Chapter One
Coming Home
"I'm coming home
I'm coming home
Tell the world I'm coming home
Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday"
As soon as my plane lands in California, something tells me to run away, and to never come back. But I can't. I sigh, running a hand through my tangled brown hair. I owe this to my parents, who have been begging for a visit since the day I arrived in New York for Julliard.
They greet me with a big sign, welcome back Paige is written in big, bubble letters on the front. An uncontrollable smile creeps onto my face, despite my dread, this uplifts me slightly. I walk as fast as I can towards them with a cello on my back.
"My baby girl." My dad's face splits into a grin. "Get that hunk of an instrument off your back and give me hug." A rare giggle slips out of me, and I happily oblige.
"Hi Dad." I mumble into the soft cotton of his plaid shirt. I pull away. "Mom." I smile, embracing her as well. The familiar smell of her over powering perfume comforts me.
"God, you've changed." She comments as I step away. She reaches out a hand to touch my shoulder length hair. "This new. I like it… Who are you trying to impress missy?" She raises her brow.
"No one Mom. I swear." I hold my hands up in surrender. I see my dad's eyes narrow slightly.
"You're not going to see that boy, I hope?' He growls protectively. My mother's kohl-lined eyes narrow slightly.
"Of course not Dad. Don't worry." I playfully roll my eyes, pretending like that boy hadn't been on my mind the whole flight.
"Good." He grunts, satisfied. He then proceeds to pack my bags and my cello into the car. My mom, however, continues to scrutinize me.
"What mom?" I sigh, exasperated. My mom and I were known to butt heads quite a bit.
"Nothing." She shrugs, and gets in the car. I rub my forehead and get in with her. My dad fills the silence in the car by asking me questions about New York City. I answer every one in the most extensive detail I can to make him happy. I tell him about my favorite coffee shop, and the piece I'm currently working on. He nods and kindly pretends to understand as I talk about slurs and extensions.
The "Welcome to Beacon Hills" sign comes into view. I try to gulp casually, and don't dare look into the woods that stand on either side of the road. I plan to stay clear of them at all cost.
By the time we get home, night has fallen. I look up at the sky, only to see a full moon. I shiver. I'm the only one who understands its significance.
"You okay baby girl?" Dad lays a hand on my shoulder, my cello slung on his back.
"Yeah. I just… missed the stars." I try to lie smoothly. Luckily, he buys it, and ruffles my short hair before unlocking the door.
"Need help packing?" My mom offers, flicking on the lights.
"No. It's alright. I'll be down in a few." I smile and kiss her cheek. I clomp up the stairs, my beat up converse squeaking against the wood. I push open the first door on the left, and let my bags drop. My room is untouched. I'm amused to see old sheets of music still on my stand in the corner. I begin to unpack, neatly folding all my shirts and many pairs of beat up jeans. When I'm done, I tie my hair in a messy knot. I find myself drifting to my bay window, and once again, the full moon catches my eye. I shiver, and close my window. For good.
After a quick shower, I bid my parents goodnight and fall onto my bed. My eyes drift shut, and I'm brought to another place, another time…
"I knew."
"What do you mean?" He asks quietly.
"Right after I told you my name I think I knew. I've seen things in this town before, things no one could really explain. And then there's the way you talk. How you say things like how'd you catch a scent. And I know you can hear things, things that no one else can hear." I whisper, fighting to keep my eyes open. "I knew."
He looks down at me in surprise, wiping dark blood from the corner of my mouth.
"And you still liked me?'
"I loved you." I cry out in pain, gripping his hand tightly
Suddenly, there are sirens.
"They're here. Oh, Paige, you're gonna be okay." He whispers. "You're gonna be okay. We're gonna be okay."
The last thing I see before I black out is the beautiful face of my love, Derek Hale.
I wake up with a gasp, covered in sweat. A cold breeze drifts through my room. The window. It's open. I get up to close it, and as I do, I swear I can hear the pained sound of a wolf howling.