"Forgotten Memories" by: Amy (Jerrica17@aol.com)
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Jerrica Benton awoke to to sound of Aja's voice.
"Good morning!" Aja chirped.
Jerrica rolled over to sit up. "Good morning Aja." She said focusing on her friend's face. "What time is it?" She asked.
Aja glanced at her watch, "Nine 'o clock." She answered.
"Oh, I was supposed to be up at 8:30!" Jerrica said as she got up and headed for her closet. "Is Rio here yet?
"Nope, and he just called to say he can't come."
"Why? Is something wrong?"
Aja saw the look of worry on Jerrica's face, "No, Video's van broke down on her way to film a Fifth Avenue Boys concert, Rio is helping her. But I don't know when he'll be back."
Rio was supposed to come help her fix the screen on Ashley's window. She had considered doing it herself, but she'd mentioned it to Rio and he insisted on helping.
"That's okay." Jerrica told Aja. Then she noticed she had her purse thrown over one shoulder. "Where are you headed?"
"Oh, Shana and I are going to the store. Did you want to come?"
"No thanks, I've got work to do."
Aja came further into the room, "If you want I can stay and help you fix Ashley's window."
"Thanks, but I think I can manage." Jerrica smiled, as she rummaged through her closet for work clothes. She pulled out a pair of jeans. "Where is everyone else?" She asked.
"Raya is visiting her parents, she left about an hour ago. I haven't seen Kimber yet, she's probably still in bed." Aja said good-bye and turned to leave.
Jerrica found the shirt she was looking for and quickly got dressed.
As she walked down stairs she noticed a few of the Starlight girls were up.
She could hear the TV on in the living room. As she passed she stopped in the doorway. Ashley and BaNee sat in front of the TV.
"Good morning" Jerrica greeted them. They both turned and smiled.
"Good morning Jerrica" BaNee said.
"Oh, Ashley, I'm fixing the screen on your window today." Jerrica told the 14-year-old.
"Okay, thanks." Ashley replied.
A few minutes later Jerrica had gotten the ladder out of the garage and positioned it outside Ashley's second-story window. If the window hadn't been painted shut Jerrica could have fixed this little problem from inside.
She climbed up the tall ladder to the window. Suddenly she heard a voice behind her.
"Jerrica what are you doing?" Rio called out to her.
Jerrica automatically turned at the sound of her name. Her foot slipped and she felt herself beginning to fall backwards. For a split second she felt a
stabbing pain at the back of her head, then her world went black.
********************
In the kitchen Kimber heard a shrill scream from outside. She jumped up and ran toward the front door to see what had happened. Once outside what Kimber saw almost caused her heart to burst. Her sister was laying on the ground, by a ladder, and Rio had just reached her side.
"Kimber call an ambulance!!"
By that time the Starlight girls had begun to gather around the scene. Some burst into tears seeing Jerrica crumpled on the ground. Within minutes the ambulance had arrived and Aja, Shana, and Raya had all been contacted. Kimber & Rio rushed to the hospital behind the ambulance in Rio's van.
"She'll be okay Kimber." Rio said trying to comfort the younger girl.
***********************
Raya kissed her parents good-bye and rushed to her car. She had no idea why Kimber had sounded so upset on the phone. (There hadn't been time to explain) All she knew is she had to get to the hospital and fast! As she drove a million thoughts passed trough her head. Someone had been hurt.... who, and how bad?
**********************
Shana and Aja pulled up in front of the hospital about the same time as Raya. They hugged briefly and went through the large double doors, not knowing what awaited them inside.
********************
As the elevator opened the three girls rushed out to the drab waiting area. They saw Kimber sitting in a chair sobbing, Rio was beside her trying to comfort her. All three were thinking the same thing as they approached Kimber, where was Jerrica?
"Kimber is it Jerrica who's hurt?" Aja asked as calmly as possible.
"Or was it one of the girls?' Shana wanted to know.
Raya took a seat beside Kimber and patted her on the shoulder.
"It... it's Jerrica." Kimber said through the flow of tears.
Aja was the first to ask the obvious question, "What happened?"
