Skylar kept yelling for a good five minutes before I could even get a word in. "Skye, what in the world are you talking about?"

"What is all this stuff going around about you dating a member of 5sauce? I mean, I wouldn't be mad if you were dating someone, because I'm your best friend and I just want to see you happy. The only reason I would be mad is if you were dating someone and didn't tell your best friend who has been trying to get you to go out and find someone for over a year." She rambles on, and I wait for her to finish before I reply.

"Skye, I'm not dating anyone. Those are just a bunch of stupid rumors that the media made up to cause trouble."

"Dang it." She whines, and I can practically see her pouting. "I was hoping you finally found someone who fit your high standards."

"There's nothing wrong with knowing what I want and waiting for it."

"No, there's not. Let's be honest, for a minute, though. You could really use a healthy relationship outside of the band, and having a boyfriend wouldn't hurt."

"Skye,--" I sigh back in reply, but I get interrupted by my dad calling my name from downstairs. "Crap. I think I'm about to get into trouble. I'll call you back when I can."

"Okay, but we're having a serious girl talk later."

"Whatever you say." I tell her as I walk down the stairs, saying a quick goodbye as I stand next to my dad. We wordlessly walk into his office and sit down. "So, what am I getting lectured about today?" I ask pretending to be cheerful.

"I just wanted to commend you on how you handled yourself in the interview yesterday." He says, and I lean back patiently waiting for the catch to come. "Although, I did want to speak to you about the rumors going around."

"I'm not dating any of them if that's what you're worried about." I tell him defensively before he can even start getting onto me about it.

"That's not what I was about to say." He says leaning forward on his desk. "I wasn't worried about you dating one of the guys. In fact, I was curious if there was anything between you and one of them? If there was I would need to know so we wouldn't get blind-sided by it."

"Hold on one second." I tell him raising my hand. "You're saying you wouldn't have a problem with me--you're daughter who you highly disapprove of-- dating a member of your label's biggest client?"

"No, I wouldn't. On the contrary, I would encourage it." He tells me, making sure to emphasize his words, and I start to see his hidden meaning. I roll my eyes, shaking my head at him. "Alexandria, hear me out."

"No." I shout before he can say anything else. "You don't have to explain anything to me. I can see what you're trying to do. You want me to date one of them to give you the publicity you need. I won't do it. I won't date one of them for some publicity stunt."

"It doesn't have to be a publicity stunt. If you were genuinely interested in one of them and were to start a relationship with one of them, than it wouldn't be a stunt."

"But even then, you would still want to exploit it for publicity. Am I right?"

"Yes." He tells me bluntly.

"What if I say 'no'?" I ask defiantly.

"I would advise against it if you want to get you and your band that record deal." He tells me with a raised eyebrow, and I almost laugh at how he's using it as bait for me.

"You know what, Dad,--" I start to say, but we're interrupted by a knock at the door. Mason quickly pokes his head in through the door, but his eyes grow wide when he sees my and our dad's expressions.

"I was just going to let you know breakfast was ready." He says quickly looking worried and embarrassed.

"Thank you, Mason. We'll be out in a moment." My dad replies cordially, and holds a hand up to keep from speaking. "We will finish this discussion after breakfast."

"Fine." I tell him as I march out the door without even looking back at him. I sit down at the table with my arms crossed in front of me and a sour expression on my face.

"Are you okay, Andy?" Ashton asks with a concerned look, but I give him one look and he shrinks back. I immediately feel bad about it, but my guilt is quickly overshadowed by anger when I see John sit down at the head of the table, giving the step momster a quick kiss. I have to force myself not to gag at the sight.

Bianca sets down a fresh plate of waffles in front of me, and puts one on my plate without a word before she walks away. I look up to see her give me a quick, sympathetic smile, and I wonder if she heard the latest shouting match. I pick at my waffle in silence, ignoring Mason and the other guys' attempts to make conversation. Eventually the table grows quiet, but Jessica pipes up with a cheerful tone asking Mason and I. "So have either of you thought about what you wanted to do for your birthday? It is coming up soon after all."

"I haven't really thought about it that much." Mason hastily replies trying to be cheerful as he says, "It will be nice getting to celebrate it with Andy again. It's been awhile since we were able to do that."

I can't help but laugh bitterly as the topic only brings up bad memories and makes me even angrier, which draws the attention of everyone at the table. "Yeah, the last time we did was quite the doozy. Wouldn't you agree, John?" He says nothing in reply, just gives me a cold, warning look, but my blood is boiling too much to notice. "You remember that one? It was the birthday where you told Mom and Uncle Jamie that I had no chance of succeeding in the music industry and made that stupid deal with me. Now here we are--"

"Alexandria." He shouts in a warning tone, but I continue on as if I didn't hear him.

