A/N: Picture of Amy's best friend, Amanda. 

"What took you so long?" Amanda immediately asked once I got to the auditorium that was located on the other end of the school.

Pain in the ass to get to but can't do anything about it other than curse the designers for making this place so big. I may be tiny but I'm not athletic. The only time I'll ever run is if I'm terrified and need to scramble on out of somewhere to save my life. Luckily this is reality and not a horror movie or else I'd also be holding a flamethrower while I ran...though I admit that would be cool.

I put my bag down on the front row seat before climbing onto the stage rather than taking the steps towards the right.

"One word. Jack," I replied bluntly. Amanda rolled her eyes and huffed, shaking her head.

"Of course, why am I not surprised?" she muttered with irritation before staring at me with concern prominent in her hazel eyes. "He didn't do anything to hurt you or something...did he? Because if he did, I'll fuck him up myself," Amanda growled as she clenched both her fists, her well-manicured pastel pink nails pressing into her skin as she did so. I frowned and shook my head.

"He didn't do anything, Amanda, he only wanted some answers, and even if he did, I can handle myself, you don't have to worry about me," I reassured her so she could stop hurting herself by almost drawing blood from her nails.

Amanda has always been that way, overprotective, almost like a second sister except older than me by a month. Many tend to quickly judge her, like deciding whether they like a book based on the cover rather than what the inside contains. She cares about others more than herself. It means a lot. Luckily though I can protect myself. Jack can't get to me, not like before.

Amanda closed her eyes and took a deep breath, relaxing her tensed-up body. She then opened her eyes and smiled. I raised a brow. I forget that she's also sometimes scary when she switches moods in a mere second. Going from angry to happy or from sad to the raging hulk ready to rip someone's head off.

"Sorry about that, you know how I get?" she apologised with a sheepish expression. I waved her off.

"Nah, it's ok, I understand, you care about your old dear best friend here too much, I know I'm perfect but-,"

"Oh shut up!"

Amanda slapped my arm playfully with a glare. I laughed before sticking my tongue out at her to which she did the same while giving me both the middle fingers.

"Calm down e-girl," I teased.

She just animatedly mocked me while shaking her head. I silently chuckled. I only called her an e-girl because she absolutely hates the term and being referred to it simply because her hair looks like the stereotypical look of one. The front few strands of her hair are blond while the rest is black, her natural hair colour.

"We're here!" someone exclaimed, their voice echoing throughout the huge auditorium.

We both turned our heads to the entrance to see a group of unfamiliar girls, around 6 of them, walking over to us. I tilted my head in confusion. They put their bags down on the seats beside where my bag sat before hopping onto the stage beside us. 'I'll get you back' Amanda mouthed but I just waved her off and rolled my eyes.

"Ok, now that you're all here Amy can finally meet the whole group," Amanda stated, her voice loud and clear as she stood beside me in front of everyone. I awkwardly waved at them with a smile.

It feels weird being introduced and seen as the new kid to some when I was really just a former student that very few remember or really noticed properly until now. Sometimes it's nice to be recognised but not when it's because of your appearance but rather on the impact you've made. I don't really want anyone's attention, I just want to be myself but considering some of the stares I got in my classes this morning, that's going to be easier said than done. Plus when have things ever gone right for me? Never.

"All you have to do is perform a little dance to show us how good you are," Amanda instructed with an encouraging smile. I nodded. The others jumped off the stage to sit on seats.

I didn't even plan anything, I just went with something that was taught to me by Sarah whenever we'd have a girl's night with Ricky and Chloe and she'd teach us different moves. Once I was done, I was panting to catch my breath but joyful nonetheless. It was a thrill dancing. You get lost in the beat and move to the rhythm. It's the second thing that helps me get away from reality. Even though at times it's short-lived, it's still welcomed.

"You were awesome!" Amanda beamed as she clapped, along with the others.

"She's right you were amazing, quite the natural," one of the girls with long silver hair complimented with a polite smile. I returned the smile of my own.

"Thanks um..." I trailed off with a frown.

"Oh, I'm Brianna but people call me Bree instead," she introduced.

"Well thanks, Bree," I nodded.

