December 23rd 2168
"So, like this?" Amber asked, performing the practice exercises again for the sixth time. The sad smile on his face as she finished told her that once again, she hadn't done it properly. They had been sitting at the piano for going on two hours, and she felt as if she wasn't making any progress. I don't get it, what am I doing wrong? She thought, sighing and resting her hands at her side. "I hit every note, Joel. Am I missing something?"
"Child, you're too stiff, and you're all hunched over. If you're going to play piano, you're going to need to approach it properly." He said, patting her on the shoulder.
"What does it matter, if I'm hitting all the notes? I mean, I did hit all the notes. That's what's important, right?" Amber scrunched her nose up a little in frustration. "And my fingers are getting faster. I can move them separately a bit easier."
"That's true. I'm not trying to take that away from you, but you need better posture when you're playing, or you won't be able to play for long. At worst, you could get hurt. I know it's a mite bit annoying, but it's important, lass." Amber looked up at him, confused. How can a piano hurt me? What? Joel saw her confusion and continued.
"Consider this. You've been playing for about two hours today, does your back feel tight?" he asked, appearing slightly concerned. Amber nodded and shrugged her shoulders. "That's what happens with bad posture. It's not the proper way to treat your body, and it winds up putting too much energy toward hitting the keys. Here, stand up Amber." He said, bringing himself to his feet slowly. She quickly followed suit and stood in front of him.
Joel offered Amber a handshake, which she took nonchalantly. His firm squeeze took her by surprise and brought a slight yelp out of her, as he held the grip and shook her hand a few times before letting go.
"What was that for?" she asked, frustrated and cradling her sore hand.
"If I were at a social gathering and met everyone I knew with a similar handshake, my hand would be dead tired by the end of the night, and my friends would be as sore as you. If I instead offered a more efficient handshake, allowing the gravity and my limb to do most of the work for me, I would still be fresh by the end of the night, and my friends won't have felt uncomfortable. The same goes for playing the piano. You're going to be spending a lot of time with it, so you'd best treat it properly, and approach it properly."
Amber glanced back at the piano and frowned. "It's not living though. Does it really make a difference?"
"It's a good quality to learn, lass. Posture is body language, and body language is a universal part of everyone in the galaxy. The way you play… you look angry, less controlled, and amateurish. Yes, you're getting the job done, but you don't look stable. You don't look like you're respectful of the piano. The piano's going to lash back, and you're going to be aching afterward. Whereas with proper posture, you'd look in control yet relaxed, respectful…if you approach someone angrily, you should expect them to react in kind. If you learn how to use body language to your advantage, you can avoid outbursts and avoid unnecessary conflict. If you can learn to play a piano with respect toward it, you can learn to interact with people with respect. A little body language can go a long way to getting people to believe you, to believe in you. The…concept of posture is the same, though the methods are a bit different between the two. Still, you treat the piano with respect, and you won't be sore after playing. It will be effortless. It's important, child. It's just a way to prevent you from getting hurt, and will help you be a better player in the future."
Amber stood there and stared at him for a few moments, thinking. I guess he's right. I mean, I remember when I was in the hospital and Anderson came in all tense and asked where Mel was. It made me tense, and that made me react the way I did. And the other day at the pool…
"I guess I should learn it then. I mean, there's no harm, right? But…how?" she asked, moving back to the piano.
Joel moved to her side, but didn't sit. "Well, let's start with your feet…they're the key to being stable while playing, keeping your balance. They need to be flat on the ground, not too close to each other, but not too far. Position them where you would be comfortable standing. That distance is good." Joel waited for Amber to shift her feet into a proper place. "Good, now…"
It had taken the rest of the afternoon to get the basics of posture down, but Amber had immediately noticed that playing was a bit easier, if less accurate at the moment. She knew that would just come with time, trusting her body to be able to do what she wanted it to do.
As she waited for her ride to arrive, she scrawled out a note and approached Joel with it. She'd been relatively happy with how training at the facility had been going, but she wasn't about to let herself be blindsided without some backup in case something went wrong.
