When I heard my alarm blare out loudly, I wanted to throw it across the room and watch it smash into a hundred pieces if I could. I only had one day to settle in yesterday when I stayed home the whole day in my room, just watching YouTube and lying in my bed. I could have explored the suburbs, my mother encouraged us, but I was way too lazy and tired to even go out.

Sarah ended up adding me to a group chat with the other five yesterday but I had to put that on mute once I got tired because my phone just kept buzzing with messages upon messages. To be honest, I have no idea what they were talking about. I think it was just meme sharing or spoilers for new movies. Dillon though did message me but not on the group chat. Despite the fact I felt like I wanted to be anti-social, we still called, which made me forget about it.

I got out of bed and got ready for my first day at a new school. I was lucky enough that Max was going to give me a ride there since I wasn't bothered to catch the bus. My dumbass went to sleep at like two in the bloody morning so of course I'm still a little dead and have dark circles under my eyes.

Should I put makeup on? I mean maybe it's not that bad...fuck it, imma put make-up on but only the bare minimum, I can't be bothered.

I'm not bothered to do the full makeup so I'm not going to do the full thing. That and I'm shit at it. The few things I do know are because of Amanda, my saviour. She'd mostly do my makeup if we'd ever go out somewhere since I'm completely useless at it but now I'm moderately good at it.

When Max pulled up to the front of my school, I waved goodbye to him before he drove off to start moving into an apartment next to his college with three of his friends, which should go well...not really. 

I've met some of his friends, well, actually, I've seen them but haven't spoken to them, and they seem either like someone you want to knock their teeth out or something. Imagine four people like that in one room, oh my god that is a recipe for disaster. It's the same for girls too, it ain't pretty.

Once I got my schedule from the office, I was told to 'sit patiently' for someone to show me around. I'm impatient, one of my many flaws, so I kept tapping my foot against the tiled floor in annoyance with my arms crossed and a scowl on my face. I could just go find my class myself. I don't believe I'm going to go astray in my quest to find the treasure that is my classroom but I digress.

"What did you need Miss?" a familiar voice asked. My eyes widened when I looked up to see Dillon. He glanced in my direction and smirked. I instantly turned my head to my lap, avoiding his stare. Eye contact is not my thing.

"You have to show her around, now shoo before you two are late for class!" the receptionist ordered as she waved around her pen. Poor pen almost flew out of her hand. She kept shooing us out, giving us a stern look. I can see why she was hired but then again, I don't.

Bitch

"What was that?" Dillon asked, sounding amused. My eyes widened again. Damn it, that wasn't meant to be spoken out loud. I thought I said that in my head. Maybe I can pretend it didn't happen.

"What was what? You must be hearing things, how about we get on with the tour, don't want to be late for class," I babbled on. Dillon raised a brow at me but then shrugged before walking ahead while I followed behind.

It didn't take us long to find my first class, which I luckily had with Dillon. We only had two classes together but that's about it. So far, everyone seemed ok since they it looked to be friendly smiles all around but if they weren't doing that, they just minded their own business. Thank god, I don't think I can handle another year of suffering at school, a person can only take so much from irritating little shits.

When it was time for lunch, I exited the classroom to see Dillon leaning against the wall, waiting for me. He grinned before throwing his arm around my shoulder, leading me towards the cafeteria. I rolled my eyes but didn't say anything to protest it. I immediately sat next to Sarah, who was beside Ricky and Chloe at the table. Nate and Caleb sat at the opposite end where they looked to be challenging each other to an arm wrestle but for money.

"Hey, Amy! I didn't know you were coming here?" Sarah greeted with a smile.

"Well...surprise," I replied awkwardly with the right corner of my lip turned upwards in a half smile.

"Well I hope you like it here," She chirped.

"Thanks."

The rest of lunch went by in a rush unfortunately since it was going so well. Sarah though decided to tease Dillon and me midway through our break because we were talking for more than half the time. She drew an imaginary heart in the air while Ricky and Chloe giggled uncontrollably while puckering their lips and pointing at us two. I rolled my eyes, feeling my cheeks heat up as Dillon simply laughed it off and bumped his shoulder against mine with a smirk.

We were just getting to know each other since I wanted to know more about him other than just his name, he's Sarah's big brother, and the fact that he likes to play basketball. I found out a few things about him but the one that stuck out which I thought was sweet was that he occasionally cries to chick flicks that Sarah makes him watch with her, Ricky, and Chloe.

