Chapter 10

"I can't believe that Emily made me get all these clothes."

I stood and stared at all the clothes in my closet, then to my bed which housed the rest of the clothes that I was unable to fit in my closet. Where on earth am I going to put all of this? I'm going to have to rent a storage space for all this!

After all that shopping yesterday, I came straight home to wash all of the clothes that Emily so graciously manipulated me to get. I still don't understand how all these bags were able to fit in the car. I came inside the house and mom was about to have a heart attack! Although, after she calmed down she proceeded to tell me that it was great that I finally understood that I was a girl; and that I got clothes to prove that fact.

I looked at the clock and saw it was only twelve in the afternoon. I still have six hours until Paul comes to pick me up for the bonfire that was being held at the beach. What is a girl to do for six hours?

…

"Ha! Take that you dragon!"

I quickly shot arrows at the dragon flying above my head. I used one of my shouts to make it land as I charged at it and started swinging my ax. I frantically pushed the buttons on my controller as the dragon started breathing fire at me.

"Oh my god! I'm on fire!"

There was a knock on my door, "Kat? Are you okay in there?"

"Can't talk now mom! I'm saving the people of Whiterun!"

"Alright sweety. Just please don't throw the controller at the TV this time; I don't have money to buy you a new one."

"No promises!" I yelled as I gave the last devastating blow on the dragon. I threw up my arms in victory as I absorbed the dragon's soul.

"I am victorious! Bow down to my awesome elfishness!"

"Kat? Maybe you need to stop playing Skyrim for a while."

"What are you jealous that I'm a dragonborn and everyone loves me? Or that I'm a thane in all the major cities and they turn to me when there's evil afoot?"

"No actually, I was just gonna say that Paul was gonna be here in thirty minutes."

"What?!" I turned toward the clock and it blinked 5:30 at me mockingly.

"Oh my god!" I exclaimed as I jumped up and sprinted to my closet, then sprinted back towards the Xbox and saved my game before turning it off.

"I have nothing to wear!"

My mom walked in, very calmly might I add. Didn't she now that there is a major crisis arising? Somebody flash the bat signal!

"Hun, you just bought twelve bags of clothes yesterday. I'm pretty sure you have something to wear."

"Mother! This is no time to be patronizing! Help me find something to wear!"

She chuckled and muttered about kids in love and how we freak out on the first date. She walked to my closet and stared for a moment. I was having a full blown panic attack as she was putting together an outfit for me.

"Mom! What am I gonna do?! I have twenty five minutes and I'm not even cute yet! This is the worst day ever! The world is against me! Alas! I'm unable to go this gathering on account of-oh that's so cute!"

She handed me an outfit that consisted of a red Iron Man tank top, black shorts that went a bit above mid-thigh, and my red and black checkered converse. I hurriedly gathered the outfit and stripped down and put on a black and white panda bikini. I threw on my clothes and went to the bathroom to put my hair up in a half ponytail that had pieces of hair falling out with strands framing my face. I put on eyeliner and Chap Stick, and then admired myself in the mirror. I have to admit…I look pretty darn cute.

I went back to my room and smiled at my mom who was still standing there. I twirled myself around and gave my mom a questioning look.

"You look adorable!" She squealed.

"Tell me something I don't know!" I strutted towards the door, and tripped on shoe that was lying aimlessly in the middle of the floor.

I belly flopped on the hardwood floor as my mom howled with laughter. I picked myself up, dusted myself off, and continued strutting away with all the dignity I have left.

I walked down the stairs and saw that I had about five minutes before Paul would be here. Mom came down, wiping her eyes and hugged me.

"Have fun Kat, and please, be careful."

I smiled, "I will momma", and hugged her back.

She let go and smiled a tearful smile at me.

"I love you Kat."

"I love you to momma." I gave her a questioning smile but she just nodded her head and headed to the living room.

"Make sure to give those guys a big kiss from your ol' momma! And tell them that they can visit this lonely woman anytime! I would loooove the company."

