Amber's Advocate

Chapter Eleven

The Beach Party of All Parties

"Oh it's so nice that Cade has finally brought a girl home to meet us," Clara Brown-Evans flicked her blonde thick hair back, "At one point, I thought he was gay but it's good to see that he has exceptional taste."

"Cade and I... we're not a couple... we're just friends," Amber replied, drinking her hot chocolate.

"Why ever would you say that?  You obviously came down here for a reason no?  I never really thought red heads were his thing but up until a few minutes ago, I thought two eggs and a sausage was his thing.  I'm so glad you're here.  What have you got planned for the next few days?"

"I haven't really thought about it, I mean, I don't really know what's here,"  Amber said, looking around the high ceiling hall where a modern bar was positioned. 

"Maybe we could have a party whilst you're here in honour of you and Cade"  Clara thought, "That would be fun."

Amber hated parties, especially if she was the focal point, to divert her away from that idea she asked what came into her head, "Smith from the train station mentioned that Cade's name is Braiden."

Clara giggled, "Oh yes, my son's name is Braiden Cade Brown-Evans, he was named after his grand father Braiden Matthew Evans, he was of noble blood but that doesn't count for much here anymore, he had an illustrious affair with the daughter of a wealthy property tycoon. That tycoon wasn't best pleased as Braiden had a bit of a reputation already, being a bit of a flamboyant playboy but Braiden wasn't that fussed about him and got his daughter pregnant... it made quite headline news here... that's how we ended up inheriting Camelot Castle. So Amber, tell me more about you? I'd like to know about the girl that has captured my son's heart," Clara smiled.

"I don't think there's much to tell really," Amber didn't want to talk about herself.

"Come dear, you're with family..." Clara insisted.

"I lived in New York and moved to London a few months ago," Amber ventured.

"And what did you do in New York?" Clara asked taking another sip of her cocktail.

"I worked in fashion... it's something I fell into but it's not really my thing," Amber took a hearty sip of her hot chocolate.

"And why did you move to London?" Clara asked.

Amber paused, her heart beat accelerated.  She couldn't exactly say she moved to put distance between her and her convict ex-boyfriend after he battered and left her for dead, that kind of home truth just didn't sit well with any one, "A change of pace, I've always wanted to come to London, it's a great place."

"So, you're on a mini vacation then?" Clara asked.

"Not exactly, but we'll see how it goes," Amber replied, "Could you tell me where the toilets are?"

"Of course, just straight down the hall and first door to your right," Clara smiled and Amber left the room.

"Oh good you're here," Cade ran into the hall. 

"Darling, she's divine... a real gem. I completely approve," Clara stood up and kissed her son on the cheek.

"Surely, it's too early to be drinking mum?" Cade said, looking around the hall, "Where is she?"

"What concern is it of yours?"  Clara asked. 

On cue, Amber walked into the great hall and as she approached Cade, Clara jumped up and kissed her on the cheek, "Amber, look who's here? My little snuggles..."

"Mum... really, must you do this?" Cade said rolling his eyes. 

Clara smiled cheekily and diverted her attention back to Amber, completely ignoring her son, "You can see he is embarrassed by his mother but you needn't worry, we will be the best of friends.  I shall let you two lovebirds be... I'm going to go see your father."  And with that, she left the great hall.

Cade turned towards Amber and smiled apologetically, "I'm so sorry about that."

"She seems nice...don't worry about it Braiden," Amber teased.

Cade rolled his eyes skyward, "Let me guess, she told you about my first name, how much I detest it and the whole scandal with my grand father?"  Amber nodded, "It never ceases to amaze me that all this stuff happened a century ago and it still manages to do the rounds..." 

"It's not so bad Cade..." Amber smiled.

"Yeah, except you're name isn't Braiden Cade Brown-Evans, is it?" he quipped, "Are you hungry?"

"I am... but I really need to find a hotel..." Amber said.

"Look no further, you can stay here," Cade smiled.

"Here? I can't stay here, it's much too opulent and I-" Amber said looking around the room.

"I don't want to hear about it, come on, let's sort out your room, get you settled and I can go about showing you Cornwall," Cade smiled.

**

"Oh wow, this is amazing..." Amber said in complete awe.  She walked over to the windows and peered out, "That view is amazing... how beautiful is that ocean... what ocean is that?" She spun around and watched as Cade set her luggage by the wardrobe.

"That would be the Atlantic ocean... it's much more amazing up close.  Are you hungry?  Do you want to eat?"

"I'm starving.  How much is the room Cade, I'd like to pay for it," Amber asked, walking towards Cade.

"I invited you here and you came, so I will take care of it.  I just want you to enjoy yourself... be yourself, okay?" Cade smiled, "So, what is it you fancy to eat today?"

"You're the tour guide, surprise me," Amber smiled. 

"Okay, come with me!" Cade smiled, "I have the perfect place."

*

Amber exhaled a long sigh and patted her belly,  "Oh my God.  I don't think I've eaten this much since I was...thanks."  She said, swallowing a bitter pill and taking a sip of her orange juice.  Wanting to put the thought of pregnancy out of her mind.  She was in a Waterfront Cafe by the beach, having eaten a beast of a feast with Cade Brown-Evans... or Braiden as everyone seemed to know him by here.  Since setting foot on the shores of Cornwall, everyone had been absolutely friendly, really accommodating- and she was finding herself being sucked into the whole village camaraderie. 

"What are you thinking?" Cade asked, dumping the last of the crab shells into the bowl. 

