Disclaimer: How annoying is it that I don't own Twilight? It's darn unlucky if you ask me! Sorry that this chapter is a little late but I'm doing my GCSE'S at the moment (I know excuses excuses) and I really want to do well, like the little goody-two-shoes I am. So instead of the usual one chapter a week it will probably go down to one chapter every two weeks (until the summer holidays were I will definitely compensate for your Paul drought).

Maths exam tomorrow morning. Wish me luck, I'll need it lol.

And thanks again to all the lovely reviewers, you're all so, lovely!

I could tell Kim was trying to make a good impression for both James and the giant's sake. She took a deep breath as we reached the front door and straightened her back a little, making her seem even slimmer.

"I swear you're going to give me a heart attack one of these day's Bail's." She breathed as I reached for the handle. I turned back to her with a grin.

"Relax." I hissed before pulling the door open to a smiling Jacob. I'm sure that there were more people behind him but his shoulders filled up the door frame and before I knew what had hit me I was scooped up into a very warm bear hug. I felt air whoosh out of my mouth. Jesus he's strong.

"Hey Jake." I squeaked. "I can't really breathe." I heard a growl behind him and his hold slackened considerably. Who would growl? Ah heck was probably just a hungry belly crying out for food. He patted my back and gently set me back down on the floor. "Jake this is Kim." I gestured toward Kim who looked as if she wanted to run away and in a split second she was greeted by an in-famous Jacob hug. Her eyes widened as she looked at me from over his shoulder and I smiled at her. I guess she thought that was reassurance enough and her face split into a wide grin before he set her back down.

"Foods in the back yard." He didn't need telling twice and he quickly moved out of the way of the door and darted into the house. Five other figures were looming on the porch and I stepped out, gesturing for Kim to follow me.

"Kim, this is Quil, Jared, Embry, Kim and Paul." I pointed to each of them as I said their names and it was like a Mexican grin. Each of their faces revealing perfectly straight teeth to Kim, apart from Paul. My eyes lingered a little longer on his face, than usually acceptable and I almost gasped at how bad he looked. His eyes were puffy and had huge purple bags underneath them and when Kim turned to look at him he managed to send a little half-smile her way. I could feel my eyebrows crease in worry as he studied the ground and I ignored the easy banter Kim was making with.. .Kim, God that's going to get confusing. He looked exhausted and so sad that I almost pulled him into a hug then and there but he was still looking God-like in the shadows and butterflies were practically exploded in my stomach. He must have felt my eyes boring into his face because eyes suddenly met mine and feeling totally embarrassed I snapped my head toward the two Kim's. I pretended to laugh at their conversation all the while watching Paul out of the corner of my eye as he looked me up and down, his mouth hanging open.

"Hey Kim. How are you Kim?" Ah Jesus, how was I mean to deal with two Kim's. I know what California Kim is now formally known as Kimberly.

"I'm great Kim thanks for asking. What about you Kim?" They both chuckled and Jared slung an arm over Kim's shoulders and kissed her on the forehead.

"So, where's all the food at?" That's Quil always thinking about his stomach.

"Oh, erm, in the back yard. Come on." I mumbled walking back into the house. That stupidly attractive Quilete named Paul was awfully good at making me lose my train of thought, but I did quite enjoy it. I pointed toward the sliding door which Eva was disappearing through.

"Food's out there." I teased with a smirk as they practically ran toward the Burgers following their noses. I walked into the kitchen and was pleased to find it empty. I really need to chill out. I yanked the fridge door open and pulled out the bottle of Coke. I didn't even bother looking for a glass, knowing they were all outside and I just sat down on a wooden chair pulling my knees up and resting my chin on them. I took a swig of Coke letting the bubble flow down my neck and rested the bottle on a cheek in turn, trying to cool them. I really need to clear my head. This guy shouldn't be able to have this effect on me, I wanted to be the flirty confident girl for once. Alright problem solved. I chugged another mouthful of Coke before bounding over to the mirror in the living room. Flicking my hair in front my shoulders so it swayed over my chest, I plastered a smirk onto my face and widened my eyes. Well, I thought to myself, time to get down to some serious flirting. Ha, this is going to be fun I chuckled at my reflection and pulling on my chunky black heels I walked outside.

"Hey Bail's will you bring in a picnic blanket, there isn't enough room on the table." Eva yelled to me from outside. So much for the grand entrance I sighed before walking toward the cupboard under the stairs and pulling out a red woollen blanket.

