The Way Back Home

[blueeyess]

The Way Back Home


Childhood friend's Alex and Jaison are reunited after years apart when Alex returns to their hometown of Allyn, having inherited his childhood home. Without contact for so much time and with their friendship having been left on rocky terms, will the friends be able to reconcile? Or is there just too much tension in the air?
​

( a role play between myself and @JustAnotherFadeAway )

 

[blueeyess]

Jaison Daniels

​

In the cool morning air the waves clashed against the docks and danced across the sandy beaches below, Jaison stood alone at the cafe window with a hot cup of vanilla tea. Something about today felt different, he couldn't tell what it was exactly.. maybe he'd completed his morning routine in a different order, or set the cafe up differently that he usually did. There was something, something he could not put his finger on. He sipped his warm tea, sweetened by a single spoon of sugar. The vanilla essence was strong and filled his nostrils with a delightful smell.


Jaison turned from the views out of the cafe window and headed back to the counter, his eyes flicking to the clock, 7:30. Placing his tea on the table, he pulled a clipboard with a pad of paper attached to it from under the desk and went on with checking stock.

Harley Thompson

​

A yawn that could compete with a lion's roar escaped her lips as she leaned against the cold door of the taxi, Alex was late and Harley wasn't surprised. She glanced around the tiny airport of Allyn, likely the size of a store or cafe in the town center. It was barely used and had almost closed down several times, Harley couldn't believe it hadn't. There were very few people she knew that had flown anywhere that lived in Allyn, most drove.. or never left the general area. What a sad life, she thought. Never seeing another location in what might end up being sixty years. Harley knew for sure she'd never let that happen to herself.. she liked Allyn, it was pretty, but it was never going to be permanent. As soon as school was finished, she would be gone.





The doors of the arrivals opened and people started to flood through the doorway.

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson

​

Alex walked out of the airport, glad to finally be off the plane. He had never been a fan of flying or heights in general. He had spent the entire flight gripping his seat rest and trying to avoid looking out the window. He practically kissed the ground when they landed. As he walked out amongst the horde of people, he saw Harley waiting by a taxi and smiled. He walked towards her, unsure of whether she would be able to recognize him. He had done a lot to his appearance since he had left. He was now sporting two lip piercings, an array of tattoos, and he had recently dyed his hair a pastel blue color. He stopped in front of her, a grin plastered on his face. "So, did you miss me?" He asked, resting his luggage on the ground.

Amanda Daniels

​

Amanda stood outside the cafe, adjusting her backpack on her shoulders. She wanted to talk to her brother, see how he was holding up. His relationship had just ended, not to mention Alex was supposed to be coming back that day. She imagined it would be a lot for anyone to handle. She opened the front doors and stepped inside. She took a few seconds to look around. She always appreciated the clean, warm feel the cafe had to it, no matter how often she went there. She could smell the vanilla scent of tea, an indicator that her brother was there somewhere. She didn't see him, and instead of going to look for him, she yelled out, "Jaison! You here?" Then, with her arms crossed, she waited for him to show himself.

 

[blueeyess]

Harley Thompson


"What the hell happened to your hair?" were the words that escaped her lips first. Harley stood wide eyed at the change in her brother's appearance, he looked older of course.. but she hadn't expected the tattoos, piercings or blue hair. Though, she had to admit, he looked pretty cool. "I guess I like it.. and I guess this what happens when you don't use Skype" she laughed, pulling him into a hug. "I miss you a little" she lied, releasing him from a hug. Harley gave him the once over and looked back at the cab, "you ready to go home?".


Jaison Daniels


Hearing the front door of the cafe open and the sound of his sister's voice, Jasion wandered from the pantry and into the cafe. He smiled at her, thinking she had forgotten something or needed cash. "Morning. You forget something?" he asked, placing the clipboard onto the counter. The stylish cafe had a blue and silver colour scheme to replicate the ocean, or at least that was what Jaison hoped it did. Simple but modern furnishings with the odd rustic seaside ornament or piece of old fishing equipment dotted about as decoration. His eyes landed on the lighthouse on the table by the door.. Lane had bought it him a month ago, he loved it and hated it. For the same reason, it reminded him of Lane.

