Edited: July 24, 2013

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Hey, hey my lovelies!

Thank you for the reviews, alerts and favourites! New and old!

No beta, sorry!

Without further ado … Enjoy!

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Previously on Clouded Joy...

I donned my leathers, my black biker helmet and my mother's ring on a silver chain around my neck before I climbed on my 2005 Suzuki GZ250, driving the straight and narrow all the way to a Reservation called La Push, as far away and as small as I could possibly wish for. My accommodation was set, my place in my final year at high school secure and a fresh start stretching before me, finally.

It just had to be the worst and stupidest mistake I could have ever made in my pathetic excuse of a life...

But that was just my opinion.

Others would say otherwise...

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Chapter 1

Questions

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Tuesday,

August 21st 2007

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A flat.

Miraculously, a punctured tyre was all that had managed to sabotage this whole tiresome, cross-country road trip I'd begrudgingly made myself endure for the past God knows how many days.

Mercifully, it occurred virtually right on my doorstep, only a street into the Quileute Tribal Reservation, La Push. I was surprised – albeit pleasantly so. Knowing my miserable track record and depressingly rotten luck, I had expected something far bigger to go awry – get ramped by a truck maybe? Or plummet over a fifty foot cliff, though not before making its guardrail obsolete?

Lifting my heavy helmet from my sweating face, I swung my leg over the bike seat and kicked down the stand with my large black boot. My thick, biking leathers squeaked, rubbing against each other as I crouched down beside my bike, sighing heavily with frustration as I surveyed the damage done. I rolled my eyes as I saw the tyre was completely slashed through, by a three inch screw no less. I yanked the jagged metal from the rubber, throwing it into the nearby forest.

A very petite part of me, deep inside, hoped an animal wouldn't be injured by it later.

In hindsight, I was dumbfounded that I didn't spin off the road as soon as it happened, but once again, Lady Luck actually seemed to be on my side for once. That doesn't happen very often, just ask anyone from my past. Perhaps it was due to this place – La Push?

Peace and friendliness virtually radiated off every single tree, rock and face I came across, and apart from the latter, there was a fucking lot. The mass of trees were calming, inviting almost, but I knew better than to get too close. It was quiet and tranquil now, but when darkness falls, I knew that things could turn for the worst within the dense depths of the trees.

Even the cliffs, often a device of horror and suicide, were inviting and serene. I could envision myself sat at the edge, lost in thought as I attempted to sort through my tortured thoughts.

After all, that was what I was here for.

I needed to deal with my torments and issues before I was truly going to be able to move on and live my life. Trust me, I wasn't looking forward to one minute of reliving my past, one painful memory after another, but I also knew that it needed to be done. I had always been, and still am, notorious for hiding my emotions behind a fifty foot, ten-inch thick concrete wall. I never really spoke unless I wanted to; I was a very private man.

I knew that the whole process was going to be excruciating. I was going to be opening up a lot of ragged, old wounds that hadn't healed properly and the mere thought had me cringing back with uncertainty and doubt.

Straightening up from my crouch, I looked around me in search for some sort of payphone I could use. My cell had died some states back, and foolishly, I hadn't packed my charger. Piece of crap, if you ask me. I don't even know why I had one. I had no friends or family who I could call or who could call me. I suppose I had my old social worker, but I knew that whatever she had to say didn't mean anything to me now.

I was my own man. Anything she advised or had to say, I could ignore.

I couldn't spot a phone in the vicinity but stopped to stare down the long road stretching out before me. As luck would have it, I noticed an auto-repair garage not thirty feet up the road.

Surely, I couldn't have been this lucky?

I was waiting for the other shoes to drop or the shit to hit the fan. I didn't hear any cars behind me so I couldn't be getting flattened any time soon. Maybe a huge, vicious animal was going to jump at me from the tree line?

Good things don't last forever, including my freakishly abnormal bad luck, so something had to happen to even out all the good deeds happening towards me.

With a split second hesitation and reluctance, which stemmed from the thought of interacting and being coming somewhat sociable with the mechanic, I sighed and grabbed both handlebars of my bike, kicking the stand back up. I pushed it up the short way to this 'Black-Swan Motors'.

