Her Forever

Sadie

Tobias stayed at my home till nearly midnight, talking about how college was going for him. The girls, the parties, they just weren’t for him anymore. He said he had always craved me and loved me, but yes, even with his love for me, he still craved the attention and man-whoring. To me, his love just wasn’t strong enough for me as much as he tried to argue.

Lilly didn’t come to say goodbye in the morning. She was still sour that Tobias had confessed his undying love for me, and that was enough to make her break. Apparently, our friendship wasn’t strong enough for her to look past it. In my heart, I knew her friendship was more platonic, but I always kept my word to her and never told Tobias of her infatuation with him.

The Dobsons wanted to throw a going-away party at the diner, but I quickly denied it. I was not one to be the center of attention, and that was going to be too much. I shied away from those sorts of things.

I quickly loaded up the last box into my worn-down jeep and handed the cottage keys over to the Dobsons. They were to give it to the new management team in charge of the house.

“Are you sure you can’t stay? We will miss you!” Mrs. Dobson had a trickle of a tear run down her face.

“Oh, I’m sure. I’ve got to have new experiences, fresh adventures and try new things. Things I never did before.” I smiled and played with my car keys as I kicked the dirt with my foot. “It will be great, exciting even.” My own voice sounded like that was a lie.

In all honesty, I was terrified of what was to come. I’m doing something so new and different that I wasn’t sure if I would find what I was looking for. I’m just moving to a cabin and waiting to see what happens with my life. I’ve never left this town in my life, and here I am, moving away.

Not one for awkward silence or goodbyes, Mr. Dobson grabbed my hand and pulled me to his chest for a hug. “Well, we will miss you. You always have a home here.” He patted me on the head and let go.

“Tell Lilly I will miss her and to call when she feels ready,” I told them both. “I still care about her.”

They nodded and started back to the house. I jumped in my jeep with the windows down and the radio blasting. This cabin was going to be my new beginning. I’ll try all the things I wasn’t able to do while growing up, make friends and enjoy life more. No more hiding, no more being completely shy and not working myself to death. Aunt Maria has always wanted this of me, and I’m going to show her I will be what she wanted.

The road was long; I had already driven 10 hours and still had 2 to go. My eyes were growing too heavy for it to be safe to continue, so I stopped at a hotel. The late-night with Tobias and all of our emotions took all my energy.

I pull into a cheap motel; it was 9 pm, so few patrons were around. I walked up to the office to see a rather old crusty man. I’m starting to regret my decision when he perked his ears up and looked straight at me.

“Hmm, just one of ya?” he gruffed.

I stuttered for a moment, thinking if I should lie and say there was someone else to protect myself, but of course, being a terrible liar, I just agreed. He handed me the key, and I paid my bill and walked to the room.

The small town of Pineville Creek was in the middle of a forest. There was only one way in and one way out and nearly 2 hours’ drive of nothing. No gas stations, motels, or rest stops. Few people came to Pinecreek because it was out in the middle of nowhere and not much of a tourist attraction.

I continued to look up on the internet about the town, but it seemed there was little about it. Just that it was small and mainly families lived there. They had a thriving economy and a relatively safe community—just the random wild animal attacks.

The town had a small hospital, banks, grocery stores, hobby stores, farmer’s markets. The thing I loved the most was all the hiking trails and a mountain not too far away for skiing and snowboarding. An hour more drive you could even find a lake, hopefully for swimming.

I didn’t even undo the bed; I jumped on top of the comforter and pulled on my favorite light pink hoodie and grey sweatpants and knee-high socks. Grabbing my pillow from home, I buried my face in it. Faint sounds of wolves howling to the moon helped lull me to sleep.

The next morning, I felt the sun’s rays prance around my unruly hair. I g*****d at the sudden intrusion, only to realize I forgot to close the drapes from the night before. Great, some pervert probably watched me sleep last night. Not that I am something to behold, anyway.

The clock said 6 am; the late summer sun had risen earlier in the morning, but 6 am was still too early to not have a job to go to. I decided a long shower and maybe head to the restaurant downstairs to grab a bite to eat since I was already up and moving.

I grabbed my dark wash skinny jeans and my white spaghetti-strapped top and headed off for the shower. The hot steam from the shower quickly filled the bathroom. I was under the shower for at least 20 minutes, one of the longest showers I have ever taken. The water heater at Aunt Maria’s didn’t hold much. I was lucky to get a 5-minute shower at best.

