Hi guys, I know it's been like ten days but it feels like a long time for me to not post anything, so here is the new chapter! I really hope you guys are liking the story so far and I appreciate every who had read it! As much as I love writing for the joy of, it's still encouraging to see people's reactions to it and their comments or thoughts on it so it would be greatly appreciated if you left me a review!

Anyway, here you are. Please enjoy!

Chapter Five: Keeping Me

"Come on, come on! You can do it! Look you're almost there, just a couple more steps."

"Walking's never been so hard in my life. And these bars aren't really helping either, they're hurting my hands. I don't see why I need to do this over and over again, I mean it's not like I forgot how to walk, it just hurts when I do."

"Amy, like I told you before, it's necessary as part of your recovery. You need to practice on your foot so it becomes used to it again. But you're right; I think that's enough for now if it's hurting your arms that badly. We don't want you worsening your injuries."

Amy stepped down from walking platform and hobbled to the wheelchair right next to it. She had been in the hospital for six days now and I had spent the day with her ever since. Yesterday, Fiona had gotten her to start on the walking platform to strengthen her legs and to practice her footing even though her ankle was still in a brace. She said that her ankle needed to be trained to withstand her weight so it would heal properly. She was able to walk for a while before the pain became too unbearable for her to last anymore. Her arms had been healing well and the bandages were off but Fiona said there would be scaring for a while before they completely disappeared. The gash along her cheek was almost barely noticeable thanks to the treatment they'd been giving her. Physically, she seemed to be recovering quickly; mentally... it would require a bit more time.

"So Amy, how do feel after that?"

"I'm okay, I guess... My arms are a little sore and my ankle, well... is painful but other than that I think I'm getting used to it."

"Good, because I'm planning on discharging you tomorrow."

The expression that appeared on Amy's face was first of surprise but then quickly translated to one of worry. My own expression seemed to match hers as I was unsure of how ready she was to re-enter the real world. Deep down, I was also terribly nervous of disappointing her if I couldn't give her everything she was entitled to having after her experience.

"What's the matter Amy? I thought you'd be more excited to be released. You look kind of... despondent."

"What? Oh, I am happy to be let go, it's just I'm... I'm scared. I haven't really seen it before and I'm nervous. But I am happy about it all. There's a lot for me to do and it's only hitting me now."

"Alright, well I'll be back to check on you later. For now, you can take some time to take it all in."

Fiona left me to wheel her off back to her room. I didn't really think of how nervous Amy must have been to be entering into something so unknown, until now. I understood why she would be so anxious.

"It's gonna be fine, Amy. I promise. You'll be a normal, teenage girl living a regular boring life just like everyone else in no time."

She giggled a bit and smiled. I hoped that I really would be able to keep my promise.

xXx

"Well, Amy. It was really nice having you as my patient. I truly admire you for everything you've been through. I hope everything goes well for you from now on. Goodbye and good luck!"

"Thanks Dr. Fox. And thanks nurse."

The peppy nurse that had been present throughout much of Amy's stay at the hospital was tearing up a bit where she was standing next to Fiona. She hurriedly made her way to Amy and gripped her in a tight hug to which Amy returned a little less roughly.

"Goodbye Amy! I'm going to miss seeing you every day! Good luck in the future!"

She waved vigorously at us as we exited front entrance to the hospital. Fiona had given Amy crutches after observing her progress this morning. We made our way to my car and I helped Amy into the passenger's seat. I noticed that she was shaking a tad bit.

"Amy, why are you shaking?"

"W-what? Am I? Oh, I'm just nervous is all."

"Well my apartment is around twenty minutes away so hopefully you'll be able to shake it off by the time we get there."

"Y-yeah!"

"Hey, I forgot to ask you where you got the clothes from."

I'd noticed that what she was wearing wasn't what she had been wearing when she was admitted into the hospital. I had all the stuff she came in with, which wasn't much, in a bag in the backseat.