The garage was average size, maybe fitting two or three cars in to be serviced at once while an office-type building was attached to the back of it. They looked busy, all three car slots were sitting within the actual building, their hoods popped, whilst an additional two were parked in the lot off to the side, waiting for their turn.

I wondered if I was even going to get served. They had to work by some sort of appointment rota or something. Music blasted from inside; some sort of Rock. Several guys were bopping their heads to the beat of the drums.

Off to the right of the garage, I saw two massive, tanned guys leaning over a steaming engine of an old Honda. It looked to me that it was on its last legs, if not retired already. They were arguing, but I had no idea what about, nor did I care. All I wanted was to get my tyre changed so I could get settled in at 'home' and take long, scalding shower.

A deep, cheerful voice to my left made me pause.

Well, that's just great! I couldn't get the arguing duo; I had to get a guy who thought he had to live every day to the fullest and was high on some sort of happy bullshit, I thought to myself sarcastically

Slowly, I turned to see a guy much like the duo – large, dark russet skin, black hair and muscular. He had a pleasant smile on his face, his pearly white teeth on full show, but I didn't bother trying to return it. I was sure any smile attempt on my part would result in a grimace; I was so out of practice.

The last time I smiled? Grandmother was still alive, or at least that's the last time I'd genuinely smiled. I gave Hayley and my second family some unconventional, half hearted smiles, but they never seemed to notice the difference.

Like a typical mechanic, he had a dirty, greasy rag in his hands, which he used to unsuccessfully wipe the grease from his hands. He only worsened the black and grey smudges. He wore greasy, dark denim cutoff shorts with a thin black tee, which also seemed to be oily and holey in some places. Clearly, he wanted to be comfortable on the job.

"Hey, man, can I help you?" he asked cheerfully.

I nodded shortly, gesturing to my bike. He whistled in blatant appreciation, and I couldn't prevent the slight smug smirk that pulled at the corner of my mouth in response. She was my baby.

"Nice ride, man! 2005?"

I coughed slightly, shrugging with an affirmative nod. He grinned and moved moved towards the bike, crouching down. He whistled appreciatively again, grinning wider.

"Well, I can obviously see the problem. Not repairable, as I'm sure you've guessed. New tyre then?" he asked.

I nodded shortly again.

He smiled, unperturbed by my standoffish behaviour. "I'm Jacob. Jacob Black. Own the place. You new in town?" he asked, holding a hand out for me to shake.

"Seen me around before?" I asked quietly whilst promptly, and rudely, ignoring his outstretched hand.

He shrugged nonchalantly, still smiling as he lowered it to his side again. "Well, no, I guess not."

"Then I must be new in town, no?"

"Right." He chuckled, picking out a tyre that was identical to the one he'd just removed.

I watched as he secured it into place.

"Not much of a talker, huh?" he guessed correctly.

"I suppose not, no," I grunted in agreement as I turned my head away from his rising form.

Eye contact had always been awkward for me. I hated it with a passion. I had no desire to show anyone how weak I was. I knew many people who could show everyone their whole past through their eyes, or their entire feelings. I didn't need to be doing that anytime soon. I glanced back at Jacob, seeing that he was smiling all too brightly. This guy was too cheerful. It made me queasy.

"I'm gonna take a guess and say you're the guy moving into Harrison's old place?" he asked as he rang the job through the register.

I nodded, shortly. I just wanted to get out of here and home. Why did this guy have to talk so much, and with so much lightness? I sighed, impatiently and if he heard it, he didn't react in any way.

"Harrison?" I asked in confusion. I never knew who owned the place before me, not that I particularly cared either.

"Yeah, died a few months ago, poor bloke. Heart attack or something," he replied absently. "Of course, his family had the place done up before they sold it. I hear it's nice."

Damn, this guy even spoke about the dead with a bit of cheer. Was everyone on this Rez like him because I could see this to be a big problem if they were. And what better, easier way to fit in a crowd of happy-go-lucky, cheerful townsfolk, being the morbid, depressing guy that I am? Oh, this would be a sceptical for sure.

"Alright, name?"

"Chris. Tyler." I answered lowly. He scratched the name down and signed a receipt.

"Since you're a resident of the Rez, you get my time free of charge so that'll just be $170 for the tyre."

"Sure, whatever." I shrugged, forking over the cash as he gave me the receipt with a smile.

"Thanks, have a nice day."

