The Forgotten (Toby McDonough)

✏Ch. 5: Hazel

Amy's POV

Saturday nights aren't always my favorites. Bella and Bridget have their own plans, usually. My parents still have work, and so I'm stuck with my sister, Hazel. "Hazel, did you get my jacket?" I called.

"And why?" she shouted back.

I went to the living room to see her watching TFIOS. "Nevermind." I mumbled and went to the kitchen.

I took a cookie from the jar and leaned on the sink counter. I just stared at the tiled floor. Then I heard footsteps and looked up to Hazel eating her yogurt. "What?" she asked.

I shook my head. She rolled her eyes. "Speak up. I cannot believe you're older."

I shrugged. "Well, me too."

I then searched the refrigerator for the grapes, but I couldn't find it. "Where are the fruits again?" I asked.

She groaned. "Ugh. Do I always have to look after you? Grow up Amy. You're supposed to be the big sis."

I waved my hand. "You know what? Forget it. I'll do it myself."

Hazel then chuckled with pity. "I guess your immaturity is why I'm better."

"Quiet, Hazel."

"No, really. Maybe that's why you're unseen. Unbelieved. Not acknowledged. You don't have anything striking. You're a typical girl."

"Hazel, enough." I warned and turned around to go to my room.

Hazel smirked. "Fine. Run and hide like you always do, being all useless. I'm pretty sure you're used to hiding in my shadow though."

And that was it. I couldn't take breathing the same air as Hazel, so I ran out of the house and just went wherever. I walked all the way to a dock, but kept my head low so I wouldn't be noticed...but that's what usually happens anyway.

Then I heard someone strumming a guitar and looked closer, staring at the figure. "Amy?" said the voice.

I jerked and replied, "Y-yeah?"

"Hey!" he exclaimed, and it turned out to be Toby, so I approached him.

"What are you doing out here alone?" he asked.

Worst possible person to encounter right now. I just finished crying. I shrugged, "I don't know. What about...you?"

He gently put his guitar on the wooden dock floor and stood up. "Chilling I guess."

I nodded and didn't feel like staying. Too dangerous. I turned, but clumsiness hit me, and I lost my balance. Guess I'll be falling of the dock and swimming in the lake. But Toby caught my wrist and pulled me back up, our bodies close. No, I'm not perverted. "Caught you again." he chuckled, one arm around my waist, and the other holding my wrist. "You ok?"

I looked down, tears slowly coming back. "Ah..." he sighed.

Toby helped me and we both sat down by the edge of the dock. "Amy?" he asked.

I shrugged. "Don't worry. I'm just having a rough day."

He patted my head. "Cheer up."

I nodded. "Toby...I know this may sound weird, but do you think I'm...useless? Insignificant?"

"I don't know where you got that idea..." he said slowly.

I looked away, "Anna. Hazel. My parents. None of them see me."

"Hazel and parents?"

"My parents think I'm wasting my time dreaming of becoming a writer. They only acknowledge Hazel. And Hazel, for a 14 year old, she's so...dissing and ugh."

Toby flashed an assuring smile. "Well, whatever it is, if you're noticed by some or not, it doesn't mean you're insignificant. You're awesome in your own way. There will be people who will notice you someday."

I nodded. "Besides, you've got me." he chuckled.

In response, I giggled. "Right, right."

He stood up and pulled me to my feet. "I better take you home to make sure you're ok."

I agreed, and we walked under the night sky. It was like a dreamy setting. But of course, I believed it wouldn't last. I mean a "typical" girl like me, with heartthrob Toby? Hah. In my dreams.

We got to my house and I thanked Toby once again. We said our goodbyes. Toby headed to his house. I avoided noticing Hazel in her room and went straight to mine. I lay on the bed.

Did Toby really mean that, or was he just saying that to make me stop sobbing?

Oh, my worrying mind.

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I dunno about this chapter...haha. But hope you enjoy!