𝔅𝔬𝔫𝔡: ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔚𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡𝔰

Chapter Twenty: Secrets

Amber

After I got settled in Alexis took me to Kamboo’s to get some breakfast and a sweet pastry treat. My favorite cinnamon buns. I missed the taste of these. She smiled while taking a sip of her coffee. “I thought it would be a bit longer until I’d see you on this soil.” I chuckled, shaking my head and shrugged. “I just wanted to come back,” I replied. Not really, being here is only stirring up memories. Her brow raised in a questioning manner. Did you even think of a believable answer Amber?

“It’s nice to see you happy for once. At least are you doing alright?” She leaned back in the chair using her free hand that wasn’t holding coffee to perch her chin. “Yeah, I am,” I muttered. I’m not even really certain. Every second of being here is just stirring. When I looked up her normally stone cold eyes were soft and staring at me. She was about to say something but then was cut off by her screen opening in front of her.

When she closed it down her expression was different. “We can finish this conversation later. I have to leave, but are you sure you don’t want anyone with you?” I nodded and a smile cracked through that exterior. I know she’ll have someone tailing me anyway.

A few minutes after she left my coach walked in. His shades were perched on his head. He was wearing grey tech pants and a black turtleneck, way different from his normal dressing attire. He sat down in front of me with a small smile. “Morning, I see you’re an early bird here.” I hummed and finished off my tea leaving my spare cinnamon rolls. 

“So, where is the event, and I also heard I got some sponsors?” I asked and he chuckled. “I guess you’ve made a statement for yourself during the placements. Some small companies want you to wear their brand on your gear.” He explained everything to me and I was interested in some of the offers that were made. “It’s honestly your choice on which to wear.” I nodded when he finished.

I noticed something though. He had a different feeling in his eyes. Is this relative thing still eating at him? If so, that's perfect. He knows exactly what happened to my mother and lied to my face about it. He’s from a hunter's lineage… A burning sensation festered in my chest, I took a bit out of my treat as I tried to think of other things.

He sighed and I made eye contact with him again. “I know you made your decision but… are you sure you don’t want to take the test?” I chewed slowly as I thought about it again. I really didn’t think so, though I didn’t want him to conclude that fact. Alexis said so and I’m not risking my neck for him to get a bit of closerer. “Yes,” I said before finishing up. I left to walk the crowded streets again.

Once upon a time I used to hate the crowds. I still do, but I manage now. I looked around and nothing changed much but, as I paid more attention. All high scaled billboards were depicting Vale’s face. A crown on her head… I guess a lot did happen when I left. “She’s the new head,” I muttered to myself. I’m happy for her, I’m sure she’ll lead just as great as Sam did, maybe even better.

As I walked further I ended up in Mellows Park. It was fairly populated with people walking their pets, parents with their kids having a fun time, others either on a morning run or just taking in the environment. There were also vendors out and I was starting to get a bit hungry again. I stopped at a hotdog stand and greeted the man that was serving. “Good morning ma’am,” he returned my smile. His face then stirred in confusion.

Oh shit did he remember the case? I bit my inner cheek as I remained composed in my stance. “Your Amber, Amber Monroe,” he said while taking up my order. I nodded slowly confirming my identity. Alexis really didn’t get rid of those headlines. I chewed on my cheek as his eyes widened in shock. “Relax Amber, you're scorching the pavement,” Tora muttered. I did as she asked and waited for my snack. “My daughter loves you. Ever since she’d seen your face on the Times Magazine front cover,” he said in an excited manner.

My head shifted in confusion. Magazine? Then it hit me, I forgot about that. “That’s nice,” was all I figured to say. He handed me my food and I paid him. Before I could walk away he called me. “Please, can I get a photo for my girl?” He sounded sincere, but I agreed.

His smile beamed with delight and he snapped a quick photo. He thanked me with much sincerity and I walked off to eat my snack. I sat on an empty bench under the shading of a tree. After I finished, I sat back taking in everything again. I’m actually back…

From my seat the view over the inner pond that held wildlife. Further though, I could see where it all started. The bridge that has separated Oxford and Arroviel. That bridge where I laid dad to rest. My teeth scraped against each other as I got and turned around.  It felt like someone was staring and it felt close. I hummed glancing around before I started to walk home.

When I got there Alexis' car was there, and so was someone else. The scent it gave off then hit me. I went inside and sure enough, I wasn’t hallucinating. It was her voice plain as day. “I’m sure she’ll be fine darling. She knows how to handle herself,” she said in a soft tone. “I know, but I just don’t want anything to happen to her again,” she replied. Were they talking about me?

I walked in and Alexis' eyes caught mine. “How was your stroll young one,” she smiled. “It was alright,” I muttered. “Long time no see Amber,” Ms. Terra said to me. She got up from the table and hugged me. I smiled and hugged her back. “My, my, you’ve grown since I last saw you,” she smiled. “I’ve been exercising a bit,” I chuckled. 

She hummed and turned back to Alex. She rolled her eyes and checked the time on her watch screen. “So how’ve you been, for the last few months?” She sat next to her when she asked. “I’ve been doing better. Getting answers I wanted to know for sometime.” She gave me a soft smile and we talked for a little while after. Her phone went off and she stepped out of the room to take it. “I feel that you want to know something, young one,” she said. I hummed and she spoke again. “You want to ask me something.”

I did? “About your mother,” Tora reminded. “Right, um… My mom, what was your relationship like?” Her brows furrowed, “she was an angel.” That's all she said. “Yeah but-,” Ms. Terra walked back in with an irritated look. “I have to go darling. I’ll see you later.” And to my surprise she kissed Alexis, right on the lips. Well, what have I missed? “And you my dear,” she pointed to me. “Don’t lose my number,” she said as my phone buzzed. I checked it and a message from her was at the top.

“I’m still not going to get used to that,” I mumbled. They both chuckled and she left. Leaving me with more questions. “So… when did that happen?” I asked, raising a brow. “Complicated, young one,” she said with a smile. I sighed, getting back to the topic. “Anyway, as I was saying. I’ve been hearing different stories, Alex. I’ve met Caira and she told me you two didn’t always see eye to eye.” Her expression changed, “we had some disagreements Amber. Friends have their disagreements.” 

“I understand that but why do I feel like you're hiding something from me. I’m not accusing you of anything, but I want to know what my mother was like.” She let go of a deep breath and stood up, shoving her hands in her pockets.

“Caira’s a liar, and whatever she told you never happened.” Her voice was cold and calm. She was all smiles until I mentioned her name. She walked away but I wasn’t done. “Stop leaving me in the dark and talk,” I shouted after her. She stopped in her tracks for a moment but didn’t look back. “Like I said Amber, some things are better left unsaid. I have a meeting to get to. Stay safe please.”

And just like that she left. “What the hell…” I growled pinching the bridge of my nose. “Maybe it’s just a sour subject Amber, give her some time,” Tora said. “Yeah right,” I huffed, moving to my room. 

Let's just get this trip over with. I laid back on the bed and drifted off.

***
🤍