Chapter 1
Amber POV********************************
“You bitch,” Alexander yelled, I could smell the vodka from his breath as he grabbed my forearms and pulled me to his face to yell at me, “You are so ungrateful, I asked you to clean the damn house, how is that too hard to do. Before I got home.” He yelled into my ear. He normally isn’t drunk this early.
“B..but I had school today, I just got home an hour ago and have been cleaning. Y... you’re home early.”
He wasn’t listening. He let go and grabbed my hair, pulling me with him to the living room and threw me against the wall hard, “You never learn do you.”
“No, please, I’m sorry.”
“No, you are not, you are sorry for being in trouble,” he told me, “Jeans down and bend over the couch NOW!”
I did as he wanted, there was no point in fighting it would be worse if I didn’t comply. I heard his belt. This was going to hurt so much. He didn’t stop until I was limp, I had lost consciousness and was woken up by my head being shoved in cold water. He started yelling at me, I closed my eyes.
“Did I say you could sleep?!” He yelled at me, he threw me into my bedroom, locking the door on his way out as I cried into the sheets. I can’t. I can’t keep doing this. Tomorrow. I...I have to try. I looked at the sky.
“Why do you hate me so much?” I asked God, I am not really religious. We don’t go to Church. Right now though I wanted to blame someone for my pain. I laid there, it hurt so much to move. I have school tomorrow. I will do it then, I will ask. If they can’t help me, then......then I....I want to go see Mom. I moved and got onto my knees, I haven’t done this before. I have to try.
“Please,” I prayed, “please send me to someone who will love me. I can’t keep doing this.”
I fall into a deep restless and painful sleep. Morning came too fast for me, my door flew open and I sat up fast.
“Get your lazy ass up and get out!”
I hurried to put on clothes and grabbed my bag. It hurt so much to move, it hurt to think. My body hurt all over. I didn’t get dinner last night, and he hurried me out of the house so I didn’t get breakfast. When I got to school I hurried to the lunch room, in the morning the lunch lady would give me something free, but it was a new lunch lady, and she looked at me.
“You don’t have any money on your account, you’ll need to contact your parents to fill it.”
“I...he won’t though,” I tried.
“Sorry, no money, no food.”
“Is there anything that no one wants?”
She watched me looking at my arms, I hadn’t worn a long sleeve today, my mistake, and the woman from behind the counter grabbed a PB and J from the back. Handing it to me with milk.
“I’ll pay for her meal," she said.
“Thank you so much,” I said then turned and ran off to eat before class. I was still hungry after, but I would need to wait until Lunch to get anything. If she is still here maybe, I'll get another sandwich. I paused. I looked at my forearm, maybe? I looked at the principal’s office sign. Students had painted it for him, for the new students on campus who didn’t know where to find him.
Principal Maze is nice, he is cool and when he isn’t busy, he will come play with us at recess. Last time he taught us a new game called Red Rover Red Rover, and it was really fun.
I walked into the office, looking around, I have to try. Right? The receptionist, Mrs. Robins is kind but sometimes can be sour, I’m hoping today she isn’t sour.
“Mrs. Robins?”
“Oh, good morning, Amber, how are you?”
“I...is Principal Maze free?” I asked cautiously. Mrs. Robins watched me looking at my arm and smiled.
“Let me check,” she said getting up and going over to the office, she walked into the office and soon Principal Maze poked his head out and waved me in with a megawatt smile. I followed up behind him as I walked into the room. Anxiety, what if they say they can’t do anything? What if it all ends up bad? Last time I was in his office I had gotten the paddle for fighting. Three with the paddle hurt a lot. But he was kind after, he couldn't hug students but let me stay until I was calmed down.
“What can I do for you, Amber?”
“I....” I started biting my lip, “I need help,” tears welled up in my eyes as I looked up at him, Principal Maze automatically lost his smile and sat next to me. I hiccupped. I was trying to breath and calm down.
“What can I help you with?”
“I...my...I don’t know what to do...maybe this was a mistake.”
“Amber,” he said softly, “how about you tell me what happened, and I’ll see what I can do. If I can’t help then I’ll let you know, but there is a big chance that I could. Please tell me what happened.”
So, I told him about last night, and explained it wasn’t the first time, though the first time had been when I was 8 and started asking about my mom and stuff. But it is getting worse. So much worse he is drinking more and more. Tears were flowing down my face, and Principal Maze rubbed my back trying to sooth me. I was trying to will myself not to break. It wasn't work.
“Do you know of any family you have?”
“No, it’s just him, he had a marriage before me. I know that because of a letter I found a while back from someone named E. I do not know his full name, and I think he had kids, but I don’t know. He burned the letter when he found it. Then...he hurt me after."
“Where is your father from?”
“New York.”
“Okay,” he said softly, his tone was gentle, “are you in any pain right now?”
Tears prick my eyes, as I sniffle, “It hurts to sit, but isn’t it normal, like you paddled me once before.”
“I paddled you because you got into a fight and broke a kid’s nose, fighting is a Zero tolerance here, and you agreed to the paddling as did your parent as well vs the three days suspension. That my dear was discipline, what you are going through is not discipline. There is such a big difference, and I am so grateful you told me Amber, because I can in fact help you.”
“You can?” I asked with my eyes wide. He smiled big, and nodded his head.
“I sure can, now then I am going to make some phone calls, do you want to stay in the infirmary or would you like to go to class?”
“I’m really tired, could...could I stay in the infirmary? Will I be in trouble if I don't go to class?”
“No trouble, and yes you can stay in the infirmary, and Amber I know this might all be new and really scary but some of my police officer friends are going to come and ask you some questions, okay? and my wife is going to come and talk to you.”
“Your wife? I get to meet the extraordinary Mrs. Maze?”
“Yes, ma’am you do,” He said proudly. Mr. Maze loves his wife, “she is very extraordinary, she helps kids all the time who are in bad situations at home. Sometimes they even stay the night at my house, but we will see.”
I smiled at him, “Are you hungry?” he asked me.
“The lunch lady was really nice and gave me a PB&J and milk for breakfast, it was good. But I am still hungry."
He picked up a bag and paused, "Are you allergic to anything?"
"No."
he handed me yogurt cup, "You can eat this in the nurse's office before your nap, okay?"
"Really?"
"Yes. Okay, Miss. Chambers come on, let’s get you to Nurse Jackie.”
“Nurse Jackie is nice too; I like the people here......will....Will I still be able to see you?”
“Let’s take one step at a time, I’ll see you in a bit,” he told me, "Hello Nurse Jackie, Amber here is going to take a nap and can I talk to you in the hall?"
"Of course, just take that bed there."
I ate the yogurt all gone, licking the foil lid too. Finally, I laid down in the infirmary and got some pain medication, and a water bottle. Nurse Jackie let me watch something on her phone and I fell asleep.
