Ouch. I squint my eyes back shut, as I took over to avoid the blinding stream of sunlight. I push myself up, with a groan, and something catches attention as I do so. The gentle droning of the news intermingles with the clatter of pots and pans, and is that food I smell. Let's see, there are two options to how explain what's happening. Either a burglar came in watched the news while he was robbing and cooked us breakfast, or my mom is home. I'm going to go with the more logical explanation and say my mom is home.

I untangle myself from the swarm of blankets. Before finding my footing and maneuvering my way through the tangle of my bandmates, doing my best not to wake them up. Unfortunately, I'm a complete klutz, and while pivoting to another space, I fell. On top of Luke, who was kindly woken up me face planting the floor.

"Ow." Luke grumbled as I moved off of him. "Nice to know some things never change."

"Sorry, Lukey." I reply, giving him a flash of my big blue eyes. "You know I've never been very graceful."

"Yeah, I know."

"C'mon, let's go get some breakfast since we're already up." I offer him my hand, which he takes, and we head towards the kitchen.

As we get closer, the smell of food gets stronger and we can see my mother cooking. "Hey, mom." I greet, taking a seat on one the bar stools, and Luke does the same.

My mom turns around, gives us a large smile. "Hey, there sleeping beauty, and Andy." My mom says once she catches sight of us. "I see you had a band meeting while I was gone." I nod and smile at the faint chuckle she has when she says that.

"You don't mind though?" I ask knowing the typical answer, but wanting to double check.

"No, of course I don't mind. Believe it or not, it makes me happy to know you're spending time with your friends. I get worried whenever you coop yourself up in your room." I understand the indirect meaning of her words, but that is a subject best left alone. As she speaks, she walks over giving me a tight hug. I smile at her and return the hug. I know the stereotypical teenager completely hates their parent(s) because they think they're so controlling; but I don't,well I don't hate one of them. My mom is pretty much my best friend, she worries, just like any good parent, but she also let's me have freedom.

"So did you have a good time last night?" She asks, as she returns to cooking breakfast.

At her question I find a lump in my throat. Typically, the answer is 'good' or 'awesome,' but this time something holds me back, last night's band meeting was more of a bonding experience than anything. Luckily, before my silence lasts too long, Luke replies for me. "It was really good, Ms. Parker."

"I'm glad to hear that." She replies with a smile. "Why don't you two go wake..."

She gets interrupted, by the multiple shouts of "Band Mom!" From the living room. I chuckle at my bandmates. They insist on calling my mother 'band mom,' probably because she is the one always helping us with anything band related. Still, we're close to everyone's parents, but they declared that mine is the official.

"Hmm, I wonder if they're awake yet?" I ask my mom, my voice dripping with sarcasm. My mom just laughs as she greets everyone. "I'm pretty sure she's my mom, not yours guys."

"What do you mean by that?!" Skylar asks acting 'offended.' She continues talking as she walks over holding my mother's shoulders as she says, "She's band mom. Meaning she is the entire band's mother! So no being selfish."

"Yeah, Andy. Don't be selfish! Ooh, food!" Matt says, getting distracted by my mother's food.

"Yes, I did make breakfast. Now why don't you boys go set the table, and Skylar, Andy, if you'll help me take it to the table." She says, shooing the boys out of the kitchen with napkins and silverware in their hands, and handing Skylar and I plates of food for everyone.

"Yes, ma'am." We all reply as we continue about in our designated jobs. Once everyone is seated we start eating our food, and having animated conversations. This, I think to myself, this is how mornings should be spent, talking and just enjoying time with friends and family.

We end up losing track of time like this, but at one point Luke pipes up while looking at his phone, "Sorry, everyone, but it looks as if I have to bail. My parents want me home." He say his goodbyes as he leaves the table, putting his dishes away and gives us all one last wave before goes.

"Well, I think the rest of us are probably due at home too." Skylar says as her and everyone else get up from the table, following the same motions as Luke did. Before they leave they each make sure to thank my mom. "Bye, Andy! We'll see you soon!" They say in unison before exiting the apartment.

My mom stands up grabbing both of our plates as she walks into the kitchen. "Here, I'll help you clean up, Mom." I say, following her into the kitchen. For a while, we just both clean up in a comfortable silence, the only sound is the kitchen sink dispensing water, and the dishwasher running its cycle.

"I think that's all of it, so I'm going to take a shower." I say as I leave the kitchen. I don't really pay attention to see if she responds as I go up to my room. I rush to get inside and close the door. My knees give way underneath me, and I just sit there. I don't even know why, but it feels like the world is on my shoulders. It's felt like this since I talked with Mason last night, I just kept brushing it off and pretending nothing was wrong.

