Hey, hey, my lovelies!
I'm so sorry for the severe lateness of this chapter :( I would have updated sooner but I had final deadlines for my college work and then I got ill over Easter and my computer was overrun with viruses anyway so even if I wasn't ill, I couldn't have done anything.
However, I have just written this whole thing in the same of around 12 hours over the last 2 days and it's about the same length as I usually have them so I hope you're not too disappointed with the lateness. SO SORRY!
I bet you're all going to get a big surprise by the end of this chapter. I hope it's a twist that you like and not hate :/ Please tell me if it is and I'll try to avoid others like it. Unfortunately, this one is done and will not be reversed. :)
Please review! I know that some of you might have gotten bored and moved on but thank you to those who have stayed patient with me and waited graciously for this chapter :D
A huge shout out to TeamCullen1600! She's awesome! She's not writing at the minute as she also has computer problems but her stories so far are amazing. She doesn't get nearly enough credit for her work so please, check them out!
Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN TWILIGHT! UNFORTUNATELY... D:
Without further ado...Enjoy!
Chapter 24
And then there were three
Sam's Point of View
A couple of months passed since the incident with Billie and Caleb and rumour has it, neither was doing particularly well at all. They were both miserable and missing the other desperately but there was nothing that we could do. Caleb lived all the way in Texas and was apparently doing well, other than the Billie thing. Billie spent most of her time in her room either alone or with Dyl or Anna. She hardly spoke to any of us and all of us could still see the betrayal and hurt she felt towards us on the rare occasions that she makes eye contact with us. It hurt to see it directed towards us but Em and I had no idea what to do to change that. We knew we'd acted wrongly and without Billie's best interest at heart so there wasn't much we could do. We could only hope that things got better and soon.
I still felt like the worst Uncle in the world, as did Embry. Knowing that we could have done something as little as giving her a warning on the break up was really tearing us up with guilt. Of course, the whole pack was feeling what we felt on top of their own guilt so to say that the pack mind wasn't a very happy place right now was an understatement. It tore me up when we'd be in the same room and she hardly made eye contact with me, let alone speak a single word to me. It was the worst at the breakfast table when she comes over for breakfast once or twice a week. Embry says it's the same at his house as well. None of us knew what to say so we hardly said anything at all. Whatever conversation there was at the table, Billie never took par in anyway. She had closed herself off from us and it was all our fault.
Jennie and Billie's friendship was still on a rocky road but they were making it up, slowly but surely. Jennie still seemed to think and wanted to know what the hell was wrong with her best friend but Billie had always said that it was nothing. One would think that at this minute, it was Caleb that was playing on her mind but I think Jennie was right. I think there was something else going on in her head and I had a small inkling that it had something to do with Paul.
Yes, Paul.
He's been acting very strange this past month and everyone wanted to know why. He has always been the best of us at hiding his thought whilst phased so he didn't let anything slip while we were all phased and on patrol. He would just brush us off whenever we straight out asked him and he wouldn't voluntarily offer up information on his own. He was stubborn like that. It was something that had often annoyed me about him because he's one of my best friends and I hated to see him down. I just wish that he'd talk to me or even Jared but he wouldn't.
One of the things that's also worrying me is that Paul has become weak. Not overly so but he wasn't not as active as he once was. He's half-heartedly participating in his patrols, the only thing he'd let slip was Billie and his appetite hasn't been the same either. However, I knew the reason for that. I just wished I knew the reason why Billie and Paul were so distant with each other, or at least Billie was being distant with him. I wanted to believe that it was because she felt he betrayed her with Caleb as well but I could shake the feeling that something else was also going on between them. I thought this because even before Billie found out that Caleb was moving, they were on a rocky road. It was like Paul didn't even know how to act around her anymore, like he didn't know how his actions or words would be taken by Billie. He was acting like one of us other imprinted guys when we'd done something wrong to our imprints. The only question is though, what the hell had he done to my niece to make her ignore and distance herself from him?
"Sam, sweetie, could you come and lift the platter off the top shelf, please? Why we put it up there when we need it every other week is beyond me." Emily called from the kitchen as I sat watching the game with the guys. Some of them smirked and coughed comments towards me but I just flipped them the finger and hopped up to help out my beloved imprint. When I entered the kitchen, Em was bent over rummaging through a cupboard and I took the opportunity and stood back to ogle my wife. She giggled and grinned over her shoulder and I smirked, shrugging as I pushed off the door frame. She straightened up and leaned in to kiss me on the lips whilst I reached up without stretching to snag the platter she had requested. I stepped back and offered it to her and scowled. "You're such a show off, Mr. Uley."
I chuckled. "Well, that's no way to thank someone who did you a service." I told her, frowning with mock hurt. She rolled her eyes and condescendingly tapped my cheek as she turned to load the platter with sandwiches she'd been slaving over all morning.
"There'll be no talk of servicing the wife whilst there are children about, Samuel." Jared teased as he lopped into the kitchen to get a beer. I punched his arm and glared as he chuckled and Emily giggled.
"Oh my God, that's DISGUSTING, Uncle Jared. What the hell?" Jennie shrieked as she'd just entered the room after him and heard every word. Jared and I laughed as Emily blushed even harder. "I mean, come on! I don't want to hear about the 'rents getting it on! Shouldn't they have stopped, like, ten years ago?"
I snorted as Emily laughed. Fat chance of that happening. "Says who?" Emily laughed, making our daughter roll her eyes.
"Mom, it's like, common knowledge now. Get with it." she replied, sighing as she took a soda from the fridge. Jared was stood off to the side, trying to hide the massive grin he had on his face behind his can of beer. I could hear the chuckles from the guys in the living room.
"Oh, what y'all talking about?" Tyler asked as he entered the room with Levi.
"Your parent's having sex." Jared supplied right as Levi sipped a bit of water, which was now sprayed across the kitchen floor and Tyler was in hysterics.
"WHY?" Levi exclaimed, horrified as he wiped his mouth. I chuckled, shaking my head as I tapped Emily's shoulder.
"It's all yours, Babe." I told her as I led Jared back into the living room. I heard Emily's indignant sigh behind me and chuckled. The guys all burst out laughing when we sat down.
"Daddy?" my little girl's voice asked from beside me and I redirected my whole attention to her, my Gracie. She was five years old now and so beautiful. I smiled and pulled her onto my lap.
"Yeah, Pudding?"
"What's what Uncle Jared said?" she asked, innocently. I frowned and glanced at him but he shrugged. I turned back to her.
"What did Jared say, Pudding?" I asked, confused.
"In the kitchen. When he answered Levi." she replied. I was still lost. She sighed, rolling her eyes. "He said sex. What's sex?"
The silence that followed was charged with humour (from my brothers), nervousness (from Jared, and rightly damn so), anger (from me). Had my little, FIVE YEAR OLD daughter just asked that of me? Really? Was I dreaming? No, no I wasn't because I would have never dreamt something like that. She was looking up at me with that super sweet and innocent look on her face, the look that always got everything she asked for out of me. I hated that face whilst loving it and thinking that it was the most precious face in the world at the same time. Jennie had that face too. I blame Emily, personally. She always gave me that face. I knew one thing for sure though. Jared was going to die and by the look on his face, he knew that he was.
Seth's Point of View
I watched Billie across the breakfast table, watching her every change in facial expression and trying to judge for myself how she felt. My assessment wasn't one that reassured me. She looked like hell. She really did. She had hardly slept last night and I didn't have to stay up all night, constantly checking on her to know that, but I did anyway. She looked drawn and fragile, to be honest. She looked very thin and knew that it was from the lack of food, especially if she'd played around with all of her meals like she was doing her pancakes. Mel was worried too but neither of us knew what to do. This was a day that none of us could help her with, not even Dyl, who'd tried numerous times even before nine this morning. He was lost, because Billie was lost and with them both lost, so were me and Mel. I just wasn't a happy household this morning, or for the last week and I suspected that the next week would be the same too.
I suppose you all think that it's to do with Caleb moving but it wasn't. All that happened a couple of months ago and she'd long since gotten over it, though she'd still not speak to any of us. She seemed to be able to endure our presence for a longer time but still, that was hardly anything. She still blamed us but that wasn't the problem.
Today was October 3rd. The exact same day that Billie's life was turned upside down one year after the other. Yeah, her mom and dad died on this day. Today was the five year anniversary of her mother's death, only four years for her father. I suspected that we'd go through this next year too but I wanted to get through this day first. We were all worried about her, today especially. She hasn't said a word since she surfaced from her room. I didn't say since she woke up because she never went to sleep. I could hear her weeping in the early hours of the morning. It's been building up all week when she realised that this day was approaching and we all expected her to blow out today, to release the pent up emotions she's been storing for the entire week. It was only a matter of when in the day she's going to do it.
