Forks Page 23

  Since I lost my Taser last night, thanks to whack-job Kirk, I grabbed my pepper spray and a box of Red Hots and shoved them in my pockets. I still wasn’t buying into all the Vampire crap, but better safe than sorry…or so I told myself.

  I lifted up my phone and checked for any messages. Earlier Ken had wanted to tell me something but Mom interrupted him. I gave him my cell in case he wanted to meet up somewhere away from the house to talk. I figured it had something to do with Mom, but had no idea what. I guessed I would find out soon enough.

  I was having a hard time wrapping my head around what Jason had been talking about or why he did what he did. He seemed so normal…well normal wasn’t really the right turn of phrase but it was the best I could come up with. Hopefully Lucky could fill me in on some of the weird stuff that was happening around here, which is one of the reasons I decided to go to La Push today.

  Walking over to my window, I pulled it shut and locked it from the inside. “Now stay shut,” I said and then laughed at myself. It was just a window but it kept popping open, usually while I was sleeping. I looked around, sweeping my room once more in case I’d forgotten anything. E was propped up on my bed. “Keep your eye on the place,” I said and then grabbed my bag, heading downstairs.

  One of Mom’s oldie songs was playing in the kitchen when I walked downstairs. She was shaking her butt and doing the dishes, singing at the top of her lungs. It was so nice to see her happy for a change. I just hope it lasted. I snuck up behind her and tapped her shoulder.

  She jumped. “Amber,” she yelled, holding her hand to her chest. “You scared me!”

  “Sorry, Mom,” I said and reached in the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water.

  “Where are you going?” She dried her hands on a dishtowel.

  “Oh, just going to check out a tour at La Push.”

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” She leaned against the counter.

  “Sure, why not.”

  “Don’t you think you should take it easy?”

  “I’m fine,” I assured her.

  “Well,” she sighed. “I don’t know. Ken said they still haven’t caught that boy who attacked you.”

  “Mom, La Push is like really close and besides I’ll be with a lot of people.”

  “But…”

  “And Ken even said Kirk was probably in Canada by now,” I said. “You’ll have the house to yourself, too,” I quickly added.

  “Amber, I don’t care about that.”

  I could tell she was thinking about it. “Didn’t you miss out on your alone time with Ken last night?”

  “Well, yes, but…” She was blushing.

  Another good sign she was on her way to giving in. She just needed another nudge.

  “I’m just a phone call away.”

  “Oh, all right.” She gave in.

  “Can I take the car?”

  “How else would you get there?” She lifted her brow and crossed her arms.

  “Good point.” I untwisted the cap off my water and took a sip. “So what time is Ken coming over?”

  “I don’t know,” she exhaled and tucked her hair behind her ears.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Ken says he has a surprise for me…” Her face brightened. “What do you think it is?”

  “Um…” I put back on my cap. “Got me.”

  “Oh,” she sighed. “I was hoping he said something to you earlier.”

  “Nope. Nothing,” I said, lying.

  “Oh, well…I guess I’ll find out soon enough.”

  “What do you think your surprise is?”

  “I can’t say,” she said, making a face. “I don’t want to jinx it.” She wrapped her arms around her stomach, hugging herself.

  “Hmm,” I mused. “I hope it’s something good.”

  “Me too,” she said and lifted a bowl off the table then put it in the sink.

  “Well I better get going,” I said. “The tour starts at four.”

  “You won’t be out late…right?”

  “Oh, no, I should be in early…I mean if that’s okay?” I asked. “I mean I can stay out later…” I lifted my brows, “you know… if you need me to.”

  “I might…” Her face flushed and she shook her head. “No, I don’t want you to stay out late especially after what happened last night.”

  I let out a sigh of relief. I had already decided if she wanted me to stay out late I would just read in the driveway. I put the book Glinda had given me in my bag just in case. After last night, my late nights were put officially on hold… for like ever.

