1 Chapter 5

Matt looked at the clock and noticed it said 8: 30 p.m. He sighed and looked over at Bailey and Amy. They were opening presents.

"Wow. It's a CD thingy," Bailey said as she held up her Walkman. Amy noticed the skittles wrapping paper and automatically knew whom it was from. "That Walkman was from your Uncle Jeff," she said as Bailey's face lit up. "Thank you Uncle Jeff," she screamed to no one in particular.

Matt smiled at her. He loved when she was happy. Unfortunately though, he was going to have to spoil the party. "Bailey honey, it's time for bed," he said getting up from where he was sitting. She shook her head roughly. "No! It's my birthday. I don't have to go to sleep early," she said meanly.

"Now Bailey Marie Hardy!" he yelled. Amy's eyes widened as Bailey started to cry. She then ran up the stairs and to her room. "What the hell is wrong with you Matt?" she asked worriedly. "I told you. I had a bad day," he said calmly. "Bad day my ass. You don't treat her like that," she screamed.

"Don't make me raise my voice at you because I really don't want to," he said meanly. "All I want you to do is go apologize to Bailey. It's her birthday and it's a Friday. I don't see the problem with why she can't stay up a little longer," Amy yelled. "Amy! Stop!" he yelled.

"No! I don't appreciate the way you acted with our daughter," she yelled back. He looked at her with fierce eyes. "You mean, MY daughter," he said as he walked upstairs. She felt tears coming, but didn't care. She let them fall as she followed him. "Your daughter? She's just as much my daughter as she is yours," Amy screamed. "Are you sure about that? Because what I know is she loves me more," he yelled, as Amy stood there shocked.

All of a sudden Bailey came out of her room. "Please stop!" she cried.

"Bailey, get back in your room. This is a problem between me and your mommy," he said trying to convince her. "No! I want you guys to stop fighting over me. I don't love you more! I love you both the same!" she yelled as Amy put on a relieved face. "I said get in your room. Now!" he roared. Bailey's mouth quivered as she walked back into her room.

"What has gotten into you Matt?" Amy asked worried. "Either shut up or leave me alone!" he yelled. She shook her head and ran down the steps.

"Where are you going?" he asked rolling his eyes. She didn't respond. Instead, she walked outside as tears rolled down her face. He ran his hand through his hair and followed her outside. The rain was pouring hard.

"Come on Amy. Come inside," he said sincerely. "I don't know what has gotten into you, but I don't like it," she said as she opened the car door.

"Amy, where are you going?" he asked curiously. "Why do you care?" she asked rudely. She slammed the door shut and drove off. Matt kicked the front door and then slammed it shut. He was kind of worried about Amy, but in a way wasn't. He knew she would return home soon. He sighed and walked up the stairs.

:: South Carolina ::

Amy's eyes were drooping as she approached South Carolina. She had driven more then she had wanted to. She rolled her head back and sighed. * I should go back. Matt is probably worried about me * she thought. She turned around and headed back. "I am so stupid for doing this," she yelled to herself. As she was driving, she saw a big light from up ahead. "What the--- -- but before she could finish her sentence she was struck by the car. She felt her car fly backwards and into a tree. She felt the warm trickle of blood on her face and fell unconscious.

:: Hospital ::

Amy woke up to find herself in a room surrounded by lights.

"Where am I?" she asked out loud. "You're in a hospital ma'am," a nurse replied. "Why?" Amy asked confused. "You were hit by a car and you fell unconscious. The driver of the truck brought you here," the nurse explained. "OH. I want to go home," she whined.

"Don't worry. All I need to know is your name, your address and your phone number," the nurse said as she took out a pad and pen.

"First off what's your name?" she asked. Amy thought for a second. "I.I...I don't know."