A/N: Again, I want to thank everybody for their encouraging feedback! And MP and Breanna for making this much better than it would be.

*I had to repost chapter 3 if you want to give it another look. I accidentally posted the one without corrections last night. The right one is up now."

Chapter Four

It was dark out by the time they had got Jared settled and he was resting comfortably. After she closed the door behind her, Bella set out to follow the gravel road that led to the beach, where Paul's cabin sat nestled on a small cliff overlooking the ocean. She had always thought it was the most beautiful place on the Rez. The dense forest that spanned the perimeter behind his house provided privacy, while the sea provided the illusion of a never ending openness.

As she walked, the light breeze carried the smell of burning wood to her nose. It was a familiar scent that reminded her of fall and winter, family, and holidays. But the closer she got to Paul's house, the heavier the smoke became, bringing with it a sense of panic and a burning of her lungs with every inhalation. Fear quickened her stride, and by the time she reached the edge of his yard, she was nearly sprinting.

Spotting Paul sitting on the ground next to a roaring fire, she finally relaxed - bending at the waist, hands on her thighs, panting, trying to catch her breath.

"They send you to come check up on me?" Paul asked, lifting his head from his arms where they rested atop his knees. He glanced back over his shoulder to look at her.

Of course he knew she was there. He had probably both smelled and heard her arrival. She hadn't exactly been quiet in her approach, with her heavy breathing, reminiscent to a marathoner just after completing a 5K.

"Aren't you supposed to do this down on the beach?" She asked instead, referring to the massive bonfire he had decided to have on his front lawn.

"This place is as good as any, don't you think?" He replied, lifting his beer to his lips and taking a long pull before lowering the bottle back down. "And here, I don't have to risk running into anybody." He stared into the flames as she took a seat next to him.

"No, they didn't send me. I was worried about you," She stated, in answer to his earlier question, bumping his shoulder lightly with hers."Wanted to make sure you were okay."

Paul snorted a small, humorless laugh and reached for his cigarettes and another beer, extending an arm towards her in offering. Bella declined with a small shake of her head. Leaning back on her hands with her arms stretched behind her, she stared up at the peaceful night sky, where the clouds had separated enough to provide her a small glimpse of the stars above.

She stayed silent, not bringing up Rachel or Jared. She was just there, hoping to provide any little consolation her presence may bring.

Would love to hear your thoughts!