Courtney's POV:

I sat on my new bed in my new room, just staring at the small details that made the place seem uncomfortable. I missed my old room in all honesty, despite the horrible actions that transpired in thee, it was my home for months, and after being confined in an unfamiliar place for months on end, i needed to be comfortable for now. But the Ashley had been stern and had promptly forbidden me from entering the room without one of the guys or Sammi. Personally, I think it's a bit much, but I do understand his strange request.

Things aren't really that normal right now, and I suspect that they won't be for a while. Andy and Ashley especially have been very protective of me, and I'm not allowed to leave their sights other than the bathroom. I get that they're paranoid, but all of this is suffocating me, and making things worse. I'm the one who went to hell, I'm the one who needs to find a sense of normality, which In cannot find if I'm constantly being watched like a baby.

"Im going out!" I yell, stuffing my phone into my pocket and slipping on my Toms.

I count the seconds in my head before one of the guys appear, or in this case, all of them. Their eyes are wide and Ash even goes to stand in front of the door. Immature much.

I roll my eyes as I shove him away, but he doesn't move an inch. "Ashy, please move, I'll be back by midnight, promise."

"Where are you going?" Sammi asks, leisurely walking into the foyer.

I shoot her a grin, "out. To the park maybe. I need to clear my head, figured a walk would be good."

"i'll go with you," andy volunteers, but shake my head, no. "nope, sorry sweetie, but i need to do this on my own.

"Court, think that through for a second, is this really a good idea after everything that has happened? I mean, you've barely been back two weeks," jake states.

I nod, "I need to think without people around me, no offence guys. I really appreciate everything you've done to keep my safe, but I am fine. Besides, I defended myself against a group of guards with guns, it think I can handle the streets of LA."

I make my way to the door and give my brother a pleading look, "please Ash? I'll be back soon. I promise."

He sighs, giving in, and moves from the door, dropping a kiss on my cheek as he does so. Andy reaches for me and I eagerly snuggle into his comforting embrace as he touches his forehead to mine. "Stay safe," he mumbles and i nod, kissing his pulse point.

He releases me as I give the other guys a quick wave, leaving the house.

---

I wander the dark streets aimlessly, listening to All Time Low's newest album, which i sadly missed the release date for. My favourite songs so far have to be Missing You, and the Edge of Tonight.

I hum quieting to the lyrics as I turn onto a deserted street, letting the music fill my ears. I have yet to really ponder on what happened to me. I know i am lucky that I am safe now, and that I apparently am not too mentally scarred, but other than that, I have no idea how I feel. The police have no leads as to who kidnapped me, all they know is that they must've had a connection to me or Andy somehow. Why they also decided to take me is also currently unknown, possibly for money, even though they never asked or threaten them.

Yet, despite all of this, I don't feel tremendously scared. I don't feel the urge to shrink away from impossibly dark shadows, nor do I stay away from strangers. I feel fine, a little startled but fine other than that. Is something wrong with me?

I'm also not necessarily angry at the people who stole me away from my life. They made me stronger, which made me better I suppose.

For now.

Notes

Hey guys, so I am back.
My mom is thankfully out of the hospital, which is a relief.. Thank you all for your kind words, it helped a lot.

Back to the story, Faint is coming to an end, and there will not be a third book after this one. Now i am not sure how to end it. I have two options, one nice and one not so nice. Which one do you guys want?

Option 1 or 2?