I want to say thank you to everyone that's waited so patiently for my next update. With the craziness of the end of school for my gremlins and trying to make sure summer break won't drive me to insanity, I unfortunately let my writing take a toll. I love all of your reviews. I love taking time to read what everyone thinks and I appreciate the time you take to leave them. I hope everyone is doing well with the craziness of the world at the moment and wish everyone the best and safest they can be. I won't let you wait any longer and I hope you love the next chapter of Price to Pay. Enjoy and please let me know what you think!
Charlie's POV -
"Are you trying to kill us?" Quil looks at me like I've lost my mind as he sorts through the groceries.
"No." I feel unsure on how to react, but keep unpacking the grocery haul. Looking up I see amusement in Seth's eyes and feel myself relax as I realize Quil's dramatics are playful. "The junk food you were living off of would've killed you."
"Where are the hot pockets? The hohos and microwave burritos?" His wailing has me smiling when I realize he had only gone through one bag.
"Now I know you're fit Quil, but keep eating twinkies at the rate I've witnessed this past week, and you might end up losing that pretty figure." I can't help the teasing tone that sneaks into my voice. "Eating some fruit would do you some good."
I watch as he dramatically walks to the couch and drops onto it next to Anna. The little girl frowns at being jostled and the frown deepens as she takes in Quil's exasperated performance. Reaching over she grabs her unopened juice box and slides it into his lap silently. Effectively cutting off his actions, he looks down in surprise and holds the drink up in confusion. Anna continues to look at him as she eats her banana and her frown clears up into relief that he's stopped yelling.
"Is this for me?" He asks her.
Looking at him annoyed she nods slowly and pats his knee, before focusing on the movie I'd put on earlier. Laughter explodes from me effortlessly at the whole scene. Seth joins me and Quil looks disgruntled at Anna's clear message. Shut up and drink your juice. It takes me a whole minute to bring my laughter down to the occasional giggle, but it's hard to keep it from growing when I glance up to find Quil leaning away from Anna pouting with the straw of the juice box in his mouth.
"What happened here?" Jake's voice cuts into the room and I look up still smiling and gesture my head towards the pair on the couch.
Amusement cuts across his face and he smiles back at me. I feel relief slide through me at the lack of awkwardness that had stalked us over the last week. I'd spent the weekend holed up in the house with Anna, only leaving to grab boots for work, and coming back Monday was nerve wracking after Friday night. I spent all week working the desk and making my way through the frustratingly chaotic office. Jake and I danced around each other, or rather, I danced around Jake. He tried to reassure me that everything was fine multiple times, but the embarrassment and shame of my reflexive reactions had me avoiding him as much as possible. None of that filled the air now. No, now he was across from me helping pull groceries from the paper bags.
"Quil got intimidated by the bag of fruit he found." Seth gwaufs as he puts them in the tiered fruit basket on the center of the table.
"I didn't buy just fruit." I smile as I start pointing out items. "I got sandwich meats, cheeses, and condiments. There's Baby Bell cheese, jerky sticks, yogurt, hummus/pretzel packs, salsa and dips…"
I trail off at the unsure look on Seth's face and look down at the groceries. The only thing I'd ever appreciated about John was the insistence of eating healthy. With friends coming over most weekends, he wanted to make sure that what they saw was the complete care of his "family". From the way we dressed when they were over, down to the cleaning products under the sink. The house screamed healthy and happy. To me it screamed a massive cover up.
"It's not all healthy." I rush to explain, barely catching the frown Jake throws at the guys. "I stocked the freezer with pizza rolls, hot pockets, and microwavable items. I also made some pasta salads to go with sandwiches and an assortment of muffins. If you like them I'll make some every couple of days. Oh and I made some premade meals and put them in the freezer. They should heat up in the microwave easily."
I open up the cabinet doors and show them the haul I managed to bring in. An assortment of their favorite drinks waited to be loaded into the fridge. Alongside that sat all sorts of snacks they had listed on their grocery list.
"Are these different brands?" Jake asks curiously.