"What's this, lass?" Joel asked, confused, handling the small folded up piece of paper she had given him.
Amber shrugged and looked toward the entrance. "It's a note."
"You could just send it to my omni-tool. I know you have one. Easier that way, child." He noted, giving her a curious look. Amber shook her head.
"No, that's…that's not really secure enough. I need you to hold onto this for me. I…" She knew what she wanted to say, but the words were catching in her throat. She didn't want him to be worried, but it was necessary to have this plan in case the training went too far downhill.
"Is something wrong?" Joel's voice was rife with concern and he leaned down toward her. "Are you unsafe where you are?"
"I'm fine right now. I'm just…well, I don't trust the people who are helping me. If I miss a few straight visits…bring this to the address in person. I'm not sure if it will work, but…it's worth a try. I know this might sound scary, and I'm being a little paranoid, but…it's the only thing I can think of that could keep me safe. Please…you might not even need to use it, but if you could do me this one last favour, I'd be so thankful." She stood there shifting her weight back and forth from one leg to another. Joel took a long look at her before pocketing the slip of paper.
"Anything for you, child. If this can help you, I'll make sure to keep it safe. Just…promise me you'll stay as safe as you can." He stated sadly, his hand ruffling her curls. "You've been dealt a crap hand, you don't deserve any more trouble."
Amber nodded and smiled up at him. "Well, you get what you get. I'll just have to make the best of it." She said, looking back toward the entrance, noticing her ride. "Thank you, Joel. I'll be back in three days."
"Take care, lass, and have a merry Christmas." She heard behind her as she made her way out of the library into the snowy December weather. With all this snow, I think I could use a swim.
The pool was unsurprisingly busy; it was much like the previous two Thursday nights, with families wading in the shallow end, and students from nearby schools enjoying a good evening swim. She had avoided swimming those past evenings, but felt particularly compelled to take part this time. Well, no way I'm going to be able to swim end to end and practice tonight. Meh… at least I can get in some form of swimming. Might be nice to take it easy for once. She hopped over to the change room and found an empty locker, cursing that it was so far away from the showers. After she'd changed and locked up her belongings, she made her way out of the changing room, only for a familiar face to walk in as she was leaving. That girl…
Amber wasn't sure what her own face looked like, reacting to her surprise presence, but it seemed to send the girl darting off toward the side lockers quickly. Well that's odd… she thought, taking a moment at the doors. Though, I guess I did kind of blow up at her. But…I didn't mean to scare her…
Swimming, she found out quickly, just wasn't nearly as fun with other people around. Or at least, when other people are constantly getting in my way. It's like they want to keep anyone from doing anything except floating in a single spot. I love the water, but this is…kind of annoying. Amber looked around at the others nearby in the pool; parents lightly splashing their children or teaching them to swim, friends goofing off together and jumping in the pool. Everyone here's having a good time…everyone's having fun with each other except me. I…this was a mistake. I just lost…and it's not these people's fault she's gone and that I feel like this.
Amber slowly made her way to the nearest edge of the pool and perched herself upon it, shaking the water out of her hair. It had been a frustrating week; progress in biofeedback and biotics training had stalled, bringing the odd angry rant from Viola about her lack of focus. It didn't help that she couldn't cool off with regular cardio training, as the weather had taken a turn for the worse, and the facility's indoor track was still under construction. Without anything to work on, focus on, her mind was constantly adrift. Adrift and floating towards my sister. It's almost been two months now…and I'm still having bad dreams. I still feel like shit. I can't focus right, I can't train right, I can't sleep right, and I apparently can't even relax right…I don't know what to do…
Her focus shifted as she felt a towel drape over her shoulders. Broken out of her reverie, she glanced side to side eventually noticing the girl from before slinking away cautiously, freezing in her tracks as their eyes met. Well, I can at least make this right, I guess. Damn it.
The girl was close enough that her blurted out whispers were audible, though Amber had to strain to fully hear her. "I'm sorry…you were shaking and…I'll go now." The girl's words were calm and apologetic, far from her nervous banter weeks ago. Amber glanced down at her arms and noticed the girl wasn't lying. She sighed to herself and shook her head. I'm not sure if I'm shivering from the cool air, or shaking because I'm such a wreck. She looked to where the girl was, and noticed she'd made her way halfway down the pool's length toward the change room. Amber quickly got to her feet and made after her.
