Chapter 18: One Last Time
(?)
(Amber's POV)
I woke up in a white field with white skies. I started wondering where I was until I heard familiar voices calling out to me.
?: Amber! Amber, sweetie!
Amber: Mom?
?: Amber! Where are you?
Amber: Dad?
I searched for them which shouldn't be hard since it's completely empty but foggy. Soon, I stopped at the chest that probably Ivan and Cato mentioned. Thankfully it was closed, which means the dark force is gone for good. It pretty much confirms that my parents are somewhere here.
Amber: Mom! Dad! Where are you?
I kept moving towards the voices as they get louder and louder. Later on, I stopped when I saw two figures in the distance.
Amber: Mom? Dad?
Amber's parents: Amber?
We just stood there staring until I went towards them and hugged them tightly. I felt happier that I finally get to see them again than being angry that they left me that day.
Amber: Oh my gosh, it's so good to see you again.
Amber's Mom: Yes, we finally get to see our daughter again.
Amber's Dad: My baby's all grown up.
Amber: Dad!
We broke apart and an awkward silence filled the air, not knowing what to say.
Amber's Dad: Look, Amber. We're sorry we-
Amber: I get it. You have to be here. I understand.
Amber's Mom: So you're not mad at us?
Amber: Well I am, but I'm much happier at where I am now. I mean, life's been better after I moved to Elmore and it never would've happened if you guys left. I guess that I'll have to be happy with what I have. I got Cato with me, I got friends now, my life could never been better. Though, it would've been better if you two were there.
Amber's Mom: That's very matured of you, sweetie. It's too bad you can't be with us anymore.
Amber: Well, Cato lost his parents when he was 9 and he told me that I was the reason he still wanted to live. I guess after you guys left, I would've said the same to him.
Amber's Dad: Cato's a good boy. That's why we couldn't urge you to go with us. We just couldn't bare seeing both of you miserable again. I'm pretty sure Cato's parents wouldn't want that either. We trusted him to take care of you.
Amber: You really do?
Amber's Dad: Well, it seems to do you two good so far, right? Both of you still care for each other.
Amber: What happens when we're both grown up?
Amber's Mom: Cato will explain that when you wake up.
Amber's Dad: There's not really much time left, so is there anything left you wanna say?
Amber: Well, thanks for letting me live with Cato, living the afterlife I wanted since I was little. (A/N: Hey, she's a ghost, right?) And, *starts to cry* I love you guys.
Amber's Mom: We love you too, sweetie.
We hugged again for one last time, all of us crying knowing that this will be the last time. After we broke apart, I finally took the chance.
Amber: So, I wanted to do this ever since you left so...goodbye. I love you.
Amber's parents: We love you too, Amber.
Then, there was a bright light in front of me and they faded away from sight.
(3rd person POV)
(Haunted Mansion)
Amber woke up and looked around. She was a little confused as it wasn't the last place where she was awake, but at Cato's room. She sat up on the edge of the bed thinking about her reunion with her parents. It was a memorable reunion but sadly it was the last. Whilst she was spacing out, Cato came in with a cup of water.
Cato: Amber, you're awake!
Cato put the cup on his table and hugged her tightly. Amber hugged him back and rested her head on his shoulder.
Cato: You feeling okay?
Amber: Yeah, I'm fine. What happened?
Cato: *grabs the cup of water* After you took away that dark force, you passed out. Probably because you were tired because of what I said. And before you ask, it's already 8 o'clock. Here, have a drink.
Amber: *takes the cup from Cato* Thanks. So, about what you said...
Cato: I know, I'm sorry. I sounded like an idiot asking you tho-
Amber pulled his face and puckered her lips on his. At first, Cato tried to fight back but gave in to it soon after. They kissed for a short time but passionately and broke apart soon after. Then, they both stared at each other's eyes causing Amber to giggle.
Amber: I'm not mad, silly. I love you no matter what, and I'm sure you do too.
Cato: Heh, thanks. So what happened when you passed out?
Amber: Well, I finally get to meet my parents.
Cato put on a shock expression upon hearing this.
Cato: What?! No way!
Amber: Yeah. At first they apologized for leaving me but I told them it's okay. I mean, we're gonna lose our loved ones someday, right? And you being strong after your parents died gave me a good example of it. If you can be strong at that age, then surely I can too.
Cato: You know that I managed to hold on because you took me in.
Amber: Yup, and also they said that they trusted you to take care of me, and me to take care of you.
Cato: Yeah, they told me that too. What else happened?
Amber: I guess that's it. Then, I finally get to say goodbye. I guess it's time to move on.
Cato: Yeah you're welcome.
Amber: What do you mean?
Cato: Well...
(Flashback)
When I met your parents, before I left...
Cato: Wait, if this really is the last time I'm gonna see you guys, then I wanna ask you something.
Amber's Dad: Sure, anything.
Cato: After all this is over, make sure you let Amber see you. Just this once.
Amber's Mom: Are you sure?
Amber's Dad: It's a big risk. We don't even know whether she can go back or not.
Cato: You won't know till you try. And Ivan managed to make it out too, so why is Amber any different?
Amber's Dad: Hmm..okay, we'll do it.
Cato: Thank you.
(End of flashback)
Cato: So I asked them to summon you.
Amber: You did that? For me?
Cato: You did wanna say goodbye to them. Now you should get some rest. You must be tired.
Amber: That can wait. Besides, I know you want some more.
Cato: What?
Before Cato could notice Amber's sly grin, Amber pulled him into another passionate kiss. After that, Cato let Amber sleep on his bed for the night. It didn't take long for Cato to fall asleep. Amber hugged him, put her tail around him and stared at his face before resting her head on his chest. She could feel his heart beating fast, knowing that he knows she's doing what she's doing now. She looked at his face and saw a smile on his face. She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder again before falling to sleep.
About a few hours later, Gumball and Carrie were peeping in on what they were doing, and they weren't really in much shock since this isn't the first time they've seen them like this.
Gumball: I like it when those two are like that.
Carrie: Yeah, but if you live here, you'd get used to it.
Gumball: I guess, but I'm tired so I'm gonna sleep.
Carrie: Alright, good night.
Gumball left leaving Carrie at the door staring at the couple sleeping soundly on the bed. After that, Carrie turned off the lights and left.
Alright, that's the end of the chapter. Finally, we get to see Amber reuniting with her parents after 4 long years. I tried to put the chapter run smooth and I'll tell you this, the end part with Cato and Amber is really hard to put up and I don't even know if it's good enough, so apologies in advance. But anyway, hope you guys enjoyed, leave a comment below and I'll see you on the next one. Peace out!