"Billie, Baby Girl, are you going to eat that or just play with the poor things?" Mel tried to joke but she didn't get even a smile. All she got was a sigh whilst Billie paced down her fork and stood from the table. Dyl was sat next to her with tears in his eyes as she hadn't said a word to him either, which was highly unusual, before she stalked from the room. I sighed and put my fork down before standing. I stopped Dyl from going after her before following her up the stairs. I didn't know whether she wanted to see anyone yet but I couldn't let this going on. She needed to snap out of it before she drove me crazy.
I approached her door hesitantly. I could hear her weeping behind the door and it broke my heart to hear. I fought back my own tears as I cautiously knocked on her door twice before speaking, "Lea-Rae, Baby, open the door please?"
Nothing. Nada. Only cries that didn't falter. I closed my eyes as they felt heavier with tears before trying again, "Billie, Baby, please open the door. Let me help."
"Daddy..." she breathed from within the room and I fought back a whine of my own. "Daddy, she's gone..."
"I know, Lea-Rae, Baby, I know. Just, please, open the door and let me help." I pleaded, helplessly. When I received no reply, I tried the door knob and sighed in relief when it clicked and the door swung open. What I saw broke my heart and then some.
My little girl was curled into a foetal position in the middle of her bed, clutching a picture of Georgia to her chest with one hand whilst the other traced the puckered scar above her belly button. Her face was buried into her pillow and I could hear her sobs louder with the door open. I covered my mouth with my hand to hold in another whine before cautiously approaching the bed. I didn't know how to handle this, no matter how many times she'd been in it. I don't think that it was something that any parent could truly deal with or prepare for. All we could do was comfort them the best we could but that was easier said than done when you had no idea how to comfort your 15, nearly 16 year old daughter.
"Baby Girl..." I sighed, sitting down next to her on the bed and hesitantly placing my hand on her shoulder. She simply continued to cry and I sighed heavier. "Baby, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I know what it's like, losing my father. I just...wish that I could help somehow. Let me, please? Tell me what you need."
"H-Hold me." she cried, reaching out behind her. I sighed in relief as she let me in and laid down behind her. I wrapped my arms around her tightly and rested my head atop of hers whilst she cried it out of her system. I couldn't help but cry with her the longer that I held her. It was just so devastating to see. This was going to be a long day...
Paul's Point of View
I could feel her. I could feel everything she did and it tore me up inside. I wished I knew what to do but I was as helpless as I felt. I felt useless and was angry with myself for not being able to comfort my own imprint, regardless of our conflicts right now. She was mine to comfort and to hold and I craved that more than anything but she wouldn't let me. She wouldn't let me because of the mistakes that I made.
First, I pushed her away that night she kissed me and what a sweet kiss it was. I couldn't stop replaying it in my mind, well, the first part anyway. The only thing that I regret about the actual kiss was that I didn't kiss her back. I'd give anything to rewind time and do exactly that, to take her in my arms and give her the best kiss she's had in her entire life. A part of me wanted to best Caleb in that department too but most of my mind knew that hew as irrelevant now. She was over him and I couldn't be happier about that aspect o her life. She was free. She was free for me to pursue and befriend, just hoping that our friendship could grow into something more. If only she'd let me.
The second thing that is hanging over my head was the fact that I didn't give her a heads up on Caleb's moving. It angered me knowing that I could have don something and numerous trees in the forest are now lying horizontal on the ground because of said anger. I just wished that I'd done something because now she wouldn't talk to me and it killed me every day.
I wasn't eating as well as I could, or as much. I just didn't have the appetite. My sleeping was out of whack, even more so than usual with patrol. I'd be lucky to get more than three hours at a time and it was wearing me thin. I knew that the guys and even some of the imprints could see the change in me and I bet that each of them had their own theories as to why. None of them knew though because I was good at keeping things to myself. That kiss was safety locked in the back of my mind when everyone was phased or I was phased with someone else but if I was on my own, everything came to the front and I wallowed in my own self pity and loneliness. It was just becoming harder and harder to stay away from her and I was truly dying without her. I just...I needed her to live and she had to see that!
I was lounging around on the couch in my overly messing living room when my front door burst open and an intervention of my brothers came clamouring through the door. I heard a few of them sigh but I ignored them and took another sip of my beer. I just wanted them to go away and leave me alone because I didn't want them here right now. I wanted to be alone so I could wallow on my non-existent future. I went to take another sip of beer when it was yanked out of my hands and now I was pissed. I growled and leapt up from the sofa, only to sway.
"Jesus Christ, Paul! What the hell are you doing to yourself? If you could only see yourself right now, even you'd be disgusted." Jared scolded, tossing the open beer to Jake, who dropped it in a black bag that Embry was dumping beer cans into. I laughed, dryly.
"Cheers, Jared. I love you too man." I replied, sarcastically before flopping back on the couch and flicking open another beer. He sighed again but I didn't give a damn right now. If he didn't like it then he could just get lost like I wanted him to.
"Seriously, man, do you even know what day it is?" Embry asked, pissed. I sighed and looked over at him. I shrugged. This pissed him off even more. "You're a dic-"
"Embry, calm down. He's not in his right mind right now, how do you expect him to remember?" Jared interceded and Embry huffed, crossing his arms, angrily. I looked at Jared, waiting for him to clarify his last sentence. "I don't know whether I should even tell you or not because quite frankly, the state that Billie is in right now, I'm not sure whether seeing you like this would make her better or worse. Buck up your ideas, Paul because this isn't you. This isn't the guy I grew up with and is certainly not the man I wanted to see my best friend turn into, despite whether or not his imprint is speaking to him."
I snarled, jumping off the sofa to Push him. He didn't retaliate but held his ground as I got up in his face. "Oh yeah. It's easy for you to say Jared, isn't it? You've never gone a day without Kim speaking to you, let alone months on end! You don't know what it's like to be me right now, you son of b*tch! Shut the hell up and learn facts before you start shouting out orders because quite frankly, I don't give a rat's ass right now! Just get lost!" I shouted, turning away to fall back on the sofa. Jared gave a pitied sigh.
"See, there's the thing, Paul. You're right, I've never gone a day without my Kim but the Paul I knew wouldn't have given up and not fought for a girl's attention. With this instance regarding your imprint, I would have thought that you'd have even more drive to make amends but here you are, bumming around and acting like the whole freaking world is on your shoulders." Jared said, calmly and I really hated him when he was like this. Why couldn't he shout and bawl with me? Things would be a lot easier if he did. "You're sitting here feeling sorry for yourself when Billie, your imprint, is laid on her bed at home, being consoled by her father as she cries over her mom!"
My head snapped over to him and I frowned in confusion at his words. The only ones I really got were consoled, cries and her mom. Why would she be crying over her mom? She's dead for Christ's sa- Oh CRAP! I knew that they could see the recognition in my eyes as they watched me for a reaction and Jared sighed again, nodding at my silent questions haunting my head. I dropped my face into my hands as I thought of my Billie crying at home over her mom's five year anniversary. I couldn't believe that I'd let her go through half of this day by herself, without me there. What kind of imprinter am I? I'm a failure. I couldn't even console my girl! Someone grabbed the tops of my arms and hoisted to my feet. I looked up to see Sam standing there looking seriously down at me.
"Get up. Get showered and get your backside over to the Clearwater's. Now. This has gone on long enough and Jared's right. You aren't the Paul we all know and love right now. Bring him back to the surface...and go to your imprint." he demanded, though not with his alpha tone. I frowned in confusion at his words. Was he really telling me to do what I think he was telling me to do? He sighed. "She's nearly sixteen, Paul. I think she's more than ready. I asked Claire about it and she said that she started to feel something for Quil when she was 14. Go to Billie."
I beamed widely as I nodded, racing towards the stairs so that I could shower and look my best for my imprint. There was no way I was going to reconnect with her smelling like cheap beer and BO. I took a record breaking three minutes in the shower and got dressed in under two. I bounded down the stairs and was thankful to see that the guys were kind enough to clear up the living room of my mess. They didn't have to so I'd thank them later. The only thing I could think of my imprint and the fact that I needed to get to her. I was just about to bound out the front door to my truck when Sam's voice stopped me from the kitchen.
"Oh and Paul, just because I gave you my blessing to court my niece doesn't mean I don't have my eye on you. One foot out of line and you'll be running triple patrols for a month...with Leah, got it?" I actually gulped at that one. I was unfortunate enough to do double patrols and even them were a nightmare so I quickly agreed, promising that I would never hurt her before I was out the door and into my truck in 20 seconds flat, peeling down the street towards my Billie.