They were near the entrance when she'd gotten close enough for the girl to notice. "So, I guess you're following me this time?" the girl said, stopping just shy of the doors, offering Amber a sidelong glance.
"Heh, yeah, I guess. Funny how that works out." Amber said, scratching the back of her head. "Look, I'm sorry about before. You had no way of knowing anything about me and I wasn't really in the mood for having anyone anywhere near me, so I'm sorry I blew up on you."
The girl spun around and fully faced her, a cheshire grin forming on her face. "Hmmm. Is this an official apology? Do I get to bask in the glory of it?"
Amber paused, momentarily stunned at the girl's sudden change in demeanor. "Uh, don't let it get to your head, you still came across as a jerk for not listening to me the first time." she retorted, but regretted it as the girl seemed to deflate from her words. "But…your heart was in the right place. You just wanted to help, I think. Like today. I'm not used to it. So yeah…sorry for being snappy. I'll be better about it if we ever bump into each other again."
The girl cupped her chin and thought for a moment, before extending a hand to Amber. "So…friends?" It took all of Amber's focus not to burst out in laughter at the absurdity of the question. We've both annoyed each other…I don't think that makes us friends at all. Not that I feel kind of ready for that, anyway.
"Uh, not really sure about that, but I'm okay with you. I won't flip out on you anymore, and I hope you can forgive me for that." She said, rocking back and forth on her heels as the girl pulled back her hand confusedly.
"Only if you give me your name. I figure if we're going to be swimming near each other a lot, I may as well know yours. And I'll even give you mine, I guess. I'm Faridah!" the girl said with a smile, offering a little wave of her hand.
Amber merely shrugged. "I'm, uh… Amber." Her words elicited a restrained fist pump from Faridah, which only served to confuse Amber more. I'm not sure what that means or why she did that but…
"Well, I've got to change and get home, I'm a bit tired." She said, moving past Faridah.
"Do you live nearby?" the older girl asked, following her into the changing room.
"I…" Amber started, before thinking about what she should say. This girl's just a regular person. I don't know if I should tell her, if that would be safe. I mean, outside of my visits to the pool and library, I'm pretty much always supervised. If things go sour, I don't think it would be good to put her in harm's way…
"You…" Faridah said, her voice trailing off in light mockery.
"I really shouldn't give that stuff away to just anyone, you know? Sorry." She said, moving to her locker and grabbing a fresh towel and change of clothes.
"Um…it's alright. Sometimes my small talk tends to turn into prying information from people." The older girl said from across the room, getting her own supplies.
Both girls approached the showers at the same time, Faridah comically gesturing for Amber to enter first. She didn't really understand the older girl's action, but due to the grin plastered on her face, figured it was made in jest. Amber started the shower and felt the warm water soothe her body. I don't think I'll ever get used to warm water. It's pretty fantastic stuff. Only got lukewarm stuff at any of the orphanages I was at. This…this is just nice.
"Do you not use any shampoo or conditioner?" she heard called out from behind her, after having spent some time washing herself. Amber turned her head and gave Faridah a confused shrug. Sounds familiar, but…I can't remember what that is. The girl moved out of her stall and handed her two smallish bottles. "Here, you can use some of mine. You have more hair than me, you'll need it."
Amber took the bottles, but continued to stare at the older girl in front of her. We're really different. I mean, at least, our bodies… she thought, before gazing down at her own body. Am I supposed to look more like her? Is it bad that I don't? I mean, I've gotten some strange looks in the past, and even recently. Maybe…
"Hey, how'd you get that…" Faridah started, rubbing her fingers along her cheek to her jaw. Amber raised her left eyebrow quizzically in response. "…you, know. The scar?"
Oh. Amber reached out and grazed it with her fingers. It had healed and left a scar, but the area was still very sensitive, especially where it met the jaw. Her thoughts started shifting to that night, hearing Melody's screams. She tried to shake the memory from her head as she spoke. "I got in a fight."