Later I woke up to the sound of quiet voices, and I sat up wincing and crawled out of bed, Nurse Jackie smiled and gave me some more pain medication. The two police officers there were females and then a nice-looking woman with a shirt that said. “I love books” I did too.
“Hello, Amber, I am Cassandra Maze.”
“You are Principal Maze’s extraordinary wife,” I smiled, “He talks about you all the time.”
“Does he just,” she chuckled, “well, that is fun to know.”
She watched me a little bit, and paused, “Amber, is it okay we need to take some photos of your injuries you got last night.”
I blushed hard, and looked around the room, “But...I...my bottom...I.”
“I promise, it will just be me, you and one of these nice police officers, we need to see.”
I paused, “C..Can Nurse Jackie stay?”
“She sure can if you want her too.”
Nurse Jackie is an older woman; she used to be a paramedic and went to nursing school to be a school nurse. She had curly gray hair and smiled gently at me. Her grandson and granddaughter go to the school too, but I am not friends with them. I went to her; she hugged me and helped me remove my pants. It was not a great experience, and I was blushing as I pressed my face into her shirt. After they were all finished, Mrs. Maze sat down next to me. Nurse Jackie had to excuse herself and hurried out of the room. Maybe she needed to use the bathroom. Tears were falling down her cheeks. Why is she sad?
I did have to go by Ambulance to the Hospital, the ambulance driver smiled at Jackie.
"Hey Jacks, nice to see you and Amber do you want to turn on the sirens."
"Can I?"
"Sure can," he said.
Mrs. Maze stayed with me the entire time, and later Mr. Maze brought us some dinner while we waited. They took photos, measurements of my injuries again. I got two shots in my bottom. My BOTTOM! I was sobbing into Mrs. Maze’s belly as she held me.
“You are being so brave, Amber, I know it’s not fun,” she said, rubbing my back. When they were done, I did get some gushers as a well done snack. I only had these once before, a long time ago. They tasted good. I had to tell them about what he did to me, what he uses, if there are guns in the house. I didn’t know the answer to their last question.
“Amber, I’m going to have you stay with me and Principal Maze for a while okay?” Mrs. Maze said.
“I don’t have to go back do I? To the house?”
“We will get your things, but you will have me, then Officer Donovan and Officer Garcia at your side. He won’t hurt you.”
“But he is a lot bigger than all of you.”
“What if I call in my other partner, Officer Rodriguez, is he a big guy, would you feel safe?”
“I would have to see him,” I said softly.
“Sounds good,” Officer Garcia made a call as we were leaving the hospital. There was a man on a motorcycle. It was one of those police ones. A huge man walked over, he was tall like a mountain with tan skin and smiled at me. He has a diamond earring in his left ear and I could see tattoos on his neck, and hands. He squatted down.
“Hello, Senorita,” he said in a thick Spanish accent. He stood there, watching me. “I heard you needed some help. Think I will do?”
Yes, he would do just fine. I nodded at Garcia with a smile. Father wouldn’t even reach his chest.
It took a few hours, after I had my things, and was taken from the house. My father tried to attack me, Officer Rodriguez grabbed him hauling him into the air, he stumbled onto his feet. Mrs. Maze stood in front of me getting into his face. She is half his size, and looked ready to fight him.
“YOU WILL NOT TOUCH HER!”
I saw my father paused, Mrs. Maze was scary, and I held on to her. Rodriguez grabbed him, hauling him back further away and Father stumbled. He is drunk. He was on the ground in seconds and Rodriguez cuffed him, reading him rights that he has. I watched as he was put in the back of a police car. I didn’t look back, I held onto Mrs. Maze’s hand, then pressed my fast into her leg.
I sat in a booster seat as we drove to her place.
I got to go to Mrs. Maze house, though before that we went to the hospital where the police were again and I got some medications that I would have to take. An Antibiotic whatever that was and something for the pain. When we got to Mr. Maze’s it was 8pm, and I was looking at the room I would get to stay in, I smiled at it. The colors are blues, white and gray. It was open and bright. I sat on the bed, mine had been on the ground. This one was so comfortable.
“Here we are, you can pick some pajamas from here. These should be your size,” Mrs. Maze said. I looked at them.
“For me?”
“Of course, you get to pick one, and then you can pick a stuffed animal. I noticed you don’t have one.”
I picked the pink with bunnies all over it, and, “OH it’s Cinnamon roll from hello kitty,” I smiled picking up the white squish mellow. I hugged the toy to my chest and smiled at her.
“All yours Amber. Dinner should be ready soon, you can wander around, watch TV and such okay? If you have homework you can work on that too. Nix dropped some off for you."
"Who is Nix?"
"Phoenix Maze is my husband, you can call me Cassandra, Mrs. Maze or Mrs. Cassie, or Cass, I answer to about anything."
“Okay. Umm Imma stay with Mrs. Maze it's weird to call you anything else."
"That is just fine."
I was in the Livingroom watching TV when I heard her on the phone, “Yes, her name is Amber Rosalie Chambers, she is 9. Will be 10 in December 20th, she is a very kind girl at school, my husband works there as the principal. If you would like to speak to him you are more than welcome too, sir. Would you like to-"
Pause.
“Tomorrow morning, I can fly with her if you want......okay, we will see you tomorrow. I will need a DNA test if that is alright, it shouldn’t take very long about an hour of your time....Thank you.”
At dinner, Principal Maze was there, and Mrs. Maze told me about her phone conversation. We were having beef stew, it was nice outside so we were eating outside. I got a big helping with some cornbread. The warm stew in my stomach felt so good.
“Amber, so I found your family that you have in New York. You have two older brothers, and the eldest, Theodore Chambers, is going to pick you up tomorrow, and after the DNA test if you are his sister you'll go stay with him okay.”
"And if I am not."
"Then you will stay with me and Mr. Maze."
I paused, I looked at her, “I...I won’t be able to see you in New York.” I said sadly looking down. Mrs. Maze watched me.
“Oh, Amber, it will all be alright,” she told me, reaching out to me, I slowly took her hand, "I will send you letters, and if you ever need someone to talk to, I am a phone call away. I would never send you to someone I didn’t trust. Theodore graduated the school of Law when he was 19 while he was in high school, he is working on setting up his own company and is working for a very powerful family. He shouldn’t hurt you, if he does,” She watched me, “You call me and let me know, if he hurts you.”
“I will.”
"His younger brother Elliott is also studying law and works as a therapist while in school. they I believe have two boys already living with him, I think are his sons, both school aged."
I slept alright that night, Mrs. Maze read me a story, and I fell asleep feeling safer than I have ever felt before. Morning came soon. Mrs. Maze let me sleep in as much as I wanted to today. I got up at 8am. I got breakfast that morning, and by 10am he was here. I was standing behind Mrs. Maze.
Theodore Chambers is a big man, I watched him from the side of the room confused. He looked at me and smiled, squatting down to my level. He had a tattoo on his left arm, but I didn’t know what it was. He was in black jeans, and a short sleeve gray shirt. He seemed scary at first, but I just watched him. Dark black hair like mind, light blue eyes like mine, he almost looked like Father, but wasn't him.
