Chapter 8: Don't Tell Amber-Part 1

Jet

First thing in the morning I log onto League of Legends under my username Jet_dabom39. I like to always use the same username and fortunately it wasn't taken here. I slip my headphones over my ears to block everything out. This game is my refuge, my escape from the rest of the world.

Suddenly I get an in-game message.

JohnnyBoyDude78: yo Jet what's up man? I have HUGE news!

Jet_dabom39: Hey Jonathan, what's up?

JohnnyBoyDude78: Amber and I went out last night! It was great, I didn't know she was such a good kisser XD

What. The. Hell.

What is wrong with her? I'm so angry, and hurt, and just overall really emotional, of course my first instinct is to pick up my phone.

"BLOODSTONE YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT!" I shout into the phone at the same time as Bloodstone says, "JET ARE YOU SITTING DOWN FOR THIS BECAUSE I HAVE THE BIGGEST NEWS!" We laugh for a moment but we each can tell things are serious.

"Let me go first, trust me," I tell him.

"Ok. What's the big news?

"Amber is dating Jonathan."

"That's what I was going to say! Who told you?"

"He did. And he mentioned her kissing skills."

"Ugh."

"Who told you?"

"Sapphire called me. She was about to call you too but I said I'd tell you myself."

"Are you ok?"

"No, but I'll survive. Are YOU okay, Jet? Your two crushes are now making out with each other. It doesn't sound like an ideal situation…" it amazes me how even with his heart broken he's still a good enough friend to worry about me.

"I don't know. I can't believe she would stoop to such a level. It kinda ruins almost all of my feelings for her. Like, how could I like someone who could use my friend just to hurt us?" I don't tell Bloodstone that for some reason my feelings for Jonathan are amplified. I mean, how stupid is that?

JohnnyBoyDude78: bro you there? ur status says online.

Crap, I forgot about League of Legends.

"I have to go Bloodstone. Let's meet for ice cream later. That's what girls do when guys are jerks right? Why shouldn't we?"

"Ok. Around 1, at that little place on Ring St?"

"Sounds good."

"Bye Jet."

"Bye." I hang up.

Jet_dabom39: yeah I'm here, sorry I was distracted for a sec.

JohnnyBoyDude78: no problem, wanna play multiperson?

JohnnyBoyDude78: ugh, stupid auto correct, multiPLAYER?

Jet_dabom39: Of course!

As we play I keep chanting to myself, "I should hate him, I should hate him, I should hate him," over and over again. Why aren't I mad at him? The logic that he couldn't have known I liked her shouldn't make a difference. I should be mad but instead I pity him. I doubt she actually likes him, she probably just wanted to get me and Bloodstone off her case.

If that was her goal it definitely worked. I will never feel that way about her again.

But Jonathan is a different story. Somehow the fact that he sees in Amber what I saw makes me feel closer to him, more connected. We're so similar. It makes me like him more, and that makes me hate myself even more. I don't like this feeling. I can't make it stop. I continue my chant.

We play three games before Jonathan has to go. I slap myself for wanting him to stay. What the hell is wrong with me?

My phone beeps and I reach to check it. Bloodstone has sent me a text.

BE THERE IN TEN

OK, I'M HEADING OUT NOW

The ice cream place is a 7 minute run from my house. I grab everything I'm going to need, (so just my phone,) and shout so my dad knows I'm going before I run out the door. I enjoy the run, it helps clear my head and calm me down, not having to think about Amber or Jonathan or having to fight crazy monsters…

Geez, my life really has turned upside-down in just the past two months.

The little bell rings as I open the door to the shop. Bloodstone sits at a window table, thinking about some new idea for an RPG no doubt.

"Hi," I say.

"Hi," he says. Things are awkward for a second.

"So, do you want to get some ice cream?" I ask. The awkwardness dissipates, and we're smiling and laughing again, just hanging out like normal friends do. I'm glad that Bloodstone and I can still do that, even after everything that's happened.

"What do you think is going on with Moonstone and her gang?" I ask Bloodstone. Though I won't admit it, we both know I'm trying to distract us from the elephant in the room.

"I don't know, but they definitely need to reevaluate their priorities."

