Chapter 6: Conflict
Amy's phone had been silent all morning.
She's used to having such a quiet line since she's more into texting, but there was something about it lately that's bugged her.
Although her best friend was on her honeymoon, she still thought that at least with the company of her partner, she would be less lonely. But of course, that isn't the case.
She and Sonic had been together for more than ten years; what began as a playful banter between two friends eventually died down into something a little more casual between two friends. She had always been interested in Sonic, but because of the effort of saving the world from total control, there was never a time for a romantic pursuit. Well, she always made the time. Which confused her when Sonic eventually did as well.
Amy sat alone in her apartment that sat in the middle of Central City; she was used to the noise that accompanied the life: the obscenities people threw, the high-pitched honking from impatient people, the sound of planes taking off and landing… all the natural sounds that came along in living in a city, but for some reason, she fazed it all out.
Although she was the one that decided to take a few days off for the funeral, she had come to a crossroads about a lot of things.
Since hearing about the possibility—no—the certainty of Shadow's return to Central City, she couldn't help but feel a sense of joy. Her heart gave small quivers, but she wouldn't dare express it.
She wouldn't say she was 'unhappy' in her relationship, moreso has reached an acceptance. It was beautiful in the beginning, as young love mostly is, but as it commonly occurs, the blaze that once fueled their relationship with such veracity became more of a soft ember that lit gently against the gale.
Work has always been the main reason as to why they rarely saw each other, to which they relied on phone calls and at least one weekly meeting. Sometimes they took time off, but that rarely happens due to Sonic's work, and so eventually, they both committed to a routine that benefited them from a distance.
Amy had always pushed the thoughts away, the ones that intrude frequently when there is too much stillness in the air:
We've been together for ten years, and he hasn't talked about wanting to take it further?
Will we ever move in together?
Hell, forget marriage—do we want a family?
Is this where we want to stay?
What's our plan for the future?
Are we like this for another ten years?
Am I staying in this restaurant forever?
… Is this what I want?
But this time… nothing.
Nothing teased her or daunted her.
She sat there, quiet and scrolled social media intently.
Maybe it was because there was just so much going on, that she can't seem to focus on the usual doubts that circle her mind, but for some reason, Amy didn't mind it at all.
In fact, she was used to the yelling of her thoughts, but in this case, she was more inviting, taking each thought as more of a possibility than a risk:
We've been together for ten years. Maybe it's time to talk to him and reach a middle ground on what we both want.
He has his place, I have mine… I really like my apartment, actually…
There's so much more to explore—we should talk about taking a trip together. An ACTUAL trip!
I want two kids.
I don't mind being like this for another ten years if it means we're comfortable. We like our space.
Who am I kidding? There are so much corporate jobs out there! I'll find something! I'll make way more money and we'll be set!
This is exactly what I want.
Amy sat her phone beside her and paused. "I mean… this is what I want, right?"
She was always so sure of what she wanted and how she wanted it. But why fix something that isn't broken? Why adjust something that's always worked for her for years?
She's always enjoyed her daily phone calls from him from work.
She's always enjoyed their routine outings at the end of the week.
She's always enjoyed his random messages sent through the night on how beautiful she was and how lucky he was to even have her in his arms.
But all the same, she also enjoyed her space. Her time. Her shows. Her hobbies. Her friends. Her job. Her apartment. Her weekdays. Her routines. Without Sonic.
She leaned back on her sofa, releasing a tired sigh. "Why is this so exhausting. Why don't I know what I want anymore? It was… so much easier before…"
Amy turned around and sat up on her sofa, leaning on the backing to where she can view the bay window that gave her a sight of the city. Within its farthest horizon, she spotted Gerald Robotnik's manor, engraved in its iconic chrome finish that shined in the sunlight.
"I can't think about that now. I should start getting ready."
Author's Note: Hi! And thank you for reaching this far into the story! It's been a while since I haven't written, so forgive me if there are any technicalities! I've always loved the idea of this story, and one of my goals is to reach a conclusion. I'm also attempting to make an update for TYTTR, but that's still going to take a bit. ^^; Since that's my most worked on story, there is a lot I have to consider, such as how I have to keep up with what I wrote when I was THIRTEEN! I am now 28, so let's see if I can finish both these bad boys! I hope to continue to receive your support and your criticisms, I hope you guys are staying safe and well. Thank you for reading!
P.S: I also wanted to address a discrepancy in the story! I wanted Gerald to be considered Shadow's 'grandfather' for the sake of the plotline. It'll make sense later: forgive me! - Grave.
