Reunited

~~She lied on the beach, feeling the cold ocean water slowly creep up her body. It was wet, yet soothing. But, it was not the only thing she found in her presence. It was HIM. The one who has too lead in her dreams.

The huge figure with the flaming red hair. Now he leaned over her, on ALL fours as before. But this time she could just make out..........................................!~~

“Damn! I could almost distinguish his features. Why does it get to a certain part and stop? It’s like a cliffhanger.” Lisa raised up in her bed. She had fallen asleep after her confrontation with her mother. One thing she knew, she had to get away from her.

She grabbed a few of her suitcases from her closet and began to throw her clothing into them. If she was lucky, her mother wasn’t home. Then she could avoid a scene.

“They’re keeping something from me. Maybe being on my own for once, I can capture my memory of the last year.” She thought as she closed the last suitcase locking it.

Lisa was happy to see her mother was gone and Sally was somewhere in the house. Sally was the least of her problems. Lisa knew she would support whatever her decisions.

“Sally, where are you?” She called from the front door after loading her suitcases.

“I’m here. What’s all the ruckus?” She asked, making her way from into the front of the house.

“I have to get away, Sally. I’m not sure how long it will be.” Lisa announced. Sally shifted on her feet. Confused to what had brought on this sudden need to leave.

“Why? I don understand?” Sally felt her heart sink. It’s always that way when a child is leaving home. She felt as much when Lisa had decided to go to Texas to visit her friend Betty. But that was only a visited. This time she felt it was a little different.

“I know Mother is keeping me from finding out what happened the last year. And I know you’re forbidden to tell me.” Lisa turned and walked into the sitting room, staring out the window.

“My darlin Lisa. I wish I could. But.....” Sally stopped and turned her gaze to the ground. Some things are best not said.

“I would never put you on the spot. This is between my mother and I. I know how important your job is to you. Knowing my mother, she would fire you. I can’t have that on my conscious..” Lisa turned to the older woman, staring at her with such respect. Sally smiled back with great adoration for the young woman.

“Such a touching scene.” Mrs. Conner addressing the two. Sally’s head snapped towards her, glaring. Lisa took a deep breath, then exhale. It’s now or never.

“I was just telling Sally I need to get away. I don’t know how long I will be. But one thing, as long as it takes me to get back my last year, I’m willing to sacrifice. Since you don’t seem to want to.” Lisa began to walk pass her Mother. The woman caught her daughters arm, stopping her.

“You will not be leaving this house again. If you do, don’t come back. And I will not be supporting you either.” Her mother eyes cut under, staring at her daughter. Lisa looked at the mother, then at the hand gripping her arm.

“If that’s the way you feel, then consider me gone. And I guess you may have thought I forgot about my inheritance from my father. I didn’t. I just can’t remember the last year. Everything else is there.” Lisa informed her mother, gently removing the hand from her arm.

“Fine. You go as you did before. I’ll wait until you have know other choice than to come back to me.” Her mother said in a low calm voice. Lisa felt something eerie about her mother’s words. She seemed different than she had ever remembered her.

“Sally, I’ll keep in touch. Even if my Mother doesn’t want to know.” Lisa walked away from her home, once again. In an attempt to rediscover the last year and the secrets the two women were withholding from her. The car backed out of the driveway and sped down the street, disappearing from the gaze of the to women.

“I told ya, yer psychotic ways would soon reflect on our Lisa.” Sally walked out onto the porch, trying to catch a last glimpse of the child she loved so dearly.

“Let me remind you old woman. Lisa is my and mine along. You don’t get to name and claim.” Mrs. Conner snapped back, then turn and walked up the stairs to Lisa room. And took a seat on her bed. De ja vu. They’ve been here before. Over a year ago. When she left for Texas and started a new life. She never in her dreams thought Lisa would actually find someone while she visit that wild friend Betty.

Oh that child was always getting Lisa in some kind of trouble. How many times she tried to keep those to apart? Even to the point she ordered Betty’s mother to keep her daughter away from Lisa. What good that did?

Then Lisa goes and almost gets killed by that roughneck Biker‘s crazy ex-girlfriend. And killing the beautiful child that would have been her grandchild. How much she hated him and that so called friend of her?

The first several months was the hardest to keep them away from Lisa. But she paid someone to pretend to be a doctor. He informed both him and Betty how important the do not contact her or it may trigger her memory of losing the child and cause her to drift deeper into her mind.

“Oh yes. That worked like a charm. I knew they wouldn’t want to hurt Lisa. How easy it is to use other’s emotions against them. Well, my darling child. You’ll be back. You will always be back.” Mrs. Conner laid on her daughter’s bed, curled up into a fetal position and cuddling her pillow.

“There’s trouble a brewin. Yer need to be standin by. Lisa maybe in trouble.” Sally spoke under her breath into the phone. She didn’t want Mrs. Conner to hear.

It had been a week now since Lisa left her home. She moved into the beach house her father left to her. Her mother hadn’t called or come by to see her. She knew this was her way of sulking for her decision. He mother hated for anyone to go against her. Especially Lisa.

But Sally true to her nature, would call everyday to make sure she was doing well. And as much as she warned her not to call, due to the fact her mother may catch on. Sally never missed a day. Lisa loved that old lady very much. She was like the grandmother she never had.

The time out near the beach she so loved, was as she had hoped. It seems her dreams since the night she left home diminished. She knew they were there, but the person seemed to be fading from her.

~~“Just when I thought being out here would make these dreams clearer. And give me some light on why my memory is gone.” Lisa turned her head to laughter behind her. She jumped off the railing on the porch where she had been sitting. She smiled at the couple running along the beach so in love. She let out a slow breath as she watched them.

