Hey,

I hope everyone is staying safe and happy! Thank you to those who have favored, followed, and reviewed you are my inspiration, and I appreciate each one of you! Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope you guys liked Chapter 14. Here's Chapter 15. I hope you enjoy it!

I have posted Scarred Angel on Fanfiction, and Archive of our own as well. Enjoy!

Always and Forever,

Ari.

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety, bullying, anger issues, stress, emotional abuse, and negative thoughts.

Disclaimer: I only own my OC's and parts of the plot you do not recognize from the Twilight Saga.

Chapter 15: Finding My Courage

"We are not trapped or locked up in these bones. No, no. We are free to change. And love changes us. And if we can love one another, we can break open the sky."

― Walter Mosley, Blue Light

1:56 p.m. Classroom 9, La Push High, La Push, Washington

I tapped my fingers against the desk, thankful that the day was almost over. I peeked at Embry next to me, seeing him still passed out on our table. Since we had completed our worksheet early, there wasn't any more work for us to do. I glanced around the classroom seeing no eyes directed at me. From what I could hear, nothing was being whispered about me. Instead, I heard whispers about a new junior female student who had made an appearance today. Which had shoved me, thankfully off the gossip column. I found myself empathizing with the new student, and I couldn't imagine starting a new school so late in the year. I picked up my pencil and started to draw Batman symbols on Embry's notebook. I still didn't understand why he like Batman when Superman was way better.

"Pst!"

I glanced up from the doodles, seeing the two girls in front of me, turning to face me. I raised an eyebrow at them, wondering what they wanted. If they ever needed something, they always talked to Embry instead of me. I set my pencil down, waiting for one of them to speak to me directly instead of giggling to each other. They whispered back and forth, glancing at Embry slumbering away. I envied him; I wanted to sleep in class too, but I was too uncomfortable to sleep around strangers. I let out a small sigh, picking my pencil back up since they were too busy giggling.

"Marissa!" The girl who sat directly in front of me, patted my hand, trying to regain my attention. Irritation that I had once been able to keep at bay was now threatening to spill over. It wasn't irritation at her, not knowing my name, since I didn't know hers. It was an irritation that they expected me to wait until their giggles died down.

"Who the hell is, Marissa?" Embry sat up, stretching his arms above his head. I shrugged my shoulders, moving my hand away from the touches, going back to the doodles.

"Your name isn't Marissa," The hand returned, setting itself on my wrist. I breathed in deeply; I didn't particularly appreciate being touched by people I wasn't comfortable with. I glanced at the girl, seeing a small frown on her face.

"No," I moved my hands so that they were settled on my lap. The girl tucked her dark hair behind her ear, setting her hand on my desk. "Did you need something," I asked, wondering why she was so upset. I glanced at Embry from the corner of my eye, seeing him resting his head on his arm and his eyes closed. I could see the dark circles underneath his eyes, and part of me wondered why the tribe needed security so late at night. It seemed to be impacting the guy's sleep schedule.

"Oh, uhm," the girl looked at her friend for help. Her friend shrugged, turning to face the classroom's front, leaving her to struggle with her reasoning on her interruption. The girl eyed Embry, her cheeks coloring slightly as she messed with a folded piece of paper. I realized that she had found her courage to ask Embry out. The past few weeks I'd seen her shy glances towards him, while he remained oblivious. Her eyes met mine, and she held a small piece of paper up in embarrassment. She pointed to the paper and then to Embry's notebook. I opened his notebook, letting her set the paper in it. She smiled in thanks. "What's your name?"

"Laryssa," I sent her a small smile as I readjusted Embry's notebook, so it looked as if it wasn't carrying her number. She mouthed 'thank you' before she turned around and started giggling with her friend again. I'd wished that I had asked what her name was. Embry groaned as he sat up again, leaning sleepily against the brick wall. He scratched his head, letting out a small yawn. He blinked his eyes a few times, sending me a tired smile. "Getting enough rest Em?"

He shook his head, yawning again, causing me to press my palm into my face to stop myself from mirroring him. "Eh." I shook my head, fiddling with my uncomfortable turtle neck. "You're good," He murmured, flipping through his notebook. Stopping at the page with the loose paper that the girl in front of me put in his notebook. I looked at him curiously, wondering how he knew that I was trying to cover my scratches. I had only shown a handful of people, and he hadn't been one of them. There was no way that he saw them since I knew my turtle neck hid them well. Before I could ask how he knew, he asked, "What's this?"

"Dunno," I offered as if I never even helped her put it there, tapping my fingers against the desk, hoping he would put the paperback in the notebook even though I was mildly curious about what it said.

Embry hummed opening the paper, his eyebrows furrowing at whatever was on it. He turned his hand, showing me a piece of paper with a phone number and a lipgloss kiss. Before I could stop my eyes, they darted to the girl who had gone rigid in her seat in front of me. Embry closed the paper, setting it on the table a light blush coating his cheeks. He glanced at the girl, thoughtfully, "Hey, Dani?"

I bit my lip when Dani slowly turned to face him. "Yeah," Her voice sounded soft and hopeful.

I watched Embry stare at her head-on with a hopeful expression for a few seconds before a dejected expression crossed his face. "Did you get the answer to question number three? Laryssa and I don't think we have the right answer."

Dani blinked a few times before nodding. I glanced down at my worksheet, seeing number three's question. It was the most straightforward question on our worksheet."It's Ag. Was that all Embry?"

"Ye...Yeah," His voice caught in his throat. Dani turned around, disappointed at his response. I glanced at him, wondering why he asked that question. Embry shook his head at me, and I didn't push. He must have had his reasons, and I didn't want to make him feel bad. I pulled my bag from the floor, remembering how he said that he was a stress eater. I had half of a chocolate bar left, and chocolate always made me feel at ease. I set it on his desk, sending him a small smile. "Thanks," He sounded dejected, and I hadn't seen him this down since he had stopped talking to Quil. I wondered if he missed him.