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


Alex laughed at his sister's reaction. He had been anticipating it but it still amused him that he was so shocked. "A little thing called hair dye," He said teasingly as he embraced her in a big bear hug. When he finally let go, he picked up his bag from the ground and adjusted the guitar case on his shoulder. He looked around him, feelings of nostalgia washing over him. He smiled serenely and nodded, looking back at Harley with shining eyes. "Yup. Take me home sister."





Amanda Daniels


Amanda shook her head and walked over to where Jaison was standing so she didn't have to keep yelling. "No, I didn't forget anything. I just wanted to see how you were holding up," She said sincerely. She never normally showed this much concern for her family, but when she did it was always 100% genuine. "I mean, with everything that happened with Lane and now Alex being back..." She trailed off, looking at Jasion to try and figure out what he was thinking.

 

[blueeyess]

Harley Thompson


Opening the car door, she bowed slightly, teasingly. "In you get milady" she smirked, leaving the door open. Harley paced around to the other side and climbed on in, "we better get a move on I can't be late for school... again" she laughed.


Jaison Daniels


Her words hit him like train, smashing his body into thousands of tiny pieces. The two names were like daggers stabbing into his heart and mind, memories flooded back to him and Jaison looked away from Amanda. "Alex is back today then? For sure?" he asked looking back at her. Jaison remembered how they had left everything, he remembered the hurt he felt.. the confusion. His mind moved to Lane and the hurt that he had left behind... yet still, he missed them.. both of them. "I'm fine, Amanda.. don't worry" he said picking up the clipboard, "we've got a busy day.. I really need to check the stock" he uttered, yet he did not move from the counter.

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


Alex laughed at Harley's comment. She really was a lot like him and he loved it. Though their parents, not so much. Still, they loved their kids, even if they could be a handful. He smiled and was about to respond when the taxi passed by Jaison's cafe. His breath got hitched in his throat and he couldn't speak. He swallowed the lump that had developed in his throat and looked away, trying to push his feelings down.





Amanda Daniels


Amanda sighed and placed her hand over Jaison's. "Hey," She said gently. "It's okay. You'll be okay," She tried smiling reassuringly at him. "Yeah, he's definitely back." She said, her eyes hardening. She had never quite forgiven Alex for abandoning her brother like he had. "I heard it from Harley first, but grandma confirmed it later." She hesitated before saying her next comment. As much as she hated to suggest it, she knew it would help her brother to get some closure. "Maybe you should meet up? Talk to him?" She said hesitantly, unsure of how he would react.

 

[blueeyess]

Harley Thompson


The cab ride was quiet, for the most part. Harley looked to Alex ready to start some conversation, intrigued by how his flight went and what made him want to come back to Allyn.. then him look away from the window, quickly. Harley gazed out of the back window at the building, Daniels Cafe. "He's still there you know" she started, "he never left.. after his grandfather got ill and--" she stopped, believing it best. "Enough about that, how was your flight?" she asked, attempting to change the subject.


Jaison Daniels


For a moment he struggled to speak and simply nodded, gazing away from Amanda as she continued. He listened as she spoke and looked back to her when she made a suggestion, Jaison was almost convinced but part of him held onto the pain.. the pain of being deserted. "No" he said, holding the clipboard to his chest and taking his hand away from Amanda's. "He made his choice.. let him dwell on it" Jaison said before looking at the clock, "you should go, Amanda.. you'll be late for school" without another word Jaison walked back to the pantry. Inside the small closest space he lent against the wall, his insides felt as though they had disintegrated, turning into dust that pressed against his bones and skin to try and be free. Part of him wanted to talk to Alex, to see him, after these years... but his mind reminded of the day Alex kissed him and the day he told him he was leaving. Then he thought back to his grandfather how ill he had been, how much he needed Alex, and he wasn't there. A rouge tear formed in his eye and he brushed it away, taking a pen from his apron, he pressed on. He had a job to do.

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


He swallowed again, trying to bury his desire to cry. "He wouldn't want to see me," Alex said, ignoring her question. "I was a jerk. I don't blame him." Alex had always felt guilty about the way he had ended things with Jaison. He didn't want it to end like it did, but with his temper, he did and said things that he had regretted. But he couldn't imagine facing Jaison after all he had done. He was ashamed of himself.





