The sound of loose gravel crunching in the drive way and the shine of a car’s headlights pierced through the blinds of the front window. You sighed. This was it. The time to talk to him had come. The emotional roller coaster you had with Stel-...your mom, had just been a warm up for what was to come. The mother who, hurriedly jumped off the couch and bee-lined towards the front door. You followed behind her, though, in a more apprehensive fashion. Where she had left the house and approached the car, you stood just out of view in the front door. The expected garbled concerns and shock flew from your mother’s mouth as she and your dad helped your half-sister from her car. Your stomach twisted itself into a knot as you watched them approach. You briefly lock eyes with Cynthia before she looked away. She looked miserable. You didn’t know if it was from the beating, the alleged regret of what she did or both but...you were beginning to feel a lot of complicated feelings in your gut. That was for sure. About half way up the path to the front door your father spots you and gives you a quick glare. Almost like you read his mind, you backed up quite a bit to let them through. Walking in he turns to you. ”Amber, go and sit on the couch. I will be with you in a minute.” The stern tone, still being very foreign coming out of his mouth, clued you in to what ever his plans were with you, were not pleasant. You follow his instructions and quickly take your seat. You watch the rest of your family guide Cynthia into her room. Hushed noises of medications and requests to get rest were heard, and after what felt like hours, your two guardians left the room and slowly shut the door behind them. Your father immediately stood in front of you and crossed his arms, your mother sitting in the recliner just to the side of the couch you sat on. ”Amber Mous…” Your flinched and looked up to his eyes. ”I have had a long, several dozen hours to think of what to say and what to do...but I don’t think I need to be long winded. No theatrics. No rants. No, me trying to be thoughtful and tactful. It has been a long and stressful past...I don’t know how many hours. I barely know what day it is anymore.” ”Tuesday.” Stella chirps. Your dad looks behind him and to his wife with an incredulous look on his face which causes your mother to shrink back a bit. ”Tuesday...right, thank your sweet heart. Guhhh…” Your dad rubs his hands into his face, letting out a deep sigh he’s probably been saving in since the dinner two nights ago. “Look. Amber. No more games. I need you to tell me what exactly possesed you to act like an ass during dinner, run away from home, and then put your sister into the fucking ER?” You froze. The words you wanted to say were stuck in your throat but they refused to come out. You haven’t seen your dad act like this in a while. He’d get angry sure but...at you? And this angry? You were a predator for God’s sake why were you freezing up this badly. ”Well?” You flinched. In a panic you try to force out something. “W-well, dad, I...uh...I was just, I mean, I c-couldn’t-” ”W-well, u-uh, d-d-duh, d-dad, I-I! Amber! Spit it out!” You shrunk back into the couch more. You were terrified of this version of your father. Someone so laid back and casual, to be this angry. The weight and guilt of your actions the past three days shows just how thin it stretched him. The previous reservations of not wanting to burden him with your issues involving his dead wife now seeming far less emotionally stressful. Stella attempts to interject, ”Anon! I think that’s a little harsh!” ”She fucking put Cynthia into the hospital! She has a fractured skull! Do you have any idea how much that cost? Let alone the fact she could have FUCKING died tonight!” ”You can be angry Anon but you don’t have to mock her like that!” Your dad fully turned his body to respond but you cut him off. “Mom! I’d really appreciate it if you left me and dad alone.” The both of them turned to look at you, confusion plastered across both of their faces. ”W-why?” She stammered. “Please...this is something I need to talk to dad about...alone.” The pair looked at each other and shrugged. ”Alright Amber...I’ll give you and your dad privacy. But Anon...if I hear any screaming, I will not HESITATE to come put an end to it.” Your father looks at you and then back to his wife. With a sigh he concedes. “Fine. No screaming.” ”Good.” With that, your mom gets up, and with a slight hint of worry in her eye, leaves the room. As soon as she’s out of earshot you turn to dad and take several deep breaths. “Dad…” He crosses his arms. “Go on…” “We...We need to talk...a-about mom...about Lucy.” Your dad takes a deep sigh and pinches the bridge of his nose. ”I knew it...I just needed to hear you say it but I knew it. Just wish you would’ve asked before sending your sister to the fucking emergency room.” He takes his phone out and looks at the time. Pondering a moment he looks over to the cabinet and back at you. ”Go out to the back porch. I need to grab somethings. I’ll be right outside. And then we’ll talk.” You cocked your head in confusion, but you obeyed