Page 148 of Tattooed Love

Biting the bullet, I finally just dialed his number. The boarding call was going to get over any minute and the more I thought about him finding out I had left from dad, the more I realized it just didn’t sit right with me.

It only rang twice before he answered.

“Amber?”

“Troy.”

“Where are you?” his voice was rushed and panicked.

“I’m fine,” although the emptiness in my voice was a dead giveaway.

“We’ve been looking for you for hours! Where are you now? We are coming to pick you up.”

When he said we, I knew my other brothers must be with him and that brought a slight smile to my face.

“Troy. I have to tell you something,” I sighed. “I’m leaving.”

“What do you mean leaving?” Troy’s voice was firm, and I could hear the hushed voices in the background, demanding to know what was going on.

“I spoke to dad, and everything has been arranged.” I felt the tears building up. “I’m sorry I’m telling you like this.”

“Amber, where are you going?” I knew that tone; that tone said that he wasn’t going to let me leave.

“Troy, look there is nothing you can do. I’ve made up my mind. Dad was right. I need a fresh start.”

The boarding call went over the speaker. I had to hurry this up now.

“Was that a boarding call?” Troy’s voice spiked with concern “Amber, whatever you are thinking about doing, don’t.”

“I’m sorry Troy. Can you tell the others that? I know now all you guys ever did was try to protect me.”

“Amber, don’t hang up. Look, about tonight there are a few things you need to know. Just don’t get on that plane until you let Jax explain a few things.”

What? Was Jax already regretting his words? I smiled bitterly to myself.

“Jax made himself very clear Troy. Look, I have to go.” I looked at the people boarding the plane.

“Amber, don’t leave. Don’t let what happened tonight drive you from your family.”

“This isn’t about that,” I said as I stepped into line in the boarding queue. “I can’t keep being the girl I am Troy. My life is going nowhere.”

“Jax loves you Amber..., I know we don’t say it all the time, but we love you too. Don’t just give up on us.”

“I’m not giving up on you guys. You boys have done enough for me, and it’s time I did something for you all.”

“Don’t board that plane!” Troy’s words were firm.

“Tell Jax to not doubt himself, he made the right decision.” It physically hurt me to say that. “He needs someone stronger than me and I’m sure he will find her.” The tears began to fall.

“I’ll call you soon Troy, I promise.”

“Amber, please don’t do this!” His voice was raw. He really didn’t want me to leave. “Just let us talk and then if you still want to leave, you can get the next flight, or if you won’t do that, just tell me where you are going?”

“I love you Troy,” I said softly, “I’ll call you when I land.” I handed my ticket to the lady. “I’ve got to go.”

I hung up my phone quickly, not letting Troy say another word because nothing he, or anyone for that matter, could say, would stop me from boarding this plane.

I swallowed the doubts in my stomach and boarded the plate. Time to start somewhere fresh, with no boyfriend or family to have my back. I was in this alone, and, for some reason, that truly terrified me.

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