The heat was unbearable.
Bella wiped the sweat from her brow as she pedalled up the long dirt driveway to the Whitlock Ranch.
She had recently moved to Forks, Washington and wasn't prepared for the drastic change in weather. Used to Arizona's cooler temperatures, she was more familiar with constant rain and overcast skies, where sunlight barely peeked through the clouds. But here? She was nearly drenched in sweat as the old, charming farmhouse came into view. She huffed, hopped off her bike, and leaned it against the white porch before approaching the wooden door. The planks underneath her worn black everyday shoes creaked with each step.
As she was wiping her hands on her shirt, the door suddenly swung open, revealing a lean man, much taller than her with golden wavy locks. He was adorned in loose brown pants, a white shirt and a dark waistcoat. Hanging from his waist was a golden chain to the pocket watch hidden in his pants. A new and shiny brown medical bag was clutched in his left hand, indicating he was on his way out. He smelled faintly of cigarettes, and something else she couldn't place, but quite liked.
He gave a bit of a start seeing her so close upon stepping out the door.
"Sorry, ma'am, I didn't realise you'd arrive so early," he said with a southern drawl, making Bella beam. He looked surprised to see her, but slipped around her and across the porch.
"I'm an early bird, Sir." She chuckled as he nodded then traipsed down the several steps to the driveway.
"Well, my wife is inside." He said over his shoulder. "Head right until you reach the kitchen. She's just cleaning up and won't mind a chat." Bella's mouth opened slightly in surprise. This was Jasper Whitlock? The man who had posted the ad and with whom she had arranged this meeting just a few days ago? Leaving? She nearly frowned at him, and had almost thought of an obnoxious retort since she's ridden all the way out here, gotten up at dawn and he wasn't even going to speak with her.
Sensing her confusion and mild irritation, Jasper paused on his way to his car, several feet away, and turned back to face her.
"You'll be working for me and my wife." He said firmly. "I'll be on duty most days, much like the call I'm leaving for, Miss Swan. So it's only right if you speak to the woman you'll spend most of your time with." He smirked before turning to leave.
Bella watched his dark green car disappear up the road, kicking up a trail of dust, when she heard a voice call out from inside the house.
"Miss Swan? Won't you come in?"
Normally, Bella wouldn't dream of walking into a stranger's house, but she stepped in, kicking the dirt off her shoes and leaving them by the door to keep the freshly cleaned wooden floor pristine.
Following Mr. Whitlock's directions, she found the kitchen with ease. It was fairly large, painted in bright orange with soft oak counters, decorated with flowers, and a small dining table.
By the sink, that looked out over their property, stood a woman with long brunette hair, hands in the soapy dish water. Hearing her approach she pulled her hands out, and as she turned, Bella noticed her sparkling green eyes and enchanting smile. She nearly flushed but swallowed to remain cool.
"You must be Bella. It's lovely to meet you. Why don't you sit?" The woman gestured to the small table, and Bella complied. The wife wiped her wet hands on a dish towel before sitting opposite Bella and sipping from a glass of water. Condensation circled the cloth where it had been perched, forming a moist ring Bella glanced at, instead of the pretty green eyes watching her.
"So, my husband tells me you're here about the job?" she inquired, her tone suddenly serious.
Bella nodded, looking up at her, placing both arms on the table. She noticed the soft tablecloth adorned with citrus and fruit patterns, much like the rest of the decor, and thought it would give her a headache if she stared at it too long.
"Yes, ma'am, I am. I've recently moved here with my father, and now that I'm out of school, I find myself in need of work." The woman across the table raised an eyebrow. "I've worked before, mostly with my hands." She chuckled as the next words spilled past her chapped lips. "My father, he uh calls me a jack of all trades."
A moment of silence followed—not uncomfortable, but it stirred a bit of anxiety in Bella as she wondered who this woman was. She hadn't been given a name yet, just "the wife." She was strikingly beautiful, but Bella didn't dwell on that and waited patiently for a response. Her fingers tapped idly on the cloth, and she glanced around the room. Not only was the decor odd, she noticed figurines sat upon the tops of cupboards and a small glass cabinet she could spy in the hall. It struck her as odd, but yet again didn't dwell. This was not her home, and forming an opinion on their questionable choice of decoration was beyond her non-existent pay grade.
"As far as I'm concerned, Bella, if you can bring the necessary paperwork to me this afternoon, the job is all yours." A smile graced her lips and this time Bella's cheeks did warm. "Think you can manage that?" the woman asked with a hint of amusement while taking another sip of water, her lips glistening.