"Hey Em," I asked, my voice dropping, hoping that Dani wasn't listening in on our conversation. I didn't want her to get the wrong idea. "Are you busy after school?" Embry shook his head as he broke the chocolate off piece by piece. "Do you wanna be one of my taste testers? I have to make churros for Seth and Jay for their Spanish party next week, and I have to practice." Embry perked up lightly at my offer for food, "Seth and Jay will be there too."

"You don't mind?" I shook my head, gathering my things when the bell rang. Dani and her friend picked their items quickly. Her friend turned to glare at Embry. I shrunk back when she turned her glare to me. "I'll finally get to taste the food Paul, Kim and Jared rave about." I chuckled, ignoring Dani's friend, handing Embry my paper so he could turn it in.

"It's a taste test Em. It might not be good," I offered, thinking about my other foods' multiple trials and errors. I shuttered internally when I thought about the pasta I had handmade. I stood up straighter when I saw Paul waiting outside the classroom. It sucked that he had to work today, and I only got to see him for a few minutes.

"It will be a thousand times better than Paul's food," Embry smirked, turning to his locker. "I'll meet you by your car!"

I shook my head at him, smiling up at Paul. "Your food is seasoned really well." Paul rolled his eyes, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "I'll teach you not to put shells in your eggs." I laughed to myself, hiking my bag on my shoulder.

"Stop kissing up," Paul let out a puff of air. "Call's, gonna be the taste taster?" I nodded, trying to think if I needed anything from my locker. "You promised to save some for me," He reminded, tossing his arm over my shoulder.

"I will! I have a container that has a sticky note that says, 'Paul's do not touch,'" I said, thinking about Embry's weird interaction with Dani. It was like he was looking for something in her eyes.

"Do me a favor," Paul said, leaning down to speak into my ear. I raised an eyebrow at him nodding. "Put the note on yourself."

I stared at him wide-eyed while he cracked up. I put my hand on my mouth, trying to smother the smile. I could feel my body hum with excitement. "Just for that comment, I'm not saving you anything."

"Baby, don't be like that," He laughed, taking my hand in his, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles. "It was right there, and you make the cutest faces when you get flustered." He pressed a kiss to my hand, "I'll behave. Scouts honor."

"You were never a boy scout," I rolled my eyes playfully. "You have one more try, Lahote, to save your snacks." I glanced at the near-empty hall. In just a few months, I wouldn't have to set foot in this school ever again. Paul had gone silent, and I looked back at him.

My eyes darted back to his when his hand cupped my cheek. I could feel the excitement swirl in my stomach. His thumb swiped over my cheek, and my eyes closed at his simple touch. I thought back to the night when he came to see me when Kim slept over. The feel of his hands on my skin made me crave more. I started wondering if I would ever grow used to the feeling of him. "Open your eyes, Laryssa," my eyes opened at his voice, and I realized how close he was to me. "I'll give you my word that I'll behave." I stared into his deep brown eyes, getting lost in them. "Do you believe me?" I nodded, wanting to pull him into me. He grinned at me, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of my lips. I whined at the quick contact, and that caused him to smile even wider. He knew what he did to me. "Later, baby."

I frowned up at him, "I'll hold you to that." I turned away from him, tugging him outside. "Your snacks are safe for now."

"That's not the snack I'm excited for." I paused in my hurry to get out of the building. I faced him, putting a playfully angry face on. Paul laughed, cupping my cheeks again. "That's the last one I promise."

I grabbed his hands, pulling them from my cheeks, "Since you're so excited, don't ya want an early bite?" I laughed when his eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. I waited for his answer, but it seemed like a cat came outta nowhere, catching his tongue. "Shame, I guess you have to wait for later." I stood on my toes, pressing a swift kiss to the corner of his lips just like he had done to me. I let his hands go, and I turned on my heels, smirking to myself. Two can play that game.

I smiled when I heard his footsteps rushing towards me. His warm warms wound themselves around me in a back hug. "Can it be later?" I laughed, shaking my head at him.

4:52 p.m. Inside the Chiago House, La Push, Washington

I stared at the three boys wondering if they liked the cinnamon sugar snack. They each had masks of indifference on their faces. It was like they all silently agreed not to tell me what they thought. I narrowed my eyes at the weakest link, knowing that he would be the first to break at my pleads. "Seth?" He couldn't meet my gaze, as he chewed thoughtfully. "This isn't helping," I let my voice whine slightly, hoping he would crack.

"I like it," He grinned, sending a glare to Jay when he elbowed him. "It tastes good!" I jumped up excited, taking a bite of the fried dough. I chewed thoughtfully, skimming the recipe, wondering what I could add. I didn't like it with just cinnamon and sugar.

"Try it with this," Embry pushed the little bowl filled with chocolate towards me. I pulled out a spoon drizzling the melted chocolate over it. I took another bite chewing slowly. I nodded my head at it. "It's good."

I eyed my silent little brother seeing him setting his half-eaten churro on his plate. "It's soggy. I don't like cinnamon."

"Fair. I can keep it in the oil longer. Okay, well, your party is next week. I can make the churros for Seth and something different for you," Jay shrugged, staring at the table. "Alright, there is a milk cake I could do or flan." He didn't answer me. I paused, unsure what his deal was, deciding just to let him be as I turned my attention to Seth. "You do like the churro's Seth?" He nodded enthusiastically, glancing at Jay.

I caught his gaze, and I knew I didn't imagine Jay's attitude. "Can you two stop glancing at each other like that?" I jumped when Jay slammed his hand on the table. I narrowed my eyes at him, wondering what his problem was. "Seth, my sister, wouldn't dare date you. You're like a freaking puppy. Quit it!"

"Jayden," I snapped, seeing Seth's crestfallen face. Jay's eyes darted to me, and I faltered, seeing anger in his brown orbs. "You need to calm down." He rolled his eyes, pushing himself away from the table so hard the chair fell to the floor. Jayden faced me, his eyes blazing. "Take a walk or go to your room to cool off."

