CHAPTER 5 – SIGHT-SEEING
A/N: Much appreciation to my new readers and reviewers. (Valentine Rain, ribuxoxo, wishingstar, Adipocere, ) and those who are favouring (Adipocere, BABY GIRL TIFF, EvilTwinkle, Jace101, Lilithcase39girl, Sammiee31, Socajam, StyHorPayLikLin, Valentine Rain, wishingstar101)
To Valentine Rain in reply to your review:
Yes Bella can change her appearance, control the elements, has enhanced senses but she can do more...
As for what she is - I'm gonna drag it out in the spirit of suspense – but promise you will not be kept in the dark too long.
Thanks to my other reviewers for showing love and interest. Bare with me…I hope you enjoy this chapter.
MUSE Cover - Feelin' Good
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
After my Thursday lunch, following Cora's advice, I'd ran to Port Angeles and done some shopping. I'd given in to the excitement of what my home could be like so I'd regrettably ended up pawning two pieces of my jewellery. The antique necklace that I had bought for myself in 1956 and the antique filigree ring which I had admired and bought it in 1972. With this regrettable sacrifice, I'd received $98,000.
With all this money, I managed to visit the Port Angeles hardware store owned by a Mr Stevens where I bought the necessary tools and some planks of wood along with furniture polish. I'd also gone to the Thriftway to purchase some groceries and cleaning supplies which was why I'd spent every waking moment of my weekend fixing the cabin.
On Friday, I'd managed to scrub the whole house – gotten rid of all the mould and the cobwebs and swept away the dust but also used gardening sheers to cut down the weeds. In addition to this, I'd also taken off the windows and the doors and spent the night fixing the floors of every room but also the porch steps ridding the house of the creaking floorboards.
All I needed now was some window shutters and three new doors with a couple of hinges and maybe some paint. Then I could get started with the painting. The plumbing would have to be done professionally so I would have to call someone.
However, that was put that aside on Saturday morning which had me brought back in Port Angeles where I spent money on new clothing by following the more modest collaborations on the mannequins in the shops. After clothes shopping, I'd bought a few notebooks and stationary that may be necessary – all props of course.
I'd also gotten the time to order the essential furniture – bed, mattress and beddings, a table and a sofa and armchair but when realising that I didn't want anyone to know where the cabin was, I'd regrettably compelled the man to allow me to use his moving truck to deliver everything myself and after I did drop everything at the cabin, I did take the truck back.
Sunday, had me tired and not in the mood to clean so I had decided to go sight-seeing after calling a plumber and an electrician. When the arrived, I compelled them into silence before going for breakfast at the diner, I'd followed Cora's advice and walked to La Push which turned out to be a large deserted beach with a wide stretch of water and the familiar energy buzzed with the near contact of my second element. Taking off my converse shoes, I began to tread through while feeling the dampened sand stroke my feet in the warm lapping water as it tickled my toes making me giggle like an infant.
Past memories broke through as I remembered the happier days when I was at Colwyn Bay Beach. The warmth of the sunrays that were emitted through small gaps of the cloudy sky… loud cries of the seagulls...sitting on the pier while my toes grazed the glistening surface of the waves while searching through the translucent aqua-blue for any sea life… the intense feeling of being at the edge of the world as I stared into the distance where the sky met the sea…strong arms protectively wrapped around me while a soft palm was placed with mine in a firm grip…
Continuing my down the shore in a casual pace, I treaded through the gentle waves with childish excitement, feeling like I was the only person in the world. It was both depressing and calming.
Sounds of human civilization broke the silence and I caught sight of the maroon bungalow with white painted windows which matched the door. Next to it was a garage that was joint to the house and outside was a Chevy red pickup truck.
As I walked closer, I read the note stapled onto the bulbous cab;
1953 CHEVY TRUCK
Rebuilt Engine
$1,200
Its red paint was rusted and was cracking at the rounded fenders. Although it was worn out, it held a sense of character. Untold stories and curiosity overrode my reasoning so I stepped forwards to place my hand onto its cold metal before closing my eyes with a deep breath.
…Dion & The Belmont's, 'A Teenager In Love' played through my thoughts…musky smell of a burning cigar… overcome with the sense of freedom as I drove through the open road which seemed endless…
"Miss?" snapping away from the trance to the older man on a wheelchair that sat on the porch staring at me with intrigue. I could feel his speculation but there was no darkness creeping into his intentions so I calmed the racing of my heartbeat with a relieved sigh.
Feeling flushed I muttered an apology before tearing my hand away from the base of the truck with a sheepish smile, "She's a beauty" I commented, my eyes still glued onto the truck.
"Sure is" he rolled his wheels towards me with a sly grin. "You thinking of buying?" he inquired with a glint in his dark brown eyes. They seemed soulful yet full of wisdom but I could see the sadness buried within but I resisted in looking through his private thoughts.
