Chapter 3

Rings

And she wonders where these dreams go
'Cause the world got in her way
What's the point in ever trying
Nothing changing anyway

Acoustic #3- Goo Goo Dolls

I felt a pain at my wrist as I rolled over in my bed. I hissed and then rolled back onto my stomach and off of my wrist. I was unusually comfortable and I wanted to seep back into the warmth of my sleep.

I was almost back to my peaceful sleep when a loud knock at my door caused me to jump, successfully ruining all chances of me getting back to sleep. I opened my eyes and then it hit me; I was in La Push. I'd hoped it was all a really bad dream.

"Cate," Sue's voice rang out. "Time for breakfast," I groaned and picked up my phone. I nearly screamed when I saw the time. No normal teenager is up at eight on a Saturday. I rolled back over, trying to find sleep again, when another knock came.

"Cate," Sue's voice questioned. Suddenly the door flew open and there stood Sue, hands on hips, glaring at my balled up form on the bed. I squeezed my eyes shut.

"What do you want?" I moaned, tiredly. I kept praying that she would leave and I could go back to sleep, but my prayers were useless. She stayed.

"It is nearly eight-thirty and everyone else is up and at the table. Either you get up, or you'll get no breakfast." She threatened. She was trying to be an authority figure to a girl who had never really had one.

"Whatever," I grumbled, rolling on to my side. "I don't care. Just go away." I wrapped my blankets around me tighter. I could hear her heavy, annoyed sighed and then the door closing. Finally, some peace and quiet.

I fell back into my dream world, where my parents weren't getting a divorce and I wasn't in La Push.

***

I could sense that I had been asleep for awhile. My head pounded, making me groan. I got out of my warm bed and grabbed my purse. I pulled out the white bottle of over the counter pain relievers and quickly swallowed three. I stretched, hearing my back crack. I was curious to the time and was relieved when I saw that it was past noon. At least, I had gotten my sleep.

I took a look out the window, but I already knew the weather; gray, cloudy and rainy. I sighed and searched for an outfit. I wanted something colorful to block out the monotone sky. I wanted something completely opposite of the green scenery that surrounded me.

I pulled on a red, scoop neck, jersey top. I grabbed my favorite pair of dark jeans and my blue double t-strap heels. I looked in my mirror and my outfit still seemed unfinished. I put on a black, wrap belt around my waist. I put on several of my rings and a blue necklace. Now, I looked good.

I brushed my hair and pulled it into a loose, half pony tail. I quickly swiped on some eyeliner and mascara. My skin was very clear and had a natural glow to it. I glared at the wrapping on my arm and cursed Paul.

Paul— he was the last thing I thought of last night. There was something so…off about him, about the way he treated me. He hurt me, and then was comforting me. It was an accident, though, he must have felt bad. He certainly could have made a better first impression.

But, it wasn't they way he treated me that kept him on my mind. It was the bizarre feeling I got when I was around him.

It was like there was this unspoken connection, though we had just met. I felt so awkward, yet so comfortable, so opened, but yet sheltered. A relationship was the last thing on my mind, I didn't need more complications. Plus, I wasn't exactly in tip-top emotional shape, at the moment.

I shook my head, trying to clear out the confusing thoughts. I headed into the bathroom and brushed my teeth.

I took a deep breath and headed down the stairs. I didn't know what to expect, but an empty house defiantly wasn't on my list of ideas. I headed to the kitchen upon the complaint from my growling stomach.

The kitchen was spotless despite the fact that a major party for over a dozen people had taken place the night before.

I was about to open the fridge, when I noticed something written on the magnetic note pad. Cate, it started—

We are at Sam Uley's house. Emily invited us over for lunch and told us not to wake you. We'll probably be there until at least two o'clock. I wrote the directions for you. They don't live too far away. Hope to see you.

Aunt Sue

Beneath her name were several directions to Emily's. I opened the fridge and tried finding something to eat. Not finding anything I wanted, I opened the freezer. There was a box of ice cream sandwiches. I smiled and grabbed one. It had been awhile since I had had ice cream.

