"Tyler, no, I can't do this." I said. He grabbed my hand and pulled me gently out of the car.

"Yes you can." Was all he said. He started walking up the sidewalk with me in tow.

"She doesn't even think I'm alive. She won't recognize me." I sputtered nervously. "We can leave. No harm, no foul, am I right?"

We were at the door now. He still had a grip of my hand. "I believe in you." He placed a kiss on my forehead. "I'll be right here with you. Now, are you ready."

I was shaking a little. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose."

I took a few deep breaths as he knocked on the door. I was about to say they probably weren't home when a woman opened the door, her gaze on Tyler.

"Hello?" She should be in her mid-forties, but she didn't look much more than her late thirties. Her hair was in a bob, just like it was when I left. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, ma'am." Tyler smiled at her. "Is this the Foster residence."

"Yes, are you selling something?" She picked up something from behind the door and brought it up to her face. A mug. She took a sip and I read what it said. World's Best Mom. There was a chip in it, making it seem like the one I bought her for Mother's Day when I was ten.

"No, but, I am here with someone who you know." He gestured over to me. It seemed like this was the first time she noticed my existence.

She seemed confused. "Who are you?" Her eyes narrowed.

I took a deep breath in, trying to calm my nerves. "I-I'm Pip. Your daughter."

Her eyes lit up in recognition. "Pip!" She exclaimed excitedly. "We thought you were dead! Come in, come in." She ushered us inside. "Stay here, I'll get the rest."

I was squeezing Tyler's hand while she was gone. We were sitting on the couch in the living room.

"I don't know, Tyler. I can't face them." I whispered.

He brought my hand to his lips and gently pressed them against it. "You can." He let my hand slump down, but was using his thumb to trace circles on the back.

Footsteps bounding down the stairs caught my attention. There was slight hesitation before a pair of feet shuffled quickly over to me.

"Pip!" He gave me a hug.

"Hey, Jake." I patted my little brother's back with my one free hand. He pulled away. "How's school?"

"Straight A's sista!" He laughed. "I'm a senior this year."

"Already?" I stared at him. He nodded.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see my father, his eyes crinkled as he smiled. "Hi, Pumpkin."

"Dad," I whined like a little kid. "I'm twenty-three. There's no need to call me that."

He floofed my hair. "You'll always be a little girl to me."

"Oh, we were just about to have lunch. Will you be joining us?" My mom set her mug down.

"I wouldn't want to intrude." She shook her hand in response.

"Nonsense, we always make extra."

I nodded. "Okay. I'll just take Tyler on a little tour, is that okay?"

"I don't see why not." She shrugged.

"Is my room still here?"

"Go see for yourself." She smiled at me.

I quickly made my way around to the stairs with Tyler in tow. I would occasionally point out rooms I deemed important, like the restroom.

I walked up the stairs to the end of the hallway, meeting a door that had a The Beatles sign on it.

I took a deep breath before opening the door. It was just like I left it. Band posters on the wall, mainly The Beatles, which was embarrassing. The bed was made and there was a stuffed rabbit on top.

I took my hand out of Tyler's and walked over towards it. I picked it up gently, as if it were a fragile piece of glass and not a thread-bare stuffed animal.

I put it down and walked over the the bookshelves that were lining a wall.

I expected a thick layer of dust over everything, but it was all clean. Why was she still worried about this?

A meow snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned around and saw a black and white cat looking at me. She had some grey in her fur, but I still recognized her.

"Maggie!" I bent down and outstretched my hand. Instead of sniffing it, she instantly pushed her head against my knee. "She still remembers me?" I was amazed.

Tyler bent down and started petting her as well. We stayed like that for a few moments before we heard a voice call us down for lunch.

Tyler got up and outstretched his hand. I pat my shoulder, and in an instant, Maggie bounded up on it.

I got up slowly, even though I knew it wouldn't startle her, and took Tyler's hand.

We bounded down the steps to the dining room. We were greeted with smiling faces.

____

I decided Pip should have some happy moments.

Her fam is cute.

I decided I will update this every other day until I have enough stockpiled to update everyday again.

I've just been busy with school, but once exams are finished, you bet your bottom Ima be writing a lot. Hopefully on other books as well.

Well, thank you for reading this far! Just thought I'd let you guys know about this new schedule.

~ J