Chloe's POV:
After a few days of Quil getting some rest and the remedies from Old Quil kicking in he's back to normal. I've mostly avoided him except for checking in to see how he's feeling. I've spilled my guts to him about my feelings and I wanted to give us both time to think. Maybe I'm holding out for nothing, maybe Quil really is only focused on me now that he's interested. I'm not saying I'm ready to date him, but maybe we can start doing things a little better like going on some friendship dates.
To my dismay Jake is having a little bonfire on the beach today and has invited the whole pack and some old friends from high school. He says he wants things to be like the way they were and he started a new groupchat with all of us in it. I'm hesitant to go, but he invited Bella, so I figured I might as well. I'm not looking forward to it, but I'm not going to be the only one not attending either.
I've put myself together and made sure to bundle up a bit. It's a comfortable temperature out now but as the night goes on it's going to get much cooler out. Since I'm the only one working until 5 today Bella offered to pick me up and go straight to the beach. I carefully close up the library before jogging down to her truck. She too is bundled up in some layers. "Hey." She smiles at me, cranking up the heat a little bit.
I smile, tugging the door closed behind me. "Hey, do I look okay?" I ask, turning to her so she can see my outfit. I'm wearing leggings, a black t-shirt, and a black and white flannel that's unbuttoned, with a black beanie on my head. I have some rings on my fingers and a jacket that I'm holding on to for when it gets cold.
She nods, "You look great, are you nervous?" She asks, turning the car around and heading towards the beach area we normally go to.
I am, very much so nervous. I'm mostly scared to see Kim and I'm almost hoping she doesn't go, but of course she will. Everyone will be there. I feel like the odd one out which really sucks since they've all been my friends my entire life. "A little."
I ease back into my seat, letting Bella distract me with how her night was. She's stopped talking to Edward since she found out about Quil and Rosalie getting into a fight. I told her it wasn't her problem, but she's upset with them. I think I didn't realize at first how dangerous that family was until I saw Quil in such bad pain. It was his fault for crossing the line, but still it didn't need to get so hostile to where he had a broken bone.
The boys have mostly blamed him for it, but I think they just forget Quil has feelings too. He was hurt and they ragged on him about crossing the boundary instead of focusing on his pain. It pisses me off. Everyone thinks Quil can just take their shit because he "doesn't care" but he does care, he cares too much. He cared when they teased him about his body in middle school, and he cares now. They're not great friends to him and I want to see him stand up for himself.
We arrive at the beach and Bella parks in the parking lot which already has plenty of cars occupying it. This part of the beach is mostly deserted from other people, the more popular parts of the beach are further down. This is a small bit, surrounded by large cliffs and rocks. I suppress a groan as I jump out of the car, falling in line with Bella as we approach everyone.
The entire pack is here so far, including some imprints, and old friends. I take notice of Kim right away who's pressed into Jared's side as they sit on a log by the fire. Her eyes remain on the flame, looking almost upset. I scan the rest of the beach to see some of the boys, including Quil, play a game of soccer. There's a small group of five girls standing nearby in a circle, talking and laughing. I recognize them, most of them are still in high school, but they would come around a lot. One face stands out, Whitney. My stomach churns with the site of her. Quil used to be obsessed with her, as most of the guys in our group did. She's beautiful and popular around here. She has black straight hair, blue eyes, and sunkissed skin. She's thin but has an impressive chest and butt, which makes her a huge commodity.
I don't know the details of who she's gotten with, but I know Quil wanted her growing up. She was never interested though. Still, I feel a burning hate towards her.
Ashley, one of the girls in the group, spots me and smiles. They wave us over and I smile back. Ashley and I were good friends in high school, we had a lot of classes together. She's nice and normal, unlike Whitney who can be quite the bitch. I'm pissed someone invited her here.
"Chloe hey!" Ashley pulls me into a side hug. "I miss having you in class, it's so boring without you guys around." She insists, pulling away from me. "How have you been? What are you doing these days?"