"Of course, ma'am."
"Just Alice, please. I'm not one for formalities."
Bella stood, eager to get the required paperwork.
"I'll be back shortly. Thank you—thank you so much!" she exclaimed before running off to her bike, nearly tripping on the welcome mat.
She almost as she hopped on top of the seat and spun the bike towards the long road to their farm.
She had done it, she'd got the job. She'd be able to help out her father. She knew he was struggling much these days, not just with the sudden move, but also the long hours he'd been forced to take to support the three of them. But now with her up on her feet she'd hoped his shoulders would be lighter.
She pedalled quickly back down the dirt road, the oak trees to her left, bordering the expanse of a large field she glanced out at with every push.
The farmhouse faded behind her as she made her way around the small town to home. The sun was already climbing higher in the sky, intensifying the already exhausting heat. She paused for a moment, catching her breath and wiping the sweat of her brown. Glancing towards the sign to their farm, a small wooden thing. She smiled and started again, ignoring the sweat trickling down her back. She pushed herself harder, eager to return, her muscles began to ache as she ascended the hill towards her own house. A modest two floor, sturdy with brick, their own truck out the front.
As she approached, she skidded to a halt, nearly falling off the seat.
"Oof." she grunted,and slipped the bike to the floor and clumsily stepped over it.
Her father Charlie, looked up at the loud noise.
He'd been beside their red truck. He was an older man with a fading black moustache, he adjusted his hat and grinned as Bella hobbled over. Panting and red faced but was gleeful. She could barely contain herself, and she leant on the truck for a few moments to gulp down much needed oxygen.
"So? How did it go?"
She nodded enthusiastically. "It went well, Dad. They want me to come back this afternoon with some paperwork. If all goes well, I'll have the job," Bella replied, trying to catch her breath.
She could see his shoulders relax and that was enough reason for her.
"That's great news," Charlie said, a hint of pride in his voice. He wiped his hands on a rag before tossing it into the truck bed. "I knew you'd make a good impression. Jasper and Alice are good people, so I've heard from the folks in town. You'll do fine there." He clamped a hand on her shoulder and squeezed softly.
Bella smiled, feeling a bit of the tension ease from her shoulders. "Thanks, Dad."
Charlie nodded, his expression turning serious for a moment. "Just be careful, okay? You're still new here, and I don't want you overworking yourself."
Bella rolled her eyes, and started to back up. "I'll be fine, I promise," she reassured him.
Charlie gave her a quick nod before opening the truck door. "I gotta head out now. Don't want to be late."
"See ya later!" Bella called after him as he climbed into the truck.
Charlie waved through the open window as the truck rumbled to life, its engine breaking the morning quiet. The gravel driveway crunched under the heavy tires as he slowly pulled away, leaving behind a faint trail of dust that hung in the still air. "You too," he called out, his voice warm but already fading as the truck gained speed down the road. He wouldn't be home until much later that night, closer to midnight than Bella would have liked, so she made a mental note to leave him some dinner in the fridge. It was a small gesture, but she knew he would appreciate it. If there was anything she could do to make his long days a little easier, she'd gladly do it.
As Charlie's truck disappeared around the bend, Bella lingered for a moment before turning to head back inside.
The house was an old one, with creaky wooden floors and walls that had seen decades of memories. The kitchen had sturdy, worn counters of polished oak, the kind that had been scrubbed clean a thousand times but still bore the marks of a family that had lived fully. They had placed their photos everywhere—on the walls, on the mantel, on the fridge—snapshots of birthdays, holidays, and candid moments. Mismatched furniture filled the rooms, each piece with a story: the sagging armchair Charlie loved, the weathered dining table that had seen countless family meals, and the old rocking chair Bella's mother used to sit in.
A large, colourful pile of blankets covered the sofa in the living room, half-hiding Bella's mother, who was curled up underneath them. Bella mostly ignored her, averting her eyes as she walked past. She couldn't bear to look at her mother anymore, not like this—fragile, a shadow of who she once was. There was too much pain there, and Bella wasn't ready to face it.
Instead, she busied herself by rifling through the living room drawers, collecting the things she'd need for Alice. Her hands moved efficiently as she sorted through papers and documents, organising them into a neat pile on the worn wooden surface. Once everything was in order, she carefully tucked the paperwork into her worn leather backpack, ensuring each document was secure before zipping it closed. The backpack had been with her for years, from house to house, through school, and now, as she navigated this new chapter of her life. It was fraying at the edges, the leather soft and pliable from years of use, but she was attached to it. Until the day it fell apart and the threads could no longer bear its weight, it would stay with her.
