Amber couldn't help herself. She spun around in her flats and slugged Corny right in the shoulder with as much might as she could muster. The older man raised an eyebrow and his jaw dropped open softly.

"Don't you ever humiliate me like that again, Corny Collins!" she screeched at him.

It had been one hell of a humiliating day for Amber and Corny had been the first person to come into her field, so naturally she was going to take her anger out on him. Not only had he smacked her right in the face, but he had basically said that he didn't want to name her Miss Teen Hairspray. The tears began to roll down her face and she lifted her hand to strike him again, but he caught her slender wrist with his hand.

"Amber, stop it," he said firmly.

"No! I hate you! I hate this stupid show! My life is now ruined! I was humiliated in front of the entire city! Not only did that…that….that Tracy out dance me, but Inez has my crown, Link dumped me and you smacked me right upside my face! I hate you!" she shrieked at him, the tears rolling down her face faster now from her anger and she struggled to get away.

Corny bit down on the inside of his mouth, feeling slightly sorry for the poor girl. Her life wasn't ruined, but he could understand why she felt so upset. He let go of her wrist and Amber lifted her hand up like she was going to slap him, but she quickly let it drop back down to her side. Her white gloves were stained from her black mascara and she hung her head in defeat. Corny half expected an apology, but he knew he wasn't going to get one.

"Could a hug?" she squeaked, looking up at him with her black rimmed eyes.

It was the kind of affection she had never received from her mother, from anyone for that matter. Hugs and kisses always seemed forced when it came to her. Right now, she needed his warm frame to provide her with some sort of comfort. Although she would feel awful if he rejected her simple request after she had allowed her walls to break down in front of him.

"Sure Amber, come here," he said kindly, pulling the girl into his arms, enveloping her with a tight hug.

Her covered fingers curled around his shoulders and she pressed her face into his chest. He felt her back heave underneath his large hands while he held her. The hug seemed to do the trick and she felt a pleasant calm spill over her body.

"Thank you," she whispered, lifting her head up and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.