Amanda Daniels


Amanda frowned. She knew that Jaison was in pain because of all that had happened between the two. But she also knew when to stop pushing things. She nodded. "Alright. I'll talk to you later. Don't get too down okay?" She said with an encouraging smile. She turned and walked out of the cafe and towards her school, trying not to think too hard about her brother.





Lexi Darbis


Lexi woke up with a killer headache. "God, I knew I shouldn't have drank so much last night," She said, getting up slowly. She stumbled around to the kitchen downstairs and slammed down some aspirin. She waited a few minutes for it to kick in then started getting ready for work. She showered and changed into her uniform. She made sure she was ready before grabbing her keys and her purse and walking outside to her motorcycle. She had long since sold her car in favor of her bike. It was like her child and she cared about it with every fiber of her being. She hopped on and drove to the cafe. She was early, as usual. But she liked to be, to help Jaison out a bit before opening. She climbed off and pulled her helmet off, her hair billowing around her shoulders. She walked inside and greeted Jaison. "Hey," she called walking towards the back where the break room was located.

 

[blueeyess]

Harley Thompson


"You don't know that" she said, placing a hand on her brother's shoulder. Harley sighed softly, "I think you both said some things you regret, and I think it's time to clear the air" she continued, pausing and thinking. Harley removed her hand and looked out of the window, "if you think you said the worst of it.. be the bigger man, Alex, and make that step" she suggested. The taxi came to a stop outside their house and Harley climbed out moving to the driver's window to pay.


Jaison Daniels


The door slammed shut and Jaison through the clipboard across the room, running a hand through his hair. Part of him wanted to go to Alex's house, run him out of town.. another part of him wanted to hug him. Feel him close again, tell him he was sorry. Tears rolled down his cheeks and the door to the cafe opened once more, Lexi's voice ringing out after. Jaison rubbed his eyes dry and grabbed the clipboard from the floor, "morning Lexi" he said, cheerily, or at least as best he could. Checking his reflection in a silver tray he moved out into the cafe, "I'm glad you're here... I'm a bit behind this morning. Could you start putting out the breakfast menus and get the coffee machine turned on?" he asked, putting away the clipboard. Jaison moved to the kitchen, checking he had everything prepared for the morning... and partly avoiding Lexi.


Cynthia Daniels


The walk had been surprisingly quiet, but for a Friday morning she had suspected it would be. Not many people were rearing to go at the end of the week, Cynthia walked alone down the cobble streets, spotting a taxi up ahead. She made the connection briefly when she saw the house it was outside, Alex. Speeding up slightly she squinted to try and make him out but only spotted Harley.

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


Alex climbed out of the taxi, his sunglasses drawn down to hide his eyes. He grabbed his bag then rushed over to the window. He reached out his hand, offering the driver payment before Harley could. He grinned cheekily at Harley. "I'm not gonna let you pay for my taxi," he said, sticking his tongue out at her. He was trying to joke around, but her words were echoing in the back of his mind. He desperately wanted to contact Jaison, to talk to him to, hug him and be with him again. But he knew that probably would never happen.





Amanda Daniels


Amanda walked into the school and towards her locker. She hurriedly opened it up and stuffed her things inside, not wanting to be late for class. Unfortunately for her, the bell rang and her class was on the other side of the building. She rushed towards it, cursing herself for being so darn caring about her brother.


Lexi Darbis


"Will do chief," Lexi said, saluting Jaison and getting to work. She glanced up at him while she did. Something seemed slightly off, but she couldn't quite figure out what. She shook it off and decided to just focus on her work. She finished quickly and dusted her hands off, staring proudly at her work. Even though she was just a waitress, she took pride in everything she did.

 

[blueeyess]

Harley Thompson


Giving a light shrug, she chuckled. "Too right you're not" she smirked, gesturing with her thumb behind her. "Spare key is where it usually is.. if you can remember" she said, checking her phone, "and I'm late for school.. I'll catch you later big brother" she stuck her thumbs up and turned to leave. Harley came face to face with Cynthia, she swallowed, "hey Mrs C" she said glancing back at Alex.


Cynthia Daniels


"Shouldn't you be at school, Harley?" She asked simply, watching the girl nod and scuffed off down the road. Cynthia's eyes moved to Alex as she stepped onto the pavement and lingered, "no hug or kiss, Alex? My moving away helped you lose your manners" she said with a cheeky smile. Cynthia had never been angered by Alex leaving, people had to live heir lives and sometimes that meant moving away. The one thing she couldn't understand was how he simply cut off all contact, her mind wandered to Jaison, he deserved some happiness and Alex had brought him it once.. Cynthia hoped he would bring it again.


