The Drive

The drive to the reservation was a bit lagging. The town of Forks, Washington certainly showed a small area of everyone knowing everyone; privacy was vacant in this town. The rain certainly didn't stop many from going about their daily lives – shopping, cruising around. I certainly felt my time here was going to be the talk of town, more so than Bella's life, or from what I've learned and have heard.

Looking out the window of Charlie's cruiser, it definitely didn't catch very many eyes, which to say the least I was thankful. Sue tried to start up conversations, telling me about life on the reservation and about her children, Leah and Seth. Charlie placed small smiles on particular memories that Sue had mentioned, Charlie's first attempt at cooking for the family, sharing fond moments with Seth about Hunting and Fishing, and Leah's oblivious attitude to Charlie's authority as her Step-Dad. Life was blissful for the both of them, and yet I sat in the back knowing my life would probably damper theirs in more ways than they knew.

I kept my attention focused on the surroundings of this small town; noticing several stores to shop at. Finding spots to be alone, which thankfully this small town was surrounded by masses of forests; providing small places to escape the chaos of life.

"There is a bookstore that Bella loves to shop at just around the corner from here." Charlie spoke as he pointed to the small shack just ahead. I looked out the window to see the small shack just sitting there with the sign saying, "Reading Store". How original that they couldn't seem to come up with a better title for the shop? Maybe people would miss it. I saw his eyes glazing towards me from the rearview mirror. I gave him a small smile and a nod to show that my interest of his tour was still there.

Throughout the rest of the ride, Charlie and Sue continue their suggestive locations and ideas to do in the town, however my attention became less provided, and I was beginning to get bored.

"Over there on 4th street is a small club that a lot of kids go to late at night. The place closes at 2 am I believe." Sue said as she pointed out a small building to the right of us. The building was visible, marking the words "Club Forrest" on the side in bold red and black letters. There were people entering and exiting the small building, looking quite happy and joy from their visit there.

"You might want to check it out tonight. Some of the boys from the reservation go there. It's really safe, in fact I know the owner." Charlie said happily as if he was proud of himself for knowing the owner.

I sat in the back watching the building as it disappeared behind us.

"Maybe I will if that is okay with the two of you. I know I just got here, but I really do not want to spend any of my time sitting around the house and meeting people all day." I said as I noticed we were finally coming to our final destination – La Push.

"Don't worry. I made sure that we were left alone for the weekend, however they would only agree to that as long as I made the promise that everyone got the chance to meet you. After all, the reservation is family." Sue explained. "Monday will be the bonfire night; you will have to be there, no excuses."

"Sure. No problem. I will make sure I will be around then." I said in agreement to Sue's stern attitude.

"Thank you dear."

Glancing in the side mirror I can see the smile that my response had given Sue. She didn't seem like the type to place her authority on me like she was my Mother, and that pleased me. I have a feeling we would get along just fine.

Going up the muddy road provided much difficulty for the cruiser, but Charlie's determination to make it home proved to be easy for him. I looked around the area. Homes were scattered around, only with a few yards that split them apart. It was spacious and had a lot of running around land with them. Some of the homes had additions like a garage that kept small, old cars inside. Others had added additions for the much needed space for them. Coming from a big city, being in this small area was alright with me. Few minutes later we come upon a small home that looked like it had added more than a garage to it. It was a little bigger than the other homes around here. A small area to the side was still unfinished but from the looks of it, it was going to be an extra room.

"Well, here's home." Charlie stated as a matter of fact. "It's not a big fancy home like you have in San Diego, but nonetheless it keeps us dry.

"It looks good Charlie. I'm not really big on space any how." I said as I got my bags from the trunk.

"That small area to the side was going to be your room. But your Mother made the arrangements sooner than I anticipated. It will be finished in a short time however, most of the boys around here love to build. We should have it done in about 2 months." Charlie said as he walked towards the unfinished building. He looked very proud of himself as examined the structure. I could see in his eyes that it was a good project for him to do with other boys on the reservation as well.

"Over there are cliffs that only the boys are to go. They have a pastime of jumping off the cliffs. I never want to see you over there doing what they do. And just a ways down is a trail in the woods. Let me know if you ever go in there and I will show you the markings of the trail if you'd like." Charlie explained as he pointed to the areas surrounding the homes. I just nodded looking in his guided direction.

"Well now. Let's get you settled in and get something to eat." Sue said as she slowly grabbed one of my bags from my hands. And lead the way inside my new home.