17 chapter seventeen

They sat round the table for two.

Amber smiled; when they saw the candles on the table and the bottle of her favorite wine.

Rather, their favorite wine. They drank this wine after a family gathering; when everyone except the both of  them had retired to bed. After they had cleaned the kitchen, they would take a bottle of wine and two glasses to their room and celebrate for a successful day gone. Nicholas would take three glasses and Amber the rest of the bottle; she always found herself in her short nightie in his arms and his legs over her, the next morning.

'Really? You could have just told me, it was DIAMOND's Nick.' She said with a smile.

He couldn't be more proud of being her husband right now.

'It would ruin the surprise.' He said taking his menu to look at.

He gave her, hers though it was right in front of her.

When he gestured for the waiter, she asked him. 'Is there anything special happening?' she dropped her menu.

He smiled. 'Must there be something important before I take my wife for dinner, Amber.'

Amber looked right and left to see if anyone heard  them. No one because DIAMOND's was a big fancy classy restaurant. There wasn't always crowd and everyone minds their business.

'You are still insisting, Nick.' She was talking about him calling her his wife in public.

'I love you, it's not a crime for me to say it. Especially when I still have a few months left.' He grinned as the waitress approached them.

Amber watched as the lady did a quick look on Nicholas before looking at him again, slowly this time carefully undressing him with her eyes and Nicholas didn't notice because he was scanning the menu book.

'My name is Happy. I will be your host for this evening.' The girl blushed, making Amber almost laugh. 

She touched her nose to conceal her smile.

Nicholas looked at Amber smiling, he wondered what she was smiling about, before looking at the waitress; who was gaping at him with her note in her hand and her buttons half opened.

He closed his eyes and opened it but the figure remained as it was. He shook his head. 'Hi, Happy. I will have....' He checked the menu again and read out what he wanted, before looking at Amber, who was smiling said what she wanted.

'And for dessert.' The girl stressed the last word, biting her lip in the process as a way to entice him.

He cleared his throat as he could hear Amber's chuckling. He read out what he wanted.

'Amber?' He asked her, when he finished.

She shook her head, still smiling.

'Make that two, please.'

'Coming right away.' She said and blushed taking Amber's menu from her and she moved to Nicholas, she bent to him to see her cleavage, he just shake his head and used his hand to rub his face. And she stood.

'Happy?'

The girl stopped.

'Is that your real name?' Amber asked with a smile.

'No, I am called Happy here.'

Amber couldn't help it. 'Why?'

Happy smiled and looked back at Nicholas, with what looked like a drunk face. 'I can make you happy.' 

Then she walked away to get their order.

'Really? Amber?'

She shrugged. 'I just wanted to know.' She said defensively.

He frowned.

'Is it hot in here, Nick?' She said with a smile.

He shook his head. 'You do really like teasing me.'

She half laughed. 'It is entertaining.'

He shook his head again.

'Do you remember Jessie, Stacy, Queen, Sandy.....'

'So much so....Amber I picked you. 'like that wasn't the truth.

'Why did you?'

He stopped the circles he was drawing on his side of the table and pulled his chair to her side,

He turned his face to look at her but she was not done talking.

'Out of all the prettiest, why did you choose to pick me. Like I was special. I hated spending time with you, why Nicholas and then suddenly after claiming I was different, you left.'

He raised his hand to her face and he was mostly glad Amber did not push him off.

'I picked you, Amber. Because you were different, because you are different. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you because you are special. No one can treat you better than I can. I love you so much, even if I don't deserve you but I didn't want to leave, I hated myself for a whole year, the whole time I worked I could think of nothing but you.....immediately it was almost Christmas and uncle Trevor gave me that offer, I wanted nothing else than to come back to you....because you are my better half.' He paused as he caught his breath.

Amber gave a small smile, she liked the effort he was really putting, when the truth was he didn't need to put too much effort. She knew he felt about her.

'I know you love being with me, like I love being with you, that is why I want to show you how much I missed doing a lot with you.'

'We went to dinner a few weeks ago.' She reminded him, incase he forgot.

He shook his head still gently caressing her cheeks. 'I can't bear the thought of you leaving me, of us not being like this....of me not being able to touch you.....'

She smiled and immediately shook his hands from her face. 'Nicholas, this is not the sitting arrangement we came to meet.'

He paused for a second before he saw her fingers indicating the closed space between the both of them. There wasn't any space.

'They can just arrange it back.' He did a shrug.

Amber rolled her eyes. 'I am not going to run away, Nick. I will be right in front of you.'

He looked at her for a minute and he stood up before putting the chair in the original position

and taking his seat. Not because of what Amber said but because it would give him the chance to admire how beautiful, she was in front of him. He couldn't be more proud of his choice.

Amber looked round when Nicholas took his seat. She remembered the place; it was owned now by another person and the place even more expensive, that is why it isn't as busy as it was back then.

'Amber, why are you smiling?'

She looked at Nicholas, who smiled back.

