After getting ready and trying to look semi-decent for the party. I looked at the clock, realizing it was later then I thought.
Dammit, I knew I should have peed before I left. I pulled up to Sue's house, cars already parked including Seth's. I felt my stomach tighten from nervousness.
I parked my car and killed the engine. I sighed, feeling anxious about seeing him.
It's nothing different than any other time seeing him.
You would think as the years go by my feelings for him would fade, but no. They just get stronger and stronger, and I continue to ignore them.
I grabbed the gift and walked into the house. It was quiet inside, good. It gives me a moment to collect myself before going out there. I threw his present on the couch and walked upstairs to a private bathroom.
I hope I don't embarrass myself tonight, I swear I'll just throw myself into the fire.
The bathroom door flew open and out walked Paul.
He bumped into me without realizing, causing me to stumble back a few steps.
I embarrassed myself within seconds.
"Hey, girl. When did you get here?" He asked, in a flirtatious tone.
Ugh, when is he never acting like a sleaze.
I looked up at him, a smug grin on his face.
"Just now, why?"
He walked up to me, still smirking. "You just couldn't resist not seeing me, huh?"
Here we go again with Paul joking about my fake obsession for him.
I fake gasped, "Yes, how did you know," I mocked, rolling my eyes. Still smirking, He shook his head in disapproval and leaned into me.
"Just admit it. You want me..." His voice held such reassurance, making me cringe.
I laughed, if I didn't know what a jokester Paul actually is- I would think he's serious. I placed my palm on his warm chest, slowly pushing him away to put distance between us.
I really have to pee.
"Chill, amigo- stop acting like a dog in heat!" I teased. He is so full of himself it's ridiculous. He wrapped his hand on the back of my neck and brought my face closer to his. I rolled my eyes at his fake dramatic ass as he stared down at me with a slightly serious look on his face. But, his eyes were full of amusement.
"Baby, stop fighting this-stop fighting us!" He fake cried, his voice low and strained.
Geez, Louise!
"Paul- I really have to pee, so can you cut the crap!" I told him, losing patience.
What he did next was something I would have never seen coming.
My eyes went wide. The bastard leaned in and kissed me- on the lips!
Leaning away, he grinned at me, I'm guessing from my expression of complete shock.
"I'll see you outside."
He left me looking like a deer in headlights as he walked downstairs with a smug grin on his damn face.
I stood in place, not able to comprehend what just happened.
After minutes of just standing there, I finally walked into the bathroom and shut the door. I sighed, leaning against it.
"Knowing Paul he just did that to piss me off..." I concluded, pacing up and down the small bathroom.
Yeah, that's it. He did it to mess with me. I mean, this is Paul we're talking about. He is a player! When is he never playing around.
"Ahhh shiiiiit!" My hand flew up to cover my mouth.
He stole my first kiss!
That asshole stole my first kiss! Wait, It's not like it even affected me...
Did it?
No, no! It was nothing. Annnnnrd! It wasn't even a full-blown kiss- more like a smack to the lips. It practically felt like a kiss from a dog. Ha... a dog. Yes, that's exactly what it felt like, I told myself.
I sucked in a deep breath, calming myself. Whatever! It's Seth's birthday and I can't freak out over this right now with everyone here!
I'll just act as nothing happened. That's it. Like it never happened. Just act cool and forget about it.
I walked downstairs and went outside. Everyone was scattered around in groups. Of course, the guys' were all together; elders sitting by the campfire while the girls' sat at the table. I didn't see Seth anywhere.
Damn.
Emily noticed my presence and waved me over to come sit with her. I walked over and sat down next to her.
"What took you so long to get here?" She questioned, handing me a drink.
I shrugged, "I lost track of time, I guess.." She just nodded.
Sue and Leah seemed to be bickering about something which pissed Leah off.
Wait until I tell Leah what happened.
"I'm going for a run." She declared, getting up. "I'll see you later," she told me and walked off into the woods.
I hope the guys didn't say anything to upset her again, they can be so harsh to her sometimes, assholes.
"I hope she's okay," l said aloud.
"I don't know what to do with that girl," Sue said to herself, looking after her.
I felt bad. Everyone is always so annoyed with Leah because of her attitude, but no one stops to think that of what she might be going through.
"Please, talk to her later. You're the only one who ever seems to get through to her," Sue told me. Emily kept her dead down, not commenting.
I sighed mentally, she still feels so much guilt about the whole mating thing with her and Sam.
