What's Left of Me (Jacob Black Fan Fiction)

Chapter 1 - Separation

I sat in the back of my parents' Trailblazer staring out the window. The scenery had changed from the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri to the woodsie town of La Push, Washington. This was my dad's hometown but most of our family had either moved or have passed away. The only relative here now was my nineteen year old cousin Paul. We weren't here for a visit though.

The reason behind this journey was far more devious than just a holiday get together. No one in the car spoke about what was happening. It was silent in the car except for the light music playing from the radio. We had discussed this several times in the past month and this was my parents' solution.

"We're here," my dad said solemnly, bringing the car to a stop. The house that stood before the car was small. The porch looked unstable and could use some work. It was a wood house that was on the edge of a massive forest. I climbed out of the car and felt the ground below my feet squish as I walk to the back trunk. The clouds covered the entire sky which means it has rained or its going to rain. That could explain the squishing. My mom placed her arm around my shoulder as my dad carried my suitcase to the front door. He lightly knocked and in a matter of minutes, a guy came to the door. "Paul, its good to see you," my dad stated shaking Paul's hand.

I haven't seen my cousin in years. He had grown tall...very tall. Not to mention he was muscular. He stepped to the side and motioned for us to come in. "Uncle George, Aunt Lily, Danielle, I'm glad you made it," he said shutting the door after we had all filed in. The inside was bare. The living room had a couch that was noticably old with a recliner in the corner. A tv sat against the opposite wall with a movie collection full of action, horror, and violence. Typical guy. I had to give it to him though. It wasn't a bad house for a nineteen year old living on his own. "Thank you Paul for what you're doing," I heard my mom say behind me. I doubt he knew the full extent of my situation. Oh, I'm sure my parents came up with a believable story but they didn't tell him everything. Every detail, the horrible reality...this he didn't know anything about. He just knew we were moving, I'd be staying with him, and that I needed a safer place to stay.

"Don't worry about it. I'll like having Dani here," he replied messing with my hair. I pushed his hand away and took my suitcase to the small room down the hall. The room that I'd be calling mine for awhile. I couldn't believe this was all happening. "Danielle," my dad called down the hallway. I set my suitcase next to the bed before heading back to where I left my parents and Paul. The time I had been dreading since we left Missouri was finally here. I walked out to the car behind my parents and Paul. "Well baby girl, we'll call you when we get to your aunt's house in Canada," my dad stated giving me a hug. He was trying to be brave and make light of the fact that we were going separate ways and wouldn't see each other for a long time. At least until certain things are resolved. I could feel my eyes starting to water as I hugged him. Then I went to my mom. "Don't worry sweetie, we'll get this all sorted out and we won't be separated long," she exclaimed, crying herself. I held onto her tightly before bringing my dad in for a group hug. "I love you both," I muttered through my tears. They both kissed me on the forehead and gave Paul a hug before climbing into the car. I waved to them both as they drove away. I wiped the tears rolling down my face, trying to compose myself.

Paul wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "It'll be alright Dani. You'll be safe here," he said giving my shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Thanks Paul," I replied giving him a weak smile. "Well I know something that'll get your mind off all this. My friends are having a bonfire down at the beach down the street. I'd like you to meet them," he declared turning himself and me to walk to the house. "I don't know Paul," I said looking at the ground. "Oh come on, you'll have a blast," he stated excitedly and even tried the puppy dog face on me. I giggled at his attempt and just nodded. "Yes!" he exclaimed pushing me to my bedroom. I closed the door behind me and sat on the bed. A new life, new friends, and not getting to see my parents....all thanks to Aaron.