She gave a short chuckle. I remembered the fake proposal before the actual proposal.'

Nicholas proposed to her using a fake ring, in his bid of practicing how he was going to propose to his future wife by using her as his fake future wife to perfect his proposal, a lame excuse she

called it and it was practically funny to her because she wasn't even dating him yet; although at that moment, she considered him datable; few months after dating him he gave her a real proposal and a real ring in public, she was dumpfounded.

He smiled, this is how it should be, she should think of happy moments not the sad ones.

Speaking of happy...

'There is your order, madam.' She placed Amber's dish infront of her and hesitated before putting Nicholas' order dangerously close to the edge of his table where the chair was. So that when it fell on him; she would be ready to apologize and offer him free cleaning service. But immediately she placed it down, Nicholas used his hand to adjust the plate of food before it fell on his laps.

Happy noticed this but her gaze didn't waver, she had a backup plan.

'Call me, if you need anything.'

Nicholas nod at her. Amber wasn't even sure she heard her say thank you because after mentally undressing Nicholas, she excused herself.

'Girl!' Nicholas mouthed looking at Amber who could not keep the smile off her face.

'She left you a little message.' Amber added pointing to the side of his plate.

Nicholas looked at it, there was a small note. He pulled it out and immediately dropped it on the

table.

'Her number.' He said as he rolled his eyes.

She could see the handwriting, neat and visible; her address, name and number.

'I don't know what they see.'

She turned to her food. She was going to act like it didn't hurt to be considered insignificant in Nicholas' presence. It did hurt to see girls fling themselves in front of him like he was single. But he wasn't. He is her husband, he is still her husband but they weren't the problem. If she didn't want him to show her off as his wife because of Jake. He could much less do whatever he wanted.

She didn't have to care because she wanted a divorce, don't she?

She knew what they saw and each girl that came, felt he couldn't get what he wanted from her.

She ate quietly.

Nicholas didn't seem to notice, because he kept talking. By the look so it, he didn't really care what those lady thought of him, he was actually more interested with what she thinks of him.

She smiled at what he was saying; she could decide to be with him again but she didn't want to leave Jake after he endured her pains and unreturned affection.

Everyone gets their heart broken, Amber.

And Nicholas could leave her again and this time without a heart.

She faked  a smile when he looked in her direction.

'Benjamin Wang came to see me today.' She heard.

That got her full attention. She looked at him, and he finished his meal. 'What was Benjamin doing in your office?' She asked half smiling. Although they decided to be friends, did they just kick start on their friendship? She haven't even gone on that dinner date she promised.

Benjamin was the kind to wanted to know his friend's friends and he was even more entertaining and fun to be with.

'What did you guys talk about?'

He smiled as he looked at his glass of wine for a minute before raising his gaze to look at her.

She could read something underneath his eyes but she didn't know what exactly. To stop her amusement by the possible reasons, Nicholas had looking at her the way he did. 'What?' She asked half laughing.

He licked his lips and lean on his hand that rested on the table in front of him. 'I didn't know, you were the school best runner.'

She shook her head as she smiled at her past memories; Benjamin had just stolen from her.

'I didn't know you won best outfit at your graduation party.

Her smiling turned into laughing.

'Wait, I am not done.' He said to suppress her laughter.

She couldn't contain it.

'I never thought you could actually hit someone.'He laughed.

She reduced her laughter. 'He did say he was going to remind me on that the next time we

meet.'

'Yeah, he reminded me of a lot, I didn't know. How is that?'

She cleared her throat and smiled as someone reached the table. It wasn't Happy this time; she said thank you before the young man excused himself with a smile; maybe Happy was busy; she would have loved to see her flung herself in front  of a man, that had no interest.

'I didn't hit anyone.' She said defensively but he gave her a I-don't-believe-it look.

She smiled. 'It wasn't that I meant to do it on purpose.' She laughed out her heart.

She told Nicholas about her college days, she had been punished for something she didn't do

and Benjamin was just watching trying to suppress his anger to flare up at the teacher because he did that a lot; he was suspended twice and for that reason he kept his temper in check.The person she had been caught with came to rub salt to her wounds and Amber just angrily walked past that person by bumping into that person, with no intention to hurt her but show her how much she hurt Amber. As soon as she bumped into her to pass; her classmate stumbled and fell into someone project that was due that morning. She stopped at the end of the stairs and looked up to know the reason for the sudden noise, she saw the girl trying to plead with the other girl that she was sorry it wasn't her.

Without a word but a small smile, Amber walked down the rest of the stairs with a smile of satisfaction on her face.

It wasn't intentional but it served its purpose.

Nicholas laughed as she finished, he looked at her for a while. They could have been best friends if he wasn't so hard on her and if she wasn't keen on putting space in between them.

Maybe if he knew her better, he wouldn't have walked away.

He sighed as lifted his glass to his lips about to sip his wine. Amber was his wife and his friend and he was going to keep the promise they made on their wedding day. For richer and for poorer and until death do them apart.

