Story of Us

Chapter 14 : Amber

Amber went back to the bakery to plan the activity day at the orphanage with Avery. Once every two months, they spent the day playing with the kids at the orphanage, and by the end, they gave them pastries.

"That means you two are together now," Avery said.

"I don't really know what we are anymore– what if I end up getting hurt again or–"

"Just give him a chance, besides, his reason it's somewhat understandable and you can't deny that you like each other."

"Okay, fine. But what I want to know now is what did you do last night after I left, did you meet anyone?"

"Well... let's just say that something almost happened with Prince Philip"

"What? Tell me what happened?"

The doorbell rang at the front before Avery could reply.

"I came to take you out for a walk," Damien said, after greeting her with a hug.

"She would love that," Avery rushed to say, "we're done talking about the thing we were talking about. Aren't we, Amber?"

"Sure..." Amber said.

They stopped for ice cream before strolling to the woods. The day was beautiful, a clear sky and the wind blowing, but now that she was with Damien again, questions began popping in her head.

Were they together now? Was the kiss an in-the-heat of-the-moment kind of thing, and what if he hurts her again...

She got out of her daze when Damien kept calling her, "are you okay? You keep spacing out," he asked worriedly.

"I'm fine... I know it wasn't your intention, but I don't want to get hurt again, so if you're not serious about this"

"Hey, it's okay, I am serious about this and I know you'll need time to trust me again but I won't go anywhere, I promise," Damien said, while his large hand curled around her smaller one.

They sat beneath a tree at the edge of the woods, which was in full bloom by now and the freshest hues of green shined with the sunlight. Damien drew circles with his thumb on the back of her hand, enjoying the sound of the trees against the wind.

"What are we?" she asked, looking at the far distance, trying to avoid his stare.

He moved her chin up to look at him and brushing her cheek with his hand he said, "We are together. We can take things slow if you want to but I like you a lot Amber, I always have."

Her stomach fluttered and her cheeks started to heat up; the guy she had liked since she was little was telling her that he also liked her. Deep down she knew he would never hurt her intentionally but he was right when he said that she would need time to fully trust him again.

He chuckled at her lack of words, "C'mon, I have a surprise waiting for you." he pulled her up and guided her further into the woods.

"Damien, you rented bikes?" she gasped in awe.

"Indeed, I did."

They got on the bikes and rode around the woods and the rolling hills. She felt so carefree with the wind blowing her hair and soaring through her skin. The rest of the afternoon flew by as they had fun.

When it got dark outside, Damien took Amber home, and as tired as she was, she invited him to stay for a little bit.

Amber handed him a slice of loaf cake that she had made earlier that morning, and her father greeted them as he came downstairs. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Damien's face turning pale, most likely remembering their awkward encounter in the morning.

 Before he could say anything, Avery burst through the front with a frown on her face, "Damien, did you know about the orphanage?" she asked him.

"What are you talking about?"

"The orphanage needs to be repaired because it's not safe for the kids anymore, they obviously asked for funds but the Royal Foundation said they would be added to a waiting list."

"There must be a mistake, the Royal Foundation cannot make a decision like that unless..." Damien's jaw tightened.

"Unless what, Damien?"

He let out a long sigh and plunged into the couch, Amber knew who he was thinking about.

"How could he do that? My mother loved that place," he said as she drew circles on his back, trying to calm him down.

"The activity day is coming up, but I think we can do a fundraiser at the bakery to help," her father suggested.

"I have to go, but count me on the fundraiser," Damien said and she followed him to the porch.

"You're going to be okay, right? You won't do anything you'll regret."

"Don't worry, I won't get in trouble," he kissed her cheek and said goodbye before heading back to the palace.