"You're not my mom," He scoffed, leaving the room. I rolled my eyes as I counted mentally in my head to ten. "I'm tired of you trying to act like you are." I winced as the door slammed shut.

"I'm sorry," I apologized to Embry and Seth, willing myself not to feel mortified at my brother's anger. "I don't know what happened." I frowned at Seth's clenched fist. "Seth, I-"

"It's okay, Rys." Seth forced a smile on his face. "It's a silly little crush. I don't want to make you uncomfortable," His hands moved to his lap. "I have a crush on Collin's cousin too," His voice didn't sound upbeat like it usually did.

"You don't have to explain yourself to me," I wanted to reach out and ruffle his hair like I usually did, but I didn't want to embarrass him. "That was a jackass move, and you need to give him hell for that." Seth smiled, slightly shaking his head. I paused when I saw that his smile didn't meet his eyes. "I think Collin's cousin has a crush on you too," I smiled when he looked up at me. I wanted him to smile genuinely. "Tell you what since you're probably feeling vulnerable, I'll tell you something I haven't told anyone and it makes me cringe when I think of it." Embry picked up the fallen chair. "But all of this stays between the three of us," I offered, seeing Seth and Embry nod in agreement. "When I was a freshman, I had a crush on John Gray."

"Really," Seth asked with a wide grin. I nodded, feeling my body start to warm at my admission. It was weird now that I thought about it. "I won't tell anyone. Promise!"

"I know," I reached over, ruffling Seth's hair, stopping when he turned a light pink. "I know this is probably the last thing you want to hear, but I see you as my little brother, I always have. Nothing will change that, okay? I'm not uncomfortable, and I don't want you to be. We can't control how we feel."

Seth nodded, "Thanks, Rys." I nodded, setting the extras in Paul's container and setting the sticky note to the side. "I'm gonna walk home; you'll make the churro's for me?"

"Of course! Here take these, share with your family. Text me when you get home, so I know you made it home safe." Seth took the container, a light pink hue still on his cheeks. I walked him towards the door, taking the umbrella from the stand. "Just in case." I watched him jog down the steps, my blood boiling at the audacity of Jayden. I walked back to the kitchen, seeing Embry messing with his phone. "Sorry about that, Em. I don't know what came over him."

"I get it. Is your brother usually quick to get angry," He asked, getting up to help me clean up the kitchen. I waved him off, but he bumped my hip. "My mom always makes me help clean. It'll feel weird if I don't help you."

I chuckled, pulling down another container. I took some of Paul's churros that I had saved, putting them in the other box. "I should've trained Jayden," I muttered, closing the containers. "No, I don't know what his problem is. I hope Seth gives him hell." Embry clicked his tongue as he started to dry the dishes. "Can I ask you something?" I didn't want to talk about my annoying little brother anymore.

"You just did," He snarked back, laughing when I splashed water on him. "Ask away."

"Were you nervous to ask her out? I mean Dani seemed into you," I saw his hands falter when he dried the bowl. From his reaction, I'd known that I hit the nail on the head. "It's just she seemed into you."

Embry set the bowl down, slinging the dishtowel over his shoulder. "I know she is. When I looked at her, I didn't feel anything." I hummed, wondering what he wanted to feel. I had felt fury and fear when I first looked at Paul. I couldn't help but wonder if he was a hopeless romantic, and he wanted to feel his breath taken away. "I wished I did. Dani's a cool girl."

"What did you want to feel," I inquired, rinsing the last bowl. Dani had been confident, and I loved it. I couldn't imagine feeling so confident to give a cute boy a note with a kiss and my number attached to it. I admired her for going after what she wanted.

Embry grabbed the bowl drying it, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I'm not sure if I can explain it. What did you feel when you saw Paul?" I sensed that he wasn't in the mood to talk about it, so I didn't mind the subject's change.

I drained the water, pursing my lips. "Fury, fear, and... courage," I smirked, thinking back to that day. If only I had known how much of a sweetheart he was, then there wouldn't have been a need to fear him. "To tell you the truth, that was the first time in a long time that I had felt courage." I jumped to sit on the counter. When I was younger, I had been a confident girl. I wasn't afraid to speak my mind. I wasn't scared to be loud. My dad had encouraged it, and he would always say that it was better to speak your mind than bite your tongue. When he died, it was like everything he taught me had died with him. It had felt like I was exposed, and I had no one in my corner anymore. "Embry, you know me. If someone stepped on my artwork, I would apologize, or I would brush it off. But it was different. I guess, in a way, I learned to find the courage I once had." When I saw the ruined portrait, I had felt the confidence I once had for a few seconds. It was almost as if I had my dad beside me again.

"That was unbelievably sappy. I feel like you just shoved syrup down my throat," Embry made a face at me. I scoffed at him, kicking him lightly. I rolled my eyes at him, making fun of me for being sappy, even though he was the one that asked. "You guys are disgustingly cheesy. God, he thinks about you all the time."

I stopped short, raising my eyebrows at him."How do you know what he thinks?"

Embry's eyes widened, and he held his hands up, "speaks. Paul speaks about you all the time. Sorry, I'm exhausted." I got the feeling that he was lying because there was no way that Embry knew what Paul thought. Right on cue, Embry let out the biggest fake yawn. He couldn't fake a yawn since I'd see him yawn so many times in class. "See, tired."

I eyed him, jumping down from the counter. "If you say so crazy. I'll take you home. Here," I grabbed the container. "Share with your mom." Embry nodded, holding his bag. "I should make you walk home for the sappy comment. But, since you liked the churros, I'll take you home."

10:36 p.m. Inside the Chiago House, La Push, Washington

I fiddled with the sticky note, debating whether I wanted to send the pic I had taken earlier. I felt awkward, looking at it. It was a simple picture where my hair in a messy bun actually looked pretty in the photo. The sticky note was resting on my puckered lips as I pretended I was blowing Paul a kiss in the picture. I sighed when I decided not to send it. So much for being confident. It would be better if I just showed it to him, so there was only one copy. I froze when my thumb hit the send button, and I watched in horror as the picture was sent. "No… No…" I smacked my forehead, throwing my body back on the bed. "Shit." I buried my face in my pillow, screaming into it. "He was going to tease me nonstop now." I tossed my pillow to the side, looking at the text, hoping to see the notification message failed to send. I kicked my legs when I saw the word delivered under the photo. "Laryssa, you are an idiot."

