#it's not like this is unexpected but whew... can barely focus my eyes sometimes

[sergle]

give it up for day five!! or six! depending on how you count it! of my reduction recovery! I'm just as tired as I was yesterday, If Not More! I sleep for like twelve hours, wake up, and immediately feel like I ran a marathon, which is very funny for me. Tired, disoriented, dizzy, you name it. I've gotten really good at sleeping on my back though. the pain levels are basically at a 0 now, it's not even charting for most of the day! I am Uncomfortable, though, bc sensitivity is ramping up as I heal. there are occasional Zaps of electricity through the areas, or a throbby moment, and then it goes away. and I think the itchiness is starting. YAY ITCHINESS. my tits are still Stiff, and I think they stay that way for quite awhile, but they're not PIPING HOT anymore. just normal body temperature! thank fucking god because the heat was bothering me. apparently we're moving to a new step in the healing process that doesn't require furnace-like temperatures. my bruising is very light, now! It's almost gone already. I'm getting better at changing my dressings out in a way that doesn't make me pass out lmaooo. once again, it doesn't hurt to do, and I already look pretty healed, but it is SO TAXING. there's definitely some lizard-brain stuff going on re: seeing my own body look injured in this way.

[classicallyelegant]

Chapter 7 expanded

I apologize for a delay.....Have had a LOT going on and and lot to worry about....still, I did work on this and I tried my hardest to make it as impressive as I could......Hope it lives up to it!

“Be careful, you two and I’ll have a big celebration dinner for you when you get back!” Russ waves after us. I feel a huge smile! What else can you do with Russ? Matt and I walk down to a bus stop and wait. He knows what bus, but I’m still a bit vague on such. Good thing he’s here! As we wait, we both noticed a couple staring at us. He just turns away from them, but they look like they want to say something. They are a bit older than us, but they don’t really look like trouble to me. I look down but I’m still facing them when I hear the man clear his throat. Ahem! “Excuse me? Are you two OK?” I’m not certain how to answer him, so I touch Matt’s shoulder. He turns and beams back, “Sure we are! Why do you ask?”

“Oh good! We were concerned about you two since we hadn’t seen you in a few days. You know we always love to check on you.” He smiles back as he brings the lady closer to all of us.

Matt whispers to me, “Yeah, to be nosy about what we’re doing!” I look at him. REALLY? He sort of turns his head towards me and says under his breath, “Watch!” To the couple he says, “We had a bit of a vacation….just the two of us! You know how we lovebirds are!” He’s smiling at me and drawing me closer to him in a hug. What are you up to? The couple look like they’re satisfied, but I’m mystified as he kisses my face. What do you think you are doing here? Why are you showing off for these people? All I can manage to do is look at him. I don’t know how to explain his behavior in front of them and then he whispers, “Kiss me!” HUH? You really want me to….? Wait! I heard him right, didn’t I? He must see the confused look on my face so he bends a little closer, “Kiss me!” I….uh….I….. I take too long because his lips are on mine before I can do anything! OMG! Just finish this out! Whatever you do, don’t swoon and don’t hit him! The lady is beaming at us and the man looks very happy with what he sees. Am I missing something here? It’s like I’m the only one left out of a joke. Matt comes up for air and says as loud as he can, “You little minx, right now?” Umm…What? He scoops me up and we go off into a nearby alley or rather he’s dragging me off. Is this real or am I lost in a dream again? I think I remember waking up!

Once we’re in the alley I starting kicking to get away from him. He sets me down on my feet but is grinning from ear to ear. “What are you doing? What was that all about?” I’m flustered and embarrassed and just so confused! He almost doubles over laughing with his back to me. You’re going to laugh about this?! “Oh c’mon! I only gave the guy what he wanted.” He finally manages to say as he faces me. “They won’t listen that you and I are not a couple! We’ve both been trying to tell them yet they insist we are. I simply played along with their joke.” He crosses his arms, looking rather proud of himself.