They ran kicking water on each other. The lady rubbed a handful of sand into the man’s chest, then ran down the beach. Only to be overtaken by the man. He swooped her up into his arms, mimicking to toss her over into the water, as she squealed a pretense fear.

Then he let her down, pulling her to himself, as their eyes captured the other. Their lips touched gently at first. Then locking onto each other, their passion rising within. They surrendered to the other. Their knees buckling under them, they moved downward into the sand. The water washed over them, hiding the joining of their bodies. They became one, lost to the world.

Lisa went to go into the house, leaving the two to their privacy. It was night and the beach was always vacate, especially in this area. She gave one last look before she entered, only to be startled by something.

“Lisa my love. How long have waited to hold you in my arms?” The man’s voice boomed in the night. Lisa turned, eyes squinting to ease her curiosity.

“Yessss!! How long have I waited for you to find me?“ The woman’s voice barely escaping her lips.

She backed into the wall, with her hand covering her mouth. The voice sounded so familiar. Then she saw something that made her heart nearly jump out of her chest. The moonlight flashed across the woman’s face. It was her face, lost in an expression of ecstasy.~~

“Damn!!” Lisa sat up in her bed. She could barely catch her breath. This was the new dream that had taken over the one before.

“Now what the Hell was that?” She rubbed her hands over her face, trying to gain her composure. She moved from the bed, finding her way into the kitchen. She thought as she poured her some water.

“I am losing my mind. That was me on the beach with someone. He said he had been longing for me. And I wanted him as much as he wanted me. The passion.” Lisa whispered to herself. I was lost to him, she thought.

Could this really mean something? Is there someone searching for me? Was I that in love with someone? Outside her thoughts were momentarily diverted to the sound of a motorcycle passing by. Then she made her way back into the bedroom.

Outside the huge biker sat on his bike. Staring at the house for awhile, knowing behind those doors, was the one woman he would ever love in this lifetime. He revved up the motor and sped away. He had much to do in his quest to get her back into his life.

Lisa walked along the beach as she would do each morning. She passed by her nearest neighbors house, Mr. Taylor. He was a sweet old man. She had grown up with his son Jason. He was away in college somewhere. Mr. Taylor hadn’t been out much since his wife died years ago. The house was well kept by the caretaker though.

She paused. Something strange was going on. She went up to the house. The door was open and Bruce the caretaker was inside doing something.

“Hey Bruce! How are you?” Lisa called to him as she entered the house. The man was an old friend of Mr. Taylor. He was tall and thin. He smiled at the young woman who he had known since a child.

“Why Miss Conner. Look at you. All grown up now. How’s your Mother?” He knew about the death of the father and didn’t want to bring up sad news.

“Stubborn as ever. Other then that, she’s find. I moved out of the house and into my beach home.” Lisa replied. Bruce raised an eyebrow. He knew how controlling Mrs. Conner could be.

“I’m sure she didn’t like that much.” He chuckled. She nodded and smiled.

“You didn’t ask.’ Lisa injected. Bruce stopped and stared. The a expression of realization passed over his face. Then he looked to the ground.

“Yeah I know. So how is she?” He then asked, his gaze focused onto the sky.

“She’s doing just fine. But I do know she misses you. I wish..........” She began.

“I know, but right now isn’t the time. She has family things that she needed to straighten out. And I will respect that.” Bruce turned and began to fumbled with something on a table. Lisa’s head leaned from one side to the other.

“Family things? Sally? I never knew she had a family. All these years she never told me.” Lisa was puzzled. Bruce turned back to her, staring at her confusion. Why hadn’t Sally ever mentioned anything about a family. She just assumed she was alone and they were her family.

“Or maybe she’s talking about the last year. No wait! This doesn’t add up.” Lisa remembered it was during the time of her father’s death they suddenly broke off their engagement.

“Miss Conner. Please don’t say anything to her. If she didn’t say anything to you, it means she doesn’t want you to worry about her.” Lisa snorted. He was right. She’ll stay out of it.

“Okay. Anyway, I have enough to worry about.” Lisa began to walk around the living room. Then something struck her. She turned to Bruce.

“Is Mr. Taylor or Jason coming to the house?” She asked, realizing Bruce was removing sheets and dusting things off, as if preparing for someone. He looked over to her and smiled.

“As much as I’m sure young Mr. Taylor would enjoy seeing you, he is busy at his college stay. Mr. Taylor has rented the house out to someone and I’m getting it ready.” Bruce began to remove more sheet from furniture, dusting as he went along.

“Really? Is it an old acquaintance of his?” She was curious of the new neighbor who would be down the way from her.

“Only that he is from Texas and a large biker type. But very well off from what I know. He’s going to be here on business and needed a place to stay. Said he wanted to be near the beach.” Bruce continued with his chore.

“Huge Biker huh? I heard a motorcycle very early this morning. Maybe he had come by to check out things.” Lisa’s curiosity of the man had peaked.

“From what I know, someone special to him loved the beach. He once to be near everything she loved.” Bruce looked up to her with some tears in his eyes. She knew than much of what he was saying was meant for Sally and him.

“Sally! Guess who I ran into?” Lisa had took a chance on calling Sally and hoping her mother didn’t answer.

“Who ma dear?” She asked.

“Bruce!” She shouted excitedly into the phone. Their was a long pause on the other end.

“Sally? Sally? Are you still there?” Lisa called to her. Finally gathering herself from the mention of her old love.

“Yes, dear. I’m still har. How is he?” She said softly.

“Still loving and missing you.” Lisa informed her. Sigh came from the other end.

“I know dear. And so do I.” She revealed to Lisa.

“I’m not supposed to let on, but he kinda told me why you two broke up. Something about your family.” Lisa waited for a reply.

