Chapter One - Meet The Bates'

Hiya! As you know from my name, I am a big fan of mystery ^.^ With a splash of murder, cause c'mon, there's nothing like murder to spice up a story. I love the show, Bates Motel, and after much consideration decided to make a fanfic for it! To be honest, I'm also doing it because waiting till Spring 2014 is going to kill me slowly so this kind of helps ease the pain :( Hopefully it helps you too ;)

Enjoy the first chapter :)

It was raining. Of course. This town was gorgeous and all, but the immense rain we always got was so damn annoying. Whenever I'd have summer vacations in Florida I'd soak up the sun and lack of rain. It was truly a rare event in White Pine Bay. Then again going to Florida was a rare event in itself.

"I can't keep afford to take off a week every summer, you need to understand that."

"Obviously, but I don't know why I can't go by myself -"

"We're not even going to discuss that," he interrupted.

Then again, there were bigger problems with White Pine Bay then the weather, but that was another discussion that I wasn't too keen on discussing with ... well, just about anyone.

Awkwardly raising my hood to protect my hair with one hand as I kept the other positioned on my handle bar, I began peddling faster, deciding I was better off turning home then continuing my bike ride. I loved biking, something about it just felt liberating and a hell of a lot better then driving my car. The wind just didn't run through my hair as nicely when I was in a car as opposed to my bike. But with the random downpours we got here, bicycling would sometimes be out of the question for a month straight.

Trying to turn, I noticed Keith Summers' motel. Wasn't that place being sold or -

A loud screech of tires with a honk following scared the bejesus out of me and I skidded off my bicycle, falling into a puddle of water. That's just fantastic.

"God damn it, what the hell is your -"

When I leveled my eyes onto who was yelling at me, I let out an annoyed sigh. "Hasn't anyone told you that driving drunk is against the law?"

Keith Summers, speak of the devil, grudgedly huffed, "Sorry kid, I didn't see ya."

"Well, you see me now, help a girl up!" I demanded, before feeling arms lock on my sides. Shocked, I turned and looked at whoever was touching me so freely. "Um ..."

The boy was rather pale, with dark brown hair and light blue eyes. He was cute, I suppose, but I could've sworn I had never met him before. It wasn't really like the people in this town to be so ... open, especially towards strangers. I blinked twice before standing, leaning on his side.

"Are you alright?" he timidly asked.

I nodded.

"Hey kid, you live here now, right?" Keith spit at the kid. I frowned; ugh, I could just tell this was going to lead to Keith rambling and yelling at the poor guy.

"Keith, leave him alone, it's not his fault," I turned at the boy, taking my hip off his, "Are your parents home? I think they're a little better suited at dealing with him then you."

"What's going on?"

We all turned our head to see a blond woman standing on the front porch. She had the same blue eyes as the boy who helped me up, which clued me in that she was probably his mother.

"I'm really sorry, I fell onto your property," I began, trying to get Keith to take the hint and get the hell out of here.

"Yeah, I saw," she made her way towards me, inspecting me as if to decide whether I was injured or not. Unfortunately I could see Keith coming as well. "You almost got hit by that idiot, are you alright?"

Nodding, I could see Keith puff out, "Idiot? That's funny! You're the bitch that lives here now, right?"

"Yeah, I bought it," she proudly spoke out. The woman was tough, I'll give her that, but if she knew how vindictive Keith could be, she'd probably be eating her words.

"This is MY motel," he snapped, "It's been in my family for generations."

The woman shrugged, her hand still wrapped around my arm. It'd tighten off and on when Keith spoke, I was guessing a way of getting her vulnerability out. Tough to his face, but getting her worries out by holding me.

"I bought this motel with my money," the blond snapped, "It belongs to me, not you. Now stop harassing my son and this girl and get off my property!"

"It doesn't belong to you," Keith sneered.

Her eyes widened with anger, "Get out or I'll call the cops!"

"Cops? Hah! The cops are my friends, I practically own them!"

That made me sneer. I turned my gaze to him, the knowing look on my face seeping into his eyes, causing him to step back. "I think you should leave, Keith," I lowered my voice.

Keith growled, both at the woman and I, before kicking at the porch and drunkingly walking to his car. I gulped heavily, taken aback that I had managed to stand up to him. Even though I had the higher position, he still freaked me out. Keith was just so disgusting and ... vile.

