Chapter 10: Mommy?
"Put 'em on the counter." I instructed Erik.
"And these?" Margo asked and I pointed to the fridge. I put Gizzy on her feet and handed her a candy bar.
"Its awll mine?" she asked breathily.
"Yep, all yours" I grinned at her and she hugged my leg.
"I love you Wachel." She squealed and ran to the living room. I smiled at her retreating figure and went back to stacking the fridge.
"Damn Rach, you bought food to last a month." Erik said and I rolled my eyes at him.
"You act like it's new to you."
"True." He said and took a big bite out of an apple then threw it in the trash. I grabbed the bag of apples from his hand before he could waste my food.
"You're too wasteful." I pinched his ear and he yelped.
"You're too violent." He pouted and rubbed his ear.
I stuffed the apples in the fridge and the rest of the frozen goods.
"Where are you guys staying?" I asked while grabbing the bag of cookies from Erik's hands and putting them in the cupboard.
"Well, I was hoping I could sleep with you." Erik whispered in my ear and wrapped his arms around my waist. I pinched his ear again.
"Where are you guys really staying Margo?" I asked ignoring Erik's mumbling.
"Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles." She answered eyeing her fingernails.
"You have a nail solon around here?" she asked in her Bostonian accent.
"Yeah, we do. I'll show you it after I unpack Gizzy's stuff." I headed toward the front door for her suitcases. I grabbed them and went upstairs to my room.
Looking around my room, it's not a very good idea to have a four year old living here. It took a little over an hour for me to clean up and unpack Gizzy's things. I sighed and splashed my face with cold water before going downstairs.
I heard arguing the closer I got and I saw Paul, Erik, Gizzy and my dad in the living room.
"What's going on here?" I asked as I entered the room. Gizzy ran from my dad's lap and clung to my leg.
"I think the question should be what's he doing here?" Erik spat, glaring at Paul. Suddenly everything clicked.
"Oh, um, Erik can I talk to you, outside?" he nodded. I hurriedly pulled him away from Paul.
"What the hell?!" he shouted at me as soon as we stepped outside.
"I'm sorry. I know..." I stared at the grass ashamed to look at him.
"Sorry?! Sorry doesn't explain why he's around you. Did you forget the last four years?!" he started pacing around, his face getting redder by the second.
"I know, but it's hard to explain..."
"There shouldn't even be anything to explain!" he stopped pacing and stood in front of me. He towered over me by a good six inches. I looked up and saw the rage in his eyes. I pushed him away from me and gritted my teeth.
"I'm not Alexis, Erik you can't scare me." I said. Sorrow filled his eyes and he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I-I know Rach. I know." He walked over to a tree and slouched against it. I walked over to him and put my arms around his shoulders.
"I can't explain why I'm hanging out with Paul." I said softly and he stiffened "But I promise you what happened last time, won't happen again."
He sighed and closed his eyes.
"How do you know that?" he asked. I wanted to say I know because I trust Paul, but I'm not so sure I do.
"I don't." I answered him.
We sat there in silence, just looking at the gray clouds that looked like they were going to burst with rain any minute.
"He doesn't know about Gizzy." He stated and I nodded.
"You're not going to tell him." Another statement.
"I dunno." I said still eyeing the clouds. He sighed again.
"I don't know what's going on with you guys. And I hope to god you don't get hurt Rach, but if you're trying to start a relationship with him I think you should tell him about Gizzy."
"I-I know I should, but... what guy wants a girl with a kid?" I asked. Silence was all I got for a response.
"A guy like me." He whispered so low I'm not sure if I was heard correctly.
"I'm gonna go back inside, it looks like it's gonna rain. You coming?" he offered his hand. I shook my head no and he walked inside.
I sat their in silence, just observing the clouds. I wonder what it would be like to be a cloud. I wouldn't have to hold any secrets in, just let them be. I wouldn't have to worry about anything. I would just let the breeze carry me long this earth. Lighting illuminated the sky and a loud crashing sound came after. I inched closer to the old tree to as raindrops started splattering on the grass.
