Chapter 2: Shelter-Birdy

The flight was boring. I was in first class as usual, even when I had told the social worker I didn't mind business class. My parents' death had left me a small fortune, about 2 million dollars, and that was only in the US account. Yea, real small.

I didn't like the attention that came with all that money. The recognition, I guess you would say. I prefer to live in the shadows.

We arrived at Port Angeles and I quickly grabbed my luggage. Luggage equaling 2 suitcase. I stepped off the plane and was instantly frozen. There was snow and ice everywhere. The wind was icy and freezing. I stiffly walked towards the arrival area. As I walked I tried to cover myself better with my hoodie, and keep my luggage in my hands. I really should have worn a winter jacket.

"Alli!"

I turned my head towards the voice, and saw a small woman with dark black hair wave me over. Definitely my mom's side of the family. I had to have gotten my black hair from someone, and my dads family was made up of light brown hair. I walked slowly towards her.

"Aunt Sue?" I asked warily.

She smiled kindly and gently hugged me. I patted her back awkwardly as I tried to keep my bags from hitting her.

"Its so good to see you. You look just like your mother," I smiled. I didn't want to forget my parents, maybe she could tell me more about my mom, "Harry is waiting for us in the car, and your cousin Seth. Leah is at home."

I smiled kindly, my first real smile in months. Maybe things could be different here. I had cousins!

We walked towards an old station wagon were an older man about 48 years old was waiting. He was wearing a baseball cap and his graying hair was up to his shoulders.

"Alli!" he said gently and pulled me in for a hug. I was going have to get used to all the hugging. "We are all looking forward to having you with us." His smile lit up his whole face. You just had to smile back, he was so kind, and not the fake pity kindness I received from everyone back in New York. He quickly packed all my luggage into the trunk and opened the car door. In the seat next to me was a kid about 14 years old.

"Alli this is your cousin Seth," Sue said.

"Hey nice to meet you," I smiled at Seth.

"Thank goodness you're here. I needed more company Leah's crankiness is too annoying." he grinned.

"I hope it's not because I'm going to be living with you," I cast a worried look towards Sue and Harry. I didn't want to cause any problems for them after they had agreed to take me in.

"Nonsense, Leah's just going through a rough time," Sue sighed, "but we're all happy to have you here."

"Yea you'll get used to Leahs' attitude real fast especially since she stays locked up in her room." He rolled his eyes.

"Seth," Sue warned, raising her eyebrows at him. I grinned. This seemed like a real family.

After about a half hour drive we finally reached La Push. It was surrounded by woods and cliffs. All the houses were close to the beach and there were a few small stores scattered around. This was the definition of small town.

It was perfect.

Arriving at Sue's house I was excited to explore my new home. I was actually happy to be here. I know, shocker. The car went through a small dirt road surrounded by tall trees until we reached a large wooden house. There was a porch around the entire front of the house and that whole side had tall windows. Harry parked the car to side.

"I'll take your bags to your room," Harry opened the trunk and took out my only suitcase. My other things were in my small messenger bag I had currently hanging from my shoulder.

"Let me show you around the house," Sue walked up the stairs leading to the door and opened it. Seth ran in. She shook her head and walked in hanging her coat on the hooks by the door, "It's not much but," she trailed off smiling, "It's home."

Walking in the first thing you notice is the staircase. It's modern but not overly done, so it still manages to look simple. There were 3 large beige couches and behind it the dining room. There was a kitchen past the dining room that looked homey but still modern. Around the stove it looked like old bricks made up the sides and on top there was a fish hanging from a small hook. The fridge had wood covering it making it seem like a pantry. There was a small shelf on the side of the counter filled with cook books and a plant growing off to the side. It looked perfect. Sue led me upstairs. WE passed about 6 rooms until we came to the end of the hallway, which would be my room.

"The bathroom is right across from your room. I hope you like this room," she whispered. The room was painted a light gray blue, and a queen-sized bed was on the left, my suitcase on top. The closet door was on the right wall and wooden desk was to the left of the closet, right by a large window, looking out towards the beach and the cliffs. The view was beautiful.

I grinned and hugged her, "Thank you so much Aunt Sue."

"No problem. I'll just let you unpack," she smiled happily, "I'll call you when dinner is ready." She shut the door on her way out. I opened my suitcase and gently took out my art pencils, paints, and paint brushes, placing them on the desk. I opened my messenger bag and placed my sketch book next to it. The view was so inspiring. I was sure to draw a bunch of new things. I took out my laptop and put that on the left side corner of the desk then I got to unpacking all my clothes. While living with Jennie she had always bought all my clothes. I didn't really care, so now I realized how out of place I would look in this simple town. All the clothes Jennie got me were designer and sure looked it. I had a bunch of blouses and skirts, dark wash distressed jeans that probably cost so much money just for someone too rip a bunch of holes on it. The only thing I had that actually looked worn was my black converse.

I shook my head and hung everything up in my closet. I took out my small memory box, filled with pictures of my family. I smiled sadly as I gently placed it on the small shelf at the top of the closet. I was done packing. I sighed looking at the bare walls. I never stayed in one place long enough to put things up and make the room my own.

I looked out the window towards the cliffs. My new drawing project.

"Alli," Seth yelled, "Dinner's ready."

"I'll be down in a minute!" I yelled back. I put the final touches on my drawing and closed my sketchbook.

When I got down to the dining room, I noticed another person. That must be Leah. She had short black hair and brown eyes. And like everyone else here tan skin. I probably look like a corpse to all of them.

"Alli this is our cousin Leah," Sue introduced putting the food on the table. Leah nodded at me and went back to scowling at her fork. I wonder what the fork did.

For dinner we had what Sue called Harry's famous Fish Fry. It was amazing.

"Harry caught it himself," boasted Sue. I grinned looking at the slight blush on Harry's cheeks.

"It's the best food I've tasted in all my life," I complimented him. Truthfully I had never tasted something so delicious. Leah didn't speak at all through dinner and continued scowling at her fork. Poor fork.

As I was getting ready for bed there was a knock at my door. I opened it and Sue came in with extra blankets.

"I get's kind of chilly at night in this old house so I thought you might need these," she explained.

"Thanks."

"Goodnight dear," she silently closed the door behind her.

I sighed and got in bed. I stared out the window, into the stars. Please god, don't let them get hurt. Protect them.