“My sweet Lisa. I have to go now. You take care of yourself, ya hear?” Then the other side of the phone click. Lisa stared at the phone for a moment, listening to the dial tone. She then slowly hung it up.

“That was so strange.” She thought. Then in the distance she could hear the sound of the approaching motorcycle. She jumped from her chair and ran to the window to get a glimpse at the new neighbor.

“Family problems. I hope you haven’t been talking more than need be Sally. Or you will live to regret it.” Mrs. Conner came in on Sally sitting and staring out the kitchen window. Contemplating so many things gone wrong. She slowly turned her head to the woman threatening her.

“I will ay this only on time. Ya don’ scare me. And if anythin, yer the one’s goin’ to be regritin things.” She glared at her and walked into the room next to the kitchen.

“I think it’s time I forgive my daughter. After all, how can I deal with her angry at her?” Mrs. Conner smiled.

Mark sped passed the house he knew the love of his life lived. Unaware those same eyes watched him as he made his way to the house he rented when he discovered she had moved into the beach house she always talked about.

Little did Mrs. Conner know he had hired an private investigator to keep him a brush of ALL that was going on with Lisa.

He steered the bike up along the side of the house. Revved one last time, before turning off the motor. he sat for moment, mind going back to feeling her soft skin next to his. He hot breath, her eyes, her lips. He shuddered.

“No need to rehash those days now. All they do is remind me of the pain.” He said in his deep voice. He dismounted the vehicle and with long strides, made his way up the porch. He fixed the keys into the lock turning it. He paused when a strange sensation came over him. Automatically, his head turned into the direction of the house next door. Her house. He could see the curtains just closing. She knows I’m here. He thought.

“Good. May the task began.” He unlocked the door and entered. Closing the door behind him.

“OMISGOSH! Did he see me staring at him? I hope not. I don’t want him to think I’m one of those nosy neighbors. How else will I conveniently make my way over to meet him.” Lisa sat on the couch, staring through the curtains.

“He’s a huge man. Couldn’t get a good look at him. He drove that bike a Demon. Maybe I could ask him to drive me one day? Lisa! Get a grip. You hardly know the man and already you’re making plans for him.” She argued with herself.

“Yeah. But anything to take my mind off my past year. And I am here to relax. What a way to relax. Ahhhhh!” She slid down into the couch, hugging a pillow as she began to fantasies about the mysterious man next door.

“Yeah I finally have her near. She’s staying at her beach house. Been here for a week now. Yeah I’ll keep you in touch. Remember to keep this on the download. Thanks buddy.” Mark finish his call.

“Who were you talking to Jake.” Betty had been standing at the kitchen door. He had no idea she was home. His whole body made a 180 degree turn at the sound of her voice.

“Uh.....No one honey. No one.” He started pass her. She continue to stare at the phone.

“Jake! I thought we weren’t going to keep secrets from each other. You remember what almost happened the last time?” She reminded him of the time she kept the secret of the stalker from him and Mark. It almost cost Lisa her life. And Her marriage.

“Yeah. You’re right. No matter what others are going through. We can’t let it effect our marriage.” Jake walked up to his wife and gently place his hands on either side of her shoulder.

“What’s wrong Jake.” She could see this was important.

“Mark is in California. He’s near Lisa.” Jake began. Betty stepped back with her hands over her mouth. It had been along time since she talked with her friend.

“Is......is she alright.” The tears began to flow down her face. Jake walked over to his wife, taking her into his arms.

“No babe. From what I know, she still doesn’t remember us or Mark.” Jake regretted telling her this. Her and Lisa were like sisters. They both were only children.

“How could she erase ALL that we were to each other?” Betty sobbed. Jake rubbed her back. This was another reason he didn’t want to tell her of Mark’s quest. It just reminded her again of the pain of losing her best friend. No, sister.

Mark stared at the phone. He hated keeping the information from Betty. But she was the one other person who this effected the most. He watched her go into a deep depression by Lisa’s amnesia. And the cruel way her mother blamed her and wouldn’t allow her to see or speak with Lisa. Jake finally changed the number after they kept getting these crank calls. He knew it was Mrs. Conner.

“She truly is a witch. But I will deal with her too. No one hurts the people I love and get away with it.” Mark went into the kitchen opened up the refrigerator and pulled out a six pack. Tonight he would contemplate his next move. In the meantime, good ole JD and beer should get the ball rolling.

“I think tonight I will meet my new neighbor. Discreetly of course.” Lisa continued to stare at the building housing the biker. For some reason she couldn’t get him out of her mind.

“Yes. A stroll down the beach should do the trick. And if that doesn’t. I’ll have to think of something else. But one thing for sure. I will meet him.” Lisa smiled deviously and walked into her bedroom to pick out the appropriate attire.

The nights were not to cool and just warm enough, it was Springtime. Nights like these, you would find the beach full of couples. The tides were high, as they brushed the shoreline. Lisa set out to see if she could randomly meet the new neighbor.

She wore a yellow sun dress, with a shawl about her shoulders and white sandals. Her black hair loose down her back. She hesitated on her steps before making that plunge. Was she sure this is what she wanted to do? After all, she didn’t know anything about this man. Yet, something drew her to him and what it was, she had no idea what.

“Well, you won’t find out anything just standing here.” She whispered to herself. She took that first step of the porch, followed by another and another. Until found herself in front of the house of her destination.

She paused to catch her breath and to rethink why she had courageously made her way over to this man’s place. She walked closer to the door, raising her hand to knock. Then turned quickly and stepped off the porch heading home. Halfway there, she scolded herself for being such a wisp. After all, he’s just a man and the new neighbor. She should welcome him to the beachside community.

