‘Messy Colors’  is my first foray into short stories.

Colors are the way we describe things. They invoke feelings.Each color has many aspects to it but you can easily learn the language of color by understanding a few simple concepts which I will teach you here. Color is a form of non verbal communication. It is not a static energy and its meaning can change from one day to the next with any individual – it all depends on what energy they are expressing at that point in time.

The story starts with the color blue. Blue is also associated with the commandments of God, the importance of remembering them and also the heavenly calling of those who had been chosen by God to be His people. Blue is connected with that which is holy in God’s service. It is also a color that brings about peace  and safety. Blue also has its counterpart in those who corrupt God’s ways and usurp His divine symbols for evil worship of false gods.

The story will be filled with twists and turns and have an installment every Sunday night at 7:30pm.  I hope you enjoy it.- Oretha

Chapter 1 – ‘That’s an ugly shade of blue.’

‘That’s an ugly shade of blue.’

Those were the first six words she could string together. Audrey had no idea where she was or why she was there. She knew one thing. The ceiling was an ugly shade of blue. Her head hurt.  There was a needle taped to her arm and an uncomfortable mask pinching her face.

She listened to the sounds. All she could hear was the murmur and chatter of the hospital. The smell of antiseptic and sickness all  permeated her nose.

‘Well, Ms. Aimes you’re awake.’ a nurse said with too much chipper and accent in her voice.  ‘I’ll go get the doctor for you.’ she said exiting the room.

Audrey continued to dart her eyes around the  room trying to gather her thoughts. How did she get here? Where was here? What happened to her?  Just as  the questions began to speed through her head the doctor entered the room.

“Ms. Aimes.. I see you have finally awaken. I am Dr. Richards. Do you know where you are?”

Audrey wanted to tell him to get to the point, but she figured she would use the honey and bee approach.  ‘I’m in a hospital bed so my guess is a hospital.”

‘Yes, you are in East General Hospital in Islip, New York. You have a fractured arm, some cuts, a concussion and other issues that we will discuss, but not right now.’ The doctor continued checking her vitals.

‘How long have I been here? ‘ Audrey quizzed.

‘You’ve been  here a while.’ Dr Richards continued scribbling on her chart.  She wondered why he was being intentionally vague. ‘Get some rest and I’ll be back in a little while. I am going to go see about getting a dietitian to come look at you and see if we can’t get you better.” Dr. Richards exited the room as swiftly as he had floated in.

Audrey continued to lay there and smell. Try to remember what  happened to you kid she thought. Her mind was a blank.  That’s when she saw it on her left hand.  The biggest  rocks she had ever seen.  A wedding band of diamonds and an engagement ring encircled her ring finger.

‘Honey… Thank God. You’re awake.’ a  handsome six foot line backer of a man with sand colored hair and eyes said as he walked in the door. He came and sat down in the seat vacated by the doctor.

‘How are you feeling?  Do you hurt? Can you talk?’ The queries  came one by one so fast Audrey wanted to scream.

‘Babe…say something.. should I get the doctor?’ concern was etching across the man’s face. He seemed to be concerned about her.

‘I don’t know who you  are.’  Audrey whispered.

‘I can’t hear you honey. What was that?’ he leaned in closer to her. She noticed he smelled good. He smelled like the beach.

‘I don’t know who you are.’  Audrey spoke and felt the pain of the strain in her throat.

The man looking crestfallen responded.  ‘Audrey, I’m your husband of six years. I’ve been in the hospital now for two months by your side night and day. You don’t know me?’

Audrey looking away replied, ‘I’m sorry…. I don’t.’

The man took off down the hallway calling for a doctor. She could hear him say, ‘There’s something wrong.. she doesn’t know me.’

Once again she was staring at the ceiling thinking.. what an ugly shade of blue.