“Well couldn’t you warn me or something? Geez! I was so lost!” I spit and sputter the words because I’m still trying to grip my own sanity here. “And we spent a lovebird’s vacation together?! Now what would Russ say to that?”

“Russ knows all about this! Sheesh, Maxey! Settle down. It’s not that big of a deal. Let’s just hang back here so we don’t have to deal with them anymore.” He walks past me to see if they’ve left. “You usually play along flawlessly. You didn’t have to be so lost just now. You said the lady was giving you wedding advice and all kinds of things. Wish they would quit though! This act gets old!”

“So you’re used to doing this? That’s what you’re telling me? “I’m a still bit flustered. I didn’t expect Matt to KISS me so this is just really throwing me! It was a thrill but it was such a surprise, I just…..I’m at a loss for words.

“Only when we come across them. What’s the matter? We’re actors, right? It’s what we do!” Matt is being so nonchalant about the situation but I feel I’m in a panic! “Oh wait!” He spins to face me. “You didn’t remember them? That’s why you did that! You honestly don’t remember them! Ugh! I should have thought of that! OK, you got me, Maxey. I’m sorry about all of this! I take the blame here.” Now he looks a bit embarrassed as well, his hand in his hair.

“It’s….. OK…I overreacted, I guess. I wasn’t expecting any of this.” Just grin and bear it now! What else can you do? It’s done and there’s no going back.

“No, I offer you my humblest apologies, Princess” Matt bows down elegantly on one knee before me, his head bowed and his arm across his chest. “I clearly didn’t think this through and I shouldn’t have left you in such a state.”

I giggle, “Get up silly! If anyone sees you, they’re gonna clobber us both!”  He really looks like a fairy tale knight down there.

“If I have upset your delicate person, then the ground is where I belong.” He picks his head up though, slightly to the side and smiles up at me. How can I not melt at that?! >Sigh< He really is a sight to behold! “Get up!” I try to pull him up. Remember! Can’t let on anything now! He finally stands up and smiles as his hand caresses my hair then cups my face. This time it’s a long smoldering kiss right on the lips. I’m done for! I have no defense for such! We look into each other’s eyes for a split second as I gently wipe his face then he grabs me and says, “Our bus is here!” Aww Man! My luck! We break out running and make it just as the doors close behind us. Whew!

“We made it! Now, on to the studio! Don’t worry, I think he will be there but I’ve arranged for you to stay with someone once we get to the place. She’s one of your friends, so you should be safe. If you need me though, she can find me.” He’s breathless.

“OK, two questions…does she have a name and how much does she know about my memory?”

“Of course she has a name! DUH! Her name is Rena. She doesn’t know much about your condition but she knows to keep you away from Jerry. I’m sure you can handle this. Just take it easy. You and she are old friends, so she will be glad to see you.”

“OK, I wish I had your confidence, but I’ll do my best.” My heart is still jumping but I’m not sure if it’s from his kiss or from going to this place. I’m nervous because I’m not sure what to expect and I’m nervous because I already had the unexpected happen! I know I can’t ask Matt to hold my hand through this, but I would feel much better if he were closer throughout this. >Deep Breath< All right now! You can do this, Maxey! You’re a girl who can handle what life throws at her, right? Mmmaybe. Maybe not! I don’t know, but I’ve got to try! The answers I need are out there and I have to sift through to find them.

He grabs my hand anyway and says, “We’re here!” OK….>sigh< here goes nothing……

Off the bus and into the sliding glass doors of a building, we’re greeted by the receptionist by name and she motions her head to one side to let Matt know where he needs to go. I’m really nervous to be here and honestly, none of this is familiar to me. People say hi or smile at us as we make our way down the hall. I try to be polite but I really don’t recognize any of them. He stops outside a door and I bump into him. “Oh sorry! Guess I wasn’t paying close enough attention.” I sheepishly say to him. He turns around and puts his hand on my shoulder. “It’s OK. Don’t look so worried! Your friend, Rena should be in here. I’ll see you when I’m done and we’ll go back together.”

