Moonlit Guardians

2.

I woke up still consumed by thoughts of him. It wasn't just his striking looks—it was something deeper. But how could I feel this way about someone I'd never even met? I was getting frustrated with myself, caught up in an obsession that made no sense.

As I thought about my plans with Bella for the day, a strange mix of relief and nervousness settled over me. Leaving the foster home was a welcome change, but the thought of socializing after months of isolation made me uneasy. I tried to push thoughts of Jacob out of my mind as I showered and got dressed, but his image kept slipping back in, distracting me from everything. I mentally scolded myself—after all, I'd barely spoken to him.

The hot water of the shower was a brief comfort against the constant dampness of Forks, a sharp contrast to the sun-soaked days of California I couldn't help but miss.

An hour later, I was ready to meet Bella. She'd kindly offered to pick me up, knowing I had no way to get around and that my foster mom was at the hospital for one of her long shifts. I shot Bella a quick text, grabbed a light jacket, and felt a small sense of relief as the rain finally let up, though the chill of impending winter still hung in the air.

Bella pulled up in her red truck right on time. I hurried outside, slipping on my white Converse as I headed toward her. Despite the truck's age, the warmth from the heater felt like a small comfort. "Hey," I greeted her with a smile as she shifted into reverse and pulled out of the driveway.

She returned the smile and chuckled. "I didn't realize you lived so close. Pretty convenient, huh?" She turned onto a dirt road that led into the forest, and I couldn't help but admire the towering trees, their colors shifting with the season.

"It'll definitely make carpooling easier," I said, looking out the window. Bella had mentioned taking me to her favorite spot—some secluded place she loved for its peace and quiet. There was something in her that I felt drawn to, something that made me feel less alone. It was like I'd found a kindred spirit in her.

After a scenic drive, Bella parked near a "No Trespassing" sign, casually explaining it was the Cullen's property, so we were safe here. The drive had been an experience in itself. As we left the town behind, the road began to twist and curve, surrounded by dense forests that seemed to stretch endlessly. The trees towered above us, their thick trunks rising like silent sentinels, branches swaying gently in the breeze. The air felt heavier here, filled with the earthy scent of pine and damp moss. Here and there, rays of weak sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the road, making the drive feel almost dreamlike.

We passed winding streams that reflected the sky in their clear waters, and the occasional flash of wildlife—deer moving gracefully between the trees or birds soaring overhead in sharp contrast to the stillness of the landscape. The landscape was full of life, but it was a quiet, untouched kind of life, like a secret world that was just out of reach. Every mile deeper into the forest seemed to pull me further away from the familiarity of the town, until the world outside felt like something from a different time entirely.

A short walk along a well-worn path brought us to a clearing, where the trees parted like a natural gateway, revealing an expansive open space. The towering giants of the forest surrounded us, their trunks thick and gnarled with the weight of years, as though they had witnessed countless seasons come and go. The leaves were in the throes of their annual transformation, now ablaze with shades of red, amber, and gold, turning the entire forest into a canvas painted with the rich colors of fall. It was breathtaking—a vivid reminder of why autumn was my favorite season, a time of change, quiet beauty, and the fleeting nature of everything.

Bella took my hand casually, guiding me through a thicket, and we emerged into a small field, its ground scattered with delicate light purple flowers. The place felt untouched, like a secret hiding spot in the middle of the world. I couldn't help but smile as I took in the sight. "Bella, it's gorgeous. Thanks for showing me this," I said, feeling a sense of belonging I hadn't expected.