Watching as he backed up, running over my bike, and then without control driving off, I took a frustrated step forward. "Son of a bitch!" I hissed.

"He really is a jack ass," the woman murmured.

"Yeah ... he's the town drunk," I commented, "Pretty pathetic, actually."

Her hand fell back to my arm, "Come inside. You can wash up and I'll give you some clothing."

"Heh, that's really not necessary, I don't want to bother you. Especially since you just moved in and all," I flicked a piece of my blond hair out of my eyes.

The woman smiled, "You could tell?"

"Small town, it's pretty obvious," I smiled.

She chuckled, "Well you have no way of getting home considering the ass just ran over your bike, which means I pretty much have to drive you home. And there's no way I'm taking you to your parents looking dirty like that. I can lend you some clothing, you'll fit right into them."

"That's ... really nice of you," I honestly replied, impressed, "Thank you ..."

Extending her arm, she shook my hand, "My name is Norma Bates. This is my son, Norman."

I smiled at the two, "I'm Alexa."

"Well, come on in," Norma gestured, "I'll show you where the bathroom is and everything."

Giving a timid smile to Norman, I followed her to the upstairs bathroom. "So, are you a skirts girl? Dress? Pants? I don't have many pants but I can get some for you."

"Hah ... I'm actually a shorts kind of girl, but anything you have will do," I smiled.

Pushing back the curtains, she began fumbling with the shower, "It's a little hard to turn on so I'll do it for you ... As for turning it off, you just have to jam your palm into this and it'll shut off. Don't be afraid to use all your strength."

"Thank you, very much," I blushed, the rushing water louder then my voice. I raised mine to compete with it, "Did I mention I'm thankful?"

Norma chuckled, "I'd be an ass if I didn't do this," she smirked, "Enjoy your shower. I'll leave the clothing outside the door, on this table," she pointed.

"Thanks," I smiled.

"I know, you only told me a thousand times," Norma laughed as she shut the door.

Maybe it was just the skeptic in me, but the extreme niceties kind of put me back. I never had anyone in my life be so ... nice. It just wasn't in people's nature to be - well at least not the people I knew. This Bates family really was something.

My blond hair clung to my cheeks, causing me to annoyingly push them off my face. My hair was short, the same length as Norma's, actually. It was always a hassle when I wanted to put it up in a bun or ponytail because little pieces always stuck out when I did so. It was either down or half down at all times. I really needed to grow out these layers.

Dry, I poked my head out before grabbing the clothing Norma left and shutting the door once more. A green skirt with two small blue buttons and a white button up shirt. It was pretty nice considering it more then likely belonged to her. Unless she had a daughter walking around that I hadn't noticed.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I noticed Norman enter his bedroom hurriedly. Was he waiting for me to come out or something?

Timidly, I poked my head into his bedroom.

"Hi," I softly said.

Norman looked over, a smile on his face. "Hello." He was holding a few articles of his clothing from a box placed up on his bed.

"What do you think?"

He frowned, "Oh, sorry! Yeah, you look nice, green looks nice on you."

"Err," I blushed, running my fingers through my wet hair, "I actually meant what do you think of the town so far. But uh, thanks, glad to know I look good in green."

"Oh!" It was Norman's turn to blush. "You're welcome."

Laughing, I turned on my heel, "Listen, I just wanted to thank you for being so hospitable to me. You and your mom don't even know me and I'm really thankful."

"Again, you're welcome," Norman nodded, "It really isn't any trouble. You were in need of help and you helped us with that Keith guy. It was the least we could do."

"Still, thanks. I'm not one to let people do me favors and not pay them back, however," grinning, I turned and made my way downstairs, "Your mom is still down here, right?"

Norman quickly followed, "Uh, yeah, I think, why? Mother!" I wasn't sure why he was talking so hurriedly, but I brushed it off. Noticing Norma in the living room cleaning, I placed my hand on my hip and grinned.

"Hiya."

Norma turned and smiled, "You want me to drive you back home?"

"No," I smirked, "I'd rather help out. Listen, I'm not really accustomed to people being nice to me out of the goodness of their hearts. Even though I did you a bit of a solid, still ... Why don't I help you guys settle in? I can clean something ..."

"Clean? You really shouldn't, you're a guest," she began.

"Guest? I just used your shower, kind of more then a guest already," I smirked, "Anything I can do, let me. Seriously, it's killing me, I feel bad."

