Chapter 3: New Beginnings

Her mother covers her mouth with her hand and stares at the doctor wide eyed "Amber was the name of her twin sister. She died at the age of two from heart problems" she explains

"I see, then that might explain what she said next" the doctor says

"I asked her if she knew why she was in hospital? To which she answered that her sister had died in order for her to have her heart" Stacey's mother gasps on hearing this and her hand goes to cover her own heart.

"Why would she think that?" she asks

"We heard that she was very upset when she ran out onto the road from her initial accident. It's my belief that she suffered a traumatic experience mentally before having one physically. We'll have to get a professional over to talk to her, to find out for sure" he tells her.

He also recommends not saying to much about it until they've tested her more.  Her mother goes back to Stacey’s room and feels like she is walking on eggshells as she doesn't know what is safe to talk about.

When the Psychiatrist comes to talk to her, later that same day. Her mother sits in the corner of the room and listens to her daughter say with such confidence.  That her sister Stacey died in a car accident and that gave her the chance to live with a new heart.

When asked what she does, she explains that due to her bad health she was only allowed to do online courses but did well in product design and managment.

When the doctor asks her "how her scar from her operation feels?" It makes Stacey think, then when she opens up her top to see no scar. She has a full mental breakdown, picking up the fruit knife that her mother has been using to peel fruit for herself, off the bedside table.

She points the knife at her chest, while screaming “why can't you see the scar?” She stabs herself twice while she yells at them “why are you asking about my scar?”.

It takes three nurses and two doctors to hold her down while one of them gives her a sedative. The whole time all her mother can do is stand and watch as her once beautiful confident daughter loses it.  She cries as they lay her back on the bed with a blood soaked top.

She is taken from the room and shown back into the doctor’s office to wait, while they sort her daughter out. Then both doctor's come and talk to her.

"Your daughter now believes she is her dead twin sister.  Her mind has been fractured due to both a mental and physical injury.  We will have to observe her and keep her here while we see, just how she has been affected by everything. The breakdown now was from me questioning her about her heart surgery.  When she saw no scar, her mind couldn't take it.  But on a subconscious level, her mind also knew she'd have to have a scar.  Now she does, so it will be harder to argue about that now" the doctor explains.

Her mother nods and the doctor carry's on "we will keep her in for observation, saying its for therapy as her mind can't take another blow at the moment.  So, we will all have to play along.  But I feel this isn't going to right itself anytime soon.  So, you'll have to take my doctor's letter to the authorities and get her a new ID under her sister’ s name.  Hide all card ID's with Stacey's name on it, for now.  I will work with her and we will see how things go but you have to resign yourself to the fact that Stacey might forever think she is Amber now."

Her mother nods as tears run down her cheeks. She wonders just what might have happened to her daughter before the car accident. But after so much time has passed, she is a little reluctant to get in touch with Grant as she really doesn't want to open that can of worms again.

She goes back to her daughter's room who even though sedated is still hand cuffed to the bed. She cries and prays to her husband that he’ll look out for their daughter and keep her safe from now on.

Stacey now Amber doesn't wake-up until the next day. She wakes as though yesterday didn't happen. "Mum, you don't need to stay and watch over me, even when I sleep.  Please go home and rest. Dad would never forgive me if something happened to you also" she says

Her mother briefly closes her eyes before smiling sadly "honey did you forget your father had a massive heart attack and died last year?" she explains

"I haven't forgotten, but they are both watching us from above. I will show them that we can live well. I'll take care of you and hope I'll be able to get a good job, once I'm allowed to leave here.  That way they’ll be reassured that we are alright now" Amber says

Her mother relieved that she didn't have to say more about her husband’s death nods and smiles at her daughter.

"Please go home and rest Mum, you look as though you are about to drop yourself?" Amber begs.

