"The Homecoming"

Phoebe POV:

"Phoebe. Phoebe Grey?"

"Yes..." I reply before looking up. Once I do, it takes me a minute to realize who is in front of me.

"Laurence?"

"Yes." Even though I am seeing him with my own eyes, I almost don't believe it. He looks different, obviously more grown up... it has been six years since I last saw him. In all that time I never even heard from him...not once. The one person I never thought I would see again is standing right in front of me. I don't know if I should pinch myself to determine if I am dreaming or pinch him to see if he is really there. Once and a while, I would Google his name but never found anything. My parents forbade us kids from using social media until we completed high school, and even then there were such tight restrictions that it just isn't worth it. Besides I much prefer to just talk to my friends on the phone or see them in person. Therefore for the past six years, it has been a complete six year blackout...until now.

"Hi," I utter. I don't know what else to say.

"After so many years is that all I get? Hi?"

"Hello?" I close my eyes, embarrassed by my lack of syntax.

"Okay… Hello, Phoebe…. You know, considering I was your first kiss, and you were mine, and we haven't seen each other in six year, I would have hoped for at least a hello hug."

I stand and intend to hug him briefly, but it our embrace lasts longer. My hands feel the shape of his back. Gosh, he is muscular. Not as much as the Grey security or my brother Ted, but he is definitely shapely.

"Wait here. Don't move." He orders the second after he has released me, and proceeds he goes to the counter to get his coffee order. His presence doesn't go unnoticed by security. I signal to Armando, with two fingers. This is a code that Ted and I use. Two fingers signify that we are alright and no intervention is needed; three fingers means that security needs to be on alert, and four fingers mean immediate intervention needed. It's a simple system but allows us to maintain normal social interactions while satisfying my father's safety issues. Regardless, I know that security will keep a closer eye on me now.

"May I sit down?"

"Yes, of course." I gesture to the spare chair in front of me.

"Three words, that's an improvement. Let's see if I can get you to form a sentence next." My head starts to spin. There's a strange level of confidence in Laurence. He has always been so, but it is different now. It's almost hypnotic; though I am aware he has practically insulted me.

"Well, it's not every day that you see a boy from your past. One that you haven't heard from for years and thought you never would. A person you meet; find out he is being abused; tell your parents; spend the next few years wondering if that boy was alright and if you did the right thing in the end." I stop short telling him that he was the first boy that I really liked. It sounds stupid since I was only twelve, but it's the truth.

"I am not a boy anymore, and you're not a young girl either." Laurence looks into my eyes and then almost inspects my body from top to bottom and all the way back up. "You look like your mother."

"I get told that a lot lately" I smile. I love looking like my mother. My dad has always said that she is the most beautiful woman in the world, and being compared to her is a huge compliment.

"You look good. Florida must agree with you. Are you still living there?" I respond. Laurence's jawline is so much more defined and his hair is longer at the front, swept back in the front and short at the sides. Gosh, it is as if he is twice at tall, and well built. Nothing over the top, but he is strong. Girls at school use to say that he was the cutest guy in our grade and there has been no loss in this area.

"So are you on your own?" Laurence question's, looking around and avoiding my question. "No Taylor? …. What was the name of the guy that was assigned to you normally at school?"

"Hughes. He is still employed by my family, but he is based solely here in Seattle, so he is assigned to my youngest siblings. He is married now and has a child of his own, so he generally keeps business hours these days. I have a different CPO allocated to me, but he is on leave for Christmas."

"You're out by yourself then? Has your father chilled out over security?"

"No chance! It will be one of his dying wishes to ensure that security is permanently attached to me and my siblings! I just have a security guy, temporarily assigned to me, he the outside looking discreet as he watches us talk."

"Stalker-ish!"

"You didn't seem to mind when you were twelve" I hiss, offended. I have developed so much respect for our family's security team that I take someone offending them, as a personal insult. Laurence appears uneasy though I am not sure if it because of my response or my reference to him.

"Phoebe look I am sorry. I just came to get a coffee and then I saw you. I am not thinking straight... umm... You said Hughes is located here in Seattle, so does that mean you are not?" My head spins at the swiftness of the change in his temperament.

