I sat in the back of my parents' Trailblazer. For the past few hours, all I had to entertain myself was to watch the passing scenery as we zoomed by, getting further from what we knew. The scenery had changed from the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri to the woodsy town of La Push, Washington. This was my dad's hometown but most of our family had either moved or have passed away. The only relative here now was my nineteen year old cousin Paul. We weren't here for a visit though.
The reason behind this journey was far more devious than just a holiday get together. No one in the car spoke about what was happening. I'm not sure if it was because no one knew what to say or trying to prolong the inevitable. Light music played from the radio, a stark contrast to the dim mood that hovered over the three of us like a dark cloud. We had discussed this several times in the past month and this was my parents' solution.
"We're here," my dad said solemnly, bringing the car to a stop. The house that stood before the car was small. The porch looked unstable and could use some work. It sat on the edge of a massive forest. No doubt full of dangerous animals but no dangerous than the real world problems my family was facing.
I climbed out of the car and felt the ground below my feet squish as I walked to trunk. The clouds covered the entire sky which means it has rained or it's going to rain. That could explain the squishing. My parents had told me of how La Push was one of, if not the most, rainiest places in the continental US. I didn't believe them but looking around now, there was no reason to doubt them further.
My mom placed her arm around my shoulder as my dad carried my suitcase to the front door. He lightly knocked and in a matter of minutes, a guy came to the door. "Paul, it's good to see you," my dad stated shaking Paul's hand. He smiled as his eyes ran over my parents before coming to stop on me.
I haven't seen my cousin in years. The last time I had seen him, he was nothing but a lanky kid. He had definitely changed. He had grown tall...very tall. Not to mention he was rather muscular. Paul stepped to the side and motioned for us to come in. "Uncle George, Aunt Lily, Danielle, I'm glad you made it," he said shutting the door after we had all filed in. My parents stopped just inside the door but my curiosity always got the better of me. Slowly, I drifted from the front door and examined my new surroundings.
The inside was bare. The first room I came upon was the living room. A couch that was noticeably old sat against the far wall. If I sat on it, there was a possibility that dust would float up. A recliner was placed in the corner. Against the opposite wall, a television was placed along with a movie collection full of action, horror, and violence. Typical guy. I had to give it to him though, it wasn't a bad house for a nineteen year old living on his own.
"Thank you Paul for what you're doing," I heard my mom say behind me. I doubt he knew the full extent of my situation. No one outside of my parents did. Oh, I'm sure my parents came up with a believable story but they didn't tell him everything. Every detail, the horrible reality...this he didn't know anything about. He just knew we were moving, I'd be staying with him, and that I needed a safe place to stay.
"Don't worry about it. I'll like having Dani here," he replied messing with my hair. I pushed his hand away and fixed what I could. I took my suitcase to the small room down the hall. The room that I'd be calling mine for a while. It was already established that it would be mine. I could tell as soon as I walked in that it wasn't previously a guest room. The left over weights that were piled in the bottom of the closet were evidence enough. I couldn't believe this was all happening. I wanted a normal life but it seems that was not in the cards for me. I just felt bad for dragging my family into this.
"Danielle," my dad called down the hallway. I set my suitcase next to the bed before heading back to where I left my parents and Paul. The time I had been dreading since we left Missouri was finally here. I walked sluggishly out to the car behind my parents and Paul.
"Well baby girl, we'll call you when we get to your aunt's house in Canada," my dad stated giving me a hug. He was trying to be brave and make light of the fact that we were going separate ways and wouldn't see each other for a long time. At least until certain things are resolved. I could feel my eyes starting to water as I hugged him. Then I went to my mom.
"Don't worry sweetie, we'll get this all sorted out. We won't be separated long. I promise," she exclaimed, crying herself. I held onto her tightly before bringing my dad in for a group hug. They tried to comfort me and make the situation better but they were making promises they couldn't keep. Who knows how long I will be here and they will be in Canada? Most teenagers would probably like the chance to live away from their parents. I even thought that at one point but actually living the experience was a whole other thing entirely.
"I love you both," I muttered through my tears. They both kissed me on the forehead and gave Paul a hug before climbing into the car. I waved to them both as they drove away. They didn't look back and I didn't want them to. It would only make it harder. I wiped the tears rolling down my face, trying unsuccessfully to compose myself.
Paul wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "It'll be alright Dani. You'll be safe here," he said giving my shoulder a comforting squeeze.
"Thanks Paul," I replied giving him a weak smile.
"Well I know something that'll get your mind off all this. My friends are having a bonfire down at the beach down the street later tonight. I'd like you to meet them," he declared turning himself and me to walk to the house.
"I don't know Paul," I said looking at the ground. I had arrived and kind of wanted time to relax and absorb what had become my new life. Listen to me. I sound like a depressed child. I suppose I had every right to be but this wasn't who I was. At one time, I was a lively seventeen year old. I had all the friends, everything I could ask for. Now, it was all gone.
"Oh come on, you'll have a blast," he stated excitedly and even tried the puppy dog face on me. I giggled at his attempt and just nodded. "Yes!" he exclaimed pushing me to my bedroom as he passed to go to his own across the hall. I closed the door behind me and sat on the bed. A new life, new friends, and not getting to see my parents...all thanks to Aaron.