"Momma!"

She laughed as there was a knocking on our door. I hurriedly opened it to find Paul smiling at me. I blushed and gave him a sheepish smile.

"Bye mom! I'll be back by midnight!"

"Alright sweety! And remember, if you're gonna be a little late just call, I'm sure I would understand why you were…distracted."

I could hear the smirk in her voice as I blushed as red as a fire truck and dragged Paul away while closing the door.

"Distracted huh?"

I turned towards Paul to find him giving me a very sexy smirk.

"Shut it."

He laughed as he threw his arm around me and led me to his truck. He opened the door for me and waited until I was settled before shutting the door; I never had a guy to that for me before. He got it on the driver's side and started the car.

"So, who knew you were such a gentleman."

"I can be when I want to be." He smiled as he glanced at me.

"I know." I beamed at him, butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

We talked the whole way to the beach; from our favorite color, to our families, to our favorite sexual positions. Ha, just kidding, that's more of a second date conversation.

I jolted as he parked, date? He never said this was a date…but this kind of seems like it. I looked at him as he was coming around to open my door. What if I'm thinking that he thinks that this is a date but it's not and I'm the only one thinking that this is a date? My brain hurts…

He opens up my door and helps me out, such chivalry; and people said that it's dead. They obviously didn't know about this sexy God.

"Why thank you kind sir."

"Why your welcome m'lady. May I escort you towards the party?" He held his elbow out.

"You may." I said as I hooked my arm through his elbow.

We walked down towards where everyone was sitting and greeted everyone upon sight. That is until my view was obstructed by the boys picking me up and squeezing my insides out. I was passed from one person to another until Emily came up and drug me to a circle of girls. I looked back at Paul and saw him looking at me with a frown on his face. I smiled at him and he smiled back, a lot perkier than before. He turned to talk to the rest of the guys with a smile on his face. I couldn't help but feel the warmth in me as I realized that I was the one that made him happy

I looked up at the girls that were there and smiled. Man it's kind of nice to finally be able to interact with my gender. One girl bounced over to me and squealed, very loudly. You know, I may retract my earlier thought…

"Hi! I'm Kim! It's so nice to finally meet you! Paul talks about you all the time!"

I perked up at that. Actually, maybe talking to these girls will be just fine.

"He does, does he?

"Yep! But anyway! I'm Kim, as I said earlier, and this is Claire who is going out with Quil; this is Angela who is going out with Embry, and this is Bella!"

Okay? "So who do you go out with?"

Kim looked down, suddenly shy, "I go out with Jared."

I smiled at her, "That's great!" She beamed.

I looked at this Bella chick with a raised eyebrow.

She blushed, "Oh I don't go out with any of them, I'm Jacob's friend."

I looked at Kim and she rolled her eyes as she mouthed that Jacob wants to be more than friends. I nodded my head and looked at Bella; she had brown hair, brown eyes, was pale, and seemed awkward around the girls. And the way the girls were looking at her I could tell they did not like her very much; quite frankly, I didn't like her either. Something about her just seemed off, and I could tell that she was a tease.

I responded with a 'uh-huh' and turned towards the rest of the group. Kim had dark hair and russet colored skin just like the rest of the guys. She had brown eyes but they seemed to sparkle with life and she was very pretty; Claire had blonde hair and green eyes with tan skin, she was really pretty to. Angela had brown hair with brown eyes and light skin; she was also pretty but was very shy looking but also had a kind aura around her. I liked them…except Bella.

I smiled at them, "Well it's very nice to meet you guys; I'm Kat."

They smiled at replied with unison, "We know." I just raised my eyebrow.

Claire stepped forward, "So how are you liking La Push?"

"It's alright, quiet but I like that; the beach is my favorite part though, well that and the shirtless guys but who doesn't love that."

The girls laughed, except Bella, and Claire threw her arm around my shoulder, "You're gonna fit in just fine."

