Photo-hog
The clanging of rain hitting the hood filled the truck as we drove down the one-oh-one.
My arms were folded over my chest as I leaned back in the passenger seat, staring out into the darkness, trying my best not to think of anything. He had one hand on the wheel, the other holding a burger that he quietly chewed on, watching as he drove us down the shadowy highway. My eyes were heavy despite my best efforts to stay awake, the truck occasionally filling with light as we passed by the scarce streetlight, making them shoot back open.
We were on mute. One that had turned on the second we left the restaurant. I could tell he wanted to say something, but if he did, he would be acknowledging what had happened just an hour before, and both he and I didn't want this. So we settled for silence. One that seemed to be filling up the void in the truck, slowly but surely drowning us from the inside out.
There was a contradiction. An inconsistency playing in my mind, eating away at me as I tried to figure out what exactly I was feeling, and what feelings were strongest.
I felt safe with Paul.
A sentence I could repeat over and over in my head and know it was true, but as the memories of the night kept replaying, the terror in my mind wouldn't disperse, and what was worse is that I couldn't tell if I was scared of the bikers or scared of him. A contradiction that I wasn't able to figure out even when I looked across to watch his mellowed out face. Something about him kept luring me in. Some untapped feeling, and yet the cautiousness in me kept telling me to be scared—be petrified as to what I've seen. An emotion I had never felt with Paul. But of course, Paul was no Medusa. I've known him my whole life, and I know in the drop of a hat he would come to my rescue even if I didn't deserve one. That's how selfless he was. And yet I sat there, questioning if I was scared.
A shiver went down my spine as I realized how cool it was in the truck. I didn't bother to turn up the heat, as I knew that even with how little was coming out, it was on full blast. Old trucks may drive good, but they definitely lacked in the heating department.
"Over a hundred degrees over here." Paul spoke in a whisper.
I hesitated, remembering that Paul himself was a living radiator. I gave it some thought before quickly unbuckling my seat belt and shifting over to the middle seat. Clicking back in, I then eagerly pressed my body into the side of his, feeling the heat overtake in a blanket of warmth.
I sighed as I felt Paul leaned his head onto mine while wrapping an arm around me.
The position we were both in probably looked strange to anyone but us, as it probably looked somewhat too close for friends. It was understandable, but I had always been able to do things like this with Paul. It's just how our friendship worked.
My eyelids began to ignore the occasional glare of the passing lights, as they soon came to a final shut.
I saw a forest. One that was tightly packed with trees and shrubs everywhere you looked. There was one opening—almost unnoticeable, but became visible as he walked into view. His dark hair and beautiful russet skin was shining. The blazing orange sun washed across the sky, bathing the earth in a fiery red hue. His eyes mimicked, turning deep red and threatening. He was holding something. Something dark and large, with fur like an animal, but only a piece, as the red liquid started dripping down from the bottom. His hand slowly rotated to reveal his prize.
It was wolf head—the wolf's head.
I felt myself gasp.
"I only wanted to protect you." His voice; so flat and emotionless.
The glow of red started to fade, and I looked up to see the orange sun hide itself behind the blackened moon. An eclipse was coming…. I looked back down to see him, his face no longer neutral, as he was now fearful, his mouth forming words.
"RUN!" His voice cried.
A snarl met my ears, and I knew what was about to happen. I remained stationary, knowing full well there was no escape. He ran towards me, screeching and begging me to move, but I couldn't. I was unable to defend myself from the attacker. I looked over my shoulder to see it, hiding in the woods. It sprung, and as I was about to brace myself for impact, he jumped in front of me, and my heart dropped.
My arms acted like a spring as I shot up, gasping for air. Rapidly looking to either side of me, I took in my surroundings, quickly realising I was in my room alone. My stomach grumbled, and I slap a hand onto my mouth, realising what was about to happen. Hopping onto my feet, I half-staggered, half-sprinted out of the room, my feet slamming into the ground with each step. I shoved the door to the bathroom open as I jumped to the toilet, skidding on my knees as I was half way across. The bile practically poured out of me. Moments passed until I was able to finally catch my breath before I let out another spew of toxins as my body shuttered from the abruptness. My head began hammering with pain as I tried my best to keep a steady grip on the toilet as I released the contents of the meal from hours ago, my shaking arms threatening to collapse at any second.
