ON HOLD - Seeing the past (R. Hale)

Their Past Haunts Me

  My first night in Forks I slept wonderfully. The soft patter of rain tapping against the glass of my windows. The light of the moon seeping in lighting the room softly. No dreams played behind my eyelids, just a blissful sleep. Waking in the morning there is a brisk chill in the rooms air coating every surface that it touches. Stretching my arms over my head I sit up pushing the white duvet down and crawl from the bed's warm embrace. When my feet touch the dark oak wood floors a chill ripples down my spine at the cool touch. Note to self wear socks to bed from now on. Standing fully I begin to make my bed before making my way to the closet. Pulling out a pair of light jeans that are ripped at the knees and an L.L. Bean cotton fisherman sweater changing quickly to avoid prolonged exposure to the air. Walking into the bathroom I toss my clothes into a hamper before brushing my teeth and doing my hair and makeup. Going back to my closet I grab my long tan pea coat, white sneakers, and schoolbag before heading down stairs. Humming lightly to myself in the kitchen as I make scrambled eggs and toast for the three of us and the smell of fresh brewed coffee fills the air. From the sound of two sets of bare feet hitting the stairs I smile knowing two of my favorite people are heading my way. Plating the food, and setting all three plates on the kitchen table. Then moving towards the coffee pot to pour some for both Bella and Charlie before joining them at the table. We all eat in a comfortable silence. Before dad leaves he wishes us both good luck at school then walks out after a quick be safe from me. I wash the dishes quickly before putting my shoes and coat on. We make our way outside and lock the front door. Looking at Bella I ask, "would you like to ride together today?"

     She nods her head and we walk through the light drizzle our shoes sloshing the water at our feet. Hearing Bella sigh I know that she misses the dry heat of Arizona. Unlike my sister, I enjoy the mist in the air as well as the aroma it causes the trees and roads around us to give off. As we close the doors to the truck the smell of old leather and clean linen fills the air. Looking around I can see the car's air freshener that Charlie must have refilled smiling at his thoughtfulness. Starting the truck I smile at the rumble of its 5.0 liter V8 Ti-VCT coyote engine. Reversing into the street and beginning the drive to school. "Charlie's made a lot of changes to the house. I almost don't recognize the place. Last time I was here it looked like a tomb of his and mom's marriage." She says trying to sound casual but there is an air of curiosity.

     Glancing at Bella I raise a brow and shake my head in slight disbelief, messy bun bobbing side to side. "You have not been here since you were fourteen Bellabear. Dad and I started changing the place the summer after you stopped visiting. He has moved on. You really should give him a chance." She hums knowing that I am right. We pull off of the highway into the school's deserted parking lot. Forks high is a lot smaller than our old school. It is almost as if someone acquired a bunch of old brick houses then decided later to call it a school. From the front I cannot even see if they have any athletic fields. Pulling up outside the front office and parking the truck we both clamber out, and walk down the small path that leads to the door of the building. Looking at Bella I can see her fidgeting nervously, "do you want me to just go in? I can ask where to park and get our schedules so that you can take some time to prepare."

     She gives me a quick hug and whispers, "thank you AJ." AJ short for Athena Justice. I have never been fond of my middle name. Giving her a quick squeeze I let go and walk into the office. When I open the door the warm stuffy air surrounds me. Peering around at the small office it looks like it was decorated in the 80's with old orange carpet and wood paneling on the walls. Potted plants littered the space as if they were trying to bring some of the outside greenery in. Walking towards one of the three desks in the room a kind red headed woman greets me. "Good morning miss. May I help you?"

     Nodding my head and taking a step closer, "my name is Athena Swan. My sister and I are starting school today." Realization crosses the woman's features. No doubt our names and the news of our arrival has cycled through the small towns rumor mill. I do not mind though knowing that nothing much ever really happens around here.