October 1, 1963

Amber got up that morning with a slight pep in her step as she got herself ready for the day. Even if it was 1963 and she was still longing for her husband to make an appearance in this time, a birthday was still a birthday. Amber styled her hair in a loose bombshell hairstyle with a green headband to contrast her red locks. She liked the style even though young men did gravitate towards the sensual style as Joanna put it. Amber settled on a black and white hound's-tooth dress with black side pockets and neckline. She checked herself out in the mirror and couldn't believe that she was 59 despite the appearance of a vibrant 16-year-old.

"Come on down birthday girl for some nice breakfast! Don't let it get cold!" Joanna called.

Amber chuckled to herself as she grabbed her purse and walked downstairs. When she got downstairs, Joanna greeted her and looked over her outfit.

"Lovely choice, though men are going to be hollering like usual." Joanna teased.

Amber rolled her eyes playfully and remarked,

"They better hope my husband doesn't come for me and hear their calls for me. Poor fellas will get the beating of their lives if I don't give them one myself."

Joanna and her chuckled as they went into the sunny yellow kitchen. Joanna had made Amber a cheese omelet, bacon, and a small stack of toast. Like every day, Joanna's husband Spencer was there with his head behind the newspaper, breakfast, and dark coffee. Amber cracked a slight smile and asked him,

"Any closer sending men up to space yet Spence?"

A warm chuckle escaped him as he turned the page of his newspaper. Amber had learned Spencer was a scientist and that he was part of a team working on space travel. She did know that man would eventually succeed but Amber needed to play it cool and not share too much about the future. Time was messed up as it was with most of the family landing across the 60s so Amber needed to be responsible.

"We seem to be getting there. Can't say much more than that thought, work policy." Spencer told her.

Fair Amber thought as she munched on toast. Joanna's toast was nearly as good, but not quite matches her own talents with toasting. Again, she needed to blend in as possible which meant no fire powers either. Joanna smiled softly at Amber and asked,

"Any plans Amber?"

"Uh yes working." Amber laughed.

Joanna playfully gasped and shook her head.

"Oh no you're not. Take the day off. I can have someone cover you today. No way a friend of mine is working on her birthday."

" You spoil me. It's a shame you won't take off with me though. I could use a shopping buddy." Amber replied with a smile.

"I know, but I do run the place. We will celebrate your birthday when I get off work. You sure you can't take off Spence? It is Amber's birthday and who knows, we might learn how old she is."

Amber had kept her age from Joanna for obvious reasons but who knows what will be shared if Joanna's celebrations lead into drinks. Spencer sighed and he answered,

"Wish I could but I can't. They need all the manpower they can to figure out what went wrong with the recent tests."

Probably for the best since despite the somewhat warm nature, Spencer and her were still strangers with Joanna being the link between them. Amber polished off her breakfast and checked her purse to review the news article she clipped a month prior. It was an article about a man with knives being arrested outside Lee Harvey Oswald's place and had been committed to a psych ward. Amber knew Diego landed a month ago and the knives seemed to fit. She sighed as she put the article back in her purse but Joanna caught a glimpse of the headline. Joanna was made a way that the man arrested was another of her husband's brothers and this did make her somewhat wary to say the least. She noticed Amber's sadness and asked,

"Don't be blaming yourself now for him being locked in the looney bin."

"I'm not, just wondered what in his right mind made him want to do that. Sad thing is I know why but it's complicated."

More like Amber knew Lee Harvey Oswald will kill the president next month and Diego knows this. Hero complex aside, Amber couldn't be too angry at Diego even if he was screwing up time with the attempted murder. Five would be pissed no questions asked about Diego's actions but Amber understood. Joanna just let that thought go and asked,

"You're seeing him today? Funny how you all have the same birthday. Isn't it odd Spence?"

"It is but stranger things have happened." he commented.

Right Amber thought and maybe while she was out shopping, she can try getting something for everyone for when she eventually reunites with them. Joanna was right though, Amber had to see Diego. Screw timelines, she needed to see Diego on his birthday and days thereafter she thought. Plus, since Klaus made the cult, Diego was probably the person she could put her faith in...even if in a psych ward.

"Do be home before dark. I would hate for you..."

Amber chuckled and nodded since this was their routine at this point whenever Amber went out on her own.

"I know I know Joanna. You don't have to worry about me. I'll be home in time for our dinner and our little drinks and poker." Amber commented.