Fat chance of that, dude, but I'm sure you'll have one good enough for the both of us, I thought back dryly as I raised my hand in acknowledgement on my way out the shop.

The arguing duo looked up as I passed by them, morbid curiosity and slight disbelief in their eyes as they gawked at me. I supposed I'd have too, if I saw a guy dressed in full biking leathers, shoulder-length black hair and a black bike helmet hooked around his elbow walking passed. Of course, the hard, dark look on my face only served to fuel their curiosity.

It's not like I knew any different expression – I've worn this one for the last ten years, give or take.

Their eyes never wavered as I stalked to my newly repaired bike. I wasn't paying attention which resulted in me bumping into this large guy who had clearly befriended steroids at some point in his life. We both stumbled, but I managed to steady the two of us before stalking by him with a barely audible, half-hearted grunt of apology. He began to incessantly apologise behind me as I straddled my bike, but rudely, I paid him no mind.

I gunned the engine, kicking off the stand before bracing my feet against the dusty ground. I yanked on my helmet, conscious of the entire lot still watching me. I gunned the engine again before peeling out of the parking lot, spraying dust particles and gravel as my back wheel spun with the acceleration. It was a huge relief to me when I was finally out of their eye sight.

I came to a stop a few blocks away, staring up at the house that I would call 'home' for the next year or so whilst I finished up my Senior year at LPH. I took my helmet off, shaking out my mop of hair before looking back at the house.

It was simple, larger than the majority here on this Rez that I've seen. I heard that this house had been in the previous family's possession for a few generations. It was more than what I would need, what with the three spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, an ample kitchen and comfortable living room. I didn't choose the house for its amenities. It was only due to the fact that it was the first I'd come across for sale here. I wasn't fussy and wanted to get the hell out of Maine as fast as I was able.

The garden itself was clean and tidy with a few different bedding plants in the soil bordering the house. It was all probably the fruits of Harrison's labour. I wasn't much of a gardener so it would only go to waste unless I got someone in to maintain it, which was unlikely.

I left my bike in the driveway, kicking down the stand absently before making my way towards the front porch. Climbing the three small steps onto the wooden deck, I pulled my key-chain from my pocket and fingered through the few keys that came with the house to find the front door key.

To my right, there was two well-maintained benches sat either side of a rectangular table, only a taster of what was sold with the house. When I bought it, I was relieved to find out that it was completely furnished. At the time, I didn't care why, and I still don't, not really, but Jacob's words flashed through my mind about this guy dying.

I wondered if he had any family to take care of his stuff, or whether they didn't care about any of it if they just sold it off. I will never find out, as if I'd want to. Didn't even know the guy.

I slowly unlocked the door. The loud click seemed ominous, but I ignored it and pushed the door open before stepping inside.

You're probably wondering how I could afford a house like this.

Turns out my mother had opened a trust fund for me before I was born. She and Grandmother deposited half of their salary into it every month until I was born. My grandmother continued afterwards. Then there was the ridiculous amounts of interest building up on top of it..

After my mother had … died … all of her belongings were liquidised and the money was then deposited into the trust for me. Only a few items survived the mass sell, one of which hung around my neck on a silver chain. And then, when my grandmother died, they did the same with her stuff as well, including her house, liquidising it into money for my trust fund.

I got the shock of my life when I looked at it after I'd emancipated myself from the State. To say I was surprised by the sum was an understatement, but living my life with barely anything, I learn the value of money and a roof over my head. I wasn't one to go and splash it out. The most expensive thing I bought, beside the house, was my bike, which was also the first thing I bought.

Riding was my haven. The only time I felt remotely happy was when I had that bike beneath me, sprinting down the open road. I gave me time to think – no fuss – no interruptions. Just me and my thoughts. It also gave me the opportunity to control something that could potentially end my life. To be in control of something like that, after having no say about my life for so long, was pure bliss.

I sighed, shaking the thoughts from my head as I peered around my new house. I refused to call it 'home' yet. I knew that it would come in time.

The first thing I took in were the stairs, since they were directing in front of me, ascending up to the right while hugging the wall. The second was the two archways, both of which stood to my left. One clearly led to the kitchen while the other opened up the living room. The floors were dark wood whilst the walls stood painted a darkish brown.