"Honestly?" 

"Of course," Cade wiped his hands on the provided napkin.

"How easy this place is," Amber observed, "How friendly, accommodating and charming everyone is... how easy it is to just fall in love with this place... I can see why it's a great place to come back home to."

"It's always going to be here if ever you want to come back," Cade smiled, "Would you like dessert?"

"Please,"  Amber replied, "So what have you got planned for the rest of the days you're here?"

"Originally I'd planned to stay here for four days but I've extended to the end of the week.  I'd only planned on surfing... but as you're here... what would you like to do?"

"Oh no... please don't change your plans because of me..."  Amber began but Cade put his hand up to silence her.

"I can teach you to surf if you like Amber... or we can go down to Newquay, there's the Blue Reef Aquarium or the Seal Sanctuary, I know you love animals, if that's your thing.  Otherwise, there's always The Eden Project..." Cade paused, "What?"

"What's The Eden Project?"  Amber asks, taking a look at the dessert menu handed to her by the waitress. 

"From the out set, it looks like a massive golf ball but it's a massive green house with living creatures, their habitats.  It varies from season to season, right now the climate is like that of a rain forest.  It has it's educational purposes but it's fun, if you're interested in architecture or you're a horticulturalist.  We should do that tomorrow, it's a short drive from here, maybe afterwards grab a bite to eat and discover what else tickles your fancy, it's up to you.  I really don't mind at all.  Let me know what you want to do tomorrow," Cade smiled, "What do you have planned tonight?"

"If we were in London, y'know I would be at the coffee shop.  What are you thinking?" Amber asked, her curiosity roused. 

"There's a beach barbecue tonight, you're more then welcome to come?" Cade offered.

"That sounds great."  Amber asked. 

"I'll pick you up at around seven thirty, that okay with you?"  Cade asked. 

"Perfect."

*

Cade pulled up outside Camelot Castle, thankfully the sun was still shining.  He'd decided on wearing his ripped jeans and a blue and white stripped polo t-shirt for tonight.  He was looking forward to catching up with the guys as it had been too long since he'd seen them all.  As he strolled into the castle, at that moment he saw her stroll out of the lift.  Her red hair was loose and raking down her back as she sported every man's fantasy 'Daisy Duke' denim shorts... and Jessica Simpson sprung to mind, wiggling her bottom and wearing cowboy boots.  Amber teamed up her shorts with a long sleeveless cardigan and a brown top.  On her feet she wore sandals and she'd accessorised with gold bangles.  She spotted him straight away and greeted him with a shy kiss on the cheek.

"Hi Cade," she smiled tentatively, "How are you?"

"I'm good, you look beautiful," he complimented, "Did you manage to get some rest?"

"As a matter of fact I did, I feel very rested but I'm starving," she replied.

"Come on, let's get going," ushering her towards the exit.

"Fuck Cade, you fuck off to London and you come back with a bird like that... how'd you manage that?" Gideon said over a beer.  He was tall but not as tall as Cade.  A group of them were sprawled on the beach beside a bonfire.  Amber was seated on a deck chair talking to one of the other guys girlfriends. 

"She's a right beauty mate," Owen chipped in, "Really nice too."

"No, seriously Cade how'd you manage to snap her?" Josh said, another of Cade's good friends.

Cade took a sip of beer and looked up to see Lucy.

"Hi Cade," she was standing in front of him wearing a short skirt and a t-shirt.  She'd cut her hair short like a pixie and she was smiling down at him, "Could I have a word?"

He nodded and followed her further down the beach.

"Who's that woman with Cade?" Amber whispered to Cela.  Cela's boyfriend was Josh and they made a good looking couple.  Cela had dark brown thick hair, a button nose and full lips but she had a smashing personality from what Amber could see.  They had only been introduced to each other under an hour ago and already had a lot in common.

"Oh that's Lucy... Cade's on and off girlfriend..." Cela whispered, "She's a bit of a cow though, from what the other guys have said."

"They're off, right?" Amber said, hoping that they were indeed off.

"Yeah, last time I heard they were off... but hey, he's here with you isn't he?  So that's some indication.  I don't know why Cade constantly takes her back knowing she's cheated on him and been a bitch about it too."

"I guess we do stupid things when we're in love," Amber said, more to herself then anyone else, "What's she doing here, if everyone seems to take a dislike to her?"

"She has some hold on him... well I think anyway... I heard some of the guys talking... she uses sexual blackmail as a ploy but you'd call that a slapper right?" Cela said, no holds barred.

"A slapper?" Amber asks, "That's the same thing as a slut, right?"

Cela laughs, "Oh yeah, sorry... I keep forgetting you're not from around here... yup, pretty much. Y'know, if you want to reinstate your territory, you should go up there and introduce yourself to her, what harm could you do?"

"Me and Cade, we're not really... a couple... per say, it's complicated," Amber looked out over the sea.

"Complicated? Life's complicated. Oh look, she's looking over... it's obvious they're talking about us, otherwise why would she be looking daggers at us," Cela smiled, "And I have to say, the way Cade has been watching you tonight, I can't say things are complicated.  They look pretty straight forward to me... he looks pretty awestruck, if you ask me."

"I haven't really thought about another relationship in a long time..."  Amber hesitated.

"Cade's a nice guy... you shouldn't really worry about it.  He's way too good for Lucy, that's for sure," Cela encouraged, "Oh goodie, she's coming over."

