Redemption

Chapter 7: It's Happening... Again

A/N: Amber's in for it now. We're going to start the 2023 attacks, only I write it with Jill and Amber (my babies) present. And the song above has a lot to do with Amber's character as a whole (put it on loop if you want to have it playing for the entire chapter). 

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Amber strolls through the bustling campus of Blackmore University, her attention divided between the path ahead and the phone in her hand. She's texting Jill, her fingers moving swiftly across the screen. A small giggle escapes her lips as she decides to change Jill's contact name to "Mama Jigsaw," a playful nod to Jill's past resemblance to Amanda Young from the Saw movies. The memory is a fond one; back when Jill used to babysit her and Liv, the similarities were uncanny, mostly due to Jill's ever-changing hair color. 

Back in 2009, Jill's hair was a faded brown, a remnant of the black dye that was slowly losing its grip. Before that, it had been blonde, a striking contrast to the darker hues she would later adopt. Amber remembers how Jill had been less than thrilled about the fading dye, especially when her friends dropped by unannounced during one of her babysitting gigs. It was a sore spot, one Jill never liked discussing, and the awkwardness of that phase was something Amber still found amusing. 

As she continues walking, Amber's thoughts drift from the playful memory to something more recent—and far more surprising. Last Friday, she had accidentally walked in on Jill making out with Kirby Reed in the kitchen. The image still lingers in her mind, a shocking revelation that had left her reeling. Amber had never even known that Jill and Kirby were in contact, let alone close enough to share something as intimate as that. 

She wonders how long they've been together. Is this a serious relationship, or was she just witnessing a fleeting moment between two old friends? The questions buzz in her mind, but she knows better than to ask outright. Considering what Jill has done, during the attacks of 2011, there's a heavy chance it was the second option. Regardless, Jill is private, and Amber respects that, but the curiosity gnaws at her nonetheless. The fact that she had stumbled upon such a personal moment made her feel both intrigued and slightly out of her depth. 

Amber tucks her phone away as she nears her next class, still pondering the mystery of Jill and Kirby. The campus buzzes with the energy of students rushing to and from lectures, but Amber's thoughts are elsewhere, tangled up in the complexities of her relationships and the secrets that people keep, even from those closest to them. Even though she did that herself. 

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Amber moves through her daily routine, fully immersed in her coursework. Each class brings new challenges, pushing her to refine her skills in metalworking. Today, she's particularly focused, her hands steady as she shapes and molds the raw material into something intricate and beautiful. The clang of tools against metal fills the workshop, a symphony of creation that she's come to love. 

As she works, she becomes lost in the process, her mind fully engaged in every step—cutting, welding, and polishing. Each movement is deliberate, guided by the techniques she's been learning over the past weeks. Slowly, a striking piece begins to take form, a testament to her growing mastery of the craft. The metal gleams under the overhead lights, its surface smooth and flawless. 

Finally, after hours of meticulous effort, she steps back from her workstation. Her eyes scan the creation in front of her, and a wave of pride washes over her. The sculpture stands tall, with a beautiful, intricate design that captures both strength and elegance. It's more than just a project; it's a reflection of how far she's come, and the satisfaction she feels is almost overwhelming. 

With a smile tugging at the corners of her lips, Amber pulls out her phone. She quickly navigates to Instagram, eager to share her latest accomplishment. The pride she feels is something she wants to capture and share with the world, a moment of triumph in her journey as an artist.