Being Amber. Sylvia Ryan

to make the hollow loneliness that swam around inside of her subside. Caroline told her she didn’t ever have to be alone in Amber unless she wanted to. In that moment, she didn’t want to.

      She called out. “Caroline?” There was only silence.

      Then the bathroom door opened

      “Caroline’s not here. You okay?” It was Xander.

      Jaci wasn’t expecting him to be there. “Yeah,” She struggled to sound normal. “I’m just being pathetic. I’m fine.” She heard the click of the door close and sighed.

      So much for not being alone.

      She knew it was essential to get up and face the world. It was time to embark on her new life even if she forced herself to do it. The pity party she was currently throwing for herself wasn’t helping anything.

      Jaci flinched at the unexpected contact of a hand on her back.

      “Come on, I’ll help you out.” Xander’s raspy voice caressed her ears.

      She lifted her head to look up at him, and a screen of wet, tangled hair stuck to her face. The spray of the water stopped. The bathroom fell silent.

      “I can do it,” Jaci whispered shakily.

      “Yes. But you don’t have to.” With the soft warmth of a towel draped over her back and a firm grip on each side of her, he lifted her, unfolding her until she stood. Xander’s gentle touch brought her to the verge of tears. He drew her into his arms and held her there.