It Only Took A Minute
Chapter Five

October 16, 2006

“Are you serious?” Allison asked.

Krista nodded her head.

“Your favorite movie is ‘Shakespeare In Love.’”

“But it’s so boring.” Allison replied.

“I’ve been trying to tell you that for years.” Justin said walking into the room.

Allison smiled.

“Hey Justin.”

“It’s getting late kids.” Krista said. “Nicki, the kids, and I will be here around 1:00 tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.” Allison said.

“Bye Justin.” Krista said.

“Later.” He replied and then turned his attention back to Allison. “How are you feeling?”

“Alright. What brings you by?” she asked.

After Allison was released from the hospital Justin insisted that she and her parents move into his guest house. They all agreed and Justin had even hired a private nurse to help care for Allison. The swelling in her spinal cord that gone down considerably and she was getting around pretty well in her wheelchair. As for her memory…no change, but the doctor remained optimistic.

“I found something that might interest you.” He told her.

“Oh! A surprise!” she said clapping her hands together.

“It’s a CD the guys and I made a few years back. I thought it might trigger something.” He said.

“It’s worth a try.” Allison said taking the CD from Justin’s hand and wheeling herself over to the CD player. The sounds of ‘Pop’ filled the air.

“This was the first single.” He said.

She moved her head to the beat.

“Catchy.”

“So how was physical therapy today?” he asked sitting down on the couch.

“Tiring. I slept for two hours afterwards, but I’m making progress.” She said happily. “In a month or so we’re going to start actual standing and walking.”

Justin smiled.

“That’s great.”

“Maybe you could come with me to those sessions. For moral support or something.” Allison suggested shyly.

“Of course.” Justin said.

“This is a pretty song.” Allison commented as ‘Gone’ began.

“Thanks, I wrote it.” Justin said.

“It kinda makes me think of my situation.”

“How so?”

“With my memory being gone and all.”

Justin wasn’t really sure what to say. Seeing Allison like this was hard.

“What’s up with Josh and these porno-esque songs?” Allison exclaimed over ‘Up Against the Wall.’

“Ah-yes.” Justin said snapping back to reality. “You should hear ‘Digital Getdown.’”

“Oh lord.” Allison muttered.

October 31, 2006

“Are you ready?” Justin asked. “We’re going to be late for Josh and Nicki’s party.”

“Yeah, I’m coming.” Allison said wheeling herself into the hallway.

Her eyes grew large at the sight of Justin.

“Please tell me that is not your costume.”

“What? What’s wrong with it?” Justin asked as he looked over his police officer uniform.

“Nothing, nothing at all.” She said with a laugh.

***
“Hi.” Krista said as she and Lance walked into the yard.

Allison waved and smiled as she noticed Krista did a double take at Justin’s costume. She quickly walked over to Allison.

“I can’t believe he’s wearing that costume.”

Allison nodded.

“I know I mean at last years party Nicki, you, and I threw him in the pool cause he kept trying to arrest us.”

“Yeah…hey!” Krista exclaimed.

“What?” Allison asked.

“You remembered last years party.” She said.

Allison’s eyes lit up.

“I did, didn’t I?”

“Come on, anything else?”

Allison thought hard but her mind went blank.

“No.”

Allison shook her head.

“No, I don’t want him to get his hopes up. I know this is just as hard on him and I don’t want to give him false hope.”

Before Krista could respond Justin walked over.

“Ready to go Allie?” he asked.

Allison looked at her watch.

“I suppose. I’ve got therapy tomorrow at 9:00 and Justin’s coming with me. So I think I’d better put him to bed.” She said to Krista.

“Har, har. Night Krista.” Justin said.

“Bye guys.” She replied.

Chapter 6