Redemption

Chapter 16: Final Confessions

Summary: Tara and Amber finally confess their love for each other as real feelings, beyond the flings that they've been doing with each other. (There will be an epilogue after this chapter). 

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Amber stood back to admire her final project for the semester, a sense of pride swelling within her as she surveyed the pieces she had meticulously crafted. Each one was a testament to her skill and the hours of dedication she had poured into her work. The metalworking room was quiet, save for the occasional clinking of tools as her classmates made their last-minute adjustments. But as Amber glanced around, she couldn't help but notice that many of the other projects seemed rushed, lacking the precision and care that she had put into hers. 

Her pieces, however, stood out. She had created three distinct sculptures: a sleek, coiled snake, a regal Doberman in a sitting position, and a meticulously detailed gun. The snake's body was a sinuous curve of polished metal, every scale etched with precision, capturing the reptile's lethal beauty. The Doberman was a tribute to her childhood, its muscular frame and alert stance embodying strength and loyalty. The gun, cold and mechanical, represented who she had become—a protector, but with an edge, ready to strike if necessary. 

As she arranged the pieces for display, Amber couldn't help but reflect on the significance behind each one. The Doberman was a nod to her younger self, to the innocence and protectiveness that had defined her early years. The snake was a more complicated symbol—representing the darker period of her life during the 2022 attacks when she had been cunning, ruthless, and driven by insanity and manipulation from Richie. Finally, the gun was who she was now: still protective, but hardened, shaped by her past into someone who understood the weight of violence and the power it held. 

Satisfied with the arrangement, Amber took a step back, her hands still tingling from the hours of work that had gone into shaping each piece. The metal gleamed under the overhead lights, the surfaces smooth where they needed to be, textured where she had wanted to convey depth and complexity. She knew her work was good, and more than that, it was meaningful. Each piece was a part of her, a narrative told in cold, unyielding metal. 

She didn't have to wait long for her professor to make his rounds. He moved from project to project, his critical eye taking in each student's work. When he reached Amber's display, he paused, his gaze lingering on the snake, then the Doberman, and finally the gun. Amber watched him closely, noting the way his expression shifted as he studied each piece. There was a moment of silence before he finally nodded, a subtle but telling gesture of approval. 

Amber's confidence swelled as she realized she had not only met the assignment's requirements but had also created something that truly resonated, both with her professor and, more importantly, with herself. The hours of painstaking work, and the late nights in the workshop, all felt worth it now. 

As her professor moved on to the next student's work, Amber allowed herself a small smile. She knew she was going to get a good final grade, but more than that, she knew she had created something that would stick with her long after the semester ended. The pieces were more than just a project; they were a reflection of her journey, a story of who she had been and who she had become. 

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Amber settled into the makeshift workshop room that Jill had graciously set up for her months ago. The space was cozy and functional, a small sanctuary for her metalworking projects. The room was cluttered with tools and materials, but the center of attention was the table, now holding her latest creations. Each piece was carefully arranged, catching the light in a way that highlighted their intricate details and craftsmanship.