She knew the route to his house by heart. It was practically her second home when she was younger. Although it was way out from the city, in the palisades, along with every other millionaire homes. His was just the biggest and most famous.

Josie's knuckles were becoming white from her hard grip on the steering wheel. Her vision was blurring from the continuous flow of tears that she no longer had control over. Her cheeks were soaking wet but they were also burning hot. She felt like all of her emotions have been bottled up for so long, that this realization of what a shitty life she has, is her breaking point.

The car sped down the two lane street, as pedals from blooming trees shed down onto the asphalt from the quick wind trailing behind her vehicle. She needed to get there, she needed to see him. To see Oliver. She could not bear this awful weight of overwhelming emotions that was placed onto her shoulders after Colton died. She needed to tell someone, and only he would understand what she's going through. Josie knew Oliver had to have suffered through just as much pain, probably even more, when he was on that island.

She jerked the wheel to the left, and quickly turned into the circular gravel driveway, parking near the door. She turned off the ignition, and sat there, trying to compose herself. She wiped away the trail of tears, and fanned away the burning feeling in her cheeks. After a few minutes, she opened the car door, and hustled to the front of the mansion. She knocked twice, and waited. No answer. She did it once again, and when there was still no answer, Josie tried the door. It was unlocked. She stepped inside, and called out. "Hello? Oliver? Thea?" No reply. She ventured deeper inside, still calling out for something. But nothing was her response. She took the stairs two at a time, maneuvering herself to Oliver's room. She approached the bedroom, and once more spoke. "Ollie? You here?" She knocked on the door, and when nothing happened, she went inside.

It was the same room that she remembered. The walls painted a slate blue, the bed having a brown and white comforter, and carpet that had taken many stages over the years to top it off. She shut the door slowly, still taking in the familiar room. She lost count of how many times she retreated into this room during one of Oliver's crazy parties, knowing that to her it would always be a sanctuary. She slowly moved further into the room, as she let the memories flow into her mind.

She sprinted into the room, and slammed the door behind her. Josie rushed to the bed, and threw herself onto it, taking one of the pillows into her grasp, and biting onto it as she let out a scream, tears of anger rolling down her face. She kept asking herself 'why did Colton have to be such an ass?' And he was that night.

It was yet another party Oliver was throwing, this one during winter break, and they were celebrating all of the sophomore college kids returning home. Josie went to the party just visit her older friends, not to be humiliated in front of everyone by her brother. He had such a big mouth when he was drunk, and his favorite thing to do while intoxicated was to mock her in public. This seemed to be the right place and time.

The blonde bit harder down on the white pillow, and let the raking sobs take over her body. She heard a soft click, and quickly whirled around, throwing the pillow at the person, yelling at them to go away. The inanimate object smacked Oliver on the chest, and he kicked it aside, continuing towards her. She threw two more, these ones he was expecting, as he caught them, and tossed them aside as well. Once he reached the bed, she hurled herself at him, pounding her tiny fists against his chest, trying to get him to go away. He finally snatched her wrists in one hand, and gripped her chin with the other, forcing her to face him. She pinched her eyes shut, and tried to avoid him.

"Look at me." His voice was demanding, but calm as well. She did not oblige though. He commanded once more, tightening his grip, and she finally opened her eyes, facing him. There was no words to be said, it only took her to gaze into his blue-green eyes to let her know that he was there for comfort. Her body relaxed, and she feel into his arms. He squeezed her tight, and stroked her long, straight blonde hair. "It was unfair of what he did to you. And always know that I'm on your side."

Josie smiled softly, gazing at the bed, as if she saw newly sixteen-year-old Josie Wayland being held in twenty-year-old Oliver Queen's arms while he comfort her. Her bond with Oliver only grew stronger after that night, and when the Queen's Gambit had sunk, she became quiet, remote to those around her. But at that time, so did everyone else close to him. After Oliver and Sara had died, it was if everyone had snapped out of a fantasy they had been living in, and were brought into the real world. Laurel ran to the law, as well as Tommy's arms. Thea decided to follow in the foot steps of the old Oliver and turn to a life of partying, drinking, and doing drugs. Colton decided to learn the ins and outs of their father's company, and Josie moved out to California, in hopes of fulfilling her dream to become a teacher.