The pain in my chest become progressively duller the closer I got to Seth's house but at the same time, it was like her sobs became progressively louder and they broke my heart. I was practically in tears myself as I pulled up in their driveway and charged towards the front door, entering without knocking and heading straight for the stairs. Mel peered out the kitchen and I could hear her sigh of relief instead of her greeting me. She sounded glad that I was here, I could only hope that Billie was too. I hesitated at her door, unsure of how to proceed. I could hear her clearly now and I closed my eyes, unable to halt the single tears coursing down my face at the sound of my imprint's heartbreak.
Seth's Point of View
I could hear him out side of her door and I was hesitant to say that he could come in. I knew that he was her imprint but I had no idea what state he'd be in and I didn't want Billie more upset than she already was, heaven forbid. My arms tightened around her as her sobs became softer, calmer almost as if she could sense that he was out there. She looked up at me, frowning slightly and there was without a doubt that I knew that she could feel him. I smiled at her lightly, speaking in whispers that even Paul couldn't hear on the other side of the door.
"Baby Girl...Paul's outside your door. He wants to come in. Can he?" I whispered, unsurely. She bit her lip, thoughtfully before taking a deep breath and nodding. I sighed and went to move but she whimpered and clung to me. I sighed again but kept her in my arms, turning my head towards the door. "Come in Paul, we know you're out there."
I heard his heart rate pick up and his hand on the door knob. He seemed nervous and hesitant and I knew that this was a big thing. Before this, Paul would have hardly spent any time with her and she'd hardly even spoken two words to him in a month or so. I waited patiently as he entered the room, slowly and I was pleasantly surprised that he'd had the decency and sense to wash up before he came over. I saw the pain in his eyes as he took in Billie and I truly felt for him. I couldn't be able to bear it if this was Mel, I could hardly cope with it being Billie. His gaze connected with mine and I nodded, shortly. He smiled slightly and silently approached the bed, his eyes never leaving Billie as he got closer.
I went to move again but Billie whimpered, her face in my neck, though she was no longer crying. I sighed and motioned for Paul to come closer, sitting up with her in my arms. She clung tighter for a fraction of a second before letting go. I quickly stood so that Paul could take my place and it was like a whole other dam was broken and Billie broke down in fits of hysterical sobbing once again, clutching Paul for dear life and he's never looked more liberated and tortured at the same time in his life. He was happy to have Billie in his arms again but I was sure that he wished it was under way better circumstances. I did too. Paul nodded to me and I nodded back in mutual understanding before leaving them to it. I knew that she was in extra good hands right now, the best she could be in however painful for me that might be to admit. He'd take care of her I knew.
I returned to the kitchen to see the boys sat at the table eating their lunches whilst Mel stood at the stove, very quiet. I hated it when she was quiet. That was how she dealt with her troubles. She hardly spoke about them unless it was to me or Emily. I sighed, kissing the boys' heads on my way past the table to my wife, wrapping my arms around her waist and making her jump slightly. I murmured sorry before kissing her neck slightly. She sighed and kissed my cheek back.
"Paul's with her. She'll be fine now." I promised her, honestly. I truly believed that he could help her through this day. If he couldn't then no one could. She nodded at me and went along with her cooking. I turned towards the table to see Dyl looking at me sadly. I sighed and sat down in the chair next to his, pulling his head into my chest and kissing his forehead. "She'll be okay, Buddy. I promise. She's just missing her mom right now."
"I know...I just wished that she was okay now. I hate it when she cries. I wanna cry too." he sniffled and I wiped away a tear that escaped.
Dyl's connection to Billie amazed me. I've never seen any siblings so close, especially me and Leah. She cried; he cried. Billie laughed; Dyl laughed. They were so in tune with each other that they could have been twins, if it wasn't for the obvious age gap then anyone who was around them would have assumed that they were. It was like their moods were tied to one another. When Billie was taken to court for that custody hearing and when she was in the hospital, I'd never seen Dyl so messed up before. Not even when the hamster he spent almost every second of the day with died. They connection was so strong and true that it rivalled a imprinting. Of course, that was impossible. I knew that. Neither were shifters and an imprint couldn't occur without one being able to turn into a giant dog so that was out of the question.
I don't know; they just clicked and it was like Fate giving them the little brother and big sister that they'd always wished for. In Dyl's case, it could have never happened naturally because he was the first born and any kids that Mel and I were to have were going to be his younger sibling and in Billie's case, without her Mom and Dad, she was never going to get any younger siblings so maybe this was Fate's way of giving them both what they want, giving them a bit of happiness in their lives, especially in Billie's. Hell, she needed a lot more in her life, it was unreal.
"I know, Bud. Let Paul work his magic and the old, happy Billie will be back in no time, I promise." I assured him, smiling down. He grinned back up and nodded before pulling away from me. All I could hope was that Paul made good on my promise and did what hew as supposed to do and make her better.
Billie's Point of View
He was here. I never even realised how much I missed him whilst I had my head in the sand and was ignoring him but damn it, I did. I've never missed someone so much in my life and crying with Dad earlier has never made me realise it so quickly or strongly. I wished that I'd never ignored Paul. I wished that I hadn't wasted all this time ignoring and I hoped that he could forgive me and truly help me move on, so that I only shed a few memorable tears on days like this instead of whole rivers. I hoped that he never left me and held me like this for more times to come in the future. I didn't have to be with him. He could be my friend, my best friend but all I knew was that I needed him in my life and I would never ignore him ever again.
I knew that he was only shocked when I kissed him that night in Uncle Sam's kitchen and I knew that I over reacted slightly. I should have stayed and let him explain when he called for me but I'd been so hurt and all I wanted to do was cry over my rejection. Of course, that's what I did and I forgave him for that. We never spoke about it and the subject was buried for the time being but then that whole incident with Caleb's moving and them not telling me. That hurt even more because it wasn't just him. It was all of my family and I'd felt so betrayed. I hated it when they kept things from me and I just wished that there was no secrets between my family and I.
But now, all I wanted to do was forgive and forget about everything because I knew that they only gave Caleb the courtesy to tell me himself, like he should have done. He should have told me a lot sooner and I was still slightly miffed that he hadn't but in regards to my family, I knew that they only had my best interests at heart and in a way, I was thankful. I would have only shot the messenger if they'd have told me and I would have been more angry with Caleb if they had too so in a way, the way that it happened was the right way, despite how much it initially hurt.
And now, I was laid with him, my Paul whilst he comforted me. I've never felt so happy and sad at the same time. Happy to have him so close but sad because of the day. Five years. It's been five years since I lost my mommy to Fate and I was still feeling the ramifications of Fate's interruption in my life. It pains me to know that she's missed five years of my adolescence and she was going to miss the rest of my life too but it also amazed me that she was gone and still, here I stood five years later, ready to move on and wondering if it really was possible to live without her if I'd survive, though barely, the five years so far. I've moved past wishing her to come back to me. I've moved past being angry about her death. I was just sad, sad that she was gone and never going to be able to see me grow up with her own eyes, here on earth, only in the sky in heaven with Dad by her side.
I was aware that I'd stopped crying minutes ago and that I was merely sniffling to myself. Being in his arms helped a lot and was truly thankful that he was able to endure me like this. I bet there was guys out there that would have walked away or something and I was grateful that Paul wasn't one of them. I needed him here and I was thankful that he knew that as well. He always knew when I needed him, from the very moment I looked in his eyes that night at that bonfire. It was weird really but ever since then, we've just been so...connected. Some times I didn't even question it but others, I wondered just what that connection means between the two of us. What can I say, I'm a curious girl? But this wasn't the time to get into that. All I could concentrate on was where I was and whose arms I was in right now.
Numerous times over the past few months, I've dreamt of being exactly where I was but never ever thinking that it could happen for real. I knew that he wasn't holding me for that purpose at all but a girl can imagine right? I just wanted to remain here for the rest of my days and for him to never let me go. But I knew eventually that he would. I didn't deserve him. He could have any woman he wanted, especially at his own age instead of a fifteen year old, naive girl that was halfway through her high school career.
I tensed as he shifted below me and I worried that he was going to get up and leave I wondered for a minute what I did and clutched his shirt tightly in my hands. As soon as he saw my reaction to him moving, he stopped and tightened his arms around me, whispering shushed, soothing reassurances in my ear and I relaxed.
"It's alright, Billie I'm just going to lay us down on our backs, alright?" he whispered, softly. I frowned and saw that we were on our sides and very tangled. I blushed and nodded, only letting him go briefly whilst he rearranged himself on the pillows before I was right back and moulded to his side. He sighed in what I could have mistaken for contentment as I locked my left leg around his and wrapped my arm around his neck. I could have sworn that I felt his lips on my hair too but that was just my imagination getting the better of me. I closed my eyes but didn't sleep. This was something that I didn't want to miss a second of, especially sleeping.
