Unveiled Memories: Unveiled, #1

By Angela Schmeling

My name is Lenore Johnson. At least that's what I'm told. After a terrible accident, I woke with no memory. No Past. No recollection of who I am. All I know is that if the dreams I have been having are memories trying to surface, my life is not what it seems. I am not who they say I am. And I'm not sure I want to find out the truth that is desperate to be revealed. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela Schmeling
• Release date: May 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781087972145

Book preview

Prologue

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Awakened abruptly, I gasped, my eyes opened wide.

Heat, searing heat. I felt it all around me. It burned through my clothes and skin. It seeped into the depths of my bones. Then came the smoke, blinding and thick. It choked through my airways. Clawing its way into my lungs. I rolled over and coughed.

And then groaned. My head pounded. I placed my hand on my head and it felt wet. Looking down at my fingers I saw blood on them.

What was I doing here? How did I get here?

Slowly, I got up. I took a moment, my head spinning, and then looked around. The smoke billowed through the hallway I was standing in. Flames creeped up through the ceiling.

I had a mission. A plan. What was it? I couldn’t remember. All I knew was that I needed to get out of here now. There had to be an escape somewhere. I started forward but jolted in pain. Looking down, I saw my left leg was bleeding. I ripped open the hole in my jeans to see a puncture in my thigh. Not deep, but enough that I needed a tourniquet. Ripping the remainder of my jeans, I wrapped it around my leg to still the bleeding.

Now where was I and how do I get out of here?

I cried out as a flame came bursting from the wall to my left and licked my arm. Burning flesh invaded my nostrils.

Survival mode kicked in and I crouched down low to get under the smoke, ignoring the pain pulsating through my leg and my head, I moved as fast as I could down the hallway. Looking for a door, a window, anything that would be an escape route.

Suddenly, above the roar of the flames, I heard a large creaking and then breaking.

The wall next to me was collapsing and the ceiling was caving in. I tried moving faster, but I still wasn’t sure where I was going. The hallway veered to my left, leaving the fire behind me. I heard people shouting over the roar of the fire and started heading that direction.

A light! Daylight! I was going to make it out of this fiery inferno!

Just as I reached the doorway to my salvation, I was propelled forward as something slammed into me from behind. I felt the wood beam crush my left side.

I pulled my arm out from under the burning wood, but had no energy left. My head was throbbing, my leg piercing, and my arm burning. Reaching out my right hand, I grasped at the ground and pulled myself forward painfully fighting the black spots in my vision that sought to bring me into their darkness. I could barely make out the light in front of me.

Come on. Just a little further.

I clawed my hand further and dragged myself up a little more, the fire nipping at my feet.

Suddenly, I felt a hand grasp mine.

You’re okay. a voice said. I’ve got you now.

I coughed in relief as I felt the sunshine hit my face. Then everything went dark.

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Painfully, my eyes opened. Everything was dark at first, and then blurry. I blinked. Slowly, I turned my head to gather in my surroundings. My head ached in protest causing me to groan. With that came other pains. I couldn’t move my left side. I looked down at the bandages covering my arm and part of my leg.

I set my head back against the pillow. The simple exertion from holding my head up was too much and the migraine excruciating.

The noise of the door opening echoed in the silent room, causing me to jump. A woman walked in with a cup of coffee in her hand.

She sat down next to the bed and gave me a small smile. I had no idea who she was. Her long chestnut hair and wide oval eyes were unfamiliar.

I tried to speak but ended up coughing viciously instead. My head pounded fiercely.

Oh, honey. The woman said gently. Let it out. You got a lot of smoke.

Where am I? I choked out.

At the hospital, dear. The woman responded. We barely got you out of the fire.

I nodded, very slowly, with my head resting on the pillow again. I remembered the fire. I remember someone reaching for me and pulling me out.

I licked my dry lips. And who are you? Her eyes widened. Well, I’m your mother.

Mother? I didn’t recognize her. Then a startling revelation hit me. It knocked me to my core and filled me with cold numbing dread.

And who am I?

Chapter 1

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I stared out the window at the endless rolling plains of South Dakota and sighed. The drive from LA to here was endless, with brief stays in beautiful mountainous areas like Colorado. Even the Black Hills had a nice view. Now there was nothing but wide open spaces, and the drive seemed even longer.

To pass the time, I recollected what I knew. The doctor told me that would help my recovery process. My burns on my left side had healed into ugly scars, but after a month in the hospital, I felt more like myself. Except that I couldn’t remember anything prior to the hospital. So back to my recall.

My name is Lenore Johnson, Lenny to my friends and family. Daughter to Jim and Loretta Johnson.

I am 22 years old.

I was living in LA with my parents over the summer till school started again.

I had been moving things out of the house to my own place. There was a fire.

A wall fell on me and my left arm and part of my leg was burned and scarred.

I am lucky to be alive.

And now my mind is as blank as the prairies we drove by.

Another sigh. How much longer till we get there?

Not much. My mother said with a smile. Just a few hours, Lenny. You can make it.

