As Amber ventures through her new life, she endures the lies, secrets and betrayal that comes with it.
***
Adopted at the age of fifteen into the Peterson family, Amber is not ready for all the new consequences th...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
TW: Self-harm
2 years ago
Her hands are shaking, but she has no control over them. Her head is racing with thoughts, but she can't get a grip on any of them. The anxiousness she feels is justified. Because they have arrived.
"Where are you, Amber?" She yells, her voice as sweet as honey.
A disillusionment it was.
"Come here!" Another voice, this one masculine, yells.
Though they can't see her, her head shakes and as she trembles, tears threaten to leave her eyes.
She mumbles to herself, "No". And though they can't hear it, she covers her mouth in regret.
"Amber!" The honey voice calls again. This time it's so close that it feels like it was just beside her. Looking up, she realizes it wasn't just her ears playing tricks on her.
The woman's blue eyes narrow as she peers down at Amber. "We were calling you," she scowls, her honey voice long gone.
"Come here," Despite Amber's protestation, the woman grabs her by her arm and starts dragging her down the stairs.
"No, no, no!" Amber shouts until she is weak. And so one last time, her voice a whisper, she pleads, "Please don't hurt me."
Present
"You have visitors, Amber," Dr. Brian tells me before moving to the side to reveal the Petersons. Taking another sip of my hot chocolate, I offer him a smile in gratitude and he returns it before heading outside of the room.
"You had us so worried for you," Sophia rushes up to me and engulfs me in her warm embrace. Breaking the hug, she examines me, "Are you okay now?"
I nod.
"Mom! Can't we talk to her?" Zahra gestures to Lucas, Raven and herself.
Blushing, Sophia looks away, "Sorry, I get worried sometimes."
She comes over to the other side of the bed in front of the wall, giving the others a chance to express their worry.
Lucas is next to come up to me, "Hey, honey!" he greets, "How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine," I tell him. "Sorry for making you guys worry so much."
"It's alright, dear. As long as you're okay," his lips turn into a small smile.
"Amber!" Zahra pushes Lucas out the way, diving into my arms. Raven, following suit, embraces us both. The warmth of the hug comforts me and I can't help but feel cold when they pull away.
