Hey I got another chapter for you guys! I just want to thank everyone who continues to read this story and those who review are awesome! I pulled an all-nighter to write this one because that's just what I do! Anyway, no more talking! Here you go.

Chapter Nine: Understanding Me

It was about a week after we told Amy about her mother's death. I contacted that doctor Grace Carrie that first told Amy about her mother's whereabouts and informed her of the tragedy. She called the day before saying she was holding a memorial service for Cherish Rose at her house. I had also scheduled the meeting with the social worker for later on that day; after we would return from the service. Amy wasn't too sure about going; she hadn't really been acting like her usual self by I couldn't blame her with all that went on. Sonia had convinced her that it would be goo to converse with the people that knew her mother during her disappearance. I felt so bad for Amy and with all of the events that occurred; it was hard to be excited about my new position at my job. If I landed that spot on a permanent team, I wouldn't need to go back to school later on because I'd already have a career ahead of me. I was burst out of my thoughts when Sonia knocked on the door as I smoothed out my black suit jacket.

"You ready to go?"

"Just about. Where's Amy?"

"In her room. She's not very responsive today, which is understandable. I hope things get better from now on. I don't know how much else she can handle. Things need to just blow over and calm down for a while."

"Who knows, maybe that Acorn woman can help us after she comes over today for that meeting."

"Yeah. Well, we better get going if we don't want to be late."

"I'll go get her."

I walked out of my room and knocked on Amy's door, then turned the knob lightly, just opening it a crack.

"Amy, we've gotta go now. You ready?"

"Yes."

She got up from her bed and limped forward, grabbing her black leather jacket on the way there. She had just gotten her brace removed the other day but was still recovering from the injury. She was wearing a black dress that was tight around her upper body flared out slightly at her waist with black tights and black lace up ankle boots. Sonia had bought her a bunch of stuff last week at the mall as well as a haircut that changed her appearance greatly. The scar on her cheek was almost invisible at this point but she still seemed to dwell on its discoloration in her skin. Regardless of everything that was going on, she seemed to be looking a lot better, but on the inside was totally different.

xXx

"Oh Amy, dear! I'm so happy you were able to come. You look a lot better than that fragile little girl in the hospital bed a few weeks ago."

Grace had walked up to us and smiled weakly at Amy who only stared blankly at the wall behind her.

"Amy, I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss. It's terrible that it happened so soon before you were found. Why don't I introduce you to some of the people who knew your mother before she passed."

She took Amy's hand and led her to a group of people in the far corner of the living room. I walked over to Sonia who was talking to some old man who I understood, in overhearing as I approached, was the doctor who looked after Cherish in the asylum.

"She was such a kind woman. Truly revolved her world around the memories of her daughter. It's so sad that she never got to see her before she departed this world."

"Hello, I'm Sonic; I'm Sonia's brother, we're taking care of Amy since she no longer has any family. You were Cherish's doctor, correct?"

"Correct. As I was telling your sister, I treated Ms. Rose for years before her poor heart finally gave out."

"What do you mean her heart gave out; did she have a heart-attack?"

"Some say she died of a broken heart; that it was so filled with sadness and loss that one day, it just stopped suddenly. They couldn't fins the proper cause exactly for why it stopped, it just... did. She just didn't wake up that morning."

"That's awful. Um, Doctor-"

"Coyle."

"Dr. Coyle, can you do me- us a favor and don't mention the details to Amy if you happen to speak with her. She's still processing the whole thing and I don't think that it'll bring her any closer to closure than acceptance will."

"Surely Amelia would want to know everything about her mother."

"Yes but unless she asks directly, do you think you could omit that information, slightly?"

"As you wish."

"Thank you, sir."

"You're welcome. I'll see you around."

I was happy Sonia had thought of asking him that. She was always better at dealing with dark subjects than I. I glanced around the room and caught sight of a little pink hedgehog looking uncomfortably caught in a conversation with old friends of her mother; strangers to her. I strutted over there to see what they were talking about.

"This one time, I think you were about three at the time Amy, we went on a road trip and we were so stubborn that we refused to ask for directions, haha. We got so lost, it took us hours to find the main road again and ended up coming right back home! Isn't that just hilarious?"

"Where was I at this time?"

"You were at home being babysat by Grace. See she only had two more days vacation left and even though she wanted to spend the rest of them at home, I convinced her to come with me to this place we'd been thinking about going to since we were in college."

"So what you're saying is, you convinced my mom to go with you on some silly trip when she only had 48 hours left to spend with me at home. Two days isn't much when you look at ten years."