Spence looked up from his table briefly and looked at the ladies with his blue eyes.

"Drinks on a Tuesday?" he asked.

Joanna giggled and answered,

"It's Amber's birthday. We can let loose a little bit, can't we? Besides, it is because it's a Tuesday we're having drinks in. Don't be so stiff with us dear."

Spencer sighed and returned his attention to the paper. Joanna walked Amber out to the front door and couldn't help but smile softly at her. Amber had been a lovely little addition to her and Spence's life. In some ways she was a friend, other times a daughter she never had, and oddly sometimes a wise old soul for life advice. Amber was thankful for Joanna taking her in and she helped her to get her mind of Five even if her heart never did.

"I still think back to when I took you in. You were a bit lovesick for your husband but now you are going out on the world on your own."

Amber scoffed playfully but nodded.

"I know what you mean; working in a bookstore, doing some karaoke with you and the other book staff, my own book writing on the side, not to mention learning how to play poker. Five and his brothers better not trying playing cards with me now or ils se feront botter les fesses."

Joanna chuckled and Amber realized she transitioned into speaking French. She was so used to Five and the others understanding her slip ins that it was just natural for people to understand her.

"Or they will get their butts kicked." Amber translated.

"I figured that's what your little French tongue was saying." Joanna laughed as did Amber.

"Yeah, I forget sometimes that you don't know French. Five always understood when I slipped into it so I never realized it when I did before now."

"No need to apologize darling, it happens. Sometimes people need to pardon 'my French' when I need to cuss them out. Now I supposed you're going to spend your day shopping and visiting your brother-in-law at the psych ward?" Joanna asked.

"Yeah, I figured I stopped by so he feels family hasn't abandoned him."

"Figures since you did say most of them aren't on best of terms. Family does matter to me even if I do have an odd way of showing it. After all, I did tell you stories of my sister Mallory, right?" Joanna asked.

Amber nodded since it was often a subject that came out during their drunk poker games. From Amber's recollection, Mallory was Joanna's older sister who believed in higher callings from god. Joanna did believe in god to some degree, but Mallory respected the and cared too much for God's warning to man. Mallory did seem like a model sister though; shopping trips, late night talks, camping trips, horseback riding and other activities they had done in their youth. She and Mallory had been close until Mallory moved from Dallas at age 18 and went to 'find her calling' in life. Joanna did mention that Mallory was into witchcraft and magic to an intense degree which did make Amber wonder about something but let that thought escape her.

"Yes, and you do seem sometimes bitter at her abandonment. I do wonder..."

Joanna chuckled and shook her head,

"That is something to ask on our poker night Amber. Bourbon, Jack, or brandy?"

Amber grinned.

"Brandy."

Joanna chuckled since that was their drink of choice for special occasions.

"Enjoy yourself birthday girl."

Amber smiled as she walked from Joanna's house and into town. Amber had ideas on what to get each of Five's siblings and Five himself. She knew that once Five was back in the picture, she would need to gather everyone time aside. A thought did occur to Amber and that was how, even with Five back, would they make it to 2019. No way in hell they were using Five's powers again since it failed miserably the last time they tried. It did make Amber think if maybe against better judgement they needed to stay here. Amber sighed since she knows she would need to leave Joanna and that she truly didn't belong here. Yet why did that thought hurt more than it should.

Amber first stopped by a random odd and ends store to get something for Luther. She honestly could care less about Luther seeing how he caused the end of the world in her mind, but needed to get something. Amber settled on some gauze, a gorilla mask, and a couple of protein bars since why the hell not. The cashier looked at her funny and she replied,

"It's for a friend. He's a bruiser with an interest in gorillas."

He didn't judge and rang her order. Allison was next Amber thought and she went into a nice little boutique. At first, she bought herself a few blouses and skirts since she did save up cash for this day for herself. A navy scarf caught her eye for herself but then it did hit her. She wondered if Allison had a scar from where Vanya attacked her and maybe it would be nice to get a scarf. Her eyes lingered on a nice tangerine silk scarf and it would be perfect. She was on her way to the register to buy when she did spot some rather nice black and red lace undergarments. Amber blushed despite the fact she was a grown woman but softly smiled and got it for herself. She went to the jewelry section and saw an interesting piece; a silver white music note necklace. Vanya immediately came to her mind and got for her. Amber wondered how long before she would land since Amber really wanted to be there for her. She would probably feel like a monster who destroyed the world and needed someone safe to turn to, Amber hoped Vanya would land soon.