"Oh, the nurse gave them to me. She asked me if I had anything and when I said I didn't, she gave me this sweater, t-shirt, and pants. She also gave me this pair of nurse's shoes."

I got into the driver's seat and started the car. I pulled out of the parking lot and set on the road. For the first five minutes, she was quietly looking out the window with a look of fascination painted on her face.

"It's not like what I expected at all."

"What's that supposed to mean? How did you think it looked?"

"I don't know. Most of the books I read described it- differently. I pictured it much less colorful."

"Well it ain't that great when you see it every day. It's nice that at least someone is still able to find it interesting."

"What's that, that bright place?"

She was pointing to a movie theater that we were passing that was attached to the biggest mall in the city.

"Oh that? That's the cinema. They play movies and have arcade games and stuff like that."

"I think I remember that place. I probably went there once with my mom, but the memory is fuzzy."

"If you want to go sometime, I'll take you."

"Yeah, that would be nice."

She turned to me and smiled. I loved her smile, it brightened almost any situation. She turned back and looked out again.

"I wonder what the mall is like."

"It's- crowded. There are a lot of stores, restaurants and things to do. It's fun."

"Oh there's a park! With swings and everything. I remember that; I'm not entirely sure if it was that one in particular but my mom would bring me there nearly every day."

"Really? Sonia used to do the same with me and Manic for the first few years before we grew out of it. I think she used it to distract us, and maybe herself for a moment."

"What's that small building there? Is that the police station?"

"Yeah. We need to go there tomorrow."

"Oh. Right."

She didn't seem to enthusiastic at the sound of that. Neither was I, for that matter. They often pry and I was hoping they weren't going to upset her too much. I tried to draw her attention away from the subject.

"Hey, you see that large building to your left?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"That's Mobius High. It's the high school for this region and probably where you'll be attending next year."

"Really? I didn't think schools were that big. There must be a lot of students who attend then."

"Yeah, there are a lot. At least there was when me and my siblings went there."

"You went there? Cool!"

We finally reached my apartment building and I turned off the engine in my parking space. Sonia's car was also parked right next to it.

"Hm, I wonder what Sonia's doing home so early. Anyway, here we are."

I helped Amy out of the car and set her on her feet. Just as I locked the car doors, my phone started ringing. I pulled it out and looked at the caller ID. It was Fiona. I quickly answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hey, sorry to bother you but I just called to let you know that the social worker came in looking for Amy today. I told her that she was going to stay with you so be prepared for a call from her pretty soon."

"Oh yeah, she did say she would be coming back to see her later in the week. Well thanks for letting me know. We just got back to my place and we're about to walk in so I'll call you later."

"Alright. But hey, why don't we see each other tomorrow night."

"Alright, what do you have in mind?"

"I was thinking, maybe a dinner movie date?"

"Sure sounds great. I'll pick you up at your place at around 7, is that good?"

"Seven's perfect... See you then. Bye!"

"Bye."

I ended the call to see Amy staring at me from a distance. I don't think she heard the call but she looked slightly impatient. I rushed over and opened the door for her. I pressed the elevator button to go up to the 4th floor. I walked her over to the door labelled 4c. I unlocked the door and was greeted by the smell of something baking in the oven.

"Hi, guys! I thought, since Amy must be nervous, I'd make cupcakes! There's chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, blueberry and strawberry!"

"Wow, that's- surprising! Thanks!"

I reached to take one but Sonia quickly smacked my hand away and stared at me angrily.

"Hey! Let Amy chose first."

"Oh, cool. Thanks!"

She chose a chocolate cupcake and took a bite from it gladly. She looked as if she was in heaven over it. I'm not sure if she remembered what chocolate tasted like, but it looked like she was enjoying it.

"Yum, this is so good, Sonia! Thanks so much for making them."

"Oh my pleasure! I can teach you how to make them sometime if you'd like."

"That would be so awesome!"