"I got one of your regular brands, but grabbed the healthier versions as well." I explain attempting to put a box of granola bars up. "If you guys like them, I'll cut the junky ones out."
I barely hear the shuffle of Jake's footsteps behind me as I struggle to reach the shelf I need. I fully feel the shock streak through me when his chest presses against my back and the skin off his arm brushes the skin of my own arm. I jerk a bit at the sudden unfamiliar feelings and let go of the box and he puts it in place for me. Fighting a blush, I start folding up the paper bags and glance over to find Anna frowning at the tv and fidgeting. Only a little anxiety of him coming up behind me filters through.
"Anna bug, do you need to go potty?" My voice catches her attention and she jumps up to come over to me. I let my fingers card through the top of her hair as she hugs my legs. "Are you hungry?"
She nods her head just as the bell for the front dings. Sitting her down at the table, I motion that I'll be back in a moment. Moving to the front, I'm momentarily taken back by the girl in front of me. The words stunning and breathtaking flash through my head. She takes in my presence and smiles before flouncing off to the back with a grace that makes me feel insecure. Moving back to the break room I find Seth talking to the beautiful girl with a bright smile on his face.
"Charlie, this is my fiance Renesmee. Renesmee, this is Charlie, she's our new receptionist." He says happily.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." She says with a voice that sounds like music. It takes me a moment to respond.
"Nice to meet you too." I tell her, smiling slightly. I feel a tug and find Anna frowning up at me. "Sorry I should feed her."
Distracting myself with getting Anna's lunch together I listen as the girl talks about flower arrangements with Seth. Quil has already left for the shop and Jacob sits at the table, peeling a cutie for Anna. Her ease with him giving me hope that she's come out on top of everything fairly unscathed.
"So Seth tells me that you managed to sort Jacob out on some renovation plans." Glancing up from the sandwich I'm making for Anna I realize she's talking to me. "They're very tasteful."
"I didn't do much." I smile trying to hide how flustered she makes me feel. "I just built on the work he'd already done."
"Well it'll look beautiful when it's finished." She praises. "Seth told me that the supplies have been ordered so they'll be able to finish the Living and Dining room."
I nod with another small smile and set the small lunch in front of Anna before starting on making a cup of tea. Over the rest of the lunch break I work on making lists as I sip on my tea and force myself to eat a muffin. I know mama would be disappointed at my lack of appetite, but finding a job and house had barely taken the edge off my stress. Everyday we walked through the door I was forced to face the fact that the cabin is blaringly bare. Anna hardly seemed to notice, too excited to play in the yard and run around with her stuffed rabbit to pay attention to the lack of clothes, toys, and furniture. Outside of work, I didn't have the innocence of youth to ignore the reality of our situation. The two of us had a week worth of clothing that was beginning to look worn. The weather here gets chillier everyday as we inch closer to the end of October. Anna and I needed clothing better suited to the North Western cold season hanging over us.
My pen moves across my notebook determinedly as I fill the list with furniture and smaller details we need for each room and detailing a better grocery list for the end of the week. I briefly wonder if Jacob would be willing to let me use the computer on my lunch break to order some clothes for Anna. I doubt the check this week will be large enough to cover more than food, bills, and some outfits for Anna…I strike clothes for me off my other list. I could make do with what I have until we're more stable. I'm only brought out of my planning focus when Anna tugs on my shirt. Glancing at the clock on the wall I find it close to her nap time and the end of lunch. Turning on Cinderella, I make sure Anna uses the bathroom and brushes her teeth before laying her down. Her eyelashes flutter as I pick up from lunch and everyone empties out from the lounge. Everyone, but Renesmee.
"I hope I'm not overstepping or out of line, but does Anna come to work with you everyday?" Her voice is soothingly smooth and low so as to not bother the now passed out toddler.
"I haven't been able to find childcare yet. Jake says she's fine, she hardly makes herself known." I feel unsure and almost anxious at the thought of being judged from my lack of success with finding a sitter for Anna. "I'm hoping to find something soon."