Lightening flashed and thunder raged as the rain drummed on the grass. When I was little I would run and hide from thunder and lightening. My dad used to hug me and tell me stories of the wolves that would protect me from the horrible lightening, among other things.
"Rachel?" I looked up and saw Paul. I gawked when I saw that he was shirtless and the rain drops were slowly running down his bare chest. His hair was wet and hung in his face. His biceps moved slowly as he jogged over to me.
"Yeah" I breathed still watching his body
He lifted me up bridal style and walked toward the house. My eyes still glued to his chest as he started talking about how I could catch a cold.
"Rachel you listening?" he asked. I snapped out of my daze but my eyes never left his chest
"Yeah." I nodded. He sighed then moved his pecks. He laughed when I gasped.
"And I thought you weren't attracted to me." He laughed and set me on my feet. I lightly smacked his arm.
"I never said that." I said and he laughed harder. I started walking away from him when he pulled me back.
"Wait, I wanted to ask you something." He said nervously.
"Ask away."
"Well I wanted to know ifyou'llgoonadatewithme?" Did he just speak in English?
"Again please?" I asked. He sighed and cursed under his breath
"I asked if you would like to go on a date with me." He said slowly this time. I bit my lip and hesitated to mess with him.
"I don't know... when?"
"Tonight." He answered. I looked at him sympathetically.
"I would really like to go with you but. I've got to wash the dishes and take care of Gizzy and drive Margo and Erik to their hotel and cook dinner, take care of dad and still have time to save the world." I teased.
"That's not funny." He frowned. I smiled at him.
"What time will you be picking me up?"
"In two hours." He replied. That early?
"Where are we going—no, I bet it's a surprise?"
"It is. See you in a few." He kissed me on my lips quickly then ran out the door.
"Bye." I mumbled to myself.
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"Wow you clean up nice." I smiled at Paul, my eyes roaming over his body. He grinned at me.
"Is that a compliment?" he asked and handed me a bouquet of gardenias.
"Actually, it is. And thank you." I gestured to my flowers; he grinned profoundly.
"I remember that they were your favorite." He whispered in my ear as he tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear.
"Something with Billie Holiday and your mother." He continued as he opened the car door for me. I got in and he walked around.
"Yeah, my mom loved Billie Holiday so they were her favorite flowers." I filled in, he nodded and speeds away.
"I think my mother liked her too."
"You think?"
"Uh yeah, I don't really remember much about her." He said absentmindedly. The curious side of me wanted to press for more info, but the smart side of me just dropped it.
He turned on the radio and 'every girl' blared from the speakers and Paul started saying the words.
"There's no way I'm going to listen to that." I said and changed the station and now 'heaven sent' and began singing.
"You may have got your heart broken
A few times in the past
Never last strong as it used to,"
"Beautiful voice Rach, but I'm not listening to that." He switched the channel back. We continued fighting over the radio station until we decided on into the night, but I still thought my song was better.
We arrived at a restaurant in Port Angeles. It looked like an old cottage; you know something you'd find in a Disney fairytale. Flowers crept along the old stone walls and decorated the area around the restaurant. The valet approached our car and took the keys as soon as Paul stepped out. He opened the door for me and assisted me out, even though I didn't need it.
"Wow, it's like fairytale." I smiled at him and he grinned back.
"I'm glad you like it." He said. We walked across the stone pavement and in gold script the words Aux petits plats were on the door.
"You speak French?" Paul asked.
"Yeah, I took it my first two years in high school." I answered, remembering Monsieur Dupont and those gorgeous blue eyes. Délicieux
"Why'd you quit?"
"I got a new teacher." I answered simply. His eyebrows rose in confusion.
"And she was mean." I pouted and he laughed softly.
"You're something else."
"I take that as a compliment." I smiled at him.
"Reservation?" A tall skinny bald man dressed in a tux asked us.
"Yeah, Alexander." Paul said. The waiter led us to a small table decorated wit, you guessed it, flowers. This time gardenias and roses. Two candles sat on the table and I could make out a rose garden outside.