She quickly gobbled the rest down in swift bites hardly leaving enough time to swallow properly.

"Oh, sorry Amy. Here's a chair."

I pulled out one of the kitchen chairs and seated her at the table. I took my leather jacket off and hung it on the coat rack. Then I pulled a chair out for myself and took a cinnamon cupcake. I had to admit, Sonia did a great job. I wasn't even aware she could bake. I remembered then that I needed to ask her something important. I walked up to her and leaned in close to her ear so that Amy couldn't overhear.

"Hey, umm, did a social worker call?"

"Oh, maybe. There was an unknown number I saw in the messages but I haven't checked it yet. Could that them?"

"Yeah, it probably is. Listen I don't want Amy to know about it until I know what she wants. I think she has enough on her plate for now."

"Yeah, your right. Plus, you need to take her to the cops tomorrow, and you need to take her to the uh- to her mom."

"Oh, shit. I completely forgot about that. That's gonna be so tough on her. Let's try and make her as comfortable as possible here, okay?"

"Of course. I'll do my best just like I did with you and Manic after the accident."

"Thanks, sis."

"Anytime..."

I gave her a quick smile and walked back over to the table. I sat back in my seat and sighed.

"So Amy, what do you want to do for the rest of the day? I mean it's only the in the afternoon, there's still lots of time left of the day."

"Umm. I'm not sure actually. I'm pretty tired, so is there anywhere I can sleep for a bit?"

"Sure, we don't really have a guest room but Manic's room is vacant at the moment so you can stay in there and we'll figure something else out later when he comes back. But you don't need to worry about that, he won't be back for a few months."

"Oh okay."

Sonia handed Amy her crutches and guided over to Manic's room. I put my head in my hand and ran my other one through my quills. This situation was going to get messy if this didn't work out and that was the last thing that Amy needed right now. I walked over to the house phone and pressed the button to hear the last message. This is what I heard.

"Hello, my name is Sally Acorn calling on behalf of the department of social services to discuss the living arrangements of Ms. Amy Rose. I believe we met earlier on this week and I was informed this morning that Ms. Rose would be staying with you for an indefinite amount of time. Please call me back so we may schedule a meeting just for verification at the number registered on your caller ID and my extension is #223. Thank you for your cooperation and have a nice d-"

I clicked the button to stop the message at the last word. This was stressing me out.

Dammit! What if she sees us as "unfit" to handle her? I mean we both have pretty good jobs and we have the room, well for now, but what if she finds some way to deem us as incompetent. What'll happen to Amy then?

"Hey, what's the matter? You seem tense."

Sonia had just walked in of the room. I'd been so deep in my thoughts that I hadn't even heard her footsteps approaching.

"Oh, it's nothing. I'm just a bit worried about this social worker situation. She wants to schedule a meeting with us and I'm nervous about how that's gonna play out."

"Wow, you've really seemed to grow an attachment to this girl. I can see it written all over your face. Everything will be fine, trust me. She's just going to ask us a couple of questions and be done with it. You should call her back and make that appointment. Get it over with as soon as possible."

"Yeah I guess that's the best plan of action. We deal with the cops tomorrow, which shouldn't take that long and have that meeting in a few days. Then- I'll take her to see her mother."

"I think that's going to be the toughest time out of all of them. We should space it out to give her time in between them for her to process all of it. If it's all clustered together, it might overwhelm her. "

"Yeah. And I forgot to ask, why are you home so early? You usually work until five."

"Oh well I knew that you were coming home with Amy today so I told them I'd do half my shift in the morning and end at noon and then do overtime tomorrow. Speaking of work, when are you going back?"

"Uhh, I'm supposed to go back next week..."

"...but?"

"But I don't know if I should leave Amy alone."

"Well have you considered that she may want some alone time? You know, she's still a teenage girl and she has a lot to think about all the time so she may not want to be accompanied through everything and want to work some things out on her own."

"No, I guess I didn't think of that."