After coughing up a bit more, the nausea seemed to calm, and I was left there lying in front of the toilet seat, feeling as though I was unable to move.
I noticed a pair of feet in the doorway as I looked up to see my mother, her face full of worry.
"Are you okay, dear?"
I only grumbled out a response, leaning back onto the bathtub as I felt my eyes become heavy again.
"Oh no, you aren't sleeping here mister." Walking over, she put an arm under me while attempting to lift me up. I complied as I put an arm over her shoulders as she led me back to my room. Dropping me onto the bed, she hauled the blankets over me before quickly walking out of the room, only to return with a bucket in hand.
"Just in case."
Placing it next to my bed, she then planted a kiss on my forehead and left the room; I drifting from consciousness seconds later.
I had woken up many times during the night to gag into the bucket, and before long the morning had already dawned. Waking up to the glaring sun made my head spin, as I was still a bit nauseous. My mother let me have the day off just in case, and had called the school to excuse my absence, to which I was entirely grateful, as throwing up in the middle of a classroom would probably be one of the most embarrassing things to happen to me in my life.
It was ten am, and I was sitting on the couch, watching CNN as I chowed down on a hefty breakfast that my mother made me. My hand reached over to haul out a piece of tissue from the box next to me as I wiped my nose for the hundredth time that morning.
I had the flu, no doubt about that. Hadn't the clue as to how I contracted it though. The only thing I could have guessed was that some sick worker had sneezed in my food last night and served it to me anyways. While it did suck, I wouldn't complain about having an entire day of relax and do absolutely nothing.
"Seth!" My mother called as she walked into the room. I shifted my gaze to her, watching as she threw a jacket around herself. "I have to go in to work. The shop just called and someone is out, so I need to cover their shift, so I need to take your truck."
"Oh, yeah that's fine." I said, picking up a strip of bacon.
"Now if you need to call me at all, the number to the shop is on the fridge and-"
"Mom, I'll be fine." I assured.
My mother wasn't exactly the most carefree person, and while it did have it's… disadvantages, it did show how much she really cared.
"….Okay." She said, opening up the front door only to look back at me. "I called someone to come over and watch you just in case."
I practically choked.
"W-what?"
"I hope you feel better sweetie, I love you!" She quickly shouted before running out the door. I sat there, wide-eyed and horrified as I wondered who she could have called to see me in the unfit state I was in.
My thoughts were soon answered as minutes later the door clicked open, to which a face peaked their head in.
"Seeeth."
My only response was to let out the loudest groan my mucus-filled throat could handle.
Yes, Sue Clearwater was an unbelievable worrywart, but she had absolutely nothing on Paul Lahote. For years, anytime I was sick, Paul practically wouldn't leave my side no matter what. It had always bugged me to no end, but a little part of me did enjoy the attention.
The boy, quickly closed the door behind him before taking off his shoes and sprinting over to the couch like a child, jumping on it and embracing me into a one armed hug.
"Caught the flu, huh?" He gave me his cocky grin, and I only grumbled at him with a soured face. "Aw, don't be like that." He said, grabbing some of my blankets to put over him. Picking up the remote on the coffee table, he looked down at me. "You mind?" He whispered, his warm breath hitting my face.
"Oh be my guess. In fact, since you've already stolen my blankets and my TV, why don't you also steal some of my food." It would've taken the densest person not to pick up on the sarcasm in my voice.
"Don't mind if I do!"
He snatched the plate from my hands, picking up every strip of bacon and dropping it into his mouth, swallowing it all without so much as a chew. He looked back down to me, and while I couldn't tell if my face was annoyed or shocked, Paul seemed to find it hilarious.
"That was delicious! I'm gonna make myself some more, you want?"
"Considering you just ate half of mine in less than a second; yes, yes I would."
His vivid smile never left his face as he hopped up from the couch and sauntered into the kitchen. I was alone again, and my sluggishness protested me from following Paul into the kitchen, so I settled for leaning my head back onto the couch and resting my eyes as I listened to the sounds of sports casters talking about some amazing football game on the TV. Such peace didn't last long though, as Paul was soon calling out to me for assistance. With all my strength, I pushed myself up from the comfy resting spot, feeling as the cool air touch my boiling skin. Gabbing the blanket, I flung it around me like a cloak and shuffled my way across the room.