"I'm so sorry that I wasn't here sooner." he murmured into my ear, making me shiver but I repressed it the best I could. His voice sounded so pained and I hated it. I shrugged. "I should have been but I wasn't. I'm so sorry. You shouldn't have had to go through this alone today."
I sighed. "It's alright, Paul. I had Dad with me." I whispered back, hoarsely. I heard his breath hitch when I said his name and then he sighed and shook his head.
"I should have been and wanted to be but I was caught up in my own self pity that..." he trailed off, tightening his arms around me. He wanted to be with me? No, no don't get your hopes up. He just wanted to make sure that I was alright, to comfort me. He still doesn't want me that way, don't get your hopes up, Billie.
I frowned. "Your own self pity? What does that mean?" I asked, confused. He sighed.
"That's not important. I'm over it, I think."
"No, tell me, please?" I urged. I had an inkling that it had something to do with me and guilt overtook me. I felt my eyes tear up. He sighed in resignation and went quiet for a few minutes before he answered, like he was trying to think carefully of how to put his answer.
"It's just...I've missed you, Billie." he sighed, reluctantly. I frowned, even more confused. Before I could ask, he went on, "I mean, y-you haven't been talking to me, really and I know that that is my fault. I should have told you what Caleb was going to tell you however I can't change that and all I can think of now is a way to make it up to you. I've come up blank though. I'm so sorry, Billie. I shouldn't have kept that secret from you. I'm sorr-"
"Stop, please? I know you're sorry and I'm over that now, really. It just hurt, you know? You guys knew that I was going to get hurt when he told me and you didn't give me a heads up. I don't care now though. I just want my family back." I told him. He was quiet for a few minutes.
"Just them?" he asked, sadly. I frowned and looked up at his face. I froze as my eyes connected with his and an electric charge surged through us. By the shocked look on his face, I knew that he'd felt it too but I couldn't decipher how he felt about that. I gulped and ploughed on with what I wanted to say.
"No, not just them. Everyone. My friends...you too. I miss my best friend." I admitted, smiling lightly. His answering smile was blinding and made my heart stutter. He froze for a fraction of a second as if he'd heard it (which he probably did) before he was laughing and pulling me up to sit, crushing the life out of me as he hugged me. "Paul. Need. To. Breathe."
He let go immediately, looking me over as if looking for injury before smiling sheepishly. I rolled my eyes and hugged him a lot softer, my arms wrapped around his neck whilst his rested on my waist. I closed my eyes, relishing in the feel of his body against mine. I knew that it wouldn't last for long though.
"I'm just so happy. This is what I've wanted, for you to forgive me. I didn't know if you'd ever but I'm so thankful that you did." he gushed, grinning. His happy mood was infectious and I found myself laughing at him. E seemed momentarily stunned by the sound and he was laughing with me. It was like we were laughing at the other laughing. It was so silly and I haven't felt like this for such a long time. I couldn't remember the last time I just acted like...like a kid. We calmed down and just sat there, holding each other. This was perfect. I couldn't get any happier than I was right here, I knew.
It was then that I realised that Paul had just managed what I thought would be impossible on today. He made me laugh. He made me forget what happened today five years ago. With my eyes wide, I pulled back and looked at Paul. He frowned, alarmed at my expression and the reason behind it. We just sat there, staring at each other before an overwhelming amount of gratitude and longing took over me and I found myself leaning in, my gaze fixed on his lips. His breath hitched and he tensed beneath my hands. I froze, a strange sense of deja vu taking over me as my eyes snapped up to his. I could see his apprehension and I frowned, tears springing to my eyes as I began to pull away. He didn't want this! Why would I be so stupid as to do the same thing twice? I should have learnt that the first time when he pushed me away. I was so stupid! I scrambled up and away from him, tears streaking down my face as I turned my back to him. I went over to the window, feeling my heartbreak all over again.
"I'm so sorry. I...I didn't mean to do that. I should...I should have learnt the first time." I wept, wiping away my tears. Everything was quiet behind me and I worried that he'd left. I couldn't bring myself to turn and check so I just waited for his reaction.
It must have been a good five minutes before I felt two warm hands grip my waist, making me jump. Those hands continued to circle around my waist. There was no sound but the rustle of clothes between us and I even held my breath. I kept as still as I was able, unsure of what he was doing. I felt his heat all around me and I closed my eyes as it coursed throughout my whole body. My mouth ran dry and my heart just about stopped when I felt his lips against the side of my neck. My heart rate picked up as my eyes flew open when it happened again, only a little higher and higher and higher. I bit my lip against the moans that wanted to escape. As he kissed along my jaw, his hands retracted from around my waist, gripping it as he rotated me slowly.
I kept my eyes down, unable to match the gaze I knew was on my face.
"Billie." he whispered and I couldn't help my body's reaction. My eyes snapped to his seconds before his lips connected with mine. I gasped and he took that chance to slowly slide his tongue into my mouth. My eyes rolled but I managed to keep them open. When I looked back at him, he was watching me for my reaction but I only kissed him back, wrapping my arms around his neck as his tightened around my waist.
The kiss was slow and unhurried. It was perfect. It was like nothing I've ever felt before, not even with Caleb. His hot tongue circled mine, sensually and I moaned. He groaned in response and pulled away, panting. I felt like I was about to pass out. The kiss itself was mind boggling but the fact that it actually just happened was another thing entirely. He threw me for six and confused the hell out of me. Did I just kiss my best friend? Who cares? He doesn't appear to. He pulled back briefly to look me in the eyes. I held his gaze and I'm sure he could see my uncertainty and confusion. He sighed softly before cupping my hot, flushed cheeks to kiss me once, twice before pulling back and resting his hands back on my waist. His eyes were closed as he licked his lips and I gulped, watching him. What the hell was he doing to me and why? It made no sense at all.
He sighed, leaning forward to rest his forehead against mine as his eyes opened and instantly locked with mine. A beautiful smile took over his face which confused me even more. He kissed my nose before speaking in the softest whisper, "Billie...That should have happened the first time."
I frowned at his words as his thumb trailed down my forearm to the scar on my palm where the knife had cut me that night. I gulped and bit my lip. I was afraid to say anything right now in case I snapped him out of some sort of trance and he ran from me. I just listened as he went on, breathlessly. "I'm so sorry for that night, Billie. I didn't mean it. You have to believe me. If you gave me half a second more, I'm sure you would have gotten the response you wanted and the one I so wanted and wished that I'd given."
"I don't understand...What are you saying?" I whispered, pained. I was so confused right now, it was unreal. I just wanted everything explained so that I could make sense of this stuff. I was tired of being confused all the time. He looked me in the eyes, his so sincere and open that it was like I could see into his soul or something. His free hand on my waist came up to my face, stroking the back of his fingers across my still flushed cheeks, which only made me blush more and lean into his touch. He smiled at the action.
"You're very special to me, Billie. Very, very special. I wouldn't be able to cope if I lost you. It hurts to think about, truly. Never, please, ignore me again. I can't handle it. Promise me?" he pleaded, softly. I nodded, vehemently, still strung up on his words beforehand. I was special to him? Did he mean it? "Yeah, I did. You're very special to me, Billie." I said that out loud? He chuckled. "Yeah, Baby, you said that out loud."
"Oh, right. Sorry." I mumbled, looking down at the floor. He chuckled again and lifted my chin with his index finger. I blushed deeper under his gaze. He pecked my nose before stepping away.
"Everyone's worried about you, Billie. How's about we head over to your Uncle's house? Everyone'll be there, I'm sure." he suggested, kindly. I bit my lip and nodded, hesitantly taking his hand and allowed him to take me down the stairs. He was right. No one was here anymore and must be at Uncle Sam's house. I sighed and followed him, the past events of this day creeping back up on me from its temporary residence at the back of my mine. Tears prickled my eyes and I stopped, making him jar in his stride and turn to look at me in confusion and concern. He frowned at my tears and wrapped his arms around me, tightly. "What is it, Baby Girl? What did I do?"
I shook my head, sniffling. "N-Nothing. I just...remembered." I lightly wept. He pulled back, looking me in the eyes before sighing, heavily.
"I promise, I'll get you through this day, Billie. Stay by me and you'll be fine, okay?" he told me. I nodded but wasn't entirely sure. I wished I could fully trust his words but something inside me just wouldn't let me. He silently led me towards his truck and helped me in. I smiled at him in thanks and he simply nodded, squeezing my hand before circling the truck to get in the drivers side.