As she slung the backpack over her shoulder and prepared to leave, her eyes caught the time on the old clock hanging above the doorway. The small bird that once chimed with a cheerful song had long since stopped working, but the clock hadn't lost its charm. The hands were inching closer to ten, and she realised she had just enough time to make a quick stop at the small market in town before heading back to the ranch. The thought of fresh produce and a few extra supplies crossed her mind, and she knew it would be a good idea to pick up a few things. Perhaps, if she was lucky, she could find something to bring to Alice as a thank-you gift. She pondered the idea, unsure if it would be a weird or unusual gesture, but she shrugged it off, deciding to let her instincts guide her.
With a final glance around the room, she made sure everything was in place. Satisfied that she hadn't forgotten anything, she grabbed her keys from the hook by the door and stepped outside. The warmth of the sun on her face was a welcome change from the chilly mornings she was used to, and she took a moment to soak it in. The morning was already slipping away, but she was determined to make the most of it. Climbing onto her bicycle, a well-worn but reliable companion from her school days, she mentally ticked off the items she needed from the market—fresh bread, a few ripe tomatoes, and perhaps something special for dinner. A little celebration was in order; landing the job so quickly was a sign that they must have really liked her. The thought brought a small, satisfied smile to her lips as she began pedalling down the road.
The dirt path leading out of her neighbourhood was uneven, a mix of small stones and packed earth that made for a bumpy ride. She had to stay alert, especially as she neared the bend where the road curved sharply toward town. Just as she was rounding the corner, a loud honk blared from behind her. Startled, she glanced over her shoulder to see an old Model T Ford barreling up the road, driven by an elderly man in a flat cap who seemed not to have noticed her until the last moment. He waved her off with a curt gesture, and she responded with a quick nod of apology, steadying herself as the car rumbled past, kicking up dust in its wake.
Undeterred, she pressed on, the small town gradually coming into view. As she approached, the landscape shifted from open fields to the more familiar sights of town life. Brick buildings lined the main street, their storefronts adorned with faded advertisements for Coca-Cola and Lucky Strike cigarettes. A few people were already out and about, women in cloche hats and dresses that swished just below the knee, men in suspenders and rolled-up sleeves, enjoying the warmth of the day.
She dismounted her bicycle near a lamppost, securing it with a small chain she carried in her basket. The town square was buzzing with activity, and she took a moment to take it all in. The smell of fresh bread from the bakery mingled with the earthy scent of produce from the nearby market stalls, creating an inviting atmosphere that made her glad she'd decided to stop.
She began her shopping at the bakery, where the scent of freshly baked bread wafted out the door and filled the air with a comforting warmth, similar to how her mother used to bake on Sunday mornings. The bakery was a small, inviting place, with a bell that jingled cheerfully as she pushed open the door. Inside, the walls were lined with shelves that groaned under the weight of loaves, rolls, and pastries, all golden and aromatic. The baker, a stout man with a kind face, his apron perpetually dusted with flour, looked up from his work as she entered. His broad smile crinkled the corners of his eyes, making him seem even more approachable, and his sliver of a moustache rose when he noticed her.
"Morning, Miss," he greeted, his voice as warm as the bread he was pulling from the oven. "What can I get for you today?"
She returned his smile. "Morning. Just a loaf of your sourdough, please. The one with the thick crust." Bella pointed to a shelf behind him, the exact one she had her eye on.
He chuckled, knowing exactly which loaf she meant. He reached for it, his hands moving with the practised ease of someone who had spent a lifetime working in his little family owned store.. The loaf was still warm, its crust crackling slightly as he wrapped it in brown paper. The smell was intoxicating, a blend of yeasty warmth and a hint of sourness that promised a perfect bite. Bella accepted it gratefully, the heat from the bread seeping through the paper and into her hands as she held it.
"Anything else for you today?" He enquired.
She shook her head, though she let her eyes wander over the selection of pastries and sweets laid out before her. "Not today, but everything looks wonderful."
They exchanged a few more pleasantries—talk of the weather, the busyness of the day—before she thanked him and made her way out the door, the bread tucked safely under her arm.
Next, she crossed the square to a market stall overflowing with fresh produce. The stall was a riot of colour—greens, yellows, and deep reds all jostling for attention under the bright morning sun. It was the tomatoes that caught her eye, they'd been on her list and with their bright red skins practically glowing against the backdrop of green leaves, she couldn't leave them there. The vendor, an elderly woman with a wide-brimmed hat and a welcoming smile, was busy arranging bunches of herbs. She looked up as Bella approached. Her dress flowing behind her, and her hat shading her brown eyes, smiling.
