Erica isn't exactly surprised when Juliet doesn't show up to homeroom. It figures the one person who was nice to her isn't coming back.

It's Matt who asks the question.

"Hey, you know Juliet, right?"

"We met yesterday. She seems pretty cool. Why?"

"Well, she's not here."

"She used to be homeschooled. I think her family is just over-protective. I'm sure she'll be back."

"You're probably right."

He tries not to think about it. He would call her...but he doesn't want to seem desperate. He can wait.

Lunch proceeds as normal.

Boyd sits alone.

About an hour after school lets out, there's a knock on the Salvatores' door. Again.

It takes a bit longer than usual, but the door opens.

"Hello. Is this the home of Juliet Salvatore?"

"...who are you?"

"Lydia Martin. I'm a freshman this year too. I'm in some of her classes, and I know a few of her other classmates. The teachers want to make sure she gets notes that she missed. If you ask me, some of them are useless, but I've highlighted everything that's actually important. Is she here?"

Zach stares at her for maybe a little longer than what is comfortable. "She's grounded and you can't see her. If you leave the notes with me, I'll make sure she gets them."

"Alright. I- what for, may I ask," she says, as if she doesn't care if she may or may not ask.

"That's a family matter. Now, I have a lot of work to do, so I'm going have to ask you to leave now." Beat. "Thank you, I'll tell her you came by."

"Of course. Have a nice day."

She stares at him for a few moments before leaving.

He shuts the door... looks down at the school work and then takes it all into his office, puting it all into a draw in his desk. He locks it.

And then sits in his chair and pours himself a drink.

The call to Juliet's cell phone comes later that night.

Juliet is laying on the dusty ground in her cell when her phone rings. She nearly drops it on her face in surprise, busy as she was taking pictures of the shadows on the ceiling.

The phone rings loudly.... Which echoes throughout the large house. She quickly answers it, hoping her dad didn't hear. 

"Hello?" She whispers.

"Juliet? It's Matt. I guess you know that, it's my voice and my number. Are you okay?"

She sits up suddenly, smiling. "Matt, yes, sorry. I didn't see it on the screen, had to answer it quickly..." She pauses and starts whispering again, "Ah, yeah, I'm- it's fine... did something happen?"

"Just wanted to make sure you were okay. We missed you at school today. One day in and you're already playing hooky?"

Juliet laughs quietly, "Um, no. I- me and my dad got into a fight," She pauses, and listens- but doesn't hear anything, so she continues, "He wants to pull me out of school. So."

"Oh?"

"I screwed up. And he's protective. He just wants me to be safe... but I'm hoping he'll change his mind. I mean, he can't keep me-  home forever." She pauses. "Did you really miss me?"