AN: So this is chapter one, hope you enjoy it.
On Pointe
A Jacob/OC Imprint Story
By she defies gravity
CHAPTER ONE
Forks was a small town and La Push was even smaller, she was prepared for that. It didn't change her reaction as the little car sped through the drab surroundings. Just driving down the main road she could see the school and what had to be the grocery store, Chicago had had so much life and so much vitality. She had spent most of her nights out, barely spending time at home, she didn't seem to have a choice here but she supposed that was the point.
'Olivia, honey, how're you feeling?' her aunt really was a sweet lady; she was willing to drive to the airport and take her in at least.
'I'm fine Auntie Carol, really. It's just so... different,' Olivia's voice was soft, barely heard above the thrum of the engine.
'You'll get used to it, the forest is quite lovely,' Carol's voice was enthusiastic as she sold what Olivia could only believe were the finer points of Forks, Washington, 'though I must insist you don't go in there by yourself. Wolves, you know?'
Olivia started, 'Wolves?'
'Oh yes, they're quite common in this area. The reports say they're quite large too, so you have to be careful. We had a lot of trouble a few years back, a few hikers were killed, but that turned out to be a bear so the wolves were left alone.'
The car lapsed into a silence again, Olivia settling her long black hair over one shoulder as she leant her head against the window, the slight thump against the glass surprisingly soothing. It would not have been her first choice, La Push, but Auntie Carol was the only one in her family she really liked enough to go live with permanently.
'Everything will be just fine sweetie, we're going to get you all settled in at school and Jimmy will take care of you there. Everything will be just like normal,' her voice was soothing as she turned in her seat slightly to look at the young girl beside her.
Olivia's smile was slight, her heart not really in it, lips slightly turned up, 'I know Auntie Carol, it'll just take some adjusting.'
'Yes, well, you'll love it. Beautiful place to live really and you'll make lots of new friends.'
Houses fell out of view as the forest thickened, the green almost overpowering but somehow beautiful. Maybe she could get used to the view.
The Collins' house was modest but still a decent size, it certainly looked a lot homier than the large and very empty apartment Olivia had grown accustomed to. It was just so... Carol Collins. Blue shutters adorned the windows, lace curtains peeking out. There was an attractive quality to the house, there was space surrounding it but neighbours still within what could be deemed a 'safe' distance. It was quiet too; the only noise Olivia could hear was the faint noise of a television and the birds out in the forest. No wolves yet. She stood staring at the door, completely still and lost in thought.
'Olivia honey, I've got your bags, I'll take them up to your room,' Carol was behind her, bags in hand, 'come on up with me, I think you'll like it.'
And she did. It was smaller than what she was used to but she liked it so much more. The walls were a pale purple and the small bed was covered in a white blanket. It was ordinary but Olivia could see that Carol had left space where she could put her own things; books, photos.
'How'd you like it?' Carol was smiling in the doorway, watching her young niece as she spun in the middle of the room slowly, 'I know it's not what you're used to but...'
'No, no, I love it. It feels like... home.'
Carol smiled as she placed Olivia's bags onto the floor, telling her she could start unpacking while she went and got started on some dinner, adding that her cousin Jimmy and Uncle Jeff should be home soon.
Olivia sat on the bed, head in hands as she stared blankly at the large purple duffel sitting so unassumedly. With a sigh she stood up and knelt by the bag opening it to reveal all her worldly possessions. The bag held mostly clothes, a few books squished down the sides and essential toiletries stuffed wherever they would fit. Once everything had been dragged out and put away she walked back to the almost empty bag, all that was left in there the only belongings she couldn't bring herself to remove. Gingerly she pulled the piece of material from the bottom of the bag; a black leotard with a pale blue skirt and the pink Pointe shoes she hadn't worn in so long. It was strange, seeing them, after so long without them, their weight familiar in her hands.
'Olivia Lee! Little Bee! Where are you hiding?' the gruff voice belonged to her Uncle Jeff, a genuine smile spread across her face as she bounded down the stairs and into the arms of the big man.
'Little girl, I've missed you!' he spun her around, Olivia's feet flying in the air.
'I've missed you too Uncle Jeffrey!'
'What? No love for your favourite cousin?' the 18 year olds voice was dry and sarcastic but his tone was offset by the grin stealing across his face.
'I would give you a hug if you stop using that stupid voice,' Olivia was laughing as she said it, leaving the big arms of her uncle and giving her favourite cousin a hug.
'There we go, we all know this is what you've been looking forward to all day,' the impish grin was back as Jimmy held onto the smaller girl, 'looking forward to school on the Rez?'
'Always, school is my life. What on Earth would I do without it?' Jimmy laughed at her dry tone; he knew full well she couldn't wait to get out of there.
'Poor little Livvy has two more years to go, little junior must be intimidated by big bad old senior.'
'Oh shut it James. At least I'm likely to graduate,' her nose was in the air as Jimmy shoved her lightly at the use of his full name.
'Stop it you two,' Carol cut in from the kitchen, 'Jimmy darling, come here and give your poor mother a hand with this food. Jeffy and Olivia can go wait at the table.'
It was with a lot of muttered grumbles under his breath Jimmy stalked away, complaining about how 'precious little Livvy never had to do any work' while the girl in question was left laughing.
Carol had sent the two kids upstairs after their dinner, insisting they needed time to 'get to know each other again', so it was not an hour later the two were found in Jimmy's bedroom, Olivia lounging on the floor and Jimmy on his bed.
'So honestly Liv, how you doing?' Jimmy's voice was careful but strong, he needed an answer but didn't want to scare her off, 'you didn't eat much at dinner.'
Olivia looked up sharply, 'I'm fine! Honestly, I just wasn't all that hungry. I'm better, you know that.'
Jimmy kept a careful eye on his cousin, her long hair tied up and out of the way as she chewed on her fingernails, 'Are you sure? You know you can always come to me right?'
'Jimmy, seriously. I am perfectly fine. I know I can talk to you, you're my favourite cousin.' Her voice had become subdued, 'I think I'm going to head off to bed. Long day you know.'
Jimmy was left staring after his cousin as she stood up slowly leaving the small room without another word. Had she looked back she would have seen the normally unflappable James Collins with a look of concern etched on his face as he repeatedly through a small basketball against the roof.
So some of the phrasing may be awkward but that is what reviews are for, so leaving one would be amazing. They make authors (or aspiring ones) ver happy :) If you are going to leave one tell me how much you may like it or just leave some advice on how I can improve for the next chapter.