“Are you really sure about this? I’m just really nervous!” I can’t seem to focus on just one thing because I have so many thoughts running through my head.

“Would you have rather spent the day with Dustin coddling you?” Was that sarcasm or jealousy?

“Oh so that’s what you think of me? Well isn’t it nice to know where I stand?!” Yes, that remark ticked me off.

“No, you’re just thinking your own thoughts….as usual! Look, it’s going to be alright so you can calm down my little spitfire. I’ll come get you and I made sure you won’t be alone. You want to find your answers; this is a good starting point. Now, just go in here and talk to her. It was your idea to come, remember?” Geez! You would have to rub that in! Before I can answer him back, he opens the door and practically pushes me in!

“Maxey! Oh my gosh! I’ve missed you so much!” Rena comes from behind a desk and runs to hug me. She moved so fast, I barely got to see her.

“Umm hi! Yeah, it’s me…back to bug everyone!” I manage to say over her shoulder.

“Oh the way you talk sometimes,” she laughs. She steps back and looks like she’s assessing me for something. This is awkward! She looks nice enough, short auburn hair, green eyes, slightly taller than me but then she is wearing high heels.  I can’t really place her at the moment, but I’ll play along as best I can.

“Matt told me you haven’t been quite on par with everything. You feeling OK?”

“I’m doing my best to handle what I can. Just have to get back into the swing of things, I suppose. How are things for you?” I’m trying to keep a smile, but it’s not as easy as it sounds.

“Oh things stay hectic around here and, for now, everything else is rolling right along, so I can’t complain too much! He said your memory is causing problems? It’s not something really bad because that sounds a little scary.”

“No, I am working on that, so hopefully it can be resolved soon.” I don’t have a good reason, but I am so nervous around her. Something about this just does not feel right to me, but I can’t put my finger on anything in particular. Still, Matt arranged this, so I’ve got to trust him. I really thought though seeing another girl would be much easier than this.

“Well, Jerry will be glad you’re back. He’s been on a fit since you went away. No one can talk to him. I’m sure others will be glad to see you as well. You know, I don’t know how you manage to be so popular around here but I have a feeling it has something to do with your closeness to Matt.” She says this as if she’s almost jealous. Why should anyone be jealous of that? I’m not as close to him as Russ, so really? And Ugh! She had to mention Jerry! Not what I want to hear this early in the morning.

“I’ve never thought of myself as popular but if you say so. I’m just lucky to have such nice friends who care about me.” Not really sure how I can defend myself here so just play things off for now. “He told me that I should stay with you today. Do you really mind?”

“If Matt says it then I don’t mind. It will be fun spending the day with you! We don’t get to do that very often, always busy with work.” She’s looking over several papers. “I was surprised to get his call last night, but it was good to hear him. I don’t get his calls often. Must be nice to spend so much time around him.”

Really? Could she be any more obvious? This girl is dripping with envy and jealousy over Matt? >sigh< Now I remember! She’s had a huge crush on him since he first came around! Always gushing about his looks and everything about him! That’s why I don’t talk to her very much anymore! Oh no! Matt, you made a big mistake here! Of course she agreed to this, you were the one who asked! She would do just about anything for you, you doofus! Hmm I have to think of something because I can’t stay here and have her go on and on about him. I have my own problems where he is concerned! What to do?

“Oh he has his moments, just like he told me earlier about someone else. If I’m bothering you, I can find something else to do though. Really, don’t put yourself out on my account. I can explain things to him.”

“What? No! Not a bother to me! He arranged this, so it’s the very least I can do!” She grins and blushes every time she mentions him. Oh brother! “Besides, he should be busy with the show he’s working on so we should have the whole day.”

“Yeah, he mentioned that.” Man I feel so defeated! I have to come up with something to get out of here, but what? Think fast, Maxey! THINK!

“Why didn’t he escort you in? I thought I would see him bring you to me.” “Oh he did. He just pushed me in though. I guess he was in a hurry to get to where he needed to be, but he should be around again later.”