Amanda clapped to get everyone's attention before instructing everyone to copy the routine she had come up with for a performance we would be doing soon for an assembly. Once we were done, we grabbed our bags to head off for the remainder of our lunch so we could all eat something and relax before the next onset of torture-uh I mean classes.

"I'm proud of you," Amanda whispered to me. I glanced over at her.

I know she's saying that more because before I'd be too shy and closed off to even stand in front of a small group of people. That's why it never went well whenever I'd have to do a presentation considering I'd feel like the whole world was spinning and pure nausea.

It was a struggle since the stares directed at me never helped, their eyes showing nothing good that was for sure. Some revealed pure malice in them, and some revealed pity or sympathy. I despised all of it.

The rest of the day went by in a flash to my relief. I waved at Amanda and Brianna goodbye before heading over to my brother's 'borrowed' motorcycle. Max had spammed my phone throughout the day with messages warning me not to do anything to his bike or else I'd have to pay for it.

I rolled my eyes at his paranoia. He loved that thing as if it were his lover or something. It was his most prized possession. I swear he had an unhealthy attachment to that thing but then again, it is a nice ride. I wish I had one but I still don't have the money for it. I'm trying to save up but it's not like it's easy, I'm only human, tempted by other sometimes useless things.

I was brought out of my thoughts when I heard my phone start blaring out my ringtone. It's lucky that the car park was now half empty or else I'd be getting stares for my choice of music or some shit like disturbing the peace with a song. I fetched my phone out of my pocket to glance at the ID. A joyous smile spread across my lips once I saw the image and the name that was displayed across my brightly lit screen.

"Hey Dillon, what's up?" I greeted. I'm sure the excitement in my voice made it clear to him how happy I was to receive his call. He always had that effect on me. It was hard to control my emotions around him.

"Oh nothing, can't I call my girlfriend without having a reason?" Dillon said playfully. I shook my head as a blush crept up to my cheeks. It's been almost two years since we began dating and I still blush every time he calls me his girlfriend. It's a problem.

"No, but when it comes to you, I always question your motive for calling me," I joked. He huffed.

"Rude," he grumbled. I chuckled.

"Oh quit moping."

Silence soon fell between us and I almost thought he hung up but then his quiet yet soft voice echoed through the speaker once more.

"We miss you, I miss you," he mumbled. I frowned.

As much as I wish I could go back and stay there forever, I couldn't. I had to finish my education here. Plus I couldn't just drop everything and fly to Florida for the weekend with no money. I'm not about to ask my parents for some.

I don't like asking for money so that's out of the question. The money I'm saving up will not be used for airline travel but for transportation travel so I can either get a car or a motorcycle, whatever I can get that's good I guess. I'm not picky so I don't care as long as it's functional.

"I miss you too but you know I can't go fly to Florida all by myself, I wish though," I muttered, staring at the concrete below as if it were a person and it could provide some sort of comfort.

"Actually..." he trailed off. My interest piqued as I raised a brow.

"What?" I asked, eager to know what he was going to say.

"Don't worry, it's a surprise," Dillon replied. Damn it, that bastard was probably smirking on the other end of the line. He got me all excited for nothing. All to be shot down and left in the dark. That's just cruel. I frowned.

"You are so unfair," I whined making him laugh.

"Sorry babe," he said. I silently mimicked him. Ass.

"Whatever, I got to go home now, will I talk to you tomorrow?" I asked, hopeful that he'd say yes.

There is still a voice in my head that encourages my fears to run wild. It tells me that at some point this will all fall apart and it feels like I'm just clinging on to make this long-distance relationship work when it's a first and I have no idea how to.

"Hello?" I jumped, snapping back to reality. Whoops, I must have been lost in thought again.

"Huh? Sorry," I apologised.

"It's ok," he laughed. "Thinking about me huh?" Dillon teased. I rolled my eyes and silently mocked him, thankful he couldn't see me.

"Cocky much?"

"Yeah but you love it," he said. We both laughed.

"I'll let you go now but I'll definitely call you tomorrow, ok?" Dillon said. I smiled.

"Ok, sounds perfect, thank you, bye," I replied before hanging up.

I put my phone back in my pocket before hopping onto the motorcycle, putting my helmet on and driving off. The first thing I did when I got home was flop onto the couch in the living room with a sigh of relief. I'd say today was a success. It wasn't completely horrible. Nothing too dramatic happened, thank god.