"See? We'll sort it all out in a bit."

Sonia walked away and I heard her room door close quietly. I decided I needed some air so I took my jacket off the coat rack and slid it on as I walked over to the elevator. I pressed the button but it was taking too long and I was becoming fidgety so I went over to the stairs instead. As I was making my way down, I had to move out of the way for some movers who were bringing up furniture for a new tenant right up to my floor. Behind them, a few steps down, was a black and red hedgehog following at a very slow pace. I stopped and stared at him for a while, unintentionally. He looked back at me with a menacing gaze before turning back and continuing up the stairs. I shook my head and convinced myself that I was probably misreading looks because of my stress level. I proceeded down until I reached the ground level and walked out of the lobby. I decided to walk around the block for a bit just to clear my head a bit and get some things sorted out.

As I was coming around the corner from making a full tour of my block, I received a phone call. I recognized the number instantly with a smirk on my face.

"Hey, what's up Tails?"

"Hey, me and Knuckles are going out for a drink later, you wanna come?"

"Yeah, actually. I've had a rough couple of days and I could use a drink. What time?"

"Around nine. So, you coming"

"Yeah, I'll see you there."

"Alright, cool man. See ya!"

I hung up the phone and gazed at the current time.

4:38 already? Damn, how long was I out?

I walked back into the lobby of my building and decided to take the stairs again. When I reached my floor, I passed by appt #4b. I stopped and glanced at it for a bit. The door was partially open. I checked both ways on the floor and found it to be dead silent with nobody else on the floor. I quietly approached the slightly open entrance and pushed lightly on the edge of the door. A panicked expression appeared on my face as I expected it to creak but surprisingly found out it didn't. I assumed there would be the sound of rustling boxing of the sound of tape being ripped off but instead found that to be silent as well. Letting my curiosity get the best of me, I stepped into the now mostly open door. One single step at a time, I softly entered #4b. The hallway walls were painted a deep red that kind of reminded me of the color of blood and the wooden floor was an extremely dark shade of brown, almost black. From what I could see, the walls inside what looked to be the living room were stacked high with unopened boxes and the floor was full of scattered furniture and tape morsels as well as large bits of cardboard. Five steps into the hallway, I heard the one thing I didn't want to hear.

"Ahem, what do you think you're doing?"

I turned around and quickly waltzed out of #4b and back into the floor hallway. My face had most likely turned a bright shade of red as the embarrassment of getting caught snooping set in. I tried to smile at my new neighbor, the red and black hedgehog from earlier but I didn't think he was buying it.

"Uh, haha ha. Nothing! I was just uh- looking to see if anyone was uh- home. Yeah..."

"..."

"Well, I see you're busy unpacking and such, so uh, see ya later!"

"Hey wait. You think you can just break into my apartment and get away with it that easy? And didn't I see you earlier today?"

"Hey, that door was begging for it with you leaving it open like that! And yes I believe we shared a glance in the stairs this afternoon. Look I'm sorry I got curious but if you're that mad about it, why don't I help you bring the rest of the stuff up and we can call it even?"

"No, I don't want you touching any of my stuff but you can start by leaving me be and promising that I never have to see your face again."

"Well yes I can leave now, but there's kind of a problem with your second request."

"What, are you asking to get beaten up? Or should I call an ambulance for you right now? Leave or I'll make you leave."

"We'll be seeing a lot more of each other around her though considering we are now neighbors."

"What? Oh you've gotta be kidding me..."

"Yeah and dude, try to be a little less harsh on people you meet because I'm not that soft. Anyway, why don't we put all this behind us, I'm Sonic."

I extended my hand for him to shake but he just stared down at it. He continued to walk into his apartment, completely ignoring my friendly gesture but turned to say something.

"The name's Shadow. Now don't bother me again."

He slammed his door closed and left me stranded in the hallway. I shrugged my shoulders and took out my keys. I opened my door to find Sonia and Amy sitting in front of the TV in our living room. I closed the door and hung up my jacket.