I plopped down into one of the kitchen chairs and took a huge bite out of the ice cream when I ripped the wrapper off. I moaned lowly, closing my eyes at the taste. It had been too long. I put my feet up on the chair across from me and leaned my head back, taking another bite.

"If ice cream does this to you, I'd love to know what I could do to you," A voice snapped me out of my ice cream induced pleasure. My eyes shot open to see Paul standing in the doorway with a cocky smile on his face. He was only wearing a tee shirt and a pair of cut off shorts. It couldn't have been more than fifty degrees out.

I narrowed my eyes.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, annoyed. I took another bite. He shrugged and walked over to the chair where my feet were. He picked them up and sat down, placing my feet on his lap.

"I was over at Sam's and Harry and Sue were there, but you weren't. I couldn't help but wonder, so I asked where you were. " He slipped off one of my shoes and started massaging my foot. His hands were so warm on my cold toes. I would have kicked him, but it just felt too good.

"I was surprised when they told me you were still sleeping," He chuckled. "You seem like the type to be up at the crack of dawn, princess." He smirked, but continued to massage my foot. I glared at him, but he was watching his hands on my foot.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm slightly normal," I took another bite of my ice cream. He laughed loudly, the sounds filling the kitchen.

"So you seem," He mused.

"You still haven't said what you are doing here," I reminded him.

"Oh, I'm here to be your escort," his smirk grew more pronounced. He slipped my shoe back on and let my feet drop to the tiled floor. He stood up and walked to my side, holding out his hand. I glanced between his hand and his face. I took another bite of my ice cream.

"And what if I don't want to go?" I asked him. He rolled his eyes.

"I figured you'd be difficult." He shrugged. "I'll just carry you," His lips curved into a smile, but his eyes were threatening. It was my turn to roll my eyes.

"Sure sure," I finished off my ice cream and got up, ignoring Paul's hand. I washed my hands, drying them on the towel hanging off the stove. I was careful not to get my bandage wet. I turned around and nearly collided with Paul. He was so close to me, his dark eyes bearing into my light ones. He ran a ringer across my injured wrist.

"I am sorry about that," He told me, his voice low and serious.

"I know you are," I jumped back, startled by his sudden closeness. I met his eyes and they seemed troubled. He shook his head and a smiled appeared on his face.

"Are you coming, or not?" He started walking towards the exit. I bit my lip and thought for a moment before racing after him. "I would grab a coat, if I were you. It's cold." I frowned.

"You're not wearing a coat," I pointed out. He seemed to tense for a moment.

"I'm a hot person," He shrugged and stood by the front door. I stood in front of him a moment, contemplating what he just said. No normal person would be out walking around in cold, wet weather in a pair of shorts and a tee shirt. There was something up with the people in La Push, I just didn't know what it was.

Paul waved a large hand in front of my face.

"Cate," He called out. I shook my head.

"Uh, yea, just let go get my, um, coat," Smooth Cate, real smooth.

I went up the stairs and grabbed the black coat I had worn yesterday and threw it on, giving myself a once over in the mirror. I slipped my phone into my pocket and rushed down the stairs. Paul was leaning against the door, his arms crossed.

"Let's go," He opened the door and gestured for me to go first. I rolled my eyes and stepped out onto the front porch. Paul closed the door behind him and he brushed past me, I followed.

"So," he started after we had walked in silence for a couple of minutes. "Did you have friends back in New York?"

"Yes, Melissa." I smiled at the thought of my harebrained best friend. "We were partnered up in our first year of dance school and became fast friends. We would go shopping every weekend, go out to eat twice a week." Homesickness was setting in, hard. I would call Melissa tonight.

"You miss her," Paul noted. "Any boyfriends?" He asked, offhand. I laughed.

"No, no boyfriend. I was too busy." I shoved my hands into my pockets and looked up at Paul who seemed relieved. "Dancing took up my time." I told him, longingly. I hadn't danced in several days, something that was a rare occurrence. Suddenly, Mrs. Lapski's words came back to me. Don't let the skill that you have slip away because you don't use it.

She was right. I would have to practice so that when I finally went back to New York, I would still be in dancing shape. I regretted the ice cream sandwich I had just eaten.