I sat up quickly when I saw that the word delivered had changed to read. I froze when the three little dots appeared. Paul had said he would be at work until midnight, and I didn't think that he would be on his phone. I swallowed hard as I watched the three dots eagerly. I tugged my hair out of the bun, freezing when my phone started buzzing. My stomach fluttered in anticipation as I looked at the screen. I frowned when I realized that Billy, not Paul, was calling me.

I hit the green button, "Hi Billy, everything alright?" It wasn't like him to be calling so late. If he needed anything, he usually called after school or on the weekends.

"Where's Jayden," Billy got straight to the point.

My heart stopped at his question. I faltered, remembering hearing the front door and his bedroom door slam earlier around six. "In his room, why?"

"Go check." His command sent fear down my chest. I got up and put the phone on speakerphone, as I padded to his door. I knocked on his door, "Don't knock. Go in!" I opened the door, freezing when his room was empty. "Is he there?"

"No," I gritted out, seeing his window open. "He came home around six. We had an argument, but he came home. His window is open. What's going on?"

"Charlie picked him up for drinking." I muted the phone so that Billy couldn't hear my curses. "Meet me at the station. See you soon." Billy hung up, and all I could see was red.

He knew better. After what dad… "No. Stop." I couldn't go down that road. I sat on his bed, crossing my arms under my collarbone, breathing in deeply as my hands alternated between pats. Once I felt calm enough, I got up, closing his window, and locking it. I had to be rational, and I knew my little brother. He wouldn't drink. "He could've been with friends that were drinking," I said out loud. My brother despised alcohol. I rushed to my room, shimming into jeans, tossing my scarf around my neck, and shoving my feet into my rain boots. I grabbed my jacket scarf, a blanket, and his jacket. I could hear the rain coming down hard, and right now, driving in the rain was going to suck. "Please be okay."

I ran out into the rain, slipping slightly on the wet asphalt. I grunted at the pain stemming from my healing hand as I caught myself by crashing against the car door. I tossed the blanket and his jacket onto the passenger seat. I got in slamming the door with more force than necessary. I fumbled with the keys, ignoring the cold that was seeping into my skin, and I tried not to think of the yelling I was going to get from mom.

11:26 p.m. Forks Police Station, Forks, Washington

I sat in the chair beside Billy, clenching my jaw tightly, so I didn't do any more damage. My eyes shot to the other officers in the building looking at Billy and I. I could see what they thought of us from their eyes. I met one of the older officers' gaze, not daring to back down from his heated stare. He looked away first, glancing at the file in his hand. I got up when Charlie entered the room. He beckoned Billy and me into his small office. I grabbed the handles on the wheelchair, holding onto them tightly as I pushed him forward. We entered the small office, and my eyes immediately were drawn to my little brother, withdrawn into himself. I moved from behind Billy, walking over to him stiffly. Jay wouldn't dare meet my eyes. I let out a deep breath as I kneeled so that I was at his eye level. I set my hands on his knees, silently telling him to look at me.

"Are you okay," I hoped that he remembered the language that we haven't spoken since dad had died.

Jay nodded once, still not daring to meet my gaze. "I didn't do anything."

"I believe you." I put my hands on top of his curled fists, frowning when I realized how cold he was. I took my scarf off, wrapping it around his neck. I set his jacket over his lap, "Put it on." I turned back to Charlie and Billy, speaking quietly. "What is going on?"

Charlie sat himself down heavily in his seat as if the world was suddenly bearing down on his shoulders. "He was rounded up with a few other kids for drinking. Since he's Danny's boy, I called Billy so he won't spend a night in a cell. He'll be let off with a warning, if this happens again I'll have to keep him here."

I clenched my jaw, reminding myself to stay calm. I opened my mouth to tell Charlie what Jay told me. "Drop it." I frowned at Billy, shaking my head. "Pick your battles."

Billy had heard what Jay had said, and I couldn't understand why he wasn't defending him. A cold hand latched on my wrist, and I glanced back to see Jayden shaking his head at me. "The other kids… are they alright?"

"Yes. Unfortunately, this isn't their first offense." Charlie sighed, rubbing his jaw. My heart broke at his words, and it never got easier hearing that. I hated that they were lost at the bottom of the bottle. "I don't want to meet like this again, Jayden. Remember what we talked about."

"It won't happen again, sir," Jayden's voice trembled. "I didn't touch the beer. I was just hanging out with them. I admit I was curious. But I couldn't, I was scared of what would happen if I did." I wanted to pull him closer and shield him from this. It was killing me that I couldn't. He had made a mistake, and he was dealing with the consequences of it.

"I'll hold you to that," Charlie nodded, staring at me. "It's late, and you two should get home."

I stood up from the chair, holding my hand out to Charlie. "Thank you, Chief Swann. It won't happen again."

"I believe it," Charlie sent me a half-smile, squeezing my hand tightly. "Take comfort that he's okay and that this hopefully made him realize he needs to make better decisions."

I nodded, letting go of his hand, turning to Billy. Before I could speak, he grabbed my hand. "Go home. We can talk tomorrow. Get some rest."

I bent down to kiss him on the cheek. I put my arm around Jay's shoulders, guiding him out of the station. I pulled him close when I met the old officer's gaze. From the look of disgust on his face, I could already tell what he was thinking. "Don't look at them," I whispered, shielding him from them. Once we were out of the stuffy building, I felt like I could breathe easier. I pulled him towards the car, stopping to look at him. I put my hands on his cheeks, scanning over him, feeling semi relieved that he was okay physically. I didn't know how he was mentally. "Do you want to talk when we get home?"

Jay nodded, burying his head into my shoulder. "I'm sorry," He sobbed into my jacket. I held him to me tightly, trying to keep him together. "I'm so sorry."