"Oh Amy, that's not what I meant to have done at all, it's just that I thought your mother was in need of a little relaxation at the time. Can I just say how amazing it is that you're back! Everyone here was grieving alongside your mother when you disappeared. We're all so happy that you're safe!"

I watched the woman hug her but Amy's eyes just looked surprised and she didn't hug the woman back. After that, I decided that I should distract her before something really upset her.

"Hey, how's it going?"

"Everyone here is acting like they were such good friends of my mother's and they're telling me all the things they did together when they were younger but did any of them go and visit her when she was admitted to the psych ward? No. Were any of them beside her while I was missing or helped out in any way? No. None of them really cared; they never really cared! You here that?! None of you really care! So why are you even HERE!"

"Amy! Keep your voice down, come on let's go talk somewhere in private."

I pulled her by the arm into an empty hallway.

"What is the matter with you? I know how hard this is, but that is no reason to act like that or say those things."

"Don't you get it? I don't have any family left! I don't have anyone anymore! I'm all alone."

Fresh tears started to form in her eyes, threatening to spill at any moment. She hugged her arms around herself and hung her head. I felt bad for saying what I did so harshly. I put my hand on her shoulder and lifted up her head with my other hand.

"You are not alone. You have me and Sonia and we can be your family if you want that."

She looked up and just nodded simply, and then a little smile appeared on her face.

"Really? I think I'd like that. All I want is to belong somewhere. I want to forget about the last ten years and just be a normal teenage girl. I've read all these books about how regular teenagers act and I feel so different. I don't want to let my past rule my left or hang over my head in every situation."

"Of course I mean it. We'll be here for you through all of it until you tell us to stop."

"Alright. Thanks for that."

"Well, let's get back then."

She wiped her eyes and then followed slowly behind me. That progressive moment was short lived as I could see Amy's temper rising as some other person engaged her in another unwanted conversation.

"You know, your mother was so concerned about you all the time, it's so strange that she let you disappear so easily."

"Shut up already! If all you have to say is bad things about my DEAD mother, then get out of here!"

I ran to stop her from doing anything else but I was too late. She shoved the woman back and ran out the front door. I quickly followed behind her but Grace stepped in front of me.

"Why don't you let me handle this one. I know it's under different circumstances but I have a daughter who was once a teenager. Sometimes the stress is overbearing."

I just nodded my head and let her pass by me. She closed the door behind her but I pressed my ear against the door and eavesdropped. If that was going to be a normal occurrence, I would have had to learn some tips on how to deal with it.

"Amy, I know you're hurting inside but just remember that everyone is here because they cared for your mother at one point in time and felt it necessary to pay their respects. Not everybody understands what you're going through though and you have to try and stay calm-"

"I don't wanna stay calm! I wanna scream and yell at people and cry out everything I can't find the words to say properly! The only person that I had in my memory was my mom and she's fucking gone! Even thought there are people that say they care for me, I can't hold it in any longer; I don't want to be helped! I don't there to be a reason I need help. Nothing they say or do will change the fact that I was kidnapped and held prisoner for ten years with a crazy man that never told us his name! He would threaten us if we tried to leave and then laugh at how helpless we were! He used to say all these things like he was our parent or something and even though we never really got hurt, we lived in fear for every single day of our lives! And I left them there, the girls that became my family after all that time, I just abandoned them and now I don't even know if they're dead or alive! I don't want a new family, I just want them back and I want to forget it ever happened!"

I removed my ear from the door slid down the wall next to it. I exhaled the breath I wasn't even aware I was holding and along with it I let out a couple of tears of my own. She had let out everything she was holding in since she got there, and it was just so sad. I hadn't the slightest idea as to what she was really feeling and it left me in awe of how strong she must've been to bottle that up for so long. I searched the house for Sonia and told her that it was time to go. We walked outside and thanked Grace for everything and then left.

Nobody said a word in the car ride home. We were in Sonia's car so she was driving when my phone started to ring. I was frustrated because it was probably the worst time for a phone call. It was Fiona.

"Hello?"

"Hey there, sexy. What are doing tonight?"

"Oh hey, look this is a really bad time, can I call you later?"

"Oh. Yeah of course. You know I probably shouldn't even be on the phone right now anyway; I've got stuff to do so I guess I'll just talk to you later then. Bye."

"Alright, bye."

It was Saturday so she wasn't working; I wondered if she was honestly busy or trying to guilt trip me into something. I like her a lot and we'd gotten pretty close but ever since the death news, we hadn't seen each other much. Today wasn't really an option though because whether she liked it or not, Amy needed us. She wasn't able to handle any of this in her own.

xXx

"So tell me, Amy, how are you liking it here so far?"