Don't do this again. You can't do this again. I think to myself. I can't let myself go to my default, just like every time I talk to one of my siblings after a long time, I just want to shut down. It's like I realize what isn't going well, and how long it's been since I've seen them. Which typically just makes me lock myself up, until someone dives deep enough to pull me out. I probably just need some time, that's all. Hey, at least Dad hasn't been nagging me as is usual. Which is a good thing, with only a week left before finals at school, I really don't need this and my Dad pestering me about our "deal."

I get up off the floor, grab some clothes as I walk into my bathroom to take a shower. I still remember the day I made that deal with him. It was my thirteenth birthday, but it still feels like yesterday. I climb into the shower letting the memory wash over me with the water.

"Mason! Alex! It's time to open your gifts!" My father shouts as she motions for Mason and I to come sit down.

"Coming, Mom!" Mason shouts as he grabs my hand, forcing me to run along with him to the table. "Andy, you sit right there." Mason motions me to a seat as he sits in his own.

"Mom, Dad, is it alright if we open each other's gifts first?" I ask, smiling at my family around me. This is a rare occasion, all of my brothers, my parents, and even my uncle all in the same place at once.

"Yeah, that's alright." Mom says, handing us the presents we got for each other.

"Same time?" Mason questions looking at me. I just nod in reply as we both simultaneously open the presents. My eyes widen in surprise, I look up at my twin mouth agape; I laugh when I see he has the same expression. "How did you know?!?" We both semi-shout simultaneously, and then laugh at how in sync we always seem to be.

"What did you two get each other?" Our Uncle Jamie asks trying to see inside the boxes. We both hold up matching shirts decorated with the Marvel emblem. We all just laugh, we both love superheroes, Marvel. It was probably just coincidental that we got each other matching shirts.

We spent some time opening presents. Nick and Phil both chipped in from their limited budget to get the two of us each $25 iTunes gift cards. "Thanks, Phil! Thank you, Nick!" I say giving my eighteen and nineteen old brothers a tight hug.

"Alright, my gift next." Uncle Jamie says. Mason at I give each other a look, knowing our uncle it's either really cool, or just plain weird. I tentatively take the present from my uncle. I wait for Mason before peeling back the wrapping. I catch sight of the box and see that my uncle got me a really nice cam-corder. "Andy, that's for you to video your music, or to start making some films of your own. You have an amazing talent that deserves to be shared properly; and Mason, that's for you to keep up the practicing so you can get even better." I do my best not to cry from joy, as I rush over giving him a hug. It's only a moment before Mason walks over to thank him too.

"Okay. It's time for mine. Andy, yours is over there. Mason, yours is right beside it." Mom says after a moment. I release my uncle as I walk in the general direction my mom was pointing. Leaning against the wall of our apartment's living room are two large boxes, one labeled 'Mason' the other 'Andy.'

"Do you have any idea what it is?" I whisper to Mason as we gently lay them on the floor.

"None. How about we find out though?" He gives me his classic smile as he unwraps his gift. I follow his lead and peel back the delicate paper. I can't help but gasp at the sight. My mom got both Mason and I instruments, him a keyboard, and me a guitar. "Mom... How did you know?"

Our mother just chuckles as she shaking her head. "I'm your mom, it's my job to know."

"Molly, James, can I speak to the both of you for a moment?" Dad says motioning towards the kitchen. Mom and Uncle Jamie just follow him into the kitchen giving us an unconvincing half smile before they leave.

"What's going on?" I ask, looking to my siblings for answers.

"We don't know, Andy." Phil responds.

"I'll be back in a minute." I tell them getting up. They all eye me suspiciously as I walk out. "Don't worry I'm just going to the bathroom." I lie hoping they believe it. I leave them in the living room and lean against the wall just outside the kitchen.

"What's all this about, John?" I can hear my mother, moving about re kitchen as she speaks. I peer in and see my uncle giving my dad a look, as he just leans against the counter.

"Well, I just wanted to talk to you two for a minute." He sighs, then continues. "I don't appreciate you two giving Alex musical instruments and cameras to video her music. It's encouraging her to be something she's not, which is a singer or even a musician. You're leading her down a path that will only lead to her getting hurt. Trust me, I know the music industry, and she will never make it..." He motions out the door as he continues to speak but I don't really hear any of it, his words are still ringing in my ears. Once he's finished talking the air becomes weighted. My mother freezes mid movement, my uncle looks like he's about to punch something (or more specifically someone.)

"How dare you. She is your daughter. You should be encouraging her, not downgrading her before you even hear her." My mother says, obviously trying not to yell.

