Tyler's leg was bouncing nervously. He was chewing on his lip, ignoring the metallic taste in his mouth.

Brendon, Ryan and Josh were all talking. Tyler wasn't entirely sure why they were all coming, since he was just getting his stuff, but the company was nice. Tyler didn't want to be alone in that moment. He would have Brendon with him either way, but there was something about the man that scared him. Whenever he smiled, Tyler's heart would speed up and his hands would begin to shake. It felt like there was a repressed memory, something in the corner of Tyler's eye, but he just couldn't remember.

Tyler shook off the thought and his mind wandered to his siblings. They were all in elementary or middle school, so he hadn't seen them for a while. They were probably wondering where he was.

Tyler's heart jumped when he saw his house. It was a normal looking place; middle class, two storeys. Before, it was his home. Now, even if it had only been a few days, it felt like something else. He felt homesick at Josh's, but being back at his house made his blood boil as he thought about why he had to go away.

Brendon slowed and slid into the driveway before turning around. "Tyler, you ready?"

Tyler nodded without a word and slid out of he car. He adjusted the giant bag on his shoulder and looked back at the trio. They were watching him, each of them seeming concerned. Tyler wasn't sure why they even cared.

He fished his keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door. He was running purely on instinct at that point.

"Guys?" He called, silently praying that his parents weren't home.

Zack, the second oldest, appeared at the top of the stairs. He froze for a second, gaping at Tyler, before barrelling down to him and engulfing the elder in a hug.

Zack pulled away, looking shocked. "Where the hell have you been? Mom and Dad haven't been telling us anything. They won't even let us talk about it!"

Maddie suddenly appeared with Jay, the youngest. They looked just as surprised as Zack did.

"I'm in a bad situation," Tyler explained. "I'll be okay, but I can't be at home for a while. I'm sorry, but I don't think I can tell you anything else. I just wanted to see you guys and get my stuff."

Maddie shook her head. "Ty, I don't understand. Are you leaving? Forever?"

"Definitely not," Tyler relied. "I'll be able to see you guys whenever. I just have to live somewhere else."

"Why?" Jay asked, looking scared.

Tyler ruffled his hair and smiled sadly. "I can't tell you, bud. Everything's gonna work out, though. I promise. Now, I just need to get my stuff. I'll be right back."

Zack, Maddie and Jay all nodded uncertainly. Tyler pulled them all into a hug, holding them for as long as they could. His phone dinged and everyone flinched. Tyler decided to ignore it.

He made his way upstairs and to his room. He opened the door, inviting the homely, mixed scent of his usual cologne. He swung the duffel bag he had onto the bed and began sorting through his closet.

He threw in items of clothing, not paying much attention as he did so. He made sure to get his favourite shirts and hoodies. He got a few textbooks and notebooks and shoved them in. By the time he was done, the bag was full weight nearly as much as him. He heaved it onto his shoulder, wincing as it practically crushed him. He had just packed most of his life into it, so he wasn't surprised that it was did heavy.

He pulled out his phone, finally deciding to read the text that he had been sent.

someone just pulled up. i think it's your parents.

Tyler turned quickly. He heard the lock in the door, followed by the sound of it slamming shut. He bolted down the stairs, his face burning and his heart racing.

His mother caught his eye and she froze. She tugged on her husband's sleeve, causing him to turn. His eyes widened when he saw Tyler. Both of them stepped towards him, seeming glad to see him.

Tyler stepped away and balled his hands into fists. "You definitely have some explaining to do."