Paul caught sight of my red-nosed and grouchy self, and he just gave an apologetic smile.
"I dunno how to cook eggs." He said with a shrug.
I looked over to the plate next to the stove, seeing stacks and stacks of bacon strips, each one completely burnt to a crisp.
"You don't know how to cook bacon either."
He gave me a mock-offended look.
"Hey, I just so happen to love 'em like this." He picked up a strip, putting it between his teeth and cracking down on it, making the loudest possible crunch.
I rolled my eyes before picking up a spatula and making my way over to him. I stood a little to close to the stove as I began flipping the eggs, feeling as the soothing heat hit me. Soon, I found big arms wrap around me and the blanket, while Paul leaned his chin onto my shoulder to watch me cook. His eyes were closed as he hummed a melody that sounded like a folk song we grew up listening to, rocking us back and forth on our feet.
I couldn't explain it, but at that moment, I felt my heart give the ever so slight flutter. I relaxed into his arms as my droopy gaze stayed on the pan. I looked to the side, seeing Paul's mellowed out face inches from mine. He looks so peaceful. He looked like the person I knew all my life, not the one who had erratic fits of outrage, and not like the one who hurt me so bad that I hadn't been the same since.
He just looked like Paul. The guy who cracked jokes in the most intense situations to calm everyone down. The guy who once carried me in his arms for six miles down a hiking trail after I had sprained my ankle and he refused to let me walk. The person I loved most in this world.
His eyes fluttered open. His face became intense as he caught glimpse of me staring. Something so unexplainable yet undeniable was writing on his face. Pain? Fondness? Affection? I couldn't tell. He maneuvered himself so he was completely facing me while still holding me in an embrace. His warm breath hit my face and I almost felt dizzy. My whole body was hot.
He leaned in. Closer and closer, until finally there was no longer a gap, and his soft lips were firmly pressed against mine.
Seconds. Minutes. Hours? I couldn't tell how much time passed, my mind only registering the fact that Paul was kissing me. He's kissing me… Why? And I was kissing back… Why is this happening? I couldn't comprehend it, and what made my already confused self even more bewildered was that I liked it. I liked it so much that I kept kissing him, again and again until we were in a heated make out session, with his strong arms wrapped tightly around my back, keeping me in place as my hands were tangled in his hair.
Then all to quickly, I realized what was going on and I went ridged.
My eyes opened, and I was no longer in the kitchen. Instead, was met with the sight of my dull, pasty white ceiling. At that moment, if I had been physically capable, I would have tore that roof off out from over me and created a pyre for me to jump in.
"What the hell…" My hand reached towards my forehead. I was no longer sick, but I was sweating. Slowly, I sat up from my bed to check the time.
8:00 AM
"Oh shit!" I sprung to my feet, balancing myself before taking sprint to my closet to find anything decent. I settled with a light gray hoodie and jeans before taking off down the stairs.
"Seth, is that you?" My mother called out. "You feeling better?"
"Yeah, completely better. I'll see you later!"
I tore my jacket off the rack while grabbing my keys.
"Make sure you're not home too late! We're going over to Billy Black's tonight for dinner."
"Yeah, yeah, promise."
It had snowed again. I quickly found that out after I raced down the few steps of the porch only to slip and fall straight on my butt.
"….Ow." I groaned, stiffly stepping back up and wiping the snow of me.
"You alright, kid?"
I looked over to my father to see him standing by the garage, fiddling with the rifle in his hands.
"I'll live." I responded, quickly scuffling over toward my truck.
"Have fun in school." He called out, to which I waved in response.
The truck started with a low and steady rumble. I turned the dials on the heat, making sure they were on full blast before tossing my jacket and bag onto the passenger seat. My eye then quickly caught something. Looking down at my chest – or rather my neck, I saw what looked to be a necklace. It reminded me of the ones that we were taught to make as kids, and my assumptions were correct as I held in my hands what was a little carving of a tiny bear.
It was Paul's. Why do I have his necklace?
Paul…. Oh god. My hands slapped my face as the memories of the dream quickly rushed back to me. I felt the tingling creep of blood rushing to my face as I vividly remembered everything that happened.