"I am in Connecticut. I am attending Yale." He nods smiling in acknowledgment. "What are you doing here in Seattle?"

"I guess I would have to say the same as you, home for Christmas."

"With your mother?"

"Something on those lines."

"You are not very forthcoming." Laurence doesn't respond nor does his expression change. Instead, he chooses to pick up my cell phone that I had placed on the table. I attempt to move it out of his way, but he is too quick.

"Unlock your phone" Laurence partially request, partially orders but I hesitate. "I am not going to take it or anything. Just put your unlock it. You can see exactly what I am doing. Beside one false move and I am likely to be tackled to the ground by Mr Goon-head outside."

"Alright," I state cautiously. I watch him opens up my contacts and adds his details to it.

"What are you doing either tonight or next few evenings?"

"My older brother is arriving home late tonight. My mother has mandated a compulsory immediate family dinner tomorrow, then on Saturday the whole Grey family is having a having a large dinner at my grandparents." I inform him. Ted originally was supposed to come home the same day as me, but one of his college friends has tickets to some concert, so my brother delayed his flight home for a day.

"So that means you are free tonight."

"I guess."

"You probably have a lot of questions to ask me, and I don't have the time right now. Besides if you just got back, your parents are probably going to want to monopolize you. If you want answers, to talk... catch up... then ring me. I can meet you for dinner. Just don't advertise that it is me that you are seeing, I don't need or want your family or anyone else's from my past to treat like that abused child. I am sick of that reception. You have my number." Laurence quickly stands, taking his takeaway coffee. He glances at me for a second. It's eerie as if he is looking directly through me. "Phoebe, just remember that you have my number, I don't have yours. It's up to you if you want to see me or not" I nod to acknowledge his statement, as just before he walk out the cafe door he turns to face me. "... also, I really hope you do..."

I am stunned into silence. A small irrational side of me considers the possibility I just hallucinated that whole scene, except there on the screen of my phone is Laurence's name and his number.

"Miss Grey... Phoebe?"

"Huh?" I hadn't realized that I had zoned out. My thoughts were a million miles away and I couldn't tell you what I was thinking about either.

"Are you alright Miss Grey?"

"Yes, sorry I was just thinking. We should head back to the sound." I announce.

"That is what I needed to tell you. Taylor just contacted me and said to tell you that you are wanted at home. There is a situation." A situation? Oh, I bet it's because Laurence is here and has seen me. My parents have made big strides in letting me have my own privacy, but it comes with conditions; security, using common sense and talking to them endlessly.

"What type of situation?"

"I am not at liberty to tell you. Sawyer is outside, to take you home."

"Is it that urgent that I can't just continue running back home?"

"Your presence is wanted at home. Immediately."

"Alright, sure" There is no point arguing. Armando is just doing his job. I really wish I had Taylor, Sawyer or my usual CPO with me. They would at least give me a clue. I sigh… even if my parents already know that I ran into Laurence then surely it shouldn't be a big deal.

On the short drive back to the sound my thoughts are fixed on him. Thousands of questions flood my mind and me there is only one way I can get answers. I pull out my phone and don't hesitate.

*Alright, dinner tonight. Where should I meet you?*

When a reply isn't automatic, I consider the fact what may be Laurence won't respond. Besides today, the last time I saw him was during a horrific time in his life. Maybe he will decide that he doesn't want to see me again. I look out the window mindlessly, trying not to think about anything until we drive up the long driveway of my parent's home. Entering the house, I find Lily sitting at the end of the steps, obviously waiting for me. She is going to be my shadow these holidays.

"Phoebe. You're home. Finally!" Lily exclaims running up to me. I pick her up and remember just how light Lily is. I don't think I blame our father right now for getting mad at her every dinner for not eating enough.

"I just went for a run this morning! Mommy and Daddy do it all the time!"

"You never use to go running before you let for college."

"I know, but when I was still living at home there was a fully equipped that was private. I took up running at college. Besides I haven't been out very long."

"You were gone for a long time for me. I got up and went into your room and I couldn't find you! I missed you!" She pouts. I hug her and realize that I should make an effort to come home one weekend a month. Okay I confess, she has me wrapped around her little finger also I miss my family.