Amber paid for her purchases and left the boutique. She still needed Klaus, Five, and Diego but Diego she would get last. She decided to get something for Klaus next since he was the hardest to think about. As she was looking around the shops, she heard wolf whistles from behind her and groaned. This always seemed to happen when she shopped alone, guys ogling and wanting her.

"Back off low lives, I'm a happily married woman!" Amber growled at them.

"Ah now don't be that way babe." one guy said.

"Yeah, we don't see your man around, he won't know unless you tell him." another called out.

"Yes, pretty lady, come hang with us!" a third exclaimed.

Amber managed to get away from the guys and found herself in a Hallmark store. Amber did manage to find a small little fire charm, some rainbow socks, and some floral soap for Klaus and hopefully he would get some kick out of it. It was getting late in the day and she really needed to get to the psych ward to see Diego. Amber went into a nice-looking clothing store and decided to get a suit and hat for Five. Amber had to go based on her memory on how Five's body was at 16 if she aged them both and figured the nice navy suit with matching hat would look lovely. Amber even got some cufflinks, a tie clip, and some cologne for him as well. She might have spent a bit much on her husband, but he meant the world to her.

Last on her list was Diego and she got him a nice swiss army knife, which she will give him once out of psych ward. She also got him a cupcake since he could use something sweet. Against her judgement, she did slip a tiny razor blade she took from Spencer's shaving kit and slip it in the cupcake. It was then Amber had an idea and bought six different color lighters to give to everyone so they could always reach her. The thought came to her since Klaus was smart enough to try contacting her with a lighter, but Amber refused to see him. Her stomach growled a tiny bit but she could wait until after she saw Diego. She found the psych ward Diego was sent to and went up to the front desk. The secretary looked at her funny and asked,

"Are you lost?"

She had no time for her sass and glared at her.

"I'm here to see my brother, Diego Hargreaves? It's his birthday and I figured he would want to see his sister."

"You're here for the psycho with the knives?" she asked.

Amber nodded and firmly told her,

"That psycho is my brother. Now can I see him or not."

Amber was led to a meeting room and sat down in the chair. She got out the pastry box for him and saw security bring in a guy with long dark hair, a slight beard, and a tan complexion. Yep, this was Diego and oddly this looked worked well for his features Amber thought. His eyes widened and soon his confusion turned into a grin. He only knew of one red head and it had to be his brother's darling wife despite the change in her looks.

"Amber, is that really you?"

Amber cracked a smile and nodded as the guards forced him into his seat. His hands were handcuffed which did make Amber frown slightly.

"How long have you been here?" he asked.

"Mid-February. I know, I should have found you sooner. Time is shit and I worry about it you know."

Diego chuckled and shook his head.

"You lie, you look three years older Amber. You look at least 16 now."

Amber rolled her eyes at him.

"Yea well blame my husband and myself for forwarding time a bit during the jump. Before you ask, he's not here yet and I don't know where he is." Amber defended.

Diego noticed Amber's slight sadness and decided to change the subject.

"So let me hear the lecture on why going after Oswald was a bad move." he whispered.

"Not going to do that on your birthday Diego. Besides, can't really fault you since we know what happens." I told him.

Diego seemed a bit shocked and Amber chuckled.

"Look I might be Five's wife but even I would be tempted to think maybe time can be changed a smidge at times. Hero complex or not, would we really want to lose the president?" Amber whispered.

Diego smirked and he chuckled softly.

"I always knew I liked you. So, you think I'm not crazy."

"No but I do have to say that time is fickle. Any changes will change 2019, that include your 'noble' mission to stop Lee Harvey Oswald. Plus, knowing you... I don't think you'd kill him. You're too good a man for murder, despite how awful Oswald is." Amber expressed.

Diego sighed and nodded.

"Maybe just cutting his trigger finger you know, so he can't shoot the gun. Just need to get out of here, I hate being locked up."

Amber patted his hand softly and nodded.

"I know you don't. I hate you are here too and I can't do much now."

"Yeah, I know, but at least you sought me out. Who else is here?"

