An hour later and Sam's words still haunted me as I trotted through the woods, the only thing keeping me from a full-blown panic was the knowledge that Wolves in nature, mated for life and Tigers were… More open with their relationships. Not having Pride's like Lions but having multiple partners that they returned to during mating seasons so long as the female stayed in the male's territory. {Wow, this could get complicated. Let's hope my more human nature overrides my need to mate with every strong female I come across. Still, it is something I need to talk to Edythe about.}
On a less emotionally explosive subject, I had found that while I could move exceptionally fast, it was only for a short time. My body was definitely not built for long distance running, only able to keep top speed for about 10 minutes. That may not sound like long, but it only took me 4 minutes to get to the other side of the Quileute reservation, and that was not starting from the border but much deeper in the woods. I also had a comfortable trot that I could move at when I wanted to cover distance, but my natural speed was a sort of lazy walk that challenged anything near to get in my way.
Tigers it seemed were not in a hurry unless it came to hunting or fighting. Having my shorts tied to my leg was a bit hard to get used to and would not be something I did on the regular. I think I may put a few cashes of clothes out in backpacks like I had thought about before. Get some waterproof ones and find good spots to get them when I need to. One near the house and one near the school would be a must.
I dropped this line of thinking when I came near the edge of the forest closest to the Police Station. Shifting back and putting my shorts on I realized it would be hard to explain my lack of shoes if anyone noticed. {Yup, simply carrying shorts around on my leg was just not going to cut it.} I walked in and was in luck, Charlie was in his office doing paperwork.
"Morning Charlie." I called out and moved straight to the locker room to shower and get dressed.
When I came out, I saw Jerry putting her purse in her desk drawer and greeted her. Then went to Charlie's office. When I walked in, he looked up from a file on his desk, "Hey kid, still enjoying the sunshine?"
"Haven't seen much of it yet today. I ran in the woods for my morning workout. Don't worry, I didn't go too deep, just wanted to change up my run this morning."
Charlie just gave me a wry smile, "I just ask that you stay safe kid. Way too many people get lost in the woods. Best to keep to the trails. Damn fool part time hikers get lost all the time and we have to hunt them down and save their lost as… Selves. Don't want you disappearing on me."
"No worries, umm, Did Bella tell you about the phone call yesterday? About my mom's Will reading?"
"Yeah, we talked about it some. I will keep an ear out for their call. I didn't know something like this would need to take place at a police station. Weird to me, but its big city rules I guess." He just shook his head.
"I am not sure what the deal is either. Not like mom was some big time CEO or rich woman with huge money. Only thing I have seen about her insurance was the monthly care money Renee got and well now you are getting since I moved here."
Charlie looked uncomfortable for a moment, "Well, about that. Renee and I were planning to wait but… I guess it wont hurt to tell you early. The money sent for your care has all been put in a savings account for you. We thought it best to help you prepare for college or whatever you wanted after school. I know Renee had to dip into it a couple of time when things got tight in Phoenix, but we wanted to give you the best start possible. Also, Renee and Nancy's childhood home is still here in town and I figure that may be what the lawyers are coming here for. Your mom bought Renee's share of the house and land when Renee made it clear she wanted to move somewhere warmer. I am assuming that will come to you after your birthday, but I hope you will consider staying at my place until summer or you are out of school. A big change like that could mess with your schooling."
I had never really thought about that. Technically, with this birthday, I could live on my own. I would be a legal adult. I took a deep breath, "I haven't ever thought about it to be honest, I have never thought about being on my own. I have been so dependent on Bella and Renee and now you. Its strange…" I shook my head
Seeing me struggle with my thoughts, Charlie spoke, "No rush kid. You are welcome to stay like I said. Bella would probably have an opinion to share on the idea herself. You're the brother she never had. Speaking of Bella, she just pulled up."
"Thanks, I guess I have a lot to think about. See you at home."
"Not today, I will be doing a double. You will be home alone with Bella going to Port Angeles to shop. Call me if you need anything."
"Will do, but I will be spending time with Edythe so I should be ok."
He smiled and shook his head, "Don't do what I did. Be safe and take it slow."
Bella double tapped Red's horn, and I raised my hand to Charlie, "Later, don't work too hard."
The ride to school was quiet, Bella seemed like she had something on her mind. Something she was working through. I left her in piece and tried not to think about seeing Edythe later today. That would just make the day drag on longer.
As we started to walk away from Bella's truck, she handed me her keys. "Jessica, Angela and I are going shopping right after school, so I will need you to drive my truck home. I think I will go to a bookstore while I'm there, I found one that has a book about local legends that I think would be interesting. Want me to look for anything for you?"
"No thanks sis. Just have fun and be careful."
The day went by fairly quick, the girls were all discussing dress and skin tone color matching along with hair salons in the area. I just relied on my old head nod and halfhearted answers that seemed to go along with what they wanted to her.
Before I knew it, I was driving Old Red back to the house by myself. The sun was out, and everyone had their vehicle windows down and their music as loud as it would go as they drove. {Maybe I should get Bella that new stereo, there is lots of room behind these seats for good speakers as well.}
Lost in my thoughts as I pulled in front of the house, grabbing my school bag and slamming the truck door closed then made my way inside. I was debating calling Edythe to let her know I was home and see what she had planned but resisted doing that right away. I instead went to the kitchen and made a few sandwiches that I took to my room and ate as I prepared for my date.
About 30 minuets after I got home Edythe called. After talking we decided she would swing by in her brother's Jeep, and we would drive part way to where she wanted to take me. Because the sun was still out, she would have to stay inside the vehicle in town. She explained that only direct sunlight made her stand out, so she didn't stand out behind the windows when driving even with minimal tint. Not long after hanging up with her, I was holding my backpack and standing on the from porch waiting for the modified red Jeep Wrangler she described to me. My excitement for the evenings revelations made it hard to stand still, so I was pacing a bit as I heard a loud engine approaching.