Jessica Lake (Trollhunters AU)

Arcadia

I don't own Trollhunters or any of Del Toro's characters (even though I'm a huge fan!)
Note: This chapter has been edited and rewritten. -V
Sorry if this is a short chapter...

I watch as the trees speed by, staring out the window. We'll be in Arcadia soon.

My father pulls off the highway, into a small town. I straighten up, it's a really pretty town. People walking around, talking, going to work, shopping, enjoying themselves. My parents parked outside a small cafe, turning around to look at her.

"We have about an hour before we meet your brother and mom. Why don't you look around? Keep your phone on."

"I will." I jump out of the car with a smile, walking down the street.

Cafes and little local stores line the street, I spy a flood of teenagers exiting a large building. Guess that's the high school, the academy must be on the other side of town. If my birth mom wants me move in with her, I'll go to either one of the schools. Depends which one my brother is going to.

I arrive at a small bookstore, and go inside. A blue and black haired guy is reading a book behind a counter with an ancient cash register, a black cat curled up next to him and wearing glasses. I have nothing better to do other than amble around, so I decide to look around. Mostly books on mythology, some fairytales, and some books claiming to be 'spell books'. Out of curiosity, I pick up a spell book and flip through it.

"I wouldn't read any of the spells in there out loud. Or mentally." The punk guy appears next to me, making me yelp.

"Why not?" I challenge, "It's fake, anyways. Magic isn't real." (Jess stop don't offend the wizard he has a guitar)

"The spells in there aren't nice ones." He doesn't seem upset or annoyed by my declaration, "I'm pretty sure there's one in there that melts the floor around the caster."

Even though magic isn't real, I carefully slide the book back and leap back. Then almost trip over the cat, who hisses at me as I accidentally hit it's side.

"Sorry." I wince, I always liked cats.

"Archie, why don't you go back to the back room and have some lunch?" The punk Dude suggests, the cat trods off and slips through a door. He turns back to me. "I've never seen you around here before."

"I'm meeting family, for the first time." I respond, picking up another book. This one is a much safer topic, about different gods and goddesses in Greek Mythology. One of my favorite pantheons to study. The artwork in this book is beautiful.

"Oh? Who?"

"The Lakes?"

"That's probably why you look so nervous." He nods.

"Yeah, I guess. I mean, I haven't seen them in ten years, and I don't really remember them that well." I sigh.

"Don't worry, they're lovely people." He assures me, "You have nothing to be nervous about."

"I know, but I can't help it. I don't even know what my brother is like, what if he doesn't like me? Or he doesn't like having a sister? I know it's my brain coming up with worst case scenarios, but I can't make it stop."

"Jim is a wonderful guy. We go to 'rival' schools, he always drops by during my off hours and we talk motors and all things with a wheel. Except game shows. He doesn't have the patience for those. I'm pretty sure Jeopardy! is his nemesis." He jokes, which makes me laugh.

I lift the thick book. "I think I'll get this one. Thanks for talking to me."

"No problem. Everyone gets nervous, especially meeting new family." He sticks his hand out, "Name's Douxie."

"Jess." We shake hands, then I pay for the book.

"Have fun, good luck, don't feed the gnomes!" He calls as I leave, prompting more laughter. My phone buzzes just as I arrive at the cafe.

A red headed woman and black haired teen are standing with my parents.

I take a deep breath, then go over to meet my mother and brother.

Hey. A chapter of Jess has been officially rewritten! Let me know what you think, I'm trying new stuff. I don't like these early chapters that much. Fun fact, Jess and I are both Greek Myth nerds. Jess likes Athena like I do, cause smarts and stuff. But she also likes the Nine Muses, as an artist herself. And yes, Douxie did have to give Jess a pep talk. I love this much better than the awkward original chapter. Early chapters I was figuring out who Jess was going to be, her personality, hobbies, friends, etc. Now I know what I want her to be like.

Have a wonderful day/night!