'And Benjamin?' He asked with a smile.

She smiled.

She told him about how she met Benjamin, he had spoken to their teacher in Chinese, when the man questioned him in the same language. Others in the class laughed because the language was strangely funny but she didn't laugh. Benjamin came to meet her at the end of the class to talk to her and he spoke to her first in Chinese thinking she would understand but since she didn't, he repeated what he said in English, instead of giving him her name like he asked, she just told him; 'what makes you think I understand Chinese?' In English.

And after that, Benjamin followed her almost everywhere.

The dinner was great, they talked about a lot of things, Nicholas told her how he did in Europe and Italy. What he did there, who he worked with. They used this dinner date to know more about who they were. After he had finished his third glass of wine, he said he was done, they could leave; they stood up, taking their things and leaving without the note.

She got to her car and he got into his. This time, he let Amber go ahead of him. He smiled

watching her drive, steady....he was amazed that even though the road was free and empty, she didn't drive fast. Her driving lessons had only taken two months and two weeks. She learnt fast.

When she drove into the garage, he stopped his car and got out to bid her goodbye. Amber

opened the door just as he got to the truck of her car.

She stopped as Skype moved to her and run around her before Amber stroke her head and then

she ran to where Nicholas was before he reached Amber. She had someone was in her house but she smiled at Nicholas she was going to give him the idea to worry. Nicholas bent down and let the dog

lick his face; before he stroke its head but Skype kept moving around him because she could perceive something 

Nicholas laughed. 'You are always in a hurry, Skype.' He told the dog, holding her back.

'You don't know how much.' Amber said as she laughed.

He sighed and looked at Skype; who kept waggling its tail in happiness and his mouth opened in joy; like its master has not gotten her something in like for forever.

'Alright. Calm down girl!' Nicholas told Skype.

Skype sat still waggling her tail and her tongue hanging out.

Then Nicholas brought out the treats he hid on his back pockets. Skype couldn't be happier, she stood up and waggling her tail more and her mouth opened. Nicholas took the

position like he was about to throw it; Skype immediately sat while her front paws in the air like she was going to catch it.

'I don't know why you like giving her treats. She won't eat again.' The real dog owner told him.

She had lived with Skype more than he ever had.

He nod at her. 'Skype is smart, she wouldn't want to upset you by not eating.' He said as he

knew the treats in the air and Skype caught before it reached the ground.

He brought out the remaining from his pockets and gave it to Amber.

'She has to eat.' He said as she collected it from him.

Amber smiled at him and looked at her dog as she sat chewing the end with so much strength and excitement, she just hope Skype does not injure herself.

Then she looked back at the person she had loved and the person she still loves. She had a

great time tonight, going over good memories. The experience he had at his work before

coming back home and she had told him about the family, what he didn't know. She liked talking to him.

He touched her arm as his gaze met hers and held.

'Thank you for having dinner with me.'

She smiled at him and only because he smiled at her first.

'It was a great dinner, Mr. Mitchell.' She said with a chuckle.

He shrugged. 'I aim to please, Mrs. Mitchell.'

They both laughed. She was going to let him off the hook this time and she wasn't going to

correct him.

'I will like to do this again sometime.'

Anytime is a good time to hang out with Nicholas, he lifted her spirits and Jake who was in the house, right now?

She sighed silently when he moved closer to her and gently tucked her hair behind her ear.

She looked into his eyes, sincere and trusting. 'I am.....' She heard him paused, he was still

looking in her eyes, like she did his but something registered; his eyes a little bit sad and his body indifferent.

She could feel it from where she stood; she only had a explanation for the sudden change of mood; Jake was watching them and Nicholas had seen him.

His eyes relaxed again and he gently rubbed his thumb on her elbow.

' I am glad this dinner happened Amber.'

She wanted to say she was too but she didn't find her voice. She just nod.

He moved closer to her ear and tilted his head and whispered. 'I love you.' she knew that, he had told her many times than she could count.

Then he kissed her cheeks, slowly before moving back to look at her face, just as he opened his eyes.

'Have a good night, Mrs. Mitchell. I will call you.'

She just nod. She watched as he pat Skype's head before leaving. He looked at her. One last

time before he started the engine and drove off. In her head, mentally she counted five before she turned but not before thinking of words to explain what his eyes have just seen.

'Come on, Skype.' She told the dog.

Skype carried her remaining piece of meat and followed Amber.

She ignored Jake as he moved aside and let her pass into the house, he closed the door after Skype; immediately the door closed.

'Amber, where are you going?'

She stopped and scoffed. Like that was a stupid question. 'To pull my clothes, Jake.'

'Amber, are you joking, right now?' His question came out with anger at the edge of his voice. He walked to where she stood by the couch.

'Amber, what is your problem?' His voice rose and his eyes darkened.

She looked at him; she had seen him angry before, he didn't look this terrifying and intimidating.

'Jake.....

'What do you think, you....you are doing?'