Lucy stomped over to where Cela and Amber were sitting, "Oh, so you're the girl who everyone's been harping on about."

Amber looked up from where she was sitting with Cela.  She looked up at Lucy and carried her conversation with Cela.

"Did you not hear me?" Lucy said slightly louder, putting her hands on her hips. 

Amber looked back at Lucy, gave her a point blank stare and carried on talking to Cela.

"I don't like being ignored," Lucy admonished.

Amber stood up and fixed her a cold stare, "And I don't like being spoken to like that.  If you had a fragment of intelligence you would have politely introduced yourself instead of wading in as if you owned the place."

"You don't know me, so don't dare speak to me like that," Lucy almost screamed.

"I'll speak to you however way I endear to.  The fact that you've sauntered your way here, impolitely announcing yourself and being a bit of bitch garners you no respect whatsoever, from me or anyone who's in ear shot distance.  I suggest you turn around and leave me alone," Amber spat at her.

"I have every right to be here as you," Lucy yelled back.

"Be my guest," Amber said, pausing and turning to Cela, "Shall we get out of here?"

Cela jumped up and laughed, "Yeah, let's get out of here."

As Amber and Cela walked away, they were slowly joined by the rest of the crowd, leaving Lucy standing there.

"You're hilarious!" Cela laughed. 

"I don't know her, yet I don't like her.  She seems like such a brat,"  Amber said.

"What did you say to Lucy?" Gideon said, putting his arm around Amber's neck and tugging.   Amber instinctively grabbed his arm around her neck, twisted it behind his back and pushed him to the floor.  Gideon looked up from the sand, eyes wide and full of shock as well as surprise, "What the fuck?!"

Cade was by her side and turned her towards him, "Are you okay baby?"  Searching her face.

"The defence lessons are definitely working," she half heartedly said, looking straight into his eyes.

"Your bird a kung fu expert or what?" Gideon said, bouncing back onto his feet and dusting himself off, "Shit, one minute I was standing and the next I was on the floor... that was crazy."

"Sorry about that... I'm... uhh... you..." Amber stammered.

"Amber's a fitness addict, if there's anything in the gym to get the heart racing she does it... I just have to look at her and my heart races... so it evens out the stakes," Cade humours, wrapping an arm around Amber to reassure her, "Amber, would you like to go for a walk?"

Amber nods and they stroll away from the crowd.

Amber's Advocate

Chapter Ten

Cornwall

"So how far into the biography are you in?" Amber asked as she nursed a cup of hot chocolate in her cold hands.

"A few chapters in... it's a very interesting read, not really light reading but I like things that stimulate the mind.  What were you doing when you got my text?"  Cade asked, taking a sip of his ice tea.

"Honestly?" Amber said, thinking again, "I'd just woken up from another bad dream and was getting ready to go out somewhere... anywhere."

"Well, I'm glad I texted then," Cade smiled, "The last times I've met you, it's been late at night... I guess you don't sleep well then?"

"I don't usually sleep at all... I've been on sleep medication, y'know to help me get back into a pattern but my eyelids drop but my brain stays awake, it's the awake part that really gets to me.  The part where I can't seem to shut off."

"I can't say I can relate I'm afraid and I'm sure you're pretty pissed at people telling you, "it'll be okay with time"- because who knows whether it will be.  People usually say that when they have nothing better to say... which reminds me, I apologise about what I said to you yesterday at the restaurant, y'know when I was feeding you all that shit."

Amber shrugged, "It's fine. Sometimes I forget what people say or that I'm in conversation with them.  Don't get me wrong... there's a part of me that's lost a part of me on the way and... I guess I'm always trying to find her.  I've never been like this, I've always been the life and the soul of the party... I've never been this quiet..."

Cade reached out and touched her arm, he felt her flinch underneath his touch, "You don't have to justify yourself to me or anyone Amber."

"That's the point... no one understands what I've had to deal with... no one can understand how it feels.  It's just in my nature now to justify everything."

"Okay, I understand," Cade said, removing his hand from her arm, "Would you like anything to eat?"

"I'm good, thank you," Amber smiled, "So, what have you got planned for the next couple of days?"

"It depends really," Cade replied.

"On what?" Amber looked thoughtfully at Cade.

"You," Cade's response hit home.

"Me?  What have I got to do with anything?" Amber looked shell shocked.

"I'm taking a couple of days to see my parents, to surf..." 

"You surf?" Amber spluttered.

Cade grinned, "Yeah, I don't surf as much as I'd like to, for the fact I live in London and the only surf around here is found in a bottle of laundry liquid, but I do.  Why don't you come with?"

"Come with you? To meet your parents?" Amber said, shock registering all over her face.

Cade put his hands up, "Oh God no, you think me inviting you down to Cornwall is to introduce you to my parents, oh no... we're friends here Amber, entirely friends.  Shoot! I should have made myself clear from the beginning... I always seem to presume people know what I'm talking about but... no, well... if you would like to come down, meet my folks... or y'know, get away... maybe even surf, you're more then welcome. It's completely up to you, no pressure, no nothing."

Amber looked him in the eyes, she must have startled him but she hadn't meant to.  Even with Dan, he hadn't made any inclination to introduce her to his family, so this 'friendly proposal' had taken her by surprise.  She was in two minds.  Hadn't they established their friendship?  Of course, he had been patient, a real gentleman, a complete contrast to how he had been when they had first met, but going down to Cornwall just didn't sit well with her right now.  Maybe it was the spontaneity of the proposal, who knows, "I'll let you know."