The ride over was quiet but not uncomfortable. It was like we were made to be in each other's company. It was so strange. I felt so safe and protected, like nothing I've ever been before. I'd glance at him every few minutes to see that he was already staring and it would make me blush every time at being caught. His chuckle every time made me blush harder. I resisted the urge to look at him after the fourth time and resigned to looking out my window until we pulled up into a very familiar driveway.
The front door was open and there were some kids on the front lawn playing as I was sure there'd be more in the back too. A couple of my 'pack uncles' (my uncles' and Dad's brother wolves, of course) and their wives were outside watching them and all looked over when we pulled up. I recognised Uncle Sam and felt guilty at the relief on his face. He must have been really worried like everyone else. Paul smiled and kissed the back of my hand before hopping out the truck and coming to help me out even before I was able to unbuckle myself. I rolled my eyes at his annoying werewolf speed and he chuckled, holding my hand to hoist me out the truck.
"Billie!" Dyl shouted as he bounded towards me, knocking me against the truck as he jumped and wrapped himself around me. He was getting way to big for all this! I laughed.
"Hey, Dyl. Could you so kindly let me up, please?" I giggled and he grinned, picking himself off me and helping me steady myself. I rolled my eyes at him and ruffled his hair. He glared and ran off to play with the others. I smiled after him. Uncle Sam and Dad came strolling up to us, glancing between me and Paul. Something silent passed through Uncle Sam and him but I didn't quite catch it since Dad had picked me up and swirled me around in a circle.
"You scared me, Baby Girl. You have got to stop doing that!" he laughed, placing me back on the floor. I smiled sheepishly and hugged Uncle Sam.
"Sorry. It was just...hard this morning. It still is really but I'm trying to keep my mind off it, you know?" They nodded, smiling sadly.
"Yeah. How's about we throw a small bonfire/[arty this afternoon, just the Pack and everyone. No 'outsiders'?" Dad suggested, hopefully. I knew he was suggesting to help me in my quest. I smiled and nodded.
"It's a nice enough day. I don't see why not." I told him, smiling thankfully. He winked and kissed my cheek before heading off inside to tell the others. I smiled up at Uncle Sam and Paul, keeping his gaze a second longer than Sam before heading over to the porch swing where Anna, Damon and Jennie were lounged across. They all smiled when I came in their sight and Anna waved, hopping up to pull me into a big hug.
"Hey! I thought you'd still be at home. You okay?" she asked, tentatively. I smiled and nodded, lightly. She sighed and pulled me over to the swing. It was large enough for two of the wolves so fitting the four of us on was a piece of cake. I smiled up at Jennie before resting the side of my head on her shoulder. She sighed and laid her cheek on the top of my head, wrapping her arms around me for comfort.
"Dad said that we were going to have some sort of party at the beach. Just family so that I could take my mind off everything." I told them all and they beamed.
"Do you think Dad'll let Damon come?" Anna asked, hopefully and Damon smiled, kissing the top of her head. I smiled and shrugged.
"Dunno. Maybe." I replied. She hopped up quickly and headed inside to confront her father. Jared was cool, he'd probably let him come
"So...Um, Caleb called me last night." Damon announced, awkwardly. I looked over at him, questioningly.
"Oh yeah, how'd that go? Is he liking it down there?" I asked, interestedly. Just because he left me the way he did, doesn't mean I had anything against him, not really. Damon smiled and nodded.
"Yeah. He's loving all the sun they get. He says he's got a brill tan. Way dark. He told me to tell you hi and that he's thinking of you today, you know." he told me, smiling. I nodded back.
"That's kind of him. Tell I said thanks and that I don't blame him, 'kay?" he nodded, smiling.
"Yay! Dad said you could come! You wanna head off to your house and get your swim trunks. My suit is still there anyway from the other day we went swimming." Anna suggested, coming out the house. Damon nodded and hopped up, taking her hand as he led her towards his car. I waved them off before resting back on Jennie. We sat in silence. She knew how hard this day could be for me, especially anniversaries like this one.
"You wanna borrow a suit?" she asked after a while. I hesitated. She knew I was still very depressed, even if it was in the back of my mind these days, about my scars and that I was still hesitant to where clothes that could potentially show them off. I looked up at her but her jaw was set. I had a feeling she was about to come down on me like a hammer. She'd had enough of my insecurities.
"Would you make me if I said no?" I asked. She just stared at me, reproachful. I sighed and sat up. "Fine, let's go do this but if I'm not comfortable, I'm not wearing it."
She didn't say a word as we entered the house and hopped up the stairs to her room. I sat on her bed as she rummaged through her underwear draw, silently discarding suits she knew knew I would never wear. She stopped at one suit and looked at it for a few seconds. I couldn't see it because her back was to me so I just watched her curiously. I was stunned to see that she turned around with a two piece in her hand. I was already shaking my head before she'd even completed the turn. She looked serious and beyond reproach.
"No. No, Jennie, I'm not wearing that. I can't and you know it." I pressed her but she just continued to stare. I shook my head "NO! I'm not wearing that!"
"Billie, wear the damn suit! Why do you even care what people think about you outside the Pack? Everybody here loves you and would never be so shallow as to dislike you for some silly scars! Pleas,e for me, just put the suit on. Enough is enough, Billie. You need to stop." she pleaded, desperately. I stared at her and then at the suit, switching between the two several times before I could feel my walls cave. She was right. I needed to stop being so self conscious but I think it was easier said than done. She sighed, pressing the suit into my chest one final time before I was forced to take it in my own hands. I looked down at it. It was a blue and white striped two piece with tie strings. This was ridiculous I couldn't wear this, surely. I looked back up at her but she was simply pointing to the door and the bathroom. I gulped but got to my feet, slowly making my way to change.
It took me fifteen minutes o come out of the bathroom, five of those minutes was with Jennie badgering me from the other side of the bathroom door, encouraging and nagging. I knew she was trying to help but like I said, there was no way I could wear this. It showed my entire scar from collarbone to my belly button, barring the tiniest half of an inch where the top strap crossed it. It was there for the whole reservation to see and I was not comfortable with that. AT ALL!to top it off, the scar on my side was also visible, increasing my uncertainty and apprehension about going to the beach like this. I knew that Jennie was right about the Pack not bothering about my scars but I knew that it wasn't just going t be us there at the beach. Others were going to be there with their families and I didn't like that thought.
"For crying out loud, Billie! Get out the bathroom! You're fine. Besides, I NEED TO PEE!" she screamed and I could hear her dancing around outside the door, desperate for relief. I smirked at that, despite the situation I was in and then sighed. Was I really going to do this? Could I risk it? One final slam on the door from Jennie had me moving and I hastily opened the bathroom door, holding my breath. She stood there for a second, smiling before pushing passed me to use the toilet. I giggled and made my way quickly to the bedroom. There was no way I was going in just this. I needed something to place over it. Perhaps I didn't have to take it off at the beach. I could still be able to cover myself. "Thank God for that! I thought I was going to pee myself. You took your time...You look great by the way. Really. No joke. Honest to God, Best Friend and cousin's honest opinion, you. Look. Amazing. Who knew you'd grow out so perfectly?"
I blushed at her comments but also couldn't trust them completely. She was one of my best friends. She had to say stuff like that, no matter what she thought about it. "Thanks" I mumbled as my hands absent-mindedly cover my stomach and my scar. She saw me and rolled her eyes. She'd changed into a red version of my suit and look amazing also.
"I'll find you something to cover up with until we get to the beach and in the water but don't think for a second that you'll get out of that. You're swimming with me and the others today and there's nothing that you can do or say to change our minds, even if we have to pick you up and throw you in, got it?" she threatened, looking at me over her shoulder. I gulped and read filled my heart. There really was no getting out of all this. What was I going to do?
She threw a pair of white shorts with a thin brown belt and I slid them on. I was thankful that she was kind enough to give me a top that would cover my stomach, even if it was only for a little while and pulled that on too, tucking it in. I slid on some flip flops because they were only going to come off when we got to the beach and took a deep breath. I was ready and I was scared to set off to the beach. Suddenly, the party didn't seem such a good idea anymore. Once she was done, she turned to me, smiling.
"I know that you don't want to do this but, Babe, you're not going to if you're not pushed. I know you. You want to keep yourself private but there's being private and shutting yourself off from the world. You've got a banging body and you should show it off, screw all those who want to be horrible about the scars. It doesn't matter what they think, okay? Just come on, they'll be waiting for us now."she told me, offering me a hand. I stared at it for a minute before sighing and taking it. She led me over to her car and hopped in. Everyone else had already left, even Paul, which I was slightly sad about but damn, I didn't own him or anything. He could do what he wanted.
She peeled out of the Uleys' driveway and made her way towards the beach. It wasn't a long drive but I felt my anxiety building as we got closer. She spoke to me the entire drive, trying to keep my mind off what she was about to make me do but it was easier said than done. I was scared to the bone. When she pulled up into the parking lot that lined the beach, I was sweating bullets. She turned to me.