We started to talk about different things, just getting to know each other. I really enjoyed the company. Normally, I don't get along with those of the same gender; but with these girls it was different, we got along like sisters. We talked about Alabama and different things to do around here; we also started to talk about the boys. They gushed about their wonderful boyfriends, once again, except Bella, and I nodded and smiled along with them.

"So Kat, how are you and Paul?"

I turned sharply towards Claire who had a knowing smirk on her face.

"What do you mean how's me and Paul?"

"I meant just what I said," she said in a 'duh' voice.

I just stared at her. Did she really think something was going on between me and Paul? I mean really; he's a total hunk. He wouldn't go for a girl like me, well except maybe in my dreams. And boy what dreams they were.

"We're just friends."

Kim looked at me with an incredulous look, "really?"

"Really."

The girls looked at each other and looked back at me; once again they said in unison, "We don't believe you."

"Well no matter if you believe me or not, there is nothing going on between me and Pauly. Besides, he wouldn't go for a girl like me anyway…"

Angela gave me a look, "What do you mean?"

"I mean look at him and then look at me!"

Angela gave me an unbelieving look, "Seriously? Have you looked in a mirror? You're gorgeous!"

I smiled and shook my head at them; Claire went to open her mouth but was interrupted by Emily who came running over from fixing the food table to tell us that the food was ready.

I got up, along with the girls and headed to the food table to see food that could feed a whole army of trolls. I picked up a plate and filled it to the brim with delicious, mouth-watering, food. I went to go sit on a rock that was near the fire. Angela came next and sat beside me, with Claire, Kim, and Bella sitting with us. The guys then trickled over with the elders that I briefly met earlier when they came by to introduce themselves.

Paul came over and sat beside me, and I mean right beside me; I could feel him continuously brush up against me, that's how close he was. I looked at him and he took a big bite from his hamburger and looked at me. I couldn't help but laugh at his chipmunk cheeks and I saw his eyes dance with laughter. I turned back around to face the girls and they gave me these sly smirks; Kim waggled her eyebrows at me, which earned her a kick in the shin. She yelped as I munched happily on my chips.

Everyone continued to talk about anything and everything; I cracked jokes about the guys and earned laughs all around. They asked me questions about my life and about me in general, I answered most of them; questions about why me moved or about my father got me defensive and eventually they knew not to ask me such questions even though I could see the curiosity burning. Eventually we were all silenced by Billy Black who started talking about the legends.

It must have been a good hour and half of the elders telling all about the Quileutes and the legends that surrounded them. My favorite part was about the Werewolves and the Cold Ones. I was always fascinated about the supernatural and these stories were filled with it; I was enthralled. Once they were done I glanced down at my phone and saw it was already eleven; I couldn't help but be saddened by this, I was having a really great time, for once.

I yawned as everyone starting getting up and cleaning the trash. I looked over at the food table and saw an unknown woman; I don't remember seeing her here.

"Hey Kim," I asked, "Who's that girl over there?"

Kim turned towards where I was pointing and grimaced, "oh that's just Leah."

"Who?"

"Leah, she's Seth's sister."

"Oh…what was with the grimace?"

"Well…she happens to be a very…unpleasant person to be around. It's not really her fault though!" She must have saw my look, "she used to go out with Sam, they were very serious, I mean married serious; and he broke up with her for Emily who is her cousin."

What the fuck? Now that is some Jerry Springer shit.

"Dude, that's fucked up."

Kim looked at me with a sad smile, "It is a very sensitive situation. But Leah has become real cold to everybody because of that."

I looked at Leah and saw the cold shoulder she was giving to everyone, especially Emily, and I nodded in understanding. I felt really bad for her honestly, to have someone you loved be happy with another woman, who happens to be related to you, and to have it flaunted in your face every day.

I looked at Kim who was walking over to Jared and looked back at Leah; I took a deep breath and started walking over. I got close to her and she suddenly snapped her head up and glared at me. I hesitated for a second and told myself to suck it up and be a man, which struck me as a little odd but I continued over there anyway.