“Hello, Amber, I’m Theodore, but you can call me Theo if you like, that is what Izzy and Cam call me too.”
“Theo,” I said and paused, “Who is Izzy?”
“Cameron and Isaac are half-brothers to me and Elliott we share the same Mom, but they are related to you too through me and Elliott, so it’s a little weird but consider them your older brothers as well, okay?”
“Okay,” I said, a little confused, though I decided any brothers are family. We both had to spit into a tube for Officer Garcia. Theodore and I stayed with Mrs. Maze at her place as they ran the DNA stuff. After a little more of getting to know him, his favorite colors, food, hobby, I started to feel more and more comfortable with him, but I slowly reached out my hand to him. Noticing a watch on his wrist, it looked expensive. It took an hour, and we got the results back. He is in fact my half-brother.
We headed to a nice car. I paused and hugged Principal Maze hard.
“Thank you.”
He squatted down and hugged me tight back, it hurt a little, but I didn’t care.
“Always, Amber. I’m sorry he hurt you, but I am happy you are going with someone who will love you,” he smiled at me. I looked at Mrs. Maze, hugging her too, thanking her and I got into the back seat in a booster. He made sure I was buckled in, fussing over the booster and smiled at me. I said my goodbyes to Mr. and Mrs. Maze, she gave me her card and wrote Mr. Maze’s number on it as well. I smiled at it, and at her.
“Let me know if you need anything,” Principal Maze said, “Amber is a great student, and is a bit of a wild child when she gets comfortable with you. Though she stays out of trouble, she has her moments. She is very smart, and a very fun loving young lady. Call me if you have questions or concerns.”
“I will, thank you,” Theodore said.
The drive was quite aside from some Christian music playing on the radio. I didn’t know these songs at all.
“Are you hungry?”
“I...A little bit.”
“Do you want some McDonalds? I know Isaac likes them, Cam isn’t a big fan, he likes Taco bell.”
“Can we? C..Could I get a McFlurry?”
“Of course you can,” He pulled into a McDonalds, and I got chicken and fries with a Oreo McFlurry. I was full faster than I wished I was. I watched San Antonio sign to a private airport and paused.
“Are we not going to the airport?”
“We are, my boss is allowing me to use their private jet to get you today.”
“Private jet?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
As he stopped the car, I looked at the Jet and paused. It looked big to me. Inside there was an M, embroidered on a few of the seats. I wonder what this family does to have a private jet! Inside it was large with a big bed in the backroom. There was a TV too. Oh WOAH! This is amazing!
Once on the jet we sat down and buckled up for takeoff, I was having issues with the stupid buckle. I haven’t been on a plane, but these seatbelts are not that hard. I glared at it, I kept trying. Theo moved my hands away.
“I can do it,” I mumbled a little then froze. I closed my eyes tight thinking he was going to hit me. I felt a gentle hand on my head and opened my eyes. Theodore was smiling gently at me.
He chuckled at my response though, “I am sure you can, but once you figure it out, we will already be in the air, goes in like this.” he said showing me. When the plane started to move.
“Th..Theodore?”
“Hmm?”
“I-I’ve never been on a plane before.”
“Do you want to hold my hand?” He asked, holding it out to me. It was large with a few callouses. I paused, slowly reaching for it and put my hand into his. Theodore smiled gently at me. I looked out the window as we were going faster and faster, I held on to his hand tight. He put an arm around my shoulders, and still held my hand. Tears filled my eyes as I closed my eyes tight. When the plane bounced going into the sky I whimpered.
“It’s alright Sweet pea, you are alright,” he said soothingly, “look you can see the city, do you want to open your eyes and look?”
I did, peeking out the window as I watched San Antonio leave in the distance as we flew away.
“Am I gonna be able to see Mr. and Mrs. Maze again?”
“We can come back in the summer time and check in with them if you want.”
“I do.”
“Okay, then we will do that,” he told me gently.
“Father, is he ever gonna...”
“He is never going to hurt you again, I already sent in my report,” he said in a business tone, “Never, you will never see him again, he will never see you again. You are safe, Amber,” he cupped my cheek warmly and gently in his hand, “I give you my word on that.”
“Okay,” I said softly, I shivered, “S-S-So what do you do for work?”
Theodore put a blanket on my lap.
“I am a lawyer; I started taking classes when I was in High school because college courses were free and got my bachelor's in political science and just finished up my JD degree when I was 22."
“What’s that?”
“Juris Doctor degree, let me be a Lawyer.”
“How long did that take?” I wondered, I just wanted to not pay attention to my sadness about leaving Mrs. Maze.
“It takes 7 years. I started when I was 15 with my college classes, and got my BS when I was 19, then at 22 I took the Bar exam, and I spent almost two years in a company. I recently got hired to represent my friend and his family. They hired me as their full time Lawyer, well, almost Fulltime, the man they have is training me now. He will be my mentor for a few years before he retires.”
“Do you like your job?”
“I do,” He smiled at me, “Are you alright Amber? Aside from the flight, I know this is a lot in a short period of time.”
“Did you know about me?” I asked him. He shook his head sadly at me.
“I didn’t, not until I was told about you last night.”
“Oh. I-I’m sorry.”
“Why on earth are you apologizing, you haven’t done anything wrong,” he said to me, “No apologizing, you did nothing wrong understand?”
“Yes, sir,” I said softly. “Mrs. Maze said to ask you about Rules...well when we land. I don’t want to be in trouble before that though.”
“From where I sit, I don’t think you are a troublemaker like your brother Isaac, but I can go over some rules if that will make you feel more comfortable, and don’t be afraid to ask any questions and you can think of any while we are flying if you don’t have any when I’m done.”
“Okay.”
“Since it is September, you will be attending the private school your brothers attend. It’s a great school, it is a catholic school. I think you might really enjoy it. There is a no fighting policy, though a big difference from your school. I understand they could paddle you there, they cannot here.”
Oh I like that! Paddling’s hurt!
“However, I can,” he said, never mind! Ugh. My poor bottom will hurt so much as long as kids leave me be I will leave them be. Though I am really nervous about starting a class where I would be the brand new girl.
“Now right now you are injured and bruised, I will not be spanking you for some time, but it is a punishment I will use in the future. I will promise you this,” he watched me, “I will never take a belt to your bottom, you are far too young for it for one. So, I will use my hand, your brush or a wooden spoon, but you will understand, and we will talk before I administer any discipline to you. I will not abuse you ever. I know I don’t know you very well, but I do love you and I want to make sure you grow up to be the best image of yourself. Do you have questions about that?”
“What if you go too far? I understand discipline. I’m not that dumb but Father always went too far and most times honestly, I didn’t need a spanking. He was just drunk.”