After school, Dillon, Nate and Caleb all left together to go play basketball in the park again. I was planning to just head home so I could get started on the homework since leaving it until the last minute will just give me a headache and make me want to bang my head against my desk. I would rather watch YouTube or maybe Hamilton while I sing to the music.

Just as I exited down the front steps of the school, a beaming Sarah immediately approached me. I jumped back but took a deep breath to calm my racing heart. Where the hell did she come from? A portal or something? My god.

"Hey, Amy! We wanted to ask you if you wanted to go shopping with us?" Sarah asked. I frowned.

Shopping. The place where it's crowded and you end up bumping into peers from school. I'd rather avoid that interaction because then I can also avoid stares. It'll kill me not knowing what the hell someone is thinking or feeling awkward when someone just looks at me as if I'm a freak. Happens every time back home when I'd bump into someone from my school.

"Um..." I trailed off, gnawing at my bottom lip.

"Please," Sarah begged. I sighed before smiling and nodding.

"Ok, sure, I'm in," I gave in.

Sarah squealed before throwing her arms around me while I laughed. She then grabbed my arm and dragged me towards where Chloe and Ricky were waiting. We walked to the nearest mall, which was only a couple of minutes away. Thank god, I don't think I'm interested in going for a run somewhere far. I made sure to message my parents to let them know I wouldn't be home until late.

The three kept dragging me to different stores, telling me which outfit would look good on me. It was like they were shopping more for me rather than themselves. My style is more jumpers, hoodies, and pants, comfy really; it's become a routine. It takes the attention off of me so I don't stand out like a sore thumb at school. I tried once; Jack wouldn't leave me alone the rest of the day. Ugh, I hate him.

"Hey, we should get this for you Amy!" Chloe exclaimed cheerily, holding up a red plaid skirt.

"Um, I don't know," I hesitated.

"Oh come on, you'll look great in it, I mean do you not like it?" Sarah questioned.

"I like it but I don't think I should," I said.

"Why not?" Ricky asked.

"I don't think I'd look good in it," I admitted.

"Bullshit! You'd look amazing in it!" Sarah exclaimed. I jumped. "At least try them on," she pleaded. I rolled my eyes but nodded nonetheless. They grinned as I grabbed the piece of clothing before walking into the dressing room to try it on. I stared into the mirror with a smile.

At least it goes with my jumper and it's comfy, especially if I were to wear stockings

"You win, I'll get this," I called out.

"Firstly, yay! So happy! Secondly, how dare you not let us see how you look in it?" Sarah said. I laughed along with the others. I stepped outside so they could see and they gave me the thumbs up with wide grins. I quickly went back inside to change out of the skirt and back into my jeans.

I ended up buying a few clothes for myself. I blame the three for that, bad influence when it comes to shopping. Once we were done, we walked back to Sarah's house, which was apparently down the street from mine. I tried on an outfit that I bought for casual outside wear only, which was a pink floral print summer dress with wedges that I borrowed from Sarah. Sarah, Ricky, and Chloe had also tried on one of the outfits they bought. It's like our fashion show, oddly enough.

I grinned as Sarah and Chloe danced around together, twirling around as I sat on the bed next to Ricky. Music was blasting from Sarah's Bluetooth speaker. Any louder and someone would come knocking, yelling for us to turn down the volume. I'm surprised her parents haven't come upstairs to say anything about it but I guess they're chill about the music.

At some point, Dillon stopped by Sarah's room to say something but instantly shut his mouth when his eyes met mine. I smiled and awkwardly waved as Sarah grinned and nudged my arm. Either she was trying to tell me something or she was trying to knock me off the bed, I can't tell and I hope it's not the latter because I don't want to break a bone or get bruised.

The way she kept glancing over at me then at Dillon reminded me of how Amanda would act in this situation. I wish she was here but I can only call her either later tonight or tomorrow. Depends if I'm knocked out by the time I get home.

"See, Dillon loves your outfit right?" Sarah said. I huffed, mentally face-palming at her obvious attempts. This is embarrassing. I wonder if I can quickly make an excuse to dash out of here to go home, crawl into my bed, and hide under my covers from...this.

"I think.." Dillon trailed off. Oh god, that's never a good sign. "Beautiful," he finished with a smile. My eyes widened as my cheeks heated up.

Wait what? That went completely opposite than how I imagined it would in my head

"Aw! Cute! Ok thank you for your input, now get the hell out of my room," Sarah ordered, pointing to the door.