She looked away; she has been thinking.....not now?

'I was standing right there and you let him touch and you let kiss you.'

Amber sighed. She had parked her car and had noticed someone in her home, she had thought Jessie was back from her trip but it wasn't Jessie; Jessie didn't go through her library to read anything and she didn't leave the kitchen light on and she had thought it was Jake because of the last time he was here. That was why she had taken her time to come out of the car.

'Jake, He is trying to woo me back.' She said, trying not to sound like it was a good thing.

The edge in his voice was unmistakable. He grabbed her hand. 'You think I don't know that!'

Skype barked, loudly for that matter. Shocking the both of them. Jake reluctantly let go of her

arm and clear his throat in attempt to reduce his voice.

She looked at Skype; trying not to smile; because honestly, she was proud of Skype right now.

He tried to move closer, Skype growled and if you try and push your luck; you might not see the end of what Skype would do. She heard Jake oneday telling his friends; he preferred to lock Skype up whenever he wanted to talk with his girlfriend but he had never had the opportunity, because Amber never let Skype out of her sight whenever he was around whether they were cool or not.

'Amber, what you are doing is not....right. Going out with him....doing things with him....'

She sighed, this was going to be one long talk, she needed to sit because her legs hurt and she needed a glass of water.

'I need a glass of water.' She said, he nod his head and moved so that she could pass by him. She dropped her bag and went to the kitchen. Jake followed her.

She opened the fridge to put the treats she collected from Nicholas, into Skype bowl and covered it with its lid before taking a bottle of water from the fridge and then she closed it.

All these while, Jake was waiting for her to stop moving. He didn't like talking while she moved, he preferred undivided attention.

She washed her hands and dropped the bottle of water on the table to get a glass for herself.

After she rinsed the glass and placed close to the bottle. She made to feed Skype. Jake

watched her as she moved around.

She went to get Skype's empty bowl; washed and rinsed it before cleaning with the napkin.

She served her and did the same for her water. Skype didn't wait to be called, she had seen Amber put the food and her treat had finish, she went to eat.

Amber wasn't sure she wanted to have this conversation in the kichen; she decided as she finished the water and refilled it, rinsing the glass and cleaning it before putting it back on the shelf.

When she was done, she bent over Skype, carried her food and water; Skype and Jake looked at her.

'Are you coming?' She asked him.

He nod. She carried Skype's bowls and put them in the living room; where she likes sitting and she sat on the couch, close to her. Jake observed her and the dog for a minute before taking his seat closed to her.

He forced a smile on his face. 'Sometimes I think you care for Skype more than you do me.'

She laughed. He was comparing himself to Skype, when he should be talking about Nicholas.

'Dogs actually are a better companion than men.' not the best answer but the truth. She said as she looked down at Skype.

He nod. 'You should tell Nicholas this so that he would know his stand. And that you have

someone in your life.'

She looked at him. She wondered. how  he would feel if she told him, she was still in love with Nicko!

Instead she said; 'I have told him....I have told him, repeatedly that I have someone in my life.' which is the truth

But Nicholas isn't the kind to give up on something he wanted without trying to get it.

'Maybe you haven't convinced him, you love me enough.'

She looked at him. He looked at her back with gray eyes and chiseled jaw and a little moustache he shaved off not too long ago.

If someone asked if she did love Jake Darnell, she wouldn't want to lie to save herself because

she knew the honest truth. She didn't love Jake. Not even less than the way she loved Nicholas.

She cared about him, because he tolerated and cared for her in Nicholas' absence, when she even tried to convince her parents she was fine but love?

Love. She sighed.

Love is an affection between two people, who can stand each other, between two people who

could do anything for one another, between two people who were more than friends, between

two persons who were willing to give anything for the other, between two people who watched

each other's backs, between two people, who have similar attraction towards the other.

Love is not jealous.

That is why she can't claim to love Jake when she didn't; yes she cared about him; he had quite a temper and she was afraid, oneday, he'd strike her because he is upset.

She didn't know how she'd take that but love they say it is nurtured; she does not know how to nurture her cares to grow into love for Jake as she would like.

Because truth; he has been traveling everytime, he didn't tell her, where he was going sometimes and they go out together only when he was less busy but he knew how she felt for Nicholas when he came back into her life; he should understand she couldn't just forget about the man who had been her friend for two years and the love of her life of a year and still counting.

'Why aren't you saying anything, Amber?'

She looked at him for seconds.

Because she was thinking if this relationship is worth it. 'I care about you, Jake.' She told him instead.

He lean towards her. 'Amber, you promised to get divorced from him to give us a chance to be together freely.' He said like he didn't hear what she said.

Not like Nicholas was stopping her but she wasn't one of the kind women who had two men in her life. She was happiest with one in her life.

'He isn't going to sign the divorce papers without knowing the reason for it in the first place.'

He snatched his forehead and looked at her. 'Just tell him, you want to live your life, without him.'