His question caught me off guard. I would need some sort of transport to get around – especially now that I'd decided to go to school. "Maybe" I answered with a nonchalant shrug but I stared back at the truck and found a growing want for the broken down truck.
"Here I was thinking I was gonna have to sell it for parts" a crease forming on his forehead as he stopped next to me, placing a gentle palm on the truck with a wistful expression and it gave a low groan under the pressure.
"Oh, God no – she's a classic" shocked with the mere thought of having the Chevy broken down into parts. The bittersweet memories still fresh in my mind. He gave a light chuckle that rumbled in his chest while he shook his head at me, his long wispy black hair quivering with his movements.
After his laughter subdued, I stared at him with wonder while his eyes locked with mine, full of unspoken questions, "Why don't you just take it?" he offered out of the blue and I was taken aback with his generous proposal.
"Excuse me" I gasped in surprise, my voice masked with astonished laughter.
He nodded all too eagerly, his eyes darkened with seriousness, "It's taking up space" he began to explain his outrageous generosity, "It wouldn't be fair to sell such an old-"
"I'll pay" quick to interrupt his blasphemy.
"You really don't have to" he sighed "I feel like I'm exploiting you. Kids these days are into the new expensive flashy cars and here I am selling you this piece of crap" he ranted off into his own world like father used to. They would've been friends.
I had made my decision about him.
He was good.
"Hey dad, what's going on?" another voice joined us and I stopped my admiration for him to turn around, only to be met by the young russet-skinned boy with black cropped hair dressed in a checked shirt on top which he left unbuttoned revealing his grey t-shirt that clung to him emphasising his taut muscles. His boyish grin seemed to suggest he was young than me though his muscles and his height gained him a few more years. His dark brown were similar to his father's though more youthful but sharing the same buried sadness which I could now make out to be grief…possibly.
"Oh, hey Jake" the man cheered up, a wide grin stretching n his face "This is…" he trailed off and we both realised that we hadn't even exchanged introductions.
"Isa – Just Bella" quick to recover from my mistake as I warily glanced at him then to his son.
"Well Just Bella, I'm Billy Black and this is here is the fruit of my loins - Jacob" confirming what I already knew.
Turning to him, I gave a small smile as I watched the love warming his brown eyes as I stared up at his son, "Nice to meet you both" linking my fingers together.
Mr Black began to roll his way towards us, "Bella here, is thinking about taking the truck" he explained to his son who perked up at this.
His son seemed amused as he crossed his arms over his chest, "The truck?" it came out as a scoff but I knew not to be offended as he meant no harm but was simply surprised with this offer. "Seriously? His eyes widening slight and I nodded.
Truth be told, I was always a bit of an easy target with the classic cars though I did revel in the speed of the modern sports cars.
"I want it" suddenly driven to determination of making it mine. Excited bubbled as I thought about driving it on the stretched roads of Forks. Another advantage to this small town.
Jacob uncrossed his arms and stepped forward to place his hand on the top of the truck with a grin, "We've been trying to sell it for months - almost gave up" he laughed. He radiated such happiness that it was difficult to not smile with him.
"Well I'm glad you didn't"
He clapped his hands with finality before reaching over to open the driver's side and motioning for me to get in, "I totally rebuilt the engine and replaced the tyres" he began his salesman pitch when I slipped inside and placed my hands on the steering wheel while inspecting the truck as the smell of cigars from the memories was being erased with the smell of new leather.
It had a beige leather interior and I knew that they had replaced it all due to the memories which had revealed that they had once been black. "Yeah I could tell", making an effort to converse with him. He too was good. "Keystone wheels right?"
Something unfamiliar sparked in his eyes as he stared at me with surprise,
Before he could say what he was preparing himself to say, his father beat him to it as he casually commented, "You got a good eye". There was something suggestive in his tone that I turned to look at him but found that he was looking at his son knowingly.
"Thank you Mr. Black" letting him know that I acknowledged his compliment.
Him and his son both began to laugh and I sat there confused as to what I had said wrong. "No Mr. Black here, just Billy" he continued to chuckle as his son did.
"Okay, Just Billy" playing the same joke he did before continuing, "I want to buy this truck"
Jacob whipped his head around to face me, "Now?" his brown eyes had widened and surprise was emphasised in his features.
Jumping down from the truck, I shrugged, "Why not?"
"Okay" he answered with an agreeing nod. "I'll have to go get the keys" he began to wheel himself to the house.
"And I'll go get the money" I called back to him.
Billy paused to turn to me and quickly added, "Meet you back here in half an hour"
"Sounds like a plan" feeling happy with myself. I had managed to have a civilised conversation with complete strangers who had quickly earned my protection if ever needed,
After I saw Billy disappear into the house, I waved at Jacob but as I began to walk away, he jogged to meet up with me and I paused looking at him in search for answers. "I haven't seen you around in Forks" it seemed he did not want to finish with our conversation.
I decided against compelling him as it wasn't even necessary. Plus it would be nice to practice my cover story, "Oh I just moved here a few days ago" adding a casual shrug to emphasis the nonchalance in my voice as I stuffed my hand in my jacket pocket.