Josie found herself engrossed at a small table with picture frames place on top of it. She picked one up, seeing it was one of her, Oliver and Colton, the small blonde girl settled between the two boys. It was also the same picture inside of her locket. Colton's smile was wide, his eyes crinkling so much it looked as if they were closed. Oliver had his arm draped around Josie's shoulders, the side of his head resting against her's as a large grin was placed on his lips. The young girl's mouth was a bit opened, the corner of her lips practically touching her ears as the photographer caught her in mid laugh. That was the last photo of the three of them together, weeks before Oliver was shipwrecked.

She was so encased in her thoughts, that she barely noticed Oliver storming into his bedroom. It seemed he was distracted as well, as he breezed right into the room, heading towards his bathroom, still not having seen her. His buttoned shirt was wide open, revealing his scars. Her mouth was hanging wide open by the time Oliver caught sight of her. "Josie!" He exclaimed, turning away from her, quickly trying to button his shirt. She practically sprinted across the room, halting his hands, trying to pry open his shirt. "Stop!" He yelled in a furious tone, and she flinched from him. "Stop." He repeated, his voice still angry, yet controlled.

"Please. Let me see." She tried once more, but he jerked away from her, as he finished buttoning it up.

"What are you doing here?" His back was to her, and she could tell his jaw was clenched.

She blinked a few times, trying to calm her emotions, and not burst into tears. "I-uh- I needed to talk to you. But…you weren't here." Her voice cracked a little, and she bit down hard on her lower lip to stop it from quivering, as she dropped her head.

He quickly twirled around just in time to see her break down once again. He approached her slowly, and once he stood before her, he placed his hands on her cheeks. "Hey," She looked up at him, "don't cry, please." He wiped away her tears, and she welcomed the touch. "Now tell me what's going on."

"Everything!" She said exasperated, throwing her arms up. "My mom's a cheating whore, my dads a flake, my brother is dead, and I feel like with my friends, I keep putting them at a distance, when instead-"

"When instead you want them to be close to you." He interrupted, taking the words right out of her mouth.

"Yeah." She breathed out.

"I know exactly what you're feeling. Well, sort of." He gave a hint of a smile, and she returned it. "What I did though, was find time to rekindle each flame with each friend individually. Soon enough, things will go back to how they use to be. Or maybe they could form a new relationship." His eyebrows were raised, wondering if his suggestion was good, and she nodded. "Good, glad to help. I'm going to go take a shower now, but I'll see you tonight, right?" He asked with a smile on his lips.

"Yes." She said back, her smile wide. She felt butterflies swirl in her stomach, and her throat beginning to go dry. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, while giving her a tight hug. Her arms looped around his neck, as his rested around her waist. He pulled his head back to face her, as he gazed into her dull green eyes. He caught something. This look of…desire.

Josie's heart was leaping right out of her chest, as her body was reacting before her mind. She moved up on her toes, as she pressed harder against him, leaning her face in close to him, their noses touching, lips inches apart from each other. He only stood there, letting her do this, somewhat wanting it. But he knew better. He was in a committed relationship, and he was not going to ruin it. He pulled away from her, and Josie stood there dumbfounded, as she began to compensate what she was going to do. "Ollie, I'm so sorry, I-"

"You should leave." His voice was hollow, his eyes hooded. She clamped her mouth shut, nodded, and turned around, hurrying out of the room, and out of the house.

She felt so stupid for her actions. She was about to kiss him, and possibly ruin the relationship they have. Or maybe she just did.

...

"That's ridiculous!" Laurel objected loudly in the small kitchen of the apartment. Josie shrugged, as she set down another plate on the table.

"It's true though. I mean, first she thinks it would be wonderful to have me sub there, and then the next thing I know, she turns her back on me. Someone must have convinced her not to have me apply."

"It's probably that Ms. Montero! She was always a crack down bitch when I had her." Tommy added in, crossing his arms over his chest, mouth in a tight line.

