Page 114 of Fireworks

Chapter Thirty Seven

September

*****

Nate

“This is your room for as long as you need it. My father knows you can’t do much until your cast comes off, but I’m sure he’ll think of some tasks to give you.”

Savannah ushered me toward a room just off the back entrance of the massive farmhouse. The room was simple, a twin bed on the far side and a lamp in the corner. It wasn’t nearly as warm and cozy as the rest of the house, but it was a place to rest my head until I could figure things out.

“You guys are too kind.”

Savannah’s smile was contagious. Her cheeks flushed as she turned away.

“Just glad we could help. May I ask you something?”

Resting her thumbs in her front pockets, her jeans pulled under the weight, hanging precariously on her hips.

“Sure. Anything.”

She took two steps into my new room, her tongue subtlety licking the seam of her lips.

“Why did you pick that name? Theo. It fits you, but I thought for sure you were going to pick something generic like John or Mike.”

Thinking for a minute, I wasn’t sure why I had picked it. It was the first thing that popped into my head. Like I had heard it before.

“I wish I knew Savannah. It just seemed like the right name, not sure why. Theodore popped into my head first, but that seems so formal.”

“Well, I like it either way. You settle in, mama will probably call for dinner soon and you can meet everyone.”

Sitting down on the bed, I wished I could remember anything right now besides the bits and pieces of the accident. The doctors assured me that most of their patients got their full memory back. The problem was they couldn’t tell you if it would be hours, days, or weeks before it happened. I may have to go months before any bit of my memory comes back.

All six of Savannah’s siblings came barreling through the door, mud covering their cowboy boots and jeans.

“Every single one of you better walk right back out and hose off before you come into my clean house.”

A voice came from the kitchen. An older woman, probably in her mid-fifties, stood with a wooden spoon chastising the rowdy bunch. Her eyes strayed off her children as they landed on me, hobbling with my walking cast alongside Savannah.

“Oh dear, I’m sorry for raising my voice in front of company. This lot, they’ll destroy the place faster than I can blink if I’m not careful. Welcome to our home. You must be Theo.”

Embracing me tightly, I couldn’t help but notice how much she looked like Savannah. Her eyes were the same shade of blue filled with warmth and devotion.

“Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your family letting me stay here.”

“Our doors are always open when someone is in need.”

Sitting at the table, Savannah pointed to everyone to introduce everyone all at once.

“So that’s Ryan, Lilly, Justin, Taylor, Bailey, and Harley.”

“I feel like I should have brought a pen and paper.”

I tried to laugh and make a joke of it, but lately trying to remember anything was a struggle. Adding unfamiliar names and information just overwhelmed my mind even more. I wanted to just go sit in my room alone. However, I knew it would be rude to excuse myself early from the meal, so I sat quietly as my head pounded through my skull.

When the meal concluded, everyone promptly picked up their dishes and started cleaning up. Attempting to follow suit, Mrs. Hastings blocked me from walking more than a few steps before grabbing the plates from my hands. She lowered her voice so only I could hear her.

“I can see it in your eyes, dear. It’s been a long day. Go rest. There will be plenty to do tomorrow.”