Rio explained for Kimber, "Jerrica was trying to fix the window by herself, it's all my fault! If I hadn't startled her she wouldn't have slipped."
"Rio, you can't blame yourself," Shana said reassuringly, "You couldn't have known."
"Shana's right." Kimber said sniffing, "It was an accident."
"How badly is she hurt?" Raya asked hesitantly.
"The doctors don't know much yet," Rio said sighing, "She has head trauma, and is still unconscious. They think... she might be in a coma." He finished looking down.
Kimber sobbed again, the doctors had not told her that much yet.
Raya forced a smile, "Jerrica will be okay, I know she will."
Aja nodded. Now all there was for them to do was wait.....
********************
The group stayed at the hospital all day, and as it begun to get dark finally there was some news. A tall woman doctor walked up to them.
"Hello, I'm Dr. Stone." She said.
"I have some good news for you, Ms. Benton is waking up, you can see her now." The doctor said with a smile.
The day had been one of the longest Kimber could remember, now for the first time in what felt like weeks, she felt a little relief. She was the first one in the door to her sister's room. Jerrica lay motionless on the bed, but her eyes were open, and she watched the group enter.
She doesn't look too bad. Rio thought, as he looked at his girlfriend, he never thought he could be so happy to see someone awake and looking at him. He reached for her hand, and Kimber took the other one.
"Sis, how do you feel?" Kimber asked gently.
She hoped Jerrica couldn't tell how much she had been crying, it was best Jerrica not know what bad shape she had been in only hours ago.
A look that can only be described as confusion passed over Jerrica's face, as she looked at Kimber.
"Who are you?" She asked simply in a weak voice.
Now the look of confusion was on Kimber's face. "Jerrica, don't you recognize me?"
Aja stepped forward, "Jerrica can you remember who you are?"
Jerrica concentrated for a minute, "No, I'm sorry, I can't."
Kimber's eyes filled with tears again. Rio squeezed Jerrica's hand lightly.
"Do you remember any of us?"
Jerrica studied the faces surrounding her, she didn't recognize any of them.
"No, why do you keep calling me Jerrica?"
"That's your name." Raya said softly.
"Maybe we'd better let her rest." Shana suggested.
They all said good-bye and slowly walked out, except for Rio.
"I think I'll stay with her for a few more minutes." He told the Holograms.
**********************
Aja and Kimber exchanged looks, it was clear they had the same concerns... would Jerrica remember Jem? Or Synergy? How would they explain? What if she did know, but accidentally told Rio? Aja decided to get Rio out of Jerrica's room before he had a chance to find out.
"Rio, Jerrica needs rest." Aja told him from the doorway.
If that approach didn't work Aja's next resort would be to drag Rio out.
But Rio slowly stood up, he had been sitting in a chair beside Jerrica.
"She's asleep again anyway." He said as he and Aja headed down the hall to the vending machines for a snack.
No one had eaten much that day, mostly because the were too nervous and worried. Now the hunger pains were getting to them.
"I'm glad she's okay." Aja stated, putting her money into the machine.
"Me too." Rio said from beside her. "Hopefully this amnesia is temporary."
He continued hoping he sounded more confident than he felt. Inside he was still worried sick. Amnesia can last a long time... even be permanent.
*********************
Kimber breathed in deeply, trying to calm down, it could be a lot worse, she told herself. Raya and Shana sat beside her, both were quiet, lost in thought, just as she was. Could Jerrica really forget everything? Even her little sister? She wondered. We'll just have to help her get better. Kimber thought. She got up and made her way to Jerrica's room again, Jerrica was asleep. She looked so normal, so peaceful. If only she could remember! At least she's okay, at least I still have a sister. Kimber thought reluctantly back to her father's death. At the age of 18, both her parents were gone. She couldn't bear to lose her sister too. Involuntary tears streamed dow n her face once more. She turned to go back to the other Holograms.
**********************
The next day Jerrica was doing better and she was released from the hospital, she was doing better... but she still had amnesia.
"Now Jerrica you need to rest and try to remember anything you can, okay?" Aja said from her seat beside Jerrica in the living room.
"Okay, and you're... Aja, right?" Jerrica asked.
"Right." Aja said smiling.
