CHAPTER 2

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

**

"Happy birthday sweetest" dad said kissing my cheeks. I woke up to embrace the familiar scent that filled the house. 

"Morning dad and thanks"

"I made you a cake since you said you don't want to celebrate" 

I shrugged "fine. what's the worst that could happen" 

he brought the cake and it was half burnt. 

"You forgot to check the timer on the oven didn't you?" I grinned causing us both to laugh. 

I took a slice of cake and placed it in my mouth. 

"hmm yummy. dad's such a great baker" I said munching on the burnt cake. it wasn't that good but for the fact that he made it just for me and with good intentions then It's the best cake I've ever tasted. 

"don't eat that or you'll have your stomach to deal with later" he said placing the rest on my desk. 

"here I've got something for you" he said placing a small wrapped gift in front of me. 

"What's this?" I asked getting excited

"open it" he cajoled

I tore the ribbons which was beautifully decorated to get to the inside. I paused when I saw it lying there. 

"Happy birthday dear Amber, happy birthday to you" dad sang and I felt the tears building up. I brought out the necklace which was embedded with diamond stones. it wasn't just an expensive necklace but it was my mothers. 

"Here let me help" dad said taking it from my hands. he unhooked it and placed it on my neck. 

"your mother always wanted you to have this. she wanted to give it to you once you turned eighteen but I guess everything happens for a reason"

"it's beautiful" I complimented "I miss her. I just wish she never died. I wish she was still here with me."

"we all wish for that too and trust me if wishes were horses then I'd ride one and bring her right back us."

"Thanks for this dad. I love you"

"Happy birthday honey. I love you too" he said pulling me in for a long hug. 

I guess that's what I needed right now. 

**

I bought chrysanthemum on my way to see mom. she loves that flower and today is her death anniversary. my birthday and her death. 

I got to her grave and placed it on her stone

*Kathleen Myers, died May 10th 1994*

"Hi mom, how've you been? well I just came to see you and I bought you flowers too. Dad also got me this necklace. he said you wanted me to have it. " I said tears rolling down my cheeks. "You know I've been trying to cope with everything that's been happening so far and I just wanted to tell you that... that" I said breaking down "I miss you mom. so much that it hurts. all this isn't just me. you were the only one who could put things together and I'm just a complete mess without you. Dad, has been doing all he can to be a good father but it's not enough. why'd you have to leave. you didn't say a proper goodbye and you just left. I hate myself mom. I hate the world. I just want you back" I cried more as I fell down to her grave. 

I cried my eyes out. 

that's how my birthday goes every year. and this year isn't going to be an exception. 

I wiped my tears and walked out of the cemetery. I mounted on my bike and drove off to only God knows where. 

I was supposed to be in college but I dropped out after my high school days were over. 

I arrived at the bar and ordered my favorite. 

I sat down on the bar stool as the waitress placed the order in front of me. 

I gulped down the substance and hit the glass on the table indicating that I wanted a refill. I think she got the message cause she poured more into my glass. 

Today was Sunday so the place was a bit quiet. it wasn't as crowded as it was on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Someone walked in and sat down next to me on the counter. 

"hi" he greeted and I turned to look at him. took me a second before I realized that he was the same guy I almost knocked down with my motorcycle. but why was he here or better question, is he following me? 

"Hi.." he called again but this time waving his hands across my face. 

"I can hear you so there's no need for that" I primped

"Sorry.. I guess fate wants us to meet and that's why I'm here"

"or that's why you've been following me?"

"So... girl I don't know. what are you doing here?" he asked taking another shot and completely ignoring my question

"Celebrating my birthday. anyways drinks on me" I said picking up the bottle and pouring a glass for him. 

"And I thought a normal teenage girl's birthday is supposed to be with best friends and stuff like that"

"That was supposed to be like thirteen years ago when I was the other version of myself" I said and cringed on my words

"so this is another version."

"yup. anyways Chad thanks for sharing some bottles with me, this is the best birthday party I will never forget" I said and stood up. 

I paid the bill and headed out the bar. 

"Can I drive you home"

"thanks but that's what my motorcycle is for" I said turning him down

"At least I get to know your name right?'