I wish I could say I'm doing something amazing and exciting, but I'm not. My life is rather boring, but I can't say I dislike that. "I'm working full time at the library with Mrs. Lisa."
"Oh that's so nice, I love Mrs. Lisa, is she doing okay?"
I nod, "Yeah she's doing great, she's full of energy."
"Did you move out or are you saving money?"
"I moved out yeah, I like with Quil and Embry actually." I smile. I'm proud of at least one thing, I moved out of my dads house. It's a small step, but for me I feel proud of it. It's one step closer to acting like an adult.
Her eyes shine with excitement. "Oh my god that's so fun! I can't wait to graduate so I can move out." She goes on to ask me about rent money and where to find cheap houses around here. Bella gets into a conversation with Liza and Quinn, two other girls I had some classes with. I notice Whitney and Sarah walk away at some point, and I feel better already. Maybe they'll leave.
"You should come over sometime." I say to Ashley. "We can do a girls night." I didn't think to stay in close touch with the girls I went to high school with, but maybe I should now. They're actually pretty cool, we just rarely hung out one on one outside of school. I can use all the girl friends I can get, clearly.
My eyes peak over at Kim and she remains in the same position. Guilt rises in me at the site of her alone with Jared. I meet Jared's eyes and they seem almost pleading. Maybe I am the asshole in this situation. I'm sort of leaving Kim out and that's not fair of me. She clearly has been alone all this time too.
"I'd love that, I miss you." Ashley smiles kindly.
"I miss you too, hey can we go sit by the fire? I'm chilly." I lie, pointing at the large fire. We all walk over together and take seats around the flames. The boys always do get an impressive fire going. Kim shifts in her seat, looking a little stiff with our presence.
"How have you been Kim?" Ashley looks over at her.
Kim clears her throat, sitting up a little straighter. Her eyes flash to mine for a split second before returning to Ashley's. "I've been okay." She nods, speaking quietly. "How's school going?" I zone out of their conversation, absently looking for Quil. He and Embry are embracing after a win for their team and I find myself smiling at him. I quickly drop my face and turn back to the group. A car door slams shut and I peak up over Bella's head to see a few guys approaching us.
Brady, Collin, Parker, and Ryan. They're all also in the grade lower than us and good friends with Seth Clearwater, who hasn't yet phased. I realize he and Leah are both not hear, but since Sam and Emily are, I can imagine that's why. Poor Seth, still being outcasted by his friends.
Ryan's eyes meet mine and I look away. Ryan's a cute guy and for a small period of time I had a crush on him senior year. He's really friendly and easy to talk to, but he's been single most of his life, despite plenty of girls thinking he's adorable. Now, I feel nothing for Ryan. Nothing at all. It's the same with the waiter from this past week, guys just don't phase me anymore, all except Quil of course.
The boys come and greet everyone, taking seats around the fire. Ryan takes a seat on the log next to mine, smiling over at me. "Hey Chloe, I haven't seen you around in a while."
I smile at him. "Hey, yeah I've just been busy with work. How are things with you?"
He shrugs, running a hand through his hair. "Eh, fine I guess. I already miss the summer weather."
The night goes on and I still haven't spoken to Kim yet. She's looking a little better now and plenty of people are striking up conversations with her. I keep meeting Jared's eyes, as if he's silently begging me to patch things over with her. No matter how I try to avoid him, it's like he's always looking at me. Ryan has also decided to chat with me this whole time, talking about school, work, and anything else really. The boys have stopped playing soccer and Emily has passed out plenty of food, which I happily accepted.
I finish my hotdog and crumble up my napkin, walking over to the garbage can on the far side of the beach. It's sunset now, but dark is coming quickly. The days are already feeling shorter and the weather is getting nippy. I toss away the garbage, wrapping my arms around myself for warmth. I think being tucked into Jared's side must be warm for Kim, I almost wish I could be doing that with Quil.