Convincing herself there was nothing wrong with what she was doing. She turned and walked with a purpose, with no wimping out this time. She told herself and stumped up on the porch. That should signal her arrival, if nothing else. She opened the screen door once again and proceeded to knock lightly on the door. She waited for what seemed like an eternity, but no answer.

“Knock harder you wisp.” She told herself and added a little more force to her hand. Still she could not detect anyone home. So she decided to give the door one more knock. This time she pounded with the side of her palm, sending the door swinging open. Oops! She thought and turned to leave the porch, fearing he was going to come for sure now. She pulsed at the foot of the steps, seeing if someone was moving inside. But she could see, there was no one there.

She slowly walked back onto the porch and opened the screen door. Pausing to hear, if someone was inside. That was strange, she knew he was there. Maybe in the bathroom taking a shower. Hmmm! Her mind went to some delicious thoughts. Then she snapped back to reality and moved into the house, searching.

“H-e-l-l-o!” She called out entering the living room. standing silently and listening. No! No one was home. And against her better judgment, she went towards the bedroom and peered in. The bed was untouched and she could hear nothing from the bathroom. She began to back out, when she heard a rustle from behind her. She jumped with a start.

“Do ya make it an habit to let yerself in other people’s homes?” Mark asked, walking towards the kitchen and setting a bag on a table by the door. Lisa stood speechless, gazing at the huge man in front of her. Her eyes went up his length, as she let out a gasp. She tried to regain her voice.

“Umm....no.....no, Sir!” She shook her head, still staring into the dark glasses. Mark toss his keys onto the table, then looked back up at Lisa. His heart ached to hold her once again in his arms. But he knew that wouldn’t be an good idea.

“Well, I beg to differ.” He toyed with her, going into the kitchen and grabbing a can of beer out of the refrigerator. She watched his every movement. And especially how his hips seem to sway. Finally her voice found itself.

“Well, I know this looks strange and all. But I was just coming over to welcome you to the community....” She began. Mark took a long swig of beer, pretending not to pay much attention to her.

“Oh! So yer what they call, the welcoming committee?” He said, taking his glasses from his face and staring over to her. She stepped back. His beautiful green eyes were mesmerizing. Something played in her brain. Her head began to pound and she felt faint. He noticed it and rushed over to her before she could fall.

“I’m alright. Let me go! You are so rude.” She said, pushing him away from her. He moved back, hands up to let her know he wasn’t forcing anything. She tossed him a side look, trying to gather herself.

“Okay, Lady! I ain’t one to push. You say yer alright! Then hey, who am I to argue.” He backed away from her and picked up his beer. Then took a seat in a chair facing her. He beckon for her to sit before she fell. She tossed her head and walked slowly over to the chair, trying to hold onto what dignity she had left.

“As I said Sir!” She began, before Mark cut her off. But he did anyway.

“Please don’t call me Sir! I’m no sir. Mah name is Mark. And yours?” He asked, going along with her amnesia. Though his heart was breaking from having her so near, yet so far.

“Okay Mark! Mark........why does that name seems familiar?“ She stopped, picking her brain for an answer. Mark looked at her and her facial expressions told what she was doing.

“Well, Mark is a common name.” He said, only to stop her from moving to fast. The doctor told him it should be a slow process. Little by little or she could go off the deep end, if she remembers too much, too soon.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Anyway, I wanted to welcome you. I knocked a few times, then the door opened. I called out and no one answered. I got concerned, because I saw your bike here and felt you may be in trouble.” Lisa explained. Mark didn’t hear a word she was saying. He sat staring at this woman he once held in his arms, kissed and made passionate love so many times. It was more than he could bare. Yet he did! For her sake.

Lisa had stopped talking and asked him a question he didn‘t hear. That‘s when she noticed how he was looking at her. She felt uneasy and didn‘t want to know what was behind those green eyes, that had darken unawares to him.

“I better go now.” She said. Thinking it was a good time to leave, before things got out of hand. After all, she didn’t know him well enough to get personal. Mark heard that.

“Leavin’ so soon? You just got here.” Mark stood with her.

“Well, maybe tomorrow. I can show you around.” She said, walking to the door.

“That’ll be good.“ Mark escorted her out and onto the porch.

“Maybe you can take me for a spin on your motorcycle?“ She stepped down and turned to look at him, then to his bike. She half asked, but definitely was suggesting.

“That’ll be even better.” He replied and watched that beautiful smile, he had longed to see etch across her face. She turned and walked away heading for her house.

“Oh God! I don’ know how long I can do this. My darlin’ Lisa.” He said, holding himself up with the post.

Was this truly fate? She came to him. He moved back in and decided to add some JD, with the beer he was consuming. How long will he continue, before he becomes a basket case?

“No. Cain’t let her down. He sat the bottle of JD down and poured the remainder of beer down the sink. He was going to need all his senses, to deal with the task ahead.

Lisa slowly made her way down the beach, feeling his eyes caressing her back. She made it to her beach house and took the three steps upon the porch, turned and leaning against the post, stared back at the house from where she had just come.

She watched the lights go out. There was something about the new neighbor that seemed familiar. Something played in her mind as if trying to unlock that closed door that had sealed her memory. She shook it off, knowing it was useless to strain her mind. She turned her eyes skyward, as the stars flickered in the sea of blackness. The moon was nowhere to be found. The rush of the ocean against the shore relaxed her.

The phone ringing inside broke her concentration. She turned and hurried into the house to catch the call. She knew it could be only one person calling. Her mother! Lisa took the phone up and brought it to her ear as she sat down on her sofa.

“Hello!” She said into the phone as she curled her legs up to her. The voice form the other side let into her, wondering where she had been.

“I was out Mother! I’m sorry you were worried.” She replied. Her mother continued the interrogation.

“Mother! It’s late and I have an early morning.” She was cut off with more inquiring concerning what she had to do so early.

