CHAPTER 14

“No, I don’t. I saw you smoking it the other day and thought I would just buy one, in case of times like this.”
“You are very observant. I like you,” Haven said as she took the box and pulled out a stick. She was shocked to find Amber with a lighter too.
After lighting her cigarette, she began to smoke while she looks at the city. There were so many people who were relying on her, praying to her, praying for her happiness and she was wondering if she could take it.
“When did you start smoking?”
“The day I woke from the dead,” she replied.
“That’s a joke, right?”
“It is. It’s been long. I was born rebellious I guess.”
“Why does your family treat you that way?”
“It’s a long story and we won’t talk about that one today. Tell me about yourself.”
Amber began to tell her about herself. She was the only girl and the second and last child in her family. She was nineteen, still in school. There was not a lot to talk about. It seems like Amber was surrounded by fake people just like her too. Was this how the Viper Goddess was repaying her?
She finished her smoke and looked at Amber.
“Did I tell you look beautiful?”
“Yes, you did.”
“I did! That’s good then. I will drive you home now.”
“But it’s still early?”
“I know, we still have two more dates to go and you must go home early so that you can go out next time.”
“That’s true.”
“Now, let’s leave.”
Haven drove from the lookout point straight to Amber’s home. She wouldn’t dare touch her. She was afraid she would never stop. When she arrived she escorted her to the door.
Mrs. St. Claire got out and was surprised that she looked at her watch.
“It’s around 9p.m. Why are you back so early?”
“I have things I need to do tonight and I was worried it will be late when I finish. So, I wanted to drop her off myself.”
“Thank you for being considerate.”
“I should thank you for allowing her to come today.”
“She would have killed me if I didn’t,” the woman smiled and laughed.
“Goodnight Mrs. St Claire.”
“Please call me Rita.”
“Farewell Rita and Amber I will be seeing you,” she said and began to walk back to her car.
“I will call you,” Amber called out and she waved.
She drove off the second she got back in the car. She needed a release and she knew just where to get it.
***
Amber wondered if she did anything wrong during the day. Haven never placed a finger on her and she was worried. She sank herself in the tub and et the hot water soothes her. She was still in the tub when her mother walked in.
“Mother what are you doing here?”
“You were taking too long and I was worried. So how did your date go?”
“It was fine I guess.”
“Why do you say so?”
“I met her family and they are very cruel. She got sick after having a fight with Heart. Mom did you know cigars can cure a person?”
“I don’t know that?”
“Well it did. One moment she was hot all over and the next thing she was smoking and she was fine.”
“I will ask about that later. Maybe your dad knows something that I don’t. Was that all that happened?”
“No, her family thinks she do drugs.”
“What?”
“Helen saw her car and she said she deals drugs. I saw Haven earning her money during that race. She might look playful but she is a hard-working person.”
“I know baby, don’t get sad over other people’s issues.”
“That’s what she said.”
“So apart from all the family drama did you have a great time?”
“Yes, I did. She took me to dinner.”
“Which restaurant did you go to?”
“You have never been there but it’s nice and quiet. They make good food.”
“As long as you liked it and had a great time.”
“Yes, after that we went for a drive and came back home.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t look happy though.”
“Mom, am I not attractive enough?”
“You are princess. Anyone would find you attractive. Doesn’t she find you attractive?”
“I don’t think she does.”
“Why do you say so?”
“She only held my hand when we arrived and after that she never made any physical contact with me.”
She didn’t even attempt to kiss my little girl?’
Amber shook her head and saw her mom face, out was full of mixed emotions.
“I like her,” her mom said.
“Why are you saying that?”
“She respected you. She might be serious.”
“But…”
“Be patient and see where it goes. So, when is your second date?”
“I don’t know, I will ask her.”
“Just be patient girl and it’s time to leave the tub now. You need to go to bed and rest tomorrow.”
“Yes, mom.”
“I love you.”
“Love you too mom.”