world we created, paul lahote

Chapter 03

Lucia balanced a stack of books in her arm, sliding them into place on her bookshelf. She sensed Bella's presence before she saw her, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up the end. It seemed Bella's only way to enter her bedroom was creepily and Lucia felt slightly uncomfortable with how long her cousin could just stand there and stare at her until she was acknowledged.

"Do you need something, Bella?" Lucia inquired, briefly glancing over her shoulder before returning her gaze to her shelf to finish slotting her books in place.

"I'm going to see a friend, I think you remember him. Jacob Black?" she stated, her voice carrying a note of uncertainty. Lucia nodded slowly, not actually having any recollection of who Jacob Black was, but hoping that by agreeing, Bella would be satisfied and leave her be. "Do you want to come with me?"

The hopeful stare in her brown irises caused Lucia to falter in her answer, reluctant to let Bella down. That didn't stop her, however. After Bella's spontaneity the previous evening, she was not so accepting of her cousin's random excursions.

"I've got a few things to do today," Lucia told her carefully, turning to Bella once she was finished. "I still have to sort out my room and all that."

Bella's expression turned into a frown, disappointment evident in her features. "Yeah, no, I get it. Maybe next time?"

"Definitely."

"I'll, uh, see you later." Bella greeted her with an awkward wave before making her way out of the room, the creaking stairs beneath her weight serving as a reminder of her departure.

Lucia didn't actually have anything to do today, that much was a given. She'd stayed up late last night unpacking her stuff and decorating it the way she wanted. It helped her keep her mind off of her heavy heart and the need to cry at any given turn. She longed for her mom and the days before everything went wrong, but she couldn't have it. Death had stolen her from Lucia.

Her lip slipped between her teeth as she looked around her room, satisfied with the product of her labour. Now that she was finally done with this, she could head down to La Push. Whenever she and her mother came to visit Charlie, they always made it a habit to head down there. Not only did the two adults have friends there, but they knew it was among the safest beaches for Lucis to go to. She was able to wander off without the worry of being kidnapped.

Lucia walked to her desk chair and grabbed her jacket before she briskly made her way out of the attic. As she descended the stairs, she bumped into Charlie, who had just emerged from the bathroom.

"You might just send a man toppling if you don't watch where you're going. I can't be having a broken hip this early on," Charlie teased, chuckling as if he'd just said the funniest thing.

Lucia rolled her eyes (though she cringed slightly at the man's dad humour) but let an easy smile play on her lips, lightly shoving Charlie. "You're not that old, Uncle Charlie."

"You say that now, Luce. Next thing you know I'm using a cane." Charlie flicked her nose and grinned at the puppy-like scowl that pulled at her features. "Oh, by the way, your car just came in. Don't know what a petite thing like you is driving that monster of a truck."

"Well, I've got to reflect my imposing stature in some way, right?"

Charlie stroked his moustache with his index and thumb in thought. "I suppose so.."

"Well, the timing couldn't be any better." She grinned. "I was planning on heading out, and now I won't have to walk."

"Where are you headed?"

"La Push Beach," Lucia replied, a hint of nostalgia casting a veil over her green eyes.

"All right. Don't be out too late. We've been getting calls about large wolves or bears or whatever they are roaming the area," Charlie responded gruffly.