"Seriously, the way they left Ruby like that was awful."

"Pearl went to check on her," he says almost defensively.

"After she was reminded what happened. Speak of the devil," I point Bloodstone towards the entrance behind him where a certain hybrid pearl has just walked in. She blushes when she sees us staring and orders her ice cream fast. She rushes out, not turning back even when the cashier tells her she left way to much change.

"I feel bad that we made her uncomfortable. I have to apologize," Bloodstone gets up to leave.

"What? You can't be serious!" I grab his arm and he shoves it away.

"I'm apologizing."

"They're the enemy!" I say frantically as he disappears. I sigh. Don't ask me what's made him so righteous all of a sudden.

I sip his milkshake while he's gone. A punishment from which he'll never know he suffered. When I hear the bell I push the drink away from me.

"You were gone for a good five minutes," I say.

"I had to make things right. Fighting is stupid," he says, then immediately realizes his poor word choice. Fighting is kinda what we're all about now. Just for good measure, I glare at him. "Us fighting with their group is stupid," he amends.

"They started it."

"We both have the same goal, to protect people."

"That's not true. Well it's almost true but they want to do it for different reasons. They want glory and power and popularity."
"We don't know that."

"We're pretty sure… Their hierarchy certainly says something."

"We have a leader. And maybe they don't all want that."

"Ok, if you say so…" Things are awkward again. All I can think is you deserved me taking a looong sip of your milkshake. Instead I say, "So what were you saying about that new RPG earlier?" We go back to talking casually and it's like nothing happened. Still, I don't get how he can defend them.

We never end up talking about her. I think it's for the best, the distraction by means of conversation about stupid, random, unimportant things.

When I get home I log back onto League, and Jonathan is on again. I decide to shoot him a message.

Jet_dabom39: hey dude, want to play again? It only takes him a minute to respond.

JohnnyBoyDude78: of course bro!

There's only one thing you need to know about my mom; she has the worst timing ever. In the middle of the game when we're super close to losing and I need to pay full attention, she knocks on the door of my room.

"I'm busy!" I shout at her but she continues to pound my door.

"Let me in Jet!" She shouts. I type a quick, "sry brb," into the chat, run to the door, and unlock it, practically at the speed of light. I am back in my chair and playing by the time she comes into the room, but I'm too late and the tower is almost destroyed, I know the game will end soon.

"What do you want? You made me lose!" I complain to my mother.

"Good, you should stop playing video games anyway. You need to go outside and get some fresh air."

"I literally just went out and hung out with Bloodstone."

"Stop calling your friends by their gem names, it's weird."

"You call me Jet."

"Jet is a normal name."

"It's also my gem."

"Not the point."

"Ok, fine, I went out with Peter," the name feels unfamiliar from lack of use.

"And where did you to go?"

"To get ice cream…" I mumble.

"Exactly. Now go outside and play a sport or something."

With that she leaves, and I know I can't go back to playing now. My mom is unreasonable, but she could be a lot worse. My dad had me from his first marriage but my birth mother died in childbirth. He met my step-mom a year later. They were married when I was four and I got to be the ring bearer. She's always treated me like her own, so I hate referring to her as my step-mom. I decide to tell Jonathan before logging off.

Jet_dabom39: My mom is making me get out of the house! :(

JohnnyBoyDude78: ugh, parents are the worst! Hey, idea! Why don't you come here? We could play halo!

Jet_dabom39: that's a great idea! are you sure your mom is ok with that?

JohnnyBoyDude78: yeah dude!

Jet_dabom39: alright I'll be there soon, c u

JohnnyBoyDude78: c u soon!

What did I just do?

After a minute of shock I pick up my phone and tell my mom I'm heading out. She gives me the thumbs up of approval, and I head out to Jonathan's house. We've hung out once since he moved here, but I was too busy fighting with Bloodstone over Amber to ask him if he'd reconsidered us. I blew my chance with Jonathan because of Amber and now they're dating. Will I ever get over this? Ugh, I feel like a girl.

I stand on Jonathan's doorstep for two full minutes wondering if I should bail. Finally I knock, determined not to reveal that I still like him. I would never jeopardize his or Amber's happiness, even after what she did.

