I groaned when I heard the loud noise of rock music echoing against the walls and through the halls of the house. It was a terrible rhythm. The beat was horrible. It just sounded like the clattering of objects if anything. My head hurt from the noise. I only had like...I don't know, a couple of hours of sleep.

I'm scared to look at the clock. I don't want it to be 9am again. All I know is that I went to sleep at like 5am in the morning, maybe later, maybe earlier. My vision was blurry by the time I got knocked out from drowsiness.

I yawned as I swung my legs over the edge to sit up. I placed my hair into a high ponytail since it was messy and I was too lazy to fix it up when I had no one to impress but myself, both in this house and outside. The music seemed to only get louder as now Catherine's voice could be heard.

I cringed. It wasn't even at the singing, it was at the choice of music. It was so old. Now I love listening to classics and reminiscing on old memories that come with the song, but there are music I'm not fond of. It sounded like it was supposed to be rock but failed at it. All I can think of is that, whatever a mid-life crisis is, I imagine this is it.

"Oh god, maybe I'm having a mid-life crisis right now," I grumbled.

I had to force myself to stand up and go downstairs. I frowned at the sight of Jack and Catherine playing Guitar Hero in the living room. Huh, didn't know they still existed. Well, you learn something new every day. But that explains the horrendous noise making my ears bleed. Unfortunately, my little sister was banging on the drum, missing every single note and hitting the surface with sheer force.

"Yep, definitely a mid-life crisis" I mumbled.

Jack wasn't any better as he missed a couple of notes on the guitar and lost some points but he still did well. My eyes narrowed in suspicion. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he looked like he was purposely missing notes but I can't be sure.

None of the two noticed my presence yet, they were too distracted with the game. I walked over just as they ended the round. Catherine beamed when she saw me as she ran up and wrapped her arms around my torso.

"Morning Amy!" Catherine exclaimed with a wide toothy grin.

"Good morning to you too Cat," I chuckled.

"I see you're awake, rise and shine," Jack greeted. I nodded and avoided eye contact though that doesn't mean I didn't notice his black eye. I winced internally as the guilt started to creep up on me.

Damn it Dillon, you just had to overreact and start a fight

"Morning," I mumbled before looking down at Catherine, who was still clinging to me. "What were you two doing?" I asked.

"We were playing music! I was winning!" she chirped.

"Ah yes, I'm sure you did, I saw you beat him, you are so talented," I replied with a smile.

"The little rascal was just too good to beat," Jack shrugged. I raised a brow at him. That's bullshit but I won't argue with him on that. If it makes Catherine happy and keeps a smile on her face, it's a good thing if anything.

"Do you want to try playing?" Catherine asked, grabbing the drumsticks to hand to me. I stared at them, contemplating whether to opt out or play but before I could decide, Jack grabbed my shoulders and guided me in front of the TV mounted on the wall. I shot him a glare as he smirked.

"Oh come on, don't be scared to play; It's just a game," he taunted.

I was about to shoot back a comeback until both Catherine and Jack started to make chicken noises. My own sister; a traitor. Jack bloody turned her against me. Oh, now it's a challenge to get them to shut up.

I am not bad at this game since I used to play with Amanda constantly after school when we were younger. I'd always beat her easily and it was funny to see Amanda lose her shit whenever she lost the game since she's competitive, though it's also terrifying because if looks could kill, I'd be dead and buried by now.

The game began and I set my focus on the notes I was supposed to hit. It was going way too fast since the music was fast-paced. Damn it, this is hard when I've only ever done mediocre music that was medium-paced.

Note to self: Never let Jack pick the song. Although it hurts to say it, the song was one that I liked since it was by Soul of Dread. I was subconsciously singing along to the lyrics while attempting to hit almost all the notes just so I could beat their score, that was the aim for now.

"Winner! Yes! In your face!" I shouted as I jumped with joy, dropping the drumsticks. Jack crossed his arms across his chest as he rolled her eyes while Catherine clapped with a lopsided smile.

"Pfft, that's just beginner's luck," Jack dismissed. I smirked and put one hand on my hip.

