Just as I expected. No one bothered to come pick me up from the airport. They make me come, but they can't even pick me up.

It takes me nearly an hour to finally get a ride, and the cab smells like cat pee.

Oh how I wish I could just turn around and go back to New York.

When I finally get to the house, I pay the driver and grab my stuff from the trunk. It feels completely surreal when I stand in front of the house I grew up in. I honestly never thought I would be back here. I guess plans change.

And it looks bigger than I remember, I don't know why. Shrugging that thought off, I make my way to the front door and ring the doorbell. I take in a few deep breaths while I wait, feeling way more nervous than my first date with Brendan. I didn't think that was possible either.

When it opens, my father stands right inside, his usual stern expression set on his face. I see my years gone hasn't lightened him up any. At least that didn't change.

He steps to the side to let me in and I oblige. Without a word, he grabs the handle to my suitcase and leads me up the stairs and to my old bedroom. When we enter, I'm shocked to see not a single thing inside has been moved out of place since I last left. I can't believe they didn't turn it into something else, especially with how things were left when I left last time.

My father leaves, closing the door behind him, leaving me to myself and my old bedroom. Even my art easel still stands in the corner, with canvas rolls and frames behind it. I should really take those back to New York with me so I can use them. I honestly can't believe I left all that.

I unpack my suitcase, hanging my clothes in my closet with the ones I left here. I also unpack my backpack and check my phone once I'm finished.

Casey texted me letting me know she got home, and I responded with the same courtesy. I also have a message from Brendan asking me how I'm doing. I let him know I just got to my parents house and I'm freaking out a little.

Not long after I respond to him, a knock sounds at my door before it's opened by none other than my mother.

And she greets me with a large smile and a smothering hug.

This convinces me further that she wants something from me, which makes me even more nervous than before.