"Hey guys, we got a new neighbor!"

xXx

"I'll see you guys later."

"Alright, bye then."

I walked out my apartment door and started down the hallway. Halfway to the elevator, I paused and turned back. I slowly made my way back up to #4b and with a sigh, I knocked. After waiting a couple of seconds, the door opened.

"Ugh, what do you want now? Didn't I tell you to leave me alone?"

"Look, I feel bad about our encounter earlier and I wanted to apologize properly. I'm going out for a drink with a couple of my buddies and was wondering if you wanted to come. "

"No thanks."

He then closed his door in my face and left me there- again. I pressed the elevator button but like before, it was slow, so I took the stairs. When I reached the lobby I heard the elevator ding. I turned around and was shocked by what I saw. Shadow sauntered out with a grin on his face.

"On second thought, I could use a drink, especially if someone else is paying."

I laughed and walked out of the building to my car. I motioned for Shadow to get in but he just pointed to his own ride; a motorcycle. He marched over to it and sat down.

"Where're we headed to?"

"Just the bar about fifteen minutes from here. It's called 'The Sapphire'. It's got a big neon blue sign; you can't miss it."

"Gotcha. I'll just follow your car."

"Alright."

He put on his black helmet. He looked like a real biker with his spiked leather jacket, black jeans with silver chains and black combat boots. I proceeded to my car and drove down the road to the highway with Shadow right on my tail with his bike.

Once we got there, I saw Knuckles car parked near the door. It was a bright red Jaguar. I pulled in next to it whereas Shadow parked right at the back. He ran back over to the door.

"Why the hell'd you park so far from the door?"

"I don't want people to think I'm with you."

"Oh ha-ha, very funny. Just get in already."

At least he had a sense of humor. I walked in and saw my two friends waiting there for me at the bar counter.

"Hey guys, how's it goin'? I hope you don't mind but I brought somebody."

"Oh really?No we don't mind. Who is she?"

"Actually, I'm a guy and I'm only here because your buddy said he's buy me a drink for breaking into my apartment today."

"Oh shit. Really, Sonic? Anyway nice to meet you, I'm Knuckles."

"And I'm Tails."

"Hi."

They all introduced themselves while I ordered myself and Shadow a beer. Once I received them I handed one to him.

"Oh thanks, but I don't drink beer."

"What? Why didn't say something sooner before I paid for the thing!"

"Haha! Calm down, I'm joking. I just wanted to see your reaction. Ha, your face was priceless."

"You're just an asshole, aren't you?"

"Little bit."

I laughed it off; at least he was giving me the attitude he had when we first met. I sat down on a stool next to Knuckles. I took one look at him and the smile on my face disappeared. Seeing his face instantly reminded me of the things Amy told me about one of the other girls that were trapped in that hell. In that moment, I honestly didn't think I would be remotely able to tell him about Tikal. I would have to do it soon, but tonight he just seemed so happy and carefree.

I can't do that to him right now. I have to tell him at a more appropriate time.

The guys seemed to notice my sullen expression and pulled me out of my trance.

"Hey, Sonic, you all right, man? You look like you've seen a ghost..."

"Huh, what was that? Oh it's nothing; just blanked out for a minute there."

They didn't look that convinced.

"Come on guys. Seriously, it was nothing, see!"

I smiled widely to reassure them that I was completely fine even though I wasn't. I turned around to my beer and took a large swig of it. Then I turned back to the guys and tried to change the topic of conversation to distract them from my weirdness.

"So Tails, how's that new project you're working on?"

"Oh, you mean the heat-sensor goggles? It's almost done, actually. Well it is done but I'm trying to make it so that the distance it covers had a wider range. It'll be finished in about a month or so with all the testing and that kinda stuff."

"Cool, I can't wait to try them out!"

Shadow looked a bit confused about what we were talking about but Tails picked up on it.

