We were still on Nick's bed, but everyone had fallen asleep, that is until a howl of an animal sounded and Moose sleepily got up and walked to the window, staring out at the woods across the window, her fingers on the glass.
I silently got up, walking to stand next to her. "Moose?"
She turned to me, trying to hide the hurt in her eyes and I shook my head, silently telling her not to try and just tell me. "It's Paul." She said with a defeated sigh.
I nodded, wrapping my arm around her shoulders. "Hear those wolf howls?" she asked quietly, leaning into me and I nodded again, raising an eyebrow. "They – they're… no. Never mind."
I nudged her with my head. "Come on, it's just me."
She sighed, clenching her fist up in anger. "They just remind me of him. You know? They remind me of him and I don't know why and it's pissing me off."
I nodded, looking out. "He's still not telling you what's going on?"
She shook her head, her lips pursing a little in anger. "This is the first time he hasn't talked to me about something since… you know."
"Just wait it out, Mol. Whatever it is, it's obviously having a drastic effect on him. You may just have to let him adjust to whatever's happening before he talks to you about it. He may just be trying to protect you."
She rolled her eyes. "I think the time for him trying to protect me is long gone."
I let out a deep breath, nodding and I pulled her closer, resting my head on top of hers.
Oh, how I love being taller than her.
"And if he doesn't tell you after you've waited," I said, "we beat the crap out of him."
She snorted, wrapping her arm around me and resting her head against my shoulder. "That sounds good."
I nodded. "Silly brothers."
"Silly brothers." She echoed with a nod of her own, then she turned her head to the window. "Something weird is going on in La Push, Zo." She said quietly, hesitantly.
I sighed. "I know."
"More guys have had random growth spurts, and somehow over night acquired massive muscles. Just like Paul. And then they all randomly disappear from school? It's not normal. Paul would always leave the house at random times, but now, he's all secretive about it. Like he's hiding something from me. He'd come in at two in the morning and I'd ask where he was and he – he'd just shout at me and start trembling. Then he'd just storm out. I mean, it's not really that aggravating, is it? Simply wondering where he went?" I nodded, knowing she simply wanted to vent, so I just stroked her shoulder length wavy dark hair. "And I'll see him running round with Sam Uley and Jared and those other guys and it's just – it's just so sudden and random and… weird."
"Yeah, I saw him by the woods when I was on a run with Liam and Ava. He was topless… it was raining."
She snorted. "I know. I just don't get it." I nodded.
"He barely even said anything to me, either. He just kept looking around him, like he was expecting someone to pop out. It definitely was weird." I said. And it was.
Growing up at the rez, everyone grew up together, and me and Moose being so close, and my own brother having not been around, Paul was like my second brother. Sometimes if Moose wasn't at home, I could just spend the day talking with him. He was a hardnut, similarly to Moose, but he was a softie when it came to his little sister and her dorky best friend.
It was like that with all of the girls' family. We're all so close. Annie's father, he's practically mine as well. He's one of the most manly-men I've ever met, but he's such a softie.
He took a gap year from his studies in Wales after he left school, and he came to America. At a chance meeting, he met Annie's mother, Rowan. After a summer fling, Rowan had to come back to La Push. Her own father is an elder, so there was no chance she'd ever be able to leave, so Richard moved here. All of his family thought he was stupid, but twenty years and three kids later, they're still going strong. They argue like any other married couple, but the romanticness between them has Babs on the floor crying. Anyway, yeah, he's a softie, but he's also pretty much a body builder. Even Sam Uley's crew's arms don't match the beastliness of Dickie. I think that's also why he's so manly, anyone with a nickname of Dick really has a lot to live up to.
After a moment of just hugging Moose sighed to herself. She pulled back with a deep breath, her cool head coming back on. "So, how are you?"
I shrugged, used to the sudden change in her demeanour and conversation. "My back hurts. As always."
She snorted. "It's 'cause you haul those knockers around all day." I glared at her and slapped her arm.
"It's not my fault. Blame my mom."
She snorted. "Those massive things can not be blamed on your mother." She said, pointing to my chest. "She's a, what? D?"
"I hate these fucking boobs." I muttered.
She rolled her eyes. "At least you're not as flat as me." She moaned and I rolled my eyes.
"I'd trade my double f's for your b's any day."
She snorted. "Double f's." she mimicked, finding amusement at the things I hate most about my body. I head butted her hard and she apologised. I really hate my breasts. Really. I love running, and big boobs just aren't the right things to have. I know girls always want bigger boobs – but honestly, this big is just unnatural.
"Now hop back into bed." Moose said, changing the subject again. "And if you dare tell anyone about the earlier conversation – I'll kick your ass!"
I snorted but jumped into my original space. "Why do you insist on saying that every time? I ain't telling noone."
She shrugged as she snuggled into her place in between Nick and I. "Just reminding you. I don't want anyone else knowing I'm a softie."
I snorted. That's true. I am the only person who gets to see the softer side of Moose. She's a tough cookie. I'm her little outlet so she doesn't have a mental breakdown. I pride myself on that. In fact, I think I'm going to write it on my CV. It's a pretty admirable accomplishment. Oh wait, no… I'm not allowed to tell anyone. Damn it!
