Brooke is back! I hope you all enjoy this chapter filled with our rocker, Paul and his new interest in Brooke. Let me know what you guys think, and here you go!

Chapter 9

Brooke's Pov

We stopped faster than I had planned. Looking around, we weren't at my house; instead we were on the quiet side of the boardwalk. It was even closer to the beach, the lights weren't nearly as bright, and there were only a couple of shops around. What I could tell, one was a clothing store, and the other was a little restaurant, maybe a diner.

"Paul?" I asked, letting go of him. With a grin he hopped off of the bike.

"What? It's not like I can take you home on an empty stomach." He grinned, his eyes roaming towards the diner.

"But I'm not hungry." I stated. He put his hand on his stomach and threw me a cocky side-glance.

"I am." I nodded offhandedly at what he said and looked out to the view of the ocean.

"Go ahead then. I'll stay here until you're done." Instead of hearing a retort from him, Paul stayed quiet. After a moment I heard footsteps walking away, slowly fading, until they were gone and I heard the diner door open, a little bell ringing.

Looking around, I was all alone. It was so quiet, so peaceful without Paul around. Wait, peaceful isn't the word to use, right? Ever since that night that I was alone at home with Taylor, I've been afraid of nighttime. I remember how I shared a bed with Taylor for about a year after we were sent to Colorado because I was terrified to be alone at night. The slightest noise would make me jump, and Tay was the only one I would want. And even when I was told that I needed to sleep in my own room, it was hard. I was up most of the night, too petrified to fall asleep. I would be afraid to close my eyes and to even blink at times. You never knew what could be watching.

Now, the only thing that broke the silence was the wind whispering past and the waves of the Pacific colliding with one another. My eyes were glued to them, just crashing into each other; and it was only that, going as far as the eye could see. Slowly I swung my leg over the side of the motorcycle and numbly footed my way closer to the dark abyss. I was at peace. Slowly moving my gaze upwards, I noticed that the sky was nearly as dark as the waves, except for the dimmed stars. Even the moon had excused itself for the time being. Sitting down, I focused on the overwhelming calm feeling that had been new to me, and tried not to let it go. I even closed my eyes after a moment; that is how safe I felt. Nothing could touch me, and to be honest, I didn't want to have to face the rest of the world. I focused on my breathing and the crashing of the waves. Why was I so afraid before? The nighttime isn't what killed Mom and Dad. With that thought spinning through my mind, I was suddenly interrupted be an unnatural gust of wind. My eyes darted open and I think I jumped a foot in the air when I saw Paul sitting there looking at me.

"Whatcha doing?" He asked quietly, his eye arched.

"Well, I think I just had a heart attack all thanks to you!" I said with a slight smile, putting a hand over my heart. I can't believe I didn't hear him walk up. I thought I would have heard the bell to the diner, or his footsteps. I really did tune out.

"Heart attack? And it was my fault…Well you know, I am a silent killer." He said lightly with a wild grin. I silently laughed at that.

"I'd have to be dead in order for that to be true." He rubbed his chin.

"Well, you're as white as a sheet. Are you sure you aren't a ghost?" he questioned, laughing. For a moment, I joined in.

"Oh no!" I exclaimed once I composed myself. He sent me a questioning gaze. "You must be right; I am dead. You've killed me, Paul."

"The silent killer strikes again." He said triumphantly with his fist in the air. I started laughing and found that it was hard to stop.

"But wait, what were you doing before you noticed me?" he asked, full of curiosity. That question made my laughter die down. I let out a breath of air and turned back to the beautiful view.

"Look around." I whispered. "I've never felt so content at night. It's always kept me on my toes."

"Why is that?" he asked, and I noticed he slowly scooted closer.

"Because you never know what could be out there." He held a deliberating gaze, opened his mouth, and then shut it. A moment later, he too looked out to the surf.

"What?" I asked, looking at him. He obviously wanted to say something.

"Nothing. It's not important." He smiled, waving his hand.

"Seems pretty important." I whispered, looking at him. He shook his head, and looked back my way.

"What could be out there?" He questioned slowly.

"There are some pretty bad people out there, Paul. And didn't you tell me that this is the Murder Capital of the World?" He was quiet.

" Yes." Was the only response I got. "What makes this such a touchy subject?"

"Murder Capital of the World…my parents are dead..." I said flatly. He didn't seem fazed by what I said, but nodded.

"So," he began, "you're not afraid anymore?" he spoke up, looking back over the ocean.

"Nope." I shook my head. He stood up.

"Well, that's good." I nodded. "Ready to go?"

"You're going to take me home?"

"Well yeah. Why do you seem so shocked?" he asked with a smirk. I shrugged my shoulders at his question and stood up, dusting the sand off of me. Silently we walked back to the bike.

The ride back was different than it had been before. I think I made the happy mood sink into an uncomfortable silence. Paul still drove like a daredevil, but he didn't shout or laugh with such a happy demeanor. Now came the feeling like I shouldn't have said anything, and had to take measures into my own hands. As we drove through the empty streets, the engine roared and I looked up to the darkened sky. That feeling of peace washed over me again and I let out a hoot of joy. Paul glanced back, shocked at first, but I slowly saw a grin forming. We were coming up to a stop light that had turned red, but instead of stopping, Paul sped up. I laughed and he let out a chuckle of his own. Score one for Brooke! We kept laughing and hollering all the way to my house, but once it was in view I quickly stopped. There were cars parked everywhere and I could hear loud music over the roar of Paul's bike.