"Hey little sister!" Max shouted as he jumped up from behind the couch.

I screamed and covered my head with my arms as if that would provide some sort of protection from anything like an intruder. My heart was practically beating out of my chest. I took deep breaths to calm myself as I retracted my arms back down. Max was laughing his ass off.

"And that's for stealing my bike," he said with a grin. I glared as he walked around the couch and ruffled my hair. I swatted his hand away. "How was school?" Max asked as he shoved my legs off the couch to take a seat next to me and turn the TV on.

"Eh it was alright," I shrugged.

It's a good day when Jack doesn't do anything and leaves me alone. Actually, today was probably the first day that Jack said anything that would purposely hurt me. It was almost peaceful except for our confrontation earlier in the morning. But that doesn't mean I trust that he's changed and has suddenly become innocent.

Max nodded just as the doorbell rang. I frowned and tilted my head while he stood up. Now I know that's not our parents, they're working until late. That's not Catherine considering she's at a friend's place for a play date until later when our parents go to pick her up because Max can't, not with his motorcycle he can't.

"I invited my friends over, you know, Tyler and Sam?" he replied. I groaned inwardly.

His best friends from college. I've only met them a few times. I don't hate them but they're not particularly quiet, especially when I'm trying to study or listen to music. They shout while playing video games or watching football so the whole neighbourhood can hear them.

"Oh yeah, I remember," I grumbled, glaring at him. "If I hear you all screaming like a bunch of apes then I will personally kill you myself," I threatened but Max just laughed.

"Don't worry, we won't sis," he smiled, attempting to reassure me. I sure hope he's being serious. I need to do some work for school and I cannot lose focus and waste my time. They all tend to give me a headache.

"Good," I nodded. I jumped slightly when the doorbell started ringing. Multiple times might I add.

Who created doorbells?

"Quit ringing the fucking doorbell!" I snapped. Max raised a brow as everything went silent. I sighed with relief. Finally, silence, peaceful and blissful whenever it's given.

Max rolled his eyes before getting up to open the door. His friends, Tyler and Sam, walked in cautiously. I bit my bottom lip to prevent myself from laughing.

Yeah, I'm not the most patient nor am I the calmest person around. They know this with how many times I've told them to be quiet. And then they hit me with I'm too young for them to listen to me. I ain't so young now, given younger than them but still, I can easily kick them out of the house.

"Your sister is pretty scary when she's angry man," Tyler commented.

"Is it that time?" I heard Sam whisper to Max. I scowled and threw a pillow at him. Max smacked the back of his head with a glare. Sam hissed and rubbed the back of his head. I forgot that he was the one who blurted out whatever was on his mind, even if at times it was either inappropriate or uncomfortable.

Immature boys

"Anyway, I'm going upstairs to do my work so you guys shut up or else," I warned. The two nodded while Max rubbed his temple. It's not my fault they're too energetic. I just don't share the same vibe as them.

I had to work on my book report but luckily we get to pick which one we can write about. I decided on the book of short stories and poems by Edgar Allan Poe to analyse since I owned a copy and my brother has notes on it considering it's his. I had already read it many times whenever I'd sneak into Max's room to steal the book. It's filled with little sticky notes and notes written in pencil about the meaning. It was an old copy but still something I cherish and read constantly.

I began typing up my book report while glancing at my notes. Even though the teacher had given me extra time to write this up considering I did just start school today, I didn't need it. I ended up finishing the report in two hours. I took a couple of breaks here and there to scroll through Instagram or view an image or video sent to me by Amanda or any of my friends from Florida. I had to put on my glasses after taking my contacts out. It felt like such a relief to take them off.

"Oh! Touchdown! Woo!" I heard the boys holler from the living room.

Ugh! Not again. I should have expected them to be watching the football game today even though they probably have watched the game already and know what happens. There wasn't supposed to be one on today anyway.

They must have either been bored and had nothing to watch or they just really loved the game and wanted to watch it repeatedly. Boys will be boys I guess but what can you do? They're annoying yet soft at times though they won't admit it. I'll admit Tyler and Sam are attractive but I don't feel any desire for them since I only see them as my brother's friends. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Shut up!" I shouted. It was quiet after that. I smiled at my victory.

