SUMMER VACATION! AH, HOW EXCITING!
I'll find repose in new ways,
Though I haven't slept in two days,
Cause cold nostalgia chills me to the bone.
But drenched in Vanilla twilight,
I'll sit on the front porch all night,
Waist deep in thought because when I think of you.
I don't feel so alone.
As many times as I blink I'll think of you... tonight.
I'll think of you tonight.
-Vanilla Twilight, Owl City.
We could hear the crackling of the fire as soon as we parked a couple of feet away from the bonfire.
This was the first time I had been invited to one of the local bonfires since my father abandoned his spot on the council. Let's just say the other tribal leaders don't like me very much. I'm considered an outcast of the tribe even though I'm half Quileute.
Claire comes to these once a week, shit they were related to her, and I had never even met these people.
I am so fucking nervous.
Emily approached us and gave me a big, gigantic hug.
"Kat, Let me introduce you to the group." I was pulled away from Claire and Quil and into a circle of huge men and some women. And then god decided to curse me because Billy Black, whom was looking older everyday, and Sue Clearwater, whom was in her late 60's and no doubt remembered me, were there.
"Everybody... this is Kat." Emily introduced. The noise stopped and everybody looked in my direction giving me looks of question. Well except for one of the guys on the far left sitting on a log with Quil, he just stared... and stared... and stared. He was attractive though, so I'm not going to complain. It was like I had an instant attraction to him.
"We know who she is, Nadem's kid, and she's not welcome here." Sue spoke up, "You're an outsider, tribe is only allowed at these bonfires."
"Sue, you don't miss me?" I used my little puppy-dog face.
"No, I don't. You are a trouble maker and have no respect at all." Oh no she didn't.
"A lot had changed Sue, more than you will ever know." and with that I dramatically walked away.
Claire ran up to me as I was making my way down the beach, I didn't want to go home just yet... so I figured a walk would do.
"Kat, I'm really sorry about what happened, Sue changed her mind, she wants you to come back... everyone does!" Claire was breathing heavily from running the long distance.
"Sorry ClaireBear I can't go back, you should go though... have a good time, I just need to be alone for a while." So many memories of my father were set on this very beach.
Claire sighed and reluctantly went back, giving me a tight hug before.
Flashback
I sat on the sand, toes in the water... and I opened the first letter.
May 16,
My Katalina, I haven't seen you in a while.
It's bad out here. Like hell and Cruel and Unusual punishment put together.
I can't tell you my exact locations, But I miss you so much.
You turned 16, my oh my how the years have passed.
I remember when you were 2 and playing with me on the beach, most likely where you are now.
You always run to the beach when there is something bothering you.
Typical Kat. My Kat.
You might hate me... for leaving you and living a life in the war zone.
And you can, because honestly I hate myself.
I always find something that reminds me of you. A little girl on the street approached me yesterday and I called her Kat. I saw some dancers last week in a street corner and I was reminded of your dancing. Amazing my little girl... amazing.
I am afraid that I must go, the infantry doesn't like giving breaks.
Until Next time my Kat
Love, your Daddy.
July 4th
Kat, it's Vinny... you're dad's friend.
I wanted to be the one to tell you. Not the men in the suits.
Your father has gone missing. He never returned.
He always talked about you being this little girl, but I was the one in charge of cleaning out his bunk and came across some pictures.
You're not the little girl you're dad See's you as. You can handle the loss, I know you can.
I am going to find him, no matter what. You feel like family to me.
My wife doesn't write to me anymore. She doesn't care.
She's tired of the "army bullshit"
Are you tired of Army bullshit Katalina? Like my wife and kids?
I have little twin girls, loves of my life, Laurel and Christina.
I miss them, but I'm not sure if I will ever see them again.
You will see your father though, I'll never give up in my search for him.
He was a great man. I am honored that I have him as a friend.
Write Back,
Vinny
(End Flashback.)
I wrote to Vinny regularly, he became my best friend despite the age difference.
And then, he was gone. He died December 25 in a bombing somewhere in Russia. He was 34.
My dad was never found. He was 45.
The impact was hard on my life.
I became sarcastic and a bit mean. Claire was always there for me though.
I loved her for that.
Sometimes I wonder what happened to my daddy. Is he really dead?
The waves were starting to settle along the shore. The crackling from the bonfire was heard.
"You okay?" the voice startled me and I turned around.
The man from the fire was there, looking at me in question.
"Yeah just thinking, what are you doing here?" I asked, he should be at the bonfire having fun.
"What if I needed to think to?" I didn't have an answer to that, so I just looked back to where the waves were settling along the shore.
I felt the sand cave in beside me and unfamiliar heat next to me. I didn't mind it though.
"Embry Call."
"Katalina Nadem."
"So can I give you a nickname Katalina?" He asked.
"Go ahead, come up with something original Embry."
He appeard to be thinking when out of nowhere a wolfs howl was heard.
Embry sat up and looked towards the forest and back to me.
"Gotta go, see you soon Katapillar." What the heck, corny nickname. But I have to give him props, it was original.
"Bye Embry." and he took off back to the beach where it seemed that the bonfire had ended.
So Embry Call... a bit strange, but most defiantly attractive.