"It's not 'beginner's luck' when I've played this game multiple times," I retorted.

"Touché," he nodded. He then went to pack away the game.

"Amy?" Catherine called out, tugging at the hem of my shirt. I looked down at her.

"Yes?" I said.

"Can we go to the movies?" she asked.

"Of course we can," I smiled. She instantly beamed.

"Yes! Can Jack come too?!" Catherine pleaded.

Kill me. There was no way I'd go to the movies with him. Just because I was alright now, doesn't mean I haven't forgotten about last night. He tricked me into now owing him. I mean I could back out and just not do whatever it is he's waiting and plotting like an evil villain for me to do but I'm more terrified of my own parents than I am of Jack. Max, not so much when he's more scared of me than I am of him.

"I don't think he'll want to join us Cat, Jack will be busy today," I lied. I didn't want him joining us. I don't think I can handle more than one hour in a movie theatre with him next to me. Somehow, oddly enough, I was nervous at the thought rather than annoyed.

I must be having an off day or something. Get it together Amy.

"I'm not busy, I can join," Jack spoke up from behind me.

I cursed under my breath, making sure Catherine didn't hear me, before closing my eyes, taking a deep breath and spinning around to face him. Just my luck, how lovely. I wish I could smack the annoying smug smirk off his face. He knew what he was doing, sneaky bastard.

"Perfect," I gritted out.

"Yay!" Catherine cheered.

She then ran off upstairs to get ready. I sighed and rubbed my temple. I needed a break. Maybe a holiday in Paris or the Maldives would do for me. Too bad I'm still too 'young' to go travelling by myself alone. That and I need money, which unfortunately I can't grow my own on a tree to help fulfil my fantasy of a paradise where there is no one to bother me, just me and my happy place exploring the world.

I walked past Jack, ignoring him, as he was about to speak to me and headed upstairs. I didn't want to hear what he had to say. It wasn't going to be important. Unless he was going to say that he wasn't coming along and he changed his mind then I don't care.

I was quick to change and head out. Catherine ran over and grabbed my hand once she got to the bottom step after me. Again, Jack attempted to talk to me but I simply grabbed his keys off the kitchen counter and shoved them in his hand without looking at him. I didn't have a car, I had a motorcycle so driving us would be difficult and either way, there was no way I would ever allow Catherine to get on one.

The ride to the theatre consisted of awkward silence between Jack and me but Catherine seemed blissfully unaware of the unspeakable tension between us. She kept singing the song on the radio, which was luckily innocent enough.

Ah! Ignorance is bliss and I wish I was like that, without a care in the world. I'd ignore everyone if I could. To have a moment to myself, not noticing my surroundings and the people who take up the space. Just a single moment where people didn't matter, they didn't control me and ruin my life. But I guess not everyone gets what they were hoping for.

"Ok Catherine, stick close, don't run off, stay clo-Catherine!?" I yelped when I noticed she wasn't near me. My heart dropped at the empty space beside me.

Jack only just parked and she got out. How fast is she?! Shit, this day is not going my way. I was quick to run into the mall with Jack following close behind. It was already packed with people trying to avoid the sun and rather be here than at the beach or in their homes. It wasn't helping that I couldn't see her. Luckily though I knew she was wearing a pastel pink ribbon in her hair used to tie it up along with her bright pink overalls.

"Catherine!" I called out. All I could hear were multiple voices talking on top of each other.

"Amy!" Jack shouted. I spun around to see him waving me over as he stood by the railing with...Catherine! I quickly ran over and instantly picked her up into a hug, sighing with relief as she giggled.

"Please don't ever do that again Cat," I pleaded. She simply nodded.

I placed her back down and held onto her hand to make sure she didn't run off again and give me a heart attack. Once we got to the movies, we waited for Catherine to pick a film. I could only hope that she didn't pick one that I was going to want to hit my head against the wall in agony over because it's so bad. I sat beside Jack on the bench and as usual, it was awkward between us.

"Hey, I wanted to say, thank you...for finding Cat," I spoke up. He turned towards me with a raised brow.

"There's no need to thank me, it's not like I was going to leave you to search for your sister by yourself, you were worried," he shrugged.