  “Do you think you’ll be home for dinner?”

  “Um, not sure,” I said wondering how long a tour could last. “Don’t hold it for me or anything.”

  “Okay.” She turned back to her dishes and I took that as my cue to leave.

  “See you later, Mom,” I said. I doubt she heard me though she had already started singing again.

  thirty eight

  The night was clear and the air crisp. The reservation was really only five minutes from my house but I had to backtrack to the interstate get to the resort, so it took me a little longer. I knew when I crossed the line separating Forks from the reservation because a big sign was up on the corner.

  “No Vampires allowed beyond this point,” I read. “Come on,” I laughed, squashing down the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I didn’t remember seeing the sign the first time I came here with Vincent and Glinda but then again it was really dark and I had been preoccupied, looking at Vincent in my rearview mirror. It was hard to believe that was only last week. It seemed like forever ago. There was a little grocery/gas station and a few of the locals stood around talking. Once I crossed the small intersection, I could feel all eyes on me. It was like they knew I wasn’t one of them. It gave me an uneasy feeling. I crept past and keeping my eyes on the road. The turn to the resort was up ahead and I pulled through the gates and parked in the lot. There were about twenty or so cars and I pulled into a space close to the resort. I shut off the engine and did a quick check in the mirror. Satisfied with the way I looked I grabbed my water bottle and climbed out. A crisp breeze blew inland off the water, ruffling my hair. I pulled it back away from my face and locked my doors. I tugged on my jacket and checked my pockets for my Pepper spray and Red Hots just in case.

  The doors opened to the resort and I stepped up on the sidewalk. I instantly remembered my dance with Vincent…and how he made me feel. It was perfect until Glinda came out and ruined it and now she was in the hospital because I left her. I shivered and pulled my jacket closer. I walked through the open doors.

  “Welcome to La Push,” a pretty girl with long black shimmering hair, said. Her light brown skin looked flawless and she had on traditional Indian clothes.

  “Thanks,” I said and took the program she held.

  “The tour is twenty five dollars but if you want the works that will be fifty dollars.”

  “What does the works include?”

  “Everything in the first tour,” she said. “And also a one on one with a real Quileute tribe member,” she said stressing the word real.

  Weren’t they all real tribe members?

  “I guess give me the works,” I laughed nervously and pulled out my credit card.

  She rang me up and handed me back my credit card. I stuffed it into my bag.

  “The tour is that way,” she said, pointing an elegant hand down the hall. “Just follow the signs.”

  “Thanks,” I said and headed down the pattern-carpeted hallway toward the large double doors at the end. It was warm inside and the air had an earthy scent. It was probably from the large trees lined along the hallway in large pots with white lights wrapped around the limbs.

  I glanced down at the program.

  4:00 pm. Introduction to the Quileute Tribe

  4:30 pm. Q & A

  4:45 pm. Tour of the beach

  5:30 pm. Scavenger Hunt

  7:00 pm. Bonfire and ref
reshments

  Bonus

  8:00 pm. One on One with Tribe Member

  Well at least it looked like I was getting my monies worth. I stepped through the doors. A man was standing in the center of the room dressed in full Indian Regalia and rows of chairs filled with people spread out in a semi-circle around him. He had on a large feathered headdress that trailed on the floor behind him and his deep voice rang out, loud and clear. I headed to the front row, spotting an empty chair and sat down, not wanting to miss anything.

  When I was situated, I scanned the room for Lucky.

  I didn’t see him and a wave of disappointment washed over me. I tried to stay focused but my mind kept drifting.

  When the Q & A started, I realized I had somehow missed the entire introduction.

  A woman next to me in a bright red raincoat lifted her hand and waved it madly in the air. “Chief,” she called.

  He turned and I could swear he sighed. “Yes?”

  “Are Bella and Edward going to join in for the Scavenger Hunt?”

  “No,” he said. “Vampires aren’t allowed on Quileute property.”