"What is going on?" I whispered.

"Looks like a party to me." Paul said back to me. Did he hear what I said? I could barely hear myself say it. We came to a stop in the middle of the street and Paul turned off his engine. I hopped off of the bike, and Paul too followed. All the lights were on, and coming to the front door I quickly stopped.

"What's wrong?" Paul asked. I let out a worried chuckle.

"How bad is it to say that I'm scared to see what's on the other side of the door?"

"Well, let's take a look." He said bravely, took a step forward, and opened the door, gesturing me to go in. "Just don't worry." He sent me a crooked smile as I made my way inside.

There were people everywhere! Everyone was dancing and laughing, and the smell of alcohol was unbearable. There were two people that stood out in the crowd. Oh no. Lord, please give me strength.

"Brooke!" I heard simultaneously from Arilyn and Kara. I was ambushed in a hug and was nearly pushed over because the girls couldn't stand up straight. Some others looked my way but quickly went back to what they were doing.

"Um, hi you guys." I said uncomfortably.

"What the heck is going on here?" I heard one guy slur out. Arilyn and Kara let go of me and took a step back. One guy made his way forward. He was big and built, but was walking somewhat awkwardly.

"What do you mean?" I asked quietly. The music died down.

"What the hell are you doing here, Paul?" The guy said angrily. "Surf Nazi's only." I looked behind me to see that Paul didn't leave, but was leaning against the door with a wild expression.

"I couldn't leave without saying goodbye to Brooke." And he sent a wink my way.

"Wait, you're hanging out with a Lost Boy?" Arilyn shrieked, looking my way. Wait, a Lost Boy? I quickly looked to Paul and he stepped forward.

"What's wrong with that?" he asked, and threw and arm over my shoulder. That was a bit shocking. "I bet it sure beats hanging out with a bunch of wannabe surfers." He concluded.

"I don't see why you would hang out with her." Kara stepped forward, throwing me a glare. "I mean, she's not nearly as hot as us. Hell, she doesn't have any looks at all." Arilyn nodded in agreement. Ouch. That hurt. Paul scoffed.

"Well, Brooke doesn't seem like the bitchy-bimbo type." He said, pulling me closer to him. While they were arguing, I looked around for my sister. Maybe she can help me clear up this mess.

"Well, just to let you know-" Kara started, but I cut her off.

"Where's Taylor?" I questioned, still looking around.

"She's upstairs." One of the guys said. I looked to Paul and he let go of me, letting me make my way over to the stairs.

"You might not want to do that." Arilyn said. I threw her a puzzled gaze. "She's busy with Colin." At that moment I could literally feel my face grow pale. Taylor wouldn't do something like that, right? I stopped and turned around.

"Paul, you better get out of here before we kick your ass." A Surf Nazi slurred out angrily. Paul raised his hands in mock-surrender and laughed.

"I could do a lot of damage to all of you guys without help from the others. I'd like to see you try something." He challenged.

"Well, I don't." I spoke shakily and walked back towards the front door. The Surf Nazi's were quiet, eyeing Paul and I. The whole situation made me feel uncomfortable...

"Do you wanna get out of here?" Paul asked, looking to me. I really didn't want to stay in a house filled with drunken jerks and two-faced girls. Not to mention the thought of Taylor. I nodded without hesitation. He seemed surprised at how quick I reacted, but without another word he walked over to me, took my hand, and walked me out of the house.

"Yeah, just walk away. And don't think about showing your face to us anytime soon!"I heard from behind me. A round of 'yeahs!' followed from the people inside my house.

Silently he walked me to his motorcycle. Paul let my hand go and hopped onto the bike. Quickly I followed in suit, and we once again rode off into the night.

I can't believe it! Why is Taylor friends with such jerks? And…would she really go that far with Colin? No way; that would never happen! Right? And those girls…they are so much worse than I thought! I don't care that they insulted me…right? They were really mean…

We were still in the neighborhood when he pulled off to the side of the road and stopped.

"Is everything okay?" I asked worriedly.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Paul said, putting a hand through his hair as he turned to his side. "Are you alright?"

"Uh…yeah." I said, slightly dazed still.

"You sure about that?"

"I'm fine." I said plainly. "It's just…why do they hate you so much?"

"They don't like competition. They think our boardwalk is up for grabs."

"Our boardwalk?" I questioned.

"David, Dwayne, Marko and I."

"Oh, right. The oh-so badass Lost Boys. I've heard they're punks." I said with a smirk of my own.

"And you are friends with them." Paul grinned with hidden laughter in his eyes.

"Really now?" I asked, and he nodded his head. "Even with the others?" he rubbed his chin.

"Well..."

"Well..." I mimicked.

"Hey, do you want to go back home?" he said with a slight grin.

"What?" why is he changing the subject?

"You heard me. Do you want to go back home?" he asked with amusement.

"Heck no!" I said instantly. He chuckled. "Why would you ask that?"

"Because there is one other option…"

"What is that?" I asked, curious. He turned back around and started the engine.

"You're going to make three more friends tonight!" He yelled over the engine, and sped off, whooping and laughing."

Well, Brooke is headed back to the cave. I hope you have enjoyed, and I will see you guys next Saturday. School will be out then, and I will have plenty of time to write. Let me know what you guys think should happen in the next chapter, and until then, I just want to let you guys know that I love you all! -Crimsonsky132