Delilah, known as Del, and Maria had met whilst Maria was visiting her cousins in the area. She'd come from Seattle, where it rained more than is did anything else combined. Her uncle lived a few miles outside Forks, which was just under half an our drive from La Push and the reservation, but was well over 3 in a car to her home. Luckily been able to fly into Fork's airport and be picked up there. This meant no car, and she had been starting to regret her haste in choice before she'd met Del.

Her cousins were mostly younger than her, but none were actually her age. She'd been [i]persuaded[/i] to go by her parents, who told her she should go and enjoy herself before she started work. She had 2 months until she moved to Florida to work in a hotel, a job which her father had secured for her. It was for a friend of his and she had been pleased at the time, but annoyed too because she didn't want people to think she couldn't get a job herself.

So this was supposed to be a vacation. Sure enough, her aunt and cousins had entertained her in the house for the first few days, but since most of them were much younger than her, they soon got bored as the novelty wore off. She too, felt trapped.

Her aunt was sweet, dropping her off at the Timber Museum in hopes this would occupy her. She spent time looking at the chainsaws of different ages, and smiling politely as the volunteer talked to her of what he believed were the fascinating points to the museum. She left in a daze as soon as she politely could, buying a postcard for her collection.

It was too early for her aunt to collect her so she walked back into town, for it wasn't far. which was when she saw Del, who was sitting in her truck and listening to music. She'd asked the girl directions and had gotten a lift instead, the girl asking her questions as they drove. They ended up talking outside her Uncle's place for some time, and Maria arranging to be picked up the next day.

Del had moved there with her step-father 2 years before. He owned a local store where Del worked most days, but she loved to be outdoors in nature. Some would have been angered at being dragged into the back end of no where, but Del seemed to love it, and through her eyes Maria began to appreciate it. Del had a couple of friends, but not having been to school there were whole life, she had struggled. 

A few days later, they went to the Ranger Station and then Marymere Falls and she'd enjoyed it. 

It was Del's friends who mentioned they were going to stay at the Quileute Oceanside Resort, which was situated on the Indian Reservation at La Push. Del said that although it was an easy drive, it was a good excuse to hang out without having to worry about their guardians. Maria happily agreed. It was going to be 3 nights and she was fascinated at the idea of an Indian Reserve.

There had been 8 in total, 5 girls and 3 guys, piled into 3 cars. Del admitted she'd never been but she'd wanted to go before.

They'd arrived in the late afternoon, the rest of their party having gone ahead because Del had to work. She'd tried to pursuade Maria to go without her, but Maria had been adamant she'd wait. By the time they got there, the guys were talking of having a party in their room, but Del, tired after being at work all day, declined and she and Maria chilled in their chalet.

It had been Del who had become alarmed at the fire on the beach, fearing the boys had tried to impress the girls and lit some fire. There was certainly enough noise. She and Maria headed down there, hoping she could persuade them back to the chalet before they got kicked off the reservation, but as she looked at the faces, she realized she didn't know any of them.

That was when Maria gave a cry of alarm that made her start, as she was caught in the arms of a guy that neither of the girls knew or even recognised. She looked wide eyed and scared, though in fact it was just shock.