"Alright then, I'll go home. If you are sure you'll manage on your own?  I'll come back tomorrow. Do you need me to bring you anything?" she asks

"Just some new PJ's please, maybe my laptop and phone" Amber asks

"They were trashed when you had your acc, I, I, I mean I had a leek and they got ruined. So, I bought you new ones, I'll bring them with me tomorrow" she corrects herself just in time.

"Mum sorry, I wasn't there to help with everything. How about we go away on a bit of a holiday when all this is over?" Amber suggests

"That would be lovely yes, a break away from everyone.  I even decided to move as the memories where to much.  I think you’ll like the new place its got a great community group.  

"You always wanted to go back to your hometown or even that place you loved, what was it called?" she says and then rubs her head as though its hurting.

"Actually, I've bought a place in a gated communities that gives a better level of security for when I get older" her mother explains.

"Great idea, we will feel safer now.  Also, it won’t be as much to keep clean and organised" Amber says happily.

"Alright love, I'll see you tomorrow. Get some rest and listen to the doctors and nurses and don't over do it" her mother says kissing her forehead before heading out.

Once outside she leans against the wall and lets the tears fall. Mrs. Greenbank is a small petit woman with rich dark hair that she wears tied up, so its easyier to control.  She looks even more tiny as she siliently weeps leaning against the wall.  Until she straightens her shoulders giving herself a mental talking too "she is alive, it doesn't matter who she thinks she is. She is alive!" she tells herself before leaving the hospital to go and buy a new laptop and phone.  She goes home after that and removes the pictures that her daughter might not understand.  She also moves the box of Grants things she'd left for Stacey to decide what to do with.  Too her own bedroom and hides it deep inside her closet.

She is happy she decorated Stacey's no Amber's room in neutral colours.  It takes her a while to go through all her bags and other things to check that there is nothing in there that tells her, that she is really Stacey or hints at her past life. Like wage slips and pictures of her past colleagues.  She has already told them that Stacey wouldn’t be coming back.  When she spoke to her boss she had lied, instead of telling them what really happened.  She’d said that she was having difficulty getting over her father’s death.  She really hadn’t wanted to explain about what was really going on.

1 Year Later

"Mum, have you seen my phone?" Amber calls from her bedroom.

"Didn't you have it while we watched the movie last night?" her mother calls back

Amber has not long started a new job as an assistant to a well-known home and building designer.  She met him by accident when they were on holiday.  He seemed to see something in her and offered her a job.  

Since then, her confidence is back and she is enjoying her work.  They love their new apartment her mother bought.  Having much more confidence in their gated community with the other apartment buildings and some houses and villas included init.  They also have their own park, cafe's and shops.

Amber has her new ID, bank cards and still goes to see a counsellor twice a month.  They say she is doing well.  Still believes she is her dead sister.  But she is now living her life well.  She has even made some friends at work and around their new home too.

"Got it, thanks Mum, I don't know what I'd do without you" Amber says kissing her cheek.

"I'll see you later, don't forget I'm out with work later, to welcome the new guy" she reminds her mother as she leaves for work.

Once at work she checks her emails, answers the ones she can and then opens the mail.  Once she has them sorted, she makes coffee and takes it to her boss Mr. Clive Fortune. 

They go over the mail that needs answering and then his schedule for that day.  "Oh, did you manage to get in touch with Gino?" her boss asks 

"I did, he said he can do the cobalt blue but the violet he is having trouble with" she explains

He nods "okay tell him to stick at it.  I know he'll find a solution for me.  Have you sent his wife a present, she just gave birth too their 2nd son not so long ago?" boss asks her

"Of course, I also sent her some soothing minerals that she can take and soak in, as well as some baby booties and bibs for the baby" Amber replies

Boss smiles at her and nods happy that she is turning into a real talent.

Another 1 Year later

"Congratulations Amber, another store front up for an award.  Clive says walking into her office.

"It's all down to your teaching and having patience with my endless questions" she smiles back.

"My wife has invited you to dinner Friday night.  We have invited some other friends too" Clive tells her.