"Why?" Dillon asked, grinning cheekily.

"If you don't leave in three seconds I will personally kill you," Sarah threatened, glaring at him. Dillon narrowed his eyes in return but soon huffed and stomped away.

"Caleb was calling you by the way!" he called out. Sarah bolted out of the room with wide crazy eyes.

"What!? Why didn't you tell me sooner!?" she exclaimed. I could hear Dillon's laughter from the hallway and Sarah's echoing footsteps as she ran. I shook my head and laughed along with the others.

"You were blabbering on," Dillon replied.

"Bye, ladies!" Sarah yelled.

"Ok, well, that's my cue to leave, I better head home," Ricky said as she stood up from the bed. Chloe and I followed in her actions.

"We'll walk with you, right Amy?" Chloe said. I nodded to confirm. "Great! Let's go home, I'm dead."

We changed out of our clothes before walking to mine first since it was close by and because Ricky was going to stay over at Chloe's for the night. I hugged the girls before heading inside. I quickly head upstairs after greeting my parents.

While I put my new clothes in my closet, my phone began ringing. I glanced over to see Amanda's name pop up on my screen along with a picture of us two from when we camping with both our families.

"Hi," I answered.

"Yello," she replied.

"To what do I owe this honour?" I joked.

"I've got gossip," Amanda said. I can just tell she's grinning like a Cheshire cat. I raised a brow.

"Do tell," I urged as I sat on my bed.

"Well, surprise, surprise, Jack has become...how do I say this? Um, he's become less of an ass to everyone, or to me really," she started. My eyes widened. There's a shock. Jack? Less of an ass? That's a stretch. He loves the attention, why would he stop? Unless there's something because detentions haven't worked on him.

"Go on," I urged, eager to know more. Amanda chuckled.

"Well, looks like J has got a little crush on the new girl, Thalia," she snickered. If I had been drinking water, I would have spat it out by now.

"What?!" I exclaimed. I instantly heard running footsteps before I saw my father appear at my doorway with a racket in his hands and wide eyes as he frantically searched my room before his eyes landed on me.

"I heard yelling, what happened?" he demanded.

"Amanda," was all I said. He instantly relaxed before rubbing his temple and shook his head.

"Teenagers," he muttered.

"Love you!"

"Love you too!"

"Was that your father?" Amanda questioned, giggling.

"Yep," I said.

"Well, that was interesting," she said. I nodded despite the fact she couldn't see me.

"So, Jack has become whipped for this new girl, Thalia? Interesting," I said.

"Mm, though I don't trust her, she gives off bad vibes," Amanda said.

"You're not feeling the vibes? Well then she must be bad," I joked. Amanda huffed.

"You know what I mean," she muttered.

"Yes, yes I do, but that doesn't mean she's a horrible person, not unless she reveals her horns," I reasoned with her.

"I hate your optimism!" she complained. "But fine, I'll keep a close eye on her and if she does anything sketchy, imma throw hands."

"Sure you will," I said sarcastically as I rolled my eyes.

"Whatever, I have to go, talk to you soon, bye!" she exclaimed.

"Bye."

After my conversation with Amanda, I finished putting everything away and tidying my room before getting onto my homework for the night. Though luckily that didn't last long before I could finally move onto something that'll put my mind and body at ease, writing some lyrics while listening to music on low volume.

When it got too late at night after everyone's had dinner and gone to sleep, I heard a knock at my door, startling me. I paused my music before getting up to answer the door. My eyes widened when I saw my little sister, Catherine, standing there while holding her teddy bear tightly to her chest and pouting. I frowned as I opened the door wider for her to walk in. I closed the door behind her before crouching down in front of her as she sat on my bed.

Catherine did this sometimes and it worried me because she can barely ever sleep unless she's near one of us. Usually, she'll go to our mother but occasionally she'll go to me or Max and unfortunately, he isn't here now.

"Nightmare again?" I asked. She nodded with tears in her eyes. She tried to rub her tears away with her small fists as she began sniffing. "How about you sleep here tonight? How's that sound?"

Catherine instantly beamed with tears glistening in her eyes still. She nodded rapidly making me chuckle. I picked her up before moving the blankets to tuck her in.

"Thank you, Amy," she yawned.

"You're welcome Cat," I smiled before kissing her forehead. She curled up before turning onto her side away from me. I turned off the lamp on my nightstand, the moon now being the only source of light inside my room, allowing me to drift off easier.