Going Wilde

The Shack in the Woods

If I had to look back on it, Forks was at the absolute bottom of my "Places to Reside" list. Now, I'd have to say it was one of the best decisions of my life.

Well, more specifically, it was my mother's idea. She figured that moving there would be great; a way to rediscover my roots.

Me? I saw it as a punishment for getting into a fight with Wonderboy William Perkins (who deserved a good beat down). She didn't know what to do at first, but once she started sifting through pictures of her and Aunt Sarah in Forks, I saw the concoction of a twisted idea forming in that mind of hers. She sent me off for a summer in wet and foggy Forks, Washington to live with my cousin Jacob. He was cool and all, but Forks didn't seem as fun as him.

As I stood outside his house—a tiny, red shack in the middle of nowhere—I silently cursed my mother for sending me there. The cab slowly faded behind the pines in the distance, and I stalked towards the door. My suitcase and carry-on weighed me down a little, but I trudged on.

I couldn't help but notice how different everything was. The distinct smell of pine needles and rain filled the air, and the ground beneath me felt softer than the winding roads and city life of Los Angeles. I really wanted to go back, but I knew I was stuck.

"You win this one, Mom," I muttered. I was really salty about this whole thing. I gently rapped my knuckles on the door and waited.

Not ten seconds later, Jacob quickly opened the door, a dopey grin on his bronze face.

"Alex!" he exclaimed, " It's so good to see you!"

I smiled back, and couldn't help but notice how. . . buff Jake had gotten. And tall, too. He towered over me, at least a foot. I actually felt bad about myself and my average height.

Nevertheless, I responded happily, "Hi, Jake."

He quickly took me up in a massive bear hug, and I felt the air being squeezed out of my lungs. He was abnormally warm, and I no longer felt the chilly air nipping at my skin.

I managed to choke out, "Bags," and he quickly let go. He snatched my suitcase and carry-on, and led me past the doorway. We passed the tiny living room with a single couch, into a narrow hallway. We walked past a closed door on my right, then another open door on my left that housed a bathroom.

"We'll be sharing that one," he nodded towards the bathroom. I simply nodded and continued to follow him. He had changed so much, I was shocked. His long hair was cut short in a collection of irregular spiked strands. It was edgy and attractive, but it was so new to me. His broad shoulders could barely fit through the hallway, but he maneuvered like a pro. He led me to an empty room in the very back of the house, the only item being a twin-sized bed against one wall. He set my bag down and turned to face me. His smile lit up the room, despite the bleak outlook I had on my summer here. Still, I smiled back politely, putting my mask up. He seemed to notice, and his facial expression changed to that of a condescending mother. He sat on the edge of the bed and patted the space next to him.

"Come on. You looked troubled. What's up?"

I sat down on my bed and faced Jacob. He was trusting, and very open; he was actually the first person I came out to. If he wasn't so goddamn huge, I actually wouldn't be scared to talk to him. He nudged me encouragingly, and I sighed.

Looking at my feet, I spoke quietly, "I guess I'll say it up front. I do not want to be here."

Jacob laughed with great force, and it scared me at first. His laugh shook the room, and after wiping a tear from his eye, he said, "You do realize that Aunt Maggie sent you, right? The 'Master of Misery'?"