Thread: The Woman Next door (Niah and Orpheus001)

Amber Phillips' morning hadn't gotten off to a good start. Very early in the day she had been woken by the sounds of her husband attempting to get dressed in the dark. He was trying his best to be as quiet as possible, but was failing miserably. The businessman stumbled about and tripped over, making several noises loud enough to wake the blonde from her sleep. Flipping on the bedside lamp, Amber squinted into the dimly lit room and caught sight of her husband. He was half dressed, a smart white shirt accompanied by a brown tie was upon his torso. However his bottom half was only covered by his boxers, as his suit trousers lay about his ankles. Clearly he had been attempting to pull them up before falling over and causing a ruckus. Michael, what the hell are you doing? It's still dark outside. Amber asked sleepily, as she began to rub her eyes. Sorry sweetie, didn't mean to wake you, just go back to sleep. He replied, pulling his trousers up in haste. Wait... why... why are you getting dressed into your suit? With each passing moment the female was beginning to get more clarity and what she saw didn't please her. Michael seemed apprehensive to admit what was going on to his wife and for good reason. As the penny dropped, her eyes began to widen. You're not going into work?! All of a sudden Amber wasn't feeling so tired anymore. Honey I've got to Michael replied. He moved like lightening to fetch his shoes, obviously the man could feel that an argument was on the horizon. No! No! I took time off work so we could sort this house out together . I've had to hand Elijah's case on to someone else for this and now you're just going to ditch me?! Amber was a social worker and it frustrated her no end how Michael seemed to think that her job wasn't as important as his. It was true that he was earning a higher wage than her, but this wasn't about money! Not to Amber! It was about helping those less fortunate, making a difference in their lives and keeping them safe, healthy and happy. Right now she was in the middle of a very important case, involving the suspected child neglect of a young boy named Elijah. She hadn't wanted to take time off from work. In fact she hadn't even wanted to move here in the first place. However Michael had begged and pleaded with her to do so. Stating how the move was the best thing for them as a married couple. He said that it would bring them closer together. Now here he was not even unpacked and already shirking responsibilities. I know, I'm sorry... I wouldn't go in if it wasn't an emergency. Amber gave a look of complete and utter disbelief. I can't believe this! Your job has an emergency and you disappear. I have an eight year old boy counting on me, but that didn't seem much of an emergency to you when you asked me to take time off! Michael grabbed his suit jacket and his papers. Amber, I don't want to do this right now. I'll be home as soon as I can. He leaned over to give his wife a kiss, but Amber turned her head and so it landed upon her cheek instead. The act may have bothered him, maybe even hurt him a little. However he clearly didn't have time to worry about it, as he soon left the house and Amber could hear his car backing out of the drive. After that less than ideal wake up call, Amber found it impossible to go back to sleep and so decided to get out of bed. The woman began to wander around the house aimlessly, there were boxes all over the place. The couple had purchased this home a few days ago, but had only moved in last night. Today was supposed their time to get some belongings unpacked and organized. Amber wasn't keen on this house, it was far too big for her liking. Growing up in a small two bedroom apartment meant that she just wasn't used to such a vast amount of space. She also wasn't used to having wealthy businessmen and plastic trophy wives for neighbors. Amber was born into much more humble beginnings. Her mother had to raise her alone thanks to her deadbeat father walking out on them. Barely able to afford the bills, she worked what seemed like every hour of the day. Although her mother always gave her unconditional love, Amber soon became a latchkey kid. Having to let herself in and out of their home, waking up in the morning to an empty house and going to bed the same way. The neighborhood was rough and the young girl soon found herself falling in with the wrong crowd. It wasn't until social services stepped in that her life began to improve. They didn't take her away from her mum. Instead they gave her the help and support that she needed to get Amber back on the right track. If it wasn't for her social worker, Amber's life could have easily gone very down hill. She would always be grateful and it was of course what led her to become one herself. She thought that her nights of going to bed alone were gone when she met Michael. For awhile he was the perfect husband, then ambition took over and he became obsessed with getting to the top. Now nothing was more important than his work, not even her it seemed. Feeling too frustrated to even attempt unpacking an entire house alone. Amber instead changed into her jogging outfit, a pair of grey tracksuit bottoms, white vest and matching Nike trainers. She tied her long blond hair into a high ponytail and then left the house. Running was something that always made Amber feel better. It was a simple, yet effective outlet in which to put her spare energy. Sometimes it made her feel like she was escaping from her problems. When she ran the world was calm and steady, if only for a short time. So engrossed was she, that when Amber exited her home, she hadn't realized there was a second jogger approaching her. With her earphones wedged in tightly, music began to fill her ears and soon she was off jogging down the road.