"I'm a scientific materials inventor. I work for different companies that provide the tools to high tech military and government facilities. It's quite fun actually!"

Shadow just looked at him and stared for a while.

"Uumm, how old are you?"

"I'm 18. I was recruited right out of college."

"Wow. I'm 21 and I work at a bike shop."

"Hey, I'm a mechanic as well!"

Knuckles put in about his job. The second he spoke, the thoughts came rushing back about Tikal. Her being alone, crying, frightened... It was really getting to me and I didn't know how long I could keep up this act with Knuckles around.

"Oh, well I'm not really a mechanic, I just... do stuff there. I'm not really trained. But it pays, so... Sonic?"

"Earth to Sonic!"

"Snap out of it!"

"Huh? Did I do it again? Oh I guess I must be tired. I've been working real hard these last few days and I'm wiped out."

"That sucks man."

I didn't really have any proper reason to lie but I wasn't ready to tell them everything that was really going on just yet. We chatted for another twenty minutes about our jobs and life in general. Knuckles was talking about his girlfriend, Rouge for a good ten minutes; they'd been together since we were teenagers. Although Knuckles was older than me by 3 years we managed to become good friends in high school. Him and Rouge were always together and they still are now except when she has her girls nights, and we have our guys nights. Their relationship somehow had given me hope that one day, maybe I'd be with someone like that.

Maybe me and Fiona would be like that someday, who knows?

After everyone had finished their drinks, we decided to call it a night. It was a Wednesday night after all and we all had work in the morning. Well, everyone except me, but they didn't know that. I DID have something very important to do tomorrow but I wasn't about to tell them.

"See you, guys. It was nice meeting you Shadow."

"Thanks, bye."

"Bye guys."

"Hey can I talk to you for a minute?"

Knuckles had walked up beside me just as Tails had left. Shadow was getting on his motorcycle already.

"You gonna find your own way home, Shadow?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine."

"Alright, see you later then, I guess."

"Yeah."

I walked over to the wall of the bar and leaned my back against it. My shoulders tensed up a bit but I tried to look comfortable. I was anxious about whatever question he had.

"Sure man, what is it?"

"You were acting... strange tonight. Like really out of it, you wanna tell me what's going on?"

"I told, it's nothing."

"Come on Sonic, it's me you're talking to. Don't pull this shit now."

"Alright, I'll tell you. But not now, some other time. It's just really... complicated. The situation I'm in is... awkward. I will tell you, don't worry, just not now. You have to trust me on this."

"Alright, I won't pressure you into talking but just know that I'm here for you, man."

"Thanks, I appreciate that a lot. I'll see you later."

I pushed myself off the wall and walked over to my car. Knuckles waved at me as he got in his car. I pulled out of the parking lot in my own vehicle and drove home. I made my way up to my apartment and quietly entered. I hung my jacket up and softly headed down the hallway to my room. As I crept past, I couldn't help but notice Amy's small form bundled under the covers in Manic's room. The door was half open and I could see her shifted slightly in the bed. I smiled and thanked God that I she was able to get away from that place. After a moment, I slipped into my room and shut the door. I took my shoes and jeans off leaving me only in my t-shirt. I lay down on my bed and sighed. There was so much to do but I tried hard not to think about it.

I'll deal with it tomorrow. Everything will be dealt with tomorrow.

With that in mind, I pulled the covers over my head and sank into a deep sleep.

I hope that chapter was as enjoying for you to read as it was for me to write it! I'm actually loving where I'm talking the story so far, and I have to admit, it's not going anywhere near where I had originally planned. I guess my first idea drifted to the back of my mind somewhere and shot out some new stuff for me to think about. As you can also see, I've introduced some new characters along with some new troubles. There are other characters that will be featured in later chapters but let me know what you think of these ones so far! Please don't forget to leave me a review; it helps a lot to motivate me to write more! :) Thanks again for sticking around!

-Dark Rose