"You miss dancing, too." Paul stated and I nodded. "What did you like about it?" I looked up at him and was met with his curious smile.

"Dancing is freedom," I started, smiling. "You can create beauty with your movements. You can take the simplest piece of music and when you mix in dancing it becomes something so complicated, people wonder just how you did it. You can inspire artists to form their best paintings, sculptures.

"Dancing can take you out of your current frame of mind and take you to a place where everything is simple and broken down into steps that make sense." I stopped and laughed. "Missy and I have this saying, "Live with your heart, dance with your soul." It's what we lived by." I sighed, missing Melissa and dancing even more than I was before. I brought my hands out of my pockets and crossed them. It was quiet for a moment and then Paul touched my Grandma Lucy's ring.

"That's pretty," He said.

"It was my grandma's. She gave it to me, just before she died." I told him, holding my hand to look at the ring. It was a simple thing. Just an aquamarine stone set into a gold band.

"And the other ones," He asked, pointing at my other hand.

"Oh," I smiled. "My dad got me these ones. Every time he goes on a business trip, he buys me a ring. When I was ten I was extremely obsessed with rings. I thought they were all so pretty and perfect. So he was leaving for Tokyo and asked me what I wanted. I told him I wanted a special Japanese ring. He came back and had the most beautiful ring for me. Ever since then, when he goes away he always brings me back a ring or two."

"Do you still like rings?" Paul asked me, raising a dark eyebrow.

"I love them," I told him. I really did love rings. Maybe it was because they were signs that my dad really did care. Even if I didn't particularly like a ring he got me, I knew that he had picked it out.

"How often did he go away," Paul grabbed my hand and held it in his large, warm one, letting our intertwined hands fall in between us. I was shocked at the causal contact and it took a moment to answer.

"Um," I blushed. "He has to leave about once a month. Why are you holding my hand?" I blurted. He shrugged.

"You seemed cold," he peered down at me and smiled. I rolled my eyes, but didn't release my hand from his grasp. His touch was burning, but it was just what I needed.

"Oh, well, thanks, I guess." I ducked my head. He laughed.

"You're welcome, I guess." He smiled and I smiled with him. Soon enough, we had arrived at a tiny house. The front door was a faded blue, while the rest of the house was a weathered gray. Paul didn't even knock before he entered the house, pulling me in with him. I was surrounded by warmth and the smell of home cooking.

"Emily," his loud voice rang out. I grimaced, but Emily came bustling into the kitchen that took up mostly the front part of the diminutive house.

"Cate," she smiled and pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back with my one arm because Paul still had my other hand. I ripped it from his warm grasp to hug Emily fully. She pulled away, still smiling.

"Are you hungry? There is still some lunch left over." She started moving around the kitchen, making me a plate.

"Uh, sure," I shrugged. She put a plate, loaded with food into my hands and took my shoulders, steering me towards the dining room table. "Thanks," I told her, when I was sitting. She smiled.

"Eat up," She went back into the other room. Paul sat down next to me. I paid him no mind; instead my eyes raked over the plate of food Emily had made me. There were chicken tenders, corn on the cob, and mashed potatoes smothered in gravy. I picked up my fork and picked up a little bit of potatoes. I started eating, but I could feel Paul practically drooling.

"Can I eat?" I asked him, annoyed. He seemed to snap out of his revere.

"Uh, are you gonna eat all that?" He licked his lips. My brows furrowed. He had come from Emily's to get me. He mostly likely ate, or Emily would have made him a plate too.

"I might," I teased him by taking another bite of one of chicken tenders. "Yum," He glared at me.

"That's not even fair," He mumbled, resting his head in his hands. I took another bite. I kept eating, but by the time I was full, there was still a half a plate left of food. I picked it up and held it out to Paul. He grinned, but as he went to reach for it, I pulled it away. He frowned, reminding me of a small child.

"What will you give me?" I asked him.

"How about a kiss," He offered. I rolled my eyes.

"I'll give it to you, if you promise not to kiss me." He nodded eagerly and I handed the plate to him. He ate all the food quickly. It only took him minutes to eat what had taken me fifteen minutes.