That was the one thing I asked for – that all the walls were painted over. I've never been one for colour, which was constantly reflected by the black clothes I wear all the time. When the family before had redecorated, there were all sorts of colours splashed around the whole house. I requested that they repaint everything, and that they charge me for it along with the house.

I shoved my bike helmet onto one of the dark wood tables which stood on either side of the double front doors. I made my way towards the kitchen.

It was spacious and modern with great appliances and an island work bench. On my left as I entered, there was a small bar and sink. To my right, the dining table stood – black with grey, high-back chairs. Ten of them. There was one exterior door leading out to the back porch as well as an additional door, behind which I would explore later.

I turned my attention back to the kitchen as I felt myself become parched. I crossed over to the fridge, opening it up only to groan in disappointment. Of course I was going to have to do the grocery shopping myself. I don't know what I was expecting, to be honest. Water it is then. I turn from the fridge, slamming the empty door shut and turn the tap on, moving my mouth under it since I couldn't be bothered to find a glass.

Taking one last look at the kitchen, I turned to exit via the archway, dragging my feet towards the second archway I saw. The living room. The colours were light and neutral, the room open which isn't usually what I went for, but it would have to do. I knew that this would be the room I spent most of my time in so I might as well get used to it.

Flopping down onto one of the three leather couches, all square-angled from each other, I flipped on the large TV, opposite me. I didn't pay much notice to the channels flickering before my eyes. Honestly, I'd never watched much TV in my life and wasn't interested in starting now. There was just nothing better to do with my time right now.

After about an hour, I decided there had to be something better to do. I determined that if I was going to eat tonight, I would have to go grocery shopping so I peeled my butt off the couch and grabbed my keys, wallet and cell phone.

The bike obviously wasn't going to help me carry my groceries home so I walked the short distance. I'd just carry the stuff home.

I received annoying stares and hushed whispers as I traversed through Ateara's General Goods store. I ignored them because they didn't matter. All I cared about was getting back to the house so I could cook up some food. At the checkout, I recognised one of the two working on the Honda back at the garage. Did he have it so hard he needed two jobs or something?

He looked shocked to see me there and kept staring at me as he mindlessly scanned each item through. I busied myself with packing them up into the paper bags to avoid eye contact with him. God, I hate that shit. He cleared his throat once he was done, but I still didn't raise my head. Instead, I pulled my wallet from my back pocket and opened it up.

"How much?" I asked in a flat tone.

"$95.27, please." he answered.

I pulled out my card and handed it over. I could still feel his eyes on me as he did the transaction and handed me my card back.

"Thanks." I told him begrudgingly as I scooped up all the bags into both arms.

"Sure thing," he replied kindly with only a small hint of disbelief in his voice.

Carrying the groceries home was easy enough, as was packing them all away. I decided to make myself some fajitas simply for the fact that they were easy enough. One of the advantages of having lived with the Marvins was that my foster mother taught me everything she knew about cooking.

I was vaguely aware of the time passing by as I cooked, hearing the annoying ticking of the clock hung on the wall. I silently thanked the kid at the store for not asking for any ID before he scanned the crate of beer I'd placed on the conveyor belt. I lifted the beer bottle to my lips and took a big gulp, stirring the frying chicken in the pan with my other arm.

Out the corner of my eye, I saw several cars drive down the road and prayed that they would keep on going, but something in my head was telling me that wouldn't be the case. Sure enough, seconds later, there was a knock on the door, followed by the doorbell. I supposed it was too much to ask for to have at least tonight for myself. I waited to see if they'd get bored, but they were persistent as they rang the doorbell again. I sighed heavily.

Turning off the stove, I made my way towards the front door and took my sweet time about it as well. I noted the multiple shadowy figures through the frosted glass in the door before I yanked it open. My eyes dropped to a man sitting in a wheelchair, a smile that was so familiar spread across his face.

Where had I seen that smile before? I asked myself.

I stood there silently, leaning casually against the door frame with my arms crossed over my chest as I waited for him to say something, anything, but he just kept grinning at me. Creepy. I could hear several whispers behind him, but I paid them no mind, keeping my gaze fixed upon the older man before me. I chanced a glance at the guy behind the wheelchair, recognising the guy who changed my tyre.

Jacob … That's why the smile looked so familiar. Wheelchair guy must be his Dad or something. Perfect.