  “Oh, shoot.” She dropped her hand. “I told you they weren’t here.” She elbowed her companion and he made a face.

  “Are there any other questions about the Quileute’s?” The speaker asked.

  “Oh, I do,” she called, and raised her hand, bouncing in her seat.

  It looked like he was trying to ignore her but he finally called on her once more. “Yes.”

  “Is Jacob on the Island?”

  He shook his head and his feathers moved. “No, I’m afraid he had another engagement.”

  “Darn it. Mort,” she complained. “I told you we were on the wrong tour.” She jabbed him with her elbow again.

  “Shirley,” he sighed. “Jacob is just a character from the books, he doesn’t really live here.” He let out another lengthy sigh.

  I felt Mort’s pain.

  “If there are no more questions, let’s head outside to First Beach. There are bottles of water you can purchase and souvenirs in the gift shop before we head out,” he said as a reminder. “One of our own will meet you at the entrance in fifteen minutes,” he called before everyone dispersed. “And remember, no picking up anything off the beach. All relics belong to the Quileute’s.”

  Everyone grabbed their things and stood. I grabbed my pack and hoisted it on my shoulder. Since I already had water, I opted to go straight outside to meet for the tour of First Beach. Once outside, I followed the walkway to the meeting spot. There were two girls who looked like sisters posing in front of a sign, with First Beach written on it. One held up a drawing of a heart with Jacobs name in the center.

  I pulled out my phone and checked the time. I had a text message. It was from Ken.

  Ken: Can u meet me later?

  I texted him back.

  Me: Sure. When? Where? I added a little smiley emoticon.

  I didn’t think I would hear back from him for a while so after I took a picture of the sign too and slipped my phone back in my bag. I wasn’t a Twihardaholic or anything but when in Rome…

  Shirley and Mort came bustling down the sidewalk with bags from the gift shop filled to the brim. Shirley got up to much momentum and nearly took out the First Beach sign. Luckily, there was a pile of sand and it slowed her down before she hit the thing.

  “Why didn’t you slow me down, Mort?” Shirley bashed a balding Mort on the arm and he dropped the bag he was holding.

  “Shirley, I can’t be everywhere at once.”

  “Well, Edward would have been able to stop me.” She made face.

  “Edward, is a fictional character too, Shirley.”

  “Why do you try to ruin everything for me, Mort?”

  “Shirley…” he sighed.

  “You’re obviously jealous, Mort.” She picked up her bag and pulled out one of her souvenirs. It was a shirt with Team Jacob on the front. She took off her jacket and pulled the shirt over her head. Team Jacob was stretched to the limit. “Mort, take a picture of me.” She shoved out her camera and posed in front of the First Beach sign, hugging it.

  Mort took a slew of pictures of her and then made the mistake of asking her to take a picture of him too.

  “Not gonna happen.” She snatched her bag from his hand and stormed off.

  Mort stood there with the camera, trying to take a picture too, but he wasn’t having any luck.

  I stepped forward. “Excuse me,” I said.

  Mort looked at me and then over his shoulder. He turned back around. “Are you talking to me?”

  “Yes.” I smiled. “Did you want me to take your picture?”

  He smiled sheepishly. “Would you mind?”

  “Not at all,” I said and reached out for the camera.

  He handed it to me and posed just like Shirley had done, and I snapped off a few quick pictures for him and then handed back the camera.

  “Thanks,” he said, and then grabbed his bag. “I got a picture too, Shirley,” he yelled chasing her down to the beach, brandishing his camera in the air.

  Poor Mort.

  I shook my head and waited for the rest of the people to gather for the beach tour. The wind had picked up and the waves were crashing loudly on the beach.

  The sun was setting by the time everyone had gathered for the tour. I pulled out my phone and glanced at it. Ken still hadn’t texted me back, which I was glad for since I wanted to go on the tour still.