“Elliott is usually there when I discipline, if he feels that I am taking something too far he will stop me. Though I am very fair with discipline. It will hurt as spankings always do, but you will not get the beatings father used to do to you. That was unacceptable what he did to you and should have never happened.”
“Okay,” I said softly, playing with my hands suddenly feeling stressed. Theodore gently unbuckled me and picked me up and let me stand since sitting hurt, I leaned into his knee as I stood between his knees. He smiled at me. Hugging me gently and I tried not to cry. I didn’t want to cry, not yet. I wanted to be a big girl and not do that. He moved some hair out of my face after a bit.
“How about we talk about this later, hmm?”
I gave a small nod, and he smiled.
“Do you like school?”
“I like it better than being at home, so I do like school. Though...I’m scared of starting a new one. Especially with me going to be really new to them all.”
“That is good to hear that you like school....as for the new student I know it’s scary, but I think over time you’ll make some friends and feel more at ease. Trying and doing new things are a part of what life is all about. And Cam and Izzy will be there if you need them. I am a phone call away. Okay?”
“I..I’ll try,” I told him softly.
“That’s my girl, now then do you like to read?”
“Not really, I like audiobooks though I was listening to the ones in the library, and finished the Harry potter series. Though my classes kind of fell because it was so good I had to finish it.”
“What house do you think you belong to?”
“Gryffindor,” I smiled largely. “though maybe Hufflepuff I don’t know. I don’t think I am smart enough to be in Ravenclaw, and I’m not a Slytherin either.”
“I think you do as well, because you are very brave like Gryffindor. You are smart, I think you could be Ravenclaw.”
“I don’t feel brave or smart.”
“It took a lot of courage to ask for help, some don’t ask, you did. In that you were a true Gryffindor.”
I smiled at him, blushing and looked down. Theodore’s blue eyes matched my own and I really enjoyed it. I looked back up at him. He smiled at me.
“I...Can we continue? The...The rules and stuff?”
“If you want to, we can, but we can wait as well.”
“I want to continue.”
“Alright, academics will be a priority. I don’t want anything lower than a B at least, if you are struggling with something let me know and I’ll help you. You will have a bedtime at 8pm, and 9pm on Friday and weekends. Sunday morning, we go to church as we are Catholic. Have you been before?”
“I haven’t been to church before, though...I...I don’t think God loves me,” I said that last part as my lip quivered, “I know he loves others though.”
“I could understand why you think that, but Amber, he does love you. Didn’t you know God is love itself.”
“He is?” I asked skeptically. Father never spoke of religion; I was never baptized that I am aware of. I know a lot of people are at my school.
“Yes, The Christian view which is what we are. Omnibenevolence means God is infinitely good, compassionate, merciful and loving. He does love you, if he didn’t, I don’t think he would have helped you get the courage to ask for help, and he sent you to me. So, I think he is Love.”
“But you’re Catholic?”
“Catholicism is Christian. Some people believe otherwise but we are Christian.”
“When you put it like that, I guess so, but it’s hard.”
“I know it is, sweet pea, but trust me, no one is going to harm you again, I won’t let it happen, and understand this,” he watched me, “People need to stick to the devil they know and not the one they do not. I won’t let anyone or thing hurt you Amber Rosalie Chambers, I promise you that. I will die before that ever happens. You have me and three other brothers at your back now. You’re Not alone anymore.”
“Thank you Theo,” I said, letting out a long breath. His words held power for me.
“Always,” he smiled at me, “Alright back to the rules, I have a three B rule, I want you to dress age appropriately so no butt, no boobs and no belly showing.”
I looked at my chest and looked at him, “Not a problem with the second one.”
He paused and smiled, shaking his head in amusement, “I go with also the 4 D rules, No disrespect, no dishonesty, no disobedience and no putting yourself into dangerous situations. Now the last one will get you an automatic spanking over my knee, but for now if you put yourself in danger well young lady you won’t like the outcome cause I can’t spank you doesn’t mean you will not be punished. Understand?”
“What counts as disobedience, and what does that mean?”
“It means the failure or refusal to obey rules or someone in authority. I am the authority in this example. If I told you to....clean up your room and have been for two days and you don’t do it that is you not obeying and therefore are being disobedient. If I tell you not to cross the street without an adult with you, which by the way you are not allowed to cross the street without one of your brothers since New York drivers are crazy, if you do cross it then that is disobeying me, but also putting yourself in danger as well. Understand?”
“Yes.”
“Alright, Elliott, your second brother. He is just a few years younger than I am, he is in college to be a lawyer and will be done in two years. Isaac is in 8th grade, he will be a freshman next year, and Cameron is a sophomore.. You will be in 4th grade, and you will start school in two weeks. I wanted to give you a little time to settle down and get comfortable with your surroundings and new house. I do have packets you’ll need to start tomorrow, but I’ll help you with those.”
This was a lot of information and I just tried to listen the best I could with Theo talking. I was getting so tired the hospital doctor gave Mrs. Maze some antibiotics I have to take each morning and a pain pill to help with well...pain.
“Are you alright Amber?”
“It’s just a lot of information.”
“I can write the rules down if that will help you.”
“Please.”
Theodore grabbed a paper and wrote them down along with names as well.
The Rules
No Disobedience, No Disrespect, No Dishonesty, No Dangerous situation
Bedtime 8pm weekdays, 9pm weekends and holidays (Talk to Theo or Elliott if want to stay up later on weekends)
No Boobs, No Belly, No Butt showing dress modestly
B’s and up in academics (Let us know if you are struggling)
Church every Sunday, OCIC Monday’s
Family
Theodore (24) Lawyer, Guardian
Elliott (22) University Student, Co-Guardian
Cameron (16) High school
Isaac (13) middle school
“What is a co-guardian?”
“He is also in charge, but if anything were to happen to me then he would take over so that none of you kids get taken from your family.”
“Is something going to happen to you?” I suddenly panicked. I was breathing hard, and Theodore instantly hugged me close.
“No, woah, no, sorry, Bambi, nothing is going to happen to me. I promise you that,” He looked at my face, “I promise.”
“Okay.”
“I also wanted to talk to you about religion, we are as I told you Catholic, are you interested in getting baptized?”
“What’s that mean?”
“How about I tell you a story to help you understand a bit more,” He smiled, holding me close to him, “What do you know about God?”
“Umm. He is the creator of everything.”
“Do you know what gospels are?”
“Like Mother Gothel?”
He laughed, counting on my fingers as he spoke, “No, Gospel, there are four, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Though the story I am going to tell you is about two of the four, Matthew and John. John himself is a Baptist, though there are two Johns. John the Baptist which is Jesus’ cousins and the apostle John which is where this story is being told. John was a messenger who lived in the wilderness and preached to the people who came out to see him. He taught them that they must prepare their hearts for Jesus by repenting of their sins.”
“What’s repenting mean? and what’s a Sin?”