I wanted to be surprised at his response because it's like every time we speak now, he seems to show a different side to what I'm used to seeing before I come back. It's the only side I've known and now there's a whole other side. I refuse to let my guard down but I will admit, he's making me have doubts on my stance and rethink him as a whole.

"Well thank you again," I said.

Silence fell between us yet again until Catherine ran back so she could attempt to drag us to the ticket stand. We slowly followed behind my hyper-sister. When she told me the movie she wanted to watch, I knew I was screwed.

The usual Disney kids movie that makes me want to fall asleep despite it being my comfort film back when I was a kid to put a smile on my face. Now, I can predict them all and prefer action or just anything but, unless it has good music by the greats, then I'm all there.

I sat in the middle with Jack on my right and Catherine on my left, where she was practically shovelling popcorn that I bought for her into her mouth. Every time I tried to take one, she'd shoot me a glare, trying to intimidate me as if I hadn't mastered that look ever since I was five. Plus she looks way too innocent, even with the glare.

By the time the movie started, I could feel my eyes growing heavy as I began to nod off. This is why it's bad for me to sleep less than seven hours maybe because I can easily fall asleep somewhere with others. I've done it but when I visited Amanda. I fell asleep on her couch while we watched a bunch of YouTube videos in a binge session of old nostalgic clips to make us laugh.

The loud music from the end credit is what actually woke me up from my deep sleep rather than anyone else actually physically having to shake me. I blinked my eyes open but squinted at the sudden light from the screen. I noticed I had my head on something semi-soft and semi-hard. I took a moment to look around and familiarise my surroundings. When I looked up, my eyes widened when they met Jack's. I quickly glanced down and noticed my head was on his shoulder.

"Sorry," I muttered as I raised my head, my cheeks heating up with embarrassment. If I started drooling in my sleep, I'd die from the humiliation of the situation.

"It's alright," Jack shrugged with a small smile and a wink. I rolled my eyes with the corners of my lip twitching upwards. We walked out of the theatre and I could finally stretch my back and arms that was stiff.

"Amy!"

I yelped as I was instantly tackled to the ground by an unknown person. I groaned when my back collided with the movie theatre floors. Thank god that was carpeted or it would have been much worse. I glanced around to see Amanda laughing next to me on the, most likely, dirty floor while Sarah stood over us with her arms crossed and eyebrows raised.

"What the hell are you guys doing here?" I asked as I sat up.

"We were shopping until we saw you here," Sarah answered as she helped me and Amanda up.

"Amanda! Sarah!"

"Cat!"

Catherine instantly hugged Amanda as she chuckled. Amanda has been over way too many times to count and Catherine has grown accustomed to her, and practically sees her as family by now. Same for Sarah at this point after Sarah spent so much time with the others over at my house constantly.

I smiled as I watched them talk to my little sister until a pair of arms wrapped around my waist making me jump and elbow the person. I spun around when they let go but gasped at Dillon hunched over, clenching his stomach.

"What the heck did I do to you?" he wheezed out.

"I'm so sorry Dillon, I didn't know it was you! You shouldn't have snuck up on me like that," I apologised. He took a deep breath before attempting to stand straight.

"No, no, my bad," he mumbled with a huff. Dillon then kissed my cheek and pulled me into a hug.

"You want to join us?" Sarah asked. I hesitated, looking towards Catherine then at Jack, who was leaning against the wall while on his phone.

"I don't know," I replied.

"Catherine can hang with us too if that's what you're worried about," Amanda offered. I didn't want to tell them the real reason I was hesitant. I don't think they've fully noticed Jack.

"Actually, that's not what I was worried about..." I trailed off, my eyes darting towards Jack. I didn't want to mention his name around Dillon because I was still worried about his reaction. He would probably ask a bunch of questions or overreact just because I came here with Cat and Jack.

"Oh! Wait..." Amanda muttered once she got what I meant.

"What's he doing here?" Sarah asked in a whisper.

"She wanted him here to watch a movie with us," I explained in a hushed tone. They both nodded.

"Jack! Join us!" Catherine exclaimed.