There were a couple other older guys, an older woman and then a shit load of young guys bulked up on steroids, just like that kid I bumped into. Must be a gang or something. As far as I was aware, doctors don't prescribe those things by the bucket load. But what did I know?

Several minutes of awkward silence ensued before I sighed impatiently and asked, "Yes, can I help you with something?"

It was rude, but that was just me. The wheelchair guy just smiled wider at me, as did Jacob.

"You must be Christopher Tyler?" the guy asked pleasantly.

I shrugged without commitment. "Chris. Chris Tyler … and you are?" I replied, cocking an eyebrow.

"I'm Billy Black. It's a pleasure," he introduced, holding a hand out for me to shake.

I stared at it for a bit. Did he want me to shake it?

Good luck with that, I scoffed inwardly. I looked back at his face and his somewhat knowing smile.

"Chief of the Tribe here, right?"

He nodded once.

I sighed and then said, "Right. Is there something you needed?"

This time in response to my rudeness, several of the younger guys growled at me. Fucking freaks. I shot them a glare before looking back at Billy.

"I wondered if we could speak with you? Is it a good time?" he asked politely.

I grimaced slightly and muttered, "Well, not really but whatever. Come on it, I guess." I opened the door wider, allowing him passage into the house.

He smiled thankfully and wheeled himself in, all the others close on his wheels. Some of the guys glared at me as they entered.

"The fuck do you think you're glowering at, assholes? This is my house, and I'm rude enough to throw you the fuck out," I rumbled in annoyance.

The biggest guy glared at me harder, stepping up to me. Some of the other guys seemed to be surprised that I was as tall as him, just not as buff. "Why you little fu–"

"Sam, leave the boy be. He's right. We're in his household now. Show some respect," Billy called out from the living room, where he could still see what was happening out here in the hallway.

Sam huffed and took a step step back before walking into the living room. I sighed and slammed the door shut. The echoed bang caused the pleasant-looking woman to jump slightly. I smiled at her apologetically as best as I could, which wasn't great. I didn't get off making woman jump.

That wasn't cool.

"Sorry, Ma'am," I mumbled lowly.

She smiled, shrugging. "That's alright, Chris. This is a lovely home you have here." she complimented sweetly. "I'm Sue Clearwater."

"Great to meet you, Ma'am," I said with a nod.

"Please, call me Sue."

"Of course, Ma'am," I agreed, clearly lying my ass off.

She chuckled. The sound was sweet but foreign to me. It made me uneasy. "You're not going to call me Sue, huh?" she guessed.

I simply smiled slightly, shaking my head.

She rolled her eyes. "I smell food. Would you like me finish off while you speak with the men?"

I looked at her dumbfound. Was she for real?

"Uh … no, thank you, Ma'am. I got it. Please, make yourself at home in there," I replied, pointing over to the living room where every fucker had sprawled out like it was their norm.

I gritted my teeth and made into the kitchen, plucking a piece of fried chicken from the pan as I made my way to the fridge. I took out a few beers, a bottle of water and some sodas for everyone, taking them back into the living room. I set them out over the coffee table and then handed the water to Sue, who thanked me quietly. I simply nodded.

I leaned up against the empty shelves beside the archway, glancing over the many bodies littering my floor as I took a pull of my beer. The guys had taken full advantage of my 'make yourself at home' and had turned on the TV, but Sue ordered it off as soon as I settled.

"So, let's start off with introductions. Of course, you know myself. This is my husband Harry and my daughter Leah," she began.

I nodded at the two. Leah was watching me with much interest and I smirked inwardly. She wasn't anywhere near my type.

"Then there's Billy, his son Jacob. You met at the garage this morning, right?"

"Sure did. Came in pushing his bike and left a cloud of dust when he left," Jacob chuckled, smiling at me. I smirked a tiny bit.

"My son couldn't be here tonight. He's out with a friend. You bumped into him this morning though," she added lightly.

I cleared my throat awkwardly. "Yeah...sorry about that." I muttered.

She smiled and shook her head dismissively before continuing, "The elderly chap over there is Old Quil, next to him is his grandson, Quil V."

"Ah, you're one of those families who hand down names through generations, right?" I asked, rolling my eyes.

Quil V smirked. "Unfortunately."