“Look Mother! The whole reason for me leaving home and taking residence at the beach house was for me to live on my own.” Her Mother started with the guilt trip of how disrespectful she was being at the moment. Lisa shifted on the sofa so she could stare out the window to the house down the beach. It seemed to distract her form her mother’s voice and what she was saying, until her mother started calling her.

“What? Yes I heard every word. Repeat it? Mother why are we playing this games? You really need to get an life! Like find a boy friend or something!” Lisa had tried to be patient, now her mother was becoming annoying.

Her mother said something about how dare she and hung up. Lisa looked at the phone for a few minutes, smiled and laid it back in the cradle. She took one last glance at the neighbors house, then took a throw pillow and put it behind her head. She nested her head into it until it was comfortable, then took another pillow and hugged it as she slowly drifted off to sleep.

~~She laid on the beach, feeling the cold ocean water slowly creep up her body. It was wet, yet soothing. But it was not the only thing she found in her presence. It was HIM. The one who has took lead in her dreams.

The huge figure with the flaming red hair. He was hovering over her, on ALL fours as before. But this time she could just make out his eyes! There were green emeralds glowing in his face! His features were still vague. Then he called her name. Lisaaaaaa!~~

She sat straight up looking around. She could have sworn he was in the room with her, but no one was there. She swung her feet unto the floor and rested her head in her hand. Why was she having these dreams? The voice kept ringing in her ear.

Lisa! Lisa! Lisa!

Her head snapped up!

His voice!

She had heard that voice before, somewhere! If only she could remember. She rose from the sofa and walked into the kitchen. She took a carton of orange juice form the refrigerator and walked over to the sink to take a glass. She would have to call her therapist in the morning. She had to get to the root of these dreams. She took sip of the juice she had poured. Suddenly, she remembered! The glass crashed to the floor, as the voice became connected to a name.

Mark! She tried to search the memory of the dream and what the figure looked like, but couldn’t recall. She walked into the living room and out the door. She stared in the shadows of her porch, towards where this new neighbor lived.

Could it be she knew him and couldn’t remember? But he would have said something. Wouldn’t he? She stared into to space, frustrated at the memory lost. There is something important she’s trying not to remember.

Could it be the person in her dream? And why does she get this feeling Mark is someone she knew somewhere? She retreated back into her house. She would have to find out the truth of what happened and why she doesn’t want to remember.

What was so painful to cause her to blank it out?

Lisa went back to sleep and slept the rest of the night out, without anymore dreams. But soon found morning waits for no one, whether a good nights like or not.

The sunlight pulled her out of her slumber. She had to go to town and finalize some legal matters. She was geering up, to breakaway from her mother and her constant meddling in her affairs.

It has been a year since her amnesia. Everytime she was on the brink of a breakthrough, her mother would inject herself in the therapy, setting them back.

She had the nagging feeling her Mother dind't want her to remember. She wish she knew where Betty moved. She did remember her leaving to go visit Betty, then everything goes blank.

She ate a piece of toast and a cup of coffee, then got dress. She walked out on the porch and immediatedly stared down to Mark's place.

She wasn't sure if he was home or not. She would visit him whne she returned. She went down the steps and got into her car, heading for town.

Mark sat by the window, watching as Lisa came out her house and left. He wanted so badly to take her away and tell her how much they had meant to each other. And the baby they lost. But he knew such a shock would only pull her deeper into herself.

He left from the window and went outtside to his motorcycle. He jumped on it and turn on the motor, revving it up for a ride. He left the beach area and hit the highway, leading into to town. Hoping ot run into Lisa.

Mrs. Conners had been in a mood every since she woke that morning. It came form her conversation with Lisa the night before. It seemed her life had become to evolve around her daughter more and more.

Sally tried to stay out of her way, only serving breakfast and not giving inot her mood. She watched her pace back and forth in the living room, knowing that mind of her was churing away.

"Sally!" She called. Sally rushed to see what she wanted. She could see she had her purse and keys. She figured she was going to Lisa's.

"I'm going out for a few! I'll be back into time for dinner, don't worry about lunch." She told her and left the house.

Sally stared throughthe sheer curtains as she gotinto her car and drove away. She shook her head. This had gone on too long. She thought maybe Lisa would remember if she was away, but her mother wasn't going to allow that. She went over to the phone and dialed anumber. It was time Mrs. Conners was dealt with.

"So you're sure about all of this Lisa? Once we put this in motin, there's no turning back!" The lawyer informed her. She looked at him form the other side of the desk.

"I've never been more sure of something in my life. I'm tired of my mother trying to control every aspect of my life. This memory lost has taken its toll. I need to find out what I'm trying to not remember. No matter how painful it will be." Lisa left the chair and began to walk around the room. The lawyer who had been a very good friend of her father's sat in silence. She was very right.

The door swung open and a younger version of the lawyer rushed into the room. Lisa's head snapped in his direction and recognized an old friend and classmate.

"Hey Dad!" He started then stopped when his eyes fell on Lisa. She smiled at him.

"Hello Ben!" She said, walking towards him.

"Well hello to you too. Where have you been?" He gentle graped her arms and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. She looked at the tall slender man, with the beautiful hazel eyes.

"Home trying to recuperate form whatever happened otme that I don't remember." She half joked. He nodded.

"I've been asking your mother bout you, but she always said you weren't up to company. So I figured whenever you got out, we we would meet. And was I right or not?" He told her. She slightly allowed a frown to run across of face. Her mother was at it again.

"You were right! How about we have lunch and catch up on things? I would like to see how much I remember." She asked. A huge smiled etched on his face.

"I would like that! When would you like?" He looked at her.

"Now would be just fine!" She replied and started out the door. He stared at her for a second, then quickly followed her.

