Page 34 of Remember Me

Night has started to fall as we watch The Goblet of Fire with takeout pizza and soda, and honestly, I cannot remember a time when I’ve been this relaxed. We’re settled on the sofa with all the blinds closed and just my fairy lights on. It’s almost, dare I say it, romantic? Jake’s got my feet in his lap and he’s running his hands up and down my legs, almost like it’s a reflex and he doesn't even realize he’s doing it. I’m not ashamed to say I like it. I really like it.

Focusing back on the screen, I really try to keep it together as Robert Pattinson is killed off right in front of my eyes. I quickly blink away my tears, but it’s no good, I can’t help it.

Opening my eyes after what feels like five minutes, I find out I’ve actually been asleep for a good couple of hours and have missed most of The Order of the Phoenix, which annoys me to no end—that’s my favorite one.

My bladder is protesting after being sat for so long, and I look over at Jake, who’s snoring softly next to me. He looks so peaceful, but I need to wake him up. Nudging him with my foot, he startles next to me. He looks so beautiful, full of sleep and rumpled hair as he takes me in. All these new feelings are swirling around me, and it makes me wonder: are they actually new?

We’ve been sitting here for over 12 hours now and still have three more films to watch. It’s past midnight and I really don’t know if I’m going to make it, but Jake is adamant we finish the series as we have nowhere to be tomorrow. I can’t remember the last time I pulled an all-nighter.

“You better make me some coffee and bring those donuts over if you want to finish this binge then, I’m about to pass out.”

There are another seven or so hours left. Bella gave up a long time ago and took herself to bed. Whilst Jake makes the coffee and grabs the donuts, I think about how much better I already feel. Jake makes everything better, and somehow, I know he always has.

Chapter 24

Jake

Ilay out the donuts and our coffees on the table in front of Lottie. I got a dozen of Dolly Donuts' new flavors with a couple of our favorites included. Lottie likes what she likes after all, and no doubt the new flavors won’t pass her judgement.

When she told me she’d recovered her first memory, even if it was small, I was elated. For that split second, I felt overwhelmed with hope my girl is in there and will come back to me.

Now, these donuts are no joke, trust me. Lottie and I have tried a lot over the years, but nowhere—and I mean nowhere—beats Dolly Donuts. Crumbl can keep their cookies, donuts are where it’s at.

They’re constantly designing new flavors so we never get bored—well, me more than Lottie.

“Ok, Lotts, this is serious business. I’m going to cut each donut in half and we’re going to rate them out of ten. I know you have your favorites, but please have an open mind and try them,” I plead with her.

“Wow, you’re taking this very seriously. It’s only donuts.”

“I’ll pretend you didn’t just say that. Ok, so some of the flavors we have are: PB&J, red velvet—which I know is your favorite—butterbeer, tiramisu, apple pie, Nutella, snickerdoodle, traditional jelly, and cookies and cream—which is my favorite.”

Lottie scans over the donuts spread across the table, her eyes zeroing in on that red velvet one. She can have that one at the end.

“Take your pick as to which one you want to try first.”

“Ok, let's go for traditional jelly because I know I like it. Plus, it’s a classic.”

I watch as Lottie takes a bite of the donut and some of the jelly clings to her lip. I’m done for when she swipes through the sticky goodness with her finger and sucks it into her mouth.

“Mmmmm,” she moans as she enjoys the rest of the treat.

Hopefully, she doesn’t notice me trying to adjust my rapidly hardening cock. I quickly shove my half of the donut into my mouth to distract myself.

Clearing my throat, I ask, “So, what did you think of the first one? I give it a solid ten out of ten. You just can’t go wrong with a classic.”

“I’d give it a seven out of ten. There was a bit too much jelly for me, it almost flooded the donut.”

And so, we go through all twelve donuts, giving our scores out of ten and saying what we liked and didn't like about them. Did I pretend to be indifferent about the red velvet one so Lottie could have the majority? Of course I did. My mama raised a gentleman, after all.

“Eugh, I feel so sick now,” Lottie groans, clutching her stomach. “If I don’t have diabetes by the morning, it’ll be a miracle!”

It’s taken us a while to get through them, to the point we’re now on the second to last film. You know, the one where Dobby dies. I’ve got the tissues ready because I know the waterworks are coming from both me and Lottie. What can I say? I’m a sucker for that little elf.

We watch the rest of the films and, when I check my watch, it’s nearly eight in the morning. My eyes are barely open at this point and Lottie has, once again, fallen asleep. Scooping her up in my arms, I carry her to her bedroom and lay her down. Kissing her temple, I whisper, “I’ll see you in a bit, sweetheart.”

As I go to leave, she grabs my arm and whispers back, “Stay.”

“I never left.”