Big thanks to all your support and I realise it has been a little bit of a longer wait; isn't life just a bother when it comes to finding time to write? Had a few issues to deal with but all sorted now so here is the next chapter! Hope you enjoy!

It had been just over a week now since Amy had been left stranded at G.U.N by Shadow. It was the kind gesture from Sonic that had really cheered Amy up. This was due to the fact it had made her realise that lately she'd been focusing a lot of her attention on Shadow meaning she had rarely spoken to her other friends or even focused on her own self-development; it had sparked the change in her… The realization had made Amy feel guilty.

She had mentioned this to Sonic and his words stuck with her, "It's okay Amy, we are your friends. We understand that life can be a little hectic and that every now and then we will all get caught up in our own lives. But what matters is that we all return in the end. Everyone knows you care about them Amy…heck, you probably are the one to care too much!"

With those words imprinted on her mind and her heart, Amy had made a big deal this week to make more of an effort with those around her. She had started her job at G.U.N as her new boss had wanted to get her in as soon as possible. This had led to the daily morning coffee with Rouge, over which the two girls had strengthened their bond. Equally, the young lady had made future plans with the others.

This wasn't the only change.

Even though Amy had started her busy and demanding job, she had made it a priority to become a better person. She had made a list of things she thought would make this happen. Meditation was her favourite on the list and the hedgehog had started to follow some short guided meditation videos before she went to sleep each night. Another thing she liked to do was indulge in a book for a short while. Again, this was generally before she slept or occasionally over her dinner breaks at work.

Although she had only started this 'self-development' plan a week ago, the blush colour girl felt herself begin to blossom. Each day she woke up and planted on a smile while her coffee brewed and each day she had thought about Shadow less. It wasn't that she didn't miss him…

She really missed him. For the first few days she had barely eaten or slept due to the bitter ending and confusion residing within her. His actions and words had left her stumped and bamboozled. But Amy knew these feelings were dangerous. She couldn't explain them. She thought their relationship was growing and that they were both happy…

The worst part about it was that the girl knew she couldn't sit and cry all day; not over him or anyone else. She was determined to be the strong girl people thought she was. Because at the end of the day, Amy was an advice columnist yet she didn't even know where to begin with herself and this situation. So, instead, Amy had taken to just improving herself rather than the situation.

These were all the memories and thoughts that the poor girl awoke to this day. It was overwhelming in such a short period of time. But instead of getting upset of confused Amy painted on her smile and headed to the kitchen.

Today, she had made plans to go visit Tails in the workshop. However, beforehand she needed to make a stop to pick up her friend Cream. Amy knew how much the younger bunny had developed a crush on Tails and also knew that the feelings were mutual. The problem was both creatures were just too shy to admit to the other.

Coffee tumbler in hand, she made her way with red flats crunching on the gravelly ground. The girl was so excited to have made plans and the fresh air filled her lungs as she walked. The new Amy took a heightened experience from the feel of the air and the blue of the sky. Everything seemed clearer and more vibrant to her.

Unfortunately, the cold also hit her a little harder as the autumn air began to settle over her. It was unexpected as the weather recently had been so warm and sunny but nonetheless Amy felt a joy as she felt the cool air. It meant her two favourite seasons were on their way. Autumn and winter, hats and scarves, hot chocolate and marshmallows, pies and brandy snaps. Yes this was a good time of year.

But this time of year required a coat and Amy's coat sat warmly in the comfort of her house. It was too late to turn back now. Luckily enough, a car pulled up beside her.

"Hey girl, you are looking gorgeous in those skinny jeans and loose grey jumper! You will have to come shopping with me! Can I give you a ride? Knucklehead beside me needs to go and see Tails about some new invention and I'm guessing you and bunny will need a lift there too? I can stop and pick her up for you also." A playful voice almost sang out.

Without a doubt Amy recognized the tone of her new work friend and hopped into the shiny deep purple car. Once inside the car Amy found herself surrounded by the scent of freshly baked cupcakes.

"New air freshener Rouge?"

"You betcha! Knucklehead here hates it don't cha?" The bat responded with a cheeky smile as she flashed a quick wink back to Amy through the rear view mirror.

"God damn it, stop calling me that Bat Girl! And you know I hate it, it smells like womanly stuff. It should be in a freaking bakery not a car!"

The rest of the journey, even after picking up Cream, went along these lines.

Those two idiots don't even realise how suited for each other they are! I wonder if I should try match making them…