The last word piqued Faridah's interest, as her face lit up with curiosity. "Did you win?" Her gaze was piercing, the girl's incredibly dark brown eyes boring into her soul to extract an answer. Amber held the gaze, feeling a little like she'd get tackled if she looked away.
"It…depends on who you ask I guess. It wasn't a fun night…" she said, her voice trailing as she recalled the night clearly. It wasn't fun, but it was wonderful. Painful. Scary. Relieving. And there was great food too. But mostly wonderful…
"That smile on your face tells me otherwise, but I won't press." Faridah noted nervously, backing away toward her own stall. Amber's brow furrowed as she wondered what would send her inquisitive acquaintance away in such a manner. It clicked in a few seconds later as she was experimenting with the shampoo.
"I didn't kill anyone that night, if that's what you're thinking. I'm like, not even fifteen yet." Amber called out, letting the water rinse the substance from her hair. The older girl turned around are stared at her for a few moments.
"You know, if you wouldn't have mentioned 'that night' in what you just said, I probably would be more at ease. Just saying." The girl joked, though there were traces across her face showing her concern as her eyes wandered across her body, looking for other old wounds.
Amber finished a quick rinse of conditioner and stepped out of her stall. "Well, you're the one who asked about the scar. Anyway, it's not like I have a hit-list or anything. People tend to come and fight me instead of the other way around." Though I can make an exception for one person in particular, perhaps. I mean, that IS why I'm doing this. Does that make me a bad person?
"Well, I suppose I'll try not to sleepwalk into you or anything, then." Faridah said, giggling. Amber shrugged and began toweling herself off. "You know, you're a bit odd."
Amber turned to face the older girl and tilted her head to the side in confusion. I'm odd? How? "Why do you think that?" she asked, feeling somewhat anxious for a reason she couldn't quite put her finger on.
"Most girls use the curtains in the stall when they shower, and have a towel to wear when they leave. Most girls cover up, but you…kind of just do whatever. Like you don't care. It's a little weird." Amber was slightly taken aback by the revelation, but it wasn't a huge surprise. Kind of like when I went swimming naked in the Ottawa River that one time and people kept trying to cover me up with towels or blankets or whatever when I got out.
"Does it matter? Everyone has a body, it's not exactly a secret. Besides, you didn't cover up either." Amber retorted, feeling a little flustered.
Faridah gave a light laugh and lightly slapped Amber on the shoulder. "I kind of just mirrored you for a bit. Felt kind of strange, but I also kind of felt a little free, I guess. Still, if there were more than just the two of us in here I would have pulled the curtain for sure."
"Oh. I guess if I'm supposed to…" she started, before being interrupted by Faridah unfastening the towel around her, which unceremoniously dropped to the tiled floor. She gave the older girl an annoyed look before bending down to pick it up and put it back on again.
"Huh, see, if any other girl had that done to them, they'd probably scream and or try to cover themselves with their hands unsuccessfully, or they'd be really angry. Did you have nudist parents or something?" Farida asked, her amusement plain across her face. Amber quickly made a beeline away from the girl to her locker and changed, not feeling amused in the least.
Faridah had slowly floated over to her own locker, but kept glancing over at her as she changed. Amber briskly made her way toward the doors, stopping and turning towards her acquaintance briefly as she reached them. "'Night, Faridah."
Her walk home was quick, and she could barely concentrate on the snow gusting across her face. Faridah's words haunted her in a way she hadn't felt before. It was only when she slumped down into her bed that she realized she was home, but that offered little solace. Where do I fit in? Can I even live in the same world as everyone else? What the hell am I supposed to do?
She sat up and tossed her outerwear off, then quickly brushed the remains of snow from her sheets. They were still cold and wet when she laid back down, but that wouldn't be what would keep her awake most of the night.
Preface: Some rather intense violence is alluded to here. Figured I wouldn't let you walk in blind.
