The Void Between Stars: Book 4 Of The Orion Series

Making Amy Happy

My eyes flutter open. I'm surprised that Amy is still sitting next to me, stretched out on top of the blankets. Her chin is down against her chest, and she's snoring softly. I slide out of bed, trying to be quiet, but fail. Amy snorts loudly and then opens her eyes. When she tries to move her head, she groans.

"Oh, fuck my life, my neck."

I chuckle. Slowly she looks at me, rubbing the back of her neck. Then she looks embarrassed. "I am so, so sorry I conked out here." She laughs a little, finishing in a sing-song voice. "Awwwwwwkwaaaaard!"

I laugh and grab my pillow, tossing it at her face. "Oh whatever. We're both fully clothed."

Even though she's obviously still in quite a bit of pain from her sleeping position, she laughs.

I look down, rubbing the back of my own neck, but it's out of embarrassment. "T-thanks," I say quietly. "For last night."

Amy slowly lumbers out of bed. She stretches then, arms over her head, and throws me a wicked grin. "I know, I'm awesome. You're lucky to know me. Commence groveling now."

I, thankfully, laugh. Amy comes around the bed, slinging her arm around my shoulders briefly (which is amusing because I'm so much taller than she is). Giving me a kiss on my cheek, she starts walking away. "C'mon, dork, let's see what mom's made for breakfast."

Silently I follow her. It smells good, and my stomach growls loudly. I'm proud of myself; I hadn't had a bulimia relapse the entire time I was inpatient, and I really feel like those days are behind me.

John and my mom are sitting at the table already. As soon as we enter the room, my mom gives us a grin as bright as the sun. As I've grown accustomed to, she holds a mug of tea in her hands. "Morning! How is my favorite daughter and son?"

I crack up immediately.

"I'm sitting right here yaknow, mom," John glowers, shooting her a playful glare.

Mom sits up straighter, looking at Amy and I. "Did you guys hear something? I thought I heard the wind or some noise."

To my surprise, John puts a glob of scrambled eggs on his fork, pulls it back, and launches it at my mom. Everyone cracks up. Every time I'm with my biological family, it reminds me where I got my absolutely insane goofy side from.

Breakfast is eggs, pancakes, and sausage. Amy goes for the pancakes first so I navigate to the sausage, grabbing three. As idle chit-chat breaks out, my pocket starts to vibrate. A few seconds later, my ringtone starts up.

"Shit," I say before I can stop myself, pulling my cell out from my pocket.

"Language," my family all says together.

"S-sorry." I look at the screen--it's Scott. I get to my feet and feel guilty. "S-sorry, I gotta take this."

Not letting anyone reply, I answer the call and put the phone to my ear, grinning. "Hey man, what's up?"

"I think I've done the math correctly," comes Scott's cheerful voice into my ear. "It's not too early over there, is it?"

Moving outside so I can smoke, I speak. "Shit, that's right, you're over in England, aren't you? Nope, you had perfect timing, I was just sitting down to breakfast."

"Ah, bullocks, I'm sorry. I can call you back--"

"No," I tell him as I light up and take a long drag. "You're good, seriously. We can talk. I'm having my morning cigarette, anyway."

"So where are you now?"

I can't help but grin as I reply, staring at the thin lines of trees right off the main road. "Minnesota. With my mom and brother and sister. You?"