I decided to check the various messages received from my friends from Florida on our group chat that Nate had decided to name the chat 'Power of the Fire Nation'. That was because he had an obsession with the Avatar series but then again so did Dillon and I.

I blinked rapidly, coming back to reality when I heard my phone ring. I grabbed it from beside my laptop. It was the group chat calling to join.

"Hello," I answered.

"Hey Ames!" I heard a familiar voice shout. I winced. My bad. I shouldn't have left it on full volume.

"Hi Ricky," I greeted.

"What's up princess bubble gum?" Nate chimed in.

"Ha-ha so funny, if only you could see me right now, I'm giving you the middle finger with a bright smile because I love that nickname just so much and so dearly," I said sarcastically. It wasn't only him that calls me that, so do the rest of them.

"Well someone's having a bad day," Nate grumbled.

"Oh leave her alone, it was her first day back at school," Chloe defended, joining in on the conversation.

"How was your first day by the way?" Sarah asked.

"I guess it was good, not perfect but good nonetheless," I shrugged.

"That's good, if I hear that anyone said or did anything to hurt you, I'll go all ninja on their asses," she growled. I stifled a giggle as the others laughed loudly. "Oh right! I need to tell you something," Sarah squealed, her mood doing a complete 360 in a second. Similar to Amanda. Scary.

"Don't you bloody dare Sarah!" Ricky warned. I raised a brow with interest. Ok, now I'm curious.

"Ricky is going on a date with Nate tonight!" Sarah squealed, ignoring Ricky. My eyes widened.

"Sarah!" Ricky whined.

"Well there goes the surprise," Nate muttered.

"Tell me more, I'm intrigued," I urged.

"It's nothing," Ricky played it off.

"I'm taking her mountain climbing but that's after we go to her favourite pizza place for lunch," Nate explained. That sounded perfect considering Ricky is the outdoors type and loves activities such as hiking, mountain climbing and camping.

"Aw, how cute!" I gushed. Ricky groaned.

"I know right!?" Sarah squealed.

"I told you it was sweet," Chloe added.

"Tell me everything after ok?" I instructed.

"Fine, fine, got it, Ames!" Ricky agreed. Yes! Now I can listen to some interesting news once she's able to tell me. I was startled when I heard a distant shout from the other end of the receiver.

"Well that's my cue to go, talk to you ladies later," Nate said. We bid him farewell before he hung up and left the group call.

"So, how is Caleb? I already talked to Dillon," I asked. Caleb hadn't joined the call and neither did Dillon but that was fine, we agreed to talk tomorrow anyway, more privately.

"Well, I mean he's doing fine but I wish that Caleb and Sarah would stop fighting," Chloe complained.

"Wait, better idea, how about they admit that they like each other instead," I smirked.

"Hey! That would be a great idea!" Ricky exclaimed.

"Let's hope she finally does something about that glow in her dark heart," Chloe joked.

"Why am I the one being harassed here!? This isn't fair, you guys are all ganging up on me," Sarah whined while we laughed.

It's a good thing Caleb wasn't on the call...and Dillon too since he's a bit oblivious to his own sister's feelings toward his friend. I guess it's up to Sarah what she wants to do. She says she's not ready to date just yet and give her trust to someone.

Whatever makes her happy; I'll still support her decision, even if it's to remain single because she'll always have her family, herself and us as companionship. She's probably more independent and responsible than any of us really, even more than her older brother.

Our conversation soon changed to my day at school. I divulged everything to them. It wasn't much. It was only a short version of the confrontation between Jack and me this morning. They were quite pleased to hear what his reaction was.

I had to end the call when I heard the front door open and close, knowing it was my little sister finally home from her friend's house. I peeked out of my room to see Max in the living room, watching movies with his friends in complete darkness except for the light from the TV illuminating their shadows.

I went into Catherine's room to tuck her into bed and kiss her forehead goodnight. She kissed my cheek before she let out a tired yawn and curled up into a ball with the blanket wrapped around her. The corner of my lip twitched up in a half smile. She must have really been tired after being out all day and coming back at 7pm.

I sighed as I crawled into my own bed after changing into something more comfortable, immediately dozing off.