Cade smiled, "No problem, no pressure like I said, okay? If you change your mind or just want to come down for the day, you only need to call Amber."

"Thanks Cade," she smiled, "When are you planning to set off?"

"Funnily enough, later on this morning," he smiled.

"Shit, shouldn't you be asleep now... or at home packing?" Amber said horrified looking at the coffee shop wall.

"Don't worry about it, I'll grab some winks when I get there," Cade smiled, "But thank you for worrying."

Amber blushed and looked away, was she worried?  I guess you could say she was, "Were you born there?"

"No, I moved there with my parents when I was young... it's been home pretty much ever since," Cade offered.

"So, what is it that makes it home?" Amber sipped her hot chocolate.

"I can time travel back to being me... being a kid... there's no pretences y'know.  I can be me and the people there know me, so I don't feel as if I have to put on an act," Cade said.

"And are you putting on an act?"  Amber asked.

"I'd like to think not but I am with you," Cade looked her straight in the eye.

"With me? I don't understand," Amber frowned, "Have I done something wrong? I don't need your sympathies Cade..."

"I wasn't offering you my sympathies... I can tell you're afraid Amber but I can also see you fighting back each passing day, well if you can call the days that I've seen you anyway."

"So what do you mean... you're not putting on an act but you are with me, that doesn't make any sense?" Amber said leaning forward and clasping her hands together.

"Don't worry about it Amber... I'm not... I really ought to get back, can I walk you back home?"

"I think I'll stay here for a while, thank you for coming down," Amber stands up and gives Cade an awkward hug and he smiles.

"Let me know if you change your mind... if not, I'll see you when I get back, I hope,"  Cade smiles and walks out. 

***

Shortly after Cade left Amber in the coffee shop, she'd stayed for an extra half hour before she decided to head home.  Bizarrely enough, she couldn't quite get their conversation out of her head. Why didn't Cade want to answer her question?  What act was he playing?  And what did he mean?  She smiled to herself,  it was refreshing to know she was stressing over this little thing then be thinking about the overall picture.  She shook herself out of her reverie and focused on the traffic below. 

"Didn't you hear me Amber?" Millie said skipping in and noticing the hand carrier on the floor beside her bed,  "What's this?"

Amber stood staring at the traffic below, "He's invited me down to Cornwall for a couple of days.  Part of me wants to go because I've never been and the other half of me is holding back because, surely there's a protocol for this kind of thing. I'm indecisive as usual."

Millie sits on the edge of the bed, "How do you feel about him?"

Amber spun around, "What's that to do with anything?"

"Simple really.  Do you like him or not?" Millie asked.

"The jury's still out on that one.  I enjoy his company and he's a really easy person to talk to... "

"You're a big girl, you should go for it!" encourages Millie.

"What if he turns out to be a complete and utter jerk?" Amber asks, "Like the rest of them."

"Hey! Liam's not a jerk!" Millie says in haste, "Besides, you haven't met all of man kind, so you can't comment on each and every one of them.  It's just the ones you dated... and I hope Dan burns in hell for what he did to you. So, what's the verdict, you gonna go or what? I think it's a nice offer."

"Yeah, I thought so too. I'm just scared though Millie, what if he talks with his fists... or worse... he's an axe wielding murderer?" Amber says.

Millie shrugs Amber, "You just said he's an easy person to talk to Amber... why would he need to use his fists at all... maybe, y'know to kiss you or something along the lines of some hanky-panky but he doesn't look the violent type, but anyway... as you're obviously going, I ask you only to do one thing for me..."

"Anything," Amber waits.

"Just text or call every night to let me know everything is okay... that you're okay," Millie stands up.

"I'll do that,"  Amber replies, "Thanks Millie."

"Hey, do you want me to drive you to the train station?"  Millie offered.

"That would be great, thanks Millie," Amber grabbed her bag and followed Millie out. 

Amber and Millie hugged, "Thanks for dropping me off Millie, I'll call you when I get there and thanks... thanks for being such an awesome friend."

"You know I'm always here for you Amber, call me when you get there.. so I know you made it in one piece," Millie smiled and watched Amber board the train. 

Amber looked at her watch, it read twenty to three, she had roughly four hours to kill before she would arrive there.  Four hours!  She was probably better off taking a plane but she wanted to savour the time before she saw Cade again.  Cade... a man who had been occupying her thoughts of late.  A man, she wanted to put all her baskets in but was afraid that he would turn out to be like the man she previously knew.  She exhaled, taking a deep breathe and closed her eyes.  She prayed she didn't wake to a nightmare... she prayed she didn't talk in her sleep and she prayed above all, that her heart wouldn't get broken this time and she wasn't opening herself up for more disappointment.

Amber woke with a start, the chairs beside her were vacated and as she turned around to see an elderly gentleman approach her, "Will you be staying or leaving miss?"

"I'm sorry, I must have dozed off... are we here?" Amber asked.

"Yes mam, we are in Cornwall... do you know where you'll be heading off to?" the gentleman asked.

"I'm going to give my friend a call, his family are here and well..."  she fumbled into her bag for her phone.

"And who might your friend be miss?" Amber may have thought he was prying but he seemed like such a sweet man, she didn't have the heart to tell him to mind his own business. 

"His name is Cade Brown-Evans..."  Amber was babbling.

"Oh you must be talking about young Braiden..." the gentleman said. 

"No his name is definitely Cade..."  Amber repeated.