Brady's POV.
She walked into the cafeteria, flanked by a couple of her little crew. She was so beautiful.
Wait. Really? Beautiful? Was she? I don't know. She's pretty, I guess. I'm kinda attracted to her. Okay. Maybe definitely attracted to her. Actually, I'm not sure.
Oh, hell. For fucks sake, man.
"Hey," I said as I stopped in front of her.
For the love of god. I might as well have gone up to her and said 'Hello, my names Brady and I've been thinking about you quite a lot. In fact, so much, that I'm actually planning on fucking asking you out in a couple of weeks. Yes, that's how sad I am. But that probably won't happen because I'm too much of a wimp to get the courage to ask you. Hope I haven't put you off.'
Good one, Brady. Good one.
"Oh, hello." She said, dragging the 'o' out for ages.
Did you plan something else to say, brain?
No, Brady, I didn't.
What? Why!?
I like seeing your discomfort.
Right. But you're a part of me so it's also you who looks a fool. Suck on that!
"Alright there?" Ang-something asked. Anghammed? Angharris? I think they just call her Annie. We'll go with that. Annie raised her eyebrow.
"Err, yeah. Can I talk to you," I turned my head to Zoë. Quick, brain, quick! "About," anything yet? No. Fuck. What do we have in common? Aha, yes! "Physics?"
She made a disgusted noise. "Erg. No."
Well done. Now go back to your hole, you pathetic excuse for a man.
Her friend… Barbara? Yeah. That's it. Anyway Barbara and Ava pushed her forward with a snort and they all shuffled onto their table at the back and Zoë sighed sarcastically.
"What's up with physics?" she asked, linking her arm around mine with a sudden joyous expression on her face. "Loving physics too much you wanted to remind me of the amazingness out of our lesson?"
I laughed at her as we walked aimlessly out, down the hallway. "Ooh, I forgot. It's one of the deadly sins to mention that god awful class, isn't it?"
She snorted as she dropped her arm. Which I wasn't so happy about. It didn't matter that it was such a small gesture, I liked it.
Luckily, she got sidetracked by something, so we just walked around talking, me never having to come up with the excuse as to why I was talking to her.
"Oi, bitch." I heard and Zoë and I stopped laughing and turned around, to find her friend Moose.
"Hoe!" Zoë called happily and bounded over to her, slapping her arm. "How are ya?"
"Unhappy as to why we got ditched today." she said plainly, hand in fists at her hips and Zoë just shrugged as I walked over.
"Not my fault I found better company." Zoë said arrogantly and I laughed. Zoe smiled massively at Moose and I smiled at her. She did look beautiful when she smiled like that. Really beautiful. Not supermodel beautiful – I doubt any other guys would find it as endearing as I did – but there was just something about that sung to me.
I did, however, get the vibe that they wanted to talk so I decided I'd leave them alone. That Moose is proper scary when angry, so I wanted to keep on her best side. "I'll see you later." They both nodded and Zoë grabbed Moose's hand and she dragged her off, skipping.
I laughed and shook my head. I loved her confidence. Usually girls are sweet and cute and quite and reserved and it's so boring and unoriginal, I love how Zoë will burst into song at random times, or start speaking in a funny accent, or make animal noises, or just talk about the weirdest things and oh my god I just said loved.
I didn't mean it. I take it back.
I simply liked it. Slip of the tongue, you know?
Arg.
Arg.
Arg.
Why is she doing this to me? I never get this wound up about a girl. There's just something about her… she's just so unlike any other girl I've ever met. She has me falling – hard and quick – and I don't even think she's interested.
So you can understand my 'arg's, right? Listen to me, for the love of god! I sound like a freaking girl. It just feels – Zoë's so… special. She feels really special. Like I-could-spend-the-rest-of-my-life-with-you-and-not-get-bored special. Sure, there are plenty of more beautiful, smarter, normal girls out there, but it just feels right with Zoë.
So, again; arg.
Zoë's POV.
"Rawr!" I shouted and jumped on Moose's back. I have an obsession with jumping on people. This time, however, she caught me, and started walking with me on her back.
"Very scary, Zoo." She said in a dull tone and I thanked her excitedly.
"So, hunnybun, where are we off to tonight?" I asked, ruffling her hair.
She sighed, but didn't tell me to stop. "Annie's."
"Right-o. I can-,"
"Only stay till four-thirty – I know." She said, cutting me off. "It's been the same every week, Zorro."
I shrugged, plaiting random sections of her hair. "I'm just reminding you." I said copying what she said the other right and she laughed sarcastically. "And sort of myself. I don't want to forget."
"Don't worry, I'd remind you. Like you'd ever forget to pick your mom up from therapy, anyway."
I shrugged again. "Just because I have a magnifique memory doesn't mean I won't forget this. Which, knowing my luck, you know I would."
"True."
I nodded, although she couldn't see me, as I finished her hair. "Ta da! Fini! Now you're beautiful!"
"Why do you suddenly know lots of French words?"
"I've been helping Barbie with her le français work."
"And by helping…?"