"Bail's we need those blankets. Now."

"COMING." Jeez a little patience would be nice. I skipped through the house and yanked the glass doors open. I forced my eyes to stay on the grass patch I was walking too, not wanting to end up searching for Paul which I knew would be inevitable the moment my eyes met the sea of giants. I unfolded the red throw and set it down on the grass underneath the bay tree just behind the Pool, and the lantern's hung up on the branches glowed, setting a pinkish tinge to the shade. I lay down on my back closing my eyes and putting my hands behind my head. I breathed in a gulp of the fresh humid air around me and relaxed with the distance laughter and talking from further down the garden.

"Mind if I join." I knew who it was without even having to open my eyes, Paul. I felt like I was in a meditative state and looking into his velvety eyes wouldn't really help matters.

"Uh huh." I mumbled.

"Is that, you don't mind or you do?" He sounded confused and I had to concentrate all my energy on not opening my eyes.

"I don't mind." I chuckled patting the blanket next to me. Ah, it was so much easier talking to him like this. Maybe I could tell him I had some sort of eye infection and can never open my eyes again. Nah that would never work. I felt the blanket move a little and felt instantly warmer.

"Are you going to sleep or something?" I could hear the humour in his voice and could almost imagine the way his eyebrows would raise at his question.

"No. I'm relaxing." I replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You should try it some time."

"I've got no time to relax." He snorted as if trying to pass it off as an easy comment but I felt him shuffle a little next to me and I thought I could sense a little resentment in his voice.

"Well, you have now. Just close your eyes." I said softly. He went quiet next to me and hoping I could get a sneak peek my eyes fluttered open and I tilted my head up a little only to be met by his infamous gaze.

"You have to close your eyes."I smirked

"I do, do I?" He replied with a smile. His voice had gotten deeper, it may just have been from how tired he looked but it still made my stomach twist

"Yep." I popped the 'p' forcing the confidence out of me. It was so peaceful just looking into his eyes. It was a whole lot easier with him than earlier this week and I felt weirdly comfortable with this gorgeous man who was towering over me. I frowned as I noticed the purple marks underneath his eyes. "You're tired." I commented after a minute of un-awkward silence.

"I am." He replied his eyes still on mine. A pained look crossed his eyes but he closed them again.

"Why?" I asked simply, my eyes still on his face as it face screwed up a tiny bit before relaxing again. He still hadn't opened his eyes and that's when I remembered the conversation with Seth earlier. Family stuff. That's why he hadn't been in for the last three days. Oh Bailey you idiot, when people say family stuffit's not usually a good thing.

"You don't have to tell me." I mumbled gently. His eyes flickered open and were filled with gratefulness.

"No, I want to tell you I do. But I don't think I can." He replied hurriedly.

"Okay." I smiled softly. His face broke into a grin which I would have fainted over not long ago but in this personal little bubble with Paul it just made me feel special. My arms had fallen to my side and Paul was next to me in the same position, on his back, hands by his side but he was a head higher than me. We were facing each other, my head tilted up, his down as we just looked into the others eyes. It was unbelievably easy with Paul today and it would be hard for someone to darken my mood right now.

"Thank you." His voice was rough and husky and looking into his eyes pulsating in sincerity, I believed him with all my heart. His dark eyes bore into mine and even though I thought I was immune to him at this moment in time, my stomach churned as his hot breath fanned over my face.

"For what?" I managed to croak out.

"For understanding." He smiled before putting his head back straight and closing his eyes. He looked so peaceful, his eyelashes brushing the tip of his cheeks and the smile still on his face. I looked back up to the sky and unable to suppress the happy feeling that had come over me I closed my eyes as well. Even thinking about my mother stuck back in California wasn't enough to send my smile away because she had Joshua keeping her company and when she was with him she seemed to glow. I guess that's what I looked like at this very moment, I wouldn't be surprised if wings sprouted from my back and I floated of toward the sky. I suddenly saw a flash of light from under my eyelids and the snap of a camera and my eyes shot open. Dakota was standing over me and Paul a cheeky grin on her face, and her digital camera in hand.

"What the hell?" Paul asked in a weary voice, his muscles were clear as he reached back to scratch his head and he propped himself up onto his elbows.

"Sorry." She replied, sounding as if she were not sorry at all. "Photo book for La Push." She stated waving the camera in front of us.

