Never As It Seems

Chapter 26

"I don't know Dess. Maybe this is a bad idea."

Amber looked at herself in the mirror again. She looked pretty cool, she couldn't deny that. The dress fit her perfectly and Erin had insisted on putting some light curls in her sister's hair. She had gone for subtle with her makeup so she looked at least somewhat like herself. The reflection reminded her of her days traipsing around to her mother's events. Back then dressing up was an everyday occurrence. Tonight it felt special.

"It's a great idea. If you say that once more... I'll find a way to truly embarrass you tonight." Dessa, who looked amazing, gazed out of the window.

"Oh you won't need to do that. I have a feeling I'm going to be embarrassed all evening." She joined her friend.

"Don't be silly. You look amazing and I bet everyone has really missed you. Especially Jay."

"Hmmm." Amber responded as her stomach turned for the millionth time.

Dessa seemed nervous too although she totally denied it.

"The car should be here by now." She tapped her fingers on the windowsill impatiently. "Maybe we should wait outside."

"Okay I guess so."

They left the room and Amber couldn't help thinking how this whole thing felt like a weird dream. The thought of seeing Jay filled her with nervous excitement and yet dread at the same time. She couldn't work out why, other than the fact that she was going to have to say goodbye again.

When the car finally arrived and headed in the direction of the arena the whole journey felt like it was in slow motion but somehow way too fast. She worried over what she was going to say to Jay when she saw him. Should she hug him? Or maybe shake his hand... No that was too weird. She huffed loudly when the car drew to a halt in the compound. It all felt so familiar.

"You know you're going to have to get out of the car." Dessa stuck her head in through the now open door.

Amber nodded but still remained frozen in her seat.

"Come on Amb. You can do this. The thought is far worse than the reality." She smiled kindly and Amber got out of the car.

"You alright if I leave you here?" The driver called out of his window.

"Yeah, I know the code." Amber thanked him and headed for the door.

When she tried to tap in the door code on the keypad, she noticed she was shaking. Dessa noticed too.

"It's cold." Amber snapped, irritated at herself.

"Whatever. I'm nervous too." Dessa finally admitted.

The girls smiled at each other and entered the building.

"Amber! Well you're a sight for sore eyes! Where have you been?" Bill was on duty in his usual spot.

"Uh... You know... Just busy." She gave him an awkward smile.

He gave them their passes, which they looped around their necks.

"Well I'm glad you're not so busy tonight. See you later at the hotel?" He winked at her and smiled at Dessa.

"Yep. We'll see you there." She carried on down the corridor, her friend in tow.

When they emerged into to area behind the stage, Amber's nerves were at fever pitch. She felt faint and was about to tell Dessa she was heading home, when a group of men approached. She heard his voice before she saw him and whatever he was saying was cut short when he laid eyes on her. He stopped in his tracks as the others continued on.