Norma laughed, glancing at Norman behind me. Maybe she was trying to get me the hell out of there as soon as she could, but I wasn't leaving without doing something to help out. She finally gave in and with a shrug spoke, "Alright ... If you wish to clean," she passed a broom to me, "Then you will."

It was late when a knock on the door sounded. I ignored it, having been cleaning since I offered to with Norma. The two of us would make some small talk but we mostly focused on bringing everything together. When the door knocked she left, leaving me by myself.

"Hi, is Norman here?"

My chest felt heavy. I slowly popped my head out, checking to see if my ears had tricked me or not. Oh god, it was Bradley. That's just fabulous.

I turned away, focusing on cleaning and hoping she wouldn't notice I was there. It was after I heard the door shut that I felt assured, it would've been hella awkward had she seen me here. Bradley and I really did have an ... awkward relationship to say the least, and a very hectic history. The sounds of Norman and Norma fighting made me realize that something else was wrong now. Had Bradley said something?

By the time I checked, Norman was stomping up the stairs and Norma was waiting at the bottom, her face twisted in aggravation. I bit my lip, slowly backing away. Better not to even acknowledge it, I figured.

"You heard that, right?" she sighed, standing in the entryway of the living room.

My back was turned to her but I nodded, "Sorry, I tried not to eavesdrop but ... it was kind of loud."

"Well, just ignore Norman, he's acting like a brat," she excused, continuing cleaning.

"Yeah, kids these days," I mused.

Norma laughed, "How old are you anyways? You look like you're around Norman's age."

"17," I remarked.

"Ah yes, same age," she smiled, "Do you have a job?"

I shook my head.

"Ah, well you're better then me at cleaning," she admitted with a chuckle, "I might just get you a job at the motel if you'd like."

Like he'd let me.

"That's really nice of you, but my uh, dad would not like it," I admitted, "Well not dad. Uh. It's complicated. Nonetheless, he's incredibly overprotective."

Norma nodded, "Ah, I see ..." she looked at me with a curious glance, "But uh, what do you mean by not dad? If I can ask! I'm just ... curious," she came closer to me at that and I laughed aloud.

"I should've guessed by the way I said it. My parents aren't alive. I have a guardian, he was a friend of my mother's."

"I see ..." she said, now with more reassurance then how she murmured before, "I'm sorry about your parents, that's devastating. That shouldn't happen to any child. I'm so sorry."

I nodded, adjusting the table I had just cleaned, "It's fine. Well, it's not, but y'know. Stuff happens. People and life kinda suck."

Norma huffed, "Oh believe me, I know. Let's finish this up so I can drive you home."

After an hour or so of cleaning, we finally finished, too many dirty bags sitting on the front porch, waiting for one of us to take it out.

"Hey, I'm gonna go do the dishes. I can take out some cookies and drinks and we'll eat before I drive you home. I think it's the least we deserve for working so hard."

I smirked, "Is our relationship just going to be favor after favor?"

"Hey, I'm taking out the cookies for myself," she winked, "Do you mind bringing the bags to the garbage bin? It's right by the motel."

"Sure thing," I stepped out, taking two and trudging them to the bin. I put in loud music to occupy me instead of walking in silence.

Damn, they were heavy. It took me a while just to trudge two to the bin and get them inside, so I decided I was better off taking the last four so I wouldn't have to keep making trips.

Before I could go for my second and final trip, my phone began ringing. Taking it out, I answered, "Hello?"

"Where are you?"

I sighed, "I'm helping out a friend with some stuff."

"A friend? Which friend? Who?"

"Please calm down. I'm with Emma," I lied fluidly. I always used Emma as an excuse, considering I didn't have a long list of friends, she was the only person he'd believe I actually wanted to spend time with. "I'll be coming home soon, actually, so I'll see ya in a bit."

"Do you need me to pick you up?"

I shook my head, "Nah, it's fine." I hung up and placed the earbuds back in before noticing my bike. Maybe I could fix it up and get home myself. I really didn't like bothering people a whole lot and Norma had already done so much. Better off making my own way home as to not inconvienence her.

Keith kind of busted my handle bar as it was twisted around, but I could still definetely use it. The wheels were still intact and all I had to do was put the chain back in its place and voila, it was fixed! Perfect. I'll just go back up and tell Norma I don't need a drive.

I took out my earbuds, the loud music blaring as it hung from my shirt. I skipped up to the front door and had Norman's face pop out at me.

