years. Her mind falls into the rhythm of sleep and her breathing slows to a restful pace. All is well in her world, for the moment at least.
Amber knows better than to take her comfort for granted so she savors each breath knowing that it may not last. Something about her seemingly draws trouble no matter how hard she tries to stay out of its path.
Dark Dreams
Amber wakes from a deep sleep in a cold sweat, her sheets wrapped around her from intense tossing and turning. Her damp hair sticking to her face, fear burns in the pit of her stomach.
The bright light washing the room in brilliance is so different from the darkness she has just left. How can dreams feel so real? She trembles at the thought of all the blood, she can't get the rivers of blood out of her mind. She has dreamt of the dark man standing on top of the temple before.
She is watching from the bottom as the blood runs down the steps. It washes over her, she feels the warm wetness splashing over her and tastes the saltiness she can't keep out of her mouth. The metallic smell filling her nostrils makes her gag, suffocates her. She rushes to the bathroom to purge the taste that remains in her mouth.
Feeling ill and uncomfortable, she knows she has to shake it off. She can't succumb to the temptation to cower in her craziness. She has to find a way to be normal enough to live a somewhat sane life.
She allows a warm shower to wash away the sticky remnants of her dream and washes her hair twice for good measure to ensure the last memories of the blood bath are out of her head. Today she will go shopping for some work clothes to keep her comfortable in this warm environment. I wish I’d asked Rissa about her dress, she thinks as she sorts through her meager wardrobe.
The day turns out to be a good one full of shopping therapy and great finds. The bright colors and light fabrics of this climate suit her athletic body well, she is petite, only five and curvy in all the right places.
Amber has no trouble finding new clothes for work and a couple new swimming suits for play. She has already fallen in love with her new strappy wedge sandals. This climate is going to do her some good, maybe she will even get a tan... eventually.
Her pale skin may never have a sun-kissed glow, but she does worship it nonetheless.
With a new wardrobe Amber is feeling confident about her new employment. Life has finally given her a fighting chance. Still getting used to people smiling at her as she walks by, Amber is a bit uncomfortable with the positive attention.
She knows clothes make a huge difference and the luxury that no one knows where she has been makes it easy to pretend she is normal. Amber focuses on walking with confidence, smiling back and pretending to believe she belongs here.
Feeling fantastic, Amber decides to enjoy some music and dancing in one of the local bars. This is her last weekend of freedom before becoming a working girl. Dressing in a pretty white tank with eyelet lace details, denim shorts and her new favorite shoes, she heads out for a night on the town.
The casual environment makes her feel right at home. She orders a shot of rum and smiles at the knowledge of being only a few blocks from home. This place will probably become her favorite neighborhood hang out. She finds very little need for the car, and is in no hurry to begin exploring further than her feet can comfortably carry her.
The blues band keeps her energized and in the mood for a good time, there is no shortage of gentlemen willing to dance with her as the night progresses. Darkness has fallen and it’s getting late.
Just as she begins thinking about heading home she sees him sitting at the bar. She’s surprised how amazingly attractive he is. Holding a drink in his hand, he looks deep into the glass, swirling the golden fluid around and around, something must be on his mind.
She casually walks up to him. " Hi James ,"