'Old Quil' hit him with his walking stick. Everyone but me laughed. Sue quickly moved on around the room. I received many grunts, occasional hellos. Sam and this guy, Paul, glared at me but before I could tell them to take a hike, Billy reprimanded them. I resolved to just ignore them after that.

Once introductions were out of the way, she turned back to me.

"Now, we know you're new in town, and we pride ourselves in knowing the town's residents so we're here to get to know you. Is that alright with you?" she asked, politely.

No, it wasn't but I didn't want to say no to this woman. She seemed sweet, no matter how sickly it may be and I found myself unable to deny her anything. Damn her.

I shrugged one shoulder, looking bored. "Sure, whatever." I mumbled, sipping my beer.

"Okay, so how old are you because you don't look my older than my boy?" she asked, smiling. I sighed.

"Seventeen." I replied. I saw her shock.

"Wow, really? Younger than my boy then. Seth's 18," she said, clearly surprised.

I half smiled.

"Why does it seem to be only you here?" Old Quil asked gruffly.

"Uh, because it is, Sir," I replied.

He and the other older men frowned.

"What of your parents?" Harry asked in confusion.

I stared at him blankly. The question shouldn't have, but it caught me off guard. I hadn't even known I was staring until Harry frowned and Sue asked,

"Chris, are you alright?"

I looked away, frowning. "What about them?" I asked, shortly.

"Where are they? Why have they let you come here alone?" Old Quil asked, obviously not liking the tone I was using to address him.

I sighed. "Well, my Dad doesn't give a blind toss. He's dead to me and always will be, and my mom ... it's kinda hard for her to make decisions for me from where she is," I trailed off lowly.

Sue frowned as her eyes glided over my face. The concern and horror on her face as the truth registered in his mind. It was Sam who asked anyway. What was this guys problem?

"And where is she?" he asked insensitively. Sue gasped.

"Samuel! Can't you see the look one the boy's face?! If you'd pay more attention you'd be able to figure out that she's ..." she trailed off, glancing at me apologetically for her rant.

I smiled at her slightly, turning to Sam.

"She's dead." I deadpanned, looking him straight in the eyes.

He had the decency to look ashamed and all the other guys bowed their heads, sadly.

"I'm sorr-"

"Nah, don't worry about it. I don't. Why don't you finish off and ask me how?" I snapped angrily.

He looked away. "No? I'll tell you then. She was murdered. By me."

There was a collective gasp around the room.

"Wh-what?" Sue spluttered, utterly horrified.

I sighed. "She died during...childbirth." I mumbled, looking at my hands before getting up to the kitchen to grab another beer.

Damn, I wished I could get drunk tonight so I could forget about this whole conversation. I knew that I couldn't though, being at school tomorrow and all. I grabbed another beer from the kitchen anyway before returning to the living room. Everyone was sombre, and I noticed that the Paul guy had vanished. I couldn't look at Jacob, seeing the pity and sympathetic smile marring his face.

I didn't want their fucking pity.

I retook my spot against the shelves and glanced at Sue as she sniffled. There was so much pity in her eyes, I had to look away.

"You ... You think you murdered her?" she whispered sadly.

I sighed deeply. "I don't want to talk about it. Now please, continue with the damn questions so I can eat in peace," I snapped.

Guilt rose up from within at the hurt look on her face, but she nodded in acceptance.

Old Quil cleared his throat awkwardly. "I apologise for breaching such a sensitive subject so ... insensitively. I never thought what their absence could mean."

I shrugged dismissively, eager to finish this and for them to leave me the hell alone so I could dwell in peace.

"Right ... well, do you wish to attend the school here?" Billy asked me.

I nodded. "I start tomorrow. Senior," I replied quietly.

He nodded.

Sue smiled. "The same year as my boy. Maybe you'll have classes together and become friends?" she mused, hopefully.

I laughed humorlessly in my head.

"Right ... maybe." I said, uncommitted.

"How do you plan to contribute to the community?" Old Quil asked.

I stare at him blankly. "Contribute?" I asked in confusion.

"Every resident has to contribute to the community some way or the other, what with us being so small. We try to make each others lives as easy as our own." Sue explained.

I nodded, frowning. "I doubt you'd want anything I'd have to offer." I said quietly.