"Hey Chloe, I wanted to ask you something but I didn't want to say it in front of everyone else." Ryan comes up behind me, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Oh are you cold? Here." He pulls off his jacket, handing it over to me.
"Oh no I'm fine-"
He just shakes his head. "Take it, no big deal." He smiles kindly. He's such a nice person.
I smile and thank him, pulling his jacket on. It's comfortably warm and oversized on me. "So what did you want to ask me?"
He looks nervous now, glancing back at the crowd on the beach. "I really hope I'm not going to make you uncomfortable or overstep, but I wanted to know if you're single?" My eyes bulge a little out of shock. Wow, he's interested in me? "Not for me! For Brady." He motions to his friend who's sitting next to Collin, messing around with their food. Oh.
"Oh, actually I'm kind of in..a situation with Quil." Maybe I am, maybe I'm not, but Brady is a no from me.
"Quil?" He asks, sounding genuinely surprised. We both scan the beach for Quil and my heart sinks when I find Whitney laughing at one of his jokes, placing an hand on his arm, moving closer to him. My face goes slack and instantly I feel a rush of emotions. "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know." He says, sounding a bit awkward. "How's that been?"
I shrug a little, instantly wanting to just go home and scream into my pillow about how much I hate being attached to Quil. Just when I thought I was getting somewhere with him..he can't seem to keep his dick in his pants. Asshole.
"Eh, it's Quil so." I say dryly.
Ryan nods, rubbing his hands together. "Can I ask you something else? Is um, is Embry single?"
I nod, "Oh yeah he's single, why?" What is Ryan, a damn match maker?
He seems to get a little uncomfortable now, shifting his weight. "I'm..gay." He laughs a little at himself. "I've recently come out, but yeah. I was just wondering, I'm sure he's straight..I just think he's cute." He smiles a little.
My mouth drops a little and nervously laugh a bit before covering my mouth with my hands. Did I just laugh at a guy coming out to me? Oh god this looks horrible. "Oh god, I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at you or you being gay, I'm just shocked. I liked you in high school, so I think it's a little funny that I never caught on to that..oh I'm sorry please don't be offended-"
His lips curl into a smile as he laughs, shaking head. "Oh my god, don't be sorry. I hid it really well. I'm flattered you liked me." He laughs, patting my arm.
"That's so sweet though, Embry's a great guy. I'm not so sure if he's into guys, but I know he's single and not interested in anyone right now." I answer honestly. Now thinking about it I have no clue about Embry's preferences or dating life. He's quiet about stuff like that, he's so shy. "I can feel it out for you and let you know?"
He nods his head, smiling. "Yeah thanks Chloe, that'd be great. And I hope things with you and Quil go good, I didn't know you weren't into bad boys." He jokes, slinging an arm around my shoulder, walking me back to the bonfire.
Ah, I didn't know I liked bad boys either. I'm actually pretty sure I don't. I like nice boys, boys like Ryan, minus him being gay. I don't like feeling jealous of Whitney and Quil. I want someone who I know only has eyes for me. If I can't even find guys attractive anymore outside of Quil then why does he still like Whitney? Do I have stronger feelings for him than he does for me.
Ryan takes his seat back at the bonfire but I remain standing. I want to leave. I want to leave so badly. I find Bella and Jake in a deep conversation, walking down the beach together. Well I don't want to interrupt them, especially since I know Jake likes her. I turn on my heel, not sure where to wander off to, but not wanting to be here.
I walk away from the crowd, hugging Ryan's jacket closer to me. I make it a few feet away when someone reaches out, touching my arm. I look up to see Kim, with a worried look on her face. "Are you alright? You look upset?" She asks me. It's the first thing she's said to me in months. She seems genuinely concerned and wants to help me.
Letting go of my anger and grudge, I look back at her. "Quil." I say in a quiet voice. I watch her gaze leave mine and search for Quil, who's still chatting with Whitney and now Sarah too.
