[CHARLIE'S POV]
It's been two years since I was last here. Where I grew up, where my friends are. Home. I don't know if I can actually consider it home anymore, but that's the only word that seems to fit.
"Let's move it, missy." My dad lightly bumps my shoulder as he passes me.
It was time to come home. And no matter how much I hate the people here, I missed this place.
"Yeah, missy." A deep voice to my right chuckles.
"You too, mister." My dad calls over his shoulder.
"Thank you on behalf of Charlie here, Mr. W, she needed something to tease me about."
"Anytime, Tyler, anytime." My dad has that casual set of his lips that shows liking of Tyler.
"C'mon, mister." I kick Ty's shin and head towards the house.
Ty's my best friend. I still count Kylie as my best-best friend, but Ty was one of my only friends in Paris. He wants to be a representative, he wants to work for the Elders. So he spewed out some story about seeing other culture and visiting other packs and somehow he convinced both our parents and packs to let him come with us.
He comes up and rests his arm on my head. He's tall, taller than my 5'9" body. His pale skin stands out against my dark hair. His own hair is a bleached blonde (not that he'll ever admit to dyeing it).
"So, tell me, short stack, are there any cute boys with preferences like mine around here?" He quirks an invisible eyebrow in my direction.
"If by 'preferences like yours', you mean liking other boys, then I wouldn't know." I laugh as he rolls his eyes at me.
"You're such a useless friend."
"Oh, I know, I don't understand why you put up with me."
I push him off of me and continue into the house.
New carpets. New paint on the walls. Same smell.
I hear an intake of breath to my left and hear my brothers strained voice. "Charlie?"
"Hey big brother." I cast a cold look in his direction. He looks tired. There are bags under his eyes, and he looks pale.
His eyes widen as he takes me in. "You look different."
I have to agree with him. I'd finally grown into myself. My appearance hasn't changed much, considering it's been two years, but my attitude about myself has. I stand taller than I once did, I hold my chin higher, and try to give off the aura of someone who loves herself. Because I do love myself. Took me long enough.
"Thanks." I nod my head at him. "Um, this is Ty, Ty, this is Connor." Ty gives Connor a
deadly look.
"I'm her brother." Connor extends his hand.
"Oh, I know all about you." I see Connor's fingers go white from the force of Tyler's grip.
Shaking his hand out, Connor turns to me. "Do you want me to bring your bags up to your room? It's your old one. You're in the spare at the end of the hall." Connor nods to Ty.
"No. We can handle it." I walk up the stairs, headed to my old room signaling for Tyler to follow.
My room is untouched. The same flower print comforter on the bed, same blue carpet, same green walls.
"Nice." Tyler tease, picking a stuffed bear off my bed.
"Shut up Tyler." I scoff. "Remind me why I even invited you."
He winks in reply. "Because you love me."
"Yeah yeah, so you tell me."
"Stop being frustrating and show me my room."
I shove him through the door and lead the way down the hall, laughing.