The Life of Her

Confronting the Past

It has come to the day when Amber’s mother will fetch me up in my apartment. The weather is quite fascinating for me to travel. The hourglass was ticking since we left and I deemed the time is moving drastically that I wanted to stop it for a while. She already settled the bills with Mrs. Jordan. In a couple of hours, she’ll be here.

I was currently packing her things in her box. Amber was settling near the niche and was staring over the evident blue ambience. Her thoughts have concealed her and it has been almost twenty-six past since the last time she said a word. My hand abruptly brushed the hem of her underwear and I felt my cheek turn pink. I champed my lip when awkwardness was present. I took some breathing.

Getting used to it had never been easy especially when it comes to her things. I twitched my head and concentrated on myself. I need to get things done. We expect to help each other, whether we like it or not – whether we act like a dog and a cat.

"You don't need to act so arduously when it's about her." I stated.

She shifted and bent her point at me. She was holding her hands close.

"I really don't reckon I could perform this." She uttered it again, like a million times.

I don't blame her if she's too dubious and apprehensive when it's about her mother. I could tell their last talk didn't end well just like what her mother told me back in the hospital.

She took a buff and ambled beside me. She crouched her back on the wall, crossing her arms.

I seized a stand and reached for her desk. Grabbing her things inside, I snapped my attention over a white picture frame that was on the right side. It was Amber together with her parents. She was probably fifteen when they took the picture. She was wearing her plain turtle neck dress with a raven belt on her waist.

Those smiles were pure and meek. Yet, they ended up like this. We ended up like this - children of our parents who have an affair together. And that was the bond we're holding in.

I noticed Amber with much fuss. Her face was even pale even if she was now a ghost.

"Whether we want it or not...she's part of our mission. We might not understand it still this time but it will and takes the courage to have their forgiveness, just like what they said, everything has a motive. And I guessed, it's our own choice to go back to where you are before."

"I wished I could say those things to you too. Coming back to the past...no, the thing that you're trying to run away, is agonizing."

"Then, maybe this time. You don't, we don't need to run away. Maybe it's our moment to face them..."

Amber was clearly uneasy but she was trying to fight her emotions. She let her eyes shut and carried a tricky exhalation.

When she opened her stare, I saw the enthusiasm she gave us back in the Great Lair with Ms. Everly and the others.

I hauled on her load. "Everything is settled here." I said to her.

She gave me a pat on the shoulder and spoke. "Thank you. I'll pay you off soon."

"Yeah, sure. I also want to settle things about myself. So I guessed this will be a win-win situation for both of us."

She approved and a smirk was sealed on her face. "You should be thrilled."

"About what?"

"About the knock on the door."

Several, soft knocks hit the entrance. Someone was calling out Amber's name. It's probably her.

I hurriedly went to the door and immediately cleared it, exposing a woman's face with a wide smile. Her eyelids coiled with joy. She fondled me instantly. Her sunflower fragrance had engulfed the whole place.

She was quite excited to bring her daughter back to their house again and with her. She heaved from the hug, concentrating at myself. Amber was just looking blankly at us from my room's door.

"I miss you, dear. How have you been? Are you ready?"

Before I could tell her a response, Mrs. Jane entered the room too together with Shin, now their eyes were filled with tears.

"Are you going now?" Mrs. Jordan asked, her voice cracked.

I bounced and gave her a faint smile. "I guessed this is it." I cackled a bit, clawing my strands.

Shin pouted in front of me. She was holding a tray of freshly bake lasagna.

"I told you I'm going to make one again before you leave." She smiled and wiped off her tears.

I stepped near her as I took a glimpse towards Amber who just shed some tears from them too.

She offered me the tray. "Thank you. I'll definitely eat this when I get back in our house."

I saw her blush.

Mrs. Jordan held Amber's Mom on her shoulder. "Thank you and I hoped we'll meet again soon."

"I should also thank you Mrs. Jane for taking care of my child and letting her stay in your apartment."

