Disclaimer: All Twilight things belong to Stephanie Meyer.
I can't believe that I was almost finished with my undergraduate studies. I have spent the past two months traveling along the west coast studying the Pacific Northwest Native American cultures. It has been the best experience of my life, visiting, so far, four tribes and learning about their culture. Of course, it wasn't exactly an easy trip either.
My boyfriend of two years was finding my absence very difficult to accept, he wasn't very supportive. Almost daily he made me feel guilty for leaving him at home. He thought my trip could be a vacation for us; but that was impossible since he had to work and I had to focus on my studies. I did my best to make him still feel loved and wanted, even though we were thousands of miles apart. However, he never seemed to accept what I had to say. I found it very unfair that he couldn't be supportive of my studies, the basis of my career, when he expected me to support his crazy firefighting schedule; even on his off days he still volunteered and would always leave.
On top of dealing with my non-supporting boyfriend, I had family drama to deal with as well. I swear, everyone seemed to think that I could solve their problems while I was on the other side of the country. Unfortunately, things ended with me being disowned and blocked by all my immediate family members.
Oh well, no use in dwelling on the negative. I need to enjoy this, it's the last tribe I'll be visiting, I thought sadly. However, my sadness was soon swept away as I crossed the La Push border.
Soon, I parked in front of cottage. Billy Black, the Tribal Chief, was kind enough to allow me to stay on the reservation. It was gorgeous. The house's exterior was made of sand colored stone with wood framed windows and a black front door.
"Hello there." I looked over to see a man, in a wheelchair, sitting on the front porch. His eyes were kind and twinkling. "I'm Billy Black."
"Oh, Mr. Black, it is so nice to meet you." I said as I stepped onto the porch and shook his hand.
"Please, call me Billy. My son and I just wanted to stop by, give you the key, and make sure you were able to get settled in okay." He stated as he handed me the key to the house.
"Oh, thank you. I really appreciate the offer but I've been traveling light during my studies." I said as I unlocked the front door and held it open for Billy to wheel in.
"I figured as much, but I also know that traveling a lot can be quite exhausting, which why my son will be bringing in all of your bags." Billy stopped and looked around, which allowed me a polite chance to look around the room as well.
The cottage seemed to be of a large enough size to house a small family and entertain comfortably. The entire common areas are painted a light gray. The dining area has a natural wood table that could sit at least six and a large glass door that led to the backyard patio. The kitchen consisted of a dark blue island and black cabinets with white countertops, a farmhouse sink, and a silver backsplash. The living area has a dark gray loveseat, recliner, and a large couch with a seemingly larger man lying on it.
"JACOB!" Billy shouted. "Sorry." He added as I jumped at his loud exclamation. The man on the couch lurched awake and jumped up.
"Is she here?" He groggily asked. Billy nodded as Jacob looked me over. "Um, if you'll just give me your keys, I'll get your bags."
"Really, this isn't necessary, I can get my own bags." I stated as I look Jacob over. He was quite tall, at least six feet, cropped black hair, brown eyes, and tan skin that covered very large muscles. He only wore a pair of denim shorts, which allowed me an unobstructed view of his very toned torso. I could feel a blush rising to my cheeks as I noticed that I was openly staring at him with Billy watching me.
Jacob shrugged. "Consider it a learning opportunity then, a chance to study the chivalrous young men of the Quileute trib."
"Alight." I stated as I handed him my keys. "This house is so beautiful."
"It belongs to one of Jacob's friends, you'll be meeting him, and the rest of his friends, tonight."
"Mr. Black, I can't use someone's house!" I exclaim. Could this get anymore awkward, I thought. I couldn't just take someone else's house for a month. I was planning to stay here until I finish my capstone project. The poor guy must be so upset.
"Sure, you can. He doesn't mind. Plus, I figured you'd be more comfortable staying by yourself instead of bunking with someone. And call me Billy."
"Alright, I got all of your bags. I'll just put them in the bedroom." Jacob muttered as he struggled to get through the door with all my bags.
"So, tonight, Jacob will come pick you up at six and will take you to Sam's house. I figured the sooner we tell you about our culture, the sooner you can finish your paper, the sooner you can enjoy your stay here." Billy stated with a shrug. "Everyone is very excited to meet you.
"Well I laid all of your bags on your bed." Jacob said as he crossed the living area in three strides. "Dad, I need to get you home, I have to get to work."
"Of course, of course. We'll see you tonight Adaline." Billy stated with a knowing smile. Jacob and I wave at each other as he rolls his dad out of the house.
After I shut the door behind them, I walk to the master bedroom where Jacob deposited my bags. The spacious bedroom contained light hardwood floors, dark gray walls with white trim, and a glass door that also led to the back patio. The bed is covered in forest green bedding and looked very inviting. I sighed as I forced myself to unpack instead of pushing my bags to the floor for a nap.
Maybe Billy had a point; I should get my paper done early so that I can enjoy myself. I've been traveling so much the past couple of months and I think it was finally catching up to me. The faster I unpack, the faster I'll be able to relax, I thought. I grabbed the bag that contained my toiletries and walked into the master bath. A Jacuzzi tub, stand up shower, and a double sink met my gaze. I'm going to enjoy my stay here.