappeared. At that moment she was standing in a white abyss. “Hello? Anyone? What’s going on?” She started to panic and ran, but no matter how fast she pushed herself she wasn’t going anywhere. She stopped and stood motionless. Abruptly she fell to her knees and hugged herself. Her hair covered her face, her shoulders quivered as she sobbed. She tilt her head back and screamed.

“Nurse, I need more some more bandages”

“Yes doctor.” Allison could hear rapid footsteps fade away, apparently the nurse had left. She was pretty sure the doctor was the only other person in the room. She tried to open her eyes but a bright light made it difficult for her to do it pain free. She felt dizzy and disoriented. She raised her hand to shield her eyes but something pulled it back. Through squinting eyes she looked at the palm of her hand, it looked all right. She turned it around and stuck on the top of her hand was an I.V.

“Wha…what…” she struggled to speak.

“Well look who’s awake,” said a strange looking man who appeared next to her. “How are you feeling?”

“Shitty, you?” Allison looked up at the doctor. He was a relatively short man with dark skin. He had murky brown eyes and curly brown afro hair. He had on a pair of thick black framed glasses, he removed them and pulled out a light blue clothe from the breast pocket of his white lab coat.

He closed his eyes and shook his head, “Language Ms. Piekarski, Language. “

“Hey you asked, I answered. That’s how that works. Don’t like the answer, shouldn’t have asked the question. Now, where am I. What happened…and who are you?”

“You’re in the infirmary, you had a seizer.” The bizarre doctor replaced his glasses and looked down at her. “You don’t remember me? Dr. Wiley?”

“…sorry, not ringing any bells”

“But I met with you the just a few days ago” his eyes widened.

“I don’t know what to tell you.” She sat up and removed the wired sticky pads from her temples. She ran her I.V. free hand through her hair. She swung her legs over the edge of the examining table. She tried to jump down onto the floor but as her feet touched the ground her knees buckled and she fell to the floor. Dr. Wiley ran to her side.

“Easy there, you’ve been out for two days, your mussels are probably a little weak.”

“Really, and you couldn’t have mentioned that before I tried to jump off the table?” She tried to pull herself up and realized how true his words were. He kneeled down beside her and grabbed her elbow, attempting to help her to her feet. She wobbled a little at first but after a few seconds was able to stand on her own.

“There we are. Well, your mussels seem to be fine just a little stiff, but just to be safe I want you to come back at about 3:00, okay?” Allison stood immobile for a second or two and headed for the door. “Ms. Piekarski? Did you hear me?”

“Ya, whatever you say doc.” She left the room and headed down the hall. Allison stretched as she walked.

Where is every one?

As she turned the corner into the Rec. area she spotted Rick, Kuyakyn, Kahlan and James. James was in his usual spot sitting in front of the couch, listening to his I-pod. Kahlan was sitting Indian style on the couch, leaning against the arm closest to the love seat Rick was stretched out on, asleep. Kuyakyn was standing, with his back to Allison, in front of Rick’s feet. Allison stepped forward to see what Kuyakyn was up to.

Kuyakyn reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small matchbook. He ripped out four matches and put the matchbook back in his pocket. He put a match between each of Rick’s toes. He pulled out a small lime-green lighter from his front pocket. It finally hit Allison what Kuyakyn was planning. She stepped forward with the thought of stopping the soon to be problematic situation when Kahlan grabbed her arm. Allison looked down at her; Kahlan was looking at Rick and Kuyakyn. She raised one finger.

“Wait”

Allison watched as Kuyakyn lit each one of the matches and then took a step back. After a second or two Rick sprang up and started to cuss and yell. Kuyakyn bust out laughing and struggled to keep his poise. Kahlan giggled. James, who hadn’t been paying much attention until now, laughed almost as much as Kuyakyn. Allison tried and failed to keep her laughter contained; she smiled widely and had to clamp a hand over her mouth to stop herself from joining the others. Rick jumped over the back of the couch and hit the ground with a thud. A light puff of smoked drifted up from behind the couch. Kuyakyn finally lost his balance and toppled over onto the floor turning pink from lack of breath due to not being able to stop laughing. Rick at last popped up from behind the couch, bright red with rage.