"I see." She says, "Want to get out of here?" I shrug a little. "Come on, you can text Bella that you're going with me." She suggests, tugging my arm gently towards the parking lot area. I say nothing as I follow her lead, letting her take me to her old SUV. I don't bother to glance back at the crowd, I have no energy for these people right now. I feel warn out and frustrated.
I silently pile into Kim's passenger seat, waiting for her to start up the heat. She starts up the car in silence, lowering the radio a bit, but she doesn't talk. We drive back, headed towards my apartment. I keep my eyes forward, but what I want to do is look over at Kim and see how much she's changed. It's been so long.
"Do you um." She pulls me out of my thoughts. "Do you wanna go home or are you hungry?" She asks softly, chewing on her lip.
"I'm hungry." I answer. Kim and I spent a lot of time going on long drives and getting food together. Anytime she was supposed to drive me home we wandered around the town instead, listening to the radio or just ranting about something. Her lips curl up a little as she misses the turn to head to my road, instead leading us into town. I quickly text Bella that I've left and don't need a ride, before stuffing my phone into my coat pocket. I'll have to remember to return this to Ryan soon.
Without anything being said Kim knows to go to burger king, our favorite fast food place around here. She pulls into the drive thru, leaning closer to her window. She orders us both our meals, not needing to ask me what I want, she already knows. We get our food and she parks us in their parking lot. "So, what's up with Quil?" She asks, popping a fry into her mouth.
I sigh, stretching out my legs. "He was flirting with Whitney." I say her name in a disgusted voice. Kim and I already have distaste for her, so she knows how I'm feeling about this.
"Should we kill her?" Kim asks, with a flat voice. I try to suppress a giggle but I fail. Kim starts giggling with me before we're both full out laughing. My stomach hurts from laughing so hard, but I can't seem to calm down. Moments pass and finally we're both just heavily breathing, trying to catch our breaths to stop laughing. "Chloe..I'm sorry." She says after calm down. I turn to look at her and her face has gone from laughing to upset. "I fucked up. I should never have handled things the way I did, but I've never held a secret from you before. I was scared that I was going to involve you in this shitty supernatural life against your will. Still, I have regretted it ever since I did it, but it felt too late to fix things. Then when I heard about you and Quil..it felt too late." She admits, playing with her fingers.
I sigh, nodding my head. "I was really confused and really sad for a long time. You were my best friend and I never thought you'd stop talking to me overnight like that."
"I know. I was so shitty to you, but don't think I didn't regret it. I've been miserable for months." She says, putting a hand to her chest. "I cried all the time and Jared was the only person I had. I hardly left my house..all I wanted was to be with you." She says, her voice cracking on her last word.
Sympathy bubbles inside of me. "I forgive you." And I mean it.
She looks shocked and hesitant. "You do? But I-"
"It sucked for both of us." I shake my head. "I get that you wanted to protect me, just please never do that again, okay? I miss you and I need you."
She pulls me into a tight hug, probably one of five hugs between us ever. I hold onto her tightly, instantly feeling a weight lift off of my shoulders. Kim's one of those friends you have for life. We've been through so much together and I love her to death, even if she made me upset. I'm willing to let go of all of that now.
We pull away and she gives me a look. "Now, Quil. How do you feel about him, besides tonight?" She raises an eyebrow.
I shake my head, smiling. "I just can't believe Quil is my soulmate." We laugh again. "Quil." I repeat.
She shakes her head. "Dude, I was shocked to hear that. What it been like?"
I snort. "So weird."
"Well have you guys accepted it?" She nudges my arm, popping a fry into her mouth. "Or are you taking things slow?"
"I haven't accepted it no, we're kind of taking things slow..but sometimes things get out of hand." I blush a little bit just thinking about it.
"Oh my god are you blushing? Tell me everything!" She squeaks.