This is a future fic, set in 2006. It's from Alex Taggert's POV.

The usual disclaimers. I don't own them. Except the one's I make up.

So, read, review and mostly enjoy!

2006

I woke up this morning in my new room. It felt strange, not seeing the usual rickety cupboards, my posters and books, Squishy my bear, the pile of boxes. It was weird waking up with sunlight lighting the room where I haven't yet attached my curtains, and not hearing the boiler chugging softly.

Swinging my feet over the edge of my makeshift bed (a heap of quilts) and I pad into the bathroom, yawning.

'Is that you Alex?'

'Yeah, Mum. Morning.' I call through the door.

'Morning honey, did you sleep well?' I can hear her trying to find the waffle iron.

'Yeah, those quilts were soft enough. Is Dad up yet?'

'Yep, he went for a jog about an hour ago then he's going to the apartment and bringing the last few things over. Do you want waffles for breakfast?'

'Oh yes please!!!!' I climb into the shower and sigh. No more trickling water, now the shower actually gets me wet! I wash quickly and turn off the jet. Grabbing a towel, I wrap it round me and walk out of the bathroom.

'ALEX!!!!!' Mom sounds mad. I turn round meekly. 'What did I say about walking around soaking wet? DRY YOURSELF, numbskull!' She rolls her eyes and tries not to smile. Since my last growth spurt I'm now over a head taller than her, but she still has the power to turn my knees to jelly with one look. Scary woman.

'Okay, mommy.' I joke, knowing she isn't really too angry. This move has brought out the best and worst in her. She has been stressed about it all and Dad keeps trying to calm her down cos it's not good for her. But now everything is nearly done, she's chilled a bit more and she actually has time to relax a bit more.

I amble into my room leaving a trail of wet footprints across the bare floorboards, and Scooby charges up to me. Scooby is our new Labrador puppy; he's so cute. I managed to persuade Mom and Dad to let me get him by saying I'd do everything for him. Already Mom has started feeding him when she gets up and Dad lets him sit on the couch so I know it's not just me who wants him.

'Alex! Waffles are done. Quick or else I'll eat them.'

I throw on some boardies and a t-shirt and run out to the table. I LOVE waffles! They beat chips, ice cream and pizza in my eyes. Shame I can't really have them often cos of my stupid diabetes. It totally sucks being diabetic, I can't eat sweets and ice cream and things like that, and I have to have my waffles plain instead of with sauce like Mom has them. But she buys lots of nice un-sugary things for me which is cool.

'Mom, can I go boarding today?'

'Oh, I thought we were gonna paint your room.' Mom looks at me, a little hurt showing in her eyes. I can't do it.

'Oh yeah. Okay, I'll go another day.' I smile. I don't really mind missing the board session with Austin and the guys. They've been teasing me since I told them I like K.C, this girl from school. I hate being 12, it sucks big time!