Taking a bite out of a dried cracker, I drown out the sound of Ethan’s droning voice. He’s done nothing but talk about himself nonstop since he got home with takeaway Chinese for dinner. My stomach hasn’t been able to cope with the greasy food and it resulted in making me sick. The whole thing has been awkward and strained.

Why the fuck would I date a prick like this? It’s the only thought that keeps circling to the front of my thoughts every time he opens his mouth. He’s so self-absorbed. The fact I’m stuck with him irks me.

Home.

I just want to go home because I’m sure as shit it’s not here. It’s hard to maintain the smile on my face as he rambles on.

“What do you think about June?”

His question jolts me from the mind-numbing haze my brain has sunken into.

“June?” I question absently.

A frown crinkles his brow, drawing in his good-looking features, making them look less charming.

“For the wedding.” Kelly cuts in from her place on the sofa.

“Oh right. Summer sounds great.” I reply with no real enthusiasm. Another sham? It has to be. It’s all masked in bullshit to keep me busy. Kelly hasn’t left my side once all day. Any mention of going out was shot down quickly and efficiently. I feel trapped in a gilded cage.

Setting aside her half-eaten meal, she gets to her feet to snatch up a small plastic bottle from the coffee table in front of her. “It’s time for your medication.”

“What are these for again?” I watch as she peels off the lid to sift out a small white pill.

“Vitamins for the baby. The doctor said it was important you take them regularly, three times a day.”

Accepting it, I hold it between my forefinger and thumb. I’m aware two sets of eyes are on me as I do. Tension vibrates through the room. Trying not to obviously tense up, I pick up a glass. Popping the pill into my mouth I pretend to swallow. Sipping the water, I slip it under my tongue. I don’t give a fuck what the label says. Instinct is what I’m trusting and it’s telling me not to go along with their neatly laid plans.

“I’m tired. I think I'll go to bed.” My announcement is met with no resistance. I imagine their relieved to have me out of their hair.

“I’ll be up in a bit, babe.” Ethan tells me with a wink as I discard the glass and rise to leave. “Don’t get too comfortable without me.”

If he thinks I’m sharing a bed, he’s mistaken. I’d rather sleep with a starving anaconda. I leave before I do something like smother the fucker with a sofa pillow. The urge is so strong I curl my fingers into my palms to prevent myself from carrying out the action. Instead I give the other person in the room a nod.

“Night, Kelly.”

“Good night, Sarah.”

I pause when I reach the top of the stairs. Leaning over the banister, I listen carefully to anything below.

“What do you think? She’s acting stiffer, more reserved, a lot less dazed than before.”

“If we have a problem we’ll deal with it. Back at the hospital she had no problem recalling what we’ve been teaching her to say even with the amnesia.” Ethan’s tone is cold and clipped. “Things have been going smoothly so far let’s not start worrying yet. The fall might have shaken her up a little.”

“And whose fault was that?” Kelly snaps back. “I’ve repeatedly told you not to toy with her.”

“But we both know it’s fun. You can’t tell me you don’t enjoy it too.”

Resolutely, I turn the key in the lock as soon as I reach the bedroom, the click giving me a sense of satisfaction. Next, I kick off my shoes and pad into the bathroom. Ridding myself of the pill, I flush it down the toilet. Hopefully they won’t catch on I’m not taking them. Whatever their purpose, I have a feeling I’m better off not ingesting them.

Snatching up the scan photo where I left it next to the bathroom mirror, I hold it against my chest. I hum. It’s a fleeting tune that’s been circling in my head all day. A wordless melody, something that drives me with purpose. Where I picked it up from I can’t be certain. All I know is it imbues me with courage.

Spying a sturdy chair in the corner, I securely jam it under the handle of the door. If anyone tries to get in I will be aware of it before they breach it.

Rubbing my belly to smooth the kicking of the baby, I ease down to sit on the side of the mattress. Fishing out the nail scissors, I keep them laying in my open palm, the picture clutched in my other.

I need to figure out what the fuck is going on and fast. If this is all an elaborate hoax I need to find the truth before things run their insidious course.