"--I'm nearly an adult, but you still treat me like a child. You still hold that stupid deal over my head every chance you get. So guess what, take it away. I don't care anymore. I'm sick and tired of being a pawn in your game, when I'm your daughter for goodness sake!" At this point I think nothing of the words coming out of my mouth, every syllable is pure, pent up rage finally being let free. I barely register it as I stand up while I continue to shout. "After this summer I'm going to prove to you that I can make it--with or without you."

I march out of the dining room, but stop when I hear his cold voice shouting after me. "Alexandria, you can not just speak to me like that and walk away."

"Really?" I retort back with a sarcastic grin. "Because I thought that in this family we could just say or do whatever and leave with no consequences. Or does that rule only apply to you?" I don't wait for a reply as I turn on my heel and march up to my room. I slam the door, grabbing my duffel bag and shoving some clothes and other items into it.

I hear my door open, but I don't even bother to turn around to see who it is. I just keep shoving things in my bag when I feel a pair of strong arms wrap around me, pinning my arms down. I drop my duffel bag and my knees go weak as my anger transforms into all the pain I've held for so long. It washes over me like a tsunami and I feel like I'm drowning in my own tears and sobs. "Hey, I got you." Mason says as he turns me around to hug him. "I'm so sorry, Andy. I never realized how much pain you've been in all these years. I never really understood it, and I'm so--so sorry." I sit there as my big brother starts crumbling in my arms with me. "I feel like such an awful brother for not realizing it sooner."

"Mason, don't you dare start beating yourself up over this." I scold him as I pull away from the hug, making sure he listens to every word. "You never knew because I never actually said anything--to anyone. I never told anyone just how much I was hurting. Some people could tell, but most people don't understand how much and how long I've been feeling like this." I stand up, grabbing my duffel bag off the floor. "I'm sorry, Mason, but I have to leave. I can't stay here any longer."

"What are you talking about? You're going to leave?"

"Yes, I am. I can't handle being here for another minute. I'm calling a cab to drive me to the airport, and I'll book a flight home. You can just send me the rest of my stuff later." I tell him walking out of the room, not wanting to see his hurt expression. I run down the stairs, accidentally bumping into Michael, the other guys stand close by. "Excuse me," I apologize as I try to walk around him, but he grabs my shoulder to stop me.

"Andy, are you okay?" He asks, but his expression changes when he sees my duffel bag. "Are you leaving?"

"Maybe. It doesn't matter, just let me go."

"You can't just leave!" Calum shouts, much to my shock. I always had the impression he didn't like me.

"I can't stay here any longer. I'm sorry, guys. I really am." I tell them as I break away from Michael, trying to walk around him to the front door, but they all block my path. "Please, just let me go. I promise, I'll stay in--" I start to plead, but I'm interrupted by Mason shouting as he runs down the stairs. While I'm distracted, Luke pulls the duffel bag off my shoulder, dropping it on the floor behind him as he wordlessly wraps me in a tight hug.

"Andy, please, don't leave. At least, not yet." Luke whispers, and refuses to pull away as Mason starts to speak.

"I have an idea. Would you agree to just get out of town for a few days? We could all use a break, and you wouldn't have to deal with dad or anything else." Mason suggests, but I just shake my head. He narrows his eyes as he continues. "Don't you think you should talk to Mom before you go marching back home?"

"Why? So she can tell me that she's fine with me coming home, but she thinks it would be better for me if I stayed?"

"Yes. Mom knows a lot more than us. I think you should listen to whatever advice she has to offer and take a few days to cool off before you make a decision."

I sigh, realizing his logic is pretty sound, and it wouldn't hurt to take a few days away from everything to clear my head before I decide. "Fine. Where do you suggest we go?"

"I know the perfect place. Guys, you can come too if you want." Mason offers and they all nod their heads, solemnly. I'm sure they would much rather be out of here than stuck in this house after what just happened, even if it means putting up with me. Luke pulls away, but stands close by as the rest of the guys go upstairs to pack. "Okay, you can go pack. I'll go take care of everything else." Mason turns to me, giving me a quick hug as he whispers, "Thank you. I think this is something you really need right now." He pulls away from me, and walks away.

I pick my duffel bag up, and march back up the stairs with Luke close behind me to go apologize to the guys for earlier, and maybe explain the full story to them. I just hope they don't hate me after all of this.

//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\

A/N: I told you guys, I was looking forward to these chapters! I hope you enjoy it and keep reading for the other twists and turns in store for Andy and the guys. :)

Don't forget to comment and vote for this chapter if you enjoyed it! I love getting to hear your thoughts and talk with you guys. 

Stay awesome, loves! <3