his command and walked out onto the back patio, sitting in one of the pollen covered chairs in the darkness of the humid night. After several moments you father returns outside with two glasses of...something. Wait were those tumblers? Your dad looks around confused. ”Were you really just...sitting here in the dark?” “I...didn’t think to turn the light on.” Sighing, your dad sets the drinks down and flips the switch, illuminating the porch the both of you now sat on. You take the glass you were given and give it a sniff, cola, but there was another, more pungent smell wafting into your nostrils. Was that… You look up at your dad unsure if he was serious. ”Don’t tell your mother. It’s going to be a long night for the both of us...and don’t tell her about this either.” Pulling out a small carton, your dad puts a cigarette in his mouth and lights up. You didn’t say anything. You just nodded in understanding. A lot has happened in the past three days, figuring out your dad smoked was just another drop in the bucket at this point. You look down at the drink still in your hands and take a small sip. The sweetness of the rum and cola were a surprisingly nice mix...but then the taste of the alcohol hit you. ”Blegh!” ”You don’t have to drink it if you don’t want to. But it’ll make the night go more smooth. If you need more ask, but we are NOT getting drunk tonight okay?” You look up at your dad and back at your drink. Fuck it. You take another sip, larger this time. Grimmacing you place the glass down and wipe your mouth. “Blagh...y-yes sir, I get it.” A moment of silence before you finally look back up to your dad. “S-So...Lucy.” Your dad nodded. “Yes...Lucy. What do you want to know?” “Well...everything I guess…” ”Well I figured as much. Alright, I’ll tell you. But first...you need to be honest with me Amber. I think I already know, but I need to hear it from you.” You grab your arm and look down to the floor. “I...I miss her. I didn’t even know her and I miss her. I never got to know her. The woman who is the reason I’m here, who was just as passionate about her art as I am about mine...just...someone that most kids get to experience in their life...someone Cynthia gets to have...and I don’t. I just...I wish I got to know her. To be passionate with her...I’m sorry dad. I knew I always could have asked you but...I knew you loved her, and that talking about your dead wife, even years later, that’s probably not something anyone wants to do. I think I felt scared seeing a part of you I really didn’t want to.” Your dad nodded and took a sip of his own drink. ”Ok...I understand. Amber, sweet tooth, it’s okay. I can only imagine not getting the chance to form a bond with the person who birthed you. I did, and as it turns out, we didn’t like each other. If all the TWO visits you’ve had with my parents wasn’t evidence enough.” You nodded. “Yea, but, that’s not what our relationship would’ve been like though? Could it?” ”Between you and Lucy? No. Don’t get it confused, Lucy was nothing like my parents. She was so excited to have you.” “Really?” ”Of course. You’ve seen the photo album! In fact, I think you still have it.” “Oh...oh yea.” You pick up your drink and take another big sip.” Taking a drag your father continues. “I can start in the beginning if you’d like.” “That sounds nice.” With another drag and a nod your dad begins the story. “Back in my senior year of high school, when I still lived in rock bottom, I had done something...bad. Not illegal! Just, social suicide. Very embarrassing. So much so I had decided to transfer schools. My goal was to just lay low, not get in anyone's way and to just pass my classes, from there...well I didn’t know. Your grandpa said ‘college or service, I don’t care which.’” ”Damn...I couldn’t imagine you in the army.” Your dad rolled his eyes. ”Thaaaaanks sweet tooth.” He takes a dejected sip of his cocktail. ”Anyways, that’s not what ended up happening. You know the broad strokes of my highschool experience so I’ll keep it brief. Uncle Naser’s ex used her secret bitch mindgame powers to put me and Lucy together. I get caught up in helping her band. We get closer. Etc. In the end, your mother was able to turn her band that everyone hated into a fucking hit all the while your uncle’s ex spent the entire rest of prom seething in hatred. And then...*sigh* yea after that I go to college. Your mother gets her job at the school, and we finally meet again at the reunion. But...you know all of this.” You nod your head. ”Amber...your mother was, she was amazing. When I first met her she was rather abrasive, sure. Hot headed even. Or...I should say THEY were rather abrasive.” “They?” ”Oh...It was the 20s...y’know, bright colored hairstyles, different gender expressions…” “Oooooooh. So she was...anti-tirtiary? Un-binerary? Sorry I don’t know much about that decade.” ”We called it non-binary. And yes…wow do people not identify like that anymore?” You shrug. ”There’s like...this transkid no one talks to in algebra...but some people just think he’s trying to be retro...or she?” Your dad waves his hand. ”Bah, not important. Thing is, your mom was a tough