Hey you fellow SAB fans! Originally I had penned a few chapters to what I wanted to be my first story here (an Emmett/Daphne tale but NOT a pairing) but those files cannot be accessed at the moment so until I recover them, I've begun writing an entirely new story. This one revolves around Bay, circa two years after meeting Angelo in the summer finale of season 1. This first chapter may seem confusing or leave you with questions but rest assured, they will be answered along the way. I intended for this idea to be made into a oneshot but hey, I'm feeling ambitious.

Please read, review and hopefully enjoy. Maybe I'm worth the following for future stories. I'm a bit rusty so bear with me. Your comments, criticism (as long as it's helpful) and thoughts are always welcome.

Disclaimer: If you haven't understood by now after that bit of rambling, I wrote the following story but do not own the characters or show from which they came. I'm just passing time and hopefully drawing in some readers.

I'll always remember the day my life changed forever. I used to refer to it as 'turning upside down' but eh, it wasn't always bad. And plus, I met some really incredible people because of the switch. Only one stands out in particular. Those eyes…

I couldn't help but shake my head. I never intend on reminicesing but the thoughts just creep their way in, not little by little either. I'm not sure if I'd like the memories to bleed together slowly or continue rushing through my mind like wildfire. The latter always seems to give me migraines but if it were to occur slowly, it'd probably be even more upsetting to think about.
The sleepless nights were beginning to alter my moods. I was crankier at work, less understanding with friends. I'd rather pick a fight than try to explain what was consuming my thoughts. Home. Home, back where I grew up with two loving parents and a brother. Marseille, my new 'home' is gorgeous. I've spent the majority of the last two years primarily in France; it was nice moving out of Paris where I went to meet relatives, it was also where I was located with my father, Angelo. I remembered when we met- Buckner's art show.
He stood there, tall and dark; he had a charming appeal to him. The way he eyed my red and black guitar pick, that's when I knew. The dark and charming man standing before me was my father, my biological father. But…. That was long ago.

Everyday my mind takes me back to Mission Hills. "Are they alright?" I question myself. "Do they think about me?" I didn't keep much contact with either of my parents when I left for Europe two years ago but Toby and I talked whenever we found the time. Toby had really grown up over time, I was so incredibly proud of the man he had become. As if juggling jobs, making time for his studies and being in college wasn't enough, he was taking his indie-rock band Guitar Face to new heights. He managed to get them studio time, all the gear they could ever need and most recently a traveling bus! I hadn't been inside it yet but I've seen it from afar. Toby and I kept in contact but that didn't mean he had to know every time I saw his band play. The current single "Sunshine" might have been old to me but since Toby, Wikie and Emmett had recorded it in a professional studio and a labeled picked it up, it was getting a lot of radio play in France. It was almost insane listening to my brother, screaming like a fan girl when I heard it being requested on station after station.

"Hey big brother… Just checking in." I couldn't resist texting Toby tonight. I almost wished he'd text back, it'd be nice to converse with someone that… I thought it'd be nice to have a text session and then call him. It'd be nice to hear a comforting voice but in case Kathryn or John was around, I'd rather avoid calling first.
It wasn't that I was avoiding them, it was that there was simply nothing left to say. Everything had already been said. The fights, the coldness… Then the distance and loss of communication altogether.

My thoughts dispersed as an incoming text came through my phone. I smiled seeing that Toby replied this quickly. "Hi Bay. Miss U. We need 2 catch up!"
He was right. I knew deep down, I missed my brother. I missed the place I called home for my whole life. I knew my parents would welcome me with open arms, that much hadn't changed. But our relationship was sour. After all, they now have the daughter they'd always wanted. Granted they hadn't planned on a deaf one, she was everything they wished for. She was so smart that it was almost creepy she and my brother have the same bloodline. She played sports, in fact, she was one of the best basketball players on her old high school team at Carlton. Oh, let's not forget she's completely beautiful, too. The Kennishs' all had pale skin, thin, light red/tangerine hair and very slimming figures. While I, on the other hand, had this white alabaster skin, thick, dark brown curls and curves. It all made sense when I learned that my biological parents, Regina and Angelo, were of a much different background than John and Kathryn.

I couldn't wait until morning to book my flight. I felt like I'd change my mind if I waited that long. That's it, all set and confirmed. In two days, I will be back in Mission Hills catching up with my family, for lack of a better word.

The entire next day raced by. I managed to weasel some time off work because luckily my boss was a fine, fine lady. I explained what was going on to my friends and apologized for any rude or odd behavior I've exhibited recently. They really are fantastic people and I'm quite lucky to have become so close with such an understanding, supportive group of friends. Most of them befriended me before I was even fluent in their language, that's how amazing they are! Why does that seem so familiar…? "Ah, that's right," I scrunched my face. "Those eyes." I scolded myself for envisioning those gorgeous eyes for the millionth time but I couldn't help but think of him when I my family and my past enter my mind. Those bright blue eyes, wide with compassion and wonder, he always went above and beyond just to see me smile. He was such a huge part of me back then. Sure, our relationship wasn't a rock-around-the-clock, long-term thing but that doesn't mean the feelings weren't there. He brought out so many things that I suppressed, good things. I was happier… But that was long ago. Shaking the thoughts from my mind, I focused on packing a few suitcases and important documents I needed for the flight. All that was left was… Tell my parents to expect me home soon. I fought with the phone for what seemed like hours until my fingers mussed up the courage to dial the number.

*RING RING RING* "Hello?"
Clearly she didn't look at the caller ID, I assumed.

"Hey," I paused ever so slightly "Mom, listen, I have some news."

"Bay, this is a surprise!" she exclaimed. I had hoped that was excitement in her voice. "We never hear from you. How are you?"

"I know. I'm sorry about that. But hey, how about we catch up… In person?"

I heard a small choke from her line. "How? When? Are you planning a trip?"

"Yes, actually. I was hoping, if it was alright with you, I could visit for a little while."
She gave me her approval and said it wouldn't be a problem. I laughed politely, letting her know of my relief since I had already booked a flight.

"You know Bay, honey, you are always, always welcome home! I love you."

I'm glad the call went well yet despite her warm greeting, I knew things weren't fixed and they wouldn't be okay for a long time. I'm not entirely sure I believed her last statement either but I'll take it. It's just nice to hear sometimes. In just a few short hours of sleeping, I'll be deporting from the Nice airport to see them.
"Sleep" I scolded. "Even if something bad happens, at least I won't have hideous bags underneath my eyes." My eyes didn't really want to listen to my brain so I downed a few shots of this apple cognac and hoped they'd get the message.