"Klaus but with his cult, not chasing after him since you know how I am about cults. Allison...well it's sixties so hard to be with her now, segregation being a bitch. Luther's here, but he can fuck himself some more before I go find his ass. Vanya and Five are still not here yet." Amber informed him.

Amber still had her fire in her and that made him smile. He did realize that she hadn't been with Five for a few months now and they hadn't been apart in 43 years. Diego did feel for Amber even though it was clear Amber was trying to be strong without him.

"How are you holding up Amber? I know Five not being here is killing you." Diego asked in a soft tone.

"It is what it is. I've been living with a nice couple, the wife I think pitied me at first but we're good friends now. I work at a bookstore and keep myself occupied."4

Diego noticed the box in front of her and he smiled a bit.

"That for me?"

"It's one of your gifts, the main one I can't give you since guards will take it. It's a pretty swiss army knife so yea can't have that yet. You'll get it when you get out of here along with another small gift." Amber smiled.

She opened the box and inside there was a chocolate cupcake with white frosting and rainbow sprinkles. Diego's mouth watered slightly and she smiled.

"Good thing I went for chocolate."

"Thank you Amber. Wish I could have gotten you something...you know."

"It's fine, make it up to me by getting out of here." Amber whispered.

Diego nodded and she leaned in to whisper,

"Careful while you eat it, sweets can be plenty sharp."

Diego looked at the cupcake and back to her and nodded. Inside the cupcake was a tiny razor blade. With his skills with knives, he could shave bars off his window and escape the nut house. Amber didn't want him in here anymore than he did. She gave Joanna's address and book store address to Diego and he nodded.

"Come to me when you get out Diego. I want to be sure you're okay before you do anything reckless." Amber told him.

"I will Amber."

"Good, I will visit you in a week. You're going to need someone to visit you to keep you sane, that might as well be me." Amber told him sweetly.

Diego smiled as Amber left the psych ward and returned home.

Her afternoon was routine, she made herself a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich for lunch, worked on her novel, and listened to some records until Joanna got home from work.

"How was your brother-in-law holding up?"

"Fine, in better spirits thanks to me. It was nice seeing family again." Amber told her.

"Good. Now Spencer will be working late so I picked up some food from the diner and some nice cheesecake for dessert. Not to mention, I picked us up some spiced peach brandy since I know that's your favorite."

"Oui it is. You spoil me, Joanna." Amber told her.

"Oh, you spoiled me plenty for my birthday. A small little novella, some nice earrings, and a day trip to the beach. Something tells me you aim to please."

Amber smiled and nodded softly. It almost back to her times with Dolores and it felt nice to have a friend again. They dined on cheese burgers and fries and started a few rounds of rummy. Once their meal was finished, they moved on to the cheesecake and brandy and moved on to poker. Joanna smiled as they went back and forth on winning hands and enjoyed seeing the sparks in Amber's eyes. So much fire, sass, and energy, it brought Joanna back to her younger years.

"You know, I see a lot of myself in you Amber. Full of life, fire, spirit...makes me think about a life where I could have a family of my own." Joanna said while sipping on her third glass of brandy.

Amber felt a slight pang in heart and asked,

"Have you tried having a baby?"

Joanna sighed and drank a bit more heavily of her brandy.

"We would have had a daughter and she would have been nine this year."

Amber felt upset by the news.

"You lost a baby too?"

Joanna was taken slightly aback at the too part and her eyes widened and placed a hand on her heart. She clicked something together and she felt sad for Amber.\

"Is that why you and Five had to get married? You got pregnant with a child but the child didn't make it?"

Amber shook her head and felt herself tearing. She didn't know if it was the pain of losing her child coming back, the fact she was on her third glass of brandy, or Joanna thinking she was a stupid teen that knocked up, she blurted,

"No, we married for love at 25 thank you. We tried having a baby but I miscarried. I can't have my own children."

"Oh, honey I'm so terribly sorry. It's just you still look so young that I forget you're probably a grown woman already. I'm sorry you lost a child. How far along were you when it happened?" Joanna asked, patting her hand softly.

Amber shouldn't have been telling her anymore, but she felt as if she could trust Joanna. The kindness and real care she had, made Amber feel okay to be vulnerable and felt supported.

"We made it to the first trimester before the blood started. I nearly died and lost my life, but it didn't make losing my baby feel any less tragic. What about you?" Amber asked.

