Page 101 of Pages of Amber

Noah shifted on the armrest, his hand finding hers in the shadows. She grasped onto his seeking fingers, appreciating the warmth and solidness of him.

“Are you okay?”

She sighed. He could read her so easily.

“It’s weird being on this side of the crowd.”

“Good weird or bad weird?”

“Good,” she answered. “It's relaxing to be in the audience for once, not having to worry about my every move or panic because I almost skipped a position.”

Her heart beat in time with the music, her mind attuned to the variations but a large part of her was glad to be out of the spotlight. To be the spectator and not the spectacle.

Noah hummed, his fingers lifting with hers to land on his cheek. “You don’t regret quitting? You don’t blame me for putting the idea in your head?”

“Not one bit.” Her forehead fell softly on his, finding those dark eyes immediately. “Also, if you ever insinuate that I didn’t make this life-changing decision by myself, I’ll end you.”

His lips curved, but she wasn’t able to see his smile when he leaned in, meeting her lips in a soft kiss that reached down to her toes.

“Noted, m’lady.”

“My baby is all grown up! You were magnificent up there, honey.” Mrs. Davenport cried, a handkerchief pressed beneath her eyes as she hugged her daughter.

“Mom, you’ll make me cry.” Evelyn hugged her mom. Her skin sparkled with glitter dusted on her to emphasize the bejeweled costume and tiara. The black and green costume with gold detailing complimented her olive eyes, her smile a beacon fixed on her face.

“It’s true, sweetie. No one could take their eyes off you. We’re proud of you.” Mr. Davenport joined the hug, bestowing his daughter with a bouquet of lilies, her favorite.

“Aww, Daddy.” Evelyn gushed, blinking away tears.

“Don’t forget your other two children,” Emmett muttered, the camera still up as he recorded the touching moment. “Just saying.”

“Shut up and let them have their moment.” Evangeline rolled her eyes. She was a replica of her siblings, except her hair was a few shades lighter than Evelyn’s brunette.

“Can you not be a brat today?” Evelyn shot at her twin as she rushed Amber into a hug. “Thank you so much. None of this would have been possible without you.”

Amber squeezed her back, grateful for this girl and the love, acceptance and friendship she had gifted her. “I only helped you practice the steps. The confidence and awesomeness came from you.”

Evelyn giggled. She continued down the line of well-wishers, including Beverly, Casey, Willow and a lot of other Redmigton students who had been invited to see the performance. The lobby of the Fleur Elysian Ballet Theatre was full of activity, from dancers receiving praises, still decked out in their costumes, to doting parents and guardians crowding around. Talent scouts stood at the back wall, looking over the crowd.

Amber had invited her mom, but she’d had a scheduled appointment with Miss Theron, the therapist she’d begun seeing at Dottie’s insistence. She’d explained to Amber that she wanted to avoid the world of dance so she wouldn’t stir old feelings of resentment. Her mother was moving forward. Amber wasn’t ready to let go entirely, but she was ready to follow in her mother’s steps. She would start weekly sessions with Miss Theron next week.

She’d returned to her house after the accident. Their relationship healed as her injuries did and Amber couldn’t recall ever being so close to her mother. She smiled more, she opened up to Amber and spent time with her. It was exactly what Amber wanted for years and now that it was coming true, she was almost scared to blink and find out it was some kind of mirage.

Noah’s arm around her shoulder jostled her from her thoughts. His brow lifted, the question clear.

Everything okay?

It was now that he was beside her. Like he’d always been, even when she was blind to it. She nodded, a smile sneaking onto her face.

“Time to take this party home,” Emmett announced as he clicked off the video camera. He smacked his stomach. “You promised me grilled chicken, Mr. Rhodes.”

“Want a refill, mom?” Amber asked as she stood from the deck chairs.

“I’m good, darling.” Her mom tipped her half full glass. She sat next to Mrs. Davenport and Mrs. Rhodes at the picnic table, her usually pale cheeks now stained red with laughter, her eyes no longer ice cold.

A part of Amber jumped in joy every time she saw her mom this way. She wished her dad was here to see it too.

“Don’t worry about me. Have fun, okay?” Her mom pressed a hand to her cheek. Amber smiled, her chest unbelievably warm at her mother’s touch.

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