"Good morning, dear! What can I get you?" the vendor asked, her wrinkled hands never pausing in their work.
"Those tomatoes look wonderful," Bella replied, stepping closer to inspect them. She picked one up, feeling its weight in her hand. It was firm, with just the right amount of give—perfect for slicing or roasting. She could already imagine the vibrant red slices on her plate, the juices mingling with the olive oil and herbs she had at home. Charlie would love it also.
"They're just in from the farm this morning," the vendor said, noting her interest. "Best of the season, ma'am. You won't find them any fresher."
She carefully selected a handful, turning each one over in her hand, admiring the way the sunlight made them gleam. The woman nodded approvingly as she added them to a small paper bag. The transaction was quick, but not rushed.
As she paid and thanked her, she felt a sense of satisfaction. She had everything she needed for a lovely dinner, one that would mark the end of a successful day. The tomatoes, with their promise of flavour, were the perfect complement to her plans. She imagined them nestled beside slices of the crusty bread, perhaps with a bit of cheese and a drizzle of that local honey she'd seen earlier, perhaps roasted pork, one of Charlie's verouties. She'd have to get potatoes also, and some fresh veg and herbs. Her mind started to wander as she walked through the stalls
With her purchases in hand, she moved on, the bag of tomatoes swinging gently from her arm, the loaf of bread warm against her side. The sun was still shining brightly, and as she made her way through the bustling market.
As she traipsed through the market, she found herself lingering over a small display of honey jars, each one glowing with a rich, golden hue. She picked up a jar, turning it over in her hands. It was labelled as local, from a farm just outside of town. Just like most things. The idea of drizzling the honey over her fresh bread or stirring it into tea was too tempting to resist, and she added it to her basket with a sense of satisfaction.
Her bag now full, she made her way back to her bicycle, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
It took Bella nearly half an hour to bike back to the ranch, her legs aching from the effort. She found herself regretting not taking her riding more seriously. If she had focused on building up her strength back in Arizona, this trek would have been much easier. As she pedalled down the dirt path for the second time that morning, she silently cursed herself for not training harder.
By the time she arrived, the sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the countryside.
As Bella approached the farmhouse, she admired its quaint charm. The two-story building, with its whitewashed wooden siding, exuded a welcoming, timeless appeal. The wraparound porch was adorned with colourful flower boxes, bursting with blooms that added a splash of vibrancy against the pale facade.
Creepers and climbing plants wound their way up one side of the house, their tendrils curling gracefully around the wooden beams. Bella's eyes were drawn to the balcony above, which she assumed was for the main bedroom. She imagined the view from there must be breathtaking—a sweeping panorama of the surrounding fields and the distant hills, a serene sight to wake up to each morning.
The surrounding fields, lush and green, stretched out under the midday sun, bordered by a weathered split-rail fence.
She knocked on the door but was met with silence. Frowning slightly, she stepped back and glanced around. To her left, a large oak tree offered cooling shade with a rope swing wrapped around a sturdy higher branch, and to her right, the fields seemed to stretch on endlessly, dotted with patches of colourful wildflowers.
As Bella rounded the corner of the farmhouse, she saw Alice coming around the side of the porch. She was struggling with the weight of a heavy toolbox in one hand and an armful of rags and other equipment in the other.
She wore a simple dress in an earthy tone that fell just below her knees, revealing tanned thighs that were slightly smeared with muck from a morning's worth of chores. The dress's sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, showing that they too had collected their fair share of dirt. Alice had tied her hair back into a neat bun, though it was starting to come loose, and the colourful headscarf she wore did little to keep it in place.
Seeing Alice struggle, Bella quickly hopped over the porch steps and made her way toward her.
"Let me help with that," Bella offered, her voice steady and warm. She reached out to take the heavy toolbox from Alice's grasp, who immediately looked relieved.
Alice glanced up, her face softening into a grateful smile as she handed over the toolbox. "Thanks. I was just heading to the barn to check on a machine I've been meaning to start running. If you're free, I could use an extra pair of hands."
Bella looked toward the barn and then back at Alice, noting her less-than-mechanical appearance, and nodded. "Sure, lead the way."
Alice raised an eyebrow with a hint of a smile. "Well, aren't you ready for action? Let's see if you're as good with machines as you are with your enthusiasm."
Bella gave a small, knowing smile.