I groaned and placed my chin in my hand looking back out the window.

Is your head feeling okay? Since the fire, migraines battled, sometimes raged through my empty head. The doctor stated this was normal after a brain injury.

It’s fine. Except that it was, like these plains, a colossal view of nothing as far as the eye could see. My mom and dad sat in the front seat, looking more familiar to me than they did a month ago when I woke from a coma after the fire. Then again, we had spent every day of the last month together.

My hand traced over the scarred skin left behind on my arm. It reminded me just how lucky I was. But I still couldn’t remember anything before that day. The doctor said I may never remember.

It’ll be so nice to see my parents again and live closer to them.

My dad agreed and kissed my mom's hand. We haven’t seen your parents in a long time.

No. Mom replied. We haven’t been back to South Dakota in so long.

My gaze turned back out the window and I propped my chin in my hand with a sigh. Was Sioux Falls as plain as this? I didn’t have high hopes for this new town my parents were moving us to.

Do people actually live here? I asked, staring at the vast of nothingness.

Mom laughed. Yes, just not like in LA.

There is nothing here! Oh, wait...maybe.... nope...just a cow.

Relax, Lenny. Dad said, chuckling. It’s a much slower pace than the city and that’s not a bad thing.

I bet you’ll like it. Mom added. Give you a chance to heal.

I shrugged and rested my head against the window. Shutting my eyes, I tried to will something to fill the blank void that had become my memories.

Lenny. A soft hand shook my shoulder. Wake up.

Opening my eyes, I groaned. I hadn’t realized I had fallen asleep. Rolling the kinks out of my neck, I climbed out of the car. Stretching my arms high above me, I looked around.

Trees.

A ranch house on a quiet street with other houses lined along it. A large oak tree shaded the blue house with white trim.

Welcome home. Mom said as she squeezed my arm. Your grandparents are going to come by later, but for now let’s start getting these boxes in.

I grabbed my backpack and a box from the trunk and walked up to the house. Dad greeted me at the doorway.

There’s four bedrooms. You have your pick of the two downstairs.

I nodded and walked into the house. It was open with the living room and dining room area greeting me and a kitchen off the back right. The master bedroom and a bathroom were down the hall to the left with a room Mom planned to use as an office across the way. The stairs were directly next to me.

Heading down the stairs, a large family room greeted me and then down a short hallway were two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Peering into both rooms, I took the larger of the two and set my bag down with a sigh.

Grabbing some toilet paper from the box, I went over to the bathroom and did my business after the long car trip. Washing my hands, I paused and stared at the mirror, an unrecognizable face staring back at me. Her dark hair lay in tattered strands around her face, freeing itself from its messy ponytail. Her eyes, green and dull, watched me watching her.

Who are you? I asked the reflection, the same question I have asked dozens of times since I woke. I softly caressed the scars that wove jaggedly up my left arm, watching from the mirror. No answers were given as the woman in the mirror stared back at me.

There you are! Mom said as she came into the bathroom. She wrapped her arm around me and watched me in the mirror.

We stood there for a moment. No words were spoken. We had grown close over the last month. As close as one could with no known history.

At least not for me.

Mom helped me with the pieces that were missing when I asked. I could tell she loved me. She had been there with me every moment of my recovery so far. Sometimes being over protective, and when she brought up the move, I knew it was cause she cared about my healing.

It was still so strange, though, no memory of who I was or the family we were before. Were we close before the accident? Did we go on shopping dates that ended with some delectable treat? Did we have spa days and sit and talk about boys?

I looked at her reflection, trying to remember. As I looked at both our faces, I tried to figure out how we could be related. Her hair was chestnut and fair, her skin pale. Mine was dark like a raven and my skin, an olive tone.

My father was darker, maybe those were the traits I inherited? I sighed.

Deep thoughts must be inside that look. Mom commented.

More confused than anything.

Mom squeezed my shoulder. Give it time.

Another sigh. I know.

Have you thought more about college?

I shrugged. Mom and Dad had told me that I could get into the local college if I felt up to it. They had already spoken with the dean about getting me enrolled in fall classes, which started in the fall.

I don’t even know what I’d do. I don’t even know what I like to do.

Mom smiled at me. Well, this is a great time to start over. Maybe find something new.

What did I like before? What was I going to major in?

Mom’s face clouded for a moment, as it often did when I asked about the past.

You talked about criminal justice. Wanting to help people who couldn’t help themselves. She replied after a moment. You could do that and see how you like it. If it’s something that still interests you. Or just go for generals and see what appeals to you.

I pursed my lips together in contemplation.

Don’t think any more of it now. Mom said, kissing my cheek. Let’s get these boxes in and then let’s eat.

I nodded and followed her upstairs wondering when life would seem to make more sense.

Chapter 2

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Hiya, kiddo! An elderly man, who was still very fit for his age, with deep set wrinkles leaned in and pinched my cheek. It had been a week since we arrived, and I was finishing the last of the boxes in my room. Coming upstairs when Mom called, I was greeted by two unfamiliar faces. Which doesn’t say much because most faces were still unfamiliar to me.