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable." She says walking over and helping wash the dishes. "I was just wanting to ask if you'd mind if I bought some toys and things for the lounge. I figured you must have your hands full pulling this place together. Plus I see that rabbit she hangs onto and I have this beautiful tea set from my childhood…figured she might like to have a tea party with her friend."
I pause and look at her. Her eyes scream pure sincerity and she looks content. I can't even pick up on any underlying negativity. I almost tell her no, but even I could understand that Anna needs more than tv and coloring books. Swallowing my pride, I smile and nod.
"I think she would love that and I really appreciate it." I tell her honestly. "I get my paycheck this Friday and I can pay you back for anything."
"Absolutely not." She says twirling away and snatching up her purse. "I don't know if anyone's told you, but I've decided we are going to be the best of friends and as my friend that means I can buy you and Anna anything I want and you are not allowed to pay me back."
I feel like an idiot as my mind gets twisted into a mess and I can't find a way to reply. I feel myself flush at the embarrassment of knowing that my mouth must be opening and closing like a fish. She smiles brightly at me and I almost feel thunderstruck and she giggles before gliding out of the room. I feel like I'm in a daze as I make myself some more tea. My mind is filled with questions about the girl I just met and didn't know at all. How could she want to be my friend already? Could this turn into a genuine friendship? Did I have time to have a friend?
"You'll have to excuse Renesmee." Jake's voice has me snapping from my thoughts and I flush when I realize that lunch has been over for ten minutes.
"I'm sorry!" I exclaim as I quickly mix some honey in my tea and rush past him to the front. Luckily no one has come in yet. Jake follows me to the desk.
"It's fine." He assures me. "Renesmee is like a tornado. She tends to rip through and forgets not everyone runs at the same speed as her."
"She's okay." I tell him, though I don't feel entirely convinced. "She's really nice."
"Yeah, she's a good girl." He agrees. "Don't be afraid to lay down some boundaries if you need to. She'll understand."
"I'm not worried about it." I lie.
I am worried. I'm worried that I'll get too comfortable and take my eye off the ball. Anna is my priority and I can't have anything or anyone distracting me from giving her everything she deserves. Taking a sip of my tea I try to relax, but once again my mind is filled with lists of everything that I need to handle before I let myself settle down. For all I knew we might not stay in La Push. One day we might move on. As if sensing my need to be left alone, Jake smiles and heads back into the shop. The rest of the week flies by as I'm pulled into my routine. We wake before the sun rises and get ready for work. I'd finally finished putting together the front desk and office. Renesmee was true to her word and the lounge sported a new toy box filled to the brim with shiny new toys and simple shelves filled to the brim with books and art supplies. She even filled one of the empty lockers with some blankets, pillows, and some spare clothes for Anna. The gesture made my heart warm and my eyes mist as I watched Anna squeal over it all. She made an effort to show up everyday at lunch and I slowly let myself relax around her. I'd noticed I was allowing myself to relax around my coworkers a lot more often lately.
After work I'd spend the evening going over the internet on my phone budgeting out furniture and desperately trying not to call the hospital. Any time I feel like calling mama I divert the energy into cleaning and now everything sparkles from the obsessive attention. By the end of each night I'm exhausted and fall into bed, desperate for sleep. My body is slowly healing and I find myself not needing the painkillers as often. The bruises on my face yellowing out, though smudges of black still remained. My ribs/muscles aren't screaming when I pick up my sister as much. Before long it's Friday and I'm already packing up from a busy day of appointments and placing orders for supplies. The only thing making me smile is the envelope within my bag. Friday means payday. Payday means I'm doing what I need to do.
"Hey Charlie?" Jake's voice no longer makes me jump and I turn to grace him with a small smile.
"What's up?" I ask feeling relaxed.
"The supplies for the Cabin arrived and I wanted to know if it'll be alright if the guys and I come over this weekend to install it all?" He asks. "I know it's short notice, but I promise we'll be as quick as possible."
"That's fine." I tell him honestly. "I have some errands to run and I want to take Charlie to do something fun."
