Changes

Chapter 1 – No more hiding it

Chloe's POV

I glanced over at Derek. He was going through one of his partial changes again. While he was on all fours and in obvious pain, he expected me just to sit over here and watch. He knows I can't stand the sight of him in pain, what was he playing at? I wasn't sure why he wanted me to wait over here; he usually liked my company, comforting him. After a few minutes, Derek finally collapsed on the ground. Almost automatically, I ran over to his side.

"Derek? You okay?" I asked softly, rubbing his back. I heard a low growl but couldn't make out what he was saying. I turned his face toward me, and noticed his features were still distorted. He squeezed his eyes shut, as if he was still in pain. I pulled him closer to me, whispering to him he was doing fine.

"Chloe," He growled, pushing me away. "You need to go back to the house." I looked at him, and then shook my head. I had to stay by him.

"I mean it. Go." He gasped. "I-I think I'm-"He got back onto all fours, fingers digging into the dirt. He threw his head forward, with a stained look on his face. He whimpered with pain.

"Derek, I'm not going to-" I toppled back. Derek stood on his knees, towering over me. He looked at me, his eyes filled with anger. He pushed me.

"Chloe!" He roared. "NOW!"I scrambled to my feet, knowing I had to leave. Derek would never push me on purpose. I ran as fast as my legs would take me, dirt flying from under my feet. I caught a glimpse of the safe house, where Andrew, Simon, Tori and I were currently staying. Unable to breathe, I slowed down. I stood there, with my hands on my knees, catching my breath, when I heard something rustle behind me. I spun around. There I saw Derek sprawled on the ground, breathlessly saying my name.

"Derek!" I dashed over to him, and saw his features were no longer disfigured. He immediately pulled me into a hug, and I felt that strange feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Chloe, I never meant to push you," he whispered. We looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds, when he suddenly pulled away, muttering an apology under his breath. He stood up, not bothering to brush the dirt from his terribly ripped pants.

"There goes another outfit," I joked. "Sorry, I should've reminded you to change out of them." I began walking beside him, feeling my cheeks burning. I heard something from Derek that sounded strangely like a laugh.

"I just pushed you down, yelling at you to leave, and you're apologizing to me?" He shook his head, smiling. The light from the sunset glowed on his face, showing his red cheeks.

"Its fine," I said, "But what happened?"

"I was positive I was actually changing that time," He said, looking straight ahead. "But I guess not. I'm close though, very close. Wouldn't be surprised if happens next time."

We walked back to the house, joking with each other the entire time. I was rather cold, but I didn't want to get back to the house just yet. That strange feeling I felt in my stomach whenever I was near him began to get stronger. I looked at him, smiling. I couldn't hide it anymore. I liked Derek.

"What are grinning about?" Derek asked, a smile growing on his face as well.

"Wha-? Oh, nothing." I replied, as he opened the door of the safe house, letting me inside. We walked slowly down the hall, and were about to part our ways to go to our bedrooms.

"Derek?" I said softly, pulling his arm toward me. He looked at me, with a confused look on his face. "I know you would never mean to push me, or hurt me in any way." Surprising myself, I pulled him into a hug.

"Uh, of course. That's the last thing I want to do," He said, resting his head on mine for a second or two. "Good night, Chloe." He pulled out of the hug slowly, his face as red as a beat. I watched him walk into his bedroom, and then proceeded into my own, grinning like an idiot.

So, that was my first fic! I hoped you liked it. Please review, but don't be too harsh; I'm new. :) Chapter 2 is in progress! :P