I sighed as I zipped up my suitcase and looked around my empty room. There were some good memories made here but I guess it's time to leave. I mean I've been in Florida for two years now and it's been the best having spent most of my time with my new friends, having Amanda visit with her family, and going on dates with Dillon since we're still going strong.

I'll admit I'm a little scared about this long-distance relationship but I guess I'm willing to see how it goes. I wish that my father hadn't decided to accept the transfer to work back where we used to live. But since my parents never expected to move back and ended up selling our old house, we are moving into a whole new house. I guess that isn't bad but I wish being here wasn't such a short-lived experience.

The unfortunate thing about all of this is probably that I have to go back to my old school as well. I mean I'll be happy to see Amanda again. We talked yesterday over the phone. We were going to meet before school on Monday, giving me only the weekend to settle in, which is not enough time but I have to suck it up and prepare myself for whatever my return has in store for me. I can only hope no one says anything and that I can hide in the shadows.

No, no, you're not supposed to fall back to your old ways of dealing with things Amy, you got to do something

Being in between wanting to hide from my peers and wanting to speak up and tell them off is conflicting. Being around the same people who have done nothing but make my life miserable is going to be a challenge. They made me feel weak and insecure, something I will never go back to because it only shows them that they have power over me and I'm not about to let them win again.

"I still can't believe you're leaving."

I jumped and spun around quickly to see Dillon leaning against my doorframe with his arms crossed. He glanced around the room before pushing himself off the frame and walking over to me. I smiled as he cupped my face in his hands and leaned his forehead against mine.

"I'm going to miss you," he whispered.

"And I'm going to miss you too," I whispered. We stayed like that for a minute before Dillon pulled me into his arms, hugging me like he never wanted to let me go. "Hey, I'm sure we can handle long distance, we'll call, text, FaceTime, whatever we can whenever we can, I mean it's only for one year, we can get through this, right?" I asked. I'm sure he can hear the doubt in my voice.

"Right, nothing is going to separate us, I promise to always think of you every day," he proclaimed. I chuckled. After two years, I'm still not used to Dillon being like this. Not being playful or joking around. Just making me feel comforted and content with his presence and sometimes, special.

"And I the same, I will think of how much of a goofball you are," I joked. Dillon pulled back to glare at me.

"Hey! In my defence I got that from hanging out with you my dear," he defended.

"No, you didn't, you've been a goofball ever since I first met you," I corrected.

"Ah yes, the day we first met when I noticed you were practically eyeballing me from afar," he teased. I huffed and glared up at him. I lightly hit his arm to which he just threw his head back and laughed at.

"Are we interrupting something?" I heard from behind me.

Dillon looked up and I looked over my shoulder to see Sarah standing by the entrance of my room. I pulled away from Dillon. He frowned while I rolled my eyes but kissed his cheek before walking over to Sarah. We both smiled at each other and hugged.

"You better call me when you get home or else I'm going to fly over there and slap you myself," Sarah threatened. I laughed before separating from the hug.

"I promise I will," I said.

"Yeah you better or else," she threatened as she wiped the tears from her eyes with her hoodie sleeves.

My parents called me from downstairs to hurry up since we only had a few minutes before we would have to head to the airport. I headed downstairs alongside Sarah as Dillon carried my suitcase for me despite my protests that I could do that myself. He just kissed my forehead and said it was fine before his sister dragged me out of my room.

When we walked outside I saw Chloe, Ricky, Nate and Caleb all standing there. Nate had his arms around Ricky's waist from behind with his head on her shoulder. They both started dating probably around three months ago.

I said my goodbyes to everyone before getting into the car. I leaned my head out of the window and waved at them as we drove off. They were still shouting goodbye to me until I couldn't see them anymore.

I sighed as I slouched in my seat. Catherine poked my arm and smiled. I smiled back and ruffled her hair as she giggled. She tried to swat my hand away. I put my earphones in once Catherine started to play games on our father's phone. I looked at the houses passing by as I listened to music.

Goodbye Seattle, you were good to me.

----------------------------------------------------------------

I couldn't be anymore happier to have landed. I don't get who would like flying. Yeah, the view is absolutely stunning but the turbulence ruins it. Thank god the flight wasn't long though. It helped calm my nerves when I listened to music and wrote in my notebook throughout the time on the plane.