"Oh Jesus!" I placed my hand over my heart, "You scared me!"

Norman gave a quick smile, "I-I'm sorry. Actually, you should get going. Mom fell and hit her head, she's laying on the couch."

Huh? What the hell was going? "What?! She hit her head ... is she okay? Does she need my help?"

"No, no, listen, I know my mom, she'll probably feel bad and still want to drive you but I don't think she's in any state. You mind just making your way back on your own?"

Well, this was weird timing. But I could just bike home, so it wasn't an issue. "Yeah sure, no problem."

"I have a bike, you can use it -"

"Nah, mine isn't as totaled as I thought, I'll use it," I smiled, "I'm gonna get going. It was nice meeting ya, Norman. You and your mom. Thanks for having me."

Norman smiled, rubbing the back of his hand against his forehead. Now that I focused, he seemed to have a lot of sweat. What was he doing up in his room for so long? Sheesh, ew, I didn't want to know.

"It really is no problem. Come by soon, I know my mom would like to have you, she really liked you."

With a grin I nodded and turned on my heel. "See ya!"

"Oh ... you were listening to music?" Norman pointed at my earbuds, still blaring loud music. I nodded.

"Why? I miss something?"

Norman shook his head. "Night."

It was rather strange, but hey, the Bates had already proven to be quite odd. I nodded and made my way.

As I walked down the stairs to my bike, I heard my phone ring. I swear, if it was him again -

"What's up, buttercup?"

Smirking, I sat on my bike and started pedling, holding onto the handle bar with one hand and the other holding my phone. "What's cookin' good lookin'?" I countered.

"Actually, pizza."

"Late night munchies, eh?"

Emma giggled, "Y'know me. I'm surprised you aren't eating."

"Cause I'm not home. When I get there, I think a sandwich will do."

"You aren't home? At this hour? Ah, I'm so shocked!" Emma playfully gasped, though it was a wonder. "I thought you could only leave the dungeon to grace me with your presence."

Very true. "Usually, but today is different. Have I got a completely unrealistic story to tell you!"

By the time I got home, I had to cut my conversation with Emma short. I couldn't waltz in talking to her on the phone after telling him that I had been with her for hours. Though it gave me a bit of a rush to be lying to begin with; I never lied about where I was because there was honestly no reason too. It was nice to get that feeling in my stomach again.

"Hey," I announced myself coming in. The Terminator was playing on the television, and a smirk reached my lips. "Really, guys, really?"

Shelby chuckled, "Hey, I refuse to hear anything bad about Arnold."

"This movie sucks," I deadpanned.

"Your opinion," he raised his palms.

Alex walked up to me, "Hey kid, how was Emma's?"

"Eh," I shrugged, "Watched a movie, ate a bunch of food."

"I will gladly wait for the day you get fat," Shelby commented. I flipped him off and received a mock cry from him.

"Very lady like," Alex sighed.

That was a joke. "You know me, I am the fairest lady of them all," I chuckled, "So, are you done all your work?"

"Actually, me and Shelby have to go back out. There's a burger and some fries in the oven for you - if you had come earlier you could've eaten with us and watched this fine masterpiece of film."

Laughter rumbled out of my mouth, "Fine masterpiece! Hah! Very funny!"

Shelby poked my side as he made his way out, slurping out of a big bottle of Pepsi. "Count your blessings I haven't knocked you out for saying that yet."

"I'll be home late so don't bother trying to stay up. Go to bed a little earlier, you have school."

"I know, I know," I sighed, already going for the food.

"And don't open the door to anyone - I have a key so no worries."

Shelby scoffed, "Jesus, Alex, she isn't 5."

"Please try to explain that to him because he does not get it," I sat down on the couch, fry in mouth and controller in hand, ready to change the channel immediately.

"Well, you'll always be to me so ..." Alex walked up and kissed the top of my head, "See ya."

"See ya," my voice was muffled by the food.

Shelby poked his head out, "I'll be back," he said in the worst accent I'd ever heard in my entire life.

"Unfortunately," I commented, getting a chuckle out of Alex.

Well, there you go! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter and would like to read more :) I hope it wasn't too slow, it's just that I wanted to establish Alexa not only meeting the Bates' but also her family and bestie, Emma. Also, a strange need to hide from Bradley. I wonder why ...

We'll get into Alexa's past soon enough, including her family and Bradley. Hope you can't wait for more ^.^

Until then,

N.D