"Alright, girl. Big breath and just...step out the car. It'll be fine. Trust me." she encouraged, hopping out herself and waiting for me at the bumper of her car. I took a deep breath as she'd instructed and just got out the car. Without thinking about it, I made my way towards the beach with her and was greeted with the sight of my entire family, the whole Pack, either stuffing their faces, dancing to the music they'd got going or goofing around and playing some sort of sport. I smiled at the scene, loving it when we were able to do things like this. I adored family time.
"Hey!" Anna shrieked as she ran up to us with a bright smile on her face. She seemed shocked at what I was wearing and then turned to Anna. "Damn girl, if I'd known you were going to do it today I would have stayed and borrowed a suit. You should have told me. How you doing, B?"
I narrowed my eyes at her. "You're in on this. Are you too?" I accused Damon and he grinned, not too sheepishly. I rolled my eyes and sighed.
"You'll be fine, Billie. Ignore anyone who decides to waste their days and stare and talk crap. Just have fun and shut everyone but your family out, okay?" he advised and I smiled, thankfully. "now, I don't know about you girls, but I'm going swimming. Coming?"
"Oh definitely. Jen, B?" Anna asked, eyeing me. I looked at all three of them, a slight panic overtaking me as I turned to look into the ocean then at my family. Some of the wolves that were closer to us, which included Paul, Uncle and Uncle Embry, were watching us and I knew that they could hear the conversation. They looked curious as to what I was going to decide. I blushed.
"Could you give me a little more time, just to get my head around it? I'll come in a little later, I promise." I told them, shyly. They all exchanged glances and nodded, smiling. I knew that they were going to hold me to my promise.
I sighed and glanced over to my family that were watching me. They looked quite proud and I smiled, waving. They waved back before going back to what ever they were doing. The only one who continued to look this way was Paul and he was looking right into my eyes. He smiled, brightly and I felt my heart melt and smiled back. He beckoned me over and I told the other three to go have some watery fun whilst I spoke to Paul. Cautiously, I approached him, unsure if he'd changed his mind on whatever decided to kiss me earlier with the time we've spent apart. He seemed happy enough as I got closer until I was stood right over him and he pulled me down to sit with him. I squealed slightly and slapped his arm, blushing. He chuckled.
"Sorry, Billie. You look very...nice." it seemed that he didn't want to use that word but a different one. I wondered whether it was a better or worse one. I blushed anyway at his compliment and smiled. I couldn't help but notice the fact that he was only wearing some shorts and no shirt or shoes. He looked like a god and wondered if I'd imagined that kiss earlier because someone like him would have never gone for someone like me. "So...I couldn't help but hear your conversation with Anna and the others. You planning on going in the water?"
I bit my lip and nodded. "Um, yeah, I suppose. I'm dreading it." I admitted, nervously. He smiled.
"You do realise that you'll have to, you know, strip down, right?" he asked, unsurely. I gulped and nodded, reluctantly. He sighed. "Billie, if you don't want to, that's fine but they're right. You need to get passed this self consciousness. It'll only bring you down. You have no reason to be self conscious, trust me." he assured me and I wondered what he meant by that. He smirked and something about it made me blush. "Do you want me to come in with you?"
"Would you? I mean, you don't have to. I can do it by myself." I told him, slightly hopeful that he was genuinely offering and not teasing or whatever. He smiled and nodded.
"Billie, if you want me out there with you then I'll do it. You don't have to do everything alone when I'm here you know. I'll always be around to help and support you, okay?" he told me, smiling. I nodded and grinned back.
"Then please, come into the water with me." I asked. He nodded and stood. I frowned. "Now?"
"No time like the present, Billie. There's nothing to be afraid of. Anyone says anything. They'll answer to me. I've got your back." he promised, holding out a hand to me. I bit my lip and took it, raising to my feet. He stood back a little, waiting on me to get undressed but could I do it? I peered around me and noticed that no one was watching. I wondered if my family had been in on this as well and were giving me the privacy and support I needed by not watching? I looked back at Paul to see him smiling encouragingly. "Come on, Billie, you can do this, Baby Girl."
I gulped but nodded, hastily stripping my shorts as they were the easier item. I didn't have any scars on my legs, thankfully. I glanced up at Paul to see him watching me close and intensely. I blushed under the attention as he essentially watched me get undressed to my underwear before gripping the hem of my shirt. With one last smile from him, I yanked the top off, closing my eyes as it dropped to the ground and I resisted the urge to wrap my arms around my stomach. Sudden sheering sounded around me and my eyes snapped open to see my whole family standing and clapping at me. I blushed and moved to cover up but Paul was quick to grab my wrists.
Shaking his head, he let go of one and gestured towards the ocean with his head I gulped, keeping my eyes over there whilst I made my way over to my friends. I've never seen them look so proud before and it gave me strength. Jennie hugged me tightly as I reached them, followed by the others. Paul kissed my cheek and I flushed cherry red, smiling up at him.
"I knew you could do it! I'm so happy for you! Remember what we said. Ignore everyone and you'll be fine." Jennie assured me and I smiled tightly, nodding. "Come on, don't worry. Just let go and have fun. Here, I'll help."
And with that, she kicked a shit load of salt water up in my face, getting it up my nose and in my mouth. I gagged and gasped, looking at her in utter shock as she and the others bent over whilst clutching their stomachs. Their laughter fuelled me and I kicked some back, making her splutter as well. This only made them all laugh harder and I joined in. She shrieked and tackled me into the water, both of us laughing all the way. The others soon joined in on our water fight and somehow, Jen and I ended up on the same team with Paul against Anna, Damon and Dyl, who'd decided to come out with us. I gasped as two thick, warm arms wrapped around me, tugging me backwards into the water. I didn't have to look behind me to know who it was. I'd know his touch anywhere. I giggled and as we both made to get up, I giggled harder and pushed him back in.
"There is no way you're getting away with that, Sweetheart!" he called, menacingly as I ran away as best I could in the water. I could hear the water splashing behind me and knew that he was following. I squealed and laughed as he began to tickle the life out of me, trying in vain to restrain his hands. "i bet you regret it now, huh?"
"Oh my God, Paul stop!" I laughed, breathlessly. He only bellowed with laughter until someone jumped onto his back, effectively coming to my aid. I laughed when I saw that it was Dyl. "That's it, Dyl! Let's double team!"
We both pounced on him and took him down into the water. He was somehow managing to give Dyl a noogie at the same time as tickling my side. I can't remember having this much time in a long time, well, in a week or so and it felt liberating.
"Whoa, I'm surprised you're wearing a bikini with that thing scarring your body. What you thinking girl?" someone said from behind me and I froze, the words circling in my mind and cringing as they registered. Instantly, my arms wrapped around me as another pair wrapped around my shoulders.
I turned to see none other than Lindsey Parkings, the whole reason Jennie began to bully me back in Jr. High, was standing not ten feet from us with a girl to her right. They were both unnatural blondes and were obviously trying to flaunt something that they obviously didn't have in the chest and butt areas. Her friend was sneering at my stomach and then gave a disgusted face as she saw the scar on my side. I bit my lip and turned my face away in shame.
"I mean, come on, I'm surprised they even want to be seen with you. I wouldn't want to be. Not in a ten mile radius." Lindsey went on and her words stabbed me in the heart harshly. The arms around me tightened as Jennie stepped up, getting right in her face.
"You little cow! How dare you come over here and spout off hurtful things to my best friend and cousin. Haven't you caused enough trouble between the two of us. Get lost, skank and go back to where you came from." Jennie almost growled. I was shaking in my comforter's embrace and I felt like I was on a break down. My palms were sweating and my head felt light. My hands were absent-mindedly scratching at the puckered line on my stomach, almost as if I could peel the thing off. Lindsey sneered in Jennie's face as the other girl snorted.
"Oh, that's rich, Uley. Best friend? Come on, you bullied the girl. She couldn't mean that much to you." Lindsey laughed, bitterly.
"Billie means more to me than even she knows. You don't know a thing about me, so just get lost!" she shouted, capturing the attention of most of my family and I felt my cheeks flame, hotly. I was exchanged in embraces to a warm one and knew that I was in my Paul's arms now. I felt slightly calmer but I was still on the brink of a mental break down. I could feel it. It was like I was waiting on the edge of a cliff for that final push from my tormentor.
"Know nothing about you? I know enough about you to know that you wouldn't be caught dead with a disgusting, ugly freak like her. She's practically mutated with those scars. Stop kidding yourself, open your eyes and see just how appalling she really is." Lindsey snapped and it was like my whole world stopped, her words sinking deeper and deeper into my soul as they registered. The arms around me tightened and I vaguely heard a deep, sensual voice uttering in my ear but I didn't hear a single word.