“Repenting means to feel sorry, normally after a punishment Isaac is repenting his actions so that he doesn’t end up over my knee again for another round with my wooden spoon and his bottom. I will mostly use Isaac in a few of my examples, he is a good kid but likes to test me and I think he likes to test God, if he could backtalk to God he would.”
“Okay,” I watched him and wiggled a little. He pulled me close, wrapping a blanket around me when I shivered.
“Do you want something warm to drink before we continue?”
“Is that okay?”
“Of course,” he told me, he got up and went to the back getting something and coming back, he handed me a hot coco and I sipped it.
He smiled, “Alright, as for sin, it’s an act of wrongdoing, a crime in a way. In Catholicism a type of sin like disobedience or rebellion against God, or a failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude or nature. Now, understand though God is also very forgiving, but you repent like with confession, I tell my sins to Father Sebastian, and he gives me hell Mary’s to say or a bible verse to memories, or things I have to do in order to get into the grace of God again. No person is perfect Amber, we all have Sin, and we all go through it.”
“Okay, so I have sin?”
“Yes, but I do not think you have as much as me or as much as Elliott for that matter.”
“Okay, back to the story, Mattie and this Johnny guy.”
“Matthew and John,” he smiled, “Alright where did we leave off, oh, right he prepares their hearts for Jesus by repenting of their sin, he would baptize people in the Jordan River, in this in being baptized it shows that are turning away from sin.”
“So I have to jump in a river?”
“I think putting you in the Catholic classes will help, Sunday school, Isaac and Cameron go as well, and you might make a few friends too.”
“I like learning, I’ll try it.”
“Sounds good to me, alright, now water is used, but a man would come and baptize them with the Holy Spirit. Who do you think that is?”
“God?”
“God’s son.”
“He has a son?”
“Jesus, I am sure you know that you are from Texas.”
“I do, I am just playing with you Theo.”
He smiled at the nickname. I am enjoying the sound of his voice. It is soothing, and gentle as he tells me about John the Baptist, “Stinker, alright continuing. Now at this time Jesus hasn’t made his ministry.....his group of people per say. He is working as a carpenter in the town of Nazareth. The people there were waiting for the messiah to be revealed. They didn’t know it was Jesus. Even at the time John didn’t know, but God had given John a special sign to look for. He told him he would see God’s spirit descend on someone and that man would be the promised messiah,” he said picking up a book, it was a bible and turned to a page showing me as he read. I read along with him, smiling.
“John 1:29-31 in Jesus, the Lamb of God, The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ’Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”
“Lamb of God? I’m guessing he isn’t food,” I said and Theodore laughed a booming laugh that warmed my tummy. I smiled at him, as he looked at me, “So why was Jesus there? To go in the River...River of Jordan? or was it Jordan River?”
“Either one works, and to answer your question he wanted to be baptized, John was shocked and spoke to Jesus, “You’re the one who should be baptizing me and you’re asking me to baptize you?!” Jesus replied, “You should baptize me because this is part of how I will fulfill all righteousness.” John agreed and baptized Jesus right there in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water John saw something incredible. He saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus in the form of a dove. Then he heard the voice of God saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Then John knew without a doubt that Jesus was the Messiah whom God had promised from long ago.”
Honestly, I was interested in his story when I just watched Theodore, he used different voices as he told his story, he was good at it too. He turned to me and smiled softly, moving some hair out of my face.
“Though I understand, Baptism by itself doesn’t save us. Like in Romans 10:9,” he turned the page, finding it, “For man believes with his heart, and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved.” Our sins are forgiven only when we trust in Jesus as our Savior, and our baptism is a sign that we have decided to follow Him.”
I smiled at him, “And you are all baptized?”
“We are, I was as a baby as was Elliott, as for the boys, Isaac was 11 and Cameron was 13. when they came to live with me, I told them the same thing I am telling you. In the end it’s your choice, I would like you to be baptized, but if you don’t want to do anything after being confirmed then that is your choice and yours alone.”
“My choice?”
“Yes, though I teach and tell you, in the end it’s your decision if you want to follow or not. God made us in his image, he gave us the will to choose and make choices on our own. But understand I will not force you, though you will go to church I am not leaving you home alone.”
“I want to try.”
“Okay,” he smiled and kissed my head, “I’ll look into the classes, and Sunday’s mass is at 10:30-12am. We like to go to the Holy Rosary which is 10:30-11, and we will get brunch after, and then you’ll have a class during the week as well, It’s on Monday. I like to go to the OCIA class. I sponsor kids once in a while. Cam is all done. Izzy is getting communion soon since he was confirmed just last year. We normally eat out on Monday’s as well if Elliott didn’t make anything in the Crockpot. The class is from 5 to 7:30.”
“That sounds like fun, are there games?”
“I believe they do play a few games.”
I am excited to learn. I leaned into Theodore feeling safe for the first time in a long time, and he told me more stories, he started off with the book of Genesis. When I pointed and asked about things in the bible, he was more than happy to tell me. A few things in the bible made me concerned, Genesis chapter 4, where Cain killed his brother Abel.
“Why?” I asked looking at him, “It was his brother, why would he do something like that.”
“He was envious that God liked Abel’s sacrifice over his own.”
“He shouldn’t show favoritism.”
“Well I am not sure it was favoritism, at the time God just didn’t want something, that isn’t a bad thing. Though would you like fruit or chicken?”
“Chicken, but it doesn’t say chicken?”
“No it says flock, and I am thinking it’s chicken, I’ll have to ask Father Sebastian at bible study, or you can ask Sister Mary in your class.”
“Okay, so God doesn’t like fruit?”
“I am sure he does, but he didn’t want that, at the time.”
“Are you picky?”
“I am thankful for anything I get as food. That’s why when Elliott and Isaac burned the stew recently I just ate it with no complaint, any complaints got a sore bottom and a choice to eat or head to bed with only a cheese sandwich as dinner.”
I soon found myself asleep in the backroom after I had my pain medication. It made me really tired. I had a dream about Mom, and her being gone, though it felt like she was here. Though it also felt like she was not here at the same time. I woke up to Theodore sitting on the bed, looking at me with concern.
Theodore POV*********************************
I wanted to burn my own father alive and listen to his screams.
So many things I wanted to do, but also so many things I would not do. Well one thing is for sure he will never see the light of day again. My employer is a part of the Mafia, I am not stupid, I have been friends with Henry for years and told him I would always follow him, and I will. Though I don’t need him for this. As long as my family is safe, I will continue to protect them legally. I looked at Amber’s sleeping in the bed in the back. I left the door open, so I could make sure she doesn’t have a nightmare. Isaac had them a lot, he cried out a few times after the first year in therapy he got a lot better. I am signing Amber up as well, that was something I forgot to bring up with her. I will talk to her later about it.
When I got that call about a 9-year-old girl named Amber Chambers, being my sister, well, there was no telling we have the same father, and the DNA showed we are half-siblings. I worked her case writing up a report, and my father will never see the light a day again! And if he does, well....I am sure there will be an accident that will involve his death somewhere.