"Ah Son! What was it you wanted ot talk to me about?" His father called to him.

"We'll talk later. I have a lunch date!" He sai dand closed the door. His father shook his head. He has always been a sucker for a pretty face.

Mrs. Conners pulled up in front of Lisa's beach house and walked up on the porch, fumbling with her keys. She got to one and stuck it in the lock, turning it. It didn't open. She tried a few times more, too stubborn to believe her daughter had locked her out.

A secret rage began to build within her. She sat down on the chair and stared down the beach. Lisa was up to something, she could feel it.

But whatever it was, she would find it out and defuse the problem. Just like that biker bum who thought he was going to marry her. She sat and waited.

Mark had followed Lisa on his bike into town and parked some distance from the building he had saw her entered. She had been in there for a while, so he went to a small cafe down. But able to see her when she came out. He was curious to how she spend her days and if they were different from before her memory loss.
Then he saw her come out with a man. Tall, slender and good looking! He sat up in his seat, watching them get into his car and pull away. Of course he rushed out of the cafe and jumped on his bike. He was going to see where they were going and if.........he didn’t want to think about that! They pulled into a parking lot and parked the car, then went into the restaurant.

They seemed to be having a good time form what he could see. He drove in bike into as spot reserved for motorcycles and parked it. Then he made his way into the restaurant, making sure Lisa didn’t see him.

But from how she was so involved with her conversation, he doubt she would have noticed if she had seen him. He took a seat where he could see them. He ordered something to drink, watching how they were into each other. Laughing and having a good time.

His mind went back to a time when they were so into each other in the same way. He thought nothing could or would come between them. Then the accident and loss of the child, prove to be the only thing that was able to do what he thought was impossible. His mind drifted back to the first day he saw her.

~~She had pulled up to the diner he was already seated in and parked her car. She looked around the town and the people who went about their daily business!

Then she walked into the diner, giving it the once over. Not many people were in during that time of day! Evening will find it packed! A waitress came up to her and led her to a corner of the room, giving her a menu and told her she would return for her order!

He watched her studying the menu. He guess she felt him staring at her. Because she slowly peeked over the menu and tired to search the room without being noticed. That’s when their eyes met! He was wearing his dark glasses, but he was locked in on her! She looked him over! He sat with a group of friends, in another corner of the diner.

Though she had caught him, he never release his gaze on her! She then went back to her menu. She was served her food and ate under his watchful eyes! She soon finished her meal! And paid her bill, gave him one quick glance and left the diner in great haste!

She had made it out of the diner, to her car and just unlocked it. But she never noticed he had followed her. She was just getting into the car, when she realized he was standing next to her car. She looked up into his dark glasses!

“Hello Ma’am! I’m sorry fer staring at ya in there. But, yer a very beautiful woman! Yer new in town ain’t cha?” He remember saying to her.

“No! I’m from Cali! I’m here visiting some friends of mine.” She explained. She had to blush from the way he continued to stare at her.

“Forgive my manners. I’m Mark!” He told her, extending an hand. She took it. He brought her hand to his lips, giving it a soft peck.

“Hello! My name is Lisa.” She told him He slowly released her hand, never taking his eyes from her.

“So Lisa! How longs ya visit?” He remembered asking her. He needed to know how long did he have to win this beauty over.

“Indefinitely! I have no time frame of my stay!” She answered. His heart skipped a beat. She was going to be his after all.

“Maybe we can see each other agin. I would like that.” He said, as she closed the door and turned on the car.

“Maybe! But don’t count on it. Nice meeting you, Mark!” She put the car in reverse and drove away, never giving a backwards glance. He stood there, as she disappeared and quickly as she had appeared.~~

Mrs. Conners had fell asleep while waiting on the porch. She even thought she heard a motorcycle. But knew that was impossible as she didn’t think anyone around hear would have one. Maybe it came form the rode up above. She decided to go home and deal with Lisa later.

“Sally!“ She called as she entered the house and threw he purse and keys on the table in the foyer. There was no answer. She called again and listen for some type of answer to movement. But nothing.

“Sally! Where in the world could she be?“ She went into the kitchen. She wasn’t there. She opened the back door and called to her, thinking maybe she was in the garage or yard. Still nothing. She went to her quarters off the back porch and saw she wasn’t there either.

“Now where has she gone off to? It seems everyone has something to do today!“ She said and went into the living room. She was just taking a seat when she heard the front door open and Sally come through it. She was dressed up. She stood and folded her arms across her cheat glaring at her. Sally closed the door and turned to walk to the back, when she noticed Mrs. Conners staring at her.

“Where were you?” She started towards her. Sally got defiant, as she does whenever she’s approached in this manner.

“It be none of ye bizness, what I do on me own time!” She told her and started walking. Mrs. Conners stepped in front of her, causing her to pull up quickly to prevent them from colliding.

“You listen to me you old coot. I have just about had enough of you and your insolence.” She let into her. Sally glared at her.

“I’ve be havin enugh of ya long time ago. So don git in me way!” She told her and pushed passed her. She grabbed Sally’s arm and spun her around to face her.

“Whatever you’re up to, stop it! You don’t want to find yourself out on your butt.” Sally snatched away from her.

“If there be any one’s who be gitin out on da butts, it will be ya! Jus mark me words.” Sally said and left her standing there. Why did she get this feeling the old broad is up to something. Then he mind went back to her daughter.

Mark had seen enough. It reminded him to much of what they had shared. He could bare to see her happy with some else as she had been with him. It wouldn’t hurt so bad if she had made the decision to leave on her own. This was done because she couldn’t remember him.

He left the restaurant and jumped on his bike, heading for what he was calling home these days. he made his way down the beach deliberately passing Lisa house and sped down to his. He parked the bike and stumped up the steps of his house.