Just then Ashley entered the room, all the Starlight girls knew of Jerrica's condition and were willing to help any way they could. Ashley stopped and said hi to Jerrica. Jerrica politely said hello back but it was clear she had no idea who Ashley was. Aja stayed with Jerrica for a little while. Then Kimber came in and wanted to talk to Jerrica.
"I'll leave you two alone," Aja said, smiling "Call if you need anything."
Aja walked to the kitchen and leaned against the wall, she was good at hiding it but the stress and worry of the last couple of days had gotten to her too. She decided to fix lunch for the girls, partly because it was lunch time and partly to take her mind off the worries.
*********************
"Jerrica, did you remember anything overnight?" Kimber wanted to know.
"Yes, I did." Jerrica said, looking Kimber in the eye. Kimber's large blue eyes widened.
"What?" she asked.
"I remember my mother, at least a woman I think might be my mother, reading me bedtime stories, and singing to me."
Kimber smiled, she too remembered their mother singing to them. Their mother, Jacqui Benton was a singer.
"Yes that was mom." Kimber said, "She always loved to sing, just like you do."
"I do?" Jerrica asked, puzzled again.
Yes, you..." But before Kimber could finish she heard Rio enter.
"Hi, Jerrica." Rio said hugging her gently. "How do you feel today?"
"Oh I feel okay." Jerrica answered. "Kimber was just telling me how I love to--"
Kimber cut her off by faking a loud cough. Rio looked at her.
"You okay Kimber?" He asked.
Kimber nodded, "Uh, Rio I think Shana needs help with something upstairs."
Kimber said, desperate to get him away from Jerrica.
"Okay." Rio said, turning and walking towards the stairs.
"Jerrica we need to talk...."
********************
Jerrica blinked a couple of times trying to compute what Kimber had told her. Who's Jem? she thought, and if I'm Jem, why does everyone keep telling me my name is Jerrica. Now she was more confused than ever, and her head ached. She put a hand to her head, concentrating. Now that she really thought about it Jem did sound familiar.
Jem must be a new group.
Jerrica got up slowly, "I'm going for a walk, okay?" She told the red-head.
Before Kimber could protest, Jerrica was out the front door. Outside Jerrica breathed in the fresh air, she felt a little better. She certainly didn't want to stay inside and be stressed by all the confusion. Kimber had said something about a music company they owned.... hmmm, maybe if I go there it might help me remember.
Jerrica got in the pink and gold roadster, and drove. She didn't know which way to go, or what her music company looked like. Halfway down the street she decided to turn around. Jerrica walked around the mansion a couple of times before entering. She went through the front door. The first person she encountered was Shana.
"Um, could you show me where that music company is?" She asked.
"Sure, it's called Starlight Music." Shana answered with a smile.
She was worried about Jerrica, maybe seeing Starlight Music would help. Within minutes the two girls were on their way. As Shana drove she explained how Jerrica's father had left the company to her, and how she and Jem were the same person (because of the earrings) Jerrica nodded, she was slowly beginning to understand.
They pulled up in front of Starlight Music, and Jerrica turned to Shana.
"Thanks for the ride, but I think I want to go in alone.
Shana looked surprised, "Jerrica I think it would be best if I went with you.." She trailed off.
Shana sighed, "Okay, I'll wait here."
She watched her friend go in the large double doors to Starlight Music. Shana had let Jerrica go alone because she knew she needed some time to herself, and maybe, just maybe Starlight Music would help bring her memory back...
Once inside Jerrica saw a woman who appeared to be in her 30's, sitting at a desk.
The woman smiled at Jerrica and said, "Jerrica, dear are you okay? I heard you had to go to the hospital.
Since the woman seemed to know her Jerrica answered. "Oh, I'm better now thanks."
Jerrica looked around her wondering where her office was... if she even had one.
"Um, could you tell me where my office is?" She asked the woman, with a closer look Jerrica saw she wore a small name tag that said Joannie on it.
Joannie looked confused, "You don't know where your office is?"
Her confusion quickly turned to worry.
"Are you sure your okay?"
Jerrica was tired, she didn't feel like explaining to this woman what happened, she couldn't remember how she had lost her memory anyway.