"It was so real…. Jeez, why the hell would I dream something like that." I whispered.
Paul was my…. I sighed. Paul was my best friend. I couldn't be having these thoughts. God only knows what Paul would say if he knew about it.
I wasn't attracted to him. I wasn't. It would be impossible. Yet as I kept telling myself this, the memories from the dream refused to leave my mind, and I couldn't help but think what if. I drove to school, my mind whirling with crazy thoughts and scenarios on him, each one I quickly shut out as I tried my best to focus on the road.
My first class, photography, was a good distraction from my pondering. Angela was as kind as always. She helped me with some problems I was having on a worksheet that was passed out to the class. We had to analyze pictures and explain in detail on what technique was used in order to capture the essence of the picture, such as focal point and motion blur along with a bunch of other stuff that I had problems with memorizing. As the bell rang and everybody began packing up their things, Ms. Cherny reminded everyone that the pictures for the assignment that was passed out a few weeks ago were due on Friday, which I had idiotically forgot about, as I had been too distracted with the whole Paul fiasco.
Definitely going to have to take some after school.
I sat in my truck for lunch which was dull. Angela and Ben had both sat at a table with their other friends, and at that moment I didn't have the energy to introduce myself to new people. The radio played what I think was Simon and Garfunkel, and I sat back and listened to the steady beats, trying to ignore my grumbling stomach. I had forgot to bring my wallet with me, so I didn't even have the cash to buy anything.
At least it was peaceful.
An abrupt bang hit my ears, and the car shook for a moment. I had made a noise between a groan and a gasp as I turned my head to see what had hit me.
Who, I should have said. I stared out the back window to see Paul grinning like a mad man. He then hopped over the side of the truck to the driver's side door, only to open it, letting all the warm air blow out through to be replaced by the cold. He hopped up on the step and got right up in my face.
"Smooch, please."
I stared back in shock.
Did he just ask me to kiss him? He wants me to kiss him?
"W-what…. What…. What?" My mind had ceased to work.
He gave me a questioned look. "I said scooch, as in scooch over?"
"Oh!" I said with a bit more surprise than needed, scuffling over to the passenger side. "What are you doing here…." My voice dropped off as I began to take Paul in.
He was shirtless – or really naked if I would call it anything. All he was wearing was a pair of denim shorts that had a ragged look to them. He looked…. Unbelievably gorgeous. His entire body was toned, which surprised me, as last summer when we had gone swimming, he only just had a bit of muscle. But now…. Now he was jacked. It wouldn't have surprised me if someone was quite literally able use his abs as a washboard for Pete's sake. Paul was saying something, but I couldn't even think to pay, my attention too focused downwards to the 'v' shape that seemed to emerge just above….
"You liking what you see?"
My gaze shot back up to Paul, as I saw him wiggling his eyebrows with an almost suggestive look on his face, along with something else I couldn't quite describe.
"N-no! I…. I um…."
Paul's heartily laugh echoed through the car.
"Seth, you are too cute sometimes." He shook his head. My already reddened face turned a shade darker.
"How did you even get here…. And why are you here? And why the hell are you practically naked?"
"So many questions so early in the morning, eh Sherlock?"
I simply gave him a meaningful glare.
"It's twelve-thirty."
"Well I just woke up thirty minutes ago, so it's still morning for me, little pup."
"Well that doesn't answer my questions." I sighed.
"Oh! Oh! If you're Sherlock, can I be Watson!"
He's dodging the question.
"What?"
"Or I can be Mary, Sherlock's beautiful wife." He bat his eyes, holding both hands together as he tried his poor attempt to 'woo' me.
"You are absurd, and I gotta get to class." I said, putting my hand onto the handle.
"No, wait wait wait." He said pulling me back in from the half opened door. "Let's go on an adventure!"
"What? I have school, and besides we went on one last night."
"This'll be part two! I've already asked you're mother and she said it was okay!"
I was definitely not convinced.
"You're telling me Sue Clearwater gave me permission to skip half a day of school…." It was more of a statement than a question.
"….Okay fine I didn't ask, but I'll take the blame! Oh pleeeeeeeeease Seeeeeethy! If we don't, I'm going to be so bored."
