Nuts (Tamber)

6

As Amber rejoins the crowd in the living room, she struggles to portray the sadness and heartbreak Tara instructed her to feign. Despite her efforts, she wonders if she's overdoing it or not doing enough. When the guy Tara was chatting with stops mid-conversation to stare at her, she realizes she might actually be succeeding. It's a bizarre moment for Amber, feeling both uncomfortable and strangely accomplished at the same time.

Unable to bear any more touches on her shoulder or nosy glances, Amber starts to speed walk towards the door, eager to escape the prying eyes and stifling atmosphere of the party. She knows that getting Tara to agree to talk is just the beginning; the real challenge lies in finding the right words to say to her.

As Amber gets in the car, her mind races with the words she wants to say to Tara. She finds herself rehearsing what she should say.

It would be completely moronic to say, "yeah, I just love you so much I think you deserve more and better than everything you have right now, and I'm not sure that in the grand scheme of things I'll measure up to that the way I should, so I broke up with you and refused to see and speak to you,"Amber murmurs to herself, trying to find the right balance between honesty and restraint.

The thought weighs heavily on her as she reaches the door, her hand hesitating over the ignition. Amber knows that whatever she says to Tara will determine the course of their relationship, and she can't afford to mess it up. Taking a deep breath, she turns the key and turns the heat on, steeling herself for the conversation that lies ahead.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Tara heads upstairs to retrieve her coat, hoping to make a swift exit once she's reunited with Amber. But before she can slip away unnoticed, Anika taps her on the shoulder, startling her.

"What the hell, Anika," Tara snaps, her irritation evident.

Anika's grin is poorly concealed as she teases, "Are you guys finally going to talk now?"

Tara can't help but feel a surge of nerves at the thought. "It seems so," she replies tersely, trying to mask her apprehension.

As Anika ruffles Tara's hair, Tara can't help but wonder what lies ahead. Despite her reservations, she knows it's time to confront the unresolved issues between her and Amber, whatever the outcome may be.

"Relax, take a deep breath," Anika advises, her hands gently resting on Tara's shoulders, offering both physical and emotional support.

They inhale and exhale together, the rhythmic breathing serving as a calming anchor amidst Tara's turbulent emotions.

"Okay, it'll be fine. It's just a talk, you'll hear each other out," Anika reassures Tara, her voice infused with confidence and reassurance.

Tara nods anxiously, her mind racing with a myriad of thoughts and uncertainties, but Anika's calming presence helps to soothe her nerves, if only slightly.

"And... Don't give it up that easily. Remember how she broke up with you and make her work for it," Anika advises.

Tara sighs as she removes Anika's hands from her shoulders, a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment swirling within her.

"Goodbye, Anika," Tara says softly, as she acknowledges her friend's support before turning towards the door.

As Tara descends the stairs, she quickens her pace, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. She knows that facing Amber will not be easy, but she's determined to confront their unresolved issues head-on.

Upon reaching the outdoors, Tara exhales a sigh of relief, grateful for the temporary reprieve from the suffocating atmosphere inside. Spotting Amber's car, she can't help but feel a sense of apprehension tinged with a glimmer of hope.