" Let's see. why?"I asked and got on my bike

"You know as friends"

"I don't recall calling you my friend"

"but you bought me drinks"

"fair enough. call me Amber" I say and before he could utter another word, I was already off. I got home and passed through my secret passageway to my room. 

Dad built it just in case there was an attack or anything. only mom, dad and i knew about it, not even the maids in the house. 

And the password has always been my name for years. so most times, I get into the house without anyone knowing.

As I got to the stairs, I heard voices coming from the living room. 

what is dad up to now?

I quickly placed my things and walked back to meet him and there she was sitting on the couch, giggling and making funny faces at my dad. 

"Hi daddy" I greeted disrupting their meeting. he walked up to me and kissed me on the cheek. "so how was the celebration?'

" I enjoyed it "

"Happy birthday Amber. your dad told me that it's your birthday today" she smiled and I nodded but didn't respond. 

"Dad what is she doing here? who is she?"

he ran his hands through his hair before clearing his throat. 

"This is Tasha. My fiancee" he said and my eyes flew open. "Tasha, this is my daughter Amber" he said and she extended her hands for a shake but I didn't take it. 

"I don't understand" I blurt out

"Listen to me sweetie. Tasha and I have been friends for a while now and I think.. . "

"I need some air" I tell him before walking out on them and climbing up to my room.

"Amber?" he called after me but I didn't respond. I just kept on walking. 

Few minutes later, he opened the door and walked in. 

I placed my ear buds in my ear which is to say that I don't want to talk to him. 

"Amber" he called but I pretended not to see him and focused on my laptop but he shut it forcefully making Me yelp.

"what gives?" I asked pulling the buds from my ears. "is your fiancee gone already. I thought you guys were having a great time and I didn't want to intrude"

"Amber... "

"how long have you two been together? were you dating her even when you were married to mom? have you been cheating on mom?"

"Amber I would never.. . "

"then who is she dad? I didn't say I wanted another mother. no one can ever replace mom in my life" I snapped

He sat down on my bed "I met Tasha five years ago after your mom died. we met at a coffee shop and got talking. She also lost her husband and has a daughter quite about your age. Everything happened so fast and before I knew it, we were already dating. she usually visits me at work and we've been going out on dates and I just decided to make it official. And since we're engaged, we've been planning to get married but I wanted you to know about it before we take it further" he concluded but I stared at him in awe. 

I blinked twice, no thrice, in fact I think I've lost count. 

"I don't want another mother" I finally managed to say after the long silence. 

"But Amber I've thought about it and i think it's better if we just start afresh and put what happened thirteen years ago behind us" 

I turned to face him "you think it's easy? She died when I was five. I grew up with her by my side but she died. and now you just want me to accept your marriage and move on?"

"yes!" he yelled "I figured you needed a mother figure in your life to bring you out of this nonsense you call a life. I'm doing everything in my power so that you don't end up regretting this decision for the rest of your life. I'm sick and tired of watching you ruin your life. you think that I don't know about the fact that you've been drinking, clubbing and spending your birthday at the graveyard?" he asked but I chose to remain silent

"but I never said a word because I love you and I care about you. Maybe Tasha is the woman to bring you out of this cause if you ask me, I'm out of options Amber.

.

"Fine I'll change my looks, I'll go back to how it was before but please don't replace her" I begged allowing the tears to pour and just then there was a knock on the door. 

She stuck her head inside before saying "I'm sorry, but is it OK if I come inside?" 

I looked at my dad and he gave her a slight nod. 

"OK" she said pulling the door and letting herself into my room. 

"You know Amber, I'm not trying to change anything neither am I trying to take your mom's place but I just want you to know that if you need anyone to talk to. you know like a friend, I'll be right here for you. your dad told me everything and I know it's not easy for you trust me, My daughter was also like this when she lost her father but your dad has been trying his best to fill in that emptiness and if you give me a chance then I'll be willing to do same OK?" she asked but I didn't respond. 

She pulled me in for a hug and I reluctantly accepted it. 

"Thanks for this Tasha" 

"Anytime Dear" she responds and for the first time in ages, I saw my dad give a genuine smile. 

He's only smiled like this when mom was alive and deep inside me I was truly happy to see him like this but I don't know why something deep inside me keeps telling me that Tasha will be the death of both of us...