"Wow this is absolutely beautiful but—"
"But?" Paul cut in. I hated it when people did that, although I normally did it myself.
"But, it's not really your style." I finished. He shrugged.
"It's not but it's the best restaurant and you said it's like a fairytale." He answered.
"Thank you." I said, I reached over and lightly kissed him on the cheek.
"For?"
"For sacrificing your comfort for my delight."
"I'd do anything for you." He said. Although I've heard that line a million times, and 99% of the time it's complete bullshit, but for some reason I believe him. Maybe it's the desperation in his eyes begging me to believe, or the love in his eyes telling me it's true.
The waiter soon came to take our order. I ordered the Frango à Passarinho and because Paul couldn't really understand the menu I ordered for him too.
"What the hell is this?" He stared at the plate of food in front of his. I tried to hide my laughter by biting my lip.
"C'est Pastel de Carne" I answered. He looked at me quizzically.
"C'est an incomplete meal. I could feed this to an ant!" I laughed out loud and other couples were turning toward us.
"Didn't you know that French restaurants served in… small proportions?" He grunted.
"Small is a Bid Mac, this – this is tiny, extra tiny." He emphasized. I only laughed more. I didn't stop until my stomach started hurting and tears were starting to stream from my eyes.
"Come go, let's go." I said
"Wha—"
"Well why are you still sitting?" I tugged on his arm and he got up. I pulled his wallet out and dropped three hundred on the table.
"What the—"
I smashed my lips to his and ran my hands through his hair.
"Come on, I know a place where they serve real food." I said my lips brushing against his as I spoke.
I walked toward the door and he eagerly followed.
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"STOP!" I screamed and Paul stopped the car. The tires screeched against the pavement and we stopped directly in front of Lauretta's.
"Wha—Rachel are you okay?" Worry filled his eyes.
"I'm great" I grinned and hoped out and walked right into Lauretta's.
As soon as I walked in I heard a whistle and someone smacked me on my ass. I swirled around ready to hit someone but stopped when I realized who it was.
"Ya dolled up fa me Rach?"
"Oh my gosh BENNY!" I wrapped my arms around him in a bone breaking hug.
"Damn Rach ya got stronger." He heaved when I released him.
"Benito! What's all that commotion abo—Rachel!" Lauretta rushed toward me and hugged me tightly.
I've always felt at home in Lauretta's arms. In some ways she reminded me of my mother. Maybe it was the dark hair and green eyes. And the love that radiates off her and onto you whenever you're near.
"I've missed you guys so much!" I exclaimed and we started speaking in Italian. Then someone cleared their throat.
Oops forgot about Paul…
"Uh Lauretta, Benny this is Paul. Paul this is Lauretta and Benny." Benny glared at Paul and Paul glared right back, but Lauretta happily embraced him in a hug.
"Nice ta meet yo." She smiled warmly at him.
"Same here." Paul shook her hand. An awkward silence lingered between us for a while until a customer called Benny over.
"So what can I make you two." Lauretta asked.
"I'll take my usual and he'll take the three Supremes."
"OK" she smiled and went back to the kitchen.
We sat at a table relatively close to the kitchen. The delicious aroma of pasta filled my nostrils and I let out a small moan. Paul laughed at my reaction.
"Man, you must really be hungry."
"Not really, I just love coming here. It's like my second home whenever I'm in the area."
"Really? What is this place?"
"It's everything" I answered and he raised an eyebrow "Bakery, restaurant, bed and breakfast—you name it they've got it here." I smiled. "I found this place a few years ago when I came from college for Jake's birthday. Margo –the girl with the red hair- she came too but got lost and while I was looking for her I stumbled upon this place and I've been coming here ever since."
He smiled as I continued telling him about Lauretta's. I told him how we met and how our relationship grew. The longer we talked the more I saw how much he changed. He's not an egotistic bastard anymore; he actually cares about what I saw, he listens to what I have to say.
