Chapter 23—Amber

I slept so hard that night. I didn’t wake up until after ten in the morning. Holly was in the kitchen waiting for me. She was all smiles. Breakfast was still being kept warm on the stove. Grayson was working in the office. “How did you sleep?” She asked. “Great actually. I don’t remember waking up the whole night.” “You really wore yourself out yesterday. That was so kind of you to help us.” “Holly, it’s the least I could do for you. Look at all you have given me. Not just a place to live but love and affection. And the most wonderful thing, Grayson.” I told her.

She had tears in her eyes. “Oh, sweet girl. I would do anything for you. You have always been a daughter to me.” She wrapped her arms around me and held me tight. I saw all her loving emotions swirling around. “I have something to tell you.” She said. “Your effort yesterday wasn’t in vain. I started my period. I haven’t had one since before I got pregnant with Grayson. I think it worked.” I was stunned. I didn’t know it would happen that fast. Had we really done it? Grayson entered the room and stared at us both. “What did I just walk in on? You two have the most amazing colors right now. All happy with anticipation.”

“We think it worked!” Holly blurted. Her face turned red. “What? Your pregnant already?” he asked confused. “No, silly, but I think I will get pregnant. A woman can tell.” “Okay, I believe you. You don’t have to give me any more information. I will leave you two to discuss that.” He said as he grabbed some bacon and left the room. Holly had already told Jack. She called Doctor Reynolds and explained it all to her. She suggested a visit to the lab to run some tests.

Her and I headed over right away. I was anxious to see just what was going on. The doctor did a few blood and urine tests and a full body scan. She compared the results to the last ones she had on record. “This is amazing. I can see your uterus is as healthy as it was before you got pregnant with Grayson. No scarring at all. Your hormone levels are off the charts. Be prepared for some mood swings though. You look like a woman at her prime to get pregnant.” We were stunned speechless. Did I really have the ability to help someone conceive? This would save our people.

At the meeting, Doctor Reynolds explained our newly discovered powers. She told everyone how we would help them and the results that Holly already had. There was excitement all around. Happiness, anticipation, hope, joy. She explained that we could only heal one couple per day. That sheer exhaustion didn’t allow more than that. In our entire compound, there were a total of 17 couples. 12 said they wanted to try the procedure. Some felt they wouldn’t live much longer and didn’t want to start over with a child they may not be able to raise for long. A couple said they were happy with just the one child they had. So, if those couples had a baby, that would make 12 potential new children in our group. That was certainly better odds of survival than we had yesterday. I was satisfied with that. The Doctor made a list of all the couples and put them on a schedule for Grayson and me to heal over the next two weeks. We would be finished in time for our Bonding ceremony.

The next day we started the healing process. We did it in Doctor Reynolds lab. She made sure we had a couple of hospital beds we could rest in and a hearty lunch to eat before we started. The first couple told us a little about themselves. We had known these people our whole life. But we never knew about their troubles with getting pregnant. They were a bonded couple, but they had never had a baby. They were married for 248 years. They had been desperate to have a child. They went through the fertility treatments and invitro fertilization. They were devastated that nothing had worked. I could feel their sadness while telling us the story. I really hoped this would work for them. I saw the colors of hope circling them both.

Grayson and I started the same process we did with his parents. I felt more confident now that I knew what we were doing. I felt the same energy drain, but sooner than last time. It lasted a little longer. Her problems must have been more severe than Holly’s. She cried after we finished and hugged me. After resting, we did her husband as well. Before they left, they gave me a photo of them with my parents I had never seen before. That was really special.

The next two weeks went by with similar experiences. Everyone was extremely grateful for what we were doing. We wouldn’t truly know if it worked until someone got pregnant. But we were all hopeful. The Doctor was running tests before and after the procedure. So far, it seemed everyone was seeing improvement. I was exhausted but extremely happy to be able to help my people. Grayson was sending me continuous good vibes and trying to keep me energized. He was of course just as tired as I was. But never once did he complain. I loved him even more for it.

Preparations for our Bonding Ceremony were well under way. The whole community seemed to be getting excited. There was an energy at the compound that I had never felt before. I think it was hope. The women were eagerly anticipating getting pregnant. There was a group of men building a new park with swings and a jungle gym. I hoped they weren’t going to be disappointed. So few children were ever born that we didn’t have a need for those amenities. Parents usually just put something like that in their own yard if they got pregnant. Grayson and I were the only children born in the last century.

Holly was probably the happiest of anyone. Not only was she the mother of the bonding couple, but she was also certain that she would be getting pregnant. She practically floated around the house all day. The other guest room was now full of wedding decorations and accessories. She was also altering the wedding dress my Mom had left for me. It was absolutely stunning. A work of art. I was curvier than my Mom, so it would take some skill to alter it properly. I had faith that Holly could do it. She was a master seamstress at one time.