But she needed Nicholas in her life. He made her happier and according to the Bible he was

her better half.

'He wouldn't fall for that.' Actually she hadn't thought of a reason and he haven't bothered her with one.

'He has given me four months to spend with him, before he agrees to the divorce.' Finally she told him; it was like a weight lifted off her shoulders. She owed Jake nothing now.

He looked at her. 'Four months to do what exactly?'

'Remain his wife, if at the end of this four months, I feel that he still doesn't deserve to be considered. He is going to sign the divorce papers. ' six months actually. But she didn't tell him that; she wouldn't want.....

'Amber!'

She turned to him. 'Hmm?'

He sighed forcefully like she had been trying his patience and he needed to be careful.

'How long have you known?'

'What?'

He sat up cleared his throat. 'When did he tell you this?'

She swallowed the frog in her throat; bringing out the lie with a choke. 'Last week.'

He raised a hand and hit it on his laps and frowned before folding it into a fist.

'And you didn't care to tell me this until now?'

Her question exactly; why had she waited this long to tell him; she had no intention of telling him in the first place. 'I'm sorry, Jake. You have been so busy that I didn't want to....'

He stood up. 'You could have told me, Amber. We are a couple, aren't we? You are supposed to tell me these things, especially when your ex comes back and wants to be with you again!'

She looked at him as he paced round, raking his hands through his hair.

He didn't tell her anything about what he did in his life and she is supposed to be 100% open to him. God! She was allowed to have her own secrets, wasn't she?

Is he forgetting a piece of information; she does not double date; she loves only one person; the person before him and the one who is now after him. How could she tell him all these, knowing kind of person he was.

She watched; apparently Skype had finished her meal, she was lying at Amber's feet watching confused Jake walk up and down the room like she had ruin a perfect plan.

He looked at her suddenly and asked. 'Did you sleep with him, Amber?'

All the things her head had been telling her about him was beginning to disappear. 'What?'

maybe Jake didn't actually deserve her in the first place. He didn't know her at all. Or did he

forget who she was already?

She didn't sleep around and she had only made love to one person; Nicholas Mitchell. Her

husband while they were married. Even when she had felt the urge to be with Nicholas again

badly, when he kissed her. She still couldn't do It, because she was principled, cultured and had a conscience.

When he saw her surprised expression on her face, he continued. 'What else, would that be, since you have stopped every attempt of us going to bed together.'

Now she was pissed, she stood up. She didn't look pissed but she felt amused by his revelation.

'Is that the problem, Jake.'

He stopped walking and looked at her, as Skype stood up too. 'Amber....'

'No, really Jake. Is it that I flopped all your attempts to get me to bed, is that the reason why you think I am sleeping around with Nicholas?'

'Amber...' He tried again.

But he was done. Amber shook her head; she had heard all for the night, worse he thinks Nicholas has slept with her to make her agree to spending time with him.

Man! He didn't really know her.

He moved to her, Skype watched him.

'I heard what you want to say, Jake. By tomorrow, everything will be normal but for now I prefer to go to bed undisturbed.' She told him, her eyes never leaving his. She had told him, her version of the truth and it was his choice to accept it or decided to do something about it.

His choice only.

'Amber....we are not done discussing this.'

She looked away. She was tired of hearing his voice and opinions right now; it won't change anything.

'Jake, I have had quite an hectic day and I will like to rest now.'

'Amber....' He reached out to touch her but she moved back. After assuming what he did; she didn't think he had any rights to touch her.

Not now. Maybe tomorrow but not right now.

'Amber, please..... I don't want to lose you. I really want to be with you.' Came his sorry ass words that were beginning to sound pathetic in her ear.

She nod like she knew already. 'Let's talk tomorrow, Jake.'

But he didn't even act like he heard.

'Amber.....

Skype went in between and growled loudly, he stepped back and was about to try to reach her but Skype barked, her teeth clenched, ready for a bite.

He looked at Skype and then up at Amber; not ready to leave because of the stupid dog.

The door opened causing only Amber and Jake to look but Skype kept her eyes on the man.

'If you try, Jake. She will bite you and I promise, you might not be on your feet to tell the story.'

Jessie came through the door with her bag pack.

Amber smiled at her twin.

'You really should go, Jake. Call Amber or see her at the office. There is no dog to bite you there because believe that by looking her eyes.' She said as she stood behind Amber.

'It is not hunger. She might actually kill you and you know. They are dogs and have no regrets flesh pound or remorse.' She sat down, dropping her bag.

She looked at him; he didn't even move.' Please leave. Speak to Amber tomorrow. It is better and safer and then it is a new day; you don't have remind each other what you have said today.'

He took one last look at Skype; who still haven't moved and then at Amber.

'Amber, please let's have lunch. I really didn't mean the last thing I said.'

Amber just nod.

Looking at Amber and then at her sister,  he excused himself.

They didn't talk for a while until Jessie stood up to check if he had gone.

'Really, Amber.' She said when she came back to sit.