"Your attitude probably caused her to be that way." Josie smirked at her comment, bumping Tommy's side with her hip, as she continued towards the kitchen. He reached out and caught her wrist, yanking her into his grasp and giving her a light nuggy on the head. She swatted him away, fixed her hair and stuck her tongue out at him. He chuckled in response.

Josie kicked open the door leading into the kitchen, as she ventured to get four wine glasses. She knew Oliver was going to be coming, and she could honestly wait for him to arrive. After what happened earlier that morning, the last thing she wanted to do was face him once more. Hopefully he will flake out, but she knew he would not miss his best friend's birthday.

She set the glasses on the counter, and fixed her tucked in blouse, before she recollected the glasses, and headed back into the dining room.

"…We know each other from the court house." Laurel was saying as Josie entered the room.

"How are you, counselor?" A new woman's voice spoke.

"I am well, detective." Laurel replied in her professional voice. The door to the kitchen slammed shut accidentally, and suddenly all eyes fell on the girl with light blonde, as Josie stood awkwardly in the spotlight. The air was just roaming with tension and awkwardness.

"I'm gonna go crack this open." Tommy interrupted, wiggling the wine bottle in his grasp, as he stalked past Josie, heading to the kitchen. She watched him go, desperate to look anywhere but at Oliver. And his 'plus one' for the night. She vaguely looked familiar to the blonde.

"Uh…hi…Ollie." She said softly. He nervously rubbed the back of his head, and gave a slight nod to her.

"McKenna, this is Josie Wayland." The two girls greeted each other with a fake plastered smile. Well at least Josie's was.

"I actually knew your brother, I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you." She slightly bit back her irritation. This was that girl Oliver fooled with during prom. Explains a lot.

"Why don't you come in?" Laurel asked, and McKenna kept her chocolate eyes held onto Josie, but moved further into the room, as she joined Laurel, the two heading towards a table with pictures. Oliver glanced towards the blonde, taking in her appearance. She wore a sheer black, patterned blouse, the shirt matched with high waist jeans, and ending with black heels with ribbon on them. Her hair was parted down the middle, framing her face. She was pretty just as ever in his eyes. But he did not see that young nineteen-year-old girl from before the shipwreck five years ago. He saw a young woman, who was becoming way too appealing to him.

"A toast!" Tommy announced as he returned, with filled up wine glasses. They were handed out to each person, and Josie noticed he had gotten another glass. She stared down at the red liquid in her glass, and knew that this was not a bright idea for her to drink wine. She knew that bitter taste changed her mood, and she did not want to ruin the night.

The five of them gathered in a circle, Josie standing between Oliver and Tommy, as the two men have their arms looped around their girlfriend's waists, while she stood odd man out. She determined then and there that she was going to ditch out early, play the 'massive headache, rain check' card.

They raised their glasses into the air, as Tommy spoke. "To the first birthday that I have enjoyed in a long time." His eyes stayed on Oliver, "I've got my best friend back." Then shifted to Josie, "And my little sister." Then his gazed trailed to Laurel, "And, I have finally figured out why poets have been in business for the past few thousand years."

"Happy birthday, Baby." She smiled sweetly, as the two kissed.

"Cheers." They all said in unison, clinking their glasses together, until a knocking interrupted them.

"That must be the food." Laurel softly answered, handing her glass off to Tommy, and heading towards the door. The remaining four stood there each giving one another a glimpse. Oliver tossed a smart ass remark of Laurel not cooking, and Josie could not help but roll her eyes as Tommy chuckled into his glass.

"Mr. Merlyn." They heard Laurel say surprisingly. Tommy practically choked on his wine when hearing his father arrived. Josie remembered that morning when Malcolm said he was going to be coming to Tommy's birthday dinner. This must be it. She knew Tommy and his father were not on good terms, so this was going to be a show.

He entered the apartment as Laurel rejoined the other four. "Oliver." He greeted with a nod.

"Mr. Merlyn." Oliver returned with his amazing charm.

Malcolm's snake like eyes shifted to Josie. "Joscelyn, good to see you again." She could not help but narrow her dull green eyes upon him.