As they walked down the paved stone road that wound through the fields, Bella's senses were filled with the life of the countryside. The rhythmic crunch of their footsteps echoed softly in the stillness of the afternoon, accompanied by the occasional rustle of leaves as a gentle breeze swept through the tall grass. The scent of fresh earth and blooming wildflowers mingled in the air, carried on the wind from the nearby fields. It was a smell that was both grounding and invigorating, a reminder of the land's vitality. Different to than what she was used to, but she found it pleasant, and couldn't help but think that Alice, even in her current state of tousled hair and messy clothes was breathtaking.
In the distance, the old barn came into view, its once-vibrant red paint now dulled and peeling, exposing the weathered wood beneath. The roof sagged under the weight of years, its structure groaning slightly with the strain, and the barn's overall state spoke of neglect and the relentless passage of time.
As they walked, Bella could taste the faint tang of dust on her lips, stirred up by their footsteps on the gravel path. There was also a hint of sweetness in the air—perhaps from the ripening fruit in a nearby orchard or the wild honeysuckle growing along the fence. The combination of these earthy and sweet scents lingered on her tongue, grounding her in the moment.
"That barn looks like it could use some serious help," Bella remarked.
Alice chuckled softly. "Yeah, it's in pretty rough shape. Honestly I rarely come here, I spend most of my time in the house."
When they reached the barn, Alice set the toolbox down and turned to Bella. "Before we get started, I need to check out those papers you brought. I'll look them over while you take a look at the rust bucket in there."
Bella chuckled and reached into her bag to retrieve the papers. As she handed them over, she watched Alice examine them carefully. Alice pursed her lips and read the documents with focus, standing off to the side as Bella entered the barn. The heavy door swung open effortlessly, but nearly fell off its hinge, causing Bella to flush with embarrassment. She doubted breaking the barn door would be a good start to her working relationship with this couple.
"Thanks for bringing these," Alice said, glancing up from the papers. "We'll need to sort out a few things before we dive into it. Jasper will want to read through this once he's home."
Bella nodded understandingly. "No problem. Just let me know when I can have them back."
Alice gave a reassuring reply. "I will."
The silence stretched as Bella stepped around to the tractor. It had clearly been neglected; years of rust and debris covered every surface, the once vibrant paint now faded and chipped. The metal parts were corroded, and the tires were cracked and deflated, sinking slightly into the dirt floor. Bella frowned as she leaned in to get a closer look, noticing how the engine was caked with grime, and some of the bolts had nearly rusted through.
"It'll be a good long while before this is running again. The engine needs a thorough cleaning, the tires need replacing, a bunch of rust has eaten away at the shell, and I'd be shocked if it even lights blink on."
"Well, maybe that's something you can help out with, Bella. Since you're so good with your hands," Alice teased lightly, a hint of amusement in her voice before going back to the papers.
Bella sensed the teasing but simply turned to survey the barn's interior. She could get this tractor fixed up over the summer; there was no doubt about that. As she scanned the dimly lit barn, taking in the tools and equipment scattered about, she imagined the tractor roaring back to life under her hands. Surely they'd be grateful if she managed to get the ol thing running again.
"It used to be Jasper's fathers, this property actually is, it's a shame most of his old equipment has fallen into such misuse."
Just as she was about to turn back to Alice, a loud creak echoed through the barn, followed by the sudden crash of something heavy falling to the ground. Bella and Alice both jumped, their heads snapping toward the source of the noise. The barn's sagging roof had finally given way, and a large beam had collapsed, kicking up dust and debris. The air grew thick and suffocating, and the sudden danger made Bella's heart race. It pounded in her chest and she accidentally bumped into the wooden door.
"We should go." Alice demanded and started to move with Bella towards the exit.
But before they could move, another groan echoed from above, and more debris began to rain down. Bella lunged forward, grabbing Alice's arm and pulling her toward the door as the barn began to crumble around them. The tractor, the barn, and everything inside were now at the mercy of the collapsing structure. It creaked and groaned as it finally gave in.
As they burst out into the open air, both women gasped for breath, dust and adrenaline still coursing through them. Behind them, the barn settled into an ominous silence, its roof now half-collapsed.
Alice turned to Bella, her eyes wide with shock. "Looks like we've got a lot more work cut out for us than we thought."
Another idea was brewing so I had to write it. Hope you guys enjoyed it, don't forget to review if you want another chapter.
This is going to be a very slow burn, Bella and Alice story. Obviously with many obstacles in the way. I know I've changed a bunch of things, but just go with it.
Please check out my story 'Siren song', it's another Bellice fic!
Till next time.