nut. But, she seemed to take a liking to me.” “What did you do?” ”Just...talked to her. Be nice. Everyone didn’t like her because her band sucked and...to be very honest...so did she.” “She...sucked?” ”Well, her TEMPER sucked. On the outside she was a pretty big bitch. I mean, the only reason I talked to her was because I thought, HEY we shared two classes together, and because both of us were pretty low on the totem poll popularity wise, I might as well be friendly with her.” You nodded as you took another sip of your drink. The previous disgust you felt now fading as your mind began to get a little bit more loose. ”So. That’s how it began. Talking with her eventually turned to me hanging out with her, and her friends, Ms. Trish and Reed, and then to her...talking about her feelings. Just what she felt. A day helping her with homework here, a day helping her find a venue for her there, and then...the day Ms.Trish decided to air my dirty laundry to the whole school.” You cringed. You’ve heard about that story multiple times. Usually at thanksgiving dinners when Trish got exceptionally hammered and started to laugh at your dad’s expense the whole night. “Oh…sorry.” ”Ahhh don’t worry I’m over it. That was decades ago. Well, what you didn’t hear about that story was how I was injured after words.” “You were what!?” ”Oh yea, so, after it happened, I was basically frozen in shock. Your mother was helping me leave the school so I could go home, principle Spears let me, some asshole threw a soda can at my head when I was right at the top step of the school entrance.” “Oh! Oh...oh no dad did you?” ”Yep! All the way down, even hit my groin on one of those poles out front. Anyways, your mom helped me the rest of the way home, and when I made it back to my apartment in skins row she patched me up. Well, after all of that my uh...little quirk let a secret slip.” “Was this little quirk the same one I have.” Your dad chuckled. “Yep, that’s the one.” “So you told mom you loved her on...accident?” ”Covered in bruises, shirtless, on my bed and after she saw me photoshopped with a bunch of anime girls. You gave your dad a deadpanned stare. ”What? Hey, I told you it was embarrassing. And besides, why do you think Stella and I work so well?” “I mean yea but...really?” ”Ahh, you wouldn’t get it. Anyways...yea, I was at my lowest point and your mom...well, she said she liked me back.” “Woah woah woah, dad, you said, shirtless and on your bad AFTER she was touching all over your body, even if it was for medical reasons, PLEASE don’t tell me this is my origin story!” ”Origin story what are you...oh. OH! NO! NO NO! That didn’t happen! I mean, we couldn’t even kiss, my injures were that bad! We just cuddled I swear!” You give your dad the stink eye. He put his hands up. ”Honest!” “Alright alright…so...that’s how it started huh?” ”Yep. And honestly...there isn’t much to talk about left after that. I made peace with Trish, your mom played at prom, and then...well you know everything that happened after that.” “Well, no I don’t. That’s kind of why we are here.” ”Well, YES, but I meant you knew everything that happened in terms of, me going to college and your mom having Naomi, your uncle’s ex as a room mate for a while.” “Yea so...what about when you two were married.” Your dad sighed and inspected his glass. This was the part that he really didn’t want to talk about. The end. He knew when he was finished...he’d be at the end of Lucy too. Up to this point it seems that talking about her, and maybe the alcohol, had completely tempered him. He had done a very jarring 180 at this point. You suppose it was necessary. Happy reminiscing before the inevitable. ”You’re mumbling.” “Fuck…” ”No but...you’re right. You’re right. Well, let’s just rip the band-aid off. Amber, I loved your mother. I still do. So much. I really, honestly, truly, think about her every day. Whether it’s in deep thought or just a passing memory during lunch at work, I see her. I miss her. When we got married nothing too notable happened when it came to interesting stories but...God, it was perfect. Perfect. Down to the last minute detail. She was the perfect woman. I felt like the luckiest man alive. I, someone who thought he’d never get a girlfriend ended up with the most violent girl in school and was successful enough to break her out of her shell, and in return I was given a woman who really was as passionate and dedicated to her craft as you.” Dad puts a hand on yours. ”I see her in your everyday. Yes, even now. She would have loved you Amber. I know it from the bottom of my heart. Saying this almost hurts because I have the same feelings for Stella but...she was the best thing to ever happen to me. That necklace you wear, everyday, that was my Christmas gift to her.” You look down at your jewelry and hold it in your hands. “T-this was hers?” Your dad nods. “I didn’t tell you?” You shook your head. ”Well, yea, it was. It’s why we named you Amber. Well, that and your eyes. Which match hers to a T.” You place your hand over your mouth. A whine threatening to escape. You grab your drink in desperation and drown the urge