Viola sat in her office above the training room, taking her dinner break and mulling over the week's training statistics. Amber's progress, or lack thereof, didn't paint a rosy picture, and in turn eliminated her appetite. Fiske had arrived hours earlier with a small entourage and some equipment containers, so she knew her time for patience was nearing its end. In truth, I suppose I haven't been very patient with the girl, not since that night. She's trying to succeed, she's trying so hard…yet I keep lambasting her with assertions that she's holding back or forgetting my training. I haven't been helping lately…I hope I haven't truly failed her.
Her terminal flashed yet again, reminding her of the unread message in her inbox. Her finger hovered over the icon, but remained a safe distance away. I know my hesitation is from my fear of losing control over this, and it's simply my need to be ignorant about what will follow…I don't know what they plan on doing. Perhaps it's better that way. Should I just leave for the rest of the night and see what I've wrought tomorrow? Allow myself one last peaceful sleep?
Viola stood up and paced over to the window and looked down toward the main level, where her subject sat, appearing bored. Or do I take responsibility and control of at least knowing what will happen next? Of owning this burden and preparing her for the trial ahead of her? Viola gazed back at the terminal. If this had involved Faridah, would I have hesitated so long? Would I have protected her more thoroughly?
In a way, Viola felt fortunate that her sister's child had been one of the few who had made it through life without any complications from the eezo exposure, and who wouldn't manifest biotic ability. It's as much a gift as it is a curse right now. That child down there wouldn't be in this mess had she not been exposed initially, or exposed the second time. She would likely be off with whatever family would have adopted her, rather than being held in the custody of the Alliance's program. She would have had a more regular life…have I condemned her? Viola shook her head, trying to dispel her negativity. No, I must not think like that. I will see her thrive with my help, even…even if she hates me for it.
She slowly made her way to the terminal and opened the message. The message was short, concise, much like Fiske's others. However, he hadn't been so directly arrogant before, never had he actively undermined her operation before. He wants me to go home after dinner while he takes care of business? No…no, no, no.
Viola stormed down to the main level and into the storage area, her glare prompting one of Fiske's men to point her toward a smaller admin room. Within seconds she'd burst into the office, slammed the door, and was mere millimeters from her instigator's face.
"You have the gall to try and take over my operation without discussing it with me personally? That is not acceptable, Fiske." She said sternly, her voice low and her eyes flashing with barely-concealed rage.
"And here I thought you would be pleased, Miss Guzman. For the time being we will take control of the girl's training until she can willingly access her biotics. Afterward, she would be handed back to you. The blood would be on our hands, Miss Guzman. All you need to do is make the decision to go home." Fiske's voice was quiet and calm as he stared off toward one of the steel chests across the room.
"There is nothing pleasing about you taking full control of my subject, even if temporary. This is not simply a decision to go home, Fiske, I am not so naïve as to think that. I am part of the decision, what happens to her under your care will be my responsibility." She said, leaning toward his face so he couldn't ignore her. He in turn waved her off.
"Whether you are naïve is certainly not impossible, Miss Guzman. Tell me, what do you believe we plan on doing in order to help your subject advance in her training? We provide you funding so that we can study the effects of second exposure on biotic abilities. That is our primary reason for being here, regardless of your own. We take our commitments seriously, Miss Guzman. So tell me, what are we willing to do?" Fiske asked, sauntering over to the chest he'd had his eyes on and opening the locking mechanism.
Viola stood and watched as the case opened up, but Fiske's form obscured any details. What would they do? I fear I do not have a distinct answer yet. Certainly not utilizing electric shock, but… "I would imagine that you would do what you feel is necessary, without putting her life in danger, or her health at risk."
Fiske turned around, holding a large black bag, weighed down slightly by its contents. "Such is the dilemma, Miss Guzman. We have but one subject, so we must take care not to squander our investment. She must continue to train, so the means must not be so drastic as to require a significant amount of healing. Broken bones, torn ligaments…these would delay our research, cost us resources and progress. We must adhere to what we know of how she accesses her abilities, keep the damage minimal, but ensure that it is efficient. Thus, our options are limited, Miss Guzman." He handed her the bag and clasped his hands behind his back. Viola opened it to get a look at what they'd be using; the sight of the tool at first confusing her before she dropped it in shock.
