Max and Hailey: A second chance

Coming Home

Hailey's P.O.V

Right, when we walked out of the woods into the parking lot I immediately saw not just my mom waiting for me but also my dad and uncle. I understand my uncle being here, he is the sheriff and all but, my dad is the mayor, he usually doesn't come to these things. I instantly knew that I was definitely in some real trouble if the whole family is here. I sighed and hung my head knowing what to expect once I walked up to them.

"come on, it's time for us to face the music," Alex said putting his arm between mine as we walked together to my parents. As soon as we stepped foot in front of them, we were instantly surrounded in a group hug.

"Oh, thank god you two are alright!" Mom spoke first. " I was already nervous enough with you two going out in the woods without us and then this. Are you two trying to put me in an early grave?" she asked before pinching our cheeks a bit too hard.

"Son, I told you to keep a close watch on her. You need to be more careful with your little sister. The woods are an extremely dangerous place." Dad said in a disappointed tone.

"Sorry dad," Alex said and hung his head.

"Dad I'm not a little girl. I am in high school and I am the second oldest too." I said trying to take some of the blame away from Alex.

"Hailey you are always going to be a little girl to us, especially your father. It doesn't matter how old you are. The woods right now are extremely dangerous. Especially since some criminals escaped a few towns away. The woods are the only thing protecting this town from the rest of the world out there." Uncle David said. He was about to continue on about the dangers of being alone in the woods when he and dad got distracted by something. I turned around and saw that they were staring at Brittany and her son, Max.

"that's Brittany and her son Max. They got lost in the woods on the way here." I said bringing their attention back to me.

"how do you know that?" Uncle David asked and my dad looked very concerned.

"well when I went off by myself, I sort of bumped into them, well more like Max bumped into me because he didn't know who I was, but Brittany fixed up my scratch from the fall," I explained and pointed out my wound.

"He did what?!" My dad practically yelled out for the whole lot to hear. His anger almost steamed out of his ears.

"Henry relax. I am sure it was just an accident." Uncle David said putting a hand on his shoulder and this helped him to calm down a bit.

"Right... Well, let's go talk to them. I have to be back in an hour for a town hall meeting." Dad said.

"Yeah, I have to get them back to the station for the reunion and set up their IDs. Officer Calvin is waiting for their arrival. You know how inpatient he is." Uncle David added.

"Wait what?" I asked confused. I never once heard them talk about any of this in the past month, and we practically talk about everything at family dinner night.

"Just like his father. Hailey, we will explain at dinner tonight. Just go on with your brother and mom to get that checked out and we will see you at home." Dad said before walking away with Uncle David over to Britany and Max who were now talking with Mr. Daily.

"Well at least we know they aren't criminals," Alex said with a slight chuckle and got into the front passenger seat of mom's car.

"Come on Hailey, stop staring, it's rude. I already have your appointment set with the doctor. Let's go before we are late." Mom called to me before getting into the car. I walked to the car and opened the door and glanced back at them all talking. I found myself staring at Max. Obviously whatever was going on with them was important if the sheriff and mayor are involved. I was very curious as to what the story is behind them coming here. Max clearly seemed to be around my age but at the same time, he acted more mature and mysterious. Max caught me staring at him, and he locked eyes on me, and I could see a slight smirk on his face. I blushed and quickly looked away and got in the car. I am definitely intrigued by Max. I'm determined to find out more about Max and why he and his mom are so important. One thing was for sure, this summer is going to be one exciting adventure.