"I got told there was an emergency. What's happening?"

"It's a surprise. I am not allowed to tell you. Come!" I put Lily down and she practically drags me along. The aroma of pancakes, bacon, eggs and sausage hit me even before I enter the casual dining room next to the kitchen that we always eat as a family. We have always preferred to eat here rather than the formal dining room when it has just been the immediate family. At first I am a little lost as to what the surprise is, until I see him, sitting next to mom and Josh. When he looks up and sees me, he grins.

"My gosh, it's been too long. Who would have thought four months away at college, and my little sister would actually start running. No, it can't be I must be a hallucinating. ...Are we still having dinner with grandma in a couple of days? I will have to have her check me out" Yep I may not have seen my brother in a while, but his same offbeat humor is still there.

"Hilarious" I reply sarcastically but then smirk. "You weren't due home until tonight. Did your date last night stand you up or let me guess you're here because of a girl that you need to dazzle with your offbeat charms." Ted smiles at me briefly, letting me know that I have just guessed the real reason for his earlier than planned presence.

"You have a date tonight? But you just got home! Seriously, Ted, I need some big brother time. Please, Ted, you don't know how many tea parties I have been forced to participate in when I am home alone with Lily." Josh stresses, having also seen through Ted's smirk!

"We will don't worry. My date isn't until seven, and I am home for until school goes back." Ted reassures Josh and then gets up to hug me. "Missed you little sis!".

"Missed you too." I collect a plate of pancakes, eggs and sausage and take a seat next to Lily and Josh. Damn I miss being with my family. It's amazing how easily we converse as if we were all still living at home. By the end of breakfast, our youngest siblings have already made us both promise to go swimming in the heated indoor swimming pool, and to several different outings and events, while we are home. My heart starts to beat swiftly when my cell phone beeps, quickly check it, careful not to let anyone else see. My parents have never let any of us have our phones at the table, but since breakfast is over it should be okay. I frown when it isn't Laurence, and place it down on the table.

"Let me help you clear up" I help my mother and Gail and commence to stack the plates, taking them into the kitchen.

"Hey Mom and Gail, do you think that if Dad and Ted sit there long enough, talking about projects, mergers and acquisitions, after awhile we won't be able to tell them apart?" I joke pointing to the scene in front of us. Dad has Ted's full attention over some development that Grey Enterprise, that he wants him to be part of this summer. Josh is hanging around them looking interested. I try not to laugh, each time I look at them. Ted not only looks like our dad but even sounds like him at this moment. If Josh isn't careful, they will have recruited him to work at Grey Enterprise.

"Two Christians Greys? Taylor would have a coronary" Gail jokes quietly.

"Two? Looks like it could be more like three!" My mother points out. The three of us all laugh out loud, which doesn't go unnoticed by the Grey men. Lily has ignored the whole scene, as she has now grabbed hold of my cell phone. She would love one, but the closest she is going to get to own a cell phone for the next several years is an old Fischer Price toy phone, that is lying around in the toy room. There is no way she can see access any application or information besides maybe the camera, as I have a password on my iPhone.

I collect the remaining dishes on the table and then start to stack the dishwasher. We are casually talking, that I fail to hear my cell phone beep.

"Phoebe! You got a text message. It says dinner at six. Meet me at the corner of Pike Place and Pine Street. Don't be late! But I can't read the name." Lily yells at the top of her lungs. Shit! I would rather tell my parents about this alone. Actually I would rather tell them tomorrow when I know more. I rush into the dining room at take the phone out of her hand. I actually need to change the settings on my phone so my text messages don't appear on the home screen.

"Do you mind?" I state sharply, snatching the phone out of Lily's hand.

"Lily Anastasia Grey, you know not to read other people's personal messages." Our mother scolds her though if it were our father he would have asked her to tell him how the name was spelt since she was unable to pronounce it.

"Going out for dinner tonight?" Dad questions.

"Yes," I reply though I know his simple question was seeking a more detailed answer.

"And?"

"And what Dad? I am meeting an old friend from school for dinner. That is all. Armando is coming with me so I will be more than safe. It's nothing different to Ted's plans tonight."