“You mean I still have a chance to see him?” She sounds like a giddy schoolgirl. It’s annoying but also pretty funny to see the effect he has on other girls as well. If he only realized how deep this went! Would he be surprised?!? Have to conceal my giggle here. Good thing she didn’t see him earlier….I’d probably never hear the end of it! “Hey I know! I can show around the studio since your memory is giving you fits. Maybe you can remember something along the way.”

“Uh, well OK, I guess that might help.” I have a feeling she’s doing this more in a hope to see him than to help me, but I can go along with this if I must. What would she do if she were face to face with him? Knowing him, he would just shrug her off.

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[classicallyelegant]

Now on to chapter 7......

Sometimes I wonder myself why I keep doing this......I often questioned myself why even finish this story, but it’s something I just had to do. You get something stuck in your head and somehow, you just have to get it out, right? Maybe.....anyway, I promised a bit of a surprise in this chapter, so I hope it lives up to that. I was surprised when I wrote it because I didn’t see it coming, but it’s funny along with cute......to me anyway! lol

“Be careful, you two and I’ll have a big celebration dinner for you when you get back!” Russ waves after us. Big smile! What else can you do with Russ? Matt and I walk down to a bus stop and wait. He knows what bus, but I’m still a bit vague on such. Good thing he’s here! As we wait, we both noticed a couple staring at us. He just turns away from them, but they look like they want to say something to us. They are a bit older than us, but they don’t really look like trouble to me. I look down but I’m still facing them when I hear the man clear his throat. Ahem! “Excuse me? Are you two OK?” I’m not certain how to answer him, so I touch Matt’s shoulder. He turns and beams back, “Sure we are! Why do you ask?”

“Oh good! We were concerned about you two since we hadn’t seen you in a few days. You know we always love to check on you.” He smiles back as he brings the lady closer to all of us.

Matt whispers to me, “Yeah to be nosy about what we’re doing!” I look at him. REALLY? He sort of turns to me and says under his breath, “Watch!” To the couple he says, “We had a bit of a vacation….just the two of us! You know how we lovebirds are!” He’s smiling at me and drawing me closer to him in a hug. What are you up to? The couple look like they’re satisfied, but I’m mystified as he kisses my face. What do you think you are doing here? Why are you showing off for these people? All I can manage to do is look at him. I don’t know how to explain his behavior in front of them and then he whispers, “Kiss me!” HUH? You really want me to….? Wait! I heard him right, didn’t I? He must see the confused look on my face so he bends a little closer, “Kiss me!” I….uh….I….. I take too long because his lips are on mine before I can do anything! OMG! Just finish this out! Whatever you do, don’t swoon and don’t hit him! The lady is beaming at us and the man looks very happy with what he sees. Am I missing something here? It’s like I’m the only one left out of a joke. Matt comes up for air and says as loud as he can, “You little minx, right now?” Umm…What? He grabs my hand and we go off into a nearby alley. Is this real or am I lost in a dream again?

Once we’re in the alley I grab my hand away from him. “What are you doing? What was that all about?” I’m flustered and embarrassed and just so confused! He almost doubles over laughing. You’re going to laugh about this?! “Oh c’mon! I only gave the guy what he wanted.” He finally manages to say. “They won’t listen that you and I are not a couple! We’ve both been trying to tell them yet they insist we are. I simply played along with their joke.”

“Well couldn’t you warn me or something? Geez! I was so lost!” I spit and sputter the words because I’m still trying to grip my own sanity here. “And we spent a lovebird’s vacation together?! Now what would Russ say to that?”

“Russ knows all about this! Sheesh, Maxey! Settle down. It’s not that big of a deal. Let’s just hang back here so we don’t have to deal with them anymore.” He keeps watching to see if they’ve left. “You usually play along flawlessly. You didn’t have to be so lost just now. You said the lady was giving you wedding advice and all kinds of things. Wish they would quit though! This act gets old!”