"I'm fine Joannie" Jerrica said with a forced smile. Trying to look like she knew what she was doing she got into the elevator and pushed a button at
random.
She would find her office, even if she had to search the entire building! Twenty minutes later, out in the car, Shana couldn't stand it any longer. She shut off the engine, locked the doors and went into Starlight Music after Jerrica. Meanwhile Jerrica had just found her office, she knew it was hers because her name was printed on the door.
She walked across the large room, and looked out the window. Blocking a portion of her view of the city was a big black building with a sign that said Misfits Music. She stared at the sign, something was very familiar about it. She shook her head, and turned away from the window.
Shana tapped her foot waiting for the elevator to reach the top floor where Jerrica's office was. She had talked to Joannie, and told her what had happened. Joannie said Jerrica was in her office. Now how did she know where her office was? Shana wondered, as she stepped out of the elevator. She found Jerrica in her office, looking though papers.
"Oh, hi" Jerrica said looking up, "Was I gone too long?"
Shana shook her head, "I was just worried" She said.
Soon they were on their way home. As the two entered Starlight Mansion, they heard yelling coming from the kitchen. Both women ran towards the voices. From the kitchen doorway they could see Rio and Kimber fighting. Shana stepped forward,
"What's going on?" She asked, getting in between them.
"Rio is on my case about Jerrica!" Kimber said loudly, not noticing her sister by the door.
"Kimber won't even let me visit!" Rio said just as loudly.
"Wait a minute, all this is about Jerrica?" Shana asked.
Both Rio and Kimber nodded.
"I should be able to help take care of her." Rio said stubbornly
"She's my sister!" Kimber shouted, "She doesn't even know who you are!"
"Listen," Shana spoke up, "We all need to take care of her, not fight over her." She gave them both pointed looks.
From the doorway, Jerrica slowly backed up, hoping they wouldn't notice her, went upstairs to her room to lay down. Everything was confusing her. I don't need people to take care of me. She thought, I just need to remember!
*******************************
The next day Jerrica was eating lunch when the phone rang... she waited and minute and when no one answered it she picked it up.
"Hello?" she asked.
A voice she didn't recognize spoke: "Hi Jerrica, is Kimber there?"
"Who is this?" Jerrica asked.
"This is Stormer." The voice said... sounding a bit confused.
"Does Kimber know you?" Jerrica asked trying to remember if Kimber was the one with Red hair or the 14-year-old kid with blonde hair.
"Now the voice sounded surprised, "Yes... it's Stormer! Is something wrong?"
"Nothing." Jerrica almost whispered, not wanting to go into detail again. "I'll get Kimber for you."
Jerrica walked through the huge house calling "Kimber! Kimber phone!" That way she didn't have to remember who it was.
The red-haired girl came running down the stairs a towel wrapped around her head.
"Was that the phone?" She said, then she saw it in her sister's hand. "Oh, for me?" She said taking the phone.
"Hello?" she said... watching Jerrica walk back towards the kitchen.
"Hi Kimber" Stormer's voice sounded worried. "Is something wrong with Jerrica?"
Kimber looked in the direction her sister went. "Yes," she sighed. "Jerrica has amnesia."
There was silence for a moment, "Oh I'm so sorry." Stormer whispered. "When did it happen?"
"A few days ago" Kimber answered. "She hasn't gotten better yet."
She continued feeling the tears well up under her eyelids.
"Is there anything I can do?" Stormer asked.
"I don't think so... thanks." Kimber said.
********************************
After hanging up with Kimber, Stormer stared out the window, poor Kimber, she thought. Suddenly she heard the door to her room open. Pizzazz entered all smiles.
"What are you so happy about Pizzazz?"
Pizzazz walked across the room, "Well I just happened to overhear your conversation with Kimber." Pizzazz drawled, "You shouldn't be talking to a Hologram!!" She yelled... then continued softly. "Well, anyway... Jerrica has amnesia!? The poor thing!"
Stormer stood up. "Pizzazz, I hope you're...." Pizzazz cut her off,
"I think we should go visit her." Pizzazz said kindly
Stormer stared at her friend, nice was one thing Pizzazz didn't usually do. Stormer knew something was up.