"Great, Mum is away for the weekend and I would have ended up eating instant noodles again" she agrees

"In that case stay the weekend and you can babysit for us again.  I need some alone time with my wife" he says making her laugh but agreeing.

"I'll leave you to your work then, congratulations again" Clive says before walking towards his own office.

Amber has done so well over this last year, found her passion in store front design and furniture design to help disabled people more, and never looked back.  Now there are many wanting her to create another master piece that will draw people into their stores all with helpful aids to help people find what they want.  Clive and his wife talked with her mother when they first met on holiday.  She still believes she is her dead twin but her mother has gotten use to it and is just happy she is living well.  Clive feels lucky to have found such raw talent.

"Alice I'm going to meet Mr. Lacey at the new shop site.  Call me only if its an emergency, text me, if you need me to come back to the office afterwards.  Otherwise, I'll be heading home to help my mother pack for her trip" Amber tells her secretary. 

"Alright will do, James is waiting for you outside" Alice tells her.

The other employees all acknowledge her as she makes her way to the elevator.  She walks towards the car once out the building, as James opens up the back door and helps her in.

"What's the traffic report say, James?" she asks as they pull into traffic.  SHe finds it funny that she actually has a driver called James and says his name whenever she can.

"We'll have to take Second and Third to avoid the traffic jam from a fender bender.  Not too serious but the police were called, which is delaying things" he reports back.

"It would be so handy if someone invented those hover boards already, like in the movies" Amber says wishfully.

James laughs "then I'd be out of a job" he jokes "true, sorry, lets just enjoy the drive then" Amber replies smiling and opening her tablet.

She works while they drive towards her next meeting.  She has been a little stuck on this project as Mr. Lacey hasn't really given her a lot to go on.  It is for a leather goods shop that only uses the leather from animals that have dead due to illness or old age.

She dismissed the cowboy theme as it’s been done to many times and misses the piont totally.  She taps her chin thinking and glances out the window just as they pass an old shoe repair shop.  She suddenly tilts her head and then starts drawing on her tablet.

"James, I think I've got it.  I think Mr. Lacey is going to love it too" she says smiling broadly.

James smiles back at her in the rear-view mirror.  He likes Amber as she always remembers his wife and often gives him tickets or meal vouchers, she’s received to him, so, he can treat his wife.

Once they get to the store, he opens up the door for her and walks her to the front door of the store.  I'll just park the car and then be back" he tells her as always.  Clive having heard her story from her mother worries, so has employed James to drive her and watch over her while out at meetings and site visits.  Just incase she meets old friends who might call her by Stacey or needs help.

She waits outside for Mr. Lacey still drawing on her tablet.  She steps back to look at the front of the store again and smiles.  She can feel it, this is the right direction to go in.

"Sorry my dear traffic was horrific" Mr. Lacey walks up and apologises.  "No problem, on the way here I got a new idea and think you'll love it.  Look this is just a rough draft for now.  I'll have the full version down by the weekend" she promises.

They stand outside the store while she shows him and also indicates how it could work.  Mr. Lacey claps his hands when she is finished.  "I knew I was right to come to you.  This is just what I was looking for and you are right we can work that into the overall shop design.  I wonder if you could also draw up some seating that would fit into the store front idea?" he asks her

Her eyes widen and she starts to draw a rough sketch and shows him.  "I love working with intelligent arty people" he says patting her shoulder.

"You know we could ask the council if we could repair some of the paving stones out here and replace them with themed ones that would also help promote the store?  As well as help those with sight problems find the front door" she suggests

"I'll have a word with the councillor.  He's married to my wife's sister, even though they don't get on that well" Mr. Lacey tells her.

They part ways after talking some more about the store design and making another date to meet up.

"James I'm going to head back home, as I've heard nothing from Alice" she tells her driver.

"Sure, thing Amber" he says as they again join traffic.

"Oh, I forgot, I managed to get tickets for that show you were interested in.  I'll leave them on the front seat for you" she says taking them from her bag and putting them on the front seat.

