Aiden sat down at the small kitchen table in the break room. The space was modest — a plain granite countertop cluttered with coffee machines, a fridge humming quietly, cabinets with various snacks, and two simple chairs.
He pulled out his homework, the assignments from his teachers piling up already on his first day. Some thought it funny to overload him, but Aiden didn't mind. Maybe if I get this done quickly, they won't think I'm behind.
He plugged in his headphones, letting the music drown out the quiet hum of the station as he worked. He hoped some of his old homework on his laptop might help—at least the teachers wouldn't know.
Thirty minutes later, the door opened, and a man in uniform entered. His black hair still glistened with droplets of rain, his olive skin flushed from the cold or maybe a long patrol.
He poured himself a cup of coffee, eyes landing on Aiden with a curious, guarded look before taking a seat.
"Oh hey, you must be Steve's boy, right?" the man said, sipping the coffee.
"Yes, sir. Aiden White." Aiden extended his hand. The man shook it firmly and pulled out his headphones.
"I'm Charlie Swan, chief of the Forks Police Department. Nice to meet you."
"Where are you from, Aiden?" Chief Swan asked, leaning forward with interest.
"Chicago, sir." The words felt heavy in his throat. The room seemed to grow colder despite the warm coffee aroma.
"The Cubs haven't played here in a while," Chief Swan said with a weak smile, shifting to safer ground. "You play any sports?"
"I used to play basketball, but... things happened." Aiden's voice dropped. Memories pressed against him like a weight.
"Well, if you ever want to play again, the basketball team would love to have you. We haven't won a game in ages. But hey, that's town talk for you," the chief chuckled, easing the mood.
Suddenly, the intercom crackled. "Chief Charlie, it's time to pick up Isabella from the aeropuerto." Mrs. Blossom's voice filtered through.
"Well, gotta go. Nice meeting you, Aiden. Hope your stay here is a good one." The chief stood, rinsing his cup before heading out.
Before leaving, his tone turned serious. "I understand what you're going through, coming from Chicago, but please — don't bring up what happened over there. The folks here don't need to be scared. And we sure don't want to find a dead body and have to talk to Steve about it, okay?"
"I'm not here to cause trouble," Aiden said quietly, meeting the chief's gaze. "I was sent here. I just want to lay low and do my time."
"Alright, kid. Don't get into any trouble. And don't stay out too late. There are dangerous things out there."
Aiden nodded. The chief smiled, a glimmer of relief lighting his face, thinking about his daughter finally coming home.
An hour later, after finishing his homework, Aiden scrolled through websites about Forks. The rain pattered steadily against the window. He watched a few videos, then let his eyelids drift shut for a quick nap.
The intercom buzzed sharply, jolting him awake. "Aiden... Aiden, please come to the front desk, mijo."
Groggy, Aiden packed up, brushed off his jacket, and left the quiet refuge of the break room.
Walking past rows of desks cluttered with case files and paperwork, he overheard Mrs. Blossom talking softly to a young girl, their voices tense.
"Mija, I just want you to be safe. It's just for today. ¿Por qué estás preocupado?"
(Darling, why are you fussing?)