She took a laugh and felt a bit of embarrassment. "It's not a big deal. Oh well, if you need something or you'll visit here, just call me anytime and a space here will be available for you." She winked at me. "Also, I hope that both of you will make it up together. You know like a mother and a daughter relationship."

"Hell sure, I'll try my best to do it." Amber answered behind. She passed by her and settled at the corner.

"Mom will make sure that I'll never leave the house again. And of course, she'll do anything to make our relationship work again and also to my new sibling." She added.

Mrs. Madison held me on my arm, tapping her fingers and smiled earnestly. "Are you ready, Amber?" She gaily asked.

I nodded. This is the time. "Yes, Mother."

I grabbed the container as I followed them outside the Zealous Apartment. Amber was floating behind me, keeping glances over her unit. For the last time, I turned my back to stare at it. Somehow, this place had taught me far enough that there were still a lot of things to do rather than staying at home, which I almost forgot and missed. Mom was right all along and little by little it’s good to come out of my comfort zone and be bold in new things.

“I’ll miss this place.” Amber stated.

I smiled and gaped at Mrs. Jordan. “Thank you for letting me stay here, Mrs. Jane.”

“Anytime, Amber. Please be good to your mother and don’t give her headaches.” She squinted at me.

I chortle a lot. And in the back of my mind, I was hoping that even I could also do that thing. But Amber is Amber. I’ll do how things are working with her, whether it’s abrasive or not.

“Y-Yes.” I responded.

Vociferous, tapping sounds were there as we witnessed how Albert paced towards us together with his group. As soon as they stopped in front of us, they were catching their own air, holding their knees as sweat dripped on their faces. They were exhausted.

Everyone stared at me with their longing eyes and in an instant, they pounced directly, like huntsmen, locking me into their embrace. I could smell their scent that I wriggled my nose. It was clear that they just went off from taking a round in basketball in the corner. Albert pulled from the hug as well as the others.

He held me by the shoulders. “Aren’t you going to say anything to us before you leave this place?” He asked.

“Pay your rent.” I jokingly said.

Everyone laughed. Weaston pinched me on the back. “We’ll surely miss you here...”He looked behind the others and saw her. “Especially Margarita.”

I peeped at the lady and as always, it was a cold stare that had to cheer me. She didn’t twitch and still continue to give me the vibe she used to give to Amber. Sometimes, I would think that maybe she could see the real Amber and just acting like she doesn’t know anything. I wanted to ask her, but her presence just completely ceased me. I shrugged and made a hazy smile.

“She’ll surely miss giving me that looks.” I whispered to myself.

I heard Amber took a soft squeal. She elbowed me. “We just don’t click…But maybe, if she’ll see the real you, maybe she’ll take her eyes into cute ones and might try to flirt with you.”

“Even so, I’m not into her” I softly answered to her.

She hoisted both of her fingers. “Okay, if that’s what you say. I just want to go home and lock myself inside my room. Did you bring some soda and cigars?”

I jerked my head, making her rolled her eyes. She has been into liquors and the such, but this time, as I’m the one taking her body, I would not let myself get into such things. As far as I can, I will do anything to take care of this body.

Mrs. Madison gazed at me, holding my arm and voiced, “I guessed this is the time.”

I approbated at her and looked at everybody. The time had flown so fast that I wasn’t able to get to know them more. But the period that I have shared with them was worth it and will be forever cherished.

“I’ll surely miss you, guys. Thank you for the warm welcome especially when I got back here and also for making me feel that this is home. Don’t worry. I’ll take time to visit you once again here.” I convinced them.

Kyle acted like he was about to shed some tears, but Albert scoffed and jostled him on the side. “You’re such an actor. She just said it. Amber will visit us soon.” He glimmered at me. “We’ll look forward to it, lad.”

“Sure. I promise.”

They gathered around and nuzzled me again.

I’ll surely miss the Zealous Apartment and the people around it. We never said goodbyes because we were quite sure that there will be a next time. I’ll see you around, everyone.