Living a Lie

When I woke up in the morning, I was somewhat hoping to wake up with Brian next to me, but I do believe that was too much to ask for. Because when I opened my eyes, all I saw was an empty chair and the teddy bear I had snuggled up to my face. Since Brian was the first person I had a normal conversation with in a long time, I hoped that he could stay and help me stay sane another day in this bland, sterile environment.

Getting up from the boring bed that I had inhibited for god knows how long, I looked around for a second, as if I wanted to make sure that Brian was not here. It would be a bit awkward for him to see me when I just woke up. Even though I did not have a mirror in my room, I knew that I could not have been looking good at the moment of waking up.

Throwing on a new, not so smelly hospital gown, I walked out into the hall to see Spock talking to a few nurses and some men in suits. They all seemed delighted from some reason, and I decided to listen to their conversation a bit.

“We believe that Miss.Jennings is completely rehabilitated and ready to be brought back into a normal everyday environment, but to make sure that she does not hurt herself without anyone around to help her, I suggest that she lives with someone that can watch over her, so to say.” Dr. Spock said, in a voice that could only be matched by Spock himself.

“Miss. Howard, will continue living with Brian Haner, it is crucial for Avenged Sevenfolds PR department to keep attention on the band. But at the same time, we do not wish for Nightmare to undergo excessive amounts of stress. I suggest we let her stay home for a while, and slowly introduce her back into her life, to let her become accustomed to life as a celebrity.” Great, they were dismissing my actual name now, too. I really don’t like these guys in suits.

At this time, I felt like I should butt into the conversation, coughing slightly, their heads turned towards me. All of them kept the unsettling smiles on their faces as they approached me.
“Miss.Howard” One started “We believe that you are completely rehabilitated and ready to return to your normal life. We have arranged for Haner to come pick you up in a second, but before you go. The nurses that worked here to save your life, wanted to give you this.” She said, and shoved a bouquet of red roses towards my chest.

As we all stood in silence as I accepted the flowers, we silently looked towards each other. I still could not get over that they dismissed my true identity, and only referred to me as Miss.Howard. It sounded wrong in my mouth. I would have a conversation with my Mom later, she would keep me sane through all of this.

The loud sound of the elevator snapped me out of the daze I was in, and I saw Brian coming towards us. “Thank god” I thought to myself and pranced over to him. Brian did not really say anything besides the casual Hi and gave me a bag filled with clothes. I understood what he meant, a metal icon arriving home in a hospital gown would not look too good in the eyes of the media, so I quickly ran into my room and changed into the white tank-top and baggy yoga pants.
“Sweet salvation”
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The drive home to Brian’s house was long, and pretty awkward to be honest, no one said a word, and we both listened to the radio. I still held my teddy in my arms, I had grown fond of the little guy I suppose. I did not think either of us knew what to say to each other. That was until the news came on.

“In other news, Metal icon Nightmare was seen leaving the Saints hospital earlier today accompanied by Brian Haner, Avenged Sevenfolds lead guitarist. Warner Bros issued a press conference today and alerted the media of the apparent case of amnesia that she had acquired after a life threatening tumour. We have issued an interview with the bands singer, but so far, our requests have been denied. But now there is a question on everybody’s mind, is Nightmare and Brian on cold ice, or is the flame still there after the accident?”

Both of us were frozen in the moment, me barely containing a giggle that was building in my throat, if only they knew. Both me and Brian looked at each other for a second, both of us trying to figure out how we should react before we burst out laughing. I am not sure if it was the awkward situation, or just the timing of the news broadcast that did it, but the tension flew away in a second, leaving us both chipping for our breaths as we laughed together.

“Well then!” Brian giggled as our laughter calmed down. So adorable with his wide smile and somewhat white teeth. All I did was nod in response as we drove up to the rather large house that seemed to be Brian’s house, not too shabby, and by not too shabby, I mean holy shit I must be dreaming.

“I think I forgot to tell you, but I had Ariel come over to help you settle in, I’m sure you don’t remember her, but she’s the only person you’ve ever tolerated. I wanted her to help you settle in, you know, get you some food and do the whole makeover thing that you girls do all the time.”

He smiled and jumped out of the car, and I opened the door on my side, getting a hold of the door frame and pulling myself up to my feet. Brian must have noticed me struggling a bit with gaining my balance back, and jumped to my aid like the knight in shining armor you read about in storybooks. In the garage was a bright red old fashioned car, which I assumed was Ariel’s, because it did not look like a man’s car, and from what I have been told, I don’t have a car.

“Before we go in, Nightmare, I just need to tell you something.
One, your friend has gone wacko since you’ve been gone.
Two, I think she has a pancake addiction.
Three, I don’t know what has happened to the Nightmare I know, but I like this one a lot better.”

Notes