Lock and Key || Paul Lahote ~ DISCONTINUED

// chapter 1 //

I left Washington 4 years ago, early 2003. My brother had become... distant. I was 14 years old, he was the only father figure I had and he suddenly became detached. Sam was my best friend and then he become not even a brother; I broke.

My mom, Allison, saw what it was doing to me and so she scrounged together as much money as she could and send me to a drama school in New York. I cannot thank her enough for it; I know she's struggled financially these last 4 years but now I've graduated and had a few small jobs I'm gonna pay her back as much as I can.

I've missed Forks and the Quiluete reservation; I haven't missed the rain, but I have missed my mom. I've missed Sam. I've missed my best friend, Jacob - although I haven't spoken to him since around February last year. It's now December 2007 and I'm heading home for Christmas.

I smile as I run through the airport to find my mom; I see her dressed casually in jeans and a coat, her long brown hair tied back. She makes me look over dressed; here I am, in heels and tight jeans with a small jacket. "Mom!"

She squeal. "Robyn!" She meets me half way and catches me in a big hug. It's been over 6 months since I've seen her and had a mommy hug.

"I missed you." I mumble into her neck.

She holds me at arms length after a few minutes and sighs, tucking my long black hair behind my ear. "You're so beautigul baby. I can't believe you're home!"

I blush deeply. "Lets go before you cry." I tease lightly.

Mom rolls her eyes and helps me drag my 3 heavy cases to her small car; it's a squeeze, but we get them in. I climb in beside her and she begins to drive in the rain - wow, really Washington? I gaze out of the window.

"Sammy can't wait to see you. You can finally meet Emily, and Jacob can't stop talking about seeing you again." She smiles as she drives.

I shrug, trying to remain nonchalant. "Whatever."

Mom sighs. "Rob, they're your brothers. Forgive them."

"Oh so I exist in person? Why couldn't they call? Text? Write a god damn letter? I'm sure their dumb brains can stretch that little more to pick up a pencil and write 'hi how are you'." I snap and cross my arms in a childish manner.

"Robyn Jay!" She scolds. "You may he 18 but you're still my child, you will speak to me nicer. I raised you better."

I huff. "Sorry." I mutter.

She huffs. "Jacob, Sam and Embry are all excited to see you, and I know damn well you're excited to see them."

Ah, Embry; my could-be-half-brother. Now he has kept in contact with me, despite saying a lot has happened in his life; he is pissed at the others for ignoring me. I admit, him I'm excited to see. Everyone else? No.

It's silent the rest of the drive and I scroll through my phone, bouncing my leg. I hate being sat still for so long! Eventually we begin to see the rusty red sheds of the res, the small wooden houses dotted around. The rain has eased off - for now - but the sky is still gray and overcast. We pass by some familiar houses before mom parks outside home. The house I grew up in for almost 14 years.

I sigh and climb out, grabbing two cases as mom grabs the last one. "I put your favourite bedding on and cleared everything stored in your room out so you have as much room as you need." Mom rambles.

I know she's nervous I won't stay home for long, so she's trying to make me feel comfortable. For now I dont kind being home, but I'm not sure it's a permanent thing. Maybe for the holiday season, but after new years who knows where I'll end up.