"Hey dude!" Jonathan greets me.

"Hey! Halo?"

"You know it!" We head down to the basement and he already has a bowl of popcorn, a bowl of chips, and a bowl of candy set up.

"You really know what I like," I laugh.

"You should've seen the first date I planned out with Amber." I laugh even though it's uncomfortable. He will never know.

After a couple hours Jonathan asks me for help studying for his history test. He knows I'm good at history. I gladly help him.

"So," I ask like a game show host, "who was our fifth president?"

"Andrew Jackson!" Jonathan shouts.

"And?"

"He was known as the people's president because he came from a poor family unlike the first four presidents and made it so poor people could vote even though he didn't help make it so women or African Americans could vote!"

"Yes, that's all right!" My mind screams at me as I kiss him in the excitement. No! My mind shouts, you can't do this. Too late. Quickly I pull away.

"I'm so sorry I just…"

"No, it's good," and before I can comprehend what's going on he kisses me again.

"I thought you liked Amber," I whisper.

"I thought you didn't like me anymore when we hung out and you didn't seem to care."

"I was distracted. It was about Amber actually," I laugh.

"Don't tell Amber, will you?"

"Of course not, she's one of my best friends… And she thinks I still have a crush on her."
"Another thing we have in common."

Amethyst

MY turn. No one cares about Jet's stupid stories. Unfortunately you caught me at a boring time but I'll let you "watch" my life anyway.

I press my ear against the door; my mother just left and I need to make sure she's walked far enough away. When I can no longer hear her footsteps, I hang upside down over my bed and grope under it. I feel a round ball, nope. A jump rope, nope. A old "invention" of mine, again nope. Finally I feel it, a piece of wood that mostly resembles the shape of a heart. I pull it out and sit upright again on my bed. I grab my whittling knife from the back of the drawer in my bedside table and make some adjustments to the shape. Everytime I pick up the heart again I'm unsatisfied with it. I wonder If I will ever be satisfied or if I will eventually whittle it down to dust.

I love to tinker and have all my life. Maybe it's because my mother is a construction worker. She taught me to whittle when I was very young but until middle school I ignored it so I could build things instead. When middle school came I found I had less time to invent things, and resorted to whittling. I'm quite good at it now, if I do say so myself, but this heart is the hardest thing I've ever worked on. It shouldn't be, as I have made much more complicated things, but I know that I have to get it right. If it's not perfect then there is zero chance she will like it.

I sigh, she'll never love me anyway.

Finally I am happy with the shape (for now) and I go back to the engravings on the top. So far I have pictured her in a beautiful flowy dress and myself. Where the hands meet is the trickiest part. I am wearing a plain dress in my engraving. I would only ever wear a dress for her. The dress has a hole in the middle so you can see my gem. Technically my usual outfit is a halter and a skirt but that's not the same as a dress. Behind us is a tree with branches that split and weave themselves into the top of the heart and eventually meet the roots which sprout from the bottom of the tree and the bottom of the heart. The tree is incredibly detailed with a knotthole and a little carving of a heart around S+A. I did Sapphire last and it took me a full hour just to start carving her.

For awhile I couldn't admit to myself that I liked her. I thought I only had a crush on her because she saved me, even though I almost tried to kill her. That all seems so silly and stupid now. After a few weeks, when it still hadn't gone away, I had to admit it was real. Most of my crushes only last a week but this was different. During the first week, when it was because she saved me, I couldn't pay attention to anything except her, especially during meetings. I noticed all her little nervous habits, like how she closes her eyes when she's looking for specific futures and how her hands shake when she speaks as if she's nervous. And even though she can see the future and knows what will happen, she's still so human.

It's funny, I didn't notice all the things about Sapphire that make me love her until she saved me and forced a crush. I'm glad that I liked her simply because she saved me because it made me put aside the fact that she's Amber's best friend and truly see her for who she is. That sounds so cheesy, but everything about love is cheesy.

Except, I'm also not happy about it all. If she'd never saved me I'd never have liked her and noticed her and then I wouldn't be here, crushing on my best friends best friend. And since she'll never like me it's hopeless. I wish I still liked Mabel.

