New Friend, New Feelings

~Chapter 4: There's a First Time to Everything~

"OMG!" Amy shouted as she saw her clock strike 11 AM. She had only one hour before she had to meet Zane. Luckily, Amy was a perfectionist, and she'd already made her outfit. Well, with the help of Cream, of course.

Amy put on her pink sweater-like dress, with long sleeves and a ring of fluff that went around it's edges. She wore white pants and a cute, light pink hat on her head. She gave herself a hug, the warmth of the sweater keeping her warm, like a cozy, lit fireplace. She looked over at the time, relieved to see that she managed to get ready in half an hour. And with that, she was on her way.

As she walked along the streets of the town, her hands in her pockets, she glanced in awe at all the holiday decorations, from the festive Christmas lights, to the subtle yet sweet reefs, the red bows tied along the top making the little details pop. It was only the end of November, but Hedgehog Island was already cold, and everyone was already in the Christmas spirit.

She stopped in front of a large cafe. "The Sweet Treat" it's sign said in big cursive, yet playful letters. Amy peered through the glass to see many people enjoying their food. So, with glee, Amy walked inside. She gasped as she looked at all of the pastries. Cinnamon buns. Cannolis. Ice cream sandwiches. Donuts. Anything you could ever imagine.

"Mmm," Amy sighed as she took in the sweet scent, her stomach rumbling.

Suddenly, she saw a female fox behind the counter. She had cream skin, and brown hair that was styled back in a ponytail. She had on a hat with the words of the fine dinery delicately sewed along the fabric. "Hello," she greeted, in a friendly voice. "Is there anything in particular that you're looking for today?"

Amy smiled, appreciating the lady's demeanor. "Umm, no thanks," Amy politely declined. "I'm actually here to meet someone," she mentioned, referring to Zane.

The cashier blinked, as if remembering someone. "Oh, yes. A purple hedgehog about your age came in here a few minutes ago," she said.

And sure enough, before Amy could even reply, she heard a mellow voice that was all too familiar.

"Amy?" the voice said. The pink Rose turned around to see the same blue hedgehog with the sparkling purple eyes, and a pleased smile on his face. Amy smiled, realizing that it was the same boy that she was here to see.

She quickly turned back around to the cashier. "Thank you."

"Hey, Amy," Zane greeted, motioning to the seat across from him in the classy-looking booth, to which Amy quickly compiled.

Amy sighed, still mesmerized by the scent of the whole restaurant. "Hey, Zane," she said dreamily, now looking into his eyes. "It smells so good in here, doesn't it?" she asked, looking over to a mother and a little boy eating chocolate cake.

Zane smiled. "Yeah, it does," he agreed. "It reminds me of what my mom used to make. Every Thanksgiving, she would make her famous chocolate cake, key lime pie, apple pie, and, just about every dessert here," he smiled, the sweet aromas giving him flashbacks.

Amy rested her head in the palms of her hands, and smiled. "Aww. That sounds so nice."

Suddenly, Zane's smile slowly faded, and he looked down.

Amy shifted in her seat, concerned for her newfound friend. "What's wrong?" she asked him.

Zane shook his head. "It's nothing. It's just...she died a few years ago. My mom," he said, sadness in his voice.

Amy gasped. She could only imagine how it felt to lose someone as special as your mom. She put her hand on top of Zane's, squeezing it lightly. "I'm so sorry, Zane," she apologized.

She bit her lip, trying to think of what to say.

"You know, it's true that sometimes...loved ones come and go. But it's their memories that we have to keep in our hearts," she told her, her hand placed on the heart of her own.

"As long as we have their memories...we keep their spirits alive," she said.

Zane looked up and into Amy's eyes, suddenly realizing how gorgeous they were. He smiled, considering that Amy herself reminded him of his mom. Her kindness. And her talent to make you feel better with just a few simple, yet comforting words. His smile then returned, as he thanked her for her advice.

"Any time," Amy said, her smile mimicking his.

So, after a few cinnamon buns and two warm cups of tea later, the two were on their way to the skating rink, Zane's butler escorting them into his limo.

Amy gasped, the look of Zane's big limo taking her by surprise. "Is there anything you don't have?" she asked sarcastically. In fact, this happened to be the first time that she'd been in such a luxurious vehicle.

Zane chuckled. "Well, I don't have everything," he said. Then, he thought about it. "Well...most things," he remarked, making Amy laugh as well.

In what seemed like an instant, they stopped in front of a large park, the top with a wooden label, with the written words, "Christmas Springs." Amy gasped as she glanced at the lake to see families, and groups of teens skating. Some did twists and turns in the air, while others went slowly, tripping every once in a while.

"Wow!" Amy said, looking over to Zane, who shared the same amazement.

Zane and Amy had gotten their skates, and were ready to go. Well, Zane was, anyway. Amy gulped as she watched the slippery ice. Zane looked over and noticed her reaction. "Hey," he said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "It'll be okay. Besides, I made sure you won't fall," he reassured.

Amy smiled at his efforts, and held onto him as they stepped onto the ice. She was surprised to see how good he was, leaping into the air rather gracefully. Suddenly, she yelped as she felt herself falling. She closed her eyes, prepared to hit the ground. But, she gasped when she felt...she didn't.

Zane had caught her. "Are you okay?" he asked her.

Amy shook her head, trying to get the blush off of her cheeks. "Uh...yeah," she nodded, a small smile on her face. "I'm okay. Thanks."

The two smiled, and continued skating. Both were enjoying themselves. In fact, more than they had in a while.

But, little did they know, in one of the park's bushes, a familiar dark blue hedgehog with green eyes sneered.

"We'll see about that."

A/N: So, there's another cliffhanger! :P I hope you all enjoyed! I'll be updating again soon. 

Byeee! :D