So here I was, awkwardly standing in the Port Angeles Airport as I awaited the arrival of my new family. Where I used to live was iconically known for the wind. Chicago, Illinois. I wouldn't have it any other way really. When I was younger and life was simpler, my mother taught me that no matter where I was in the world, as long as I had someone who loved me, I would be home. I guess you could say that's why I was leaving the superior wind for the drowsy rain that was destined to be my new life. No one loved me anymore, so I had no home.
One of the staff at the airport had come and asked if I was okay. Why would they only ask me that question? I ask myself. But I soon realize I have been standing in the same spot for a little over an hour. I guess I should move. An middle-aged woman offers me the seat beside her and I greedily take it. "Thank you." I say, only hoping that she wouldn't strike up a conversation.
"Where are you heading young lady?" I groan, clearly frustrated to anyone who can see past their own nose. I decide to be somewhat pleasant and plaster on a fake smile, in hopes to not upset the aging woman.
"Oh, I'm going to stay with my cousins." Keep it short and simple, maybe she will get the hint I'm not in the mood to talk. I quickly re-adjust my body to signal the conversation is over. And once again she doesn't catch on.
"Oh, deary that's wonderful! Well my name is Sue Clearwater, but call me Sue. I'm waiting for the big lug I call my son to get off the next flight. What's your name?" She seems to have a good heart. Might as well be friendly. I weigh the pros and cons in my head to continue the conversation. Sue is looking at me expectantly and I quickly pick up that I haven't answered her question.
"Sorry, I just get a little caught up with all that's going on in my head sometimes. My name is Karrista Black." She chuckles a soft, comforting tune and I suddenly feel almost welcome. Strange. I haven't felt welcome for two months. Not even with my friends.
" Oh my! Are you by any chance related to Billy and Jacob Black?" How does she know my uncle and cousin? She immediately realizes my discomfort and explains.
"La Push is a very small town where everyone knows everyone's business. And besides, my family and I live just down the street from the Blacks. It's so close it's walking distance." She chuckles to herself like someone had just told her a joke. "Well everything in La Push is walking distance." She continues to laugh and I decide to join in. What the heck ey?
"That small huh? And to answer your question, yes. Billy is my uncle, and Jacob is my cousin." Even though Sue is a stranger, I feel like I have known her for years. This is an odd feeling for me.
"Oh I'm so Glad! They have been talking non-stop about you coming to live with them." Well I'm glad someone is looking forward to my arrival for once. I thought to myself dismally. She is still talking so I figure I should pay attention. "I swear, you'd think they were a couple of old women. But may I ask, why you are moving in with them?"
Uh-oh. I immediately begin to feel claustrophobic. I clutch my stomach in hopes that I won't blow chunks all over the airport linoleum. Why does everyone have to ask. I state more than ask myself. Sue looks horrified as she looks at my now pale face.
"I, I... mean, are you excited to move here?" Good choice. I think to myself.
I was about to answer, when an extremely attractive man, or is he just a boy? Well anyway, he merely takes six strides over to us, and Sue squeals like a little girl who just found out she gets ice cream. Damn. He has to be 6'4 at least. And muscular. Oh god, stop drooling! He's tan too. Good lord.
"...living with her Uncle Billy and cousin Jake from now on." I quickly come to realize Sue was introducing me to her...son?
"Holy mother of god." I mutter to myself as I look him up and down. But as soon as the words slipped out, he looks over to me with a smirk. Like he heard me. That's impossible. I barely even heard me. I think to myself as I feel my infamous blush rise to my cheeks.
"Hello, I'm Seth. Sue's son." His deep voice ringing in my ears. I offer a quick smile and a short hello, as Sue pulls him back into enthusiastic conversation. I take his distraction, and let my eyes roam his body. He is extremely tall and built. Like he takes steroids. Ill have to tell him about my conclusion later. My eyes move up to his face, and I'm stunned with what I see. Even though his features are very angular and masculin, there is still a child-like essence about him. Soft around the edges, almost.
"Dear?" I am pulled out of my ogling by Sue trying to get my attention. "Are you waiting for your uncle?"
"Uh, yeah. He was supposed to be here about two and a half hours ago... I hope everything is okay." I quietly mutter the last part to myself. I truly am worried. What would make him this late? I am pulled out of my thoughts by a deep baritone voice.
"Well we can give you a lift if you like. I'm sure everything is alright. Billy is sometimes a bit scatterbrained." He chuckles deeply as he awaits my answer.
"Oh no thank you. I couldn't ask you to do that. I can just take a shuttle or a bus. Really, it's fine. I don't want to impose." Why are they being so generous?
This time Sue is the one to talk. "Karrista, don't be silly. We are practically family after all." I feel like I am her child. I feel... cared about. Seth opens his mouth to say something, but is cut off by me accepting.
We all make our way over to the baggage claim, and we split up. Seth and Sue go over to his, and I walk to mine. Before I know it, I see a dark russet hand jet out of no where and grab my bags. I look up ready to put my martial art skills to the test, when I come face to face with Seth. Proudly wearing a goofy grin. I smirk and say "You may come in handy." As I run my finger lightly down his chest.
I look behind me, and see Seth still standing in the exact spot I left him in. I try to hold in a laugh as I catch up with Sue. Boys. Show em' a little cleavage, and they are putty in your hands. He quickly regains himself and walks up to me. I look over to see him not only carrying my two bags, but also his. Holy hell! This guy is strong! As he notices my staring, he gives me a knowing smirk. Like it happens all the time.
I can see myself liking it here in the ever gray and rainy La Push Washington.