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The Love She Wanted
Off the Record

Off the Record

“What’s wrong with you?” Fiona asks noticing a certain change of behaviour in Ann. Ann sits there gripping her drink wanting to avoid everyone and everything.

“You know,” Fiona says. “I read a really interesting book lately.”

“You read?” Ann asks.

“No.” Fiona giggles but Ann doesn’t seem amused. “But I did see the movie. It wasn’t great but one thing that was said that stuck with me was…”

“Fiona,” Ann says in a soft yet assertive voice. “Everything will work out.” Fiona stares at Ann who seems oddly composed.

“I know this isn’t what you want to talk about but…”

“I’ve already talked about it,” Ann says recalling the conversation she had with Emma. Her best friend proved that she was the one person who understood her like no other. Ann didn’t give into her friend theory at first, why would she, she has been defending herself long enough.

“I am not attacking you,” Emma says giggling.

“Would you be serious here,” Ann replies with teary eyes.

“I know what I should take seriously, Ann,” Emma replies giving a smirk. “But even you need to be reminded that not everything in life deserves the same level of importance.”

“What would you know,” Ann says trying her best to maintain her composure.

“You are doing so well,” Emma says softly. “We can continue this conversation another time if you’d like…”

That was one thing Ann hated the most, the first step to getting help admitting you have a problem. Ann felt like a child forced to take her medicine; Emma knew what she was doing so well to the point Ann was jealous. Emma was exceptional when she managed to bring Ann’s years of denial to a halt, all to Ann’s dismay of course.

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“Let’s order,” Fiona says abruptly causing Ann to return to reality.

“Sure,” Ann says. “What do you like?”

“What do I like? Are you about to take my order?” Fiona says trying to lighten the mood. Ann forces a laugh and the women take a seat at a nearby table and order a few snacks. They continue talking avoiding certain topics, as Ann’s mind visits various scenarios both past and future, and without any hesitation, she asks.

“Did Ben say anything about Oscar?”

“What?” Fiona asks anxiously. She has been begging for a chance to talk to Oscar, so much so that Ann’s question seems more like a snide comment.

“I mean, did Ben say anything about trying to get the two of you to talk?”

“No. Did he tell you something?” Fiona asks hopefully as Ann realises what she revealed.

“No,” Ann lies. Despite her disappointment, the women quickly direct the conversation to non-serious topics as they enjoy the evening.

Meanwhile, Andrew walks alone seemingly enjoying the night time breeze without a care in the world.

“Andrew.” He turns around and smiles.

“What are you doing here doc?”

“I was just going out,” Emma says smiling as she walking up to him. “You just enjoying a walk right now.”

“Yes.”

“Proud of what you did?” Emma’s words catch Andrew off guard as he lets out a nervous giggle. “Come on, you didn’t ask me how it went. I know you’re curious.”

“I’m sure Ann will be ok,” Andrew says sounding optimistic.

“You know that despite what I told you?”

“I know doc,” Andrew says. “But I think all Ann needed was someone to talk to and who better to do that than her best friend? And besides, by the way you just asked me, I think I know how it went,” Andrew answers with a delighted smirk.

“This was very unusual for me,” Emma says. “My patient telling me to work on someone else while he needs all the help he can get.”

“But you helped me a lot already,” Andrew responds.

“I had to,” Emma replies remembering how accident-prone he was when he was moving into his new place.

“I’m just glad she heard you out,” Andrew responds with a certain calmness in his voice. Emma was happy as well, despite knowing something was off she couldn’t do this on her own. And so, when Andrew suggested this, it was the perfect opportunity.

“Why did you decide to do this all of a sudden?” Emma asks peering into his face and hoping for a reaction.

“I just…,” Andrew seems to be looking for the right words as Emma watches him silently. “They helped me a lot...”

“So, you just decided to be the bigger man,” Emma says. “I have to say despite everything that’s happened I didn’t expect you to be this rational. I wish I could help you get your memories back but know this, you’re a great guy.”

“Yep, the great guy who got hit on the head and now has no idea who he is,” Andrew laughs in response as the two of them walk around.

“I better get going,” Emma says noticing the time.

“Meeting a friend?” Andrew asks curiously.

“An old friend.”