"Cade is his middle name, never really liked being called Braiden after his great grandfather and the scandal.  Most likely why he left to go to London, probably didn't want that hanging over his head. He comes from a good honest family though, wealthy too... you can find him at Camelot," the man ventured.

"Camelot?" Amber asked confused.

"Camelot Castle, one of many properties his family own," the man chimed, "I'm passing by there, if you would like a lift?"

"That would be great, thank you." Amber asked intrigued.

***

Cade grabbed his board and dumped it in the back of his dad's truck.  He had hung back from the rest of the guys to appreciate what he had been missing for quite some time now... the water.  He missed the sounds of the water, the splashing of the water... he just missed seeing the amount of water, however daft that sounded.  It was good to be back.  He started up the engine and dumped his iPhone on the passenger seat beside him and made an exit on to the road. 

He was barely on the road when his phone rang, it was Arthur, he put him on loud speaker;

"Hi Arthur, what's up?"

"Braiden," Arthur began, making Cade wince, he wanted to correct the man who had been working in the castle for more then twenty years, that he didn't like being called by his first name, "There is a young lady here to see you, her name is Amber..."

"Amber?!" Cade pushed on the pedal, "What's she doing there?"

"She was dropped off by Smith from the train station a little over an hour ago," Arthur replied.

"Is she okay?" concern could clearly be heard in Cade's voice.

"Perfect sir, she is with your mother in the coffee room," Arthur replied.

"My mother, oh hell!" Cade hit fifth gear.  Not my mother. 

Amber's Advocate

Chapter Nine

Small Truths & Hidden Truths

Make Truths Nonetheless

Next time Cade planned to dish out advice, he was going to choose his words wisely.  He'd thrown out all the cliches imaginable, they usually worked with the ocassional broken heart, the cheating ex, you've-got-to-live-your-life spiel but never this. 

"What?" he almost spluttered. Surely he had heard wrong.  

"He left me for dead," Amber said blankly, "He ravaged me with his fists and kicked me when I was down and left me for dead. I understand if you don't want to continue seeing me... no one wants to go out with someone with this much baggage." 

"I wasn't even thinking about leaving," Cade leaned forward, "I just didn't know... I'm sorry.  I completely mis-judged the situation." 

"Thank you for a great day... for a few hours I almost forgot about all this... I'm sorry I brought this up... I'm sorry." Amber grabbed her jacket and headed out of the restaurant and into the street. 

Cade grabbed his jacket and followed Amber, she was half way down the street.  He grabbed a hold of her and turned her towards him, "Hey, hey..."

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry Cade...." she started sobbing and he drew her to him.  He could feel her shaking as the tears fell down from her lovely face, the unresolved trauma that he could only imagine.  He was suddenly angry, angry wasn't the word at all, he was furious, if he ever got hold of the man... no... what man would do this to a woman?  Why would a man be compelled to hit a woman, why would he hit a woman?  

"Let's take you home," Cade said hugging her towards him.

***

Millie opened the door to Amber's tear stricken face, her puffy red eyes, "What the hell did you do to her?" She said through clenched teeth. 

"He didn't do anything Millie... he was an absolute gentleman," Amber said exhaling, "Leave it." 

"Leave it?  You've been crying," Millie pointed out the obvious. 

"Of course, it's the story of my life isn't it?" Amber said, shaking her head, willing the memories to subside. She turned towards Cade, kissing him softly on the cheek, "Thank you for everything tonight."  She smiled and walked into the house, leaving Millie and Cade standing awkwardly outside. 

"So you were the perfect gentleman?"  Millie eyed the man standing in front of her, despite him standing a few steps down, he still managed to be taller then her.

"Of course,"  Cade replied. 

"Then why is she crying?"  Millie said. 

"I wouldn't be a gentleman if I kissed and told you, would I?  It was nice to meet you Millie, good night," Cade said turning and went down  the stairs. 

"Seems like an honorable man by the sounds of it," Liam said as he watched his wife close the front door. 

"Well, I'm not willing to put all my eggs in one basket,"  Millie replied, "Did she go upstairs?" 

"Wouldn't it be best to leave her to her own devices tonight? Besides, you have to help me run through lines tonight Mrs Blake," Liam said clutching her hand. 

"I'm becoming a bit of a mother hen, aren't I?"  Millie said. 

"Too much, you've gotta give the girl room to breathe, be herself... I know you mean well Mills but in order for her to move forward, you gotta give her some leeway,  this is not leeway, if you're constantly in her face. We know you mean well and we have her back but she's a woman and a strong one, once she figures it out... it'll be fine," Liam said as he tugged his wife towards the couch. 

***

Amber made sure to have all the kitchen utensils out of the way... she was afraid.  She was afraid for herself and her unborn baby.  She had steadily started to tape the knives down in the drawers, giving herself precious seconds to move out of the way in case things got out of hand.  She never knew things could, until one night a few weeks ago when Dan had got home after hitting the bars with his mates and moaned about something trivial at work and then taking the whisk of all things and hitting her profusely with it.   It had been her arms that she had used to protect her, after the bruises had turned to mere smudges, she could see the damage which was left... the very thought of it made the coldness creep up her spine and the chill never leaving her bones.  She'd never been so afraid in her life.   If Amber had to explain why everything was taped down, she would explain it... she had to be strong... she had to protect what was hers now.  It wasn't just her life, it was her baby's too. 

"Didn't you hear me?!"  his hoarse voice penetrated her thoughts like a knife. 

"Dan," Amber looked up from the kitchen drawer as she closed it. 

