A memory flashed in Fox’s mind of both him and Zev standing in front of an apple tree arguing. He was five, and Zev was ten. Fox was adamant about climbing the tree because he saw the reddest and ripest apple at the top and he wanted it. They tried everything to prevent Fox from climbing the tree to no avail.
First, he stood on Zev’s shoulders, but they weren’t tall enough. Then they tried using a stick to knock the apple off its branches, but it didn’t work again. Fox grew frustrated, and when Zev turned his back, he started climbing the tree. He was almost to the top and close enough to reach the apple he wanted, but his foot slipped, causing Fox to fall and break his arm.
“It wasn’t his fault,” Fox said, chuckling. “I wasn’t worried about my broken arm. I was more devastated I didn’t get the apple. I’d planned on going back for the apple, but you guys cut the tree down before I had the chance.”
“You remember that?” Aria whispered.
“Not everything just flashes here and there,” he told her.
“That’s a start,” Barret said. “Don’t force things. Let it happen naturally. And if you don’t remember any more, we’ll simply make new memories.”
Fox nodded, not sure what to say.
“Come on, let’s get you guys inside and settled,” Zev said. “Plus, I need to spend some time with my mates.” He waggled his eyebrows, and Fox rolled his eyes.
“Just spend it quietly, so you don’t wake Genesis. It’s not good for her to know what her uncle is up to.”
“Can’t make promises, little brother.”
Fox glared at Zev’s grinning face wondering what kind of family he belonged to.
“Okay, enough standing in the cold. We don’t want baby Genesis to catch a cold.” Aria started walking up the stairs leaving the rest to follow after her.
Once they entered the house, Barret set him down, and Fox took Genesis’s carrier from Zev. He set it down on the table sitting in the center of the large foyer, taking off the thick blankets that shielded Genesis from the cold. Fox smiled, thankful she was still asleep and was about to take her out of the carrier when something brushed against his shin.
Fox jumped back in fright and looked down to see a black Scottish fold cat with blue eyes and wearing a rhinestone collar staring up at him.
Another black cat? What the hell? Let’s hope it’s not the same cat, that would be too damn weird.
Fox remembered just before he died, a black cat with bright blue eyes scared the shit out of him then ran over his feet.
“Emma, dear.” Aria tutted, bending to pick up the cat. “You gave Fox a fright. We told you he’s not feeling well.”
Emma is a cat! No wonder she didn’t visit me at the hospital with everyone else.
Emma meowed, looking at Fox with what he could only describe as a sorrowful eye.
“I’m sorry about Emma,” Barret apologized. “All I can say is she was excited to see you. We explained to her you might not remember her, but she’s a very determined young lady.” He walked over to Aria, scratching Emma under her chin. “Emma is very dear to us. And from the moment you two met, you’ve been her favorite companion.”
“We could keep her out of your hair until you get more of your memories. That way she doesn’t bother you,” Aria said to him.
“No,” Fox smiled. “You don’t have to do that. She just surprised me, that’s all.”
“Are you sure?” Barret asked.
Fox thought the Hannigans were too nice to be real.
“Yeah, I’m positive.” He sighed, realizing they were going above and beyond to suit his needs when he didn’t know who they were. “Please don’t change your lifestyle to accommodate me. Remember what the doctor said. We should keep things as normal as possible. It’s the only way I can get my memory back.”
“We’re not,” Zev said, getting his attention. “What you see is what you get, Fox.” He leaned over and kissed Fox on the cheek, then Genesis on the forehead. “I’ll see you tonight at dinner if you’re up for it.”
Fox nodded and watched as Zev walked over to the stairs taking them two at a time, disappearing down the hall.
“Come on, let’s get you and the baby settled.” Aria walked over to him, and unexpectedly Emma leaped from her arms into his. Fox was thankful for his quick reflexes and caught her quickly.
“Emma,” Aria said in shock.
Fox scowled as he looked down at the cat in his arms. She purred and buried her face in his elbows as if trying to hide from his eyes.