"What are you going to do?" she asked suspiciously.
Pizzazz looked as innocent as possible, "Me?" she said batting her eyes.
Pizzazz went downstairs to tell the other Misfits the good news. "Oh girls!" she called. Soon Roxy and Jetta had gathered around her. They knew this had to be good. Stormer came down the stairs, just in time to hear Pizzazz's plan.
"So we'll go to Starlight Mansion and tell her we know her..."
"Pizzazz!" Stormer said reaching them.
Pizzazz looked at her, her face set in a bored expression.
"Listen Stormer... either you keep quiet and help us, or you're out of the Misfits!!"
Stormer cringed at the words. "Oh okay... I'll help." She said in a low voice.
She knew she had to, but maybe she could help Jerrica and Kimber too. After all, they were so nice to her when she and Kimber had made that album...
Pizzazz interrupted her thoughts, "Well, lets go!"
"To Starlight Music?" Jetta asked
"Nope, straight to Starlight mansion." Pizzazz said in a confident voice.
"B-but they won't let us in!" Stormer protested.
Pizzazz smiled, one of those 'you are wrong' smiles. "Well if no one but Jerrica is home...." She trailed off.
***********************************
Pizzazz had worked out distractions for all of the Holograms and the Starlight girls. She had her maid call and tell Shana that the Starlight girls had won a free trip to the zoo in a school contest, and of course they asked Shana to take them.
Pizzazz smiled, "Now that she is out of the way... Stormer call Kimber!"
Stormer frowned but picked up the phone anyway, she had to get Kimber to come over, but how?
Pizzazz answered the unspoken question for her, "Tell her you are sick and no one is here."
After that phone call was done, Pizzazz imitated a reporter, telling Aja something had happened to Craig Phillips and she had to get to the air port right away... she didn't know for sure if Aja would take the bait but she did!
"Now for Raya" Pizzazz said softly. She handed the phone to Roxy, who slightly changed her voice and told Raya she was a family friend and was supposed to tell her that her youngest brother had a little accident.
******************************
Soon everyone seemed to be going somewhere, Jerrica looked around the mansion, no one was left but her. I guess they forgot about me. she thought, happy to be left alone for once. She finally had some quiet time to think, and she strolled through the large house looking at everything she paused, trying to remember.
Minutes later the door bell rang. Jerrica made her way to the front door. Three women who were unfamiliar to her stood there. The green-haired one stepped forward,
"Hi Jerrica, remember us sweetie?" Pizzazz drawled.
Jerrica thought for a moment, but she could not remember who they were. They invited themselves in and began chatting with Jerrica.
"We just wanted to know how the music company is doing." The one with white hair said, sitting next to Jerrica on the couch.
When Jerrica gave them a confused look, Jetta spoke up. "Remember luv, we own the other half of Starlight music."
"Oh," Jerrica said, going along with it. She knew someone owned the other half of Starlight music... these must be the people.
"Dear you couldn't have forgotten us." Pizzazz said, she draped an arm over Jerrica's shoulder.
"We've been friends for years!"
Jerrica smiled, "Sure" she said. "Can I get you anything to drink?" She asked pleasantly.
"No thanks." Pizzazz smiled. "We just came to talk a little business.
We heard about your awful accident and we want to do whatever we can to help."
Pizzazz went on, eyebrows up.
"Are you alright?" Roxy wanted to know.
"Yes I'm fine." Jerrica smiled back... it was getting easier to talk to them.
"Good," Pizzazz cut in. "We thought you might want us to take over your share of the responsibilities at Starlight for a while. I mean you need rest after what happened." Pizzazz said in her most concerned voice.
Jerrica considered this... it would be nice, after all she didn't remember how to run a music company!
They're help could be just what she needed. "Okay, thanks."
"Wonderful!!" Pizzazz exclaimed a little too loudly.
Jetta looked surprised but recovered quickly.
"Well we really must be going now." Roxy said standing up.
Pizzazz and Jetta followed. "Bye." They chorused.
Once outside all three Misfits burst out laughing. "Jerrica is such a sucker!" Pizzazz shrieked.
To Be Continued...