"Yeah, I will. Don't worry, she'll be fine." I assured Sue.
"Are you hungry?" Emily asked me, changing the subject. No, not really.
"Yeah," I lied. She smiled, getting up. "I'll be right back. Sue got up and went over to the elders. Damn. I leaned back in my chair.
What happened minutes ago is still picking at me. I don't understand what his deal was.
Emily sat down and placed a plate of food in front of me. I was not hungry at all, but I did not want to make her feel bad.
"Thanks, Em."
I wonder if I should ask her where Set-
A crowd of laughter erupted. Emily and I both turned our heads to see the guys laughing their asses off, including Seth.
Dammit, he looks so good.
I found it hard to tear my eyes away from him, but I did before he noticed me creeping. I looked down at my plate of food.
Why did I have to run into Paul upstairs? It ruined my whole mood. Well, actually, no. If he didn't kiss me, everything would have been alright.
"Are you okay?" Emily asked.
I looked up at her, an amused look was on her face. Crap. I stared too long.
"Yes, of course." I sipped on my fruity drink, playing it cool.
She laughed, leaning in, "Paul, huh?"
I almost choked on my drink. PAUL!? SHE THINKS I LIKE PAUL? I placed my cup down and shook my head.
My gosh, what happens if she knew what just happened upstairs. Ugh. I felt humiliated at just the thought of everyone knowing. Especially the guys. I can already see my future with their teasing and making fun of Paul and me.
What if he tells everybody just for laughs!?
Great! Now, I'm going to be paranoid about this. And what if Jacob finds out? OH SHIT! OH SHIT! He would freak and kill us both. He'll probably tell Jacob on purpose to spite us both because he thinks it's funny. I swear if he tells everyone-I WILL KILL HIM!
She squeezed my arm, "That's too cute!"
Greaaaaaaat! She thinks I like Paul now!
"No, Emma! It's not-"
"-don't worry. Your secret is safe with me." She patted my hand while giving me a reassuring smile.
I shut my mouth. Objecting would only make it look worst.
"Come on, lets go see what the boys are up to." Emily stood up and grabbed her beer.
I sighed, mentally. The llama gods are not on my side tonight.
I followed her over to the guys. They saw us coming and immediately stopped their snickering conversation.
Assholes.
Emily went to stand by Sam, leaving me to stand alone. It shouldn't feel awkward, but it does. Why? Because of the stupid smirk, Paul is wearing on his damn face. Paul stood by Jacob and Seth with his stupid gaze focused on me.
I swear, he better cool it before Emily thinks something is going on between us. I focused my gaze elsewhere before someone saw the weird look he was giving me.
"Hey, when did you get here?" Seth asked, his questioned directed at me.
I thought Paul would have told them I was here. Stupid ass.
I caught his gaze. I saw him just two days ago yet I can't help but feel awkward in front of him.
"About 15 minutes ago.' I answered, walking over to wish him a happy birthday.
"Happy Birthday, jerk!— "
I was cut off by a pair of strong arms that stopped me from giving Seth a hug. He placed himself between us and swung his arms around our shoulders, smiling.
"Hey now, kiddies- Save some room for Jesus!" Jacob patted our shoulders, looking between us both.
Everyone laughed, including Seth and I. Please, Everyone knew Jacob and his overprotective self was serious.
I stepped away from Seth and stood by Jacob, hoping Paul would stop giving me that damn smirk. He better stop it before Jacob see's and think something is up.
"So, Seth where's this little girlfriend of yours?" Emily asked, curiously.
Girlfriend? What? When? Where? How?
"Yeah, Seth! Where's the lucky lady- At another photoshoot in Paris?" Embry teased, causing the boys to erupt in laughter. Seth rolled his eyes, laughing.
I laughed along, pretending to not think anything of it. But, on the inside, I feel hurt.
"Guys, come on. Maybe It's for real this time," Sam joked.
Again, they all broke out into fits of laughter, finding it absolutely hilarious at the idea of Seth actually having a REAL girlfriend this time. Emily slapped Sam on his arm playfully for poking fun at Seth, who was currently laughing along with everyone. He didn't seem to be bothered by their teasing.
"To answer your question, Emily," he started, "She's in California, but she's coming to visit pretty soon. So-" he paused, giving us a reassuring smile, "You all will get to meet her." He told us, proudly.
"That's great, Seth! I can't wait to meet her." Emily gushed, smiling happily.
I almost gagged.
