A New Life: Sequel to Amber

Chapter 21

Amber's POV

Link (Yes, in my mind,he's still Link, but I call him Dad. It's complicated, I know.) continued smiling at me, instantly making me feel better. "Well, we should head off again if you want to make it to the show on time. Are you ready, Amber?"  

"Definitely." I smiled and hugged Link once more. "Thank you so much for everything you've done for me. Today and everyday I've known you. You're the greatest person I've ever known and I love you so much." 

"Not nearly as much as I love you. Thank you, Amber. You're the sweetest, most amazing girl I've ever known. It fills me with joy that I can say you're my daughter. You mean the world to me. Now, we really have to get going." The two of us laughed. 

"You're right. I really wouldn't want to miss this."

Link let go of me and pulled back onto the freeway. I turned on the radio and Link started singing. He glanced at me and noticed I was too afraid. He grabbed my hand and squeezed. "Hey, it's really okay. You sound so beautiful. Don't be scared. Forget everything they told you. They were so wrong. Your singing is so amazing. Please don't believe anything else. You can sing. Please, I want you to. Don't be afraid to let your voice shine. Amber, even if I didn't know you, but I heard you singing, I'd say the same. I promise I'm not lying. Don't let the lies they told you control your life. Go ahead." I smiled at him nervously and he turned up the music again. He started singing and I could tell he was waiting for me. I swallowed nervously and took a deep breath. I joined in and Link smiled so widely. "I'm so proud of you. Never be afraid to sing. You're incredible." 

I smiled and blushed. He is so amazing. I love him with all my heart. We continued singing every song that came on most of which the lyrics were unknown to us. We made up nonsense words when that happened. With every song we sang together, my confidence boosted. I was feeling so much better with my voice by the time we pulled into the parking lot across the street from the venue. Link grabbed the tickets and we ran to the line waiting to get in. I had never seen so many people in one place before. Some of them were already drunk. I could smell the all too familiar scent of alcohol on their bodies and in their breath. I had grown to recognize that smell from a very young age as my parents usually came home reeking of it everyday. I forced myself to think about something else. I had no memories of them that weren't horrible, but they were gone now. They'd never hurt me again. Link was here now and he was just perfect. He promised he'd protect me and I believe him. He's a good man and  a man of his word. I love him so much.

The line moved very slowly as people's tickets were scanned and countless people were turned back who thought they could make themselves fake tickets and get in. Some of the tickets were very convincing, but the workers knew when they were fakes. After about an hour of waiting in the line, we were at the front. The worker scanned our tickets and told us where we were supposed to sit. We were in first row center. My heart nearly exploded. I hadn't even noticed before. I turned to Link with wide eyes. "Dad, h-how did you manage to get these? They were so expensive and sold out first thing when the show was announced months ago? You didn't even know me then!" He just laughed and put his arm around my shoulder. 

"Amber, I told you already. I have connections. Now let's grab those seats before someone else tries stealing them from us." He smiled and grabbed my hand. He ran as fast as he could, dragging me behind. I was laughing the whole time. We made it to our seats and he let me take the very center. We were so close to the stage. I couldn't believe it. This was amazing. Twenty One Pilots are my favorite band, but second favorite singers. No one would replace Rhett and Link. They were the best. Link and I talked for a long time as we waited for the show to start. He told me a lot of stories from his and Rhett's friendship; most of which were hilarious. I laughed until I cried at some of the stories. Those two were so stupid sometimes, but they made great stories and experiences and they did it together. I still marvel at their friendship, but I love it. Just as he finished a story, the lights turned down and the show started. It was phenomenal. The sheer energy in the building was amazing. I was having the time of my life. I put my head on Link's shoulder and whispered to him. "Thank you so much. This is incredible." 

They played all my favorite songs, as well as some older ones that I loved. The show was incredible and soon, the two hours were over. I held Link's hand as we walked back to the car, telling him all my favorite parts and thanking him over and over. He just smiled the whole time and held my hand tightly. We made it back to the car and got in. I sat down and almost immediately, I crashed. I was so exhausted.

Link's POV

We made it into the car and Amber strapped in. Next thing I knew, she had fallen asleep. I smiled and began to try driving through the traffic. We weren't going to be home for a very long time. There were cars everywhere. I sighed and looked back at Amber. She was sound asleep, but she was smiling. She must have been so exhausted. After about two and a half hours, we could actually drive at the normal speed as the traffic began to dissipate. After about another hour of driving, I pulled into my driveway. It was already about 2:30 in the morning. I was so tired, but I had gotten us home safely.  I hopped out of the car and went to Amber's side. I opened the door and unbuckled her seatbelt. I wrapped my arms around her small figure and carried her inside. I brought her up to her room and placed her into the bed. I tucked her in and kissed her forehead. "Happy birthday, Amber Neal. I hope it was a great one." 

I got up to go to my own bed, but I collapsed out of pure exhaustion on her floor. I tried to get up, but I didn't have the energy. I immediately fell into a very deep and restful sleep. On her bedroom floor.