HOME [TAMBER]

CHAPTER 13

Conan stood dumbfounded as the cardio surgeon walked pass him without saying anything. He was asking her about their routine - visiting Richie every year. Amber's face was blank and emotionless. Amber was very sensitive about the topic. They always did it the gentlest way to bring that up, subtly asking and waited for her respond. And that was exactly what Conan did.

After the question, Amber usually hardened her jaw then sighed then let a low 'okay! out. But this time, she probably didn't even mind her presence.

"Hey! Good thing you guys are here!" Conan
greeted his friends. He was hungry and wanted to steal some food from surgery department, lounge. He went straight to the refrigerator without further ado - mussing its content.

"I just saw Amber. I ask her if it's okay if we go
visit Richie tomorrow. She looks like a ghost. You know, blank and drag her feet emotionless," Conan said, while opening a plastic box containing Chicken Katsu, he put one piece into his mouth and chewed it. "I haven't seen her like that since.."

She stood up at the same blank face on Grace's and Claudia's face.

"Oh god, what the hell did you guys do!?"

"I-I should go. find her. It's my fault," Claudia
abruptly moved from her place.

"No, Claud. Don't." Grace said sternly.

"If she do something stupid, Grace, I can never
forgive myself."

Conan didn't have a clue on what was going on. But he knew something really bad happened.

"It is not wise if she sees you now, Claudia. She
won't hear whatever you say. Let her calm down
first then maybe we can talk to her." Conan said.

"This is my fault, It is my responsibility to make
sure she's okay,"

"Lets not do this is my mistake or your mistake.
We are all in blame here. Amber is an adult, she
perfectly understand the consequences if ever
she do something fool." The anesthesiologist tried to explain.

"Let her be for now. We'll talk later."

********

The woman on the couch lowered the TV volume as she heard the front door cracked open. She held her breath waiting for the certain person she had been avoiding for the past weeks to come and greet her. Amber wasn't home last night. She was probably on call, she thought.

She heard the door close. She exhaled some oxygen from her lungs. For some vague reason, she felt nervous. She wondered if the situation would make them back to the beginning? She couldn't imagine the awkwardness. It was unbearable. Or would they be just like the usual? Amber was an expert in ignoring such circumstances.

"Amber?" She called as the sound of something fall reached her ears.

No respond.

"Amby!?" She quickly got off from the couch and
ran towards the front door. She gasped to the sight of Amber on the floor.

"Amber, are you okay?" She turned over her body only to catch very strong alcohol smell. "Are you drunk!?"

The girl on her lap slumped. She slurred, "No, I is tipsyy." she chuckled.

"Come on, get up. Lets get you clean up," Tara
struggled to lift her small body. The latter wasn't
cooperative at all. With all the strength she had,
Tara led her to the bedroom.

Now she wasn't sure where Amber was last night or what was the reason she drunk this severe. Since Tara moved in, wine was the only alcoholic drink Amber consumed. And she was always totally sober.