Amber John: A Short Story

“Dad, can I go over to Ambers’ house to study tomorrow?” Our daughter Catherine asked the question, from about halfway up the stairs. Only her face could be seen as she peered at my husband hopefully, over the banister. I looked over at my husband, knowing what he would say, before he spoke. “Ask your mom.” My husband said to her, while glancing at me, expectantly. I smiled at him, knowing why he was telling her to ask me. He had worked all week, making the long drive from our home in Ashland to his office in Richmond and was hoping I would drive her to her friend’s house, so he could relax at home. My daughters’ hopeful gaze turned toward me, as well. “Madre?” She didn’t bother repeating the question. I hid the little sting of pain, that I always felt when she called me that, behind a smile. “What time are you supposed to be there, and do I need to bring you over and pick you up as well?” She nodded as she answered me. “Yeah, her mom can’t do it today, but I told her I would help her with her math.” Catherine had always made high marks in her school studies; it was something I was exceedingly proud of. “Yes, I’ll drive you, but make sure your phone is fully charged.” I have always been protective of the kids, and it was a long standing rule that they didn’t leave the house without a way to contact me. “I will.” She called out as she went the rest of the way up the stairs, disappearing from my view.

“Get some sleep scum.” Renee said to him. “We’ll see what you can do tomorrow.”

“I’ve prayed, cried and done everything I know to do, yet nothing helps. I decided to smile and thought it might not help, but it sure can’t hurt.” Marlene laughed again.

“Can’t worry about that now,” Grace replied. “We have to run before the cops get here. Come on!”

"So you've heard of me? Yeah, doesn't surprise me. Hard to be the best secret agent in the world and still keep it under wraps. I'm sure you can empathize with that situation you clearly know nothing about... Ms. Breaking-and-entering. Speaking of entering..." Archer cocked an eyebrow Lana's way that frustrated her in at least ten different ways.

“Just hurry up please.” My voice got quieter. He stacked his sleeping bag on top of the already full cart. He wheeled the cart out and turned out to the street.

“Alright, well… I’d better be gettin’ back home now anyways. I’ll see you later, okay Savannah.”

“Can you go with us tonight?” Nicole asked. “The kids are asleep, and we’ll be home before their parents get back.”

The hallways of Lutz Creek High School were always too loud. The school was just big enough that the shouts and squeals of teenagers confident enough to express themselves tended to drown out the empty gazes of the students who weren’t. It was a hell hole for some and a haven to others, but to Faline Rabe, it was a temporary evil to be dealt with for one more year.

Logan hadn’t noticed. Looking back now, he was mildly embarrassed he hadn’t seen it coming. Ever since summer vacation ended, Eliza had been acting different. She seemed happier, and had the air that she knew something everybody else didn’t. Not in a snobby, “I know something you don’t know and now I’m going to rub it in your face” kind of superiority. It was entrancing, like if you got close enough to her, you would know it to.

“Lets all sit together and watch scary movies,” Anthony said as he got in the car, “I’m sitting by Samantha.”

"We're running late already," she said anxiously. "How about you go and bring the guys with you? Meanwhile, Rohini and I will take care here?"

Amy announced, “Hi, I’m Amy and he is Dane. We got lost in the forest and Dane slipped and broke his wrist. We just need some help. Please. Please. We just need so help.”

Amberly’s head was pounding now. She has had a headache for a month because her thoughts in her head were running crazy. She took a glance at her reflection in the mirror and reached out to touch the image of herself. A tear slowly rolled down her rosy cheek as the thoughts of choosing between her brother and best friend.

It was the dreadful summer of Montgomery, Alabama in 1932, when a couple named Joe and Joanne Toussle had a beautiful little girl named Amber. Amber was always nice, smart, and willing to fight for what she wanted. Her dad worked on the railroads and her mom made biscuits and other provisions to sell at the local fairs. Her parents were very rich and only had her making Amber was the love of their lives. Her life seems perfect but it is challenging growing up in the middle of segregation and racism and the horrid effects it had on people today.