Grasp Heart

Chapter 2: First Sight

Homer, Alaska was gloomy to say the least, but that meant the mood didn't jar my own too much. A sunny, pristine day may have reminded me too much of home. Homesickness on top of all the other emotions roiling in my brain would suffocate me for sure.

The weather here was colder than what I was used to at this time of year, the insistent breeze snaking beneath my jacket's collar. It was particularly blustery beyond the little hill that oversaw my house. A Southward glance revealed that both house and hill sat atop an overlook over which the land dropped steeply out of sight. That edge spanned as far as the eye could see - both Eastward and Westward.

Stately mountains stood sentinel beyond that edge; Kachemak State Park, or so my brief overview of maps had informed me. They sat across a bay I couldn't yet see. Dignified as they may be, those mountains were a tad hazy at their tops, propping up the lazy clouds overhead.

From where I stood looking at them, I knew that the town should be somewhere between me and them. Perhaps still-obscured by the lip of the overlook from here. A short drive despite that it was hidden from my vantage, but right where I'd be headed.

Out in the two-car garage, I slid into the second hand Jeep. It smelled stale with a hint of ocean-salt as if the old owner had enjoyed many fishing trips. The Jeep was the least ostentatious of the three vehicles at this location but it started easily with a purr. I took my time drifting through radio stations before settling on news.

"You deserve a name," I mumbled, cautiously backing out of the garage.

The Jeep clunked its gears in response as I shifted into drive and ventured out onto the long gravel way. The popping under the tires ceased as I made it out onto an asphalt road.

"A rough and tumble Jeep... Chief? Randy? Those are American names, no? Randy isn't quite right – you're not that rugged. Maybe Marvin, like the Martian; you're green and your transmission sounds rather angry."

The vehicle let out an approving huff.

"Nice to make your acquaintance, Marvin."

A long, skyline drive wound precariously along the sloping bluff and it was there that I finally laid eyes on the wide bay. It was muted-blue, and while not as vast as the ocean, still stole breath from the lungs of a girl who'd grown up around winding rivers and puddled lakes. And that odd, hooked peninsula that traced into the bay like unraveled yarn, reaching for the ruffled-green distant shoreline. How strange.

Downtown was busier than my safehouse had let on. It was still a lazy bustle more than a businesslike, city-feel, but that suited me just fine. It wasn't too small as to remind me of home, but not so big as to make me feel dwarfed either. In this, at least, perhaps I'd gleaned some meager amount of luck.

The school was in the small, downtown web of streets and just a twenty-five minute drive from my recluse abode on the edge of town. I was early, so I stepped out after parking and wandered in search of the office.

Dry wind parched my lips and drew wisps of honey-brown hair from my hat. I tucked my lower lip beneath my upper teeth. Students milled about in various multicolored jackets but many hurried inside as I did. Some glanced after me, but most minded their own groups either out by their cars or meandering up the steps.

It wasn't not long before I found it; a cramped little office just inside the main entrance with only enough space to be quaint rather than claustrophobic. A delicate-faced, stout receptionist glanced over her novel as the bell on the door tinkled. She shut her book as I approached.

"May I help you?"

"I'm a new student. My father emailed last week about my arrival."

"Oh! Sara?"