"Thanks, princess." He smiled, leaning back into the chair.

"Welcome, pig." I smirked when he glared at me. I stood up and placed the placed the plate into the sink. I walked into the living room to see Harry, Sue and Seth laughing with Emily. They all looked up at me.

"Nice of you to join us," her voice was annoyed. She was still upset about this morning, I guessed.

"Uh…" I trailed off, not knowing what to say to my upset aunt.

"Cate," Emily patted the spot next to her. "Come sit by me," I smiled, grateful and sat down next to her. "So, how are you feeling about school?" Emily asked me.

I shrugged. "I'm okay, I guess. I'm glad it's the beginning of the year." I told her.

She smiled. "Yes, that does make things easier." I smiled back but my attention was turned to the doorway by a cough. Paul was standing there, his arms folded.

"Cate," I turned back to face Emily. "Why don't you and Paul go for a walk," She offered. "Maybe Paul can show you around La Push."

"Um, sure." I answered, standing up and making my way over to Paul. I waved good-bye to everyone, catching a look between Harry, Sue and Emily. I frowned but continued to follow Paul out of the small, claustrophobic house. I breathed in the cold, salty air.

"Where do you want—" Paul was cut off by a song.

And I don't want the world to see me, cause I don't think that they'd understand. When everything's made to be broken—I hit the talk button on my phone.

"Hello?"

"Cate!" Missy's voice squealed. "I miss you so much!"

I was floored. "Missy? Wow. Hi. I miss you, too. What's up?" I looked at Paul who looked annoyed. I held up one finger and then continued to walk forward. I wasn't one to stay still while talking on the phone.

"Lapski is having us work overtime since you left. You did have a pretty important role," I winced as she reminded me of the dance that I and several other dancers had created.

"Oh, sorry." I wasn't sure what I was apologizing for.

"That slut, Aimee, took your part." I felt my eye bug out and I stopped in my tracks. Paul seemed concerned.

"That bitch," I retorted. "She's been trying to sneak her way into a bigger role ever since we started that damn dance." I rubbed my forehead. Aimee Winters had declared herself my enemy. I didn't have a problem with her until she started doing what ever she could to make my life difficult. She would take my clothes out of my locker and hide them so that I would have to either walk around in my dance wear or borrow clothes from someone. She was always trying to steal my parts in whatever dances we had.

"I know," Missy stretched out the words. "So tell me, what's it like? Have you met any cute guys?" She paused. "Well ones that you aren't related too," She laughed. I rolled my eyes even though she couldn't see.

"Its…interesting," I eyed Paul who gave me a confused look. "It's cold, wet," I pulled my hood up. "rainy, of course. The people were…welcoming." I didn't want to say anything about anyone in front of Paul. I turned away from him and murmured into the phone. "Something's off about the guys here,"

Missy laughed. "What? They aren't crawling all over you?" She laughed again. "You didn't tell me, are they any cute guys?"

I turned back to Paul. "Yes, there are."

"You have to tell me about them," She egged me on. I smiled.

"I would love to but I'm getting the grand tour of La Push," I told her, eyeing Paul who looked really annoyed. You'd think he would be cold, with it raining and all.

"Oh, I got it. Tsk," She clicked her tongue. "You are with a guy. What's his name?"

I rolled my eyes. "Paul," I told her. Paul's brow furrowed, and he became confused.

"Well you tell Paul I said hi. I'll talk to later, chickie. Love ya,"

"Love you, too." I hung up the phone, slipping back into my pocket.

"Your friend?" Paul asked. I nodded and we started walking again. "What did she ask you?" He asked.

"Oh, just about La Push and whatnot." I told him. "Where are we going?" Paul pointed to the sound of the rushing ocean.

"To the beach," My stomach dropped. Oh, no.

AN: Sorry for stopping it there, but I have to! This chapter would have been like 13 pages long! Hope y'all enjoyed. This was mostly filler with a little fluff! (^__^)

REMEMBER: Check out my new website! Its where all the links are, including the outfit for this chapter! Check there for notes and updates!

Yours Truly,

Marie Pattin