"Oh great." I moaned. "Delete it." I ordered pointing a finger at her.

"Never." She grinned before skipping off to Eva and showing her the screen.

"Oh no." I grumbled covering my eyes with my hands and screwing my face up. Paul chuckled beside me before turning back to the cloud ridden dark skies.

"It's going to rain."He commented and looked at me with what could only be construed as worry.

"I like the rain." I relied simply. "I love the freshness of it."

"Yeah but you won't like it so much when you get a cold." He mumbled.

"We are under a tree Paul if you hadn't noticed, we won't get wet." He looked at me an amused look on his face.

"Could get electrocuted though."

"Who said this was a storm." I snorted before sitting up and leaning with my back against tree. Paul stood up and the blanket looked lonely with no-one occupying it. He seemed to notice this and grabbed it before sitting next to me and wrapping it gently around my shoulders. I shivered from the warmth radiating from his arms and thinking I was cold he looped an arm over both my shoulders and pulled me into his chest.

"Told you you'd get cold." He said rubbing my shoulder with a huge hand. I chuckled under my breath and leant my head into his shoulder.

"Shut it." I replied. I watched as all the other giants ran inside for shelter, all the girls with coats over their heads squealing as they pelted toward the doors. The rain was light and it danced off the patio and I felt completely and hopelessly happy in Paul's arms as the rain fell down around us. The lanterns were still casting a comforting glow and at that moment I couldn't think of any where I'd rather be. Yeah soppy as it sounds, it was true. I was smitten with Paul Blake. I could feel his chest rising and falling on my cheek and his hot hand was still travelling up and down my arm keeping me warm.

"Where'd you move from?" He mumbled his chest vibrating from the sound.

"California." I replied twiddling my fingers around a loose thread on his top.

"Cool." He murmured.

"It's a bit sunnier there I must say." I felt him chuckle beside me.

"Yeah, just a bit." He replied. It was amazing how effortless it was to talk to him now. Even though my heart felt like it would explode out of my chest any moment due to the closeness between us, I felt safe and secure in his arms. I was warm, dry and comfortable. A smile spread across my face yet again.

"Do you think alien's exist?" I asked after looking up at the full moon.

"What?" Paul managed to splutter out with a snort, looking down at me with an amused look in his eyes.

"I think they do." I replied simply with a smile. It took Paul a few moments to recover from my outburst before he could continue.

"What like little green men and stuff."

"Why are they suddenly green? " I chuckled. "But yeah I guess."

"You like sci-fi stuff then?"

"Suppose." I murmured with a smile. My head turned back toward the stars as a plane crossed the expanse of space, lights flashing and intercepting the natural scene of twinkling stars. I was completely aware of Paul's huge hand which had halted its journey travelling up and down my arm and was cupped around my shoulder completely covering it. I felt so tiny and breakable curled up under his arm, his figure towering over mine.

"Sure you don't want to go inside?" He asked, worry clear in his voice as a fat rain drop fell on my nose.

"I'm comfy." I replied softly. Oh shit, did I really just say that? I felt all the blood rush to my face and grimaced waiting for his reply.

"Me too." He said simply before resting his chin on my head. The blush still refused to disappear as I realized that anyone who saw us would think we we're a couple. I couldn't help but revel in the thought of Paul's arms permanently fixed around me, him being mine. But hey the first time I saw this dude he was at 3rd base with some slut at a bonfire, I suppose I could just put up with him being a friend, it would be worse if I let him get close and use me just like that stupid bimbo Jenny. Yeah. There was no way I'd ever let him get that far, no matter how hot he looked or how tempting it was, he was too perfect for a fling.

"Guys, puddings ready." I let out a breath I hadn't realised I had been holding as I took in Seth's form as he hovered by the sliding doors. Over the few days I'd known him I knew that Seth wasn't the one to judge and I couldn't be more happy with the choice of person who had interrupted mine and Paul's comfortable silence. Paul groaned beside me as Seth retreated back into the dryness of the house.

"Come on." I said patting his surprisingly hard stomach before lifting myself off of his chest.

"Do we have to?" He whined but heaved himself up never the less. His head brushed the leaves above us causing a load of rain drops to fall, splattering over both of our faces. Suddenly the rain picked up its pace and a huge clap of thunder erupted making me jump and Paul's head snapped toward mine.