"I know. I've got you," I breathed, rocking Jay back and forth. "I've got you."

12:43 a.m. Chiago Household, La Push, Washington

I turned off the car, thankful that Jay had fallen asleep along the way, and from what I could see, he was sleeping peacefully. It seemed as if his body was just dead tired. I sat quietly for a few minutes, watching the rain splash against the windshield. I was trying to prepare myself mentally for the phone call to mom. I could hear the screams about how her baby boy was in handcuffs and how I had failed him. Her anger wouldn't be misplaced, I had slacked, and if I had just gone into his room to check on him earlier, maybe this wouldn't have happened. I leaned over, shaking him awake.

"Wake up." His eyes shot open, and he sat up quickly, taking in his surroundings. "We can talk about this tomorrow." I got out of the car, feeling the cold rain seep through my clothes.

I trucked to the house, grimacing at the mud on my boots. I listened to the car door close quietly and the squish of his shoes in the mud. I tugged my feet out of my boots, setting them beside the door so I didn't trail in the mud. I busied myself with turning the lights on in the house. I peeled my jacket off, tossing it on the kitchen table. I grabbed a glass from the dish rack, filling it with tap water from the sink. I tapped my nails against the glass, the events finally hitting me, and I felt the weariness start to seep in my bones. "Laryssa."

I set the glass to the side, turning to face Jay. I took in his wet clothes and the lost look on his face. I send him a small smile trying to put him at ease. I could sense his inner turmoil. I walked to him slowly, like as if I made any fast moves he was gonna scare. I unwrapped my scarf from his neck, helping him out of his jacket. Setting his jacket to the side, I put my arm around his damp shoulder, leading him to the restroom. "Shower, and we'll go from there," I said, turning on the water. "Your clothes will be on the sink." I left the restroom, cranking up the heat on the thermostat as I went. I opened his door, grabbing some comfortable clothes for him. It seemed as if the events of what happened were finally hitting him. I let myself back into the restroom, setting his clothes on the sink. I trailed back to his room, fixing his bed and picking up the clothes thrown across the room. I heard the shower stop, and I darted to the linen closet pulling out dad's tattered blanket. I spread it out on his bed, just as he walked in. I glanced at him, seeing water dripping down the sides of his face. "C' mere," I patted the bed, waiting for him to sit down. He sat down, staring blankly at the wall. I grabbed the towel from his chair, working on drying his hair. "Wanna talk about it?"

He shook his head as I dried his hair. It was quiet in the room, and I wasn't sure what he needed. Once I was satisfied with his hair, I patted his cheek gently. I let go of him, tossing the towel over my shoulder. Just as I was about to leave the room, his hand snatched my wrist in a death grip. "Will… Will you stay with me? Like… when we were younger."

"Of course," I laid him down, pulling the blanket up to his chin. "I'll turn the light off." I hit the switch, going back to his bed. I leaned against the wall, setting my hand in his hair. I started humming the lullaby that dad used to sing to us when we had nightmares. I closed my eyes, and I remembered the feel of my dad's hand in my hair as he sang to me after the massive fight with mom. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine." I murmured when I heard his breath start to even out, "you make me happy when skies are gray." I winced when my voice cracked on a few of the words. "You'll always know Jay, how much I love you."

3:23 a.m. Chiago Household, La Push, Washington

I opened my eyes, wincing at the soreness in my neck. I hadn't meant to fall asleep. I stretched, getting up slowly from Jay's bed. I left him room, stubbing my toe on something he had on his floor. I held in my yelp of pain, leaning against the hallway. I rubbed my toe, heading towards the living room to turn the lights off. I opened the front door, checking to see if Jay had locked the screen door. I froze when I saw a large shadow of a bear beside my car. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, looking at my car again only to see nothing there. I frowned when I didn't see anything there. "Jeez, I need to stop scaring myself," I whispered, locking the screen door. I closed the front door making my rounds through the house, checking the locks, and turning the lights off. I stopped at Jay's room, "Bad dreams, go away. Good dreams, here to stay." I whispered the mantra three more times, closing the door to his room. I walked into my room, wincing at the mess. I wanted to clean up, but I was tired, and I still had to make a phone call. I sank onto my bed, pulling out my phone. I perked up slightly when I saw a few messages from Paul.

Paul: DAMN, look at my baby!

Paul: Beautiful! Taking my breath away for the thousandth time.

Paul: Is it later?

I felt like I had sent the photo a lifetime ago. I smiled at Paul's response, "I adore you," I whispered to his text. I hadn't realized how much those three texts would make me feel better. I pushed my hand against my chest, trying to gather my courage. I got up from my bed, walking to my wall of photos, touching my dad's smiling face. "You taught me so much, and I had forgotten it. But I'm remembering, and I'm trying. I'm scared about what I'm about to do, but maybe it's what he needs." I let out a deep breath, dialing my mom's number.

I was interrupting her morning run, and that alone would piss her off. The line clicked over, and my heart almost stopped, "You know better than to call me when I'm running!" I glared at the wall, even though I had expected that reaction, it still disappointed me. God forbid I interrupt one running session. "Hello!"

"Man, you can't ever forget about yourself for one damn minute," I tried to shove the sudden rush of anger down. "You just don't change, do you?" I sank onto my bed, "I'm calling because something happened. Why else would I call at three forty in the morning?" I heard her sharp intake of breath, and I continued before she could stop me. "Jayden was taken in last night because he was hanging around other kids who were drinking. It was around ten-thirty when I got the call from Billy. I didn't know that he snuck out of the house. Charlie let him go with a warning, but that's all I know. I brought him home and stayed with him until he fell asleep."

It was quiet on her end, and I wasn't even sure if she was still on the line. "Is my baby okay," Her voice was soft, and it threw me for a loop. I was expecting anger and yelling.

"I don't know, mom. He experienced this trauma, and you know how the cops are," I murmured, remembering the stare from the working officers. I knew how some of them felt towards us. They didn't see us as anything more than drunks. "He snapped at me earlier for trying to be you."