"I mean pestering." I said defeatedly, hanging my head.
"How is Babs going to be the cleverest, most linguistic person in the world if you distract her?
"She won't. I'm sorry." I said, sighing in my small-child-being-chastised way.
"It's okay. Just don't do it again." Moose said in her motherly tone.
"Okay. Now, giddy up!" I said, hitting the insides of my feet against her sides and she huffed, but started galloping down the hallway to place we meet the girls.
"So, what's going on with you and Brady-kins?" she asked and I pulled her hair.
"Not you too!" I moaned. "We're just friends. F-r-i-e-n-d-s! Friends." I said and Moose shrugged, coming to a stop against the wall, waiting for the others, as they hadn't arrived yet.
"You were looking a little more than friendly when I found you in the hall."
"No we weren't. Moose! I'm gunna kill you. This is exactly the same as with Liam. You guys spend years telling me we're going to get married and have babies, only to then realise that we're only interested in the other as friends. Why can't any of you girls understand that? You all have guy friends. Why am I the one who can't have a guy-mate?"
"I don't know." She said truthfully and I snorted. "I think it's because you're the most likely to trust someone out of our group. We want to know what's going on so you don't go and get yourself hurt."
I rolled my eyes as I clambered down from her. I put my hands on her shoulders. "Just because I don't have a trust complex doesn't mean I'm going to go running off to get myself hurt, Moose. I'll be fine."
She just stared back at me, not even bothering to pretend to take in what I said. "I'm not going to let you get hurt, Zoë. It's just not happening." Okay, so we'd totally came of the subject of Brady now.
"You don't have to worry so much about me, you know. I'm a big girl."
She shrugged. "I wont stand for you to be hurt. Remember before I saved you?" she asked, knowing that I knew what she was talking about. "You were so broken. I'm not seeing you like that again. I won't let it happen."
I sighed. "I know."
"So," Moose said. "I just – I don't want for you to get in a relationship with Brady."
I rolled my eyes. "Do you really think I have enough time for a boyfriend?" I shook my head, laughing. "Plus, for gods sake, Brady doesn't even like me."
She opened her mouth but then closed it, not saying anything.
"Okay," she said finally with a smile. "Good." She punched me on the shoulder to show our heart-to-heart was closed.
That's the second time in the past three days. She must really be upset about Paul.
"Alright, ladies!" Kat shouted loudly, and we turned, laughing to her, the rest of the girls following her with amused looks on their faces as these freshmen girls turned and gave her a funny look as she bounded over to us, arms outstretched.
"Alright, Pussy?" I asked and the girls' eyes all widened and they started snickering to themselves.
Kat nodded, smiling brightly and we started walking off to the direction of Annie's house.
"Yeah, dad's been moaning that he hasn't seen you guys in ages." Annie snorted and we all grinned.
"Your dad's my hero." I sighed and Kat, Nicks, Babs and Moose all nodded in agreement.
"Your dad's my babe." Ava said with a dreamy smile and Annie slapped her arm, a disgusted look on her face.
We laughed as we came up to her house, where her father had just pulled up, and was getting out of the car.
"Dickie!" I shouted as I ran at him, he turned and when he saw me he laughed as I launched myself into his massive awaiting arms.
"You 'ight there, Zoë?" he asked with his deep throaty laugh and his amazing welsh accent and I grinned.
"Brilliant, thanks." If I could choose a father, I would definitely choose to share Richard with Annie.
I grinned at him as he walked through his front door, looking back at me.
"Okay, you can just dump your stuff here and go sit on the sofa? I'll go get my stuff from my room." he said and I nodded and did as he said.
Today I was helping Brady with his physics work. I know, fun. But it's okay with Brady. We got told off by Muffin. Apparently our grades were slipping and we needed to do some extra studying and blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. So then Brady said I could come round his to do it together. He said I'd need someone to help me focus – or even just to do it. We probably won't end up doing anything though, I'll try and use my fantastique distraction skills to sidetrack him.
A couple moments later he jumped down next to me, grinning brightly. "Ready?"
"Bite me." I moaned, hiding my face against his sofa.
He laughed. "Oh come on. It's not that bad." He said, pushing my hair off the side of my face that wasn't pushed up against the couch.
I snorted. "It is."
He smiled, his hand still on the side of my face. I'm surprised he didn't get it caught in the mass that is my hair. It's seriously massive. My hair is practically a less frizzy afro. It's constantly standing up on ends. I used to try and tame it, but it's uncontrollable. Some people say it's nice, because it's so curly, but when you wake up with it in your face, suffocating you, it's really not that great. And other people just say I either look like a lion, or just a tramp that got dragged through a bush thirty-seven times to many.
Anyway, Brady carried on smiling while I sat there, confused and wide eyed.
"Brady?"
His eyes widened and he dropped his hand, clearing his throat. "Yeah, anyway…" he said, going on to talk about something else.
It was weird. I didn't really understand what the hell got into him then. I really didn't. It was fine though, we spent the rest of the afternoon talking and chatting and he didn't go all strange on me again. After a while we just ended up watching a movie. It was weird – I felt comfortable with Brady. Not the same comfortable I feel with the