"Well I was wondering…Well if you're open to it…" He trails off, suddenly looking unsure as he scratches at the back of his head. I wait patiently. "Sunday night the gang is throwing a bonfire on the beach. We grill out, play some games, and then we tell some of our legends around the campfire. It's pretty laid back. If you want to come it could be fun for you and Anna."
I feel myself starting to close up at the thought of so many people, but the hopeful look in Jake's eyes has me nodding slowly. A night to relax and let Anna roam some more seemed perfect. Sensing my acceptance, his hopeful look turns into a bright smile and it nearly blows me away. I can't help but smile back at him.
"Beach?" Anna's little voice sounds excited and I laugh at how excited she looks as she stares up at us from my desk chair.
"Yes baby, beach." I pull her into my arms and she tucks her head into the crook of my neck.
"I might not be able to stay super late. She may be pretty behaved, but she turns into a monster when she's tired." I tell him as we make our way towards the door.
"I bet." He chuckles. The sound of it makes me jolt as it feels like warmth running down my spine.
"Uh, I actually had a question I wanted to ask you." I say as he locks up behind us. "Halloween is coming up and I wasn't sure if that's something you guys celebrate on the reservation. Anna hasn't ever been trick or treating so I thought it would be nice to take her this year."
"Some of us go into Forks if we want to take any of the kiddos trick or treating, but the gang usually just gather's at Sam and Emily's. She throws a small party." He says looking thoughtful. "You'll meet them at the bonfire. I think you'll like them."
"That sounds great." I tell him he walks me to the truck.
Before we can say anything the sound of wolves howling distracts me. The sounds make my hair rise on my arms and I frown at the urgency in their howls. Pure heat meets my lower back as Jake's hand guides me faster to the truck and I look up to see his face tight with something I can't place. Somewhere in the back of my mind I note how I don't flinch away from his touch.
"I didn't know there were wolves around here." I tell him as he pulls Anna from my arms.
He doesn't answer me as he loads her up and I get into the truck. Shutting Anna's door, he makes his way to my open one when more howling breaks out. Worry flashes through his eyes and I feel concern for him worm its way into my chest.
"Are you okay?" I ask as I start up the truck.
"Yeah, I just need to go check on my dad. Sometimes the wolf pack gets too close to the property line." He says. I feel fear seep into me, but he smiles apologetically. "Don't worry, they're harmless. If you ignore them, they'll ignore you."
"I'll be up pretty early tomorrow. I'll see you then." I tell him as he nods and closes my door.
I watch as he stares at me through the window with a conflicted look before he turns and rushes off. Trying not to think too hard about it, I start to drive home. I'm almost there when I remember him taking Anna from me to load her into the truck. I feel my hair raise on my arm for an entirely different reason. For the first time in a long time, I let someone take her from me without a fight. In fact, handing her over to him had been as effortless as breathing. The thought bounces around in my head throughout the night. Anna doesn't fight me when I bathe her after dinner and lay her down. Her little snores fill the room as soon as her head hits the pillow. I take my time getting ready for bed and pull out my paycheck. The tiny stub already boasts the automatic deposit of $1200 into my account. Setting it in my bag next to the bed, I let sleep take over.
My dreams are filled with flashes of russet fur and deep brown eyes that threaten to suck me in. By the time I'd woken up I felt like I barely slept at all. Not bothering to check the time I jump into the shower before dressing in a simple pair of jeans and my only sweater…well if you could call the thinning fabric that. I should have spent time packing the better clothes we reserved for when John's friends visited, but I didn't want to set off any suspicion. Shoving on some socks, I go through my routine of making the bed and putting the duffle and backpack in the closet before making my way to the kitchen. I let Anna continue to sleep as I start the coffee pot and warm up some pumpkin bread. The time on the oven claims it's only 7:30am and I inwardly sigh at the fact that I've barely slept in. Shrugging on my jacket, I sit outside on the porch swing and start planning my day. I need to go grocery shopping and hit up the laundry mat. I'll also need to get Anna some clothes and new shoes. Her's were falling apart at the seams. Sighing I lean back and rock as I enjoy my makeshift breakfast and before long I hear tires on gravel. Looking up I'm greeted by the sight of two pickups loaded with supplies. A brief twinge of anxiety makes itself known, but I shove it down when Jake gets out and smiles at me.
