In 1988, Amber is just seven years old, but already streetwise and sassy with it. Her natural spark is the reason why Brett, the leader of a pack of young boys, allows her to join in with some of their pranks. Her life of freedom and fun is to be curtailed, however, when tragedy means she is fostered with a childless couple and gains a mother who makes no secret of her dislike for the child. Perhaps it's inevitable that her life spirals downward until her teens when she meets and falls in love with Tez, a talented graffiti artist. Before long, she is pregnant with his child - but Tez has itchy feet... Then Brett reappears unexpectedly, but now he is a policeman - a hated 'pig', and she reacts badly to him, not realising that she is to need his help in the future. Yet more tragedy and pain loom on the horizon, making Amber question the very existence of God, before Mick arrives to give her the hope of happiness - but will it be with him?