After a few more minutes of whittling, trying to make everything perfect, I stop myself. More details would ruin it at this point. I turn the heart over to see if that side needs work. It's a closeup of the S+A in the tree. There is nothing more to do. Slowly I get off my bed and go to my closet. After moving everything out of the bottom drawer of my dresser, I can access the safe. I pull it out and extract the key. I won't tell you where I hide the key. I lift out the small engraved box from inside it and open the clasp. The box is engraved in vines with leaves and flowers sprouting as they curl. I place the heart gingerly in the middle of the box. The box is lined with sparkly tissue paper and has other trinkets already inside. A small bottle with sand and little shells with a rock and small bow around it rests on one side. A tiny rolled up letter rests on the bed of sand. On the right rests a pair of earrings that don't match, one has real sapphires and the other has real amethysts, but besides that they are exactly the same. The gem, a silver bead, the gem, a silver bead, then a larger version of the gem in the shape of a teardrop. I have their true matches but I think they look great together. A small selection of chocolates are scattered around the box. All that is missing now is a rose and maybe a picture of us, but I know I won't get one.

I sigh. It will never happen. All this is for nothing. The only part I'll regret is the sapphire earrings. The amethyst pair was $25, and I'll be able to wear those, but if she says no I won't be able to bring myself to wear the sapphire ones, and those cost $75.

It won't work but tonight is my best chance.

My phone rings and I go to answer it, I have 5 missed calls from Amber. Oops. I need to get better about answering my phone but I always end up ignoring it.

"Amy! Finally I've reached you."

"Yeah, sorry about that."

"It's ok. Are we still on for tonight?"

"Yeah, it's been awhile since our last sleepover. Did you invite anyone else?" She hasn't mentioned Sapphire yet but I'm hoping I won't have to be the one to invite her.

"No, I didn't want to force you to hang out." Crap. Ok, time for quick thinking. I should say something like, she's your friend so it's ok or…

"Invite her already!" That was not subtle. Oops.

"Uh… ok I guess. I'll call her after we hang up and I'll text you her response."

"Great thanks. It just like, we should all be friends right?" I say trying to make my outburst less obvious.

"I understand." But I get the feeling she doesn't.

"So I'll be there in a hour with a movie or new video game and maybe a snack?"

"And I'll order the pizza and set up the blow-up bed."

"Grea…"

"Wait, I just realized a problem. If I invite Sapphire you two will have to share the blow-up bed. Are you ok with that?"

"Yeah that's fine." More than fine.

"Ok, see you soon."

"See ya."

Quickly I pack my bag, toothbrush, pj's, clothes for tomorrow, hair brush, phone, headphones, and phone charger. I pack my little stuffed pig that I named piggleton when I was 3. I know I'm 15 and I'm being way immature, but I still sleep with piggleton. It's a night time ritual.

I need to get cash from my mom before I head out. That's definitely gonna be a challenge- she never wants to let me spend anything, constantly reminding me that she has to work a full-time job to provide for us, how hard we have it since she's a single parent.

I never knew my father, he died shortly before I was born, but I know she loved him. I wonder if she blames me for his death. She's always been a bit strict but I know she loves me.

Time to ask for the money…

"Mom?"

"Yes Naila?"

"I told you I was having a sleepover with Alice and Arabella at Alice's house right?

"Yes you did, are you heading out now?"

"Yes. I was wondering if I could have some money so we can rent a movie…"

"Sure, out of your allowance."

"But I only need ten dollars. I'm saving my money up for something so I would appreciate just ten dollars." The ten dollars is for the movie. I don't know how much flowers cost but I brought my own ten dollars for that. My mom sighs.

"What will you do for me?"

"I…"

"Of course you can have ten dollars. Just don't come asking for more soon, ok? Money is still as tight as always."

"Thanks mom!" I say as she hands me the money. "See you tomorrow!"

"Bye honey," she calls as I rush out the door. I sprint down the stairs of our apartment building and run past the door before my mom can change her mind. Once outside I slow to a walk. I'm glad I left so early as I don't know where to find a flower store. Usually it only takes me 10 minutes to get to Amber's house, 30 if I stop buy the center to rent a movie or video game. From there I'll find a flower shop.