Everything happened at once and so fast I couldn't even b sure that it happened. Jennie lunged, drawing her hand back and slapping Lindsey clean across her face with a loud 'thwack'. Not a second later, from the other side, Anna stormed forward to do exactly the same thing, only harder. It was like the sharpness of their slaps that resonated across the beach was my awakening and I began to struggle against the arms that held me. It was obvious that I surprised them because it wasn't easy to escape them. I gasped for air as my arms wrapped tightly around my torso, making a beeline for my stuff across the beach. People were shouting for me but all I could think about was her words. All I could feel was the tears spilling down my cheeks like rivers and the scars that seemed to have become molten hot on my skin. The salt from my tears were the only thing that I could smell and seeing was out of the question as they bombarded my eyes.
I shoved the hands that tried to stop me away almost frantically before falling down near my things., I snatched my clothes back up and slid them on clumsily, all the while fighting off the hands. So many hands. I didn't want anyone touching me right now. I felt hideous. I couldn't handle the thought of tainting their hands by touching my ugliness. Scrambling back to my feet, I made a beeline for the parking lot. I left so fast that no one could even follow me. I remembered that I wasn't the one who drove here but there was no way that I was going back into that beach to ask someone to drive me so I took off on foot, not stopping until I crashed into my front door.
Fumbling with my keys, I managed to unlock the darn thing and stumble inside. I tripped up the stairs numerous times before falling into my room. I slammed the door shut, unable to take anymore as I slid down onto the floor, sobbing my heart out. I clawed at my stomach, wishing that I could peel the damn scar off but I knew that it was impossible. It was there for life and there was nothing I could do about it. I'd be this ugly forever. The thought shattered me and I crashed sideways to the floor, curling in on myself as I wrapped my arms around my knees. There, I sobbed until I couldn't produce anymore tears, drifting off into a restless sleep where every inch of my skin was marred like Aunt Emily's face...
Sam's Point of View
"You little bitch! I'm going to freaking kill you!" Jennie shrieked, jumping on Lindsey, causing them both to fall to the ground. I stared in shock as my daughter began to throw punches left and right at her childhood best friend and only a second later, the rational, responsible side of me resurfaced, taking charge of the situation. I was about to issue orders when the most horrifying thing was brought to my attention. I gasped as I saw the severe trembling of my 17 year old daughter. MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER! I shook my head in disbelief, my eyes widening in terror as her shaking got worse. There was no doubt about it...
"Get her into the woods, NOW! Paul, go to Billie. I know you want to. Stay with her, take the night off and make sure, for goodness sake, that she's not freaking out." I called out to Embry and then Paul as I raced off towards the trees myself, Paul rushing in the direction Billie had run off to. I stopped and turned towards the girl that was the reason for this entire crapfest. I felt a strong sense of hate towards her but knew that I couldn't be harsh with her, no matter how much I wanted to kill her. I should be the adult here. She looked a little freaked out but I didn't really care. "You, go home and don't think I'm not going to call your mother, young lady."
She gulped. "Yes, Chief Sam." She mumbled, embarrassed and fearful. I didn't care. I had my daughter to calm down.
Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected my Jennie to phase but then, I doubt that Harry ever expected it either, or Bree. I knew that it was possible with me being her father but I've never wanted this for her. Being a teenager was hard enough without all this bull. I felt sorry for her because I knew that life was going to get a lot harder and I wished that I could stop it but if I can, I would have never phased myself.
I could hear her screams from where I was running towards her as well as Embry and Leah's calming words directed towards her. I broke through the trees into a small clearing and my knees nearly buckled at the sight before me. She looked so…crumpled. Her face showed her obvious agony and my heart bled for her. She was knelt on the ground, her body threw forwards onto her elbows as she arched and screamed. In the next second, a beautiful cream wolf stood before our eyes, black spots painting her back and she had little black boots on three of her paws. She looked gorgeous and was proud to call her my daughter. I also guessed that black was the running colour in our family, since Embry also had black spots on his back.
Instantly, I stripped myself of my shorts, throwing them in a random direction and was phased in the next second. Her terrified and confused thoughts were the first ones that bombarded me and then Leah and Em's thoughts soon joined mine. Her thoughts were jumbled, as was to be expected I suppose. Most of the others reacted this way as well so I knew what she was going through and how to handle it.
Oh my god. Oh my God! OH MY GOD! This cannot be happening! I have freaking PAWS! And…oh my GOD, slap me and call me Jesus, I have a tail. A TAIL! There is something serious disturbing about this picture right now! Urgh! Jennie rambled in her mind as she danced around the forest, trying to look at herself in every angle possible. She actually looked like she was chasing her tail and tried to hold back my chuckle at the amusing sight but then I remembered what had just happened and I sobered immediately.
Jennie, Sweetheart, you need to calm down for me, okay? Just take a deep breath and concentrate on me. It's alright. Just calm down. I said gently. She froze as my voice ran through her head before my movement in her peripheral caught her eye and she jumped back at the sight of me. I knew that I was twice her size. All the girls were smaller than us, but a lot faster. I'm sure that Jennie was going to be no different.
D-Daddy? she stuttered, unsurely. My wolf whined as I replied,
Hey, Sweetie, it's me.
W-Where? she asked, freaked out. I dropped to the ground, to my belly and her wolf watched me, cautiously. My head just came up to hers so we were the same height right now. Hopefully, it would make her less intimidated.
Right in front of you, Honey. The black wolf is me. Come on, you know all this. I told her, softly. She just stared at me, blankly, no thoughts rushing through her head and she was beginning to worry me. Jennie?
I seriously cannot be what I think I am right now! she shrieked through the pack mind just as the others phased in, making us all cringe at her shrill pitch.
What do you think you are? Quil asked. Jennie's wolf whined, dropping to her belly as her paws covered her snout. My heart broke for my baby girl and I shuffled towards her slightly. This was never supposed to happen.
Daddy! I can't be a freaking wolf! I thought it was just guys…and Leah and Bree! I am so dreaming right now! Make me wake up! she begged me as her wolf whimpered.
It's going to be alright, Baby Girl. I promise. Leah has gone to go get you some clothes and then we'll help you become human again. It's gonna be fine. I assured her as my wolf finally gave in to protecting its young, climbing to its feet before lopping over to her. I laid down behind her, my body curling protectively around hers. I'm sorry this happened. I never thought…I never expected…I'm so sorry.
Suppose there's no going back now anyway so…no big. Whatever. Jennie replied, nonchalantly. Her whole demeanour had changed in a second and I was baffled by her weird teenage mood swings, always have been. I rolled my eyes at my daughter as she laid her muzzle on her paws, looking bored.
Damn girl! You just literally transformed into a bitch, freaked out like anyone would and a split second later, you're like 'no big. Whatever'? Bree laughed, shaking her large head. Jennie snorted.
Who you calling 'Bitch', Bitch? she retorted.
Jennie, language. Bree, don't encourage her, for goodness sake. I ordered as I nipped Jennie's ear in reprimand. She yelped, shaking the pain off.
Sheesh, Dad. No need to bite or anything. She grumbled, making us all chuckle.
Sorry.
At that moment, Leah broke through the trees with a sun dress in her hands. She looked at me with sympathetic eyes before turning to Jennie. I could see the same camaraderie and protectiveness that she still feels for Bree shining in her eyes as she looked at my daughter and knew that she was going to be in good hands between Leah and Bree.
Guys, let Bree and I handle this. We'll meet you back at your place, Sam. Leah said, approaching Jennie. I reluctantly nodded before licking Jennie's muzzle affectionately and climbing to my feet. The others followed me as we trekked to my place, keeping tabs on the girls until we phased just behind the tree-line outside my house.
Leah's Point of View
Okay, Chicka. Just take a deep breath and relax. Try to think human. I coached, watching as the cream and black wolf unsteadily rose to her feet, still unfamiliar with walking on four legs instead of two and I'm sure she was still a little sore from the first phase. I felt for her. I still remember the horror of my first time. It was something that I would never be able to forget and something that had plagued me with nightmares numerous weeks after that terrible day, the day I killed my Dad.
Think human? Easier said than done, Aunt Leah.
I chuckled. Just think about you, as if you're looking into a full length mirror or something. It'll work, I promise. It might take some time, since you still seem a little freaked out but it'll work eventually. I promised her, surely.
Surprisingly, it didn't take that long for her to change back human, something I was very proud of her for as I'm sure the others will be too. She quickly hid her nudity from us though we had exactly the same stuff and I used to change her diapers but I knew where she was coming from. At least the guys weren't here like they were for me. That would have been embarrassing. She got dressed into her sun dress, slipping it over her head effortlessly as we waited their patiently.