I think I can actually trust him. Eric's words rang in my head.
if you're trying to start a relationship with him I think you should tell him about Gizzy.
Maybe I should tell him, he does have the right to know. But what if he leaves me, again. Can I really take that risk? NO.
No I can't tell him about Gizzy. How would that conversation even go?
Me: Oh hey Paul I've got something to tell you
Paul: shoot
ME: Know how we had sex at prom, well the condom broke and I wasn't on the pill so uh I sorta got knocked up.
Paul: -silence-
Me: oh and yeah I didn't tell you that you, no, we have a four year old daughter named Giselle. Would you like some salad?
Yeah, not the best idea.
I snapped out of my thought when something hit me in the eye.
"What the?" I looked questionly at the fry. Who throws a fry at someone?
"Yay, I've got your attention back" Paul said sarcastically.
"Sorry zoned out for a sec."
"I noticed." He grunted
"Aw baby I'm sorry. I'm listening now." I smiled at him.
"Ok, well I was talking about cars…." I listened to him talk about his love about cars. I never knew a person could know so much about cars, other than Jake. His dad owns a car shop and he works as a mechanic. I love a man in uniform
"Oh you've got something on your cheek." I said
"Where,eh, I don't see it."
"Oh it's right." I dipped my hand into some ketchup and slowly smeared it on his cheek
"Here." I laughed.
"What was that for?" he took a napkin and wiped it off
"Throwing fries at me." I teased.
We started a semi-food fight. He whipped mustard on me, and then licked it off. I threw piece of burger at him and he caught it in his mouth. Then we had a eating contest, which I lost (No surprise) but now I owe him a kiss.
"Alright, but close your eyes." I said.
"fine." He whined. I leaned over and softly pressed my lips to his. As soon as I did his hands grabbed me and kept me there. He bit my bottom lip softly and I moaned in his mouth. Ketchup and French fries filled my taste buds as we kissed. I trailed my hand up and played with the slightly wavy hair at the nape of his neck.
His hands trailed down to my waist, leaving traces of heat as they traveled.
So i think I'm just about over being your girlfriend
I'm leaving, I'm leavi—
"fuck" we pulled apart and I got out my cell phone. My dad, talk about horrible timing.
"Hi daddy."
"Rachel something's wrong with Giselle, she keeps throwing up. Me n Sam bought her to the Forks hospital… I have to go." Then he hung up.
"Let's go." Paul picked up our stuff and left money on the table.
"Bye Lauretta." I said and ran into the car.
Oh god, I really hope Gizzy isn't sick. She's my whole world; I don't know what I'd do without her. I really hope it isn't that bad.
"Rach, calm down." Paul's hands traced circles on my thigh. How can I calm down! You don't tell a mother to calm down when her child's in the hospital!
"I can't." I removed his hand and looked out the window. Trees zoomed by in a blur and raindrops trailed down the window.
"I'm sure she only has the stomach flu." He tried again and only sighed in response.
"If your worried about losing your job, I'm sure you won't" he said. I could see the top of the hospital now.
"What job?" I turned back to him.
"Your job babysitting Giselle?" Oh yeah, I'm a 'babysitter'
"Oh yeah, I'm just worried."
We pulled up to the curb and I rushed out the car. I saw my dad and Sam, with Gizzy!
I ran over and picked her up.
"Oh thank god your okay." I kissed both of her pale cheeks. Her eyelids fluttered and they looked a little blue.
"Mommy, my tummy hurts." She wined
"Oh baby its okay. Mommy's going to make it better okay. Mommy's here now." I cooed. I hushed her as small tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Mommy?" that voice sounds familiar.
I spun around and faced Paul, Sam and dad all with shocked faces.
"Yes, mommy." I answered Paul as Giselle started crying.
OMG! I didn't notice I hadn't updated in such a long time, I've been busy with school and my grand ma and life has just been, hectic. I wish I had more free time :( . But back to the story =] now you know Rachel's a mom! And Paul's Gizzy's dad =] Well I've got to go now and plz REVIEW =]