I hated flying alone.

I really hated flying, period.

My parents had moved back to our hometown after I graduated high school. I had made the decision to stay here and go to school. So, I applied for the Art Institute of Chicago, got a job, and got an itty bitty apartment. It's been about a year and a half, I've been doing just fine.

For a broke college stundent, anyway.

In all honestly, I didn't know how to feel going back to Baltimore. It had been ten years. Ten long years. I wanted to be excited, thrilled, something. But I didn't feel anything. Sort of numb, actually. I wondered if anyone would remember me, and if they did, would they say a word to me?

When we moved, I never got to say goodbye. I felt like I was abandoning part of my family. Sure, I was only nine back then. But, I was a very mature nine year old. I understood things most kids my age didn't.

The only thing I was excited for was my sister, who was finally getting married. The whole family had only been waiting since she graduated high school for it to happen.

---

A few short hours later, I was breathing in the Baltimore air. I tried to find the baggage claim as quickly as I could, because I knew my parents would be waiting for me. They hated that I took so long to do everything. Snatching up my suitcase, I ran towards the exit where they'd be waiting for me.

"Took you long enough, Nat!" My dad rolled his eyes. I just muffled a 'yeah', and threw my bag into the trunk of his car.

"So hows the Art Institute treating you, sweetheart?" My mom asked me.

I shrugged my shoulders, "Fine, I guess."

The ride to the house, was silent after that. Nothing much was said. Let's just say my parents favorited my sister. She was prettier, successful, normal. Here I was with my deep red hair, pale skin, and streched ears. Next to her, I was nothing. She never treated me that way, though. My sister and I are extremely close. It's strange.

I was shocked to find the drive way of my parents house full of cars. I only recognized a few of them, as family members cars.

"Who the hell is here?" I wasn't asking anyone inparticurlar.

"Nat, I should warn you that-" Before my mother could finish her sentance, I darted into the house.

Hey, I'm curious.

I flung open the front door. "Hello?" I yelled out, again to no one specific.

My sister who was the first one to come into my sight.

"Jordy!" I screamed! Dropping my bags, I ran to her and tackled her with a hug. "I've missed you! So fucking much!"

"Oh, God. Nat, let go!" She laughed at me. "I missed you, too."

I feel like such a horrible sister, because I don't call her enough. Or see her enough for that matter.

"But I don't wanna!" I whined. She cleared her throat.

"Natalie Rae Taylor, if you know whats good for you you'll-"

"...Natalie?!" A male voice played into my ears, and I immidiately let go.

I turned to the male, "Yeah, who wants to know?"

Jordyn nuged me, "You remember Alex dont you, Nat?"

My eyes went wide. I couldn't help but stare at him, up and down his whole body. I didn't even recognize him, not at all. It makes sense, considering he was an awkward eleven year old when I'd seen him last.

Alex was my best friend when I was younger, and like an older brother. We did everything, and went everywhere together. He never let anyone hurt me, or pick on me. He gave me attention when my parents didn't. I was lost without him. When we left, I felt empty. I felt scared, I had no idea what would happen to me without him around. (Turns out, I would be very alone.)

"Uhm, I'll leave you two alone..." And Jordyn disapeared.

I couldn't bring myself to say a word. I was afraid to say anything.

Alex Gaskarth was making me nervous, and I didn't know how to handle it.

Puberty was extremely good to this guy.

"It's been so long, Nattie. You look different.. I mean you look good." His face turned red, but he was smiling. Was I making him nervous, too?

"I know it has. Look at you, though! Your teen years treated you good, stud." I smirked. "But, if you'll excuse me, I need to take my stuff upstairs."

I picked up my bag, and slowly walked up the stairs. I could feel him watching me. I turned my head a bit, to check.

There he was, standing at the bottom of the stairs with his jaw open.

"Hey, Alex. You got a bit of drool on your shirt." I said, with a straight face.

Is this what happens when you leave as a kid, and come back as a young adult? Never would I have thought I was gonna look at Alex and call him attractive. And I would of called you nuts if you told me that Alex would look at me like he just did, when we grew up.

Notes

Hope you like this, it's not spell checked or anything. I was too lazy to do it.
I'm going to make this as interesting as I possibly can.
Give it a chance?

Comments are nice <3

xo Kailee