"Tell me the start of it, Marie. The reason he snapped at you." Her voice was firm, yet soft, and I could no longer hear the background's voices. My heart sped up at the sound of my middle name. She hadn't called me that in years. "Sweetheart?"

I shook myself from my daze, "Jay and Seth had asked me to make something for their Spanish class next Friday. I was testing out how to make churros to see if they would like them. Seth liked them, and Jay didn't. So I offered to make the churro's for Seth and a milk cake or flan for Jay. Then he got upset and outed Seth's crush on me. I told him that he was out of line and to go cool off. He told me to stop acting like you because I wasn't you. Then he left to take a walk. He came back around six, and I was in my room doing my homework. Then Billy called, and you know the rest."

"Okay… Right now, I can't come home. The book tour is going to start. Marie, you're going to have to handle this."

"But mom." The voices in the background came back, and I knew I lost her. I lost the chance of her caring.

"Sweetheart, I'm sorry. I'll be right there Luce," Her voice lost the softness. "Marie, I have to go. I know you can handle this."

I balled my fist, standing up, glaring at the photo that housed her face. "Whatever you say, Grace. It's always about you and what you want or need. Your book will always take precedent above us. I wish Dad were here, so at least we had a parent who cared about us. Just so you know Grace, Jay isn't a little task you can check off. He's your son, he has feelings, and he is crying out for you. He wants his mom. I'm going to do my best to fill the gaping hole that you're leaving, not for you to feel at ease. But for him. Have a nice fucking book tour." I hung up, blocking her number, tearing down the only photo I had of her in my room. My brother mattered more than a book tour, and she couldn't see it. Once my contract ended with her, I was done supporting her dream. I looked at the photo crumbling it.

10:23 a.m. Chiago Household, La Push, Washington

"I met them when I went on my walk. The other kids offered to hang out. I know you wouldn't have let me go since you didn't know who they were, so I snuck out." Jay sat on the couch, holding his mug of hot chocolate closer to his chest. "I know you're upset, but it's not gonna happen again."

"You're right, it's not," I said, setting my mug to the side. "I'm not upset; I'm disappointed. You made a stupid decision, and it could have gone in a worse direction. We live in an area where some of the people are against us." My mind flashed to Nurse Noriss and the multiple people in police uniforms. "Those people are in positions of authority. It shouldn't be that way, but it is. We have to be mindful of what we are doing and who we are with." I watched his face turn downcast. "Jay, I love you so much, and I'm here. But, the sneaking out and the snapping needs to stop. I'm not going to put up with it."

"Okay," He said with a small nod.

"You're grounded. That means no video games, television, and no social media for two weeks. That is your punishment. I'm willing to let you hang out with your friends, but the trust will be completely gone if you mess it up. Also, the chores are shifting to you too. If I cook, you will do the dishes. You will wash your laundry, fold your clothes, and put them away. You will also dust the house and clean the restroom. This is no longer me doing everything, and it's going to be split between us." I watched his fingers tap against his mug and his wince at the new aspect of chores. "Also, Seth deserves an apology. What you said was out of line."

"Okay. How am I supposed to apologize to Seth," Jay huffed, setting his mug down to throw himself back on the couch.

He was so dramatic, but I wasn't going to budge. "I'm sure you'll find a way." I got up, setting my mug in the kitchen. "Alright, I'm going to meet with Billy. Text me if you leave. Please, don't do something to make me start doubting the trust I have with you."

"I won't," He sat up, sending me a small smile. I nodded, setting my hand on his shoulder, pressing a quick kiss to his head.

10:54 a.m. Chiago Driveway, La Push, Washington

"Hey," I smiled into the phone, tapping my fingers against the steering wheel. "You're probably busy. I hope that you got a decent sleep, and you had good dreams. The churros weren't that great, but I know you probably still want to try them. Maybe if you aren't busy later, we can hang out? I'm going to Billy's right now. So, talk to you soon, Babe."

I hung up, starting the car. I pulled out of the driveway, making my way to Billy's. I grimaced at the rain that began to pour. I hummed to myself as I fiddled with the heater. I knew Billy was going to be upset when he found out how I punished Jay. I pulled into the driveway, putting the car in park. I turned in my seat, searching for my spare jacket. I groaned when I couldn't find it. I was going to have to run in the rain, and Billy's house was always freezing. I whined, pushing my face into the steering wheel.

I sat up, getting out of my car, dashing to the front door. I knocked on the door urgently, hoping that he would come to the door quickly. I shuffled uncomfortably when I felt the rain pelt my skin, and it was freezing. After a few minutes, the door finally opened, and I practically threw myself inside. I stumbled into an insanely warm body. I looked up, seeing Jake shirtless, and he felt as warm as Paul. He frowned at me. "Haven't heard of a jacket?"

"I forgot it." I straightened up, brushing the water from my face. "Have a spare towel, by chance. Or a jacket?"

Jake rolled his eyes, turning on his heel. I stood on the small mat, feeling my body start to shiver. I grabbed my hair, pulling it up into a tight bun. I smiled gratefully when Jake came back. I took our old towel and the jacket from Jake, wiping the water from me and shrugging on the jacket. "Jay, okay?" I nodded, letting out a yawn. "Good. I'm heading out, and he's in the living room." I glanced out when I heard the rumble of his truck.

Jake grimaced, and I felt the tension shift into the small space. Jake pushed past me, and he yanked the rickety door open. I grasped his wrist before he went out. "Are you trying to get sick? You don't have a shirt!"

He pulled his hand from my grasp, "I'll be fine." I watched in horror as he walked out into the downpour.

I rubbed my eyes when I saw steam rising from him. I frowned at how impossible it was, "Laryssa!" I ignored Billy's call as I continued to watch Jake. I watched a girl slam their old truck door and stomp towards Jake, calling out frantically. She didn't even seem freaked out from the steam radiating from him. "Laryssa," Billy called again, from behind me. I saw four figures emerge from the treeline. I flinched when a rough hand pulled on my arm. "Come inside."