We got into a taxi and headed to our new house. My eyes began to drift close as I stared outside. Probably staying up all night didn't help with my already fucked up sleeping schedule. I had been with Dillon all last night. Bad idea but I guess that's on us since we didn't want to waste much time considering we had no idea when we'd see each other in person. Could be at graduation for all we know since I'm going to need to focus on my work this year. I can't lose sight of my goal.

I practically collapsed onto my bed and stared up at the ceiling when we got to our new house. The boxes of my stuff lay around my room, waiting for me to unpack them. A small part of me is still worried about Monday. It's Friday and I only have two days to settle in before my nightmares begin to play out in front of my eyes.

My only problem is Jack Reece. I'd rather voluntarily listen to my old English teacher from that school talk about all 10 cats she has at home than be anywhere near him. I can handle him but that doesn't mean I'm not thinking about all the possible things he will say to tear me down and try and get a reaction, which will probably work. Damn him.

I jumped when I heard my phone start blaring out the song 'Facts Only by Alex Mali'. I rolled my eyes once I noticed the caller ID and answered the phone.

"Really Sarah?"

I instantly knew it was her before I even looked at the caller ID. She changed my ringtone pretty much every week for herself because she had a new favourite song each time.

"Ok, firstly, hello to you too my friend and secondly, I did it so you'll remember who's the boss ass bitch," Sarah said with some sass.

"I think you're talking about someone else because that's not you," I joked.

"Thank you so much for your kind words, I'm truly touched by them," Sarah said as she faked a sniffle. I chuckled.

"Drama queen," I could hear Chloe's familiar voice say.

"Maybe the queen of pizza rolls but that's about it," Ricky chimed in. I laughed as it went silent on the other end. I can imagine Sarah glaring at them.

"Hey it's not my fault that I have an obsession with them, you two are the same, now shut up you two," Sarah ordered. "Now back to our discussion," she said.

"We weren't discussing anything," I pointed out.

"Hush! Yes, we were, we were going to discuss the fact that my brother is moping around like a five-year-old because he misses you so much," Sarah said.

"Well, that's because I just left, give it some time and he'll feel better," I said.

I felt bad but it's not like I had a say in our move. We had to and since I still lived under their roof, I couldn't exactly do much about it. I trusted Dillon with all my heart but that doesn't mean there isn't a small part of me that isn't the slightest bit worried that he'll find someone who's better for him.

We spent nearly all our time together, even in school, so I guess he never had the chance until now to I guess 'consider his other options'. He's been oblivious to all the eyes that stare at him with a creepy look in most of them. The others stared with admiration or something. I don't say anything because he's never given a reason for me to be jealous or to doubt him in any way. But I guess I watched too many movies and now I'm terrified of what could happen with us being in a long-distance relationship.

"You ok?" Sarah asked, her voice laced with worry.

"Huh? Oh yeah, just overthinking," I admitted.

"You know he only loves you right?" Sarah said. I sighed.

"I mean yeah but that doesn't mean he won't notice others," I argued.

"Well, if he does anything he knows I'll kick his ass myself," Sarah said nonchalantly.

"Don't worry, us too!" Ricky exclaimed.

"I appreciate you guys but if something were to happen, I wouldn't want you guys to do anything," I said.

Yes, if we were to break up, it would hurt like a bitch but I know that distance more than half of the time ends up breaking couples apart. I think I can handle it. I don't think he'll do anything but I'd understand why if he were to break up with me.

"Alright, alright, fine," Sarah grumbled. "Now back to business, how are you feeling?" she asked.

"How do you think pizza roll?" Chloe joked.

"Bitch," Sarah hissed. She then cursed again.

"What?" I asked.

"Dillon texted me saying to shut up because he can hear me yelling," Sarah read out.

"You are pretty loud," Chloe said.

"Well, fuck you too," Sarah grumbled. I rolled my eyes and sighed.

"Amy! Can you come to the living room please!" my mother called out.

"Coming!" I shouted back. "Sorry guys, I got to go, I'll talk to you tomorrow, have fun today though."

"Bye Amy!" they shouted simultaneously. I chuckled.

"Bye guys," I said before hanging up and putting the phone in my pocket.

I got up and tied my hair in a ponytail before heading out to the living room where my parents were standing with wide grins on their faces. I frowned. What the heck is going on? It better not be bad news.

My eyes widened when I saw Max jump up from behind the couch. I jumped back and yelped in surprise.