"You as well." She returned with a little bit of hostility. Tommy decided to step in front of her, and stand up to his father.

"I've been trying to get in touch with you." Malcolm happily spoke, but she could feel his annoyance.

"What are you doing here, dad?"

Malcolm revealed what he was holding behind his back. A small wrapped blue box. "Happy birthday, Tommy." It sounded to alien to hear him say it. Tommy grew silent, as glanced at the guests.

"Give us a sec." He notified them, as the two headed towards the hallway out of the apartment. Malcolm tossed the gift to Oliver, and slinked along behind his son.

Once out of the apartment, the four all sipped on their wine, McKenna and Laurel occasionally chatting while Oliver and Josie were trying their best to avoid each other's eye contact.

Once Tommy returned, he was fuming mad, and horribly tried to hide it. Every little thing that was said or done made him even more furious. About an hour more into the night, when the five of them had sat down and finished their food, Josie decided it was time. She said about three words the whole time, drank about two and a half glasses of wine, and was completely over how childish Oliver was being about ignoring her. She told them she was getting a headache, and that she was going to go home and sleep it off. Laurel offered to drive her home, but Josie declined, because she really just wanted to be on her own, and have some time to think.

She slipped on her navy blue pea coat, hugged Laurel and Tommy, and bid an 'adieu' to Oliver and McKenna.

...

The night was cold in the late winter season, as Josie shoved her hands deeper into her pockets of her coat, exhaling as she let her semi-drunk self maneuver her way back to her apartment. Her apartment was about a mile from Tommy and Laurel's, and she honestly did not think much about people at night.

She was cutting down a street, a small narrow one behind another apartment building, a shortcut to her way home.

An arm swung out from the side of her vision, connecting with her neck, as is smacked her right against the alleyway's wall. The man dug his elbow into her back, as she heard the click of the safety on the pistol being taken off. "Give me your money and jewelry, and you wont get hurt." He hissed into her ear.

She whimpered, her cheek pressed harshly against the brick wall. She let out a screamed as he pushed her harder, and he pulled her back and slammed her against the wall, as she head banged against the brick, and she could feel it beginning to bleed. "Now!" He demanded.

"I don't have any money on me." She lied. All the while she was trying to slip her hand into her purse, and pull out the pepper spray she's always carried with her since Colton died.

"Don't lie to me! Give me the god damn money." She whined and the barrel of the gun was shoved against her temple.

"Please don't kill me." She was now crying, still scavenging for the can. She was now completely scared that she could not find it.

The robber flipped her around, and yanked her purse off her shoulder, digging inside it. While he was distracted, she tried to kick him in the groin, but the robber knew better, as he jumped away, and pointed the gun to her chest, his finger on the trigger, ready to pull it. Josie pinched her eyes shut, waiting for her death to come.

Instead she heard the man scream out, and opening her eyes, she saw an arrow lodged through his hand, the man gripping his wrist, staring at it, blood oozing out. Then he was kicked to his knees, and punched into unconsciousness. Standing behind him was Starling City's so called Vigilante.

"You shouldn't walk around by yourself at night." He growled in a disguised voice.

She shivered from his tone, the tone running like ice down her spine. His appearance made him more prominent and prevailing compared to what Josie had read and heard on the news. Shadow's had hooded parts of his figure, but she still caught his stubbly chin even if he had his head lowered to hide his upper face. "I know." She whispered softly.

"You need to be protected, Joscelyn." She bit the inside of her cheek, and nodded slowly, as a few more tears escaped from her eyes.

"Thank you, for saving me." Was all she responded with. The Hood moved forth, and collected her purse and it's spilled contents. He handed them over to her, and she snatched it from him, her body shaking because the numbness she felt while being robbed was now wearing off.

"Call the police." He ordered. She plunged her hand into her purse and pulled out her phone. Once she glanced back up before she made the call, she saw the Hood was no longer there. She quickly dialed the number, while glancing around to see where he had gone.

The only thought she could register in her mind was, 'Where was this savior when Colton died?'