one night stand.

seventeen

Rio had his things packed and ready at the door while he scavenged the house to make sure he had everything. Amber handed him his wallet and kissed his cheek while she took the keys and took the driver's seat. He took his documents out the glove department and stuffed them into his carry-on bag as Amber started up the car. She couldn't believe this would be the last time she'd see him in person since they first met. It was just like yesterday when he was in her apartment complex asking her where she was going. "This is it." She spoke while keeping her focus on the road and reaching on hand over to run her fingers through his hair. Amber was right, This is it. No more late night talking, No more sipping wine in the middle of the day, and no more calling for help hoping he'd save her.

Her knight in shining armor had to tend to another kingdom and leave her to fend for herself. It was all on her to take the journey and fight those against her off. Rio glanced into Amber's eyes while she was distracted with the thought of him leaving. He reached his left hand over to her lap and left it there for a sense of comfort. He was gonna miss kissing Amber's lips and making her feel all warm inside, Every time felt like their first kiss. Just how it used to be when she was in High school and used to touch her lips after every kiss. She'd also miss the smell of his cologne, That ocean scent he wore always stained her clothes leaving her a piece of him when he left. It reminded her of the beach and cold silver jewelry he wears.

"Guess this is goodbye." Rio announced, unbuckling his seatbelt and reaching for his bag in the back. Amber couldn't help by cry as she allowed their memories to flash past her mind while she looked at him. "There's no need to cry, you can always call me when you need to." he continued while bringing Amber close to him and letting her cry into his shoulder. Her sobs made him feel heartbroken knowing he can't see her physically anymore or feel her touch unless she'd book a flight to Europe and see him.

She helped him with his luggage and gave him on last kiss before tragedy struck. Amber turned her back and hopped into her car before she heard the sound of his name being yelled and a gunshot. She rushed outside of the car to Rio lying face down and a wound in his chest. Her face dropped and she immediately screamed for help while coddling his body, Her screams of agony rung the ears of passengers as they walked past and observed the scene.

"Call 911, Oh god!" She shrieked, trying to plug his bullet wound and holding his face making sure he wouldn't close his eyes. Amber didn't not expect their last goodbye to be their final. Her eyes blurred as she buried her head into his chest and gripped every piece of thread he had hanging onto his body.

Minutes turned into hours, from the back of the emergency van to the hospital bed. Amber sat by his side, holding his hand and praying he'd wake up. Nurses estimated that he didn't have much time to live but the doctors confirmed the wound wasn't fatal. Anything was better than nothing, she thought to herself while reading a prayer over Rio. She placed her cardigan over his legs and stared into his closed eyes, hoping for an answer. His heartbeat pacing slowly and his breathing at a steady pace, his hands cold and his face still as she watched. Chyna rushed into the room with a vase of flowers and quickly pulled Amber into a hug. "Thank god you're okay!" she uttered suddenly, Her purse dropped to the floor and her heels hanging onto their last thread. "How's he doing?"

Amber hesitated before speaking softly "The doctors said It wasn't fatal but he should wake up soon if his breathing and heart rate don't change in pace." Chyna nodded, she had drove all the way from work to the city in support. She'd never leave Amber in a situation no matter how severe it was. Amber never been this stressed since the passing of her mother when she was young. Not knowing how to respond and just hoped for the best, she'd always keeping telling herself it wasn't her fault. But it felt like it did.

The silence took up their space before Rio's phone began to ring off the hook. The number belonged to his father, Rio never spoke much about him but she was curious about what he had to say. "Hello?" she answered placing the phone to her ear and listening carefully to his voice. "What did you do to my son?" the voice rung into her ears, she furrowed her eyebrows slightly as she realized he was putting the blame on her. "If my son had never met you, This wouldn't have happened." the line stood empty as Amber froze in confusion on what just happened.

She couldn't believe he tried to make her seem like it was her fault. That it was her fault for Rio being caught in a cross fire. The audacity struck a nerve and gave her the decision to call up Hakeem since he was the only one that could be responsible for this. "Whatever you just did, You should be ashamed, How could take Rio away from me?" Amber shouted into the phone, her grip on her phone tightening while she listened for any excuse he had geared up. "It wasn't me, What do I look planning to get myself into some jail time?" she rolled her eyes and dropped her head into her hand.

Rio opened his eyes slightly and stole a peek before coughing scaring Amber. He caught glimpse of the hospital room and sat up to begin removing the stickers from his skin and forehead. Rio had no intention to be in the room and was so worried about his flight.

"What are you doing? You need all that stuff on." Amber jumped as she tried to place the stickers back on him, Chyna pushed on the nurse button to help them out while quietly laughing to herself.

"This isn't funny, Chyna."

A nurse rushed into the room and laid him back down, quickly putting his IV back in. "Sir, Do you want to pass? We have you on these machines to keep you stabilized." Rio just huffed and reached his arms out for Amber to come to him. He snatched her in for a hug and kissed all over her forehead and face while she just giggled and tried to push him off. "Ew, Your lips are dry." she screamed, reaching for chapstick out her purse.

The two coddled into the hospital bed and laid for a minute, Chyna had left for a scheduled meeting leaving the two. The cold between the two grew into warmth as they laid, Amber noticed a corner popping out of Rio's jacket and reached for it. It was an envelope sealed with a gold seal, She carefully ripped open the seal and read over the letter.

Dear Amber,
Ever since I shared the news about me moving across the country, I couldn't help but feel so deeply grateful for you and all the things you did for me. Looking into your eyes, Brought me all the joy in the world. Without you, I couldn't have imagined a better life. I'm proud of you for standing up to those idiots and putting yourself first, It makes you the strongest woman I know. I didn't tell you before but I'll always love you no matter what happens to me. We'll meet again in the next lifetime.

love, rio

Tears dripped down her face as she closed the letter and held it to her chest. Amber didn't know Rio felt this deep about her, She knew he cared but not on this level. She wrapped his arm tight around her and laid her head back under his chin. Amber kissed his arm and whispered "I love you too." as she closed her eyes and fell into a soft slumber.