I'm debating whether to get a movie or game when my phone rings. What does Amber wa…

It's Sapphire.

"Sapphire?" I say, nervous she knows about my plan.

"Hi Amy. I meant to call you earlier but there was a disaster with some set pieces for my play and then Amber called me. I need to warn you about tonight." Oh god she knows! "I know this subject will come up so I think it's important to warn you." No no no… "Amber's dating Jonathan."

"But… wait what?" I was not expecting that. Maybe my plan will still work. "When did this happen?"

"Last night. He asked her out and she snuck out. She only did it so Bloodstone and Jet would leave her alone. Did she tell you?"

"She called me three times last night but I was busy… making things. But seriously, that's awful what she's doing. Does she even like Jonathan? He's probably head over heels for her."

"She said she, 'thinks she could like him.' I'm personally pissed for him. And you make things? What kinds of things?"

"Yeah, I make stuff, but it doesn't matter. Seriously though, Amber needs a major intervention."

"I'm so glad you agree with me. I have to go now if I'm going to make it to Amber's on time. See you soon."

"See you soon." I'm mentally screaming my head off. It's the first time she's called me, just me!

I choose a movie with romance and action, like what I want my life to be. I rent The Princess Bride. We've all watched it a million times but it's still good. With 25 minutes to spare, but really only 15 I rush to find a store. Fortunately there's one called Flowers Flowers Flowers, A Flower Shop across the street and a few doors down. I wonder what they sell. The little bell rings as I enter the shop. All I need is a single pale rose. Or maybe I should get a deeper red one.

"May I help you?" The saleslady asks.

"I'm looking for a rose."

"Right over here." She brings me over to a wall filled only with roses in an array of colors. Although the deep red ones and the pale pink ones are amazing, a deep purple rose catches my eyes. It seems like a purple color mixed with a deep blue.

"How much for that one?" I ask her.

"$3, tax included."

"I'll take it." Along with the flower, I buy a little vase with a sealable top, exactly what I need. She fills it with a little bit of water and pushes the stem through the soft top, and it makes a perfect seal around the stem. I turn it over and no water drips out. If anything will get me Sapphire's love, this is it. I hide out in the bathroom of a nearby diner and pull the box out of my bag. I carefully add the last piece and place it inside horizontally along the bottom of the box. Carefully using the tissue paper to fill the gaps again I close the box and place it once more in my bag. I have 15 minutes left so I can take the walk nice and slow.

The doorbell to Amber's house rings and I can hear her scream, "I'll get it!"

"Hi Amber," I say as she opens the door.

"Hi, Sapphire's not here yet so maybe we can talk…" I laugh, I know what she means. When we get to her basement she starts to talk again."

"So, about this thing with the boys. I made a decision, but Sapphire thinks it was a bad one."
I think I should feign surprise for now.

"What did you do now…" I'm only half joking.

"So Jonathan asked me out and I said yes."
"Do you like him?"

"I think I could if I tried, and I'm working on it, but I only said yes to get out of this whole situation with Bloodstone and Jet. Sapphire really ripped me a new one when I told her. Do you think I messed up?" I want to tell her how mean she's being but I feel like for now she just needs a friend. I'll calm her down and then, when it gets brought up later with Sapphire, I'll tell her how I actually feel.

The doorbell rings and we run to open the door. I make it look like I'm simply following her. When she opens the door I see a beautiful girl, curly brown hair on tan skin. A modestly low neckline reveals her deep blue gem.

"Hi," Sapphire smiles.

Author's note: I'm sorry about all the romance but it's not done yet. We know that some stories are heavily reliant on romance plots but that's not what we want this story to be about. This is necessary for now but in a few chapters it will cool down and not be too romancy anymore. For now Bloodstone still has Amber to worry about in his part and you know about Amy's plan for Sapphires part. Also, what do you think is going to happen with Jet and Jonathan's relationship? Certainly nothing good for Amber… Sorry it was rushed at the end there, that was intentional. Don't worry, after the second part we will have a break from all the romance.