"Ugh, fine, fine." I said closing the door again. "Where are we even going?"
"That's up to you, my faithful companion." He gave me a smirk before turning the truck completely on from battery power. My stomach rumbled loudly and his smile only got wider.
"I guess that answers that." He swiftly spun the truck out of the lot.
Paul took us to some restaurant-café place, but not before going home to change into something presentable.
"I'll have three quarter-pounder burgers, two large fries and a large coke."
"For the both of you?" The waiter questioned.
"No, what are you gonna get, Seth?" Paul asked me, clearly oblivious to the astonished look the waiter was giving him. I stifled a laugh.
"I'll just have one of everything he's having, thanks."
"O-of course…. Right away." The man walked away, but not before giving us one last glance.
"Ya know, I've been meaning to ask what it's like to have the stomach of three full grown men."
Paul once again gave me one of his radiant smiles, and I couldn't help but be disappointed when it went away.
Oh god, stop this, Seth! Why was I all of a sudden thinking of Paul in this way? What had changed? Nothing felt like it made sense as I knew I was becoming more and more attracted to the boy sitting across from me. It's all because of that dream…. Maybe it was my subconscious telling me that it just wants romance again, and it's picking Paul because he's the only one I've been with the past two days. Whatever it was, I needed to act on it fast before I got too desperate and ended up making a move on my best friend.
I have to get my mind off this.
I glanced around. The café was actually quite nice. It had an almost cabin feel to it, making it cozy while still keeping up to a more modern look. The food arrived shortly, and I could honestly tell who was most excited for this meal, as I looked towards Paul wearing the face of someone who had just won a million dollars. With the first bite of his burger, he ate half of it, swallowing without even so much as chewing. Sometimes he acted so inhuman.
"My knowledge on CPR is quite limited, so if you would please slow down to ease my nerves." I half-joked, but I was only met with deaf ears as he continued to happily chow down on his second burger in less than a minute.
The rest of the dinner we discussed ideas on what to do after. Paul had suggested things like surfing or swimming, which I kindly reminded him that it was less than thirty-five degrees out, and unlike him I didn't have my own built in radiator. I mentioned my project for photography class, so he agreed to go along sightseeing with me.
"I bet you'd get some good shots down at the beach."
I rolled my eyes. "You're just saying that so you can go swimming."
"Maybe…." He gave me a cheeky smile. As we walked back out the doors of the little restaurant, Paul quickly broke up into a sprint towards the truck. "I'll drive!"
I chuckled to myself.
Reaching the truck, I opened the passenger door. "I'm perfectly able to drive, you know."
"I know, it's a control thing." He winked.
The beach was freezing, but the scenery was magnificent. It was perfect for getting some of the shots I needed. As we stepped out of the truck, Paul quickly discarded his pants, shoes, and shirt and happily jogged out to the dock in just his underwear. My gaze on him lasted longer than I had liked, to which I quickly tore it away to catch sight of some cool looking driftwood. I hauled out my camera from my bag. Walking around it a few times, I tried lining up the perfect shot where I would be able to get the eerie trees along with the foggy ocean.
"COWABUNGA!" I heard Paul scream, making a crater in the water. I watched him for a moment, as it seemed like he was trying his hardest to get my attention.
"I'm best friends with a nine-year-old."
An hour soon passed, and I had been able to get quite a few good shots for my project. It wasn't enough though, and I would have to take some tomorrow as well.
Hmm…. Might as well savor the moment. I angled myself so I was back on to the sea as I lifted the camera up to face me.
"Photobomb!" Paul came out from nowhere, wrapping his wet arms around my waist as he leaned his chin on my shoulder.
"Photo-hog." I laughed while clicking the shutter.
The film extracted, and as I took out the picture, I quickly realised that Paul was still hugging me from the back; his face inches from mine.
I thought back to the dream, and like the dream, I waited, staring into the face that was less than an inch from mine. Paul's gaze tore away from the picture to glance at me, and my heart did one of those skip-beat things.
Was he going to kiss me? Did I want him to kiss me? The more and more I stared, the more scared I became, everything rapidly turning too real.
Oh no….
