Chapter 8
1044 Words
Amber barely slept that night.
Not because she was nervous exactly... well, maybe a little. But mostly because everything was finally starting to feel real. Just a few days ago she was celebrating finishing CNA school, smiling proudly as she held her certificate while her family cheered for her. And now? She already had an interview lined up for an actual job.
She stared at the ceiling for a few seconds before reaching over and checking the time on her phone.
5:42 a.m.
Way too early.
But her favorite cousin had offered to take her before work, and since he had to clock in early, that meant she had to be ready early too.
With a quiet sigh, Amber pushed herself out of bed.
Atlanta was still dark outside, the early morning silence making the apartment feel peaceful. She walked to the bathroom, splashing warm water on her face before beginning to get ready.
She wanted to look good.
Not too dressed up... but good.
She straightened the braids she had done herself a few days ago, admiring how neat they still looked. She laid her edges carefully, then stood in front of the mirror doing light makeup — just enough concealer, lashes, a soft lip gloss, and a little blush that brought warmth to her face.
Simple.
Pretty.
Professional.
She smiled at herself.
First interview in America.
That thought alone made butterflies dance in her stomach.
After getting dressed, she grabbed her bag and headed out, spotting her cousin already waiting in the car.
"Bout time," he teased the second she opened the passenger door.
Amber rolled her eyes and laughed.
"It's six in the morning. Why are you even this happy?"
"Because unlike you, some of us got bills."
She laughed, shaking her head as he pulled out onto the quiet streets.
The drive wasn't too long.
As they made their way through the city, Amber found herself staring out the window, watching Atlanta slowly wake up.
Coffee shops opening.
Cars beginning to fill the roads.
People rushing into another workday.
She felt like she was stepping into something new.
When they finally pulled up in front of the group home, her cousin parked and turned toward her.
"You got this."
Amber smiled softly.
"Thank you... for real."
He gave her fist bump.
"Go make your money."
She laughed before stepping out.
The building itself looked calm.
Nothing too fancy.
Just a regular home sitting in a quiet neighborhood.
But Amber knew this was the beginning of something bigger.
She took one deep breath before walking inside.
—
The interview... went surprisingly smooth.
The woman interviewing her was warm and straightforward.
Since Amber had already completed CNA school and came recommended, most of the conversation was just going over the basics.
Rules.
Expectations.
Daily responsibilities.
After paperwork, they gave her a tour of the house.
"This is one of our autism homes," the supervisor explained as they walked through the hallway.
Inside the living room, several clients sat quietly.
Some were watching cartoons.
Others were walking back and forth repeatedly.
One rocked gently in their chair.
Amber listened carefully as the supervisor introduced each resident one by one.
She explained their diagnoses.
Their routines.
Their sensory triggers.
Which clients were verbal.
Which ones preferred to be left alone.
Which ones needed assistance eating.
And then came the warning.
"Some of our clients can become physically aggressive during overstimulation," the woman said calmly. "Hitting, biting, scratching... occasionally kicking. You'll learn their patterns over time."
Amber nodded slowly.
A small part of her stomach tightened.
It sounded intense.
But strangely...She wasn't scared.
She had worked hard for this. She wanted this. The supervisor smiled afterward.
"Well... welcome to the team."
Amber blinked.
"Wait... really?"
The woman laughed.
"You're hired."
Her cousin wasnt joking. A huge smile spread across Amber's face. She couldn't stop it.
The supervisor handed over more paperwork.
"Your schedule will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m."
Amber nodded excitedly.
Her brain was already moving faster than the conversation.
I need scrubs.
New work shoes. Cute work bag. Maybe some black leggings too.
Even though the supervisor had literally just told her—
"You don't have to wear scrubs by the way. You can wear regular comfortable clothes."
Amber smiled politely.
But in her head? She was already imagining a shopping trip.
New job meant new clothes. That was non-negotiable.
—
About twenty minutes later, she stood outside waiting for her Uber.
The sun had fully risen now.
Warm Atlanta air brushed against her skin as she checked her phone.
Two minutes away.
Then suddenly—
A car slowly pulled into the driveway.
Amber looked up. Her eyes immediately landed on it.
A white Mercedes CLA sedan.
Clean. Shiny. Expensive.
The windows were tinted so dark she couldn't see a thing inside.
The passenger door opened.
A woman stepped out.
Light skin.
Pretty.
Bright smile stretched across her face like sunshine.
She wore bright red scrubs, clearly ready for work.
The woman spotted Amber instantly.
"Oh you're the new young lady."
Amber smiled politely.
"Yeah... I just finished the interview."
The woman walked closer and extended her hand.
"I'm Simone."
Amber shook it.
"Amber."
Simone smiled warmly.
"I work here too. Mostly night shifts though. You'll probably see me every now and then."
Amber nodded.
"She just hired me."
"Good," Simone said. "You'll like it here... eventually."
Amber laughed softly.
But as Simone kept talking...
Amber felt it.
That strange feeling. Like someone was watching her.
Her eyes slowly shifted toward the Mercedes. The windows were so dark they looked black.
She couldn't see inside. Not even a silhouette.
But somehow... She felt eyes on her.
Watching.
Studying.
Her brows furrowed slightly. Simone noticed immediately.
She turned and smiled.
"Oh... that's just my son in the car."
Amber looked back at the vehicle.
Still nothing.
Just black tinted glass staring back at her.
Before she could say anything—
The engine suddenly rumbled.
And almost immediately...
The Mercedes began backing out.
For a split second...
Amber swore whoever sat inside had been looking directly at her the entire time.
Then the car pulled away.
Gone.
She stood there staring after it. A strange feeling settling in her chest. She didn't know why.
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