wanderess

“Ok, then I really don’t envy you.”

You get used to it, mainly out of necessity. But hey, good news for me! Now I don’t have to worry about being homesick for miserable weather.

Jackson nodded, “Of course. Well if you ever need someone to show you around, I can make myself available or find you someone. I’m sure my niece wouldn’t mind.”

“Thanks, that would be really great, actually...” She shifted her weight before adding, “This may sound weird, but is your niece in high school?”

I’m not too sure that precious fits that well but it sure is something.

Well, I think it’s adorable, but maybe that’s because I’m looking at it with an outsider’s perspective.

“Was that a hint of sass I heard? Very unexpected. But it’s good to meet you as well, Rosa.”

Sass? Me? I can’t believe you’d make such accusations!

“Fuck brothers. They’re not good for anything. Kick their asses and prove yourself.”

And by context clues, I take it that is not a good thing. Say no more; a deal’s a deal, after all.

“I swear it’s getting colder every year”

Maine’s not as bad as it could be, though. I’m from Canada, so trust me, I know all about cold winters.

“Canada?” Jackson grinned lightly, “Is that what brought you here? Promise of slightly warmer weather here?”

“That, among other things... Family business, really. It’s not my place to talk about it.”

“Damn it’s cold, December is going to be freezing.”

That’s winter for you. You think you’re prepared but it always comes back, worse than before.

Isn’t it? Sort of looks like it could be in one of those snow globes. 

Hey, I would buy that snow globe.

“Welcome.” Jackson said lightly while putting out his hand to shake, “Jackson. Deputy here in town. Where are you from?”

Rosa shook his hand. “I’m from Canada, actually. A little colder than here, but not that different, in certain respects...”

The Deputy, Jackson, looked over to her before coming up with a slight smile, “Has its perks. Are you new here, miss?”

“I am indeed,” Rosa grinned, looking the man up and down. “The name’s Rosa.”

Don’t worry, you can share what you want, be as private as you want... If you don’t like it, should I remind you that you’re a minor? But here, to make it fair... Fact one: I desperately want to be my pack’s beta, but with my two brothers, there’s a chance I won’t be good enough, and one of them will win the title.

“I’ve got nothing to gain, either. So, how about that drink now?”

How about this, for every fact you tell me about yourself, I’ll pour you another drink.

I won’t tell you not to drink, but is there any chance you want to talk about it? I’m a complete stranger; you’ve got nothing to lose.