A wide smile crossed the man’s features. His broad frame reached for me, and I immediately shied backward. Though I was getting better, I still tended to be cautious around people that I didn’t know. Even if they seemed to know me. Which always made it more awkward.

Joe! The woman with him, an older version of my mother, slapped him. Her salt and pepper hair coming out of the bun at the base of her neck as she shook her head. "You’re going to scare the poor girl! She doesn’t remember you! Did you forget that?"

The man gave me a sheepish look. It’s okay. I reassured him.

Grandpa Joe.

Nice to... I paused and gave out a small smirk. Meet you?

Grandpa Joe laughed, a deep gut laugh. His wife slapped him again and shook her head. Turning to me, she smiled, no wrinkles on her face. Placing her hand gently on my arm, she introduced herself. Grandma Sandy. May I hug you?

I nodded, unsure of what else to do. A moment later her arms were wrapped around me, and the smell of cinnamon and vanilla invaded my nostrils. Immediately, I felt myself relax in her embrace.

She pulled back and held my face in her hands. You need anything, you can always come to Grandma.

I smiled at her. Thank you. I licked my lips and looked at both of them, the love lighting from their eyes. I wish I could remember you.

Maybe in time you will. Grandpa Joe said. More importantly, that you can remember going forward. He slapped his hands together suddenly as a thought came to him. And in the meantime, if you need a job just let me know.

My eyebrows furrowed as I looked at him curiously. Ah, yes. Grandpa Joe’s mouth gave an o shape. You wouldn’t remember that your Pop runs a grocery store.

Sorry.

It’s okay. But if you’d like something to do with your spare time while working on your memory, make a little money, just let me know.

Alright! Mom said, coming in from the kitchen. Let’s move this into the kitchen and eat some food.

What’d you make, Mom? I asked. Chicken again?

I’ll have you know I was slaving away in the kitchen today. Mom said as we walked into the kitchen, the pizza boxes opened on the counter. And it was just too hard to cook after all that work.

I laughed. Where’s Dad? Things were getting easier with my parents. I still couldn’t remember anything, and things felt off, but after the time in LA, the road trip here, and all the unpacking we started to feel more like a family.

He’s stuck at work but should be home soon.

Dad had picked up a job at a bank in town, working as a mortgage broker. Mom was happy being a homemaker for now and getting the house in order. And taking care of me.

I looked over at my grandparents and my mom conversing happily. My memories may never come back, and I did not want to just sit around and wait for it.

I needed to do something with myself.

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Another week went by and we were more settled. We celebrated the Fourth of July with lots of fireworks and more food than we needed. Grandpa Joe and Grandma Sandy both joined us and I enjoyed getting to know them more. We ate more food than I thought possible and stuffed ourselves with s’mores as the sky lit up with a variety of colors.

Dad, I found, was quite a pyromaniac and with Grandpa Joe it was like watching two little kids having a field day as they lit firecracker after firecracker.

For me, I didn’t want anything to do with the probability of fire and was perfectly content to watch them be silly and see the beauty lit up from a safe distance away.

My scars still reflected and made me subconscious. I casually traced one as another firecracker colored the sky. As Mom kept telling me, the scars don’t define me and anyone who says differently isn’t worth the time of day.

I had decided to go to school, focusing on criminal justice, with more interest in the investigation side. I would be starting in a few months, once September rolled around. Everything seemed to be falling into place.

I don’t think you need to worry about those scars like you do. Grandma Sandy said. You are such a beautiful woman. Inside and out.

Thanks, Grandma. I said.

Grandpa Joe came back and sat down next to her, a large grin on his face. This is so much fun. I haven’t done this in years!

I smiled at him. Glad we could do it. It is fun. I watched as Dad jumped back in excitement as he lit another.

Grandpa Joe patted my hand. We are so glad that you guys are here. It’s so good to have family close. We missed all of you.

Hey, I started. I’ve been meaning to ask you. Were you serious about giving me a job at the store?

Of course. Grandpa responded. Would love to have you join when you’re up for it.

How does next week sound then? I needed to get out and do something until school started and some cash of my own would be nice. I wanted to eventually move out and live my own life, whether my memories come back or not and needed to start somewhere. Plus, Grandpa said he would be flexible with my school schedule.

Mom came from the house and had a sly grin on her face. We have a surprise for you, Lenny.

I looked at her. I was wondering where you disappeared to.

Dad was soon by her side. We ready for this?

Mom grinned. For sure. I want to see her face.

Okay, guys. What’s going on?

Walking back into the garage, Mom came back moments later holding a cardboard box. She handed it to me and as I looked inside there was a beautiful black cat peering up at me. He had a small white patch on his forehead that was shaped like a diamond. I pulled him out and he immediately cuddled against me. He’s so sweet!

What would you like to name him?

There was no hesitation or even thought when I said. Diamond. His name is Diamond.