"Morning!" He calls out as Seth, Quil, and two other men get out of the truck.
"Good morning." I call back as I stand up. Walking down the steps I meet them at the trucks as they start pulling things out of the beds.
"So I know it's early, but I wanted to make sure the paint fumes were aired out before you guys get home." Jake explains as he walks with me up the stairs.
"It's fine, I was just getting ready to get Anna up. I want to get my errands out of the way so I can relax tomorrow." I tell him as everyone enters the cabin. "There's coffee ready if anyone wants some."
"Well you know Seth and Quil." He says as the two wave at me. "This is Sam and Embry. They're on the Reservation's council and run a construction crew based out of La Push."
"It's nice to meet you." I say politely as they both smile and nod at me. I look around and gesture. "Please excuse the lack of…well anything. I haven't had a chance to get anything. Makes the job easier, nothing to move."
My attempt at a lighthearted joke makes them chuckle before I hear the sound of tiny footsteps. Anna runs to me and throws her arms up at me. Swinging her into my arms I plant a kiss on the top of her crazy curls and whisper a good morning to her. Nodding at the room full of men, I take my leave and go to get the sleepy toddler ready for the day.
JACOB'S POV-
The morning had gone by painfully slow. All of us were exhausted after our run in with a bloodsucker that wandered onto the Reservation. After handling it we ended up doubling our rounds in case he had a friend. Unfortunately that meant we were all dragging this morning. Charlie had barely stuck around longer than it took to get Anna dressed and fed for the day, before she was waving and heading out. She had barely made it to the end of the driveway before the guys started roaming.
"She wasn't kidding when she said she didn't have anything." Embry's voice echoes from the back of the cabin. "All of the rooms are empty. I mean all she has in here is an air mattress and a pack and play."
"Get out of her room!" I snap with annoyance as I enter the room he's snooping in.
The scent of Rosemary and Lavender fill my senses and I let it sink through me happily. Looking around I feel it drift away and can't keep the frown from my face. She has a job. She has a place to live. She has a truck. That is all she had. The image of her trying to get comfortable on the thin air mattress makes my frown deepen. Against my better judgment, I look around. She has a thin blanket, but Anna's makeshift bed is filled with a thick blanket and the one decent looking pillow. The rest of the room is bare, and the bathroom off the hallway held two towels and the bare essentials. How do I help without making it seem like I'm overstepping?
"I heard Abby has been poking around about the girls." Sam tells me halfway through the morning.
"What does she want?" Seth asks as he finishes off taping off the walls.
It's no secret how they're meeting had gone when Charlie first got to town. Brady and I weren't the only ones to witness the blowout. The neighbors got one hell of a show and Charlie's return with Anna had been the gossip of the reservation for the last two weeks. Most of it had been about the fight, but the rest have been about any sighting of Charlie and her sister. Majority were still under the impression Anna was Charlie's daughter and many people couldn't hold back their comparisons to her mother. Just thinking about it had me shaking a little. Sam brings my attention back to the matter at hand.
"Just wanted to know if the rumors of Charlie setting up shop had any substance." He explains as he mixes the paint. "Billy told her about Jake renting out his cabin and setting her up with a job at the shop."
"Think she knows about the imprinting?" I throw out as I lay out some plastic sheeting.
"She's a part of the council…chances are she suspects, but she can't figure out which one of us is the culprit." He muses.
"She doesn't have the right to have an interest. She made her stance known two weeks ago." I grouch.
"Come on Jake."
"No. She's gone through enough. Let it end there." I say firmly.
Conversation after that ends quickly.