"Who else you expecting?" he said. 

"No... no one at all, I was just caught by surprise that was all,"  Amber told herself to keep calm, "I was... um... how was your day today?" 

He slithered towards her, his eyes never leaving her face.  Amber couldn't help but step back with every approach, "You're not scared of me are you?"  He lifted his finger and watched as she jumped at his approach, "Oh you are- you shouldn't fear me Amber."  He turned around, "You've got nothing to fear."  His voice taking on a softer serene tone, a tone she had once heard before... but before she could think about his knuckles made contact with her face and the sheer blunt force had her head snapping back and her feet disappearing out of her.  It came to quick, she hadn't had time to prepare to land and landed on her back, missing the dining room table.  He came above her and she tried to use her hands as a shield to protect her baby, he batter her, batter her but not her baby.  The constant kicking and punching, had the life force taken away from her.  It was strange, it was like her soul was ebbing it's way out of her body and was watching from outside of the situation, a silent spectator to the scene.  It was pain emanating from her stomach that brought her back to the moment and screamed like she'd never screamed before... and then she saw the blood, the blood coming from her vagina... the metallic taste of blood in her mouth... she screamed one final scream, saw his eyes widen and then her head hit the floor once again and all she saw was the ceiling and administered herself to the angels, so be it.  

Amber woke up from her bad dream, clutching her stomach.  The silent tears streaming down her face, she didn't want to alarm Millie again. She was bathed in her own sweat and she walked to the bathroom, her legs like jelly and showered, the water scolding... yet her bones were brittle-cold.  She quickly dried herself with the fluffy towel and put on jeans and a jumper, she was heading down to the kitchen for a glass of water when the cell phone on her bedside table came to life.  She walked over and it was a text message, she clicked the envelope icon and the message appeared; 

Can't sleep to be honest- was up reading and was

thinking of you. Had a great time with you 

yesterday. Sleep tight. 

C :) 

Amber smiled more to herself then for the text message, she texted back;

Me too. What are you reading? 

The text message came back almost immediately;

A Long Walk To Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Amber's eyes widened... could his brain cells function at this time of night... it wasn't exactly light reading- she texted back;

Fancy a coffee, at the usual?  

You could tell me about it? 

The text message was instantaneous;

Sure :)  

Give me fifteen minutes and I'll be there. 

Cade :D

Amber pocketed her phone into her pocket and crept downstairs.  Thirsty, she poured herself a glass of water from the water dispenser and took a gulp.  Her mouth was dry.  She put the glass in the sink and then walked over to the couch and put on her converses.  She was excited, excitement didn't come natural to her but she was excited.  Excited to see him, which took her by surprise, but it was a surprise she was willing to partake in.  And excited because she hadn't felt excited in a very long time.  Her phone buzzed and he  was parked outside.  She quietly opened the front door, making sure she had her keys and closed the door quietly.  He was standing on the pavement in chinos, a cable knit blue jumper and his hair was unkempt. 

"Are you okay to walk?" Cade asked. 

"I thought you'd never ask," Amber smiled.  As they walked side by side to the coffee shop a few blocks down. 

Amber's Advocate

Chapter Eight

Issues Again



Cade saw the top of her head, her red halo of thick hair before he saw her sitting down on the bench.  Her face was turned away from him, she was staring at something beyond the activity in the park and he wondered what she was thinking.  He'd been wondering a lot about her, the last couple of days. Too much, which he didn't want to admit, even to himself.   She was dressed casually as promised in regular black jeans and white Converses and was wearing a blouse with a beige cardi and was clutching a jacket.  She looked ethereal.  She must have sensed him staring at her and turned round that minute,  her face was void of make-up, which shocked him.  Not in a bad way of course, in a good way.  It made him think of what she would look like when she woke in the morning.  He approached her and she stood up.

"Sorry I'm late," they both say simultaneously and they both laughed.

"Are you ready to go?" Cade smiles. 

"Sure, what have you got planned?" Amber asks, as she follows Cade out of the park.

"I hope you like to get your hands dirty," Cade quipped. 

"Dirty? I'm not sure if I like the sound of that," Amber says hesitantly.

"Trust me, you'll enjoy it," Cade smiles, "I've just parked my car outside, they're expecting us in half an hour."

"Who's expecting us in half an hour?" Amber says as she gets into the Audi.

***

"When you said I was going to get my hands dirty, I didn't realise you meant this..." Amber smiled in glee, as she looked up at the giraffe who was currently eating acacia leaves from her hands. 

"Well, I wasn't about to tell you we were going to the zoo, was I?  It would spoil the surprise," Cade smiled.  He too was participating in the activities.

"So how do you get an 'in' in here?"  Amber asked.

"I used to work here," Cade replied, "This was my first job, the pay wasn't great but I didn't mind.  I love working with animals."

"Who doesn't.  So what do you do for a living as you don't obviously work here anymore?" Amber asked.

"I work as a senior writer at a magazine," Cade replied.

"Oh yeah and how did you know passion was the thing for you, when you thought animals were?" Amber asked.

"I kind of fell into it... I mostly get shoved into most things without a bare thought and it worked for me, been with it ever since," Cade replied.  

"So, you mostly fall into things... are most of the things you've fallen into, been worth it?" Amber asked.

"Yes, I'd say so.  What's the point of sitting back and not taking the risks?  There's just no point in living.  We'd all be going snail trail otherwise." Cade replied, he watched as his words sunk in and her face went slack and then her complexion turned another shade of pale, "Are you okay?"