"There are three tickets so you can take your Mum too.  She is bound to enjoy the show" she continues.

"Thank you, I'm sure we will all enjoy it" James thanks her smiling at her through the mirror.

Once home she helps her mother pack. Happy that her mother is happy and enjoying the lady’s group she has joined.  This weekend they will be going to an historical town where they will learn of its history.

They cook dinner together and talk about how she solved her store front idea.  "You got all that from a shoe repair shop?" her mother asks

"It was that and the old barber sign next to it" Amber tells her.

"I've also said I'd go and stay at Clive's this weekend.  They are having a dinner party Friday and I'll watch the kids for them Saturday" she tells her mother.

"Good, I was going to hide all the instant noodles" her mother jokes

"Now have you remembered to charge your extra power pack? and you really should pack some ear plugs in case you have to room with another snoring person" Amber asks her mother.

"I got some ear plugs today while I was out shopping and I've already charged the extra power pack and remember to pack the right cables this time" her mother assures her.

"Good I'll help you clear the table then I need to work for a bit on this new shop front" Amber says standing after they've finished their meal.

"Leave it, I'll do it" her mother offers, Amber kisses her head and thanks her before going to her room to work. 

Friday morning comes, she kisses her mother goodbye and tells her to have fun.  Before going to work with an over night bag so she can travel with Clive back to his home at the end of the day.

The day goes quickly, as she is busy and spends an hour of the phone with Mr. Lacey after he received her email with the draft of the store front design as well as some furniture designs.  He had called her and gushed to her on how much he loved it.  Also telling her that his brother in-law was very interested in her idea for replacing the broken paving stones and that he might be in touch with her about them.

At the end of the day Clive comes to her office to pick her up.  "I am ready for the weekend, what a week.  You are to blame for some of it, as lot of people want to work with you now" Clive tells her as they travel down to the carpark.

"Hey, is that totally fair? You taught me after all?" she jokes with him.

They get into the car, "you seem to forget how good looking you are?" he jokes back "even my wife thinks your beautiful, and well you know Josh and Nate's reaction to you" he adds talking about his two cute little boys.

"That's because I always have candy" she jokes back.  He shakes his head, “I have never met someone who can ignore the admiring glances, looks and stares of other people, as you can" he says

Amber glances at him, "I want to concentrate on my career, is that wrong?" she asks

"No, but I think some people believe you maybe gay or just have very little sex drive" Clive jokes with her.

"They can think whatever they want.  It doesn't affect me at all" she replies making him laugh.  "I know, another trait that is admirable, ignoring those that wish to cause trouble or stir the pot" he says wishing more people could be like her.

"Where are you planning to take Mary tomorrow?" she asks wanting to change the subject.

"I'm taking her to Lee's, then I've booked us into that new spa hotel on 5th" he answers

"I’ve heard good things about it, so you should have fun.  Don't worry about the boys I've got things covered on that front" she assures him.

"We never worry about them, when they are with you.  They enjoy themselves so much that they talk about you for days afterwards" he tells her.

They arrive at his house and the boys come running out to greet her.  She takes a hand each and they pull her inside and wanting to show her their latest toys.

"Hi Mary, see you in a bit" Amber calls out.

"Hi Amber, boys remember what I said another 30 minutes then its bed" their mother calls back.

With that they take Amber up to their room and she spends the next 40 minutes playing with them and getting them ready for bed.  She reads them a story and promises that if they are good, they'll have lots of fun tomorrow.  

She goes down after going to the washroom and goes to the kitchen as she can hear everyone talking in there.

"Boys are down, and should be good" she says as she walks into the room.

"You are an angel, thank you" Mary says as she checks on the cooking food.

"Amber this is Marcus Lane, his girlfriend Nicki and Grant Muster, everyone this is Amber Greenbank" Clive introduces.

“Amber? Amber Greenbank? Not Stacey Greenbank?”