"Hello little sister," Max greeted with a grin. I ran up and hugged him making Max chuckle.

"I can't believe you're back from college!" I squealed.

"Yeah well I finished my studies and I'm back to stay, well, only until I can afford to move out," Max said.

"Well, I'm still happy you're back to stay," I smiled. Max ruffled my hair and I attempted to swat his hands away.

"Aw! I didn't know you missed me so much Ames," he said.

"You were gone for two years, you barely visited unless it was Christmas and that was only for two days!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms in the air dramatically. "How dare you ignore us brother," I glared. Max laughed.

"What happened?" Catherine's voice came from the hallway. She immediately beamed and ran into Max's arms when she saw him in the living room. Catherine began giggling.

"Hey kiddo," Max greeted.

"Max! You're back!" she shouted. We all sat on the couch across from my parents. Max put Catherine down next to him so that she sat between us. "I missed you, Maxy!" Catherine squealed.

"I missed you too Cat," Max smiled and poked her stomach making her back away with a pout.

"No!" Catherine whined as she glared at Max.

Max paused, pretending to think about it before shaking his head and starting to poke Catherine. Catherine attempted to squirm away as she giggled uncontrollably. I smiled and joined in. Catherine tried to swat our hands away but we just kept poking her.

Our parents left the room to head into the kitchen to cook dinner. Though my father was probably just going to watch her while talking. It's times like these where I'm content, at peace and not worrying or overthinking about anything, just laughing and spending time with my family, which is much needed.

Soon we were called for dinner, which consisted of talks about Max and his time in college. He was talking about his friends, Esmond and Quinn, and about the kind of parties they threw. He then continued with his classes since our parents would scold him for not studying and slacking off. He had aced every single one of them considering he was an A+ student ever since high school.

He never fails a single pop quiz, assignment or exam. Sometimes he's a show-off. But he's like me, or it's the other way around, whatever. We both aim to be high achievers when it comes to our studies. I still do though I probably don't look like I do. Max mentioned that he even met someone but that didn't work out. It was a mutual break-up.

"So, how was everything in Florida?" Max asked. Our parents were putting Catherine to bed since we already said goodnight to her. I was trying to find a movie for us to watch since our parents were going to join us after. Max was lying across the couch.

"Well I made new friends and I got a boyfriend, who I've been dating for two years," I replied with a smile, thinking of Dillon.

Fuck, I'm in way too deep. Max started choking on air practically when I mentioned that I was dating. Whoops, forgot that I never mentioned it to him since he barely visited longer than a weekend.

"You're already dating?" Max asked in disbelief and anger. His eyes were wide as he sat up now to look over at me. I nodded, still smiling.

"Well, yeah, he's perfect," I said.

"How do you know he's perfect?" Max questioned with a raised brow and his arms crossed.

"I mean he hasn't given me a reason to think otherwise," I shrugged.

"How well do you know him?" he frowned.

"Well, he's told me just about everything, even about his previous relationships and I've told him about my insecurities and anxiety, which he has helped," I replied.

"Ok, I won't kill him but if he breaks your heart just tell me ok?" he said firmly. I rolled my eyes.

"Don't worry, I will," I reassured him.

The conversation ended there. Once I found a movie, I played the film, sitting on the other couch next to my parents. However, I left to go to my room in the middle of the film when I received a message from Dillon.

Dillon: Help me, Sarah is being annoying again, why'd you leave me? Now I have to fend off Sarah alone.

I chuckled at his message and rolled my eyes before replying back.

Amy: Oh stop being such a baby.

Dillon: Come back, I need you here.

Amy: Sure, let me just jump on a plane.

Dillon: I miss you. I wish you were here sunshine

I blushed and sighed, falling back onto my bed. I don't even know how to reply to that so I decided to deflect from the conversation, moving on to something else.

I love Dillon, there's no doubt. I never told him. It's a big step for me, especially since he hasn't said it to me either. I was going to tell him the night before I left but I chickened out. If he said it first, then I'd be fine but because he hasn't and my mind is fucked up with how much I overthink, it's hard for me to say it first.

I regretted not saying anything about it during our conversation. I huffed in annoyance when we ended the conversation because he was worried that I didn't get much sleep last night and I was still up when it was close to midnight. Why didn't I say anything then? Am I seriously that much of a chicken to say anything? Even a hint? Ugh!

I'll try next time