"Well, we'll see. What are you talents?" Sue asked.

I shrugged.

"Music? Arts? Literature?"

"Uh ... I dunno. I'm handy with a blade, I guess. And art. I draw a lot."

"Know anything about cars?" Jacob asked thoughtfully.

I shrugged, nodding.

He grinned. "My garage needs another mechanic. My friend, Embry. His wife's expecting and is due in a few weeks. He's taking the time off with her. You interested?" he offered genuinely.

Again, I stared at him, blankly. Shocked.

"You're offering me a job?" I asked, surprised. He nodded, smiling. I shrugged. "Sure. That would be great actually. Thanks a lot."

"You can start any time. I'm guessing you'll want to settle in here before you do anything like that," he said considerately.

"Nah, I could start tomorrow after school if you want," I offered.

He seemed surprised but smiled. "It's totally up to you." he shrugged.

I nodded.

"What about your homework though? No doubt you'll get some tomorrow," Sue said motherly.

I stared at her. I seem to be doing that a lot here. These people are unreal. I shrugged.

"I'll find time to do that," I replied nonchalantly.

"You're schooling should come before anything else, young man," Sue scolded.

I stared at her, dumbfounded.

"Ignore my wife. She's bossy to everyone," Harry told me as he nudged his wife, who stuck her tongue out at him.

I turned fast enough not to see him kiss her. That would have made me puke.

"I'm sure I'll get my homework done every night, Ma'am. Don't worry about me."

No one else has done in the past. I added in my head with a small smile.

She huffed but nodded.

"Are we done here or is there more?" I asked her.

"Just one more thing ... might we ask ... who your father is? If you know?" Billy asked cautiously.

I stared at him, blankly. Again.

"No."

"No? No, you won't tell me or no, you don't know?" he asked, confused.

"I don't want to talk about that man. I told you once before and I'll tell you again – He. Is. Dead. To me. Don't bring him up again. Not in this house or around me. I'm sorry, Sir. I don't mean to be rude, at least not this time, but you can't understand the intense rage and disgust I have for that man. So please, if you don't mention him again, I'd appreciate it," I gritted out through clenched teeth.

Billy seemed okay with my outburst, even looking slightly sheepish himself.

"I'm sorry. I'll respect your wishes and not mention him again." he conceded. I nodded once.

"Well, that's it. Thank you for your time, Chris."

I nodded, shortly. "Don't worry about it ... Just, call next time, if you don't mind me asking," I requested politely.

He smiled and nodded.

"Of course, Chris. We're sorry to keep you from your dinner," Sue apologised.

I smiled slightly, moving to open the door for them all to leave. The big guys left first, throwing curious glances over their shoulders, a glare in Sam's case.

What the fuck was that guy's problem?!

Billy held his hand out to me again, and I didn't want to disrespect him again by not taking it. He seemed like a cool guy so I shook it, as briefly as it was, but firmly. He looked proud that I did, and I was shocked to see such an emotion aimed at me.

These Rez people were going to send me into a fucking spiral with all this positive emotion. I swear to god, are they all on happy pills or something?!

"Goodbye, Son," he bid farewell.

I froze at the endearment. Son. He'd called me Son.

I stood there for a long time after they'd all gone, my mind reeling over what no one else in my life had ever called me before, not even one of my 'Dad's.

Eventually, I slammed the door shut and mechanically moved to the kitchen, taking out my food and another beer before settling at the island bar. I sat there eating, thinking about what just transpired.

I had a job.

On my first day here, I'd managed to find myself a job and a boss that thought that sunshine was the best thing after beer, car, grease and smiles. I knew working for him was going to be emotional torture, but I guess I might be able to desensitise myself from the emotion with being around it so much.

I really did know cars, and it was the perfect job. He mentioned nothing about working hours or a salary so I'm guessing he'll probably talk to me about that tomorrow. Fine with me.

I also couldn't get my mind off Sue. She reminded me so much of how I envisioned my mother to be like, had she survived. Bubbly, sweet and constantly smiling. That's also how Grandmother had described her and the way she looked in every photo I saw of her. I envied this Seth character for having a mother like her.

I went to be that night thinking about tomorrow and what life I could build myself here on this reservation. I closed my eyes, screams of my mother filling my head as I tortured myself with another scenario of my birth...

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