"Uh," I muttered, breaking free from his tight grasp. "I-I should head back s-soon. Apparently I'm going to be having dinner at Billy Black's tonight, so…." I rubbed the back of my neck, refusing to make eye contact with the very naked Paul.
"Oh, okay…." He paused for a moment, only to begin making his way over to the truck. Luckily Paul was completely dressed when I got over there. I hopped into the vehicle, putting my camera in the bag and taking out the other photos I took to look over. Skimming through, I was quite happy how they all turned out. When I got to the last one, I felt my heart skip a beat.
The picture of me and Paul came out perfectly. I had a grin on my face from laughing while Paul had on a perfect smile – one with dimples.
"Oh picture time!" Paul exclaimed, taking all the pictures from my hands before I could voice protest. He heavily studied the pictures, praising me each time he switched to a new one, which I mumbled an embarrassed thanks. When he got to the last one – the one of him and myself, I watched as flickers of emotion seemed to cross his face.
"Do you mind if I keep this one?" He asked shyly, still staring down at the picture.
"Oh, yeah of course."
He gave a quick thanks before shoving it into his pocket.
We drove back to my house in silence. Arriving in the drive way, Paul parked before turning towards me.
"Today was a lot of fun." He spoke in earnest.
"Yeah, it really was." I smiled. I noticed how his hair was still quite soaked from the beach. "God, you're hair is still dripping wet." I laughed, lifting my hand to his forehead to wipe away the water threatening to fall into his eyes. While doing so, Paul seemed to gaze towards me with an expression I quickly recognised but couldn't quite pin down, and I stared back, questioning whether I should ask or not.
"Guess I should get going." Paul said abruptly, reaching for the handle of the door.
"Wait, how are you going to get home?"
"I'll find a way." He smirked.
"Let me drive you, I don't mind, really."
"Seth it's fine." He assured, but I wasn't having it.
"Well if you wont let me then take my truck home then."
"But Seth-"
"Please." I cut him off.
He seemed to think for a moment, only to grin slightly.
"Okay, at least this'll give me the excuse to pick you up for school tomorrow."
"You're going to school?" I asked surprised as I felt myself perk up.
"No…. I was just going to drop you off."
"Oh."
Well that's disappointing. I reached down for my bag, flinging it over my shoulder as I glanced back at him.
"See you tomorrow then."
"Yeah." He responded, turning the engine back on.
Stepping out of the truck, I was quickly greeted by my father who had been watching us from the garage door.
I walked around towards the porch, but not before turning back towards Paul. We both shared a quick glace before Paul pulled out and drove out of sight.
Walking into the house, I was welcomed by my mother, along with an array of dishes that she made specially for tonight. I greeted her like usual and she welcomed me home in return. I made my way up to my room to prepare for the little shindig that was about to happen soon. I took the photos out of my bag and placed them on my desk. Numbering each one, I then placed them on top of my books before sauntering over to my closet to pick out something suitable. I settled for a pair of dark khaki pants along with a flannel shirt. After changing, I laid back on my bed as I waited, thinking over what happened today.
Out of the cluster that was my mind, there was one thing I knew for certain. One thing that no matter how much I tried to ignore it or push away, it kept coming back, slamming into me like a freight train.
I was attracted to Paul. How much exactly, I didn't know.
I viciously grabbed my hair, pulling as I groaned in frustration. How could I let this happen? What could I even possibly do in this situation – hope these feeling diminish? As much as I hoped such a thing were possible, I doubt it would happen if I kept hanging out with Paul, but it was very unlikely that I was going to stop that, especially since I just got him back.
My mother called out to me, announcing that we were leaving. I pulled back on my jacket. Glancing at the books on my shelf, I remembered that I had bought new ones. Out of the two, I chose Frankenstein to take with me. At least I'll keep myself somewhat occupied. I hurried down the stairs to assist my mother with bringing the entrées out to the car. As everything was loaded in, I climbed into the back seat along with Leah, and we made haste towards the Black house.
Pulling into their familiar red house, I stepped out with one of the trays of food. There were already two vehicles pulled up, one of them a red truck with gigantic fenders that easily looked like it was made before the nineteen-fifties. We walked in through the door without knocking, as that's the way it was here in La Push. Everyone knew everyone, so knocking was something that was out of the ordinary. Billy greeted us right away and directed us as to where we could place the food. Leah headed straight to the couch in the living room; phone in hand. I was about to do the same with my book until I was greeted by Jacob Black.