“So you’re used to doing this? That’s what you’re telling me? “I’m a still bit flustered. I didn’t expect Matt to KISS me so this is just really throwing me! It was a thrill but it was such a surprise, I just…..I’m at a loss for words.

“Only when we come across them. What’s the matter? We’re actors, right? It’s what we do!” Matt is being so nonchalant about all of this but I feel like a mess! “Oh wait! You didn’t remember them? That’s why you did that! You honestly don’t remember them! Ugh! I should have thought of that! OK, you got me, Maxey. I’m sorry about all of this! I take the blame here.” Now he looks a bit embarrassed as well, his hand in his hair.

“It’s….. OK…I overreacted, I guess. I wasn’t expecting any of this.” Just grin and bear it now! What else can you do? It’s done and there’s no going back.

“No, I offer you my humblest apologies, Princess” Matt bows down elegantly on one knee before me, his head bowed and his arm across his chest. “I didn’t think this through and I shouldn’t have left you in such a state.”

I giggle, “Get up silly! If anyone sees you, they’re gonna clobber us both!”  He really looks like a fairy tale knight down there.

“If I have upset your delicate person, then the ground is where I belong.” He picks his head up though, slightly to the side and smiles up at me. How can I not melt at that?! >Sigh< He really is a sight to behold! “Get up!” I try to pull him up. Remember! Can’t let on anything now! He finally stands up and smiles as his hand caresses my hair then cups my face. This time it’s a long smoldering kiss right on the lips. I’m done for! I have no defense for such! We look into each other’s eyes for a split second as I gently wipe his face then he grabs me and says, “Our bus is here!” Aww Man! My luck! We break out running and make it just as the doors close behind us. Whew!

“We made it! Now, on to the studio! Don’t worry, I think he will be there but I’ve arranged for you to stay with someone once we get to the place. She’s one of your friends, so you should be safe. If you need me though, she can find me.” He’s breathless.

“OK, two questions…does she have a name and how much does she know about my memory?”

“Of course she has a name! DUH! Her name is Rena. She doesn’t know much about your condition but she knows to keep you away from Jerry. I’m sure you can handle this. Just take it easy. You and she are old friends, so she will be glad to see you.”

“OK, I wish I had your confidence, but I’ll do my best.” My heart is still jumping but I’m not sure if it’s from his kiss or from going to this place. I’m nervous because I’m not sure what to expect and I’m nervous because I already had the unexpected happen! I know I can’t ask Matt to hold my hand through this, but I would feel much better if he were closer throughout this. All right now! You can do this, Maxey! You’re a girl who can handle what life throws at her, right? Mmmaybe. Maybe not! I don’t know, but I’ve got to try! The answers I need are out there and I have to sift through to find them.

He grabs my hand anyway and says, “We’re here!” OK….>sigh< here goes nothing……

Off the bus and into the sliding glass doors of a building, we’re greeted by the receptionist by name and she motions her head to one side to let Matt know where he needs to go. I’m really nervous to be here and honestly, none of this is familiar to me. People say hi or smile at us as we make our way down the hall. I try to be polite but I really don’t recognize any of them. He stops outside a door and I bump into him. “Oh sorry! Guess I wasn’t paying close enough attention.” I sheepishly say to him. He turns around and puts his hand on my shoulder. “It’s OK. Don’t look so worried! Your friend, Rena should be in here. I’ll see you when I’m done and we’ll go back together.”

“Are you really sure about this? I’m just really nervous!” I can’t seem to focus on just one thing because I have so many thoughts running through my head.

“Would you have rather spent the day with Dustin coddling you?” Was that sarcasm or jealousy?

“Oh so that’s what you think of me? Well isn’t it nice to know where I stand?!” Yes, that remark ticked me off.

“No, you’re just thinking your own thoughts….as usual! Look, it’s going to be alright so you can calm down my little spitfire. I’ll come get you and I made sure you won’t be alone. You want to find your answers; this is a good starting point. Now, just go in here and talk to her. It was your idea to come, remember?” Geez! You would have to rub that in! Before I can answer him back, he opens the door and practically pushes me in!