Elliott though gave me a long lecture on my parenting style. Apparently according to him and the boys I am too strict and it’s starting to get to Cam and Isaac. I am trying to let go a little on what they can and can’t do. Elliott’s voice in my head.
‘You come off strong, she is 9, she is abused and hurt. Isaac and Cam were not physically abused, but they were neglected. Just talk to her softly, tell her about God. You get animated then and are more approachable.’
I had told him I was approachable, and Cameron had busted up laughing, telling me that I wasn’t and I had been left with my thoughts on the way to Texas. I even asked Isaac, he said I am more approachable about issues when I am talking about God. Though he doesn’t have an issue talking to me like Cam does. Cam and Elliott are more close and Isaac and I are close.
I looked at my phone, it was a WIFI call from Elliott and I picked it up.
“Hey, Elliott, we are in the sky, should be landing in a few hours.”
“How is she?”
“Asleep, she is a sweetheart. I think you are going to really like her. Though from what I am told once she is used to us she might be a bit of a wild one.”
“Speaking of Wild ones.”
“What did Cam do?”
“Really?”
“I’m joking, what did Isaac do?”
“He signed your signature on a detention slip I found in his bag; he was being weird when he got home. So, I told him to give me his bag.”
“Well, he was caught smoking last month, and just got off his grounding last week. What are they saying he did?”
“Swore at a teacher and had an answer key to the next math test in his bag. Though he claims he didn’t take the math answers, but did in fact swear at her because she was being.....unreasonable, and accusing him of something he didn’t do. There is footage of someone putting it into his bag, so he wasn’t punished for that. But is being punished for the derogatory language as the letter says, this was for an entirely different class today.”
“Hmm, well he knows better than to forge my signature. Put him on the phone,” I said calmly, and soon a teenaged voice came on. It sounds like Isaac had a really rough day. So I wasn’t surprised to hear a voice that was not only tired, but emotional over the phone.
“Theo, I swear I didn’t cheat and wasn’t going to.”
“I believe you. I am not even going to talk about that, since there was footage of someone putting it into your bag, though I would have believed you even if there wasn’t.”
“You do?” He asked, his voice sounding like he was going to cry. He has cheated on a test before and got one hell of a spanking and ISS for a week and a month of detentions. That was his first year here.
“Why does that surprise you?” I asked, I hadn’t not believed him before.
“Kind of, you usually don’t.”
“Isaac last time you lied to me and I could tell, so yes, I didn’t believe you, dishonesty doesn’t suit you. Now then how was this teacher being unreasonable, what was she wanting? What class was it?”
“It’s chemistry Theo, she wanted me to memorize a formula which is fine but then yesterday she called on me and started gun firing questions knowing that I didn’t fully understand the assignment because I had told her I didn’t understand what she was wanting on the last assignment and didn’t help or explain. Said I was too stupid to even be in her class in front of everyone! So I swore at her. I umm.”
“What did you call her?”
“I told her she was being a Twat.”
“So, she gave you detention when?”
“Yesterday.”
“And the slip?”
“I...I did sign your signature, but you... you were busy.”
“No, sir, you know that isn’t an excuse I tolerate at all, there is Elliott you know he can sign, it’s illegal what you did Isaac. Now I will speak with your teacher tomorrow, you will be apologizing.”
“Theo, please.” He tried to
“Isaac,” I warned, “She is still your teacher, now I do not support how she has been treating you, but Chemistry is a class you struggle in, I get that. I hated that class too, but you do not swear at her, or anyone else for that matter. It’s not okay, and we will have a conversation about it when I get home.”
“Elliott said he was gonna take care of it before you got here, but I had to talk to you about it.”
“I see, then you will follow Elliott’s instructions and do as you are told, but I still want to talk to you tonight. For now I expect your phone, Laptop and game console to be in my office. You will not have it for the next two weeks.”
“Yes, sir,” he sighed, “This is so dumb, she started all this and now I am in trouble.”
“I will speak to her, and if she isn’t going to change how she is treating you well then I will see about moving you to the other Chem class.”
“Honestly, Mr. Harrison sounds nicer at this point.”
“You hated him last year.”
“Yep, if that doesn’t tell you how I feel about this woman I don’t know what will. I at least understood his class.”
“I understand, Firecracker, alright, hand the phone to Elliott. I love you, kiddo, remember that.”
“Love you too,” he said softly, and I smiled.
“Now then go do your homework if you haven’t already. You can read, but no TV. Also, you’ll be heading to bed at 8 tonight, you haven’t been sleeping well lately and it’s concerning me.”
He sighed, “Yes, sir.”
“Hey,” Elliott said.
“I get he is going through a lot, but I want him to learn, this is the second time he wrote my signature. I get that this teacher is new, but she can’t single him out. If they are still there let them know I will be in tomorrow for a meeting.”
“Will do,” he said, “Think she will be alright?”
“It will take time for her. She was really abused, Elliott, you should see the photos, I sent her file to you, I can’t believe he would do this to her. It’s like he is possessed by a demon or something. He was never like this with us, even when Mom left him.”
“I will look over it when I am finished,” he said, indicating the spanking Isaac is going to get. “And you are being gentle to her?”
“She isn’t scared of me, I am working on it, Elliott.”
“I know, I know, I just worry.”
“Hmm,” I sighed. We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone, I heard a whimper and hurried to her side. Amber was hugging a stuffed toy Mrs. Maze got her, she called it a cinnamon roll I think. It was white and had ears.
She jolted awake and looked around panicked. Her eyes landed on me and her eyes filled with tears. She sniffled, rubbing her eyes. As she started to cry softly. I hurried over to her side.
“Amber, sweet pea, did you have a bad dream?”
“I...is it my fault?” She suddenly asked and concern flooded me. What is she talking about? Father?
“Is what your fault?” I asked, sitting on the bed and tucked some of her wild hair behind her ear. Her blue eyes are more magnified with her red crying eyes.
“She is gone, is it my fault? Do you think God thinks it’s my fault? It’s my fault,” she cried.
She? I tried to process what she was asking me, “Your mom?”
She nodded and hiccupped, rubbing her eyes, trying to hold back her own sobs. I wrapped my arms around her the best I could without hurting her. Rubbing her back a little, but just the top, as the bottom of her back, her bottom and the top of her thighs are all bruised up from that monster.
“It’s not your fault,” I said soothingly, “it’s not, she loved you very much. It’s not your fault, not her fault, it was no one’s fault. God doesn’t blame you for that, ever.”
“Why would God take her from me?” She hiccupped, crying into my chest. My heart was breaking at her soft crying.
I paused at her question, kissing her head, “I think he believed her time on this earth was completed. Sometimes it’s hard to understand why he does what he does or why people do things that they do. I know it’s hard, but sweet pea, it’s not your fault. God gave us a will, and we decide how we want to live. Sometimes...sometimes things just don’t go as we planned them too.”