"This…this is barbaric!" she yelled, shaking her head in disbelief. "You expect me to approve of this medieval instrument?!"
"I expect you to advance humanity, Miss Guzman." Fiske fixed her with a stony gaze. "The methods I am using will not cause irreversible physical harm. It will not cause death. Do not forget your part in all of this. The girl is only here because you did not make efforts to help her friend. That was your plan, no? Have you not been barbaric yourself in the past, to help advance humanity? Do not accuse me as if I am the only one dealing pain and suffering Miss Guzman. You know that to be far from the truth."
"I do not make it my agenda to hurt children, Fiske." Viola snapped, retaliating at Fiske's assertions. Well, he's correct…I have been a monster in the past. This girl does not deserve such treatment again.
"You had every opportunity to help the small redhead. Your implant in her provided you all the readings for you to know what was happening, what would happen. You did nothing, knowing that it would make the girl vulnerable, bring her to us. You allowed the child to get hurt by the Reds in order to gauge her reaction. You are as guilty as I am for having such an agenda." He said, moving over to pick the bag up. "I will not stray from this path, Miss Guzman. It is the only way to proceed. This is more important, and on a grander scale than a simple, unwanted orphan girl. You came to us wanting to advance humanity. I have no requirement that you comply, I merely feel the girl responds better with you around. Your research is also important in retaining subjects after continual exposure. You are not, however, irreplaceable. Do not say something you will regret, Miss Guzman."
Viola stood still for a few moments before lowering her head in defeat. "Just allow me a few moments with the girl before you begin. I will not take long." She did not wait for his reply, hastily exiting the room and moving to a nearby linen closet. She scanned through the contents and a small dish towel, and then made her way out to the training floor. The Cerberus workers were already setting up the steel frame they'd brought, Amber gazing at it nonchalantly as she swirled her glass of orange juice. Viola knelt down in front of her so she could be at eye level with the girl, and offered her the cloth.
Amber frowned at the cloth and looked at Viola as if she had two heads. "What's this for? Do I look like I'm making a mess?"
Viola ignored her remark and maintained eye contact. "Have you eaten much recently?" Her voice couldn't hide her urgency, and Amber picked up on it, leaning back slightly in caution.
"No…haven't really been hungry today." She answered, wondering why Viola of all people was getting in her personal space.
"Good, good." Viola mumbled to herself, trying to hide her relief. "Child, I feel like I have failed in preparing you, in adjusting to you. You…must be aware that there's been little progress as of late."
"Yeah, you made that pretty clear all those times you yelled at me. Thanks for that, by the way." Amber said, rolling her eyes and planting her focus back on the construction in the centre of the room.
"I fear I was lacking in focus myself, and in my frustration I took it out on you. Unfortunately, no matter what happened in the past, the fact is that I will not be directly supervising you for the foreseeable future. Not until you are capable of accessing your biotic abilities willingly. I am sorry." Viola concentrated on each word so as not to stammer or stumble on her speech. This is the child that will be hurt because of my actions. She is my responsibility.
"I'm not gonna shed any tears over getting a new teacher, if that's what you're getting to." Amber muttered, shooting Viola a cool glare.
"Child…" Viola started, before being interrupted by the dish towel being flung onto her face.
"If you're going to give me some weird personal talk, you should at least use my name." Amber made no effort to hide her frustration. "At least give me that, if you're going to hand me off."
"Amber. If there is anything I must tell you, it's that I am responsible for you. Whatever happens, I am responsible. Even if I am not visible, I am no less deserving of blame. You will likely hate me after this is over, but please trust in what I have taught you. Focus on my teachings if you can, it will help you advance more quickly than otherwise. It alone will help you pass through this next trial." Viola pleaded, her words increasingly uneven as she went on.
Amber nodded slowly, visibly concerned about what Viola was alluding to. "What's the towel for?" she asked softly, taking it back from Viola and moving it around in her hands.