I looked down at Billy, noticing her wasn't even concerned about his son walking in the rain without a shirt. Or the fact that Jake had steam rising from him. "But..."

"Now, it's cold." He said, closing the door. He wheeled himself back towards the living room. I stayed by the door, watching the girl walk dejectedly to her truck. "Leave her alone."

I rolled my eyes at him, opening the door, grabbing the spare umbrella, and darting towards her. I skidded to a stop beside her as I held the umbrella up, shielding us from the rain. I offered her the towel, waiting for her to take it. She glanced back at the treeline. "You'll get sick, let me walk you back, so you don't get soaked any more," I proposed, glancing at the treeline. I squinted, seeing five shirtless figures, still waiting at the treeline.

"Thanks," She pulled my attention away from the figures. I sent her a small smile as I walked her back to the truck.

"Be careful driving," I eyed her worn tires. They weren't too bad, but she could still hydroplane. The pale girl nodded, getting into her truck. I stepped away, rushing back into the house. I set the umbrella to the side, closing the squeaky door. "Your son can get sick by running around shirtless," I stated, moving to make myself comfortable on the leather recliner.

"He'll be fine. He's a protector… a warrior," Billy dismissed, glancing out the window. "Jayden?"

"He's alright, I grounded him," I pulled Jake's jacket closer to me, wondering why the guys were running around shirtless, it didn't matter if he was a protector. I considered how Paul and the other guys had similar body temperatures. I frowned when I realized that I had seen steam surrounding the guys. They all had buffed up pretty quickly. Embry had been scrawny one day, and then he had been out for a few weeks, and he came back with muscles, short hair, and a warmer body temp. It was like he had changed so much in a short timespan.

"Laryssa," Billy said sharply, withdrawing me from my thoughts.

"Sorry I couldn't sleep last night." It wasn't exactly a lie, more like a half-truth. "What did you say?"

"How did you ground him?" He sent me a look of disapproval, but I couldn't find it in myself to care.

"No TV, social media, or video games for two weeks." I thought it sounded like a pretty good punishment. He was reliant on video games, and that would affect him the most. I wanted to grin slightly when I took his consol out of his room and locked it in my room.

"So, he can still hang out with friends?" I nodded, pushing my sleeve into my mouth to cover my yawn. "No good enough."

I shrugged, I didn't really worry that it wasn't good enough for him. It was a chance for my brother to show that he could be trusted. "Gr- Mom permitted me to handle this. So I'm deciding to trust him. Dad would've done the same thing."

"She's not coming?" I shook my head, wanting to get off the topic of Grace. "I miss Danny if he were here this wouldn't have happened."

"You and me both," I bit my lip, cursing my dad for being so reckless and Grace for being so selfish. "But he's not here, and neither is she. So, it's up to me to be there for Jay." I looked at my shoes. I just wanted to go to sleep. What happened wore me out. "I'm going to go home. I'm beat, and I have a deadline coming up soon."

"Tell Jay I'll be by later to get him. I need his help around the house," Billy set his hand on top of mine. "I'm sorry you have to be a parent to him. It's not fair."

"Life isn't fair," I sent him a half-smile. "We just have to make the best of what's given to us."

"You are your daddy's daughter." I let out a small laugh. Hell yeah, I am. I kissed Billy's cheek. "Get some rest this weekend."

8:49 p.m. Chiago Household, La Push, Washington

I saved the file, stretching my hands above my head. My back was achy, and I couldn't draw my mind away from Paul and the others. Something was going on, and I wasn't sure what it was. Protector. Warrior. The words rang in my ears. Why would the tribe hire teenage boys to be security? It didn't make any sense. What could we possibly need protection from so late at night? My mind flashed back to this morning when I banged my toe. It had felt like a book, and Jay didn't like to read any books besides Dad's journals. I made my way to his room, searching underneath the piles of dirty clothes. I sat on my knees when I found the journal. I brushed the top of the journal, smiling at his pretty handwriting.

"Dad, I think I'm going crazy. I'm entertaining the idea about-" I paused when I heard a knock on the front door. I got up, setting the journal on his dresser, wondering who was coming by so late. I opened the door, seeing Paul smiling at me sheepishly holding boxes of pizza in his hand. I grinned at him, stepping back so he could come in.

"Hey babe," He pressed a kiss to the side of my lips as he walked in. "Jay texted me saying that he wasn't home, but you were working on another deadline, and he told me to bring you food." I shut the door, trailing behind him as he set the pizza's on the counter. "He said that you probably forgot to eat."

He was such a thoughtful little brat. "I'm starving," I murmured, feeling shy when my stomach grumbled. "Thank you."

Paul turned around quickly, pulling me into his arms, brushing his nose against mine. "I missed you."

I shivered at his words, cupping his cheeks. "I missed you too." I stood on my toes, pressing my lips to his. He smiled against my lips, and his arms tightened around me. I pulled back, noticing the dark circles under his eyes. I felt terrible that he had come to see me instead of going to get some rest.

"Don't overthink, I was gonna come see you regardless." He kissed the tip of my nose, letting go of me. "I can see that you are starting to feel bad, but nothing was gonna stop me from coming to see my girl." He turned around, getting two glasses from the cabinet. I looked at the ground, biting my lip to smother the wide grin—my girl. I liked the sound of that. Before I could stop myself, I wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing myself into his back, since I couldn't find the words to express what I was feeling. His hand drifted down to where mine was resting, and he stroked the back of mine lightly.

"Do you wanna have a picnic in the living room," I asked when I felt myself relax as I started to pull back slightly.

Paul's handheld onto mine so that I couldn't pull away from him entirely. "Y...Yeah," His voice hitched. "I'll meet you in there. Want your usual drink?"

