She felt extremely glad from within that she wanted to scream badly but it would be so rude of her to scream loudly like that in the hospital so she thought of where to let out her joy and the park that would be empty at that time of the day dropped in her mind. She didn’t even remember to take her phone along so she missed Tom’s call since she was already in the elevator when he called.
Her elevator opened the exact time he arrived at the hospital but she also missed him again because she was facing the entrance already. She sprinted as fast as her legs could carry her to the park and shouted to the top of her lungs, all her cells jumping off for joy as the indescribable feeling of happiness and freedom swept through her.
She was oblivious of Tom’s presence and finished her screaming session then turned to return to her room when she saw him standing there with a big smile on his face. He had been sharing her on from the back and left her to enjoy her moment without intruding.
His presence there made her jump for joy and gratitude, she was extremely glad for all he had done for her and her mother. She saw him rushing forward to close the gap so she did the same but didn’t stop when she got his front, she ran into him and he was quick enough to hug her right into his arms.
He hugged her tightly, feeling the warmness and even her heart that was thumping loudly against his. He was not really certain about whatever was going on with her but one thing he could vouch for was that she was extremely happy that such a day like this have come for her.
“I almost thought…” he wanted to talk about how scared he was when he saw her running out of the elevator but she shut him up with a hot kiss.
She didn’t even wait for him to open up to her, on claiming his lower lips and gentle sucking on, he gave her the access to probe into his mouth as he returned the kiss with the same aggressiveness.
He held her tight to his chest, worshipping every corner of mouth and lips as the kiss got deeper. They were getting carried away in the heat of the moment and nothing mattered anymore at that point because they were both lost in their world.
They finally separated to take a breather and glanced at each other’s face, the aggressiveness of their actions finally rushed in making them laugh. They didn’t know what made them act that way but they were glad they did. With a tiny chuckle, she began to retract as embarrassment was setting in but he pulled her back to his embrace. “Are you feeling shy now?” he teased, making her bury her face into his chest.
“What do I do if you are this cute?” he remarked, hugging her again.
They stood that way for some minutes more, feeling their hearts beat against each other without talking but the kiss already expressed everything on her mind.
“Should we go in now?” he asked and she nodded.
He held her hand as they strolled back inside to see her mother now fully awake and sitting with her back resting on the bed frame. She wanted to remove her hand from his but he held it back, tightly. Staring at him in protest, her mother’s voice brought her back.
“I can see you finally made the move” her mother remarked with a huge smile while watching them from her bed. The look on Amber’s face went from trying to figure out the reason why Tom was still holding unto her in front of her mother who didn’t know they were already dating to her mother knowing about it.
“How did you know about it?” was the next question that flew out of her mouth but her mother only laughed. “We are closer than you think” her mother responded with a tired voice.
The doctor came around to check up on her and everything was declared fine. “We will watch her for some days and discharge her if no issue arises” the doctor said to them before taking his leave.
Her mother thanked Tom for all he had done for them and vowed to remain grateful till her death. She also thanked her daughter for withstanding the storm during the past few years that they had been struggling financially.
“You don’t need to thank me or worry about anything anymore. Let’s just live together in happiness and remain healthy” Amber sobbed like the crybaby she was and hugged her mother while Tom just watched in admiration.
****
Everything went back to normal and Tom in unity with Amber were working tirelessly towards the upcoming mall event which happened to fall on his birthday when the date was picked. Every guests’ appearances were confirmed and invitations were sent out to everybody that would be attending. The sales of tickets of also went off within minutes as everyone rushed to snag one.
Joseph on the hand was heavily involved in making the investment work for his company so he could take over the chairman position like his father had instructed. He spent most days having meetings with officials of different calibers, states and countries so they could all support him, then things can work in his favor.
*****
Finally the day of the event came in and the program started. Every departments were carrying out their different sessions. RDW designer was ushered to his seat that was not far from where Amber was seating.
Immediately he sighted her, he stepped back in fear but Amber just smiled at him. They both understood what their reactions meant, ever since the day he tried to threaten Tom and she handled him instead, he has been avoiding her like a plague.
“You should take your seat if you are here for the event” she motioned to him, the smile still sitting on her face. A small cough flew out of his mouth as he mustered the courage to take his seat but he was able to compose himself before the start of his painting session which went well as expected.
The pregnant women session also came up and the women happily played the games to win coupons for their baby goodies when they come shopping. The company made sure to provide snacks and drinks for the people in attendance making everyone enjoy the show to the fullest.
Finally the time to draw came and Tom who was already sweating in anticipation was accompanied to the stage by Amber when he was introduced.
“Do I really have to do this? I don’t think I can do well” he protested but her only response was smiling back and nodding to give him courage.
As soon as they stepped on the stage, Amber announced the presence of Lawrence who was sitting in the crowd with Phoebe. They had been invited by Amber but she didn’t let Tom know about it till it was time.
The two drawing stands and every other painting instruments they might need was provided on the large stage where they both took their seats.
“You rascal, you didn’t tell me you were coming” Tom called out and Lawrence chuckled.
“Don’t be intimidated, I only came here to cheer you on. We promised to paint together so let’s revive that dream today” Lawrence replied and they bumped their fists.
They drew on the boards while people were cheering them on in anticipation of whatever they were drawing. They were finally done after an hour and they revealed their drawings.
Lawrence drew a little bird flying away from its nest while Tom drew two hands holding each other amidst commotions. Everyone applauded them and cheered as they raised their canvas to show the drawing. Lawrence’s painting was obviously neater and more professional since he’s a master of art but Tom’s painting was also very beautiful
“Wait! That is…” Lawrence suddenly blurt out and everyone stopped to listen to what he has to say.
Even Tom didn’t know what he was pointing to until he finished his sentence. “The shadow is gone! The shadow is no more hovering over your drawing” Lawrence pointed out and everyone turned to stare at Tom’s drawing.
He checked what he meant and saw that truly, the shadow was gone. That was the first time he would draw something and the shadow wouldn’t be evident. He was able to grow past the shadow unconsciously.
Amber stared at the drawing in amusement, her lips curving into a proud smile as a soft “Wow! The shadow is really gone” came out of her mouth.
The clap went through the roof for the both of them as they explained the meaning behind the drawings they both had.
“This is for a friend who has left the nest, he’s now flying and I hope he flies hard and soar high” Lawrence explained before handing over the canvas to Tom as a gift, he was the friend he was talking about.
Tom with pride and happiness called Amber and gifted her his own. “To the warm hand that held the cold mine, I am always grateful” he stated and pulled her into a hug.
Amidst the clapping, the staffs wheeled in a cake and sang a happy birthday song for him. Everyone partied with them and had fun to the fullest before the event was brought to an end.
That day, the mall recorded a very high increase in their sales therefore achieving the goal of the event which was to give the mall more exposure to the main public.
Tom and Amber left the office after everything and headed to the car to ride together. Tom was driving out of the park when Amber took his hands, “Do you want to stay with me tonight?” she asked with a gaze that made him pause the car for a bit.
There were many meanings attached to her request, which one should he pick?