Amber looked at her, as she rubbed Skype's back as Skype sat on the ground. But she had no idea of what Jessie was talking about.

'Do you guys have to quarrel all the time?'

Amber shrugged. 'I didn't do anything, except tell him; Nicholas is determined to get me back.'

She looked towards the bolted door. 'Does he know who you are? Why would he even askyou

that?' She asked clenching her teeth.

'I should have yell at him, for being stupid. Did he think you like other ladies; who wants to get

laid....or should I have told Skype to bite him to remember that insult for the rest of his life?'

She asked with a smile.

Amber shook her head. She couldn't start to imagine what she would have done if he succeeded in grabbing her hand.

'If Skype bites him; he might loose his leg. I wouldn't want that.'

Jessie sighed as she looked at her sister for a few minutes before continuing. 'How do you feel about Nick, Amber since he came back again?'

Amber looked at her twin. She haven't spoken to Jess about her feelings, or about anything but at the end; she was the one of the few who knew her, just the way she was.

'Do you still love Nicholas?' She heard Jessie when she didn't answer.

'Do you still love Nicholas?' Amber returned.

Jessie scoffed before answering. 'I love him...but as a friend. Amber.' She told the real truth

and it sounded like sugar on lips of a child.

Amber watched her.

'I was infatuated with Nicholas, I wanted what you guys had but fortunately, I wasn't the one he picked.'

Enough explanation for her and that was the only explanation Jessie could muster to give.

'You?' She asked Amber.

Amber touched Skype's collar before looking at Jessie.

'I do.'

'Always had.' Jessie finished for her immediately she paused.

She tucked her hair behind her ear. 'What is the problem?' She heard Jessie add.

'Jess, Nicholas wants me back but I am seeing someone right now.'

Jess nod putting a hand on her mouth, to cover her yawning.

'And you don't want to break Jake's heart?'

Amber nod slowly.

'But you know, Am. You can never love Jake, the way you love Nicholas.' She knew that.

'Amber, Everyone gets their heart broken once or twice. it is not your job to amend a heart you broke.' Amber shook her head. Jessie sounded just like her conscience only meaner and more precise.

She didn't want to break any heart in the first place.

'Speaking of your husband.'

Amber looked at her as she tucked her hair behind her ear; sometimes it was hard looking at Jessie because it was like looking directly into the mirror.

'I saw him outside, when George dropped me off. The funny thing is he actually knows George; from where? I will ask tomorrow.' Jessie kept talking.

'He just parked his car outside. I think he was waiting for Jake to leave but you should call him later to assure him you are fine. I wouldn't want to wake tomorrow and attend the funeral of someone I know.'

Amber forced a smile. She was tired and to top it what Jake said about her sleeping with Nicholas and she needed to raise her feet up but she didn't want to misuse this opportunity of talking to Jess. She wasn't this expressive or opened to her.

'I will call him.' Amber assured her; she wouldn't also want to wake up to hear her boyfriend dead and husband in jail; she would just go mad.

She smiled. 'You are really into George.' It was an observation which she wanted Jessie to

shread more light on.

She looked away and smiled shyly; then Amber noticed Skype had left, she was somewhere in

the house.

Jessie really liked George, she could tell because she was visibly blushing. 'How long!' She sneered.

'Four months now. All me being grumpy because he didn't call and I haven't heard from him.' She blushed.

Amber fought the urge to move to where she sat.

'Why didn't you tell me? Did you come home because of him?' No one actually knew she was coming until Jess called her that morning and told her to come pick her up from airport and then her mother had to rush the market to make something before she got home.

She crossed her legs as she leaned back on the chair. 'Partly, yes and because I missed home.'

'Why didn't you tell me!' Amber asked again with excitement as she clapped her hands together.

'Because you will only insist, I tell you how it happened and you might ask a lot of questions.'

'Oh!' She answered disappointed but that didn't stop her.

'How did it happen? Was that why you left Nicholas?'

Skype had taken her seat again.

'Am, Nicholas and I spoke about it and it made sense that I can't stop him from trying to change

your mind about the divorce besides I don't want anything to happen to you and blame myself afterwords and at that time George and I had a fight, so I wanted something that wouldn't remind me of him; I picked Nicholas but it didn't workout. I don't think I would ever be happy with him.'

Amber nodded understanding. She remembered why Jessie kissed Nicholas and spoke of him, the way she did to her.

She blushed and put her legs down again. 'How I met George? How would I even begin?' She said with a laugh making Amber laugh too.

Amber watched her for a few minutes; Jessie's face was relaxed and tense-free. She was happy being with George; how come she never noticed anything odd or different when they were in the same room, was it because she was more occupied with her own things that she didn't see it?

'I didn't want you to know, Amber.' Jessie answered the question for her.

Amber smiled.

'The first day, we went for that exhibition. When you said Jake cancelled your date; he showed us a piece of his work...'

Amber smiled as she remembered.