"It's great, actually. I'm settling in really nicely, but you know it's still hard adjusting to the change and all."

"Great, great. So do you feel comfortable around here, are you getting everything you need?"

"Yup. Everything's great."

"Alright, so I see you're off crutches, have you gone to visit your mother yet?"

Everything was still in that moment as if time was frozen. Amy just stared at Sally, unblinking as if she was temporarily blind. I spoke next to save Amy the trouble of having to explain the terrible news.

"Um, we found out around a week or so ago that Cherish had passed on a little while before Amy was found."

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry, Amy. Are you processing well? I know this is a very difficult for you and you must be struggling a lot."

"It's- tough. I mean, I only pictured her in my memory and then I was supposed to see her but now that's kind of impossible. She was my only attachment to who I was but now that she's gone, I guess that part of me is gone too..."

"Well, you seem to be taking it well. That's always a good sign. Are you certain you don't have any relatives or godparents that you know of, just for reference in case you wish to be with your family?"

"No. No, there's no one."

"Alright, well I think that's all I need to know for now. We'll have to schedule a meeting in about a month unless something comes up, but for time being, I'll just keep you posted. Have a nice day Amy and I truly am sorry about your mother."

"I'll walk you to the door."

I got up from my seat in the living room and walked her out into the hall but instead of saying her goodbyes she pulled me aside and asked me to stay for a while.

"Listen Sonic, I didn't want to ask all this in front of Amy but I need to know some details before I finish the official report."

"Ask away."

"How are you and your sister financially?"

"We're okay, we both have steady paying jobs, I just got promoted at mine. We're good in that department. Anything else?"

"I read that your family has had a history in the government system so I'm sure you are fully informed on that subject; so are you clear on terms that your family will be monitored with several visits per year just to secure the safety of the child; that's policy."

"That's fine too; we are completely open to any questions you have. Is that all?"

"One more question; are you free next Friday night?"

I was openly shocked at her question. I wasn't sure if she was serious or not when I heard it.

"Come again?"

"Are you free Friday night? It's a simple question."

"Y-yeah, I guess. What is this about?"

"Just don't make plans for then. Consider it a- business meeting. We still have things to discuss."

"Oh. Alright."

She smirked at me then walked towards the elevator. I was still confused about the entire thing but the last thing I wanted to do was upset the woman who controlled whether or not Amy would stay with us so I went along with it. When I walked back in, Sonia had a puzzled gaze upon her face.

"What were you two talking about outside?"

"Don't freak out but, I think she just asked me out."

"What?! Are you sure?"

"Well, let's see; her exact words were 'are you free Friday night?' Now personally, Friday night isn't exactly the best business discussion hour, don't you think?"

"That's weird. Maybe you should call the agency and ask them to put someone else on the case. What did you say back to her?"

"I said I was free. What harm could it do to go out for drinks or something?"

"But aren't you seeing that other girl? And on top of that, sleeping with her?"

"I am not going to do anything with Sally, alright?"

"So you're on a first name basis with her already? You're ridiculous Sonic. Just whatever you do, don't piss her off."

"Cool it, will ya?"

"Fine. I'll drop it. But don't fuck it up."

"Uh! Can we talk about something else now?"

"Like what?"

"Like the fact that I saw Amy have two outbursts within the same hour and I'm surprised you didn't come up with this yet, but I think we should bring her to therapy."

"A psychologist? How much is that going to cost?"

"None at all. I've got a friend who just happens to be teen psychologist."

"Who?"

"You'll see."

I'd gotten the idea right after I heard Amy's emotions running at their highest. All I had left to do was ask the therapist herself if she was willing.

xXx

"Thanks for coming."

"Well if you hadn't asked, I would have offered anyway! After Knuckles told me about you girl, the first thing that I thought of was that I could enlist her as one of my patients."

"So you're willing to do it for free, two hours a week?"

"Of course! That poor girl has all those troubles on top of hormones? That's like a recipe for misery."

"Thanks. It means a lot. So hey, where is Knuckles tonight?"

"He's working tonight. He has a busy schedule this week."

"Did he tell you about uh- Tikal?"

"Are you kidding? He won't stop talking about it with his sister and mom and all his family. I'm so happy that she's okay well, alive even after all these years but ,I mean he's so preoccupied with informing all his relatives that he's hardly ever around anymore and I'm missing him a lot lately. But I can't say anything because it's his niece and she's still in danger and I want more than anything for her to be found but I also feel guilty and wrong to want more of him. "

"I think that it's totally normal, Rouge. It's not selfish because you haven't acted on it but it's not wrong to feel that way either. Have you tried talking to him about it?"

