Title: Career Day
Genre: no idea-kinda angsty, kind of normal family stuff
Rating: T
Pairing: Bella/Paul
Words: 500 even!
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Prompt: picture of a woman sitting on a wooden dock
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Career Day
"…and so I told Mrs. Nicholson that you would be there at two. Sam said that was fine and he would let you off by one so you could come home and clean up. Abby is so excited… Paul? Did you hear me?'
He nodded absently in response to his name, eyes glued to the television as he tipped back another beer. "Yeah… Abby. Uh-huh."
She didn't bother to keep up the steady stream of conversation when it was clear he wasn't listening in the first place. She finished up the dishes and turned the lights off in the kitchen, checking in on the kids before she went to bed, alone.
Paul drifted off in his chair, rousing with a soft growl when the alarm on his phone reminded him he had patrol at midnight. He stood and stretched, scratching his belly as he glanced around to see his family all in bed, a little perturbed that none of them had bothered to tell him good night.
Yeah, Leah said little Billy was bouncing off the walls today. It took her half an hour to explain why I couldn't tell everyone about being Alpha at Career Day. He didn't think my garage talk was going to be as exciting as killing leeches.
Paul listened quietly as Jacob finished telling Embry about his son's antics. Embry turned toward home when he sensed their relief phasing in, but tossed his own two cents in as well. I know, Angela is nervous that the pack kids are going to blow the secret tomorrow when we all start filing in. I better get home and comfort her a little so she can sleep, if you know what I mean.
Jacob chuffed a laugh as he ran toward his own home, images of his wife waiting for him filling his mind as he went. Paul managed to sneak in a question before he phased out. Uh, Jake? What's this Career Day stuff?
Jake's growl was irritated as he thought of his best friend, and how tired and drawn she was looking lately. Bella just reminded you about it—I heard her when I ran by earlier. Paul stopped in his tracks as Jacob replayed the scene, stunned by how upset Bella looked.
She was quiet the next morning as she fixed the kids' breakfast and packed a wolf-sized lunch for Paul to take to the job site. She pulled her oldest daughter aside and told her not to be disappointed if her daddy wasn't able to get off work in time.
When he left the school that afternoon, Paul scented her out down at the docks, sitting on the pier enjoying the late spring sun. After all these years, she was still so beautiful. He slipped his shoes off and settled down beside her, pausing a moment before he wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, babe. I'm an ass," he muttered quietly as she leaned her head against his chest. "I love you."