"Yeah, just don't hold your breath," Jacob snickered, causing the guys' to almost spit out their drinks, holding back laughter.
"I'll be right back," I told Jacob. I need a damn drink.
I went inside and walked straight into the kitchen, hoping to some sort of alcohol to lighten my mood.
First, it was Paul and that stupid joke he pulled on me earlier that had my mood effed up, now all of a sudden Seth comes back from a short lived trip from California and he has a girlfriend?
How come Leah didn't tell me? I would have at least expected Jacob to tell me. Damn. I feel stupid for feeling hurt over this. It's not like he was my boyfriend or ever going to be for that matter!
This is stupid! I should be happy for him.
I poured myself a tall glass of vodka, adding a splash of cranberry juice. This will definitely give me a buzz. I took a huge drink, liking the way the alcohol burned down my throat.
"Dam, that's strong shit!" I think I need a little more vodka.
I grabbed the vodka, tipping the bottle to pour more into my glass.
"I don't think so." he pulls the bottle out of my grasp and places it back on the counter.
"Hey, come on!" I protested, turning to look at him.
He crossed his arms over his chest, giving me a questioning look.
"What's going on? You're acting a bit off to me?"
SHIT! I MUST PLAY IT COOL!
I shrugged my shoulders, "It's nothing-"
"-Don't even play that with me!" he raised a brow.
I can never get anything passed him!
I sighed, "Look let's talk about it later, k?" I lied, wanting to get Jacob off my back for now. No way, I am really going to tell him what's bothering me.
He eyed me skeptically, before nodding in agreement. "Alright."
Knowing Jacob he won't let this go. I know he'll be asking me in the morning. I just hope I can sum up a good lie to throw him off my back!
I signed mentally "Thanks, friend." I told him, grabbing my drink.
"No drinking!" He scolded, grabbing my cup from me.
BITCH!
"JACOB-COME ON!" I pleaded.
He shook his head. "No way, sista! You and vodka do not mix the last time I checked!"
"Fine..." There is no way I will win with him.
He smiled down at me, "Good. Now, let's go join everyone outside again."
Yeah... not really in the mood for it, bud.
"I think I'm just gonna go home," I decided. I think it's better off if I just leave early.
Jacob's happy face fell after hearing my words.
"What! why?"
BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BE AROUND SETH RIGHT NOW! ... or Paul.
"I gotta open up shop tomorrow, and I don't really wanna stay out too late."
I totally lied.
"I'll open up for you. Come on, just stay with me for a little more longer. All we ever do is run the shop, let's just hang out for a while."
I sighed, By the way, I feel right now I rather just go home and curl into a ball, but that would be way too pathetic on my part.
Plus, I feel like such a Debby downer and I don't wanna be a Debby downer!
"Alright, just let me pee first." I lied, pushing him to leave.
He grins happily, "Alrighty, but if you're not outside in the next 5 minutes I am coming to get yer' ass!" he throws over his shoulder, before walking back outside.
Jacob's right. We haven't really gotten a break all summer and I wouldn't mind just relaxing with everyone like old times.
I nodded, closing my eyes and taking in several deep breaths, trying to collect my thoughts.
Just forget about what happened with Paul and enjoy yourself!
I walked back outside to join the others, feeling much better. I think that swig of vodka helped calm my nerves.
"Hey..." Leah appeared by side, looking and sounding bummed out.
"Where have you been?" We walked over to sit at the table that was now empty.
"Just had to go for a run... Burn off some anger." She shrugged, looking down. I know now's not a good time to ask her what's wrong, considering everyone is too close and will hear-Well, just the guys' will hear.
I nod, understanding and giving her 'we'll talk later face'.
She goes to nod but stops, leaning in, she sniffs, her brows pulling together in confusion.
"I just had a drink of cranberry vodka, not a big deal-"
I did not get a chance to finish due to Leah pulling me up calmly and swiftly pulling me inside without catching anyone's attention. I say nothing, thinking she has something serious to tell me as she drags me upstairs, but judging from the pissed off look on her face something has definitely set her off.
"Leah, wha-" She drags me into her mother's bathroom, shuts the door, locks it. I watch as she pulls out her cellphone and types away angrily, her frame slightly shaking.
What could possibly gotten her so mad-
She holds the phone in front of my face for me to read.
My eyes went wide and my heart fell outta my ass the second I read it.
WHY DO YOU HAVE PAUL'S SCENT ON YOU?!