Viola knelt silenty, thinking what words would be most efficient, but found no answers. Honesty it is, then…she thought. "So you don't bite your tongue off. Bite into it before they start, it should help a little."
Amber slowly stood up, orange juice still in hand. "Why would I want to bite my tongue off? What's happening?" she asked, her voice growing in volume. "What's going to happen to me, Viola?"
Viola merely stood and slunk away, feeling entirely defeated. "I'm so sorry, Amber." Her words were whispers, but still echoed in the expanse of the cold training room. She heard the footsteps of the Cerberus guards approach the girl behind her as she walked away. The ensuing struggle from the small dining area to the large steel beams she'd be tied to was rather audible as she proceeded towards the doors. Viola walked into the storage area and sat on a crate, unable to watch what would be done, but unwilling to live in ignorance of it. This will be a reminder of what happens when I fail, of what's at stake.
She heard the chains being lead through the beams, heard the profanity from Amber's mouth as her arms were strapped tight. She heard the firm voice of Fiske informing Amber of what to do, half drowned out by the girl's panicked objections.
She heard the first crack of the whip and the bone-chilling cry that followed it. The strained sobs afterward tore through her heart as she imagined the first time Faridah fell off her bike, and when her niece would come home crying from being bullied. She imagined the time her little sister broke her arm while sledding, and when Kate learned her cancer was terminal.
She heard another crack of the whip minutes later that dragged her out of her memories, and the anguished cries that pulled her back in. She heard it all, she imagined what she could, but it seemed wrong to her.
I want to feel it. I deserve that much at least.
Amber knew she was walking; where, she wasn't too sure. I've been to my room, I think…or maybe it was the doctor's…my body's all numb and fuzzy. She thought, giggling to herself as she clumsily made her way down a hall. She glanced down and noticed she was barefoot, but her feet didn't feel cold against the stony tiled floor. By the time she raised her head, she realized she was walking straight into the side of a doorway; Amber attempted to pivot but it only sent her stumbling into the hard metal doorframe, eliciting a laugh from her as she slowly slid down onto the floor.
She took time to get her bearings and her feet under her before pausing in the doorway. I've been to my room, I think…or was it the doctor's? I can't remember…my body's all numb and weird feeling… She thought, giggling to herself as she gracelessly made her way through the door and out into the cool caress of winter.
It was dark outside, the snow billowing around her lithe form as her uncoordinated legs led her along the path away from the facility. Amber rubbed her bare arms and nearly lost balance, teetering close to a snowbank. It's kind of cold out, maybe I should find a blanket. Or go home. Mel's probably worried. I feel weird… she mused to herself as she slipped on a patch of ice, falling onto her back. A gasp of pain erupted from her but it was soon forgotten when she opened her eyes.
Oh my god, I'm in space! The snow cascaded down at her, the bright yellow light of the lamp post illuminating her field of view slightly. Wasn't I just at the doctor's though? Or…was it my room? But…
Tears filled her eyes and slowly traveled down the sides of her face, her hand covering her mouth in shock. I'm here without Mel! We were supposed to go together…No!
"Mel!" Amber yelled, slurring the word more than she'd have liked as her body began to tire on her. "Mel."
Words soon escaped Amber as her body fell to the clutches of sleep, resting silently in the unforgiving embrace of the stormy December night.
A/N: Welp, another chapter down! Not a heck of a lot left…which is weird, but there will be considerable time-skips in the future. They will make sense, certainly. In the meantime, at least one more chapter in the current time period. Might be a short one. I'm not sure. Depends on how I feel.
Anyway, I hope the chapter wasn't too off-putting. This was something I was not looking forward to writing, but I felt was somewhat necessary. I tried to make it as tasteful and vague as I could, but I mean…it's quite easy to imagine what happened. Sorry for that. For what it's worth, it's probably the last big bad thing to happen to her in the story, so it's kind of uphill from here, in a way.
So yeah, thank you everyone for reading, and sending me all those lovely reviews and PMs and everything. I'm going to try and be more productive this week, I want to get two chapters out before I go away for my annual vacation next Friday. Hopefully I can do it! Anywho, love you all, thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!