Charlie's POV-
The day had gone by much quicker than I thought it would. While it was annoying that I needed to drive an hour and a half, I was pleased to find that my errands wouldn't be an issue. It was easy finding a clothing store for Anna and, after what felt like forever, I was able to properly stock her up. While I had fun pairing outfits and stocking up on warm socks, boots/shoes, and jackets, Anna was busy watching movies from the used Graco Jogger stroller I found. Luckily enough the boots still had the tags on them. Stopping for lunch afterwards and then at the local Walmart, I found myself coming back home after a quick stop for hot chocolate and pastries. The ride home had been wonderfully quiet as Anna napped and I took advantage, stopping in at the grocery store in Forks with the new stroller. It didn't take me long to grab a week's worth of groceries. By the time I roll up to the cabin I'm ready for a hot shower and dinner.
Pulling up to the cabin I let myself sit for a moment. Anna giggles in the back seat as she watches the Little Mermaid and I take a moment to pull out my notepad from the middle counsel. Making quick work of marking off Anna's clothes and a stroller from the list, I know for a fact that it'll be a while before I can buy the bigger items on my list. As long as I continue on the course of buying just groceries, gas for the truck, and paying bills on schedule then I should have my savings built back to six grand within the next two months. The downside is that getting furniture and the other essentials to make the cabin a proper home would deplete it all in moments and I'd still have things to buy. I bite back a groan when I realize I'll need to take on a second job to afford everything we'll need. Setting the pad into the diaper bag, I'm quick to get Anna out and look up just in time to find Jake coming out of the cabin to my surprise.
"Oh hey, I'm sorry I thought you left." I say with a small smile as Anna runs past him and into the house.
"Yeah, the guys left about an hour ago, but I wanted to talk somethings over with you." He says sheepishly. Reaching into the back he grabs out the stroller and the grocery bags. "Let me help you with these."
Closing up the back of the truck and pulling the cover back over the bed, I carry the bags of clothes in. The difference of the inside hits me immediately. Setting the bags by the door I look around impressed. Paint, light fixtures, blinds, and switch covers have impacted the space in a great way. The entire space screamed warmth and I let it soak into my bones. Something catches my eyes and I look to the dining room to find a table sitting beneath the lantern chandelier. It was a beautiful butchers block top, the wood color variations shining prettily, on top of a metal frame with 2 wooden chairs and two bench seats painted a matte black surrounding the table. Jake sets the groceries on the kitchen counter and leans against the door frame to watch me.
"Sam and Emily got it for their wedding, but it didn't fit in their kitchen. Sam thought it would be a nice welcome to town gift." He says lightly.
"He shouldn't have. I plan to start getting furniture, I just want to build up a financial cushion before I start." I explain anxiously as I stare at the new addition to the space. "I should at least pay for it."
"It's better here to be used than sitting in their shed for another three years." He says with a hint of teasing in his tone. "You could try giving them money, but I promise they won't take it. He insisted on this as a gift."
I want to argue, but I find myself just smiling. The gesture is nice and it takes having to buy a set off my list. My pride nags at the edge of my thoughts, but I push it down with little effort.
"I'll thank him when I see him next." I say as I move the bags off the floor and onto the table. "So the paint looks amazing. I didn't think you would clean the stone for the fireplace."
"Oh yeah!" He exclaims, straightening out. "Renesmee said it would bring the space together, whatever that means."
"It does. Makes it feel like you brought the woods into the house without the chaos." I compliment as I move past him to start putting away groceries. "It's very cabin in the woods, but more updated."
"Yeah I wanted to see what you thought about us doing the kitchen next." He says, rubbing at the back of his neck. "The appliances are updated, but the rest of it has been around since the 60's. The only problem is that I have no idea what would look good and Sam said once I pick it all out that the crew could have it all installed within a week, but that's a whole week without you being able to use it."
I don't say anything for a moment as I finish putting everything away. From my two weeks at the shop I know the shop does well, but I know it must be costing him a pretty penny to push the renovations through so fast. Biting my lip I have to force myself to remind myself that it's his money and he could do as he liked with it. I hear Anna showing off her new jacket and Jake oohing and awing over it appropriately. Looking over I see his renovation book on the counter and open up to the tab marked for kitchen renovations. Samples of materials almost overwhelm me as I look through them and I look over to see Jake moving next to me.