"Fine, why wouldn't I be?" she replied, a bit too quickly. She was on her guard, he could tell... which only made him that more curious, "What's next?" 

"That's up to you, the birds, the penguins..." Cade smiled.

"Great, can't wait!" Amber said genuinely. 

*

A few hours later, Amber watched as Cade said goodbye to his friends at London Zoo.  It had been a momentous day for sure, the weather was beautiful and warm and she had been welcomed into the zoo, like she'd worked there prior to her visit.  They were so welcoming and accommodating and she found herself warming towards all of them.  She'd especially watched Cade's interaction with the older members of the team and knew instantly that he was a gentle person.  She'd especially observed the way he was with the animals, he was gentle as gentle gets and it did something funny inside her. 

She had been won over by his finesse as well, when it came to lunch, he'd asked her to meet him outside the butterfly house.  Standing like an awkward teenager, she'd waited ten minutes and he'd arrived with a brown paper bag. 

"I brought a tuna melt and a chicken pesto panini with two cokes and a water, you can choose whatever you want and I'll have what's left over," Cade had said, "I hope you don't mind having lunch in the butterfly house.  Something exciting to watch whilst we mull over lunch."

Of course, Amber was starving.  She had forgotten about her food as she had been mesmerised by how beautiful the butterflies were.  The butterfly house was more like a green house stationed away from the main zoo, there were tropical butterflies and British varieties but Amber was in awe at how beautiful it all was.  She couldn't help but look at the man sitting beside her, getting stuck into the tuna melt.  The day was going from strength to strength and in a very long time, she was optimistic.  She was curious about the man, who wouldn't be.  This was a first of many firsts and she couldn't quite contain herself.  She couldn't lie to herself, she was drawing comparisons... comparisons to Rick.  Yet Cade blew Rick right out of the water on 'first dates'.  A bar and restaurant just didn't compete with feeding the animals at London Zoo and then having lunch in the butterfly house.  She was seeing a whole different side to this man, someone she was willing to invest more time in.

"Ready to go?" Cade said, breaking into Amber's thoughts. 

She nodded back and he guided her outside, towards the car.  It was five in the afternoon, a bit too early for dinner and her stomach growled.

"You hungry? You didn't eat much at lunch," Cade commented.

"I couldn't," Amber replied, "I was distracted by the butterflies. I loved the butterflies."

"You can always come back if you want," Cade offered.

"I'd like that," Amber smiled back.  She was silent for a while, before she spoke up again, "Thank you."

"Thank you for what?" Cade asked, as he opened the passenger door of his car.  

"For the experience, for the butterflies... you don't know... how..." the words were lost on her. 

Cade smiled, "Don't thank me just yet, the day isn't over.  I noticed you didn't really eat much food- my fault really, the butterflies and all, do you fancy a Shawarma?"

"Those greasy things on a stick?" Amber asked.

"Trust me, you don't know what you're missing,"  Cade smiled, as he shut the door after her.

*

Amber watched as Cade was greeted by the restaurant owner and his staff with open arms, or more or less a big bear hug.  They directed him to a quiet table in the corner by a fire place where Turkish trinkets hung from the ceiling and comfy cushions were adorned all over the seats.  Amber felt like she'd stepped into a whole different country. 

"They seem to know you in here," she commented. 

"I wrote an article about this place and they've had full on business since then,"  Cade smiled, "I can guarantee that whatever you order on the menu, will be the best Turkish food you have ever eaten. You must be starving."

"I am actually, what's good here?" Amber asked.

"Everything..." Cade replied.

"That really narrows it down Cade,"  Amber laughed.

"Would you like me to order several platters and you can eat off all of them?" Cade offered.

"Please," Amber smiled, "What are you drinking?" 

"I usually have a beer or some red wine for the meat, but I'm driving, so it'll be some water... but on my account, please order something," Cade smiled.

"I'll have water too," and she put down the menu.

"So Amber, tell me something that most people don't know about you?" Cade asked.

"What is it you want to know?" Amber said hesistantly.

"Well, that's why I asked the question... to get to know you," Cade replied gently, "Okay, I'll let you in on a secret... I don't dislike you."

Amber laughed, "That's a relief."

"I hope you didn't go into this date thinking I disliked you surely?" Cade leaned forward, clasping his hands together and watching her.

"We didn't exactly start on the same page, did we? How is Bryan by the way?" Amber asked.

"Bryan's fine..."  Cade didn't really want to talk about his mate who was currently dating one of his co-workers.  One of the waiters approached them and he gave them their order and they were left alone.

"I wanted to apologise to Bryan that night, y'know when he tried to talk to me... to apologise for my behaviour, you were right, sometimes I just don't know, I just can't see... I'm not a very good judge of character... I know that all too well..." Amber looked down at her hands, why was she even going down that road? She tried to will away the tears and looked up to see Cade's hand by her face, she flinched back as if his touch scolded her. The look of terror in her eyes.

"I wasn't going to hurt you Amber... I just wanted you to look at me," Cade said gently, disturbed by the look in her eyes.

"Where are the bathrooms?"  Amber said on her feet.

"Just through the double doors there," Cade frowned, "Are you okay?"

Amber nodded and wove her way towards the bathrooms.

*

Cade was rifling through his emails when Amber returned to her seat. 

"Sorry about that," she apologised.

"Don't be, I hope everything is okay?" Cade asked.

"I hope so," Amber said.