He pushed the door in and walked straight to the kitchen, taking out a six pack of beer and his bottle of JD! He poured himself a shot of JD and popped opened a can of beer. He downed the shot and chased it with a swig of beer. And this is how he spent the rest of his day. Drinking and remembering his time with Lisa. His mind went back to that same day, at night when he first kissed her.

~~He had been invited to a party by some friends of his Jake and Betty. They wanted everyone to get to know a friend of theirs from out of town. He laughed as he got ready for it, thinking wouldn’t it be a coincidence if it were the same girl he had met earlier at the diner.

He drove over to their house and rung the doorbell. It was only 6:45! Bu the always liked to get their before the other guests arrived. Jake answered the door and they began to greet each other as they made their way through the house and towards the backyard.

“Hold up Jake! I’ll get it!” He told Jake as he came into the kitchen. He froze, as he came face to face with Lisa.

“YOU!!” They hollered in unison. Jake came running into the kitchen from the commotion.

“What’s going on?” He asked, looking from one friend to the other.

“Well, it appears. Lisa and I have the same circle of friends.” He had told Jake, still looking at Lisa’s startled face.

“Oh really! Where and when did you two meet?” Betty asked entering the kitchen.

“We met at a diner I stopped at this afternoon.” Lisa explained.

He remembered he had leaned against the counter, as Lisa told how they met. She occasionally glance in his direction. He regarded her with a smirk on his face. She looked away from him.

“Well! I guess we could call this fate.” Betty said and walked over to Lisa, putting her arm around her shoulder.

“You two met without my help, after all.” Betty said, smiling from Lisa to Mark. Lisa gave her a gentle nudge.

“Betty! Maybe you could persuade Lisa to go out with me sometime. Tell her I won’t bite. Unless she wants me to.” He said urged Betty to convince Lisa he was a nice guy.

“Yeah Lisa! Mark can show you around. I know you would rather be with this fine hunk, than to hang around an old married couple.” Betty tried to put in a good word for him.

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt.” She said quietly, as she tried not to noticed his opened shirt, showing his chest.

“Good! It’s settled. Tomorrow night?” He asked. Still observing her reaction to all of this.

“Okay! Tomorrow night is fine.” She agreed. Partly because she didn’t want to be rude. And partly because he had peaked her interest.

“Would all of you excuse me for a moment?” She asked, rushing out of the kitchen and into the bathroom. They all stood there confused. He thought maybe something was wrong with her, so he followed her and knocked at the door.

“Lisa, lil darlin! Are ya alright?” He called to her.

“One moment please!” She answered. At the sound of the lock clicking, the door opened! With one fluid movement, he entered the bathroom, closed it behind him, locking it.

Lisa made a couple of steps backwards, as he slowly approach her. She backed into the bath tub tripping and falling. He wrapped his arm around her waist, catching her and pulling her up towards him, until they were eye to eye.

He couldn’t contain himself any longer. Holding her close to him with the one hand, he took the other and put it behind her head, covering her mouth with his own. His tongue explored the lining of her mouth, as it traveled to the entrance of her throat.

He wanted to take this kiss further as his lips move downwards. She cried out! He didn’t know it at the time, but she was still an virgin!

“Please stop!” She cried, gasping for breath.

“Please...........stop!” She repeated. He paused to gaze into her eyes, questioning if she really meant what she was saying. Or if she really wanted the seduction to cease.

“Ya won’t this to really end?” He asked, hoping she didn’t.

“Yes!” She said, barely audible. He released her and stood back to allow her to exit the bathroom.

She kept her eyes cast down to the floor, as she made her way to the kitchen. He stood there momentarily. She just made him want her more. He tried to figure something out. He left the bathroom with one thought in mind. She will belong to him.~~~

Chapter Thirteen

Mark slowly came back to what was now his reality. Those days had been gone for a year now. The memories weren’t helping the problem. He saw he had finished off the six pack of beer and half of his bottle of JD. He stood to his feet, to retrieve anther six pack of beer from the refrigerator.

Suddenly his head started swimming, He tried to steady himself, with the back of the chair without results. The last thing he remembered before blacking out, was tumbling backwards like a great oak that had been chopped down. Hitting the floor, with just as much impact. He was out like a light! Lying on his kitchen floor.

Mrs. Conners had tried and tried to reach her daughter. She paced back and forth, wondering where she had gone and with whom. She picked the phone up again, dialing the beach house. She should have been more firmed with allowing her to move out. She thought to herself.

The phone rung and rung. She slammed it back in the cradle and sat down in her rocker, making it go back and forth. Sally walked in and turned the light on in the dimming room. The sun was making its descent, as the moon was rising.

“Will ya be eatin somethin?” Sally asked her. She never answered or acknowledged her presence. Sally stared at her for a few moments then left her alone. She walked through the door, nodding her head.

She knew exactly where this was leading. She had seen this looked another time and it didn’t end well. She feared for Lisa and her sanity. She should have done something a long time ago, instead of allowing this charade to go on so long. Her plan had to be set in motion sooner than planned. She headed to the back of the house. Tomorrow, she would do what is needed, before it’s too late.

Lisa came home and drove the car into the garage, parking it. She walked onto her porch and turned and took a seat on the banister. The sun was just setting and she wanted to take in the beautiful scene, as the sun disappeared below the horizon.

And the moonlight cast a romantic light over the water. She looked down the beach to Mark’s house and wondered if he was there. She jumped off the banister and down the steps, making her way towards his house.

She saw that his bike was parked where it usually would be, if he were there. But noticed the house was dark within. Yet, the front door was ajar. Doesn’t he ever lock his door? She thought as she made he way up the steps. She pulled the screen door open, stepping inside.

