Hi Everyone! This is my first story, so I would really appreciate some reviews and advice. Otherwise, enjoy!
After my uncle died, I figured things couldn't get any worse. I should've known not to jinx myself. A month after Henry Larcen's, my uncle's funeral, I found myself staring at the ugly boxes that signified the end of my time here on the sunny Golden Coast which was my home of sixteen years. Even worse than leaving my own personal heaven on earth was the fact that I would be leaving for Forks, Washington.
Forks was known for its depressing weather forecast: rain, grey skies, the whole nine yards. I knew that within a few weeks I would lose my natural California tan and I would probably resemble a drowned rat. I don't even think I own a raincoat! I felt even worse for the horses. My family trains and sells horses, and I'm sure they will not appreciate the extreme change in weather and location. Especially my own horse, Jazz, a temperamental bay whose attitude would surely sour with the new weather.I could see his beautiful dark copper coat from my bedroom and sighed affectionately at the thought of his unruly behavior.
Staring at him for a few moments longer, I lost to the temptation to take him for one last ride on the vineyard. Technically, the vineyard was not ours. My uncle and his family owned it while my family owned the adjacent property, which was home to our training business. It was a win win for both of our families. We got unlimited access to beautiful trails and of course the wine cellar while my younger cousins were granted daily visits and lessons with our horses. Plus it meant that both families grew very close, which was my heart tore up at the thought of my fun and loving uncle riding with me and teasing about the manure in his vineyard. Once I got to the vineyard, all of my grief was momentarily replaced by the stunning beauty in front of me. The vineyard overlooked a small lake, and was neatly fenced in by one of the rare parcels of forest in Temecula. How come all of this good fortune had to slip away? My father claims that the move would help the business and myself exponentially. Apparently there are a lot of horses in Washington and one new client had specifically reached out to my dad for help. Also, there is a famous English discipline trainer who was going to manage the showing career I was born into. As much as my father claimed it was all about the business, it didn't take an ace detective to know his true intentions. Forks was his childhood home, and it held precious memories of my uncle before the accident. It was his attempt to go back in time. Dad also has many good friends he still kept in touch with there, and I know that this move will be therapeutic for him. I promised all of my friends and cousins I was leaving behind that we would visit, and that he just needed some time. Internally I promised myself that it was only for two years and that I would apply for the University of California the second I could. That was what helped me come to terms with the move. I'll be back soon California.
When I got back to the house all of the packing was done and all that was left was to load the horses. We were taking seven trailers full of horses with us to accommodate our 41 horses. Mom, Dad, my three older brothers, our two stable hands, and I planned on taking one trailer each while my thirteen year old brother got shotgun next to me. Thinking about the six restless horses and my hyperactive kid brother I would have to drive for over 1,300 miles made me feel a little sick, and when my older brother Charlie caught my expression he laughed at my bad luck. So much for brotherly love.
I just sighed at his mockery and tried to slump around in an over dramatic way that earned more laughs, well, except from my mother. "Natalie!" my mom yelled "Stop your sulking, you're bothering the horses!"
As if I bothered anyone. I'm an angel. My other brother Adam, Charlie's twin, seemed to read my thoughts and choked down a chuckle. I returned the gesture with a conspiring smile.
After what seemed like forever, we were finally ready to leave our home. I tried not to think about it too much as we pulled out of our driveway and past the familiar ranches. Instead I focused on the next era of my life, my new home in Forks. Ah Forks, the place where it rains more than sun shines. It will never compare to our colorful California. and maybe when my dad realizes how boring life will most certainly be there, he'll take us back home. The thought made me drive a little faster. Only 1,299 miles to go.