  I had pretty much given up on seeing Lucky, but I was having a good time. Mort and Shirley were pretty entertaining and so were the sisters who babbled non-stop about whether they were standing in the same place Jacob had with Bella.

  I was paying more attention to the people on the tour, than the tour guide. By the time we finished the Scavenger Hunt of which I sucked at, everyone gathered around the bonfire. Strategically placed logs were scattered around the edges. Shirley and Mort were the big winners and the sisters got second place.

  I sat down on a log away from the crowd and stared out at the ocean, my mind drifting. When someone sat down next to me I didn’t even bother to look. Whoever it was, I hoped they would take my cue and just enjoy the scenery. I was small talked out.

  “See something interesting out there?” said a deep voice.

  “Not really,” I sighed, so much for my respite of peace and quiet. I looked to my right into the dark eyes of Lucky and my breath caught. His long hair hung loosely around his broad shoulders and he was smiling.

  My heart did an involuntary flutter. “Hey,” I said, recovering.

  “So,” he said. “How’d you like the tour?”

  “Um, it was…informative.”

  “Informative?” he asked. “What part did you like best?”

  I swear he knew I was lying. I exhaled. “Well, I kind of watched the people on the tour, mostly,” I admitted.

  He laughed and pulled his hair back away from his face. “They are an interesting lot, aren’t they?”

  “Yeah,” I agreed. “They really are.”

  “So which side are you on?”

  “Huh?”

  “Are you team Jacob or are you in with the blood thirsty lot…team Edward?”

  “Not sure. I don’t think I have enough information to make an informed decision...yet.” I smiled. He didn’t.

  “So are you the one signed up for the one on one with a real Quileute?”

  “I guess.” I made a face. “I got the works… whatever that is.”

  He laughed. “Well that just means you get a whole hour of my undivided attention.”

  “Oh, so you’re my guide?” My stomach flipped again involuntarily.

  “So it would seem.” He lifted his brows. “You ready for your personal tour?” He stood.

  “Is anyone else going to be coming?”

  “It looks like you’re the only one that is interested in the “works.” He made air quotes.

  I laughed. “So I get you all to myself.”
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  “Yeah, I’m all yours.” He gave me a lopsided grin.

  My pulse skidded to a halt.

  “Cool.”

  I rubbed hands on my jeans and then stood. He was a lot taller than me and I had to lean back to see his face. The firelight danced over his strong features. He had high cheekbones with a straight nose and full lips. When he smiled his entire face lit up. “So where are we going?”

  “Got me,” he laughed, sounding nervous. “No one has ever gotten the works before.”

  “Seriously?” I asked more than a little shocked.

  “Yeah.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “I guess a one on one with me isn’t that appealing.”

  “Puhleeze. They must not know you’re the one giving the tour because if they did they’d be lining up for it.”

  “You think so?” His face brightened considerably as he gazed down at me.

  “Um,” I croaked and then cleared my throat, “yeah, of course.” My cheeks burned.

  “Well,” he breathed. “Let’s get this show on the road. I want to make sure you get your monies worth.”

  “I’m sure it will be epic.” I grabbed my pack. Thankfully, it was pretty dark so he couldn’t see how red my face was.

  “Follow me,” he said.

  “Okie Dokie.” I trailed behind him through the driftwood and rocks.

  He stopped about twenty feet from the crowd and slung out his arm. “This is First Beach.”

  I laughed. I couldn’t help it. “Good to know.”

  He took a few more steps and stopped once again. “And that is Jacobs Island.” He flung out his arm in the direction of the little black blob in the middle of the ocean.

  I squinted at the black blob. “Hmmm, good to know.”

  “God, I suck at this,” he sighed.

  “No, you’re doing great.”

  He laughed and casually put his arm over my shoulder, pulling me into his side. “You lie really bad, you know that?”

  “Sorry,” I muttered.

  He rubbed my arm. “Don’t be. I’m glad you suck at lying.”

  “Thanks…I think.”