“Do you think my mom loved me?”
“I think she loved you more than life itself. Even though she isn’t here, I believe she is in a place where she can watch you grow and become a wonderful young woman. And when it’s your time, when you are 103 you will get to meet her. I promise.”
She pressed her face into my chest, hiccupping as I tried to sooth her fears and sadness. I had gotten onto the bed with her and held her until she fell back to sleep. I should have grabbed my phone, so now I am left with my own thoughts for a bit, I looked down at the small child next to me. She looks too small to be 9, she almost looks maybe 7.
She is around 3′8" in height, she is so small. Why would anyone hurt their child? I will never understand that.
I slowly slipped away from the blankets and set up a therapy appointment with a trusted friend. I don’t know if she will speak to Elliott, but she specializes in children. Explaining in detail what was going on for her and what had just happened. She was more than happy to meet with Amber this Friday. It is Monday so her week is just beginning. I look into bruising and how to help it heal better, ordering some cream to put on it.
I looked into the classes, and got her signed up. I’ll be her sponsor for the class, and I honestly felt very productive in getting a life started and hopefully she will settle soon. I also ordered a few books on audio, getting her added to the audible account I have. She is 9 but I feel better knowing she will have a phone. She can use the desk top computers for school. She told me her favorite colors are light blue and pink. I can work with that. The room upstairs, I’ll have them paint it and design it for her.
I looked at her sleeping, I ended up staying in the room with her, when she would whimper, I said a prayer for her. Talking to God about her, and what I should do.
Amber POV***************************
I woke up later and ate a sandwich that Theo gave me. Landing sucked, I threw up all that I had eaten. Theo looked sad and was cleaning me up. I didn’t like it and I couldn’t wait to get off his death trap. I didn’t mind taking off, and I slept mainly so I guess flying is fine. I wrapped my arms around Theo’s arm and closed my eyes tight. He put a secure arm around me holding me where I was. Once it bounced once and then it slowed down. Stopping. Oh, thank goodness, I sighed in relief.
“Alright, let’s head home,” Theo said. I looked at him.
“Elliott and the boys are there, we are taking that SUV,” he indicated. The SUV looked wildly expensive. It wasn’t even dark out yet, but I looked at Theo.
“What time is it here?”
“It’s 5pm, we are an hour ahead of San Antonio, not a huge difference.”
I got into the car with Theo and looked around, it was so fancy, “Is this your car?”
“Company car, my boss, Mr. Marino, sent it to take us home. I drive a range rover.”
“What’s that?”
He smiled at me, “a type of car I will show you at home, Amber on another note I wanted to talk about you to talk to a therapist.”
“A therapist?”
“I think with everything that happened and moving across the state to live with us. I think she can really help you go through something’s on your mind. I have seen her a few times and so have Isaac and Cameron. They still see her from time to time. But I set up a meeting this Friday. Do you think you can try it out for a month and see if you like it?”
“I’ll try it, but I don’t know,” I said softly, “what if she doesn’t like me.”
“Give her a chance, Lucy is a very kind and caring person.”
“Ok.”
I looked around as we drove. The city faded into the distance. They pulled up to an iron gate, a code was typed in. The house looked like a castle but wasn’t a castle. It was three stories tall, with red brick walls. There was Ivy going on the house, the driveway up to the house had been long but it was so beautiful. The car pulled to the side of the house, and we all started to get out.
On the side I saw a greenhouse that was attached to the side of the house. There is a large garage to the side that isn’t connected to the house at all. Trees surrounded us, all the leaves were kind of changing in the spot that it was almost autumn. There is a large oak door as the front door.
“This is so big.”
“Do you like it?”
“This is where you live?”
“This is where we live, this is your home now Amber.”
Theodore helped me out of the SUV and I slowly walked to the house. Not watching where I was going I slipped on the rocks and fell hard on my bottom. I cried out in pain. Strong hands picked me up and instantly I flinched. But those strong arms didn’t hurt me. A big hand held the back of my head as Theodore pressed my face into his shoulder, and held me. Swaying side to side. Tears fell from my face as I hiccupped back a sob.
“Are you okay, Amber?” He asked me softly.
“Yeah,” I sniffled. And moved, he let go of my head, and I looked at him. “Let’s go inside and a warm bath will help. What do you say to that?”
“C..May I have bubbles?” I asked more politely.
“Yes sweet pea you may,” he smiled at me pleased and walked into the house. We walked through the front door; the smell of pasta and tomatoes was amazing. Oh food, would...I don’t think he would not allow me to eat. He set me on the ground and I looked around the large entry way. There were stone stairs that went to the second floor.
“Welcome home,” A tall man said. He had on an apron that said, I’m the Chef, deal with it. And his hair was a little shorter than Theodore’s and he wasn’t in a suit, but jeans and a short sleeve shirt. He smiled at me, and I pressed my face into Theodore.
Stranger!!!
DANGER!!!!
When he moved closer to me, I moved more behind Theo. Theo put a hand gently on my head, I looked up at him as she smiled at me.
“Amber, this is Elliott. He is also your elder brother. Well, second eldest.”
I peeked my eye out at him, he looked nice as he smiled at me. He squatted down to be my height since he was tall like a freaking mountain.
“Hey there Bambi, how was your flight? You look tired. Are you hungry by any chance?”
I gave a small smile, and nodded a little. Though also being told I looked tired, I started to feel tired. I yawned a little and leaned into Theo. Two more boys were walking to the front door.
“Stop it,” The younger one said. Holding a slip in his hand.
“Give it back, Cameron!”
“Hey,” Theodore said sternly, and I froze, looking up at him. The boys stopped what they were doing.
“What is this?” Elliott asked, taking the note from Cameron.
“Nothing,” The younger boy said, pausing, “It’s...a test I need signed.”
“We will talk about this later, Isaac Michael,” Elliott said, “for now,” Elliott put hands on their shoulders and went behind them so that I could get a better look at them. They didn’t share our blue eye color, their eyes were green.
“Amber this is Cameron he is 15 and Isaac he is 13”
“Boys this is our little sister Amber she is 9.”
“Hi, nice to meet you,” Cameron said.
“Hey,” Isaac watched me he doesn’t seem happy I am here but then again he doesn’t know me. He also I think is in some trouble. So that is probably why. Elliott handed the note to Theo who read it and then put it in his pocket.
“How about supper?” Elliott said. “Cameron, why don’t you show Amber where the bathroom is so she can wash her hands. Isaac can you set the table please, after you wash your hands in the kitchen,” he said. Isaac walked into the kitchen followed by the two eldest brothers.
“Is...Is he in trouble?”
Cameron looked at me, “A bit, he got a bad grade that needed to be signed and was just going to throw it in the fireplace, so I am sure he is going to get a lecture. They don’t know about the fireplace, so don’t say anything about it unless they ask that specific question, okay?”
“okay.”
