A/N - This is my first attempt at writing a FanFic so I hope you like it. Started out as just a bit of fun however the plans I have for my OC's and the story line involved, I hope it develops into something more. I know there isn't much SOA references yet but be patient, they are very much a part of this story, I just felt my OC's needed a bit of a back story 1st. Any tips or suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thank you again for reading. Have a wonderful day.

THE AMERICAN DREAM

"O, shit!" exclaimed Faith, pulling her dark bangs back behind her ears to exam the bags under her eyes and the makeup from last night that had worked its way down to her cheeks. The little mirror hanging on by a thread was not going to offer her much comfort today. Not that she would have to deal with it much longer. The memories from last night were still slightly hazy; the party all 7 of her house mates had thrown for her and Lilly was one to rival all others. Leaving the bathroom to collect the clothes she had saved from being packed away, she realized Meg had still not woken up "5.45!" she called throwing a hairbrush at the general direction of Lilly's sleeping head. At least this would mean she could have at least half an hour to take a relaxing shower before she'd have to start really panicking. It had been 3 years since her and Lilly had met, both moving to Hereford for university from the south of England, and only a shorter amount of time for them to decide moving to America for a year was the perfect idea once both their courses were over. Washing off all evidence of last night from her body and hair had taken slightly longer than she had planned; the leaving cake that had been smacked into their heads had taken almost half a bottle of shampoo to get out. She felt the hot water scold her skin while she ran through a check list of everything that was happening today. She and Meg's parents were coming at 9am and they had until then to clean the house. Then after an hour with them they would be packing up both the parents' cars to put their clutter from the last 3 years into storage until they got back. Then it would be making sure everything else was in the suitcases they had borrowed from the friends in the house ready to go. The flight was leaving at 3pm giving them enough time to travel to the airport. Quickly dressing in her favorite comfortable clothes without giving much thought to drying herself she rushed out to find Lilly was indeed awake but not waiting outside the bathroom. Grabbing the hairbrush from where it had fallen on Lilly's side of the room Faith walked to the kitchen while brushing her hair behind her. she entered the kitchen expecting to only find Lilly, but was met with sleepy eyes from most of her housemates "Mornin'" grumbled Josh from the counter, putting the kettle on for a morning cup of tea. "hmm" Faith replied while shuffling through the kitchen past the three pairs of sad eyes that followed her movements. "jeeez guys! We aint dying, just going on an adventure!" said Lilly throwing her hands in the air while smiling at their overreacting yet lovable friends. "I just don't see why you're going. And for that long. Honestly! I thought you were joking, I'm gonna miss you guys so much!" exclaimed Emma and before they knew it, a group hug erupted with Sophia crying and everyone else pretty much getting to that emotional state. "FUCK! Is that the time! I need to shower and to…!" Lilly had left the room before she had a chance to finish her sentence, which, in any other case would have been fine. However this time Faith had to meet all the sad eyes alone. Not one for a conversation she put bread in the toaster and made a cup of tea sitting down in between Emma and Josh. They had clearly been awake all night, the house was pretty much clean, she was going to miss each and every single one of the friends she had made since arriving, they knew her inside and out, and it was going to be hard to be away from them after spending 3 years together.

Hearing the cars pull up both Lilly and Faith could hardly contain their excitement. It had been 6 months since they had seen their parents, even though this visit would be quick, it would be better than not seeing them at all. Faith hadn't really expected to see she father here, but couldn't help but feel resentment towards him that yet again he wasn't here for her. However was excited to see her mother's long-time friend Steve, who had been her only male role model in her life. Steve had always smelled of leather and dirt, the biker in him meant he was never around for long, but it was enough for Faith to think of him as more of a father than her biological father. Lilly welcomed her mother, stepfather, her father and Steve into the house while Faith and her mother waited outside in the cool morning. "You sure about this Faith? " Pamela asked, looking off into the distance. "Sure" Faith replied stuffing her hands in her pockets. She never could lie to her mother, and the thought of her finding out the real reason for this trip was sure to put an end to it. She had never been good at staying in one place and was always running from something, a habit her mother knew of. Going back into the house, mother in tow, Faith couldn't hide her growing anxiety, the plans had been made, and this is what she wanted right? A new start? "when ya ready Fay, we wanna get on the road soon" Lilly's excitement took some of the edge off, luckily she was travelling with someone this upbeat, it would be pretty hard to motivate herself and someone else, luckily she had already had enough sugar for the both of them to remain wired for their long trip to the airport. Lilly and Faith's brother, Elliot, were the only ones who had ever called her Fay and ever since her brothers accident she began to forget what it sounded like. Elliot had been Faiths best friend growing up and was probably the main reason for this trip. He had always wanted her to follow her dreams but now with the head injury he barely knew who she was. She only hoped that when the year was up he could somehow be able to recognize her as his best friend again. Elliot, much like everyone else in their little family had been obsessed by cars and had even taken a little interest into bikes, following his baby sister into rally's. however it was his love for the speed of cars that had caused his accident.

"Like I said Faith, if you ever get stuck out there, you call Chibbs, ok?" Steve said sliding her a phone number on a little bit of paper across the counter. She had had this conversation with Steve over the phone only a few days ago, apparently Chibbs was a good friend, someone who could be trusted, but she had never been one to trust anyone let alone someone she hadn't even met. It was highly unlikely she'd need this phone number, but took it anyway. As the other house mates joined them in the kitchen for a toast to see them off it was clear to see the life they were leaving behind, Lilly, who still believed this trip as a holiday, poured everyone a glass of either lemonade for the driving adults or shots of, what she assumed to be vodka, for the students. Having no intentions of coming home after this day Faith raised her glass of the cheap vodka "stars and stripes" she muttered before downing it in one before anyone had the chance to repeat her comment.