The new app that Grayson and I created went live the other day and made at ton of money. He was really proud of our hard work. I told him that he didn’t need to make any more because we were set for life. He laughed and told me he didn’t just do it for the money, he loved technology and creating new things.

All the couples had finally been healed and I was getting anxious for our ceremony in only a week. It was a whirlwind of activity at our house. I can’t believe how quickly things were getting done. But they had been planning this our whole life, and everyone was helping. My vows were already written. I couldn’t wait to become Grayson’s wife. My perfect mate. My forever.

Grayson and I stayed up late every night talking about our life together. Places we wanted to travel and things we wanted to do. He always told me how much I meant to him. How precious I was. I let him know he was everything I ever wanted or needed. That he was the world to me. That I loved him more than I could ever express.

The night before the bonding ceremony, I couldn’t sleep. I was so excited. I laid in bed wide awake. Just waiting for the hours to pass so I could become Mrs. Grayson Parker. “You up.” I heard in my head at 1:00 am. “Wide awake.” “I can’t sleep either. I want to be holding you in my arms right now, whispering these words in your ear. Breathing in the scent of your hair. Kissing your soft lips with mine.” I got goosebumps all over at his words and the feeling of his emotions in my mind. “I can’t wait, my love. Tomorrow, I will be yours, and you will be mine.” I told him.

The next morning, after a chaste kiss on the cheek, Grayson left the house to get ready and set up at the Center. He wouldn’t see me again until I walked up the aisle. Only 5 more hours. It could have been forever in my mind. Someone was doing my makeup and someone else my hair. There were golden silk threads woven through the curls of my long hair. My eyes seemed to be glowing. Maybe they actually were.

Holly cried when she helped me into my Mom’s amazing dress. It was absolutely perfect. It fit like it was originally made for me. I hugged her and thanked her incessantly for all of her hard work. “None of it was work sweet girl. I have loved you since the moment I saw you. I considered you my daughter from the second you were born.” “Thank you. I feel the same. If I could choose a mother to take the place of mine, it would always have been you.” Grayson’s Dad came in when we gave him the word. He had tears in his eyes as well. He held me close. “My precious daughter. I can’t believe he found you. I regret we didn’t believe that you were still alive. Only Grayson had faith. His bond with you goes deeper than any of us has ever experienced. You are absolutely perfect. I know you will continue to do amazing things. The hope you have brought to our people is just the beginning.” Now I was crying too.

Women arrived to the house with personal gifts that we would open later. They all gave me well wishes and so many words of encouragement and wisdom. They had centuries of experience. Something I would gain with time. Every person had colors of happiness, excitement, and optimism. I felt honored to be the recipient of such warmth and emotion.

The time finally came to go to the center. Jack would be walking me down the aisle. The coordinator would be performing the ceremony. He was the oldest and wisest of us all. His wife was still alive as well. We entered the back room so that Grayson wouldn’t accidently see me. The anticipation was high. I was eager to get started. Holly went into the auditorium to greet the guests and get everyone settled in for the long ceremony. It was much longer than a regular human ceremony. Ancient writings were read aloud. Promises would be made between him and I about our coming life together. Not just about faithfulness, but support and honor and respect. This bonding went beyond a mere agreement. It was permanent and strong. Once we were bonded, our connection would be even stronger than the one we had now. Since we were the most in tune with each other of anyone, we had no idea what would come next. What abilities we would discover.

I could see the auditorium from my spot in the back. But no one could see me. I was behind a two-way mirrored French door. Our parents had both been bonded in this same location. It made me feel closer to them at this moment. I wished they could be here. Jack paced nervously around the room. “Relax, it will all go smoothly.” I told him. “I know it will. I’m just so eager. I can’t seem to settle down.” “Shouldn’t I be the one with that problem?” I asked. We both laughed as he hugged me tight. “Oh Amber, I will be so proud to finally call you my daughter.” I felt his sincerity and love.

Holly popped her head in. “Jack, they need you out front for just a moment to make some announcements.” “Be right back. This is it!” He told me with a smile and a wink. I could feel Grayson in the other room. I saw him standing up at the front. Looking more handsome than I had ever seen him. Stunning in his tuxedo. His smile spread from ear to ear. I could feel his eager anticipation and excitement mixed with nervousness. He was trying not to communicate with me telepathically. I could feel his restraint. I sent him some soothing comfort. His posture relaxed as the sensation rolled through him.

I peered through the glass doors at all the beautiful decorations. Absolutely gorgeous. They hadn’t let me near here the last three days. Everyone wanted it all to be a surprise. Now I could gaze at all the stunning crystal lights hanging everywhere from the ceiling. It was stunning. There were more flowers in the room than a florist shop. Jack spoke and then gave Grayson a big hug. I could feel his reaction. Pride and happiness. Tears formed in my eyes again.

Then I heard steps behind me. I turned to see who it was. The figure was dresses in black from head to toe. He had gloved hands. Terror raced through me. I was able to let out one powerful scream before a rag was shoved over my mouth and nose.