I stood right in front her, "Hey, I'm Kat."

She just continued to glare at me.

"I'm from Alabama."

Glare.

"I just moved here."

More glaring.

"I see dead people."

Her eyes widened.

"You probably shouldn't drink the water…fish have sex in it."

A slow smile started to make its way on her face.

"A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months."

She laughed.

I smiled as I saw her hold her side; I feel really accomplished right about now.

She calmed down and held her hand out to me. I took it and she shook it, "the name's Leah. It's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you to. So why weren't you sitting with us to hear the stories?"

I saw her eyes darken and couldn't help but want to throw myself off a cliff; no wonder momma always questions my intelligence.

"I've heard those stories plenty of times, I figured I could sit this one out."

"Ah…"

"Yep…"

"So…you wanna hang out sometime?"

She raised her eyebrow, "Why Kat, are you coming onto me?"

I smirked at her, "Sorry hun, but you're not my type."

She laughed and said, "I like you; we can hang out this weekend, maybe hit a club up in Port Angeles." She waggled her eyebrows.

What is with everybody wagging their eyebrows at me?

"Sure! Sounds like a plan," I smiled.

She smiled to and then we heard yelling and laughter from behind us. We looked over and saw everyone saying goodbye to each other, ready to go to bed. I saw Paul look around and saw his eyes land on me; he smiled and started walking over.

"Hey Kat, ready to go?"

I looked over at Leah and she smiled at me, "I'll see you this weekend Kat." She waved and started walking over to Seth.

Paul looked at me with eyebrows raised, and I just smiled. I started walking towards the group and gave hugs to everyone, promising that I will come back to see everyone. I walked towards the truck with Paul right on my heels. He helped me in the car and got in and started to drive back towards my house.

"So, how did you like the bonfire?"

"I loved it. Meeting everyone was great, and the legends were really cool; especially the ones about vampires and werewolves."

He looked at me, "really?"

"Yea, I thought the whole prospect was really cool; it would also be really cool if the tales were true. I wouldn't mind meeting a werewolf!"

He smiled an all-knowing smile at me, "Good to know."

We were silent the rest of the way; although I kept sneaking glances at him out of the corner of my eye. He is so gorgeous, I wish he could like me more than a friend; I would be one of the happiest girls on the planet. But I know I'm too damaged for someone like him, I have way too much baggage. But a girl can dream right? Which I would probably be doing tonight…

He stopped in front of my house and once again helped me out; he started walking me up to the door.

"Well I guess this is where I take my leave."

I looked at him and saw him smiling at me, "I suppose so. But don't worry, I know you'll miss my pure awesomeness but we can hang out again!"

He looked at me with a twinkle in his eye, "I look forward to it."

He bent down and gave me a little kiss on the cheek and smiled before walking back to his truck and driving away. I stood there the entire time, smiling like a loon; that is until my mom opened the door, causing me to give a little scream and hit the doorframe.

"There's my girl! Come on in and tell momma how big of a man Paul was! Did he treat you right? Did he pay attention to your needs?"

"Mom! We did not have sex!"

She started to lead me inside, "now you don't have to lie to momma, I saw him getting all sweet on you outside."

"That was him being a gentleman, not a horn-dog."

"Aww hun, you're no fun."

I shook my head at her; she really needs to get laid.

"What about the other boys? How were they?"

"They were fine mom, and so were their girlfriends."

She gave me this injured puppy-dog eye look and sulked off to the kitchen. I chuckled at the drama queen and followed her. She fixed two cups of hot chocolate and gave one to me.

"You want to watch some TV?"

I looked at her and nodded my head. We went to the living room and sat down, settling on watching The Big Bang Theory. We drank and laughed together, just enjoying the time between us. We haven't done this in a long time; first with making new friends at the bonfire, hearing about werewolves, getting a kiss from caramel skinned male model, and spending quality time with my mom, I couldn't help but think that my life has finally evened out.

And as Sheldon was singing soft kitty to Penny I realized that my life was finally worth living.