Never As It Seems

Chapter 43

Jay pulled up behind the arena.

"Really?" Amber asked and he grinned back at her.

"Time to go back where it all started."

"But how are we going to get in?"

Her question was answered when the gates opened and a man she didn't recognise greeted Jay at the driver's window.

"All ready for you mate." He beamed and handed him a small piece of paper,.

"Thanks buddy. I owe you."

He pulled the car into the enclosure and parked.

"Kinda weird to be back here." He mused.

"Yeah." She agreed.

It was strange not to see the tour busses and familiar cars in the enclosure as they made their way toward the building. Jay opened the paper his friend had given him and punched in the code written on it. He held open the door for Amber.

"Shall we?" He smiled and followed her in.

The corridor was lit dimly and Jay took her hand, guiding her through the maze. It was quiet and empty and she couldn't help thinking a little eerie to be in such a huge place with no one else around.

"Are you sure this is alright?" She asked Jay when they emerged into the backstage area, which again was dimly lit.

"It's fine." He smiled stopping and smiling at her. "I have this all worked out."

He kissed her. "It seems like a lifetime ago we bumped into each other here."

Amber nodded in agreement.

"And somehow it feels like I've known you forever." He looked down at her hands, which he was now holding. "I dunno... maybe my heart has."

He looked embarrassed and Amber kissed him on the cheek.

"I feel the same. It's like the whole time we've been together, the world wants us apart and yet it feels like we've just always been. Jay and Amber, Amber and Jay. It was never meant to be any different."

He nodded and let go of one of her hands, leading her by the other.

"Come on."

Their walk through the arena stirred up memories that made them laugh and smile. When Jay finally led her up the steps to the roof, she held his hand tighter, wishing this day would never end. They stepped out onto the rooftop just in time for the sunset.

"You planned this." Amber smiled, taking in the array of colours.

"Well I didn't arrange the sunset but I checked out what time it would be. I'm glad it's a good one for you."

"It's like it was made just for us." She turned to him and hugged him. "Thank you."

"Ah baby I wish I could make everything right for you."

He held her close while they took in the view. As the sky darkened, he gently pulled her away and led her by the hand again.

"You're not going to make me climb that ladder again." She laughed.

"Humour me." He said climbing it ahead of her.

He helped her up onto the higher section of the roof and she immediately noticed a flickering light at the spot where they'd chatted on the night they had met. She looked at Jay questioningly and he motioned in the direction of the light. As she got closer she could see the source was a gas lamp, like the one her father used to take fishing. It was sat beside a blanket and on the blanket was a small bunch of wine coloured flowers.