Jaison Daniels


Hurrying on with his work it was time to open up, Jaison moved to the door of the cafe and flickered the sign over. He let out a long quiet breath and turned, a smile plastered on his face.. it was sad how easy that had become, to hide, with all the pain he had felt over time he was use to hiding it when he needed to. Jaison looked over at Lexi, "ready for a busy day?" He asked, moving to stand behind the counter near the till.

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


Alex looked down in embarrassment when he saw Cynthia. They had gotten close during the times Alex spent with Jaison. She was always so kind, and now, seeing her after what had happened, he felt embarrassed. "Sorry," he mumbled. He gave her a quick hug then retreated, still not making eye contact. Seeing her again just reinforced the disappointment he had for himself. He also suddenly felt self conscious about his appearance. It was so drastic, it was so out of place in their small town.





Lexi Darbis


"Sure am chief," Lexi said, fondly using the nickname she had given Jaison when she first started working there. "When are the others gonna get here?" She asked, keeping her eye on the door in case a customer walked in.

 

[blueeyess]

Cynthia Thompson


The young man before her still held traits of that young boy she had known. Just like when he and Jaison would get in trouble, Alex fell silent and wouldn't look at her. Cynthia took the first step and cupped his cheeks in her hands, she kissed his cheek and smiled at him. "where's that cheeky little boy gone I use to know?" she asked, her thumbs making circles on his cheeks. "I know what you're thinking, Alex" she said before moving her hands from his cheeks, light tears found their way into her eyes and she took hold of one of his hands. "I don't blame you for leaving... Jaison was upset but I know there is no malice in his heart" Cynthia paused, "you know that right? You are as much a part of my family as Amanda and Jaison. You practically lived at my house half the time" she smiled thinking of the memories, Cynthia waited for the young man's answer. Her eyes flicked over his features, the boy she knew was still there, behind the cooky hair colour and tattoos.


Jaison Daniels


The smile that formed on his lips was genuine when Lexi used her nickname on him. "Gran's gone out for her usual walk, she should be back soon" he said glancing from Lexi to the door as it opened and Otto danced his way inside. The dark haired man made way up to the counter, "Jay Jay, good morning!" he announced with a cheeky wink before his eyes moved to Lexi.


"Lexi-nator! What's up girl?" he hollered with a cheesy smile. Jaison laughed softly, almost forgetting about this morning.


"What'll it be, Otto?" he asked.


Otto took a moment to pause, "the usual, champ" he said, lingering for a moment before taking his normal seat. Otto came in every day, ate breakfast at the counter and left to help on the fishing boat. He returned for lunch but went home for dinner.


"I'll get that made up" Jasion answered, heading into the kitchen. Otto had the same thing every morning, a sausage bap and coffee, no sugar. Jaison rarely charged Otto for the food, but usually he left a very giving tip.. which only left Cynthia mad at him. Gran saw him as family and family never paid.

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


Alex smiled at her words and the tears that he had been trying to push down spilled over just a bit. He hurriedly wiped them away and nodded quickly. "Thank you," He said, a genuine smile on his face. "I want to talk to him," He said referring to Jaison, and his smile fell. "To apologize. But...I don't think he wants to see. No, I know he doesn't want to see me," he said, looking down again. Despite what Cynthia said, he couldn't believe that Jaison wasn't mad at him. Alex hated himself for how he had left things. How could Jaison feel any different?





Lexi Darbis


"Don't call me that," Lexi said with a scowl. Though she gave people nicknames, she hated when anyone tried to give her one. She knew Otto wouldn't listen though. No matter how many times she told him, he continued to do it. After all the time of knowing him, she had gotten used to it. She even found it kind of endearing. But she would never admit that out loud. She rested her elbow on the counter, putting her head in the palm of her hand lazily.