"Molly, I own a huge recording label. If anyone would know the industry it would be me. I know she won't make it." He says not even blinking. I bit my tongue to keep from crying, it's true he hasn't ever heard me sing or even play an instrument, he's never bothered to even try.

"Don't you dare say that. Why do you do this? You should be thinking everyday how lucky you are to have a daughter as amazing and talented as her; but all you do is treat her like she's nothing. Just give her a chance, John." My uncle tells my father, his face becoming red.

I don't know why, but I soon find myself in the kitchen. "Dad," my voice comes out broken and pained, but I continue on, "why won't you just give me a chance."

My father turns to me, one eyebrow raised in surprise, "Fine, Alexandria." He remains silent for a few minutes, obviously thinking deeply about something. "You want a chance, I'll give you one chance. How does this sound, you have until the summer before your senior year of high school to gain popularity as either a solo artist or in a band. If you gain a sizable fan base, than I'll sign you to my company." I stand there in shock, he mumbles a few phrases after that but I'm not paying any attention, I'm just so happy.

I do my best to keep my face completely blank as I stretch out my hand. "You've got yourself a deal."

After that my father just walked out of the kitchen with a self-satisfied smirk on his face, but I never knew why. All I remember after that is he and Mason left early. Unfortunately, that was one of the few times I've been able to see Mason in person, other than that it's the rare phone call and text, because if my father knew he would get really mad at him. Let's just say my father is controlling, but even that is quite an understatement.

I finish up my shower and get dressed. Just going through the motions of and everyday routine. I throw on a basic pair of denim shorts and a basic T-shirt. I walk into my room, grabbing my duffel bag and tossing in some gym clothes, sneakers and my after workout kit. I wait a few more minutes, trying to let the steam diffuse from my bathroom. I walk in and begin drying my hair, then putting it up in an extremely messy bun and deciding to just skip any makeup entirely because what's the point of putting it on if I'm going to the gym. Honestly, I'm not a huge makeup person, but I typically use it to just cover up imperfections and basic stuff.

I double check my bag before rushing out my bedroom door and down the stairs. "Hey, Mom. I'm going out for for a bit, probably stop by the gym too. I'll see you when I get back!" I shout as I grab the keys.

"Alright, drive safely." She shouts back from the kitchen.

I walk out into the parking structure of our building. I hop into my car, start ignition, and just pause for a moment. I rest my head against the steering wheel. Okay, moment over. I shift the car into gear as I back out of my parking space. I really hate traffic here, but it's to be expected it is a big city after all.

I hate silence, but I have no choice but to deal with it for the duration of my drive. My radio was stolen from my car a few months back, nothing else, just the radio. I would have replaced it but I didn't want to give my mom another thing to do or worry about. Let me tell you something though, when you have to sit in complete silence with only your thoughts to occupy the time, what comes to mind can be pretty strange. Every time I drive I'm can't help but think of Car Radio by Twenty-One Pilots.

I force myself to just keep my eyes on the road and try to keep my thoughts from drifting. I just hum to myself and focus on the song and the road, letting that be the only things to occupy my time. Apparently, it doesn't work as well as I hoped, because eventually my thoughts would make the midnight sky seem as bright as the sun. It's not as if I want to be like this.

I hate falling down the rabbit hole, especially when I tripped myself into it. My talk with Mason the other day made me realize something I've been trying to ignore for a while. A few years to be more specific. I realized a few things, one: my dad hates me no matter what I do. Which doesn't make sense, from what mom has told me he had always wanted kids. Why am I so different from my brothers? Secondly I realized how terribly I miss my family, not just seeing them, but us all being together and not arguing. I don't know why I have these thoughts, there isn't any point dreaming of the past returning or hoping for my dad to care. Wishing for either is like trying to move a mountain with one hand.

"Take a breath, evaluate the situation, and move on accordingly. It's okay to dream, just as long as it isn't for the impossible." My older brother's voice seems to whisper to me from the corner of my mind; so that is exactly what I do. I dream the same dream from when I was young, try to make a difference through music. I dream that my family, although torn, can still find a way to happily patch itself together. My evaluation of the situation: things won't be perfect, because that's impossible; but there is always a chance at happiness. As I park the car in front of the gym, I smile somehow finding a way to move forward, even when the momentum seems lost. Because there are just those times in life where we have no choice but to keep our heads up.

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A/N:
Wow. That chapter was a lot longer than I expected, but I hope you guys like it! :)

As I always say, thank you so much for reading this story! You guys are amazing, and I hope you never change that.

Stay awesome. Xx