"No way. I don't want him to think that I don't care about her! I do, I just care about him too, you know? Anyway, let's just drop it for now and get back to Amy. Now Knuckles told me her entire story, is there anything else you wanted to discuss before I take her in on a professional level?"

"Well last week I found out her only living relative, her mother, passed away several days before I found her."

"*Gasp* Oh that poor little girl. She's been through enough traumas for one lifetime, wouldn't one think?"

"Yeah and that's why I'm so happy you're doing this. She really needs this and I need her to adjust to everything and I don't think that she's comfortable enough yet to discuss it in full length with us so that's why I thought it might be a better idea to let her talk to someone in total privacy."

"Of course; it's what I've been doing for a living for the last two years."

"Has it been two years already?"

"Almost. A month and half to go and I will have officially graduated two years ago!"

"Congrats. I got promoted to be the project manager of this big project and if they like what I do, then I have a permanent position at the company."

"Wow, that's awesome! Congrats to you and good luck on that job."

Rouge's phone vibrated and she stood up, gathering all her belongings then put her coat on.

"I'm really sorry to rush out on you like this but Knuckles wants to meet up right now and this is something he only does once in a while now. It was really nice seeing you though and you can count on me for Amy!"

"Bye Rouge!"

I was honestly relieved that she accepted it so fast. It took a lot of pressure off of my shoulders to know that the struggles Amy was keeping inside were going to be dealt with by a professional who could understand better that I would.

I had met Rouge at a coffee shop close to my apartment and was just about to leave when I got a text from Fiona.

Fiona - Meet me my place in 10. ;)

I laughed a little at her persistence but gladly accepted as I popped a mint into my mouth, headed out the door and into my car, already on my way to her apartment. I decided not to tell Fiona anymore details about Amy's life to keep their lives as separate as possible because of how odd it would seem to Amy to announce this relationship that she has no idea exists. I got to her place at around 6:30 P.M. She was standing on her balcony in a silky black robe, her hair in sexy curls and her bright red lips forming a pouty smirk as she signaled for me to come upstairs. I parked my car and ran up her stone steps, the buzzer already going to let me into her apartment.

I made my way up the indoor staircase that led to her bedroom and found her already lying on the bed, the robe now untied revealing her in a black lace bra and matching panties. I took off my coat and threw it on the floor as well as the rest of my clothes. We then plunged into the sheets and I forgot about everything that wasn't Fiona Fox.

A couple of hours or so later, we found ourselves bored enough to be motivated to go out somewhere. She suggested this new club that just opened up in downtown Mobius.

"Sure thing, babe. That sounds like fun."

"Really? Oh, you're the best!"

She jumped into my arms with glee; for such a professional at her job, she was pretty good at winding down. There was such a fun side to her personality that I bet none of her coworkers were aware of and I was glad to know that I was able to know this version of Fiona. We headed out at around 10:00 P.M. since, with traffic on a Saturday night, we'd only get there at around 10:30. I was still wearing my white shirt and dark-wash jeans with my black leather belt, while Fiona had changed into a tight, short red strapless dress that managed to show off every single one of her curves. She wore her tight leather jacket on top and paired it with black leather stilettos that reach all the way up her thigh.

When we stepped out of the car in front of the club called "Circus". We were greeted by an extravagant line up that wound around the block. I looked over at Fiona with a disappointed frown but she quickly changed the mood.

"Oh don't give me that look! We aren't going to wait for these people to get in first, I've got a plan. Come on!"

"What? How are we-"

"Don't ask just play along!"

She grabbed my hand and led me down the sidewalk as we passed all the other people in the line up. She strutted up to the bouncer, who was a big, tall bulldog dressed in all black and looking menacing. Fiona only stood in front of him then whistled and waved to get his attention.

"Excuse me! Me and friend here want to get in; do you think you could make that happen, big guy?"

She was speaking in a baby voice and acting all cutesy to try and persuade him.

"I'm sorry miss but you're going to have to wait in line like everyone else."

I saw her expression and knew that she wasn't going to take no for an answer.

"But you see, I'm just a heart-broken little girl who's only looking for a little fun after a very agonizing week."

She started to fake cry and I actually wondered whether or not she had taken acting lessons in the past.

"Miss, I'm sorry but it's policy."

With that said she busted out the big guns and unzipped her jacket, revealing her very visible cleavage. She then pushed her arms closer together, squeezing her chest and making a pleading look at the bouncer.

"Pretty please?"

"Oh alright. Right this way, miss."

"My friend too!"

