Chapter 1

I don't know what it's like for other people waking up from a coma, but let me tell you I think it sucks. My whole body ached, probably from not moving for too long, and I had a damn tube stuck down my throat. With the sounds of the breathing device and the beeping, I was guessing I was in a hospital. I tried moving my head up, and was immediately rewarded with the worse case of nausea I have ever had. I thought I'd try smaller movements after that, and started to wiggle my fingers and toes. Some sort of monitor must have detected something odd, because right then I heard a door open and an older Doctor appeared in my vision.

"Annabelle, can you hear me?"

I only nodded, because of the aforementioned tube.

"I am Dr. Benit, I am glad to see you awake as you have been out for some time. I am going to remove the tube from your throat, and Nurse Gable will give you some ice chips to suck on, ok."

I nodded again, and he slowly removed the tube, that was fun. About that time something horrifying dawned on me, Annabelle, apparently death is not without a sense of humor, it seems I am to go round as a chick, great. I never thought ice chips would be so welcome, they stung, but soothed my throat at the same time.

The doctor asked if I could remember anything. I told him no I did not, even that my name was Annabelle until he had said my name. It was strange, hearing that delicate voice coming from my mouth, and I was sure it wouldn't be the last strange thing. It appeared that I was 16 and in Seattle. The only thing I know about Seattle is that it rains a lot. He said that they had some tests to run, and that I would probably be in rehab for some time.

After he ran his tests he said that Nurse Gable would help me get more comfortable, and see about getting me some food. He was not too concerned about my memory loss, he said that it was quite normal and I should get my memories back. Fat chance of that, I thought. Nurse Gable raised the bed to a more upright sitting position, and told me she would be right back with some food.

I don't now what it is with hospitals and green Jell-O, but that and some mashed potatoes is what I got. It hurt like hell going down, but it helped to ease the pain in my stomach. I protested that there wasn't enough food, but she said that I needed to start small so my system could adjust. Not the answer I was looking for.

About that time another nurse walked in with a bucket, and I assumed she was here to give me a sponge bath. Now let me tell you, that if I was in my other body she would have had no doubt that I was happy to see her. After a very professional wash job, no happy endings for me I guess, I was exhausted and decided it was time to pass out.