NB: I don't own anything.

HPOV

l sighed as I threw my keys into the bowl by the door and couldn't help a small part of me hoping my mom would be there to usher me into the kitchen and ask about my day. But no, as I walked through to the living room I saw her passed out on the couch. I placed the throw from the back of the couch over her and picked up the empty bottles to put in the recycling. She wasn't always like this, I remember when her eyes would crinkle as she smiled at me whenever I came into the room. Ever since my dad left she became a shell of the person she used to be and eventually turned to alcohol to smother the deep sadness and low self esteem that his leaving caused.

I opened the fridge and thought about what I could make for dinner but remembered I hadn't had time to go grocery shopping after work yesterday. I scribbled a note onto a post-it and left it on the table by my mom.

Mom,

Gone to the grocery store to get a few things for dinner.

Hailey xx

I got in my truck and headed to the store, unsurprisingly it was raining. When I got there I parked as close as I could to the entrance but still got wet when I dashed into the store. I moved down the aisles at a slow pace picking up ingredients for the meals I intended to make this week and budgeted for. With my mom not working any more money was tight but I could make a little go a long way. However, this left only a small amount of my paychecks going into my college fund. This if anything is the main thing I resent my mother for taking away from me. I am 17 now and nearing the end of High School and without a scholarship there is no way the money I am saving will allow me to go to college any time soon. I recently applied for a second job at the local La Push Diner and am waiting to hear back from . An announcement over the PA brought me out of my thoughts, so I picked up some lettuce and headed for the checkout.

"Hi Hailey, did you get everything you need?" I heard and looked up to see it was Mrs Atera checking me out.

"Yes, thanks Mrs Atera," I responded. She continued to chatter as I bagged up my shopping.

"Well you have a good night, say hi to your mother," she said as I paid.

"Will do," I muttered.

As I pulled up in the driveway I noticed the lights were all off, my mom had obviously gone out. I put the groceries away and put two chicken breasts on the grill for dinner. I sighed, looks like another night spent alone and got out the school work I had left to do. I plated up the chicken breasts along with some salad and potatoes. I left my moms food in the oven and salad in the fridge for her when she gets in. Just as I went to take a bite I was interrupted by the shrill ring of the house phone.

"Hello," I answered.

"Yes hi, is this Hailey speaking?. It's Sue Clearwater from the Diner."

"It is . It's nice to hear from you," I responded. I held my breath, I really needed this job.

"Well I just wanted to congratulate you on getting the job. When can you start?" I released my breath in relief.

"I can start tomorrow if that is alright with you of course."

"Sounds perfect, see you then."

"Thanks again ."

"Your welcome dear, bye now"

"Bye." I went back to my dinner with a rare smile on my face.

I groaned as my alarm clock starting blaring. I slammed the snooze bar with maybe a bit too much vigor as I saw a bit of plastic fly off. Shit, seriously Hailey again. That's the third alarm clock I have broken. I got dressed and shuffled to the kitchen in serious need of a cup of joe. I sipped my coffee feeling slightly more awake and popped my head into my mom's door.

"I'm going to work at my new job mom."

"Okay." That's all the response I'm going to get, so I picked up my bag and poured myself a to go cup of coffee and headed for the Diner.

As I walked in I saw Mrs Clearwater behind the counter and she waved at me.

"Hi Hailey, I've got your apron right here if you don't mind putting it on. My son Seth is going to show you around. I hope that's okay, I have a tribal meeting I have got to shoot off to but I should see you before closing."

"That's fine ," I smiled.

"Please, call me Sue."

I put on the apron and headed over to where she said Seth would be.

"Hey, you must be Hailey. I'm Seth," he said. He was a sweet kid, with a smiley and warm nature. I could tell we would get along even if he did most of the talking. He showed me the ins and outs of the diner and the system they used for orders. It was ten minutes til opening and he told me I was ready but if I needed anything to holler.

The morning went by in a blur of orders, drink filling, cleaning up tables and idle small talk with customers. I heard the bell over the door ring as more people came in for lunch.

"Would you take that table please I just have to sign for this order." Seth called out.

I went over to Seth's section and headed to the table which was filled with the largest boys/men I have ever seen. They were all not wearing shirts and had huge muscles. This must be the so called La Push gang that circulated the rumour mill at school. I reached their table and pulled out my notepad ready to take their order.

"Hi I'm Hailey, can I take your order?" I asked as I looked up and got lost in a pair of deep brown orbs that made the numbing pressure on my chest I've felt for the last years and loneliness melt away. I could just imagine being wrapped up in those strong arms and ...