Jake had cancelled his date for other things, he insisted were more important, so she decided

instead of staying at home, looking at all the things she brought with Nicholas at the supermarket, she went with Jessie to the art gallery.

When they got there; people looked at a lot of paintings; Jessie was only looking for inspiration and because the two she brought to the gallery had just been sold; they were standing looking at

a particular art when the artist walked up to them. Amber found the Artwork wild and a bit

confusing until George explained the art for her and then she began to see the meaning behind it.

Jessie had been holding her sister's hand like she was the one being brought to the gallery and wanted to leave.

George had suggested Amber buy it and was about to say the said price. Jessie just blurted.

'I can paint a better artwork than this.' She simply said and the guy immediately took liking of her.

'And who are you? An artist? If not you can't undermine my piece like that.'

Jessie had packed her short hair into a ponytail. She turned to look at the guy.

'An artist should defend his work no matter what. No one is undermining your work. I am just frankly telling you; I can do better than that.'

She could tell that her sister have never gotten this kind of attention on a first meeting. She was suddenly lost of words, when he came close to her.

'How about you show me your work.' He suggested when she didn't say anything.

She raised her eyes to look at him and all she could do was lick her lips and stammer.

'I.....it....is...not here..right now.'

Amber had understood; she had no problem meeting the guys but she had one now meeting him.

He nod like he had come to a conclusion, before he turned to Amber again. 'I....'

'I have an idea.' She blurted out. Amber wasn't sure she thought it through before talking.

He turned to face her. 'I believe I am good enough.....better than you. Let's make this a competition.

We have a guest and a judge.' She gestured to Amber. Amber had the faintest idea of what she wanted to say.

He shook his head, looking at the both of them before his eyes rested on her. 'She is your sister. We need a subjective opinion here, fair and square.' He told her.

Amber couldn't help it. 'What are we talking about?'

'A competition; we will paint something, anything and give it you to judge.' Jessie was saying.

'Jess, I don't understand art.'

The look of disappointment showed clearly on Jessie's face as she knew George saw it because he smiled.

'Put it up for exhibition instead or maybe charity.' She suggested, she didn't want to be caught in this trio.

The man nod his head as he agreed.

'What does the loser get?' He said his voice excited. Ready to make her see he could paint a better artwork than her.

She honestly didn't know. She thought about it but couldn't come up with anything, so he helped her.

'A date.'

'A date?' Amber asked.

He nod and pointed to Jessie. 'You will go out on a date with me.'

Amber thought, Jessie would reject the offer but she just scoffed and nodded. She was set on winning.

'The winner gets this space for the next exhibition.'

Amber looked at her sister; she had told her that every artist gets only two spots to display their

artwork and she was leaving the guy with one?

She sighed as she raked her hand through her hair; did she forget this was Jessie Pade. The Jessie Pade and she could do whatever the hell she wanted.

'Deal!' She saw the guy stretched his hand to seal the deal.

'Deal!' Jessie shook his hand.

'I am George Hastings by the way.'

'Jessie Pade.'

When they had gotten home; Jessie talked about him too much and his self confidence and she said she would show him; he shouldn't always be so confident.

'It had been a crazy date.'

'And soon after you disappeared.'

'I got an offer, Am. I told you.' She said defensively.

After she left; George used the opportunity to be friends with her and made it a ritual to give her one of his best paintings every year. He was sweet.

'And now?' Amber asked her future  

plans with George.

She shrugged. 'I am going to travel, I can't be here my whole life, Amber.'

Amber nod. 'Have you discussed this with him?'

'I have been planning on it but there is no perfect time. Something worse happened.' She said

embarrassed as she covered her face. Skype opened her eyes and closed it again.

Amber stood up and moved to where her sister sat, she sat on the arm of the chair carefully not to step on Jessie with her shoes.

'What happened, Jess?'

She sighed and then shyly; showed her, her right hand; Amber looked at it for a moment before realizing the difference.

'He proposed to you!' She screamed for joy on the sofa, she sat with Jessie.

'Why aren't you happy?' Amber asked when she noticed that Jessie did not scream with her; normally girls love seeing an engagement ring and being proposed to.

She shrugged again. 'Amber, I love that George loves me and wants to spend the rest of his life with me.....I don't know...I don't know if I am the marriage type.....maybe I am like aunt Sonia.'

Amber shake her head. 'Look at me, Jessie.' She instructed. She wasn't like their Aunt Sonia who by herself decided to live in a house only with her cat while she looked after her nieces and nephews.

Jessie looked at her.

'You are in love with George too, right?'

Jessie nod and it made Amber smile.

'I never thought I was the marriage type until I got married to Nicholas because I love him and

because he loved me back. Marriage is not a bed of roses but you will grow together in love, stronger together.'

'But I have only known him for four months....Five plus since I came back, Amber. Is it enough to know each other before getting married?'

Amber had never seen her sister this disorientated and confused before but it was a good thing;

it shows that even the tough has their own problems.

