My Roman

Chapter 1

I never planned to be back here. I'd be gone 6 years but Hemlock Grove was the same as ever. Same quaint streets, same people, same weather. And the same mysterious and frightening occurrences. I stare out of the car window, thinking of all the ways I went wrong. Dad driving in silence like he usually does. He was a tall staunch man, light brown hair with flecks of grey and stubble. An army man, resilient and disciplined, even more so in the years after Mum's disappearance. He'd had his fair share of speculations and criticism and insane theories thrown his way, but I'd never seen him shed a single tear. I think my arrest was his final straw. That's why we were here.

We turn off a side road and drive slowly down a wooded gravel road. We turn again, down a driveway to my childhood home. It was a small, 2 story townhouse. 3 bed,2 bath and a large shed separate from the house. It was painted blue and the lawn was in desperate need of a trim. It had a lot of character and I liked that.

" We're here, Kid." Says Dad. I take a deep breath and let out a large sigh.

We unpack the car and I head to the kitchen. I break some eggs in a bowl and get the tomatoes and spinach out of the fridge. I whip up a quick omelet and toast some bread. I serve it on some plates and take it to the living room for Dad. Simple but hearty.

" Looks great, Hun."

"Thanks, Dad."

"Missing a bit of meat though." He adds.

I'd been cooking for us even before Mum was gone. She had been useless in the kitchen and Dad appreciated the hot meals. He always had one complaint though - the lack of meat. I was a vegetarian and never cooked with meat.

" The egg is all the protein you need." I retort.

We finish our meals and I do the washing up. I head upstairs and climb into bed. I was exhausted and needed all the beauty sleep I could get for tomorrow.