with your rum and coke. You gag and shake your head. ”You were all she talked about. She had so many plans. So many desires. Trips, activities, etc. She was so so ready.” Your dad’s smile faltered. He leaned over and rubbed his head. ”And then...the day came...and…” You couldn’t hold it in. A little whimper came out. Panicking your dad tries to calm you down. ”Oh, nononono, sweet tooth, I didn’t mean-” “I-I’m sorry dad…I didn’t mean...I...you…” ”Amber listen I don’t blame you. I’d never blame you. I love you.” “I-I b-but…” ”Listen, Amber, after your mother died...I had to keep going. She died FOR you. She loved you that much. I had to love you as much as she did. Hell, I almost killed myself taking care of you...a-ask Stella! She had to come and take care of me!” “A-actually...she told me.” ”Oh! Well then...so you know just how bad it was.” You nodded and wiped the tears off your face. Dad got up and knelled next to the chair you sat in. ”Listen, Amber. I know how you must feel. Lucy was a great person. And she loved you. You didn’t do anything wrong. The only thing you did wrong was annoying everything up until now. When I say I see your mother in you I mean it. You are just as passionate about your art. Everything you do, the art you make, the relationships you have, the way you inspire others, the amazing, AMAZING, gifts you have, they are all a continuation from her. Your mother would be SO proud of you.” “R-really?” ”Yes, sweet tooth of course. And please...no matter how you feel, no matter what you think my reaction is...from now on, ask me about it. Even if it’s sad. Even if we miss her, we can miss her together sweet tooth. You’re not alone, that’s something it took me far too long to learn. Miss her with me Amber. Please.” Your dad brings you in for a hug. The brief scent of ash from the long gone cigarette still and the BO from the 45 hours out of the house still lingered on his scent but your didn’t really care. You whined, buried your snoot into his shoulder and wrapped your wings around him. And there the two of you sat. Him whispering sweet nothings in your ear as you sobbed out the years of loneliness, regret, and sadness. The deluge of tears and snot stained his shirt but he was beyond caring at this point. It felt like an eternity crying in your fathers arms. Little whispers of ‘sweet tooth’ and ‘it’ll be alright’s between back rubs filling the silence in between your sobs. Once your eyes were too dry to continue, you let go of the embrace and looked back up at him. “T-thanks dad. I-I really n-needed all of that.” ”No, thank you sweet heart. For finally, FINALLY letting me know, and talking to me about it. It’s therapeutic in a way to talk about it once in a while.” “Y-yea...*sniff* dad...I’m so so so sorry for not telling you. I’m so sorry I kept it from you for all these weeks. For insulting Stella and...and everything else. Your dad rubbed the back of his neck. ”Well...that’s...that’s the other thing we have to talk about.” You cock your head in confusion. ”You see sweet tooth...while I am happy you apologized to me, and finally opened up…Amber, you know I can’t let what happened tonight go.” “Oh...y-yea...I see. W-well, what’s my punishment?” Your dad looks up and ponders for a moment. ”Well...it’s far too late and honestly I’m far too tired to think of one right now. I had it in my head in the hospital but truth be told, it was in anger. Let me calm down and I’ll think of a good one tomorrow.” “Yes sir.” ”But!” You perk up. ”One thing is for certain. You WILL be apologizing to your sister tomorrow.” You shrink back. You knew you’d have to. It was inevitable. You still weren’t positive if Cynthia was ACTUALLY sorry about ANYTHING she did, even a little. Which would make apologizing hard. What would you even say? You try to think of something, anything, but your mind was just too fuzzy, and you were too tired. “Yes sir. I’ll do it first thing in the morning.” ”Good girl.” Dad picks up the glasses and begins to head inside. Before he does he gives you a kiss on the scalp and one last hug. ”Good night sweet tooth. And hey, remember, all of this?” He waves the glasses and cigarette carton in his hands. ”Not. A. Word. To. Your. Mom.” You giggle. “Yes sir...good night dad, I love you.” ”I love you too.” And with that, the two of you retreat to your own rooms. You spent a long time in your head that night about how and what you’d say to Cynthia. And what would she even say back? What were you ACTUALLY sorry for? You tossed and turned. But not a thought or revelation came. Well...guess you’ll just have to wing it. [POST-NOTES] Two more Chapters. Honest this time. I hope you guys are enjoying the ending! By the end I'd love if you guys told me how you think about the story! Go in as much detail as you want. Or don't, if you don't wanna. I've had a lot of fun with this story so far! And while I have no plans writing after this, I will hopefully be drawing more for you guys. Maybe some more Cynthia or Sera or Amber if my story hasn't already inspired some of the people to draw them more already. Anyways, enjoy this chapter, and have a happy Fang Friday!