Joanna sniffled a bit and told her,

"I had given birth but the baby did not cry and was blue. She was stillborn, my poor little angel. It killed Spencer and I to know we had a gift and the Lord took her away. We might have been 19 but we were ready to welcome the little one no matter what. "

"Oh Joanna."

Joanna shook her head and laughed despondently.

"I'm sorry, we should be celebrating your birthday. Now be honest, how old are you really." Joanna asked as she took her last bite of cheesecake.

Amber cracked the faintest of smiles and muttered,

"I'm fifty-nine."

Joanna chuckled at that but when she saw Amber wasn't laughing, her eyes widened.

"For real? Wow you really don't look a day over 17. You sure you and your husband aren't vampires?"

"If I was, Dallas would be the last place I would call home." Amber chuckled.

Both women laughed and finished their last drinks of the night. Joanna got three gifts from the counter and gave them to Amber.

"Spence won't be home until late and you should get the gifts now." Joanna told her.

The first gift was from Spencer and saw it was the book From Earth to the Moon. I guess with all her interests in asking him about his work on space, Spencer thought this book would humor her. Though seeing how she saw the moon blow up it did startle her a bit but she would read anything at least once. The second gift was from the two of them and it was a camera. Amber's eyes widened and Joanna smiled.

"You told me how you and Five don't have many pictures of each other or his family so you can change that with this. Make some memories to treasure." Joanna explained.

"I love it, thank you." Amber told her.

Amber was curious about the last small box and it was just from Joanna. Gently, she opened the box and saw a small phoenix pendant necklace with a yellow pearl. Amber looked to Joanna with a small smile and Joanna was quiet for a while.

"It's beautiful."

Joanna smiled and looked over Amber.

"I would have given this to my future daughter on her 18th birthday if she were meant for this world. Seeing how close we've gotten in a short time; you probably need it to blaze a new path for yourself."

Amber's heart sank and put the necklace back in the box. She couldn't take it and pushed it back to Joanna.

"I can't take this Joanna, it's too precious. I'd feel like I'm taking a huge part of your and robbing your daughter that never got to be." Amber insisted.

"But I want you too. I might not have my baby but you've become like a daughter to me in these past months, even though now I know you could be old enough to be my own mother. However, seeing how you're still in pain from your loss, maybe this can bring you into some higher spirits."

Amber lulled over the necklace and she stroked the pearl with her thumb. It was a lovely gift and she did feel a connection with Joanna that she hadn't felt since Maude and that had been a lie. She wanted to move on from her pain and sorrows, and maybe this could be a symbol of it.

"Take it Amber, for a new beginning and something for you to remember me by." Joanna spoke softly.

Amber sighed softly but nodded. She got up and hugged Joanna, to which she responded with her own. Their friendship might not have been long, but Amber was glad she had formed it. Maybe Five messing up the jump wasn't so bad after all if for the briefest moment, Amber had someone to call friend once more.

"I'm going for a soak before Spencer gets back. I know you two have a thing for shower sex so I better get my soak in before then."

Joanna bust out laughing and exclaimed,

"Amber!"

Amber smirked and chuckled as well.

"What it's true, you get clean while also being so dirty and making some heated love. You might want to make these walls not so thin if you don't want me to hear you both at it." Amber teased.

Joanna playfully tossed a napkin at her.

"Yes, well get yourself clean you little pervert." Joanna joked.

"Well, I will and I will be sure to save you both some hot water."

As Amber got to the stairs with her gifts, she looked back to Joanna and cracked a soft smile.

"Thank you... for this, taking me in... everything you've done for me I'm so grateful for."

Joanna smiled but there was a slight pain to her smile. She knew something that Amber didn't know but she didn't want to ruin what they had just yet. Amber was dear to her and she wanted her to be happy for as long as she could be.

"I'm glad Amber. Happy birthday. I'll be sure to make some Bloody Marys tomorrow if we need them in the morning. We got books to sell and you have children to read for."

Amber smiled and wished Joanna goodnight. She finished her day with a soak in the tub and writing parts of her last gift for Five, a record of their lives so far. Amber no longer cried as she wrote about her life, but smiled and hoped this time around Five would listen to her. She was no longer that scared 15-year-old who needed Five at her side all the time. Amber wished for her birthday that when they reunite, Five would listen to her more. If he had, they wouldn't be in this mess now. Amber had hope in her heart that Five was close, and that he would see things in a new light.