I cursed under my breath. Dillon's eyes instantly narrowed as he clenched his fists. Oh god, no more fights, no more jealousy, I just want peace in a bloody movie theatre without the threat of getting kicked out because my boyfriend doesn't want to control his anger. And if Jack provokes it to occur, he would also be part of the problem.

"Nah, I don't think I want to join the jester and his crew," Jack insulted. Dillon took a step towards him but I was quick to grab his arm.

"Please don't," I pleaded. He turned to look me in the eyes for a minute before sighing and nodding.

"He's not joining us," Dillon glared at Jack.

"As you wish Lord Farquaad," Jack smirked, mocking a bow while Dillon growled and Catherine giggled. "Seeing as I won't be joining in on all the 'fun', I'll be catching you guys later at home and let this douchebag drop you guys off," he said.

"Don't even think about it Dillon," I muttered, rubbing my temple as Amanda guided Catherine away from the scene. I'll have to remember to thank her for that.

Before Jack could leave Dillon quickly wrapped his arm around my waist and pecked my lips. I knew he did that to get a reaction out of Jack though it annoyed me. I didn't want to be used just for the purpose of making someone jealous or pissed.

"Before I go, can I speak to you in private Amy?" Jack asked, glancing between Dillon's arm around my waist, keeping me close to his side, and me. Dillon squeezed my waist as if holding me in place. It made Jack's eyes narrow.

"One minute," I muttered, irritated with Dillon's behaviour. Dillon went to protest as I moved his arm off of me. "It's only one minute, stop worrying and don't start a fight over it," I told him. I rolled my eyes when he huffed and stomped off. I didn't do anything but I felt like the bad guy.

"Why the fuck did you take him back?!" Jack demanded once we were away from the others and somewhere a little more private although there were still shoppers walking by. I raised a brow up at him and crossed my arms.

"Why do you care?" I retorted.

"Because in case you forgot, the little shit hurt you," he scowled. I cringed at the memory, my hand instantly going towards my wrist and rubbing it. Jack seemed to notice my reaction. "I see you're not over what happened."

"I'm over it, we worked things out," I muttered, looking away towards the floor.

"You're doing it again, avoiding eye contact because you're lying," he pointed out.

"So what if I'm lying? Who cares? As I said, we worked things out, that's it," I said, remaining firm in my reply.

"You never answered my question, why did you forgive and take him back?" he asked again. I hesitated.

"Because I'm not about to give up on a two-year relationship," I replied. He raised a brow.

"That's it?"

"Yes."

"Ok then, well, if he hurts you again, I'll beat him up," he said. I frowned.

I hope it doesn't ever happen again

"I better get going, be careful Amy," Jack said, his tone softening. I nodded. "See you next time Lord Farquaad," he shouted, getting Dillon's attention.

I knew all too well what Dillon was going to do when Jack walked away from me. What he said, having the last word, didn't sit well with Dillon judging by the enraged look on his face. He wanted to start a fight but he had another thing coming if he thought I was ever going to let that happen when it was a stupid reason to start one and doesn't solve anything, it just makes things worse.

"Why the fuck were you with him?" he demanded once I stood in front of him again. I sighed and rolled my eyes.

Not this again

"Because Catherine wanted him to watch a movie with us," I repeated my explanation like a broken record.

"Do you like him?" Dillon questioned, glaring at me. I frowned.

"No, of course not," I denied.

"It sure doesn't look like it," he muttered. I narrowed my eyes.

"What are you accusing me of?" I demanded.

"Enough! Dillon, get out of here and calm down, you're being a real dick when Amy did nothing wrong, you don't have control over her and who she decides to hang out with," Sarah interrupted, glaring at Dillon. He huffed and stomped out of the theatre. I sighed with relief.

"Thank you," I mumbled.

"No worries, I'm sorry about that," she apologised.

"It's ok, nothing was your fault anyway," I reassured her. We walked over to where Amanda and Catherine sat on a bench.

"I'm going to the bathroom, I'll be back alright?" Amanda said, standing up. I nodded as Catherine got up to hug me again.