“You’re a real asshole you know that?! Why the hell would you do that?!” he yelled through clenched teeth.

Kuyakyn gasped for breath. ”Pyro remember?” He wiped a tear from his eye and stood up. “ I couldn’t control my urge mate.” He gave Rick a sly smile.

“Fuck head” Rick limped away toward the kitchen. Kuyakyn smiled and walked over to sit on the love seat Rick once claimed and beckoned Kahlan. She smiled and joined him, snuggling close. He smiled at her and kissed her cheek. Some how, Allison guessed, setting a friend on fire was a free ticket to make out central for those two. She closed her eyes, shook her head and smiled.

“Bitchin” Allan said appearing behind the couch next to Allison.

“Hey Allan” she greeted him.

“Morning”

Kuyakyn tried to greet Allison, now realizing her presence, but Kahlan had a hold of his bottom lip. “Hey Al” was what Allison guessed he was attempting to say but it came out muffled due to lack of lower lip. James, who had returned to his music, looked over his shoulder.

“The dead has arisen” He smiled.

“Ah-ha, very funny jackass” Allan jumped over the back off the couch and laid full length. He tipped his hat so it was covering his eyes and crossed his arms. Allison looked around the room.

“Hey…Where’s Livvy?” she lightly smacked Allan’s leg.

“Nurse”

“Why?”

“Hallucinations”

Allison knew all too well how bad Livvy’s hallucinations could get. She reminisced about her last big one where she was found in the forth floor bathroom with slits cut deep into her arms and legs. She was barely conscious when they discovered her. When they asked for an explanation she told them giant killer spiders where crawling all over her and she was killing them with the knife. She ended up with almost 105 stitches. Allison turned and walked quickly toward the infirmary.

When Allison entered the “nurses” office, a wet haired Livvy was sitting on the edge of an examining table swinging her bare feet lightly. She looked up from the floor and when she spotted Allison smiled.

“Hey Al, what are you doing here?” Livvy said.

“Hi Liv, just checking up on you.”

“No need, I’m fine”

Allison came over and sat next to her on the table. ”What did you see this time?” She was always amazed by what kind of catastrophes her mind put her in.

“I was in the shower and the door was sealed shut and it filled up with water and I drown.” Livvy shivered a little as she reminisced.

“Well…at least you didn’t you didn’t get hurt this.” Allison said as started to rub her shoulder trying to comfort her.

“Not exactly” She reached down and pulled up her left foot. She turned her foot over to reveal a deep cut sealed up with 7 stitches. “I stepped on my razor.”

Allison winced. Livvy has never had episode that she walked away from injury free from. She let her foot fall and smiled.

“That makes uh…two hundred and….sixty-three stitches in my stay here.” She laughed and slid off the table. She landed on her good foot. Allison gasped a little as an image of her crash to the floor that morning flashed through her mind.

“You okay chick?” Livvy put a hand on her shoulder. They locked eyes. Allison looked down.

“Ya, fine.” She shrugged off her hand. Livvy looked at her with concern. Livvy was one of Allison’s closest friends. You couldn’t have one of them without the other to far behind.

“Hey, what time is it? Allison said searching around for a clock.

“2:58, why?”

“Shit! I gotta go meet uhh…Wiley! I gotta go meet Wiley!” Allison quickly kissed Livvy on the forehead and then dashed out the door. “Take care of yourself, okay?” she called back.

As she ran she hummed to herself.

Rebel rebel, bitch bitch, rebel rebel, Party party, sex sex sex and don’t forget the violence.

She skidded around a corner nearly slamming into the wall. She pushed herself harder, climbing the steps two at a time.

Blah blah blah I got your lovey-dovey sataloney, stick your stupid slogan and everybody…

She skidded to a halt just inside of Dr. Wiley’s office. He looked up from his cluttered desk and smiled. He looked over to a small clock on the right corner.

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