“Mark!” She called, as she moved into the house and switched the light. When she looked around, trying to see if he was home, something caught her eye. Mark, lying in the kitchen door way. She quickly ran to him.

“Mark! Are you alright?” She shook him. He moaned, then turned on is side. She could smelled the liquor on his breath. She smiled with relief. He’s drunk! That’s all it was. She whispered to herself, then tried to wake him.

“Mark! Come on now! You need to get up!” She tried to lift his head up, but found that hard to do.

“No! Let me sleep. It’s the only way to ease the pain.” He began to mumble. Lisa left him alone and stared down at him. Ease the pain, replayed in her mind.

She hadn’t gave a thought into his pass. She was only concerned for the present. Which included her, she had hoped.

“Why? Why did it have to end this way?” He turned over again. Lisa stared for a moment then her curiosity got the best of her. She leaned over him and began to shake him once again.

“Mark! What ended?” She asked, wanting to know what brought this man to this place. Were their a girlfriend or worst wife? She needed to know, that there was nothing to stand in the way of him being with her.

“The accident! That damn accident.” He repeated over and over. Lisa began to fill uneasy. She too had been in an accident form what was told her, but she didn’t remember it.

“It ruined everything. It took her away from me. And our baby.” He began to cry. Lisa covered her mouth. This wasn’t fair. She had pride into something that was so private and only for him to reveal to her on his time.

She felt so cheap, to have gain that information in that manner. But there was something else she was feeling too. The mention of losing a baby, sent a strange emotion through her. Like something she could almost remember, but escaped her.

Then Mark seemed to have semi come to his sense, as he lifted himself off the floor and stumbled towards the bedroom, falling into bed. Lisa followed him, to make sure he didn’t hurt himself. She looked down at this huge man, who appeared to be strong but was in a lot of pain. She wondered what had triggered him to go back there.

“Oh Gawd! I miss her so much. And I cain’t do a damn thing about it.” He said and passed out once again. Lisa moved to the other side of the bed and sat down.

She gazed upon this poor soul. He had loss so much at one time. It was clearly eating away at him or he wouldn’t have gotten so plastered. She wondered how many nights has he drunk himself into oblivion, trying to wipe out the pain.

She then realized the were to of a kind. He remembered his tragedy and drown it out with liquor. She has her own tragedy, but can’t remember it. She is spared by the memory lost. She kicked her shoes off and lied down beside him, watching his chest rise and fall. Once again, something tried to escape the dark abyss her memory had been engulfed. Something very familiar about this man next to her. Did she know him before? It was just like when he told her his name. Something was trying to break though, as she too drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Fourteen

Mark stirred from the heavy slumber, induced by the alcohol consumption. His eyes slowly parted, only to shut quickly form the sunrays filling the room. His head was pounding. He raised his hand up to cover his eyes and went to pull himself up, but found something weighed heavy on his chest.

He looked at the raven hair, sprawled out over his chest and the body attached to it called Lisa. He scratched his head, trying to recall when did they hook up and was he that out of it he didn’t remember.

Did they? No she’s fully dressed, so no that didn’t happened. The last thing he remembered was getting completely wiped out. So when did she come in? She began to move around on him, stretching her arms.

She lifted up her head and stared him in the face. She was still clearing her head, when she finally realized where she was and with whom. She gave him a deer caught in the headlights look, then rolled off of him. She sat on the edge of the bed.

“Sorry about that. So you know, I didn’t take advantage of your predicament.” She told him, with a sheepish smile on her face. She slipped her feet into her shoes and stood up facing him. He sat up in bed, holding his aching head and stared at her.

“When did we hook up? I don’t remember it! Wow! I musta tied one on last night.” He said. Lisa walked around from the side of the bed, she had been.

“We didn’t hook up. I came over to see you, but you were out on the floor. I tried to arouse you, but you didn’t respond. Finally you got yourself up and fell in bed. I didn’t want to leave you alone. I must have fell asleep too.” She explained. Mark stared into her eyes as she talked.

“Oh!” He said and swung his feet off the bed onto the floor. His head began to pound as well as swim. He leaned against the head board for support. Lisa stared at him, remembering what he had said while intoxicated. And the feelings she was going through remain.

“You need something for that hangover!” She said and went to his bathroom and mixed up an concoction she know would help him out. She came back in the room and handed the glass to him. He took it and stared at it for a moment.

“Drink it! It’ll work!” She told him. He looked at her then back at the liquid. Oh what the hell, he thought and gulped it down. Lisa watched smiling and began to laugh when he ran off to the bathroom like a blur.
She could hear him emptying the contents of his stomach. That should teach him to drink in moderation. She made her way into the kitchen to prepare him a breakfast. He will need it.

Just as she was finish setting the table, Mark walked in looking a lot better than he did. He stood watching her move around in the kitchen. It took him back to another time in their life.

An old girlfriend had shown up at the party and was trying to name and claim. It was over a long time but she refused to accept it. Betty had lead her from the premise, but he had decided this was his call. They argued, then she left. He wasn’t aware Lisa had witnessed the whole thing.

“Are you alright?” Her soft voice flowed into his ear. He sat up straight and gazed upon her, as if it was the first time he had ever seen her.

He pulled her to him, putting his arms around her tiny waist. She pulled his head to her bosom. She trembled in his arms. The affection that flowed from her to him and him to her, began to blossom. Then he had this need to release her. He gave her a quick glance and let out a long sigh. He bend down and gently kissed her soft wet lips.

“When ya are near me, everything seems alright. I don’t know why! Ya just make it right. I won’t make ya do anything ya don’t want ta do. So if ya still want ta go out tomorrow night, give me a call.” He turned and made his exit, saying his goodbyes to his friends.