"Except, we know the name of the girl that Ted is seeing tonight. Who are you seeing?" My father probes.

"Jack Muller. " Okay so that is a blatant lie, but he was Laurence's best friend back at Weston Academy. Somehow in my mind this makes it less of a lie. I don't know why I don't just come out and say it, but there was something about what Laurence said to me earlier. I reason that if I end up seeing him again after tonight I will tell them the truth next time.

"Oh, I remember him." I look at Ted puzzled. "Jack transferred out of Weston Academy and enrolled in Seattle Boys Prep to play football for us. He wasn't coordinated, but he was tough and big. We had our training sessions together. Say hi to him for me." Shit he is right. Jack did leave a year after I started. It wasn't just because of football that he transferred out; it was also because he spent more time studying girls than his school work.

"Sure... okay...I will." Damn, of all the people to mention I was going to have dinner and I chose a guy that Ted knows.

# # # #

I quickly scan the menu and decide on the first thing that looks good. The last thing I am really interested in is food. I sit and watch Laurence as he studies his menu. If I was able to read his mind, I am sure I would find that he is assessing the pros and cons of one choice to next, in an almost mathematical way.

"Have you decided what you want?"

"Yes." I nod. Laurence calls the waitress over and while I order I can feel his eyes almost piercing into me. He doesn't even look away as he orders. Silence fills the small space between us for several moments until we both start to talk at the same time.

"You go." Laurence offers politeness pouring out of him.

"No, you go first. Sorry …. You go."

"You look perfect. You were beautiful this morning in your running gear, and now you look even better. I didn't think it would be possible, but it is. You're definitely not that pre-teen anymore!"

"Neither are you!" I reply. I take a deep breath and decide that I just need to bite the bullet. All these questions in my head are starting to hurt "L I have a lot of questions, and you don't even have to answer them…. I don't want to pry. It's just that…."

"Stop rambling! I get it. I knew having dinner with you tonight would be like this so I will answer every single question you have on two conditions. You answer some questions about you and then you agree to see me one more time."

"Aright."

"Good. First tell me about you. Did you stay at Weston Academy after I left?"

"Yes. I graduated from there."

"Good. I was worried that you would have left. Just before I left Seattle, you mentioned that you were considering going back to homeschooling?"

"I missed you at Weston Academy" I inform him.

"I doubt that. I know about at least five guys you dated while at school" Laurence glances at me and I feel as if he is accusing me of a crime.

"Yes, I did date. So what? Didn't you date while you were in Florida? And how do you even know? Who were or did you talk to because it certainly wasn't me..not once."

"Whatever... Anything else happened in your life?" I tilt my head to the side and consider his broad based question while try to regain my equilibrium.

"Like what? Boyfriends, college, hobbies?" Laurence looks annoyed at me, but I don't know what he wants to hear.

"How's your family? Still being the standard, billionaire American family like you once said?"

"Something like that. My family is great. I don't know if you recall, but my mother was pregnant when you left..." Laurence nods telling me he remembers. "... my mother had a girl, Lily Anastasia Grey. She is pretty and rather sweet. My brother Josh is still sharp, keeping everyone on their toes, and Ted is at Harvard. My parents are still CEO's of their companies."

Laurence's series of questions are brought to an end when the waitress returns with our meals. It gives us both a few minutes to breath.

"Any more questions?" I inquire.

"Yes, but they can wait. The night is young."

"Fine. Then it's my turn. What happened? What happened to you after you left, Seattle?"

"Maybe I had a perfect life with my grandparents... nothing happened to me at all" Laurence suggests, but before I realize it, I am shaking my head in disbelief.

"No, you are acting too strange. That would be a lie."

"So you want the whole story.. the uncensored, honest to goodness truth?"

"Yes," I reply though I don't know right now.

"First, tell me did your father ever mention me to you after I left?"

"A little, but only in the first month or so after you moved East, but that is all. Why?"

"Because... when I was fifteen...: Laurence stops talking and watches me. "Let me start at the beginning..."

A/N: thanks for reading. So I gave you a hint over what happened to Laurence in those six years... what do you think it was?