"Let's go." He said in his husky alluring voice. I took his offered hand without any hesitation and had to bite back a squeal as, what could only be conceived as an electrical current, surged through me. His eyes widened making me think he had felt it too as he lifted me from the floor and to his side. He let go quickly but still smiled softly at me as we stood at the edge of the tree.

"You ready?" He asked. I nodded bracing myself for the soaking I was about to get. He flashed another heart stopping grin at me before dashing out toward the house. I watched him as the rain drops fell heavily onto his back and in a weirdly short amount of time, I watched him launch himself into the house. Oh yeah, I was meant to be going inside too. Duh. He turned back toward me and through the rain I could just about make him out as he gestured for me to run. I screeched as ran out from the safety of the tree keeping my head ducked. I must have gone a little off course as I was supposed to run right through the gap in the patio doors and I'm guessing that the cool glass that collided with my forehead wasn't the gap. Oh shit that hurt. I didn't even have time to imagine what that must have looked like to the people inside before I burst out laughing still clutching my sore noise.

"Bail's? Bailey, you alright?" Paul's worried voice joined me outside and I felt his warm arm snake around my waist. I couldn't even answer him as I was still chuckling breathlessly about how dumb I was and I just held a finger up, asking for a minute.

"Bail's?" He still sounded concerned but I could hear the smile in his voice. It was still raining heavily on my head and Paul's arms encircled my waist from behind me and lifted me clean off my feet. I let out a squeal which was followed by a chuckle from behind me and the warmth of the kitchen washed over my skin. He set me down gingerly and slid the patio door shut before turning back to me, one of his warm hands still firmly on my waist.

"You sure you're alright?" He asked again. I sighed, wiping the tears from my face a grin still fixed on my face.

"Yeah." I breathed, a tiny giggle escaping my lips again.

"Are you on drugs or something?" He snorted and I looked up at him with a smile.

"No, I am merely a very happy person." I stated clearly, crossing my arms.

"And why's that?" He asked, his voice deepening as he leaned closer toward me. I could feel the tingles on my waist where his hand still was but I refused, point blank to sound and look like a stammering blabbering idiot. Absolutely determined to stay level-headed I kept my eyes fixed on his and my smile grew wider.

"Genetics." I replied softly, my breath fanning over his face. His eyes glazed over for a second, turning almost black and he wavered a little on the spot. Yes. Success. I took advantage as his hold loosened on my waist, and swerved past him into the lounge. My grin grew even further at the sight of my friends and family all getting along. Eva and Sue Clearwater had become sure friends and were sitting on the two seated sofa with cups of coffee, gossiping no doubt. I wasn't the least bit surprised, Seth so obviously got his kindness from his mother and Eva could get along with just about anyone, I wasn't at all surprised to find her having a conversation with Max this morning. Yes, Max my dog. Dakota, Quil, Jacob, Embry and Kimberley were sitting in a row, backs against the wall and legs crossed in front of them laughing loudly at some joke Jacob had made, probably the one about the Mexican who lost his car. I'd heard that one about three times this week. Jared, Kim, Max, Katy, Seth and James were sitting on the sofa opposite. Max was curled up in Jared's lap and Jared's arm was tightly around Kim's shoulders, both in their own little world as they gazed into eachothers eyes. Seth, Katy and James were talking passionately about cars, trying to convince each other which model was better and I couldn't help but feel proud of the girl as she rambled on about some car parts which sounded like a foreign language to me.

A sucked on a wet piece of hair which dangled in front of my face (a weird habit of mine, at least I don't eat it anymore) and shivered as my wet cardigan stuck to my back. I felt a comfortable source of heat from behind me and didn't have to even guess as to who it was.

"You cold?" I sighed and turned around to face the man of godliness himself. I had to hold in a gasp as I took in his appearance. His dark hair was dripping onto his cheek bones and he reached up to brush it back from his eyes. His shirt was clinging to his body and I bit my lip as my eyes wandered over his built chest and abs, his top virtually see through. Oh come on Bail's. What happened to the confident, unwavering girl you were a second ago. My head shot up toward his face and my eyes met his. Ah well, you gave it a good try, I sighed internally. He smirked and I almost melted.

"I said, are, you cold?" He repeated a little louder and I mentally slapped my forehead for looking so dumb.

"Erm, yeah. I'm going to go change." I replied with a soft smile slipping past him and jogging up the stairs. Jesus, this guy was going to kill me.