as Time Went On.. a collaborative story, ENTRY FOUR

It was a different waiter that brought their order. As he approached, he eyed them both curiously. "Don't I know you?" he asked.

Tim glanced at Mary, Mary glanced at the waiter. "Do you?" asked Tim.

The waiter, whose name tag said John, simply sat down. "Weren't you both at that new pub in San Jose last night?"

"You saw us both there?" Tim wasn't sure where this was going, but it was starting to bother him. What was going on?

Mary reached over and took Tim's hand. Together they faced John. "You remember that we were both there?"

"Sure," replied John. "I saw you sitting together, and then you left together, I think."

Mary and Tim stared at each. Each was positive that this was the first time they had seen each other, yet felt like they knew each other. And this guy was saying they had been together last night! Why couldn't they remember that???

"John, that's your name, right? John?" John nodded.

Tim continued, "Are you sure it was us?"

"What, you guys don't remember if you were there or not?"

"John, I remember being there alone, and Mary doesn't remember being there at all."

John was astonished. "Well, you looked like you were together last night. Like a couple, you know? Especially since I saw this guy come by, he looked like he was coming on to your girl, and you got upset."

Tim's free hand clenched into a fist. This he remembered! "I do remember getting upset with some guy last night! I just don't remember what about! And I don't remember being with Mary! What could be happening to us!"

John stood and started to back away. "Look, I don't know, I just thought I had seen you before."

"Wait, John, I think we need your help. We need you to help us remember!" Tim jumped to his feet before John could walk away completely.