CAPTURE THIS (Updating regularly)

Chapter 25

Amber laughed humourlessly. "That's for sure."

"You have to understand that he's been there for me when things have been... difficult. It haunts him seeing me the way that he did, and to make things worse, our relationship completely disintegrated and he still blames himself for that." 

Her voice was cautious, as though she agonizing over how to phrase her sentences in a way that would make sense to Amber. 

"The reason it is so important for you to understand this is because I've spooked so many of his girlfriends because of how we are together. His guilt makes him overprotective over me and I get frustrated because I wish he wouldn't blame himself for what I've been through. That's not passion or desire between us. It's a twisted form of compassion that could never turn into love. I need you to believe me, Amber." 

At this point, Amber's heart and mind were exhausted from worrying so much. As she gazed into Sylvia's eyes and seemed to gather a sense of sincerity. She sighed, feeling far too weary to be anything but honest. 

"Do you think we'll have ever have the connection that you have with each other?" Amber asked, not caring about how frank her question was.

Sylvia contemplated the question for a moment before turning to Amber. "I don't think you want the kind of connection that we have. I mean sure, he cares for me and worries about me but he also feels a strong kind of obligation towards me, as I feel towards him. People are supposed to move on with their lives but this obligation forces us to keep reliving the worst parts of our lives together. You need a relationship with him in which you can move forward, not keep focusing on everything that's gone wrong."

Amber mulled over the words in her mind. "I think you're right. I'm sorry. I just needed some time to catch up with what you guys have." 

"Don't apologize. I'm just glad you stuck around long enough to listen to what I had to say," Sylvia answered kindly. "Now, I bet Alex is anxiously waiting to find out if he still has a girlfriend. He wanted to come out with you but I managed to hold him off for a little while. I expect he's ready to burst through that door any second now." 

She nodded over to the front door and Amber couldn't help but laugh at the mental image of Alex wrenching the door open in a panic to find them both calmly sitting on top of his car. Sylvia laughed with her. As they faded into silence again, the slightly older woman took Amber's hand. 

"For what it's worth, I'm very glad he found you, Amber." 

Amber threw her a genuine smile as her heart swelled with compassion. 

"Now come on, we'd better get inside before one of us catches pneumonia." 

The rest of the afternoon ran as smoothly as Alex had promised. They ate the lunch Sylvia had cooked for them - her portion was slightly smaller than either of theirs but she cleaned her plate, all the same - and they sat in the living room talking about everything they hadn't had a chance to talk about in the year that Alex had not seen her. 

Sylvia's boyfriend worked in the radio station that she worked at and they had been together for almost six months. His name was Noah and he was a year older than her. On their first date, he had taken her ice skating, which he had never done before and fell as soon as he hit the ice, a story that made Sylvia burst into hysterics as the told the pair. Amber and Alex exchanged a smile as they witnessed the very real happiness that this new man brought a person that they now both deeply cared for. 

Amber told Sylvia about the art gallery and showed her some pictures of some of her painting from her phone. Alex's face looked a little guilty when she mentioned the children book that she had illustrated and she knew he was thinking of the fight they had had. She reached out and took his hand reassuringly. 

They spoke about how they met, a story which made Sylvia squeal with delight. They failed to mention how they saw each other at school almost every day after sharing an awkward gaze. 

By the end of the afternoon, the trio were sad to have to say goodbye. Amber took down Sylvia's number and added to her social media before promising to keep in touch, whilst Alex have her a fierce hug. 

"Seeing you has put my mind at rest. You really seem to be doing better, Sylv," he told her as he clung onto her. 

Sylvia smiled over his shoulder. "I really am. Though just because I'm doing better, doesn't mean you stop coming to see me." 

Alex chuckled. "I'm sorry about that, I promise I'll visit again soon. If not, you're coming and visiting us." 

Sylvia pulled away and grinned at him. "In that dingy little apartment? Not a chance."

Alex chuckled again and released her before taking Amber's side by the car. They both waved as they pulled out of the driveway. It certainly wasn't a visit Amber could have prepared herself for, but it was one she would never forget.

***

Hello,

I hope you enjoyed that chapter. I would really like to know what you thought of Sylvia in this chapter. Let me know in the comments. Don't forget to do those snazzy things like liking and following me so that you get a notification every time I update. 

-FChy97 x