Tom and Ben take Nick to a hospital, Ben has slammed the door into Nick’s face so hard that he lost consciousness. Ben didn’t expect Nick to follow him in the first place nor did he expect he could knock somebody out with such ease. As they sit silently waiting for the doctor’s diagnoses, Tom speaks.
“Ben, that wasn’t really your fault you know. You didn’t see him; he shouldn’t have just rushed after you like that…”
“This is such a mess,” Ben says letting out a frustrating sigh, though slightly happy at with himself.
“Ben I was thinking, maybe this guy isn’t Nicholas,” Tom says grabbing Ben’s attention. “Hear me out, the Nicholas we knew and I did know him best, was sophisticated, smart and charismatic. This guy he just seems like a… a…”
“A walking fruitcake?” Ben says as Tom nods.
“That’s one way to put it.”
“Maybe he’s faking,” Ben insists trying to convince himself of the man’s identity. “He did trick everyone before, it doesn’t seem difficult for him to do it again.”
“Ben, Nicholas had a spark to him. It was something that just attracted people to him and you can’t hide that such a quality even if you tried.”
“I guess you’re right,” Ben reluctantly admits. “But what if he is Nicholas and he’s not faking but has really lost his memory.”
“I don’t know what to say buddy but I really think your wrong,” Tom says.
“I just hope this guy is ok,” Ben says. And though evidence has presented itself in such a way, Ben does not want to think otherwise.
“I’m sure he’ll be fine. But Ben,” Tom now changes his tone. “But why didn’t you tell me you were going to propose to Ann?”
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“I just wanted something private and special,” Ben answers as Tom smiles happy with the news. His best friend plans on taking the next big step in his relationship, despite this, Tom can’t help but feel a little betrayed.
“I’m sure Ann is going to love it,” Tom says.
“She would have but I completely forgot about it,” Ben says as Tom nods thinking the entrance of Nick in their lives has preoccupied Ben. But Ben has a different take, he blames Nick for ruining his proposal weekend with Ann. What’s more, Ben didn’t think about it until he returned, causing Ben to feel more irritation with him. Ben slowly looks up, he sees Ann at the end of the corridor and turns to Tom. “You called Ann?”
“Was I not supposed to?” Tom asks confused.
“Ben! What is the meaning of this?” Ann says staring at him angrily. “I thought you would take care of him.”
“I did,” Ben says trying to defend himself. “I swear this was not intentional.”
“He has a bad head injury,” Ann replies. “This could make it worse; I can’t believe this happened. I knew I should have come with you guys.” Ben knows he should have been more careful and feels a part of him wanted to hurt Nick. Ben also knows that he has to keep Nick around to find the truth, and that was something he didn’t want to compromise. Despite this what hurt the most was seeing his girlfriend get worked up over a man who looked like her ex.
Soon the doctor comes and informs them that Nick is fine and he is now awake. The three of them go to Nick’s room where he sits on the bed smiling.
“Nick is everything alright?” Ann asks as she comes closer to him, concerned.
“Andrew,” Nick says. “My name is Andrew.”
“Andrew?” Ann looks confused while Ben ponders if this is another one of Nicholas’s tricks.
“You remember?” Tom asks.
“Just my name,” Nick says smiling brightly. “I don’t know anything else but I’m sure my name is Andrew.”
“It’s nice to meet you Andrew,” Ann says hiding the disappointment in her voice. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m ok. The doctor said I just need some rest.”
“Ben,” Ann says as she turns to Ben sternly. “Don’t you have anything to say to Nick… I mean Andrew.”
“What?” Ben says annoyed by Ann defending Andrew.
“Like I’m sorry I slammed a door in your face? I’m sorry I hurt you, I should have been more careful,” Ann demands.
“Look Ann,” before Ben can make any attempt to cover for himself, Andrew speaks.
“The door thing, that wasn’t Ben. It was the wind,” Andrew says unconvincingly. “The wind was so strong it pushed the door right back,” he says giving a dorky smile. Ann decides not to pursue the matter and they soon leave the room as the doctor comes in to check on Andrew. As Ann speaks to the doctor, Ben pulls Tom aside and whispers.
“Did you see the way he lied just then?”