When Elizabeth applied to work at Jessop Conservatory for a summer job, she didn't actually think she would get the job since she lived in a different state and there were probably many teens applying from Hope's County for her to even be considered. A small town where everyone knows everyone sought of thing but no apparently, they thought she would be the best fit for the position. For some reason.
But hey it's a good-paying job in Montana which has lots of forests for her to go camping in on her days off which is a bonus. Liz remembers when her dad would start drinking, she would take her younger brother some food water blankets and some board games up to the treehouse which her dad mom had built for her before her mom ran off with another man. Her brother Aiden always loved it when she dragged him outside to live in the trees like monkeys. She was thankful that their dad never followed them there.
Liz's best friend's dad took both of them camping a few times which she always enjoyed. The forest became a safe haven for her and her brother. A place where they were free to do whatever the hell, they wanted without the fear of angering the drunk abusive asshole who had took over as their dad. Of course, she never let him anywhere near Aiden. She made sure to always take the beating. That Aiden was hidden away in the treehouse so he didn't have to view the violence that followed. When her dad had either gotten bored or passed out, she would painfully make her way up the treehouse ladder using their secret knock to let Aiden know it was safe before he unlocked the door and let her in.
Elizabeth hates to admit it but the older they got the worse it became for the two of them. Now she's seventeen turnings eighteen in October. With the money, she will earn from this summer job and the rest of the money, she's been saving up from doing odd jobs and some help from her best friend's family she'll be able to take Aiden and move into a small apartment far far far away from their dad. The worse thing about this job is that Aiden can't come with her but she managed to get him into a summer camp. He will be going with a few of his friends. their parents helping out a little in terms of paying for the camp but Liz promised them that she will pay them back once everything is sorted.
It's clear that they suspect something is wrong with their home life. Honestly, she's surprised child services hasn't been called yet. Maybe they understand that both she and Aiden are afraid to end up in the foster care. that they will be repeated from each. that they will become lost in the system. Whatever it is that is stopping them from getting involved she doesn't care as long as it keeps her and Aiden together.
This brings us to right now as Elizabeth begins walking up the path with her small rugged suitcase to the Jessop's Manor where she will be working on the land until summer ends. The place seems really nice and the landscape is even more beautiful than she thought it would be. Rows of different flowers and vegetables are planted over the acres of land owned. Greenhouses linger to the side of the manner no doubt holding more variations of plants. There is an old red barn with a white outline further back.
Hope's County so far doesn't seem that bad of a place to live. Unsure of exactly what she's supposed to do or where to go she knocks lightly on the front door and hope she doesn't immediately get fired. When the door opened she expected to see Mr Jessop but instead, a really pretty girl about her age opened the door. "Hello," She says timidly looking down at the floor but with a sweet smile on her face. Her hair is a light brown colour which seems to flow around her shoulders. "Can I help you," She says a few seconds later bringing me out of staring at her like a weird stalker. Get a grip girl it's just one really really pretty girl. Don't be strange or you'll lose your job.
"Uhh yeah. Sorry. My name's Elizabeth Rook. I was just hired to work here and I have no idea where I'm actually supposed to go." At this, the girl looks up surprised meeting Liz's eyes for the first time and they are really blue. Like a light baby blue that shines brightly enhancing her delicate features. This only makes her even more attractive in Liz'a opinion. Seriously Liz get a hold of yourself. She quickly avoids eye contact with the girl by looking back out at the farm. "Could you point out where I should go please," She asks politely as possible trying to keep my blush away from reaching her face. It's just the heat of summer. Not her bashfulness at talking to this girl.
"I'll walk you over." The girl offers smiling brightly before leading her over to another building. Liz noticed straight away that she isn't wearing any shoes but doesn't mention it because that's a weird thing to point out. "So you're the girl who beat out nearly every guy in town for a job here." She states as they walk slowly towards their destination. Giving the two girls the chance to talk for a bit.
"Yeah I'm a little surprised that I got this job since I live out of state." Liz answer back which makes the other smile even more. Intrigue appearing on her face.
"And where do you live." The girl asks curiously walking next to Liz instead of leading.
"Seattle." Liz replies going along with the small talk. "I live there with my younger brother. He's away at summer camp while I'm out here." It's probably more information then she wanted but who cares. Not her.
"What about your parents." She asks innocently enough but it doesn't stop the sudden intake of breath or the stopping mid-step. The girl whose name she still doesn't know pauses and look back worried like she's asked something she shouldn't have had. "Sorry if it's." she quickly tries to back peddle with fear tinting her voice as she wraps her arms around herself.
"It's fine." She cut her off not wanting her to apologize for asking something anyone would ask. "Just have a bad relationship with them. Don't worry about it." Liz gives her a small smile in hopes of showing her it's ok. the tension slowly fades from the other girl as she nods and starts walking again but doesn't seem to want to ask any more questions. "May I ask what your name is," Liz tries in hopes of continuing to talk to her. And would also really like to know her name
"Rachel." She says with a smile returning to her face. "Rachel Jessop." Jessop. As in her boss's daughter. Oh god.
"Well it's nice to meet you, Rachel," Liz says offering her a hand to shake. "You can call me Liz." Rachel takes her hand and flashes her a smile that could put the sun to shame. Oh god. She's just met this girl and she's pretty sure she won't be able to stay away from her. She seems warm and gentle and is completely her type so please god let her be into girls.