He looked a lot different than the last time I had seen him. His hair had been cut short, and his baby-like face had become more masculine. The most noticeable thing though was his size. He had easily grown a good five inches or more. From the sheer height difference alone, I had guessed that he was at least a foot higher than me.
Next to him was a girl. She was about my height, with pale skin and a heart shaped face, with long hair along with brown eyes. Jacob introduced her as Bella.
Oh, so this was the Bella Paul was taking about.
As the night went on, I found myself sitting with Jacob and Bella as they went on with casual chitchat, and every so often I had to remind them that I was still there – only to Jacob though, as Bella tried keeping the conversation between the three of us, which had been quite thoughtful of her. I had learned that incidentally Bella actually was Chief Swan's daughter, which made me feel quite stupid as I quickly remembered what her last name was.
In a way, I had always admired Jacob. He was tall, extremely handsome, and always seemed to be good with the ladies. That last one seemed to bother me less now though, as the only person I have ever thought of like that in a while was Paul.
The night grew short and soon enough we were taking our leave again. I said my goodbyes to both Jacob and Bella, feeling as though I had made a new friend tonight.
As we pulled back into our home, I noticed that my truck was parked there again, and I instantly felt disappointment wash over me, as this was obviously Paul's way of telling me he couldn't drive me tomorrow. I made my way into the house in short steps, my gaze hung low.
Was it completely unreasonable and overly dramatic to be this upset?
"Seth, hon, are you alright?" My mother asked.
"What? Oh, yeah, yeah I'm fine." I brushed her off, making my way up to my room. Closing my door behind me.
I glanced over towards my bed and almost slammed back into my door from surprise.
"Okay, why the hell can't you act like a normal person for just a second." I demanded to know, pointing at the figure on my bed.
"Being normal's for squares." Paul got up and strolled over to stand in front of me.
"So does not being normal require you to commit breaking and entering?" I asked, a big grin forming on my mouth. "What are you doing here anyways?
"You're window was unlocked, so technically I didn't break anything. Besides, I didn't have anything to do tonight, so I figured why not have a sleepover with the little pup." He lifted a bag containing a blanket and PJ's.
"Ahh, and I'm guessing I would be that little pup?" I raised a brow at him.
"Who else?" He grinned.
"Okay... But if my mom find you up here, you're the one who's going to be doing all the explaining."
"Fine by me." He sung.
I opened my closet and pulled out a shirt and pajama pants. When I turned around, Paul was already changing into his pajamas. I felt my cheeks heat up before glancing away.
"I'll be right back." I mumbled, walking towards the door.
"Where ya' headed?" He tilted his head.
"Just going to change."
"Seth…" He gave me an unimpressed look. "We've known each other all our lives, you can change here."
"Y-yeah, of course I can."
Retreating back to my closet, I changed out of my shirt. I glanced behind me to see Paul occupied with something on my desk. Now's my chance. I rapidly hauled my pants down, doing an awkward dance out of them before quickly jumping into my pj's and hauling them up, glancing back again to make sure Paul didn't see.
"So, what do you want to do?" I turned around, asking him.
He let out a heavy yawn. "Hmm, I don't care. Up t'you." He blinked a few times, trying to wake himself up.
"You seem tired…. Let's just get some sleep, yeah?"
"Nooooo!" He emitted a childish groan. "Don't let my sleepiness intervene with you're fun time."
"You're not, I promise." I said, pushing him back onto my bed. "I'm pretty tired too, lets just get some sleep."
"Mmmkay." He grabbed a pillow from the bed, placing it down onto the floor. He reached into the bag he had and hauled out a blanket that looked thinner than the curtains hanging up in my windows.
"What are you doing?"
"Getting my bed ready."
"Paul, it's a double bed, we can both sleep in it."
He yawned again. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, now get in." I commanded.
I shut the lights off before climbing in the bed onto the side closest to the wall. Paul followed my lead and Climbed in next to me, pulling up the covers as he lay facing me.
"G'night little pup." He mumbled, half-asleep.
I lightly chuckled, looking down at the necklace that was still around my neck.
"Goodnight, Paul."