“Maxey! Oh my gosh! I’ve missed you so much!” Rena comes from behind a desk and runs to hug me. She moved so fast, I barely got to see her.

“Umm hi! Yeah, it’s me…back to bug everyone!” I manage to say over her shoulder.

“Oh the way you talk sometimes,” she laughs. She steps back and looks like she’s assessing me for something. This is awkward! She looks nice enough, short auburn hair, green eyes, slightly taller than me but then she is wearing high heels.  I can’t really place her at the moment, but I’ll play along as best I can.

“Matt told me you haven’t been quite on par with everything. You feeling OK?”

“I’m doing my best to handle what I can. Just have to get back into the swing of things, I suppose. How are things for you?” Try to keep smiling, but it’s not as easy as it sounds.

“Oh things stay hectic around here and for now everything else is rolling right along, so I can’t complain too much! He said your memory is causing problems? It’s not something really bad because that sounds a little scary.”

“No, I am working on that, so hopefully it can be resolved soon.” I don’t have a good reason, but I am so nervous around her. Something about this just does not feel right to me, but I can’t put my finger on anything in particular. Still, Matt arranged this, so I’ve got to trust him. I really thought though seeing another girl would be much easier than this.

“Well, Jerry will be glad you’re back. He’s been on a fit since you went away. No one can talk to him. I’m sure others will be glad to see you as well. You know, I don’t know how you manage to be so popular around here but I have a feeling it has something to do with your closeness to Matt.” She says this as if she’s almost jealous. Why should anyone be jealous of that? I’m not as close to him as Russ, so really? And Ugh! She had to mention Jerry! Not what I want to hear this early in the morning.

“I never thought of myself as popular but if you say so. I’m lucky to have such nice friends who care about me.” Not really sure how I can defend myself here so just play things off for now. “He told me that I should stay with you today. Do you really mind?”

“If Matt says it then I don’t mind. It will be fun spending the day with you! We don’t get to do that very often, always busy with work.” She’s looking over several papers. “I was surprised to get his call last night, but it was good to hear him. I don’t get his calls often. Must be nice to spend so much time around him.”

Really? Could she be any more obvious? This girl is dripping with envy and jealousy over Matt? Now I remember! She’s had a huge crush on him since he first came around! Always gushing about his looks and everything about him! That’s why I don’t talk to her very much anymore! Oh no! Matt, you made a big mistake here! Of course she agreed to this, you were the one who asked! She would do just about anything for you, you doofus! Hmm I have to think of something because I can’t stay here and have her go on and on about him. I have my own problems where he is concerned! What to do?

“Oh he has his moments, just like he told me earlier about someone else. If I’m bothering you, I can find something else to do though. Really, don’t put yourself out on my account. I can explain things to him.”

“What? No! Not a bother to me! He arranged this, so it’s the very least I can do!” She grins and blushes every time she mentions him. Oh brother! “Besides, he should be busy with the show he’s working on so we should have the whole day.”

“Yeah, he mentioned that.” Man I feel so defeated! I have to come up with something to get out of here, but what?

“Why didn’t he escort you in? I thought I would see him bring you to me.” “Oh he did. He just pushed me in though. I guess he was in a hurry to get to where he needed to be, but he should be around later.”

“You mean I still have a chance to see him?” She sounds like a giddy schoolgirl. It’s annoying but also pretty funny to see the effect he has on other girls as well. If he only realized how deep this went! Would he be surprised?!? Have to conceal my giggle here. Good thing she didn’t see him earlier….I’d probably never hear the end of it! “Hey I know! I can show around the studio since your memory is giving you fits. Maybe you can remember something along the way.”

“Uh, well OK, I guess that might help.” I have a feeling she’s doing this more in a hope to see him than to help me, but I can play along. What would she do if she were face to face with him? Knowing him, he would just shrug her off.

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