Chapter 1: Settling In
Trees. Rows of trees. Rows and rows of pine trees.
That was all you could see for miles and miles. One would go insane from the idea of the same scenery for hours and hours. But It wasn't bothersome at all to you, it was almost soothing really. As you continued to watch the treelines go by you could make the head of the sun rising over the treetops from your bus seat window.
You were currently traveling north on a large greyhound bus to see this new property you've inherited from an aunt of yours. You didn't get the chance to meet her because she distanced herself from the family.
You were of course confused as to why you of all people you inherited the house out in the middle of nowhere, but your parents told you to not press the issue. You also found it rather odd that the moment you were told you inherited the house your parents had already bought you a bus and ferry ticket for FallspaulIsland waiting for you and sent you off that next morning.
Being on the bus for the past 12 hours gave you lots of time to think about your given situation and you came to the conclusion that you were going to sell the house once you got there and use the money for a nice heavy downpayment on a house you had your eyes on for a few months back in your city.
You would, of course, have to see the house first and then a realtor first thing the next morning.
As soon as you were dropped off at the mainlands bus stop you made work to find the ferry port to cross the ocean to the island. You turned to an older lady who was waiting for a bus herself at a bench.
"Mam. Do you know where I could find the ferry boat to Fallspaul Island?" She squinted in my direction as though she was trying to see something past me.
"Why would you want to go there?" She pressed.
"I've inherited a house from my aunt up there." You explained. You were a bit taken back by her question but you also found it quite amusing.
"Ah. I see. Well it's right down this street and make a right on maple street and you can't miss it. It has a giant rainbow flag on the outside. Just a fair warning the locals there don't take too kindly to outside visitors to their island." she explained as she patted your lower arm.
"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind." You said with a smile as you placed your hands over hers and gave it a friendly pat.
You then set off to find that ferry she's directed you too.
As soon as you found it you were rather pleasantly surprised at the fact that it didn't just have a rainbow flag on it the whole Shaq itself was painted with a rainbow on it. It was rather beautiful with all the windchimes and colorful glass decorations outside added to its cheerful vibe.
You approached the Shaq and were greeted by a short ginger and a tall brunette. They looked to be eating lunch together inside.
"Hey there, what could we do for you?" The ginger asked
"Hi there, I'm sorry to bother you while you're eating but I have a ticket for the ferry to Fallspaul Island?" You asked.
"Fallspaul Island? I've taken plenty of people to and from the island but there all locals, what's an outside like you doing on Fallspaul island?" The ginger pressed with interest.
"Please excuse my husband Abe. He's an avid gossip and loves any good story. My name is Graham and we'll gladly take you over." Graham said as he reached for the ticket in your hand.
"It's fine. I'm actually heading over to the island cause I've inherited a house from my aunt but, to be honest, I don't think I'm gonna stick around too long. I kind of just want to sell the house." You explained as they stamped your ticket.
"Oh, I don't think that's a good idea. They really don't care much for new people but they'd take a relative any day over newcomers. You might have to talk to the council over there." Abe explained to you as Graham agreed. They began to lock up the Shaq and walk over to their little yellow boat.
"Well, that's not something I wanted to hear. Well, I'll deal with it when I get there." You sighed as you followed the couple to their boat. You all got situated with your seats and your luggage as Graham started the motor.
You all started the short journey over to the island. The couple made small talk with you to pass the time on what there was to do in town and the best places to eat. They also told you they'd introduce you to the other ferry operator on the other side. They said his name was Colt and that he was their nephew.
As you reached the other port you saw a rather stocky redhead teen exit the yellow Shaq to meet us at the port.
"Hey, uncle Abe! Hey uncle Graham!" He called us. Colt helped the doc the boat and held our hand as support as we got out.
"Colt sweetie, could you call the local sheriff's office so they could escort this young lady home?" Abe asked. Colt nodded as he headed to the Shaq to presumably call the sheriff.
"Thank you so much for your help but it seemed to slip my mind, I never told you my name. I'm (y/n)," you said sheepishly.
"Such a sweet name. Nime to meet you (y/n)." Graham said as they both shook your hand.
"Called him! He's on his way over!" Colt called.
"Well, that's our cue to leave. Hope everything goes well hon and we wish you luck!" Graham called as they said their goodbyes. They then hopped back in their boat and sailed back to the mainland.
"Hey miss if you want you can sit inside the Shaq while the sheriff gets here." Colt offered.
How sweet.
"Thank you but I think I'll wait outside. It's so nice outside." You said as you took a seat outside the Shaq.
Colt nodded and walked back into the Shaq.
A few minutes go by and a Ford LTD pulls up in its iconic black and white. It was the sheriff's car that pulled up and an older man with a rather long beard stepped out of the vehicle.
You say a quick thank you to Colt and go over to meet the sheriff.
"Hello, there sheriffs my name is (y/n). I recently inherited my aunt's house and was wondering if you would be able to take me over? I'm not familiar with these parts." You explained as the sheriff gave you a smile. It seemed a little forced in your opinion.
"How do you do miss (y/n). My name is Moses Lott, the sheriff around these parts. I'll be happy to escort you over to the estate. Your Aunt Verna was an amazing woman that did a lot for this town." Moses explained as he led you to his car.
You turned and waved goodbye at Colt, who waved back before you two took your leave.
"I didn't know my aunt had such a major role in this town. What exactly did she do?" You questioned curiously as you turned to him. It seemed like he was taking his time to formulate an answer.
"I'm sure once you get to her estate you'll get a better idea, but she was a very kind-hearted woman and took in all the less fortunate in her estate." He explained.
"Wait. There are other people living there?" Shocked at the information you just heard. Totally proud of your aunt for her charitable work, but the idea of others living at the estate made you rethink your idea of selling.
"I'm gonna be honest dear but I think they might be long gone by now." He explained giving off a somber mood.
"I see…"
"We're here." He said as he parked the car.