'Even a year is not enough to know someone, Jess. Even after marriage, you keep getting to

know that person; and for the rest of your lives. If you don't say yes, Jess you might lose George forever.'

Jessie looked away.

Amber tucked her hair behind her ear.

'Go on this next trip with him and tell him, when you guys get back. You will start planning your wedding.'

Jessie nod; she felt even better and then she put her hands round her sister and hugged her. 'I still haven't told Mom.' She said when she released her.

Amber removed the hair from Jessie's face. 'They will be happy, talk to them over dinner on

Sunday. Just the three of you.'

'Aren't you Coming?' Jessie asked when they stood up together but she shook her head. Anthony wasn't around, his work was taking most of his time; so he didn't always come every Sundays for dinner.

Amber went to check the locks again, before putting down the blinds, and she looked at her sister. 

'Uncle Trevor invited me for dinner to see Beth and the children.'

She nodded, picking up her back pack.

'I am bringing George to the wedding.' She told her.

'Nicholas is coming and so is Jake.' She mentioned sadly. It was a disaster.

Jessie shrugged before she started up the stairs.

'I won't worry myself, Amber. Let things play out by themselves and besides you are Amber. You can handle them.'

Amber only smiled. She needed to start praying something keep one of them or the both of them.

If something keeps both of them, Amber. Then you have no date.

That has not been a problem before.

'My sister is getting married!' Amber shouted all excited.

'Yes! I am getting married!' She reply, even more excited.

'Call George tell him, you said yes.' She shouted after Jessie walked up the stairs, swaying her hips.

'Call Nicholas. He really loves you!' She yelled back.

Amber shook her head as she carried the bowls to the kitchen, switch off the light, before calling Skype to come up with her.

Skype climbed on her bed and laid there while Amber went to change after taking a shower.

She was glad she had this conversation with Jessie; they were cool now and talking.

She lay in her bed as she picked her phone, unlocked it. She saw four missed calls from Jake and two missed calls from Nicholas.

She wasn't ready to argue with Jake. She would leave it until morning.

Without checking the time; she dialed Nicholas, It rang a bit longer before he answered.

'Hello.....'He sounded sleepy on the phone.

'Nicholas...Nick, are you asleep?'

He jerked up immediately. 'No, no, no. I am not.'

'You are, Nick.'

He paused for a second. She knew he was looking at the name of the caller.

'No, I'm not, Amber. I just dozed off for a bit but.....'He yawned.

'I am awake now.'

'Is everything okay?' He added.

She nod and remembered he couldn't see her. 'Yes.'

She wanted to expatriate, go into details about Jessie and her but Jessie needed to tell her

parents and fiance the good news.

'I wasn't sure you were okay, since I heard Jake's voice louder than usual.' She heard him.

'Yeah, Jake tends to get angry real quick.'

'I hope he doesn't hit you, because I swear, I will kill him.' And she knew Nicholas was not bluffing. He would not exactly kill him but he would make sure he never think of laying eyes on Amber ever again.

And she didn't want anyone calling Nicholas a monster or she names.

'No, Nick, he doesn't hit me.'

'Alright.' She heard the resignation in his voice.

'Are you okay? Do want me to come over?' He asked.

She shook her head as she put the covers over her.

'Nicholas, I'm fine. You don't have to come over.' She assured him. She knew Nicholas was

sleeping and he'd still fight off the sleep to come over.

There was a short silence before he continued. 'I was thinking maybe you could have lunch with

me tomorrow.'

As much as she would love to. 'I can't, Nicholas. I am having lunch with Jake.

She heard silence and then a little chuckle. 'What?'

'You didn't refer him with his title; just Jake.'

She frowned at his observation. Jake pissed her off a lot.

'He is my boyfriend.' Whatever Nicholas was thinking. That was the reality.

'I am your husband and you love me.'

She scoffed. 'You sound so sure.' He was more confident.

'I am sure.'

She hit the bed with her hand and that was the first time, she noticed the time; almost midnight by her clock. 'Nicholas, you should go to bed. We both have work in the morning.'

'I'll bring you breakfast.' He offered  so that she wouldn't have to eat from home.

She sighed and nod. Since they weren't going to do lunch; she didn't mind breakfast besides she wasn't the type who ate from home. 'Okay.'

'Have a goodnight, Nick.'

'Amber.'

'Yes?'

Few seconds passed, she thought they've been cut off until she heard Nicholas' voice; tired

and sincere.

'I love you.'

She closed her eyes for a few seconds before opening them.

She loved him too but until she had only one man in her life; she couldn't tell him the truth.

'Sweet dreams, Nicko.'

She felt him smile. 'I will dream of you. Sweet dreams, my Amber.' His voice low and sleepy.

When he didn't talk for a second.

'Goodnight, Nicholas.' She said before hanging up.

She dropped her phone by her bed and turned to look at Skype, resting or sleeping or pretending to be sleeping; she didn't know which. She stroke Skype's collar.

'I love you, Nicko.' Then she went into easy slumber