"I can't believe that this is happening! Why me?" she whined as I placed my arm across her shoulders and proceeded to guide her towards her house through the trees. She was going to need to know the route anyway so why not? She was shaking, despite our warm temperatures so I knew that it was more to do with her shock than the sudden cold that had taken La Push into its grip in the last 20 minutes.
"Honey, we asked ourselves the same thing and guess what? We still don't know the damn answer. It's just something that has happened and there's nothing we can do to change it. You can only accept and go along with it. Trust me, it's easier that way." I told her, thinking how much I rebelled in the beginning, because of Sam.
"But…But…why me?" she whined again. Bree giggled.
"Probably because your Dad's the current Alpha, or at least in your pack. Jacob has his own, as you know. You have the gene. I bet the others do too, in your family." She mused. My gut twisted at the thought of little Gracie becoming like us and begged whoever was up there for the vampires to be gone by the time she becomes a teenager.
"but I don't want to be this! I'm a freak!" she cried. I yanked her to a stop and looked her dead in the eyes.
"Don't you dare! You are NOT a freak! Don't let me hear you say or even think that again, young lady. Yes, we are against the norm but we are as natural as the guys. It's in our genes and that's nothing to be ashamed of. Please, don't say that again." I reprimanded her. She looked down, ashamed.
"Sorry." She mumbled, biting her lip. I sighed and kissed her cheek, continuing on towards her house. "I bet Mom's freaking out worse than I am."
I laughed, nodding in agreement. "Probably but she'll love you all the same, trust me. She hasn't got a bad bone in her body and you're still her daughter, even if you do have a hairy problem." I teased her. She scowled, pinching my arm. I chuckled. "Come on, we're here and I bet your parents are going ape."
She nodded and followed me out the trees where the pack stood awaiting our arrival. Sam rushed forward, scooping his daughter up in his arms as he hugged her to death. I rolled my eyes at his unnecessary worrying before continuing towards the house. Emily hugged me gently, whispering her thank you in my ear before making her way towards her family.
"And so there were three. How does it feel not to be the only chick?" Quil asked, grinning. I rolled my eyes, smiling slightly as I punched his arm. He winced and rubbed the spot, making me grin.
"Awesome, if you must know. I just wished that it didn't happen in the first place, especially to J." I sighed, shaking my head. They nodded. "How's Paul and Billie? Do you know?"
Embry sighed, heavily. "She's locked herself in her room. She won't let him in and it's breaking him. He can hear her crying through the door. That Lindsey chick might have done some lasting damage with what she said." He ended with a growl and it was echoed by the others, including me.
"The little cow, I wanna rip her to little shreds! How dare she!" I growled, angrily. "My niece is freaking beautiful and anyone who says different is just god damn jealous."
"Wasn't she the girl who started Jennie's bullying off? The one she accused Billie of stealing from her?" Seth asked. I shrugged.
"Yes." Jennie snarled, harshly as she approached with her parents behind her. She was shaking slightly with the mention of her ex-childhood best friend but seemed in relative control. I was proud of her once again. "The stupid cow never could resist sticking it where it doesn't belong, even when she was my friend back then."
"She sounds mean." Brady commented, thoughtfully,. Jennie snorted, grinning.
"You don't know the half of it."
"How you feeling now?" I asked her. She grinned.
"Pretty good actually. I'm beginning to see what the fuss is about. You guys always made it sound so cool when I heard you talking about it but I was unsure back then. Now, it's cool. I get it now." She replied, smiling.
"We'll go on a long run later and you can run off that ache you're still feeling. Don't even deny it. I was in your position once as well you know." I told her, smirking. Jennie just rolled her eyes, yawning.
"Yeah, sure, whatever. I think I'm off to go crash." She told us, walking towards the back door. "I'll talk to Billie late- Oh my God, Billie! Is she okay?"
"Calm down, Sweetie. She's…okay. Paul's with her. Everything'll be okay." Sam assured her but she was still freaking out.
"Oh my God! She is going to hate me!" she shrieked, clutching the sides of her head in panic. I rolled my eyes.
"Why is she? You're no different." Bree asked, confused. Jennie shook her head, vehemently.
"No, no, no, no! I'm a wolf now! She's not gonna want me for a best friend! Think about all the times I'm gonna have to bail on her and all the things that I can't tell her! I can't lie to her! Oh no!"
"Jennie, Jennie honey, calm down. Don't think so silly. She'll still love you like a sister. Stop freaking out. We'll figure out the bailing and the secrets." Emily told her, gently. Jennie just groaned. "Seriously, calm down.
"She'll get fed up with me. I know she will!" she went on.
"Will you go off to bed already and stop giving yourself a head ache? She'll be fine with this. I'll talk to her." Sam offered, considerately. Jennie took a deep breath and nodded.
"Okay…okay, thanks, Dad. Night." She called as she rushed into the house.
"Will Billie be okay about this?" Collin asked, unsurely. Sam nodded as well as Embry and Seth.
"Yeah, I'm sure she will." Sam replied.
"It'll be a little hypocritical if she's not, considering she has uncles, a Dad and a big brother/best friend/imprint that are also wolves." Quil noted, thoughtfully. I rolled my eyes.
"Say what now? Who imprinted on Billie?" Jennie's voice shouted form the kitchen and I cringed, forgetting about her now super sensitive hearing. We all glared at Quil, who looked just about ready to run from the lot of us as Jennie came storming out the house, looking furious and slightly panicked. "What do you mean she's got a big brother/best friend/imprint? Isn't imprinting supposed to be, like, soul mates?"
Sam sighed. "Yes, Honey. Pretty much all of your uncles and aunts, as well as us, are imprinted." He explained, gesturing to himself and Emily. Jennie just stood there, gob-smacked. I waited for the blow out but it never came.
"I always knew you two looked too cosy and disgusting. You have that extra love mojo going on. Eww." Jennie shuddered, making all of us laugh and her parents blush. "But seriously, people, if Billie's been imprinted on and no one's told her, she's going to FREAK!"
"Why'd you say that?" Quil asked, confused. Jennie sighed, impatiently, crossing her arms as she gave Quil a 'WTF' look.
"Are you serious right now? Do you think after the stunts you pulled with not only Caleb but all the other stuff that happened in her life that she's going what one more betrayal under belt? How long? Who? Who imprinted on he-? Oh no, you have GOT to be kidding me! PAUL? Paul imprinted on her? Seriously? He's like…twice her age! AT LEAST!" she protested and I knew that we were busted.
"Honey, Billie was 12 when Paul imprinted. We couldn't tell her then, especially with everything that happened. And age doesn't matter. Paul isn't ageing and Quil was 16 when he imprinted on Claire, who was only 3." Emily explained, sadly.
"That's not that point, Mom! It doesn't matter when or where or why or how. The fact still remains that she doesn't know and when she finds out, especially after all this time, she's going to go back to ignoring all of you. Just saying." Jennie said, holding her hands up. And the age thing, just eww. Let's not get into that."
"So then what do you propose?" Sam asked. She shrugged.
"Nothing. This is your mess. Night." She answered, waving as she walked back into the house. We stood there, looking baffled at her back.
"God, what's with the mood swings, Man?" Craig asked Sam, who shrugged.
"Just because she's my daughter doesn't mean I understand her. Em?" Sam looked down at his wife, who giggled.
"You're her father. I'm her mother. You weren't supposed to understand her. I was. And trust me, there isn't even any point in me explaining because you still won't understand." Emily replied, smirking. Sam rolled his eyes, smiling.
""I think she's right though, Guys." Embry interceded, seriously. "I think we should tell Billie sooner rather than later. I don't think I could cope with her ignoring me again."
Sam and Seth nodded in agreement. "Okay, I'll talk to Paul about it. He might want to do it." Sam agreed, sighing.
At that note, we dispersed, disappearing to do whatever we do. As for me, I had patrol with Embry and I just knew that it easy going to be boring. I also knew that we were going to annoy the hell out of each other. Fun times!
So...please tell me what you think!
I'll try to be prompt with my next chapters but since it coming to the end of the school ear, my work should come first. Luckily for you guys, I've written half the next chapter anyway so hopefully, it won't take too long to get it to you! :D
Please review! I love your reviews and would appreciate them so much! :D Thanks!
I'm putting up a poll in regards to the story's rating. There will be about four different options and if there isn't an obvious decision then the rating with stay the same anyway so all that are interested in this story, please vote! I've also decided to reopen my 'Should Billie phase' poll because i know i have a lot more readers since back then and i wanted you to also have a say so please, check that out too :D Thanks!
Love,
MrsWolfPack
x