Page 8 of A Bunny for the Bear
I had done it. With time, I built myself a comfortable life. Being back reminded me of a time when I didn’t have myself in order. It reminded me of how weak I’d once been.
As a bear shifter, people expected us all to be big and aggressive. They saw me and my size, then made their own assumptions. Even the humans who saw me thought I would go off the handle at any little thing. I've been told I have roid rage. Or that I needed to chill on the pharmaceuticals.
Meanwhile, I didn't take any type of medicine whatsoever. I ate a healthy diet. I worked out regularly. The rest was thanks to shifter genetics.
None of them knew that of course. No one ever cared to know.
My mood soured the further I got into town. Just thinking of the past would do that.
Breezing past all the activity going on, I took the turn down Maesely Drive towards the house I'd rented. The GPS kept giving me instructions until I pulled up to a baby blue duplex.
I could admit the color wasn’t all that appealing. Aside from that, it looked cozy. It had beautiful white flowers surrounding both front entries, and planter boxes in the windows with fresh herbs.
My aunt would love them.
I made a note to snap a picture later to send to her. I paused. Or I could just invite her over for dinner.
If I didn't go see her soon, she would find out I was here anyway. I saw more than a few familiar faces as I drove through the center of town. While I had filled out more and grown, my face was the same. I had no doubt they'd be telling her of my arrival any minute now.
I parked the rental in the drive and climbed out. The keys were under the mat, just as the landlord had instructed me they would be. I unlocked the door, stepping inside to get a feel of the place.
The space was pre-furnished, a win in my book. It also had notes of a tempting scent I couldn't place. It was intriguing. My bear even came to the front wanting a whiff.
I walked around the home, taking in every detail. I made sure to know where all the entry points were, as well as noting if there was a stable internet connection via the app on my phone.
Both of those were crucial pieces of information for my sanity during this stay.
When I felt confident about the home, I went back out to unload the few bags I'd packed. I would need to stock up on food and supplies here in town, which meant a trip to the local grocery store. I’d left my other supplies behind since it seemed like too much to pack up. Plus, I knew I’d nervously eat it all on the drive and make myself sick.
I would need to go shopping before I contacted my aunt. Me not having food was one of her pet peeves. I had no doubt she’d probably invite me over to stuff me full of whatever she had on hand.
Not that I would complain. The woman was talented in the kitchen. I just needed a minute of breathing room before she went all matchmaker on me.
Because though she hadn't truly said anything about having someone in mind for me, the tone that my aunt gave was enough indication.
When I had all my bags unpacked, I took another deep breath to settle myself. Everything I brought was either in the dresser or the closet, tucked away until I needed it. I was meticulous about my things. Even a two-month rental required organization.
As I stood there, the scent I’d gotten hints of earlier returned. Part of me questioned if it was from the landlord. It would make sense for me to note their scent in the home. Or maybe it was from a cleaner. The space did look newly refreshed.
I might have to find a way to meet them. My bear seemed to strongly like whatever their scent was.
I shook my head, then took off downstairs. I grabbed my keys from where I'd left them and got back in my car. The grocery store would be closing soon, meaning I didn't have near enough time to truly load up like I wanted, but I did need dinner.
As I drove through town, I saw a large group of people gathered in the park. It was strange for them to be out this late but that was Collier Cove for you. People did things on their own time in their own way.
Ignoring the strange setting, I parked near the front of the grocery store in one of the few empty spots left. For a town that shut down pretty early in the evening, there sure were a lot of people out tonight.
Several heads nodded my way, and a few hands waved too as I made my way to the entrance. I returned the motions, though my face remained carefully blank. If I smiled even a touch, then they would approach me. They’d want to have a conversation, maybe even relive old memories. Neither my bear nor I wanted that.
Inside the grocery store, I scanned the area to see where everything was. It had changed a bit since last time I'd been in town, which, to be honest, was shocking. There was also a new face at the register. Rather than old man Kobb, a young girl stood there with a large pink bubblegum bubble in front of her face.
It popped a moment later, revealing my presence. Her eyes widened. She took the gum back in her mouth and then coughed.
"Hello… um, welcome."
I grunted, then grabbed a basket and moved down the aisle. As quickly as I could, I stocked up on canned goods, fresh meat, seasonings, and even a few snacks that might come in handy later. I wasn't a big sweets guy, but I did love a few things.
As the stereotype would suggest, honey was a weakness of mine. I also really loved brown sugar. They had a pack of cookies labeled with both on it. I'd never had a honey brown sugar cookie, yet I already knew I would love them.