"I want to stick with the updated look, but I have no idea what to look for." He says looking lost. Biting my lip again I finally speak my mind.
"Jake…I don't want to seem full of myself or offend you…" I trail off before continuing once I find his body language open. "I just…I just hope you don't think you need to do all this stuff to the cabin, because Anna and I are here. We're really grateful just for the place and you don't need to do all of this. I'm a laid back tennant."
I look up when he doesn't say anything and my eyes meet his. My heart rate picks up as he stares down at me with a look I can't contemplate and I feel chills move down my spine, but not in a creepy way. I let loose a small awkward smile to hopefully take any insult out of my words. He looks away swiftly and clears his throat. As if surfacing from a dream I blink slowly and look back down, moving slightly away from the heat of his body. He reaches forward and grabs the book and I feel my heart pound for a different reason. What if I offended him? Did I make things awkward? I had just started to feel comfortable around him and things were settling nicely between the two of us.
"I'm not doing this because of you." He says, no bite in his tone at all. "At least not in the way you're thinking of. I've been wanting to do this for a while and I saved up quite a bit for this house. It's nice to have incentive to actually make it nice, because I didn't really have it before. Plus you're already way better at picking things out than me."
"Renesmee seems like she would be more than willing to help." I point out.
"She also has an extremely modern taste." He says chuckling before pulling a face. "Like an all glass house type tastes."
"Well I can understand your hesitation." I say understandingly. "Are you sure you don't mind me helping you? I don't even know if what I'm recommending costs too much."
Moving out of the kitchen I start pulling Anna's new clothes and shoes from the bags and start snipping off the tags from the consignment store. Anna grabs a juicebox from the fridge and runs back to the room, her rabbit hanging from her hands. Jake follows with the book.
"I asked for your help, not the opposite. Plus everything in this book has already been budgeted, so you won't be putting me out." He insists. "So I'll leave this here if you don't mind."
"I don't mind." I tell him from across the table. "I'm glad you decided to stay, I wanted to ask you what time I should be at the bonfire."
"We start at 7pm and it's on the first beach." He says as he starts towards the door. "All you need to bring is warm coats and your appetites."
"Are you sure you want to invite me? Anna can be a handful when she wants to be and she's never been around a lot of people." I ask nervously.
"The guys insisted you come today. They want to see who finally tamed the office chaos." He says smiling brightly at me. I feel myself blush against my will. "Plus Emily wants to meet you."
"I don't really know anyone. We're great coworkers…" I'm cut off.
"I think anyone willing to help me renovate my cabin and brings in baked goods for the shop classifies you as a friend." He says firmly. Something in his tone has goosebumps breaking out along my skin. "Plus you'll learn soon that the reservation is a close knit community. People tend to look out for each other and it's impossible to keep from making friends."
"That sounds nice." I say honestly. Gesturing at the book I smile. "I'll give it a look after I lay Anna down."
"Please do. Goodnight Charlie." He says warmly.
"Goodnight Jake." I respond.
Waving at me he leaves and I'm stuck staring at the door, lost to my thoughts. Growing up we moved around too much to really make friends. For as long as I can remember it's always just been mama and I. Even Anna and John didn't come into the picture until recent years. The thought of having friends and a sense of community feels overwhelming, but also struck a chord of longing in me. To be able to laugh with people…to give Anna friends and a place she could truly call home. Looking down the hall at the room I know she's playing in, I bite my lip again. Maybe I should let go of the mentality of pushing people away. For my sake, and Anna's. Looking back at the renovation book, I smile. Maybe this moment could be the turning point I've been looking for.
I'm so thankful for everyone that has taken time to read my story so far. Writing is my stress relief and unfortunately I don't invest in time to myself enough. I appreciate everyone that waits patiently for my updates. Please leave a review and let me know what you think and let me know how I'm doing so far.