"You really don't need to come with me." I insisted to Amanda, right by my side as we walked away from the bus stop.

She shook her head, walking along anyways. "It isn't about needing to come, I want to see what I can about your life. You're a bit of a mystery to me."

"I'd say that's part of my charm."

The brunette smiled, pushing me lightly as we turned towards my house. "You're such a butt."

And as she saw the place her eyes went wide. I knew that it was too much for a normal family...

"Wow." She muttered as we went inside. "This place is kinda massive."

"Damn right it is." My mom called from the couch where she was playing Halo.

I shook my head slowly. "Amanda, this is my mom. Mom, this is Amanda."

"Hey there, Amanda." Mom called over her shoulder, a massive grin on her face. "Do you play Halo?"

"Not usually, but I'd be up for learning." The brunette replied.

The smirk that came to my mom's face made me worry more than anything else in the world, especially now as we stood her with a girl in the house.

"So you're bringing a pretty lady over, Jack?" She questioned casually.

My eyes narrowed into a glare. "There's nothing happened between us."

"I ship it."

"Ok, please stop talking..." I begged. "I just wanted to know if you'd mind me hanging out with my friends tonight."

"Is your girlfriend gonna be there?" She asked.

"I will." Amanda answered before I could say anything to reply. "I'll keep him out of trouble."

"I don't get in trouble..."

"You better keep him from doing anything stupid, I need him as my gunner." Mom told her, driving around in the game. "These marines are pretty awful at their jobs."

"Ok, we're leaving now!" I finally decided, taking Amanda's hand and leading her out of the house, grabbing my phone off of the side table by the door as I left. "Have fun mom."

"Don't have too much fun! I'm too young to be a grandma!"

I slammed the door shut, wishing that I could just rewind and leave Amanda out here while I grabbed my phone.

"Sorry about her..." I apologized weakly.

She shook her head, chuckling to herself. "Don't be, that woman is amazing."

A smile forced its way on my face. Anyone that could say that after all the embarrassing stuff my mom says is a good person to keep around. Someone that you can have an amazing day with and that'll make you feel good about yourself.

The walk back to the bus stop was quick, finding our way at Wang's Chinese Delicacies within the next half hour. I was tempted to back out as I watched Mike when he saw us, an evil smirk growing over his lips.

But I don't know when to back down, so I just went with it.

"Ah, and the young prince returns to fight for his throne!" He called out, arms extended in an exaggerated pose. "And the challenge that awaits is one he will not soon forget."

"What are you talking about?" I asked cautiously, knowing I'd hate the answer.

"He wants you to try the spicy chicken chowder." Roger clarified, neutral as always.

I raised a brow at the group. "And this is a big deal why?"

"Because it sent James to the emergency room last time he tried it." Mary added, leaning on Mikes shoulder. "The restaurant has people sign a waver before they eat it."

"That's ridiculous." I told him, hating everything about what was being said. But that itch in the back of my head seeing this as a challenge... "Why would anyone even try it?"

Mike smiled at me as if I was a child asking a simple question. "Oh Jack, people have to have it for the challenge... and because they get 20% off for life if they finish a whole bowl."

Damnit...

"Fine, I'll do it." I groaned, hating my competitive spirit.

"You're an idiot." Amanda commented as she walking into the restaurant. "I'll make sure I have an ambulance on speed dial, but you better have your insurance information ready."

I'm beginning to regret my life choices, but mama didn't raise no quitters.

"Michael!" An elderly Chinese man cheered as we went in, quickly moving to hug the blond. "So good to see you."

"Good to see you too! You're never around anymore." Mike laughed, hugging the old man back. He turned to look over at me and introduce the man. "This is the mighty Wang, god of all egg rolls."

"Fear my tasty power." Wang chuckled as he bowed slightly. He turned back towards Mike and smiled. "I'm getting too old to be here all the time. But hey, I've been need something to distract me, so here we are."

"Distract you from what?" Mary asked, curiosity peeking through.

The old man shook his head. "I haven't been able to get in touch with my grandson in Japan. He was studying there and just stopped replying to my letters."

"Riots out over there have been making things hard... I'm not sure if letters are able to travel through the borders anymore." She muttered. "Some crazy shit is going."