Chapter 197

"Yes. Yes!" Pearl said. "Oh my god. I remember now. You call me nightingale because you read Keats' Ode to a Nightingale to me in a bathtub in Rome." Pearl said. Erik felt his heart was going to pound out is his chest. "I never thanked you for that. That was so romantic and perfect." Pearl continued. "Is the little boy ok?"

Erik stood and wrapped his arms around her. He breathed in her scent and kissed her forehead.

"He's perfectly fine." Erik said. "God I am so glad you are back with me now completely." He said.

"Me too. You stayed. You stayed and helped me when I didn't remember you. You fucking stayed with me." She said, feeling the tears fall. "I love you so much."

"I am so in love with you." He said. "Thank you for saving my life."

"Thank you for saving mine." She said. Kissing him.

"Oh no. What day is it? I have so much work to do. The band. The guys! I didn't remember the guys. They were all here!" Pearl put her hands on her mouth. "Your parents! Oh god! I hugged your father. How could you let me do that after what he said to me?" She asked, sitting on the bed.

"He came to the hospital while you were asleep. He gave his blessing." Erik said

"Because I saved his son?" She asked.

"No. Because of what you said to him after I left the room. Because of your respect and courage." He said. "Pearl, why didn't you tell me?" He asked.

"Because my pain shouldn't take away from your healing." She said.

"No. It should help it. I'm here. And I want take it all away, like you did for me." Erik said.

"Erik, I didn't take anything away. I just loved you in spite of it all." Pearl said. "What was that lovemaking last night? What are we, teenagers? That was fucking beautiful. You were so beautiful last night." Pearl said. He was so happy he could barely stand it.

"I need to call the guys. I need to fly back to the states. I have obligations." She said.

"John canceled everything until the tour and possibly after. Pearl, we need to talk." Erik said. "Sit down." He said.

Pearl sat down and looked at him with concern.

"Pearl, things have changed a little." He said.

"Changed? How?" She asked.

"You saved my life. You are an international hero. You are the most famous woman in the world right now. You risked your life to save mine. The press are all over, hounding us, and the guys. Dylan isn't even staying at his own house. He and John and Janie are at my house in LA, under guard." Erik said.

"Wow. I feel so badly for them, what if I make a statement to the press?" She asked.

"I already have. It didn't seem to help. Let me talk to our family's press people." Erik said.

"Ok. Thank you." Pearl said.

"Pearl, everything will be ok." He said. "Things will calm. They will become more normal again after we are mar... more settled." Erik said, almost ruining everything with the married word.

"I know. I'm sorry I panicked. I just remembered it all at once and want to make sure everything is ok." Pearl said.

"You don't have to do that anymore. Everything is taken care of now. I have you and you are safe now to not have to worry or be so strong all the time. I will carry you now." Erik said.

They went downstairs for breakfast and Jim was there, having coffee.

"You look like shit, Jim. I lose my memory for a week and you let yourself go all to hell. Shave or something." Pearl said.

"Got her memory back, eh?" He said to Erik.

"Indeed she does", Erik said.

"Well, it was nice while it lasted. You've got your hands full again." Jim said.

"Indeed I do." Erik said, smiling, watching her make tea.