Strings of Fate by Kit Bryan
Chapter 122

Strings of Fate

122–Confidence and connections

I manage a weak smile for Amber.

“Thank you, you’re definitely the world’s best supervisor.” I joke, Amber beams.

“What are friends for?” This time my smile is stronger. I’ve known Amber for a while now but I never particularly considered her a friend, we always got along okay but it didn’t occur to me that she would WANT to be my friend. I’ve changed a lot in the last few months. Being around Megan and Bellamy and hearing them express the reasons they appreciate having me around, spending time with the other guards and re–kindling my friendship with Harrison, it’s helped me build my confidence a little. I never would have been brave enough to ask Amber for a favour like this, much less treat her like a friend. I was always nervous of others because

I know they can leave me. Seeing my strings with them gave me the confidence to try and being around them has apparently given me the confidence to reach out to others more too. I really do want to be good friends with Amber. I’m currently realising that her reassurances mean a lot to me because I know from past interactions that she doesn’t speak lightly. Due to her foresight people can place a lot of weight on her opinion about what will come to be. She wouldn’t say that I’ll figure things out if she didn’t have faith that I would. With renewed confidence, I sit up straighter pushing my shoulders back and ask Amber if she has any ideas.

what I can do next. Amber gives a satisfied nod.

“I can’t promise any of this will work, but I would suggest you try to meditate, think about the child and try to follow the connection that must exist between you. See if you can see what she is doing without having to be asleep. Focus on the details you know about her, picture her, and then if you can still see only her, look from small things that might give you hints as to her location. Is she shivering or sweating, that would suggest if she is being held. somewhere warm or cold. Is there anything on her clothes that could give hints about her environment? If she speaks, can you read her lips at all? I know it sounds difficult but context clues can tell you a lot. They’re how I make sense of my visions. When I focus in on something I think is important, I consider all the details and try to build a complete scene in my mind.” She explains. I nod my understanding.

“Okay, I’ll definitely try my best.” I promise.

“You always do.”

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122- Confidence and connections

We tidy up the food and Shaun seems to have shaken himself out of whatever awkward slump. he’s been in. As he washes dishes he jokes, smiles and flirts with Amber like nobody’s business. I pretty much just sit back and watch the show. Amber seems bemused, but she doesn’t chase him off or object at all. There are a few times that I think she might, even be enjoying herself. Once everything is tidied up she glances at the clock over the oven and nods firmly.

“Weak, it’s time for me to go. There will be a taxi conveniently passing by in a minute and I will arrive at the front gate at the perfect time to take it if I go right away.” Amber pulls me into a quick hug and makes her way to the front door. Shaun rushes to walk her and door. She looks at him long and hard for a moment and comments.

get the

“You’re a strange guy.” She then winks at him then turns and marches off without another word. Shaun stares after her, looking a little dazed.

“So, what did you think of Amber?” I tease. Shaun whirls to face me.

“She was different. Unusual but interesting. She was hard to read, I couldn’t tell…” he trails.

off. I tilt my head to the side.

“Tell what?”

“Tell if she liked me or not!” He blurts out, looking more than a little pissed off. I can’t help but laugh. My phone vibrates on the table and I check my messages.

Amber- In about a week when Shaun gets up the nerve to ask for my number, give it to him.

Thanks for the set up. ;)

Amber- Also later tonight you’ll have a question for me and the answer is yes.

Ryann- Sure and… you’re welcome?

I guess that answers that question. She definitely knows about her and Shaun, I guess the good news is that she seems pleased at the idea. So despite his awkward start he didn’t make a bad first impression. I do wonder what kind of question I’ll have for her later tonight though. A yes or no question. There are just too many potential choices. Oh well, at least I should replace out tonight. I won’t have to wait too long for answers. Shaun has dropped into

a

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122–Confidence and connections

seat in the living room and I can only describe his behaviour as pouting.

“Amber would have made it clear if she disliked you.” I state and his expression brightens.

“Really? She’s difficult to read. Are you sure?” He asks eagerly. I nod happily.

“Very sure. Maybe you should practise trying to read her.” I suggest. Shaun grins.

“Good idea.”

Shaun nod I are one and a half episodes into an episode of a crime, murder mystery show when Bellamy gets home. As he walks in, I realise how much I missed seeing him this morning. Without thinking, I jump to my feet and run to meet him, then suddenly stop just in front of him, not totally sure what I was even planning to do. Bellamy grins happily and scoops me around the waist and pulls me into his chest. I can feel him drop a kiss on my head. For half a second everything feels perfect, then I remember that Shaun is still sitting on the couch. I push back against Bellamy’s chest until he releases me andl step away, glancing back at Shaun. Bellamy nods his understanding and follows me as I return to sit on the couch. He sits beside me, but keeps a respectable distance. Shaun is just waiting expectantly, as awkward as I was, he didn’t seem to replace anything amiss in the interaction. Actually I think he is still stewing and thinking about Amber. She got under his skin very fast.I update Bellamy on my discussion with Amber, Shaun occasionally chimes in to clarify points when I struggle to explain. I’m starting to think that he memorised literally everything she said. word–for–word because his explanations give me a strange sense of deja vu. Bellamy promises to help me figure out meditation later and then tells me everything that they learned today. He seems a bit frustrated. Apparently the Brooks family were well liked but not well known. Not one person was able to tell him what kind of Magic they are and no one noticed anyone strange or unusual around them before the double murder slash kidnapping.

“We aren’t giving up.” Bellamy assures me.

“We’re just going to have to dig a little deeper, that’s all.” he promises.