Deadly Memories. Mary Alford

she didn’t want to pull away. Was it just because of she was afraid of what waited for her inside and needed his strength? Her breath quickened in the warmth of his gaze and her thoughts drifted to things she couldn’t remember. What did it feel like to be kissed? To be touched by someone who wasn’t intent on hurting her.

      Somewhere a horn blasted and the spell was broken. Heat crept up her neck and she moved away. For a moment...well, she’d let emotions get in the way. She couldn’t afford to do that ever again. Being in control was all that kept her alive.

      A handful of awkward seconds passed before Kyle got out of the vehicle and came round to open her door.

      They walked side by side into the sanctuary and Ella couldn’t think of a single thing to say to fill the void.

      The moment she stepped inside and looked around, she realized nothing about the quiet old southern church felt like the home she longed for. Ella struggled to keep her disappointment from showing. She’d foolishly hoped everything would just instantly fall into place and her memory would return.

      “Why don’t we wait for them up front? It looks peaceful there,” Kyle said to her silence. “After everything that’s happened recently, I think we both could use a little peace.”

      They headed down the center aisle lined with dark wooden pews that smelled of polish. There were hymnals in the seats. Up in front stood an altar with the carved words do this in remembrance of me.

      The podium where the minister delivered his message captured her attention. Her father would have stood in that very spot each week. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine him, but she couldn’t even bring up his face.

      She was aware of Kyle standing beside her, watching her carefully. Was he expecting some flicker of recognition? They both realized that at some point the pieces of her life should start to fall into place if she really was who he thought she was.

      A side door opened and two people, one a mid-thirties-looking man and the other a woman who appeared to be in her forties, entered the sanctuary.

      The man stepped forward, smiled and introduced himself. “James Montgomery, I’m the pastor. And this is Tracy Cartwright, our church clerk.” The pastor turned to the woman by his side.

      Tracy barely acknowledged the introductions. She appeared to have suffered a terrible shock. She covered her trembling mouth with her hand.

      The pastor squeezed the woman’s shoulder then spoke to Ella. “Tracy and your mother were good friends. Losing her was hard. This is hard.”

      Tracy came over to Ella and stared at her for the longest time, then she took her into her arms and squeezed her tight. “I can’t believe it’s you. Oh, Ella, you’re alive. You’re alive. I’m so glad.”

      Ella stiffened and fought back the usual revulsion whenever anyone got too close.

      While Tracy continued to hug her close and weep in earnest, Ella wondered why she couldn’t remember her. She was clearly a family friend.

      Slowly, she untangled herself from Tracy’s grasp.

      The woman had tears streaming down her face. “Do you remember me at all?” she asked with a hopeful look on her face.

      Ella shook her head. “I’m sorry, I don’t.” She turned to Kyle for the assurances he was quick to give.

      “It’s okay,” Kyle assured her. “With everything you’ve been through, it may take some time for your memory to return in full. You just have to be patient.”

      “Oh, I can’t believe it,” Tracy exclaimed and touched the ring that Ella still wore around her neck. “Your engagement ring survived. You were so proud of that ring when David gave it to you. And your mother and father were thrilled when you and David announced you two were getting married. Your mother said you were the perfect couple, with you both being missionaries and all.” Tracy leaned over and kissed her cheek.