She grabbed my hand and I followed her into the club leaving numerous amounts of people infuriated outside. When we entered through the doors, we were instantly hit by the vibrations of the loud dance music. We went to coat check and left our stuff there, then headed to the bar. I ordered a shot of tequila while Fiona ordered an extra sour apple martini. She asked me if I wanted to taste it so I accepted but regretted it the minute the substance made contact with my taste buds.

"Ah! How can you drink that! It's so sour."

"Hehe, that's how I like it!"

In a flash, she then dragged me out onto the dance floor and pulled me closer to her she swayed her hips to the beat of the fast paced music. That went on for what seemed like forever; dancing endlessly while she ordered drink after drink. By 2:30 A. M., we were outside on the sidewalk while I held her hair back as she puked. I didn't drink much after my first two shots and the tipsiness had already worn off quite a bit. Fiona on the other hand didn't handling her alcohol too well.

"I-It's been such a *hic* long time since I *hic* drank that much!"

"I think I can tell. Come on we better get you home."

"Y-yeah, th-that's a good *hic* idea."

Fiona dozed off in the car on the way home and I had to carry her up the stairs and unlock her door with her keys and put her in her bed. I took off her jacket and placed it on a chair near her bed as well as removing her thigh-highs and placing them on the floor near the door way. I then left, making sure the doors were locked and the lights were off.

xXx

It was Sunday around noon when I woke up to find Sonia gone and Amy in her room with the door closed, probably still sleeping. I stumbled into the bathroom and washed my face. When I looked up, expecting to see my reflection, I was shocked to find an empty wall with only a nail and a couple of spots where the paint had peeled off. I was immediately alarmed, wanting to know the whereabouts of the mirror. I walked to the kitchen and phoned Sonia.

"Hello?"

"Sonic?"

"Yeah, it's me. Where are you?"

"I'm on my way home, a friend from work wanted to meet up with me this morning, that's all. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, but do you know what happened to the mirror in the bathroom?"

"Oh yeah. It broke. I was gonna pick one up today actually."

"How did it break?"

"Long story, I'll tell you when I get home. I'm driving so I can't really talk to you. I'll see you later, bye!"

She was speaking so fast I could barely understand her and she hung up before I could say anything back. I clicked the receiver down in its spot and sat down at the kitchen table. It was silent until I heard a door open and small footsteps nearing me from down the hall.

"Good morning, Amy."

I heard a pause the in the steps before they began again. She appeared around the corner and approached the kitchen table. As she sat down, I could tell that she had been crying before because her eyes were glassy and red and the skin around it was puffy with dark circles around them.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Not really."

She laid her head down on her hands which were crossed on the table. Even though it was late in the day and it appeared that she had slept for a long time, Amy still looked exhausted.

"I'm sorry about that. Um, I wanted to talk to you about something."

She lifted her head of the table and looked at me with a tired and blank gaze.

"What would that be?"

"I have this friend and she's really great at what she does. I was just wondering if you might want to see her for a little while."

"I'm confused. What does she do?"

"She's an adolescent psychologist."

"No way. I don't need some stranger to tell me what to do about my problems; I can figure things out on my own."

"That's not what she does. She'll just listen to you and then give you the different options you have on whatever you tell her. At least give it a try."

"I don't think so. She won't understand anything."

"You're underestimating her abilities before you even meet her. I want you to go once just to see if it helps and if you're disappointed then you don't have to go back. Simple as that."

"Whatever you say..."

She sighed and put her head back down on the table. I didn't want to pressure her into doing anything but at that point, she was just being stubborn. I knew she wasn't going to tell us everything she was feeling anytime soon so I thought it would at least give her another choice.

"If you really feel that strongly about not going, you don't have to. This is your decision, you have control."

"I'll see her if you think that's what's best. But thanks for not forcing me to go."

"So I made an appointment for your consultation for Wednesday afternoon. It's at four o'clock so you'll have to be ready before then. I'll be home by that time to take you there but I might be a bit late to pick you up because I have to go back to work for the remaining hour that you're with Rouge."

"Alright. I guess it's not really an option but to wait."

"You don't need to think about that right now though. Is that all okay with you?"

"Yeah, I guess its fine."

"Okay. Well, now that that's out of the way, why don't I make us some breakfast?"

She played a weak smile and nodded her head, but I could see when she turned her head, the uncertainty the she tried to hide beneath. I tried to convince myself that it would pass, yet my subconscious wouldn't let it rest still. I had this helpless feeling lingering in my mind, nagging at all the situations that were out of my own control. It was an unsettling feeling of constant apprehensiveness. Given that there was nothing else I could do, I allowed it to seep into the back of my mind until later. Understanding was the only way to move up from where I was; but forgetting, not an option.