From the corner of my eye, I saw him nod before looking back at me, "Do you live on the rez with your parents?"
Fear struck through me, my nerves froze and my feet were lead as they numbed me keeping me from moving as I shut down. Of course I had anticipated this question but never anticipated this feeling. "No." I managed to choke out but even that one word already revealed too much.
"Sorry" he was quick to apologise and worry cracked in his eyes breaking the joy that I had grown accustomed to, "I didn't mean to upset you" stepping in front of me then looking down at me with a sincere apology and regret.
Feeling guilty for being the one to crush his spirit, I looked down. Might as well tell them now because people might get suspicious as to why I'm never around with my parents and this being a small town meant that rumours would spread like wildfire. "My parents died. I live alone" I muttered and forced my muscles to move again.
"I'm sorry" his words were sincere and I knew he meant it so I gave him a grateful smile, "I know how hard it is to lose one but I can't imagine not having my father too" he added in a more melancholy tone and I could tell he was reminiscing about the mother he had lost.
Looking up at him, I waited till he met my eyes before offering my expected condolences, "I'm sorry about your mother" It explained the grief that him and his father burdened but masked it closely. Masking it was always good because not living but going through the day with grief constantly in your mind would lead you to a darker place.
"I'm sorry about your parents" he breathed softly into the cool breeze and I found myself shivering so I pulled my jacket closer to me. After the awkward silence lengthened greatly in a matter of seconds, I was about to make an excuse but he spoke before I could, "Where did you live before?" I knew he was trying to change the subject so I went along with it in hopes that it would distract me from the threat of memories resurfacing.
Not feeling as enthusiastic as before made my reply unintentionally clipped, "New York"
"Wow, New York" he gasped looking almost impressed by this new piece of information that gave him an insight into my make belief life, "and now Forks. Hope it's not too disappointing" he chuckled and nudged me with his shoulder.
The brief contact of his unusually heated skin was enough.
…A young woman with short black hair was sat on a rocking chair by the window while gently rubbing her swollen baby under the flower-patterned dress…an infant with wide brown eyes sat on the floor where his strewn toys were forgotten as he held out his tiny hands in desperate need to picked up and loved…an adolescent boy walking through a hallway and stopping to hi-five his friends…an older boy running then taking off his shirt before jumping into the air – his whole form ripping out into a wolf…
"Bella?" he was louder now as he shook me, his tone reflected his building anxiety and his grip of my shoulders as he forced me out of my trance.
"Sorry. I was somewhere else" murmuring my apology and he smirked but my thoughts were driving me somewhere else.
Shape-shifters? Real-life shifters?
Sure I knew they existed but never in my many years have I found one.
Trying to suppress my excitement was growing to be difficult and I had to bite down on my lip to stop the stream of questions.
Did it hurt to phase?
Were there any female shifters?
Do the shifters share any gifts?
How does one become an alpha?
Could you explain imprinting? Had he imprinted?
"You never answered my question" he reminded me, tearing me away from the endless questions racing through my mind.
"Um, yeah – sorry" apologizing again as I shook my head clear in a failed attempt to stop myself from being distracted. "What had you asked?"
"It wasn't exactly a question but I was just saying I hope Forks isn't too disappointing?" his following smile was slightly sad but my thoughts drove me into thinking how can someone this tall shape-shift into something different – something very different.
"No, not at all" trying to compose myself but I still smiled. He did seem confused by my change of mood but didn't question it because he mirrored mine, "Guess I just needed a fresh start" not able to repress the grin that broke through as I stared up at him in amazement. Curse mama's inquisitive nature.
"You're just saying that" he murmured staring off into the sea. Staring at this profile, I could still see the innocent boy from the memories. The one who was reaching out in need for closeness – for his mother's love through the simple touch.
Following his line of sight, I smiled as I breathed in the salty air and began my confession, "I love the peace and quiet. I love being close to nature and the sea" sighing with satisfaction because all I could hear was the sound of the gentle waves. "How I love the sea"
Turning my head, I found that Jacob was staring at me with amusement, "I probably sound like a hippie to you, don't I?" adding a half-hearted chuckle surprised that I'd actually made a joke.
He shook his head bursting out with infectious laughter and I joined him wondering how someone as happy and calm can ever be seen as aggressive.
Once the laughs subdued, he sighed, "You should come cliff-diving sometime" he offered out of the blue.
"You cliff-dive?"
"Yeah. All the time" he nodded eagerly. "Bunch of us are getting together this weekend if you wanna join" he suggested and something hit me. If I did go, I would definitely be meeting more werewolves but the idea of cliff-diving did sound exciting.
Inclining my head to him, I was taken back when finding that he was staring at me, still waiting for my answer so I gave a grin to calm him and answered with a nod, "That sounds…great"
I had made my first friend.
A/N: We'll have Bella in school in the next chapter. Thanks for reading = please review and fav…