Forbidden

Chapter 1

She remembered the little chestnut house. She remembered the fireplace with the bowl filled with leftover marshmallows. The smell of her mom's famous cookies filled her nostrils.

"Mom," Amanda always begged. "Can I lick the spoon?" Her mother always gave in, passing the chocolate chip filled utensil to her. "Don't eat too much, my love," her mother smiled. Amanda never listened, stuffing her face with more chocolate chips.

"Is that the chocolate monster?" Her father would pick her up and spin her around. "Why are you eating all of my delicious chocolates, monster?" "They're mine," the girl smiled with her mouth full.

Amanda knew what love was. "It's when you are at your happiest, your saddest, your angriest, your best," her mother told her. "It's what makes us." She loved her parents and she knew they loved her.

She never questioned if her parents loved each other. She always thought that it was natural. They were her parents. One day changed that.

It was autumn. The leaves were sprinkled across the front yard. A mysterious car sat in the driveway with man standing in front of the passenger door. "That's Mr. Lyndon," her mom told Amanda one day. "He's my boss."

Amanda stared at him through the window, trying to tune out the screaming and yelling in the background. She knew he caused it somehow.

"How could you do this to me," her father yelled. "I love you."

"I don't love you, Richard," her mother screamed back. "Not anymore." She picked up her bags and walked towards the door.

Amanda felt a kiss rest on the top of her head. "Bye, sweetie." Amanda hugged her mother, hoping it will make her stay. "I can't," her mother sighed. "But you can't walk out on us," Amanda said tearfully. "You said you love us."

Her mother kneeled to her eye level. "I still love you," she said, resting a finger under Amanda's chin. "I always will. It's just that I don't love your dad anymore." "But why," Amanda screamed.

"When your heart leads you to your true love, you will understand" her mother said with a few tears. She rose to her feet, kissing Amanda's forehead. "I love you, baby." "I love you too," Amanda said, wrapping her tiny arms around her mother's legs.

Her mom left, walking to the car that Mr. Lyndon was in front of. He opened the door and kissed her as she stepped in. Amanda and her father watched from the porch, holding each other's hand. Her mother waved goodbye one last time, then the car left and was never seen again.

"Why did mommy leave, daddy," Amanda asked her father. Her father didn't respond. He stood there, staring at the car as it went further and further from his reach.

That was 17 years ago. A now 22-year-old Amanda woke up to a summer sun. The light filled her apartment. She didn't know why she dreamed that memory. Her pillow was wet with tears. She was crying again.

She looked over at the sleeping person next to her. Amanda had been dating Dayne for about a year and a half now. At first it was bliss now it seemed...He turned over in the bed. "What happened to you," Amanda whispered to the sleeping man.

She quietly got out of the bed, careful not to wake him. She tiptoed into the bathroom and took her shower. She decided to wear a white blouse with burgundy pants. Amanda then wrestled with her hair, putting it into a messy bun.

Dayne was awake by the time she stepped out of the shower. "Hey babe," he said kissing her cheek. "Morning," Amanda replied. "What do you want for breakfast?" Dayne wrapped his arms around her waist. "Real food," she said raising an eyebrow. "Ok," Dayne chuckled. "Waffles will be fine."

By the time she finished, the smell of coffee and pastries filled the apartment. Dayne came behind her and hugged her. "You know," she said, scrambling the eggs. "I had a dream last night."

"Was it about what I think it is," Dayne mumbled into her hair. Amanda stayed quiet. "I thought we talked about this," he said. "She's gone." She shrugged. "I know, but I miss her so much." Dayne sighed. "I know you do, but let her go." Amanda nodded and served up breakfast.

She left her home, still troubled by her dream. She walked into her office at Inovation Nation, a company that supported scientists and doctors. With her degrees in biochemistry and mechanical engineering, she was a choice pick for the company.

Before she could get to her desk, her boss called her into his office. "Miss Cox," he welcomed her. "We need to discuss the matter of your position." "My position? What could possibly be wrong? I worked here for years!"

"Calm down, Amanda," her boss told her. "You're not in trouble. You have a special letter." He handed the sealed envelope. On the front, the sender's name was clear: Atlantis Co.

Amanda looked at her boss. "Are you serious?" Her voice was shaking. What did the company want with her? "It's real," her boss told her, showing the one they sent him.

Amanda touched the embroidery that decorated the letter. The company's name was silver, her's in gold. She opened the envelope and was greeted by the sweet smell of lavender and rosemary. The words "Congratulations" were on the inside of the envelope. It opened fully and revealed a holographic message.

"Congratulations, Amanda Cox. You have a been offered a position at Atlantis Co. The supervisors have looked into your file and decided that you are perfect. We already notified your superiors and are waiting for your arrival. Come to the office at 9:30 a.m. We can't wait to meet you."