 

[blueeyess]

Cynthia Daniels


Watching the young man she cared so much about break into tears caused an ache in her chest. "I'll talk to him" she said, giving Alex's hand a gentle squeeze, "I am sure he wants to see you.. even if it's to simply clear the air" Cynthia continued. Thinking for a moment she spoke again, "you don't know for sure.. how about you come to dinner, this evening. Bring Harley too, our families have been apart for too long" the older woman said with such heartache. It was time for the air to be cleared, even if the two families never sat for a meal together again after tonight.. things could get better. All they had to do was take the step.


Otto Jones


He grinned across at Lexi, "so, sexy Lexi, how's about a cuppa? No sugar, remember" he teased. Otto rested back in the chair glancing towards the kitchen door and back to Lexi, he almost spoke up until Jaison returned to the room. Otto fell silent and looked towards the window, spotting other people going about their morning.


Jaison Daniels


Returning to the cafe, he smiled at the other customers that entered and took seats. Jaison rubbed the knuckles of his opposite hand as he looked to Otto, he'd been his and Alex's friend for years. He had seen him everyday since Alex left, but today, knowing Alex was coming back.. that made seeing Otto different. Jaison could see the three of them in his mind, playing in the woods or by the sea, in Alex's room playing video games. They'd all been friends for years. Leaning against the counter his eyes moved to the pictures on the wall of his family, of Otto and him and Alex and Felicity at his eighteenth. Jaison shook the memories away and moved back into the kitchen, prepping Otto's bap, he served it and hurried on. He'd be fine.. he need to stay focused and he'd be fine.

 

[NothingNothing]

Alex Thompson


Cynthia's suggestion made Alex's heart stop. Dinner at their house? It would be just like old times. And Alex had missed those times. Whenever he was in his apartment, late night after work, strumming away on his guitar, he'd sometimes think about Jaison and his family, and all the good times they had together. "I'd love to but..." He drifted off. He didn't think Jaison would be too happy to see him again. And if Alex just casually showed up for dinner? Alex wasn't sure how Jaison would react but he was positive it wouldn't be good.





Lexi Darbis


Lexi rolled her eyes at Otto's comment but a sly grin was on her face. "Yeah yeah, comin right up," she said. She fixed Otto his coffee, setting it down in front of him, then she went to great the other customers. She took their orders, making pleasant conversation as she did. She stood at the table for a few more moments, laughing and joking around with the customers before turning to give their orders to Jaison in the kitchen and getting them their drinks. Despite Lexi's eccentric appearance, she really was a nice girl. Unless you get on her bad side. Then she gets scary.

 

[blueeyess]

Cynthia Daniels


"It's settled" she stated, in a matter of fact tone. "You and Harley are coming to dinner, be there for five. I'll make stew" she said, releasing Alex's hand. Cynthia smiled at him, simply looking him over one last time, as if he were her child who had returned from a year long trip. He was family to her, no matter what had happened, he was family. "Don't be late, sweet boy, you know I hate that" she took his hand once more and kissed his knuckles, before turning to leave.


Jaison Daniels


Preparing the rest of the customers meals, he kept busy. That was best for him, filling his mind with cooking mambo jumbo, ignoring what was happening. It was not a good coping mechanism or a smart thing to do, but Jaison knew he had to get through the day.. by whatever means necessary. The only thing certain to him now, was that the lighthouse by the door was going to go missing.. in the sea.

 

[NothingNothing]

(Should we time skip to dinner? Unless there was an event you wanted to do beforehand )

 

[blueeyess]

(If Alex's agrees and then we can, sure Very excited for this dinner. I don't know whether to have Cynthia tell him or not.. like beforehand you know? I think I can skip to dinner and just say that scene happened)

 

[NothingNothing]

(Sure There'd probably be more drama if she didn't tell him beforehand if that's the route we wanna go)

 

[blueeyess]

(She'd tell him but I will simply skip the scene where she tells him so its not just me talking to myself aha! I'm going to be going out in a bit so if we do start posts and we will have to continue tomorrow, unless you want to just wait and start tomorrow. Its up to you :] )

 

[NothingNothing]

(Nah, let's just wait until tomorrow but I'm glad we got everything figured out )

 

[blueeyess]

(Sounds good to me Have a nice day/evening, and we shall continue this tomorrow! Also means I can plan out a little what I want to happen, e.g. Jaison's reaction. I'm really stuck between two ideas haha, can I pm you and see what you think?)

 

[NothingNothing]

(You too! And sure thing, it's what I'm here for haha)