Chapter 5
by 
fantaghiro
What's next?
Mary Bellows, a 45 year old saleswoman at a high-end clothing boutique
The doctor opened the door and wheeled you into the room. Inside you saw both your parents and Allison's - Linda and Tony - waiting around the bed, talking softly to one another. They welcomed you, relieved at seeing you awake and moving.
"Tim!" your mom cried out, embracing you. "I'm so glad you're up."
You hugged her back. "So, Allison...how is she?" you asked.
"Do you know..." Tony started to ask...
"Yes," you answered, nodding. You explained what the doctors told you. Tony and Linda filled in the gaps.
"We're so grateful that Allison is alive, no matter what. But this is all so unbelievable. I ... I don't know how she's going to take this - especially with this plan to assume that woman's identity. It's good you're here. I think that will help," Linda added.
"Uh, about that," you said as a thought occured to you. "Who all knows about this? Who can we tell"
Tony and Linda looked at one another as if communicating silently. Finally Tony spoke. "Right now, it's just a few doctors and us. The agreement we signed is very precise. And fortunately Mary isn't married - no kids or close family."
"But why me?" you asked.
Linda added in a gentle tone "we wouldn't sign anything unless they agreed to tell you. We know how close you and Allison are - you deserve to know the truth. And she will need you to make it through this."
She paused and Tony broke in. "Paul and Jennifer are like second parents to Allison. And I don't see how we could tell you but keep them in the dark."
You nodded in understanding and started to tell them how grateful you were to be included, that they were like family to you as well. But at that moment Allison began to stir.