I nodded, pressing a quick kiss to his shoulder blade, beaming when I saw his wide grin. I made my way to the living room, pushing the coffee table off to the side. I laid the throw on the floor, turning the lights, so they weren't as harsh. I arranged the pillows on the floor, feeling giddy. I smiled at Paul when he came into the living room, his hands full. I grabbed the pizza from his hands, setting them on the coffee table. He set the drinks down, but he yanked me into his arms before I could sit down. Paul dipped me, pressing his soft lips against mine. My hands wove into his hair as I pulled him closer. His hands splayed over my lower back, and every thought I had left me. It was only him on my mind. He moved back up, pulling back slightly. "Seeing you smile is the best part of my day."

"You make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world." I held him closer to me, resting my head on his heart. I could hear it pound faster. I held in my chuckle when I listened to our stomachs grumble. "Let's eat."

9:33 p.m. Chiago Household, La Push, Washington

I tossed the mushroom at him, cheering when he caught it in his mouth. "What aren't you good at?"

"Singing," He grinned, leaning against the couch as he stared at me. "Cooking. I'm good at everything else."

I rolled my eyes at him, picking the olives off my pizza. "So cocky, Lahote." He smirked at me, drinking his coke. "How was your night?"

"Slow," He shrugged, setting his palm on my leg. "I don't have another evening shift until Thursday and Friday." I nodded, leaning against his leg, feeling the warmth seep through my shirt. I smiled at him, happy that he was going to be able to get some sleep. "What's going through your head, Rys."

"I'm happy that you get to have some good rest," I put my hand on top of his, messing with his fingers' tips. "I worry that you don't get enough rest."

"I don't mean to make you worry," He frowned, taking my hand in his. He measured the size of his hand against mine. His hand dwarfed mine. "But, I'm not taking the five-hour energies anymore."

"I can believe you were drinking so many of them," I thought back to the countless bottles that were on his floor. "The taste didn't bother you?"

"It was nasty, but I needed the energy. I was pulling several late shifts because-" Paul stopped, looking at the door. He paused for a few moments listening to something. I strained my hearing, but I couldn't hear anything besides the brushing a branch against the house. "Sorry, I thought I heard something." He rubbed his eyes, blinking a few times.

"It might just be the branch that I need to trim. Do you want to stay the night here," I asked, shoving down the shy feeling that was beginning to bubble up.

He had stayed overnight with me several times, but I wasn't sure if he would get in trouble with his dad, or if he even wanted too. "Are you okay with it?"

"Of course." Paul grinned at my immediate answer. He pulled me towards him, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as I rested against him, looking at the old paintings strung up proudly on the wall. "What's your most precious memory so far?"

He hummed, shifting so that he was more comfortable. I leaned over, grabbing the spare pillow. I set it behind him, settling back against him when he seemed more relaxed. "Thanks, babe. I have two memories that are precious to me, and I can't just pick one." Paul flexed his hand, "when I was younger, my mom would put me to bed, and she would tell me random stories that involved whatever I was into and whatever I was scared of. Like transformers battling sharks." I grabbed his hand, massaging his palm as I tried to imagine Paul when he was younger, and his mom telling him thrilling stories of his favorite heroes battling his fears. "The other one is when you gave me the painting you made for me."

"I managed to capture you perfectly," I noted, thinking back to when I started painting it. I had stood at the blank canvas for a while as I debated whether I wanted to paint it, and I was thrilled that I decided too. I was semi stunned that the painting was in Paul's top precious memories. "I was so relieved when you told me that you liked it."

"What are yours," Paul questioned, resting his head against mine. I had so many to choose from, and I didn't know what to pick.

"The first important painting that I did. My dad bought it, framed it, and took it to work. One day, I had gone to his work, and I walked into him, praising my art to his coworkers. I was so embarrassed because of how proud he was. But as I look back, that was awesome of him." I laughed, remembering the bear hug he had given me to cheer me up. I felt a small pang of sadness when I realized he would never meet Paul. "The other is how I met you."

"What why," He spluttered out, sitting up to stare at me. "I was an ass to you."

"Not the whole day. You apologized, and I apologized, and you were forgiven, and so was I. But I realized something, when I stood up to you," I trailed off, thinking of my conversation with Em. I faced him, putting my hand on his face when I realized how distraught he was. "That day, I found my hidden courage. You helped me find something that I'd forgotten. I mean, if we didn't meet that way, I would probably still be under Alex's thumb. So the way we met is a precious memory for me. Not only for that but because I met you." I let the words fall from my lips easily. Paul was always the first to initiate being vulnerable, and I think he was starting to rub off on me. I could feel my pulse beating in my ears. "You've become someone very impor... important to me, and I... I just want y...you to know that." I closed my eyes, embarrassed that I was tripping over my words. I slowly started to pull my hand away from his cheek.

His handheld mine fast, "Laryssa, look at me," I opened my eyes slowly, not seeing his distraught face, "you are important to me too. You will never stay under someone's thumb." Paul pulled me closer to him, brushing his fingers against my cheek. "From what I've seen, you face your problems head-on." I pressed my face into his palm, letting out a content sigh. "You're so cute."

"Hush, before you make me blush," I laughed, taking his hand in mine. I looked at our intertwined hands, focusing on how warm he was. "You're really warm... So is Jake. Are you guys sick? Or getting sick?" I felt him tense, and my eyes shot to him. "Oh my god, you are!" I pulled away from him, starting to get up to get a wet cloth.

"Babe... Hold on. C'mere, I'm not sick," He settled me back into his side. "That's something I wanted to talk to you about... Tomorrow."

I peeked at him, "You're not sick?"

"No, I can do a backflip if you want me to," I heard the grin in his voice.

"You just wanna do a backflip... Show off," I breathed in ease, letting him take my hand. "Tomorrow?"

"Yeah," He yawned, leaning his head against mine.

"C'mon," I kissed his cheek, getting up. I held my hands out for him to take. "You can show me your backflip tomorrow." He glowered at me when I wiggled my fingers at him.

Paul took my hands, getting up, so he towered over me. "Teasing me?" I shook my head playfully. "Sure you aren't," Paul grabbed me, slinging me over his shoulder. I giggled when he twirled me around.