I hopped out and dried my now darkened hair. The high lights had faded. I could barely reach the blow dryer even at 5’4’’; why put things up so high!? After much determination, I grabbed it and started blow-drying. I put on my winged eyeliner, mascara and didn’t even bother with l*p gloss today.

Heading towards the restaurant, I noticed it was empty, and a “closed” sign on the door. I internally g*****d. I’ll just pack up and leave and get something at the gas station nearby.

Quickly packing my things, I heard a knock at the door. Not thinking anything of it, I opened the door, facing a tall, pale-faced man. I’ve never seen this man before in my life, and he was staring at me as if he was not shocked to see me.

“M-may I help you?” I was hoping to sound braver than what I was, but that was certainly out the window. He just stared at me, no emotion on his face, and so still I thought I couldn’t even see him breathe. He was really pale; his eyes were dark as night. His high cheekbones and slightly pointed chin gave me uncomfortable chills up my spine.

“Yes, I wanted to see if your accommodations were to your liking.” He gave a mysterious smile. This man was actually good-looking but intimidating. Not only that, but his voice was also low and calming. I was feeling uneasy about how he was staring at me, and I slowly inched the door closed as I replied.

“Uh, um, yes.” I stuttered. “It was great. I’m checking out now, actually.” I quickly picked up my bags without taking my eyes off him. I’m not about to get jumped. Waiting for him to move, he continued to stare at me. What a creeper.

“Really? Just one night? Travelers usually stay a couple of days to check out the hiking trails. I’d be happy to show them to you.” His demeanor had completely changed from his constant stare and intimidating nature to that of amusement.”

“No, no… just passing through is all. If you will excuse me.” I pushed through the door, gently brushing the side of his arm. He tensed up and closed his eyes. I could see red flags all over this guy—time to get out of here.

Quickly heading towards the main office, I dropped off my key and ran to the car.

After dealing with the strange man at the motel, I stopped for gas until I was at least 20 minutes away from the motel. Even then, I grabbed my gas and a small package of Twinkies for breakfast. Let me tell you, breakfast of champions!

I’m stuffing my face, trying to forget my weird encounter, when I realize I’m not too far from town. I look down to grab my phone to check the GPS as I’m rounding the corner and see a small barricade across the road. I had to slam on the brakes because it came up so fast, causing me to drop my phone in the process, and it flew on the car floor.

“UGH, not my day!” I spoke out loud to no one in particular. Then I heard a tapping on my window. A small squeak left my lips, and I rolled the window down. The man was enormous; he was standing over me even with my lifted Jeep. He was beyond intimidating, with his dark eyes hovering over me. I’m too shocked to speak until he spoke for me.

“Where are you headed, miss?” He gruffly spoke and pulled out a clipboard, clicking his pen excessively.

I cleared my throat and finally spilled out the words all at once, “I inherited a cabin from my late aunt; I’m moving into Pineville.” Knowing this town was wary of strangers and new people moving in, I pulled out a large packet of documents. It was almost unheard of for people to move in. They have visitors and businesses come in and out throughout the year. Even though it boasts beautiful hiking trails and great photography spots, they prefer to keep their tourism low.

He gave me a quick glance; I knew he has questions. Before he said anything, I pulled out the deed to the cabin, the will, the lawyer’s statement, and all my identification. He was shocked, to say the least; he thought I wouldn’t come prepared to defend myself.

As he is going through the paperwork, several other men come up to the Jeep looking at me and looking through the window of the Jeep. I got uncomfortable when I finally heard the gigantic man cough and told me to wait there.

He goes to a tiny toll booth on the side of the road and looks like he is making a phone call. Everyone seems to be staring at my Jeep. They had no weapons, just have their arms folded across their biceps to make them look bigger in their muscle shirts.

Not bad-looking eye candy.

The sasquatch comes back and hands me all my documents. He finally smiles.

“Welcome to Pinecreek, and I’m Chad.” He holds his hand out for me to shake. My dainty hand looks like the size of a toddler next to him. I put my hand out hesitantly and say thanks.

“So that you know, we don’t get many people moving in. Take it a day at a time, and people will get to know you.” He paused. “The mayor will meet you at the cabin to welcome you to the town and hand you some more paperwork to fill out. You’ve got about another 45-minute drive ahead.”

With a tilt of his head, they opened the gate and let me through.

Dear heavens, what in the world did I just get myself into? I wanted an adventure, and it looks like I might find it.