"We'll meet you at the self-serve frozen yoghurt shop," Sarah told her.

"Got it."

Amanda ran off as Sarah, Catherine, and I headed to the yoghurt shop down the escalator.

Amanda's Pov

I ran to the bathroom like my life bloody depended on it because it damn felt like it. I shouldn't have had two litres of water before going out. Lesson learnt and now I'm paying the price of having to enter my worst nightmare and my greatest fear...the public fucking bathroom where germs exist, even in the women's restroom where it's like you're in a horror movie, especially with the messages you see written on the mirror or stall doors.

I washed my hands once I was done and was about to exit but then I heard a moan. I shuddered at the mere thought of what was going on out there. I don't care what people do behind closed doors but in a public space...yeah no, I need a blindfold so I don't contaminate my eyes and have to bleach them. I've seen things before that have scarred me for life when I went to a party while Amy was away. Never again will I make that mistake, never.

"It's the fucking bathroom not a bedroom," I swore as I opened the door.

My jaw dropped at the sight of the one and only minion for Thalia, or more like Puppet or Jester, Jessica. She's making out with the guy pressed against the wall. Oh, how lovely, my innocence just flushed further down the toilet. The other thing that shocked me was the very presence of the one person I've hated since he broke my heart, John Hart.

He may not have known it at the time but the time I found out he hooked up with another girl hurt me since I liked him then, which was only two years ago. I never told Amy about it because it was a silly crush. I found out the hard way after she left how much of a player he truly was and gave up on my quest to get him to like him. I've done a hell of a good job attempting to avoid him at all costs.

"Flower lily!" he exclaimed when they pulled away. I huffed in annoyance. Not that nickname again. he always used to call me that when we had class together. Previously, it would make my heart race and now it doesn't...ok maybe a little but that's not the point!

"Don't call me that dipshit," I glared.

"Aw but the way your cheeks heat up when I call you your nickname is cute, even now after two years," he teased. Curses! I knew I would blush at that nickname. I always did and it seems like now is no different.

"Get bent," I grumbled bitterly.

"What's going on here?" Jessica butted in, glancing between us with narrowed eyes.

"Nothing, just me leaving while you two continue...whatever it is that was going on between the both of you, have fun!" I exclaimed with fake cheeriness in my voice. I spun around to leave but only for John to halt my movement when he grabbed my arm.

"Wait, are you upset?" he questioned. Why would he ask that in front of Jessica? I don't need her running off and telling Thalia or using it against me herself. I don't trust her. She is pure evil with make-up to conceal the darkness that lies underneath, in her cold dead heart like Thalia's.

"No, I just don't want to stay a minute longer," I defended.

"Uh hello here!" Jessica shouted.

"Beat it!" John and I said in unison. She groaned in frustration before stomping off. I wanted to follow suit and storm off but John still had a grip on my forearm.

"Can you let go? I got places to be, friends to meet, unlike you of course," I smirked. John's eyes narrowed.

"You really do hate me that much don't you?" he questioned. I nodded.

"How could I not hate someone like you?" I spat. His eyes softened as a frown appeared on his lips but was gone in an instant as he cleared his throat. Maybe I went too far with that but too late to turn back on my words now. It's out in the open.

Unfortunately

"Fine, if that's how it is sweetheart," John said before letting me go and stepping back. I eyed him suspiciously as I slowly backed away until I was far enough to run off to meet my friends. Amy and Sarah waved me over while Catherine was digging into her frozen yoghurt while Dillon was, of course, not surprisingly, brooding next to Amy with his arm behind her chair.

"Welcome back," Amy greeted with a grin.

"Great to be back," I joked with a smile.

"What took you so long? Wait, no, please don't tell me, I may regret it," Sarah said, shuddering in disgust and pretending to gag while Amy and Catherine giggled. I rolled my eyes. That was a bit dramatic.

"Relax drama queen, I'm a little late because I bumped into someone who shall not be named," I explained, saying the last part with disdain.

"Ah yes, we know him too," Amy joked. I laughed along with the other two, my previous sour mood now forgotten as our conversation pivoted to a different set of topics involving way too many puns.