"Would you like to talk about it?  I'm a good listener, I might be able to help.  I would like to think we were established friends now," Cade offered.

Amber's smile was grim, "It's all I ever do... is talk about it... for once in my life I just want to forget about it... everything. Have you ever been like that?"

"Sure, haven't we all... but I tend to tackle things head on, I just don't like festering... festering is what kills it for me.  Sometimes the best course of action is accepting it," Cade offered.

"How do you accept something that was beyond your control but it still manages to resonate with you... I still feel as lost as ever... you're probably wasting your time sitting here with me with this nutcase, me!" 

"If it was beyond your control before, then you'd have to get control of it now, you've just got to get back in the driving seat... no bullshitting..." 

"Even if I'm a victim of domestic abuse and he left me for dead... almost," Amber bravely said, interrupting Cade's advice. 



Amber's Advocate

Chapter Seven

Surprises

"Say what? Abercombie asked you out? How did that happen?" Millie leaned against the kitchen counter, clutching a cup of coffee, the following morning, "You're not considering going out with him are you?  You really ought to take your time Amber and you can't forget what he said to you that night with Fitch, which brought on that massive panic attack... is this even sensible?"

"She's not a kid Mills," Liam spoke upon entering the kitchen in just grey sweats, clutching an iPad. He kissed his wife, "I say, go for it, what have you got to lose? You don't owe him but he's obviously made an impression on you, otherwise why would you be passing it through Mills."

"That's true, I never considered it like that," Amber replied, "I don't know yet."

"Do it! He may actually be good for you... obviously you'll never know that, if you're just lying around here doing nothing," Liam joked.

"Liam, you're really not helping the situation," Millie glared at him.

"I'm not out to help the situation, I'm here to help Amber.  She obviously wants in but is to scared to make that leap.," Liam looks seriously at Amber, "I say, you should go for it.  What have you got to lose? Either way, you'll find out whether he's worth it or not." 

***

Cade sat on the bench around the corner from where Amber lived with Millie and Liam in the town house in Chelsea.  If he leaned forward, he could just about see it.  He'd been sitting here for twenty minutes, phone in hand and he was casually dressed.  If casual was his worn jeans, leather jacket and a checkered shirt, he'd go so far as to say he was casual smart.  He didn't want to come across as a complete lazy tosser by wearing sweat pants on the first day, but hey, he'd like to make a good impression.  He even wore his smart trainers, they'd be doing a lot of walking today and he wanted to be comfortable.

The sky was the bluest he'd seen in a long time, he was always indoors working, to really appreciate the sky, the sun. Today was going to be a day of firsts, in a long time.  He was going to appreciate the city, which he hadn't in a while.  And the even better, he was going to enjoy figuring out Amber.

He looked at his watch, she was five minutes late.  He hoped she was coming, otherwise it would be a very lonely day.

***

"Damn! I'm late," exclaimed Amber as she flicked the eyeliner brush and applied some blusher.

"What's the big deal, you said you weren't bothered about this," Millie chipped in.

"I'm not," Amber replied, "But sometimes it pays to make an effort and I don't exactly want to turn up looking haggard."

"You don't look haggard,"  Millie said, whilst sitting on the bed watching Amber, "Whatever gave you that impression?"

"I don't know... I'm not exactly what you call 'beautiful' am I?" Amber said, looking at herself in the mirror.

"Beautiful is not conventional... and you are not conventional.   You look much prettier without all that slap, y'know," Millie objected.

"Slap being the make up right? I really ought to get used to you Brits and your slang words," Amber said, getting a facial wipe and clearing off the make up.  She applied sunscreen and put on a bit of tint, a stroke of bronzer and some clear lip gloss and hoped for the best. 

"Y'know slap is better when it doesn't look like slap... like how you've done it now," Millie observed.

"Do I look okay?" Amber spun around.

Millie smiled, "You look great.  You're nervous aren't you?"

"Can you tell?" Amber frowned.

"This is a big step and I'm going to be a supportive friend... I should have been at the beginning.  I just don't want you..."

Amber put her hands up, "I don't want to think about it anymore... I just want to get on with my life. Wish me luck!"

"Good luck," Millie called out after her, as she ran out of the house.

The sunlight was blinding as she skipped down the stairs and towards the park.  It was warm and maybe she had overcompensated with the layers she'd worn.  She couldn't help herself, she was always cold, no matter the weather.  She took off her jeans jacket and strode over to the park, where she had arranged with Cade she would meet him.  The park was a buzz with activity, families were scattered around playing all sorts of throw-and-catch games.  Amber looked at the bench beside the entrance and noticed a couple kissing, they were sucking each others faces... wasn't that where Cade said he would be waiting, to meet her?  She peered closer at the man and realised it wasn't Cade and she breathed a sigh of relief.  She edged closer into the centre of the park and eyed the faces, none of them vaguely resembling Cade. 

The sun was shining, causing flickering light beams on the lake, making her squint in the daylight.  And then she noticed him.  He was helping out a little boy and they were both crouched down by the edge.  Cade had a branch in one hand, whilst the other was shielding the little boy from falling into the pond.  Something tugged at her and she couldn't help but watch.  Cade managed to move the football towards them and the football bounced in the water and into the boys hands.  She could clearly see the delight written all over the little boy's face and then watched as the mother of the little boy, thanked Cade profusely.  Amber turned on her heel and went back to their arranged meeting spot, thankfully the couple had disappeared and she took a seat, patiently waiting for him to come back.