Cameron helped me with the water and I washed my hands, and then we headed back to the kitchen. There was a dining room attached to it, and a bar top as well. So if I wanted to watch Elliott cook I could....if he lets me.
Isaac had set the table, and was helping bring food to the table.
“Amber, why don’t you sit down, you have a name card, you’ll be by Theodore,” Elliott told me as he brought it a big pan of rolls. They had steam coming off of them. I walked over and sat down, shifting a little. Isaac saw that and smirked at me.
Why was he smirking?
We all went to the dining room and sat down where they were placed on the table.
Seating arrangements
TheodoreAmber Isaac
Cam Elliott
They passed around things, Theodore got to me and helped me with my plate, I took a roll. It looked so good.
“Amber, do you need a pillow?”
“Wait, why does she get a pillow? I get my butt handed to me and I have to suffer.”
Theo looked at him and said in a warning tone, “Isaac.”
“You are showing favorites,” He accused him. He was shifting on his chair. “Hasn’t even been a day.”
“Isaac Michael,” he said again more sternly, “Amber was abused and is in pain, she was not disciplined. So before you say something else that will get you a trip over my knee, you best, hush and eat your supper after grace is said. Understood?”
Isaac looked at me, and then at his plate, “Understood.”
Theo, held a hand out to me and I took it. He held a hand to Isaac who took it and then took Elliott’s. Cameron and Elliott reached over and held hands. I looked at Theodore confused.
“Lord, welcome Amber Rosalie Chambers into our home tonight. Bless her and everyone sitting at this table,” Theo said softly, I peeked up looking at Isaac his eyes were closed and his head bowed, as was Cameron’s and Elliott’s. So I followed what they did. “Isaac, do you want to say the rest?”
“Lord, thank You for this food. Bless it to our bodies and us to Your service. May we be ever grateful for Your provision and mindful of those who are in need. Help us to use the strength we gain from this meal to serve You and others. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Theo smiled largely at him, “That was a good one. Nicely done, Izzy.”
He smiled a little and looked at me, “Sorry, what I said to you earlier Amber.”
I watched him, “Its...Its okay.”
Theo leaned and whispered in my ear, “Here we say that you forgive him, since when someone hurts you it isn’t okay, if you forgive him say that you do, if you do not say that you are still hurt and will come back to it.”
“I forgive you,” I told him and Isaac smiled at me.
Dinner was amazing, I didn’t eat much but I ate as much as I could. It was so tasty, and I ate all that I could. When I was done, Cameron and Elliott were cleaning up dinner.
“Isaac, can you clean up the dining room, please,” Theo said, “Amber, I am going to show you to your room and get that bath started for you. I want to take a look at your back.”
“Okay,” I said softly. Soon I followed him up the stairs to a room that was close to his apparently.
“There is construction going on the third floor, once the two rooms are done, you get to pick which one you want to be yours. Sounds good?”
“I get to pick.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he smiled. He opened the door.
“You’ll get your own bathroom in here,” he told me.
It was a good sized room, there was a full bed. A FULL! Woah! I looked around. Theo walked into the bathroom and started filling the tub. I felt the carpet under my toes, it was so soft. I walked to the window looking out, there were trees and It made me smile. The lights outside were on a little, bit so I could look around. It was around seven right now, it was still a little light out but not much.
“Are you allergic to anything Amber?” He asked me.
“I don’t think so,” I told him.
“Okay,” he said. I just kept looking around. I placed my stuffy on my pillow. Looking out the window, and then walked out of the room and looking down the hallways. After a few minutes.
“Amber?” Theo looked out and saw me, he smiled gently, “Come here for a bit, I want to take a look at your back.”
I walked back to him, and I just took off my shirt, and he looked at my back, taking his own photos.
“Are you in any pain?”
I nodded at him, he took out some pills.
“Here,” he said, “This is your antibiotic and pain medication,” he told me. I took them, and yawned after.
“Alright time for a bath, once you are in, let me know when you are ready to wash your hair and I’ll help you wash your hair.”
“Okay,” I said and went to the bathroom and then got into the bathtub. It smelled so good, it hurt my cut on my side and when the water hit it. I cried out.
Theo spoke.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” I sniffled, I washed my body and soon was ready for him to come in. I had tried to do it myself, but when I grabbed the shampoo it fell over onto my head, I slipped. I slide down the tub, my head dunking under the water and my feet flying up.
I felt strong hands sit me up, “What happened?” Theo asked.
“I was gonna wash my hair.”
“I said I would help you, Amber,” he told me.
“I didn’t want to bother you.”
Theo sighed, he stood me up and wrapped a thin towel around me, before having me sit back down and helped with my hair. After we were done, he helped me out. Taking the wet towel away and giving me a new clean one.
I walked out and he was looking for pajamas. Mrs. Maze gave me some new pajamas. They are pink with bunnies on them, it was a gown so I put it on.
“Alright, time for bed,” he told me, “in you go.”
“It’s not cold,” I told him, looking at him.
“No,” he chuckled, “There is a heater on the bed, and I turned it on when you got into bed. So it wasn’t cold.”
“Thank you,” I smiled at him, snuggling into the bed. I looked around, the room seemed dark, “Theo? Umm....could I...it’s...is it gonna be dark?”
He paused, “One moment,” he said, he walked out and a few minutes later walked back. He plugged in a night light and I smiled.
“Alright,” Elliott said, “How about I tell you a story, I know you like Theo more, but do you think I could read you a story?”
I thought about that, Theo looked at me, and I looked at him. I know Theo said he needed to talk to Isaac, and probably wants to go do that. I smiled.
“Yeah,” I said softly. Elliott smiled, holding a book in his hand.
“I have a few for you to pick from,” he said, putting them on the bed.
“House on the Prairie, Adventures of Pippi longstocking and Saint Catherine of Siena.”
I looked at the books, “Umm, I don’t know, the Catherine one. Mrs. Maze started reading that one to me last night.”
He smiled and sat down. Theo kissed my head, “good night Amber, I love you.”
“Love you too, Theo. And...Theo?”
“Hmm?”
“Thank you.”
“No Thanks needed, darling girl, you are safe here.”
Elliott sat by me as he read to me, I yawned a few times. Once he got to Chapter 2. Since I only finished the first the night before.
“Do you want to pray before you sleep?”
“I don’t know how.”
“How about I give you a bedtime prayer that a lot of kids use.”
“Okay.”
“Bless me, Lord, as this day ends. Bless my family and all my friends, keep me safe throughout the night, and wake me with the morning’s light,” he said.
“I...I don’t have friends.”
Elliott looked sad when I told him that, he smiled a little and kissed my head.
“Maybe ask him to send you a friend? What do you think?”
“Okay,” I smiled, saying the prayer with Elliott again, this time asking if he could send me a friend at school. I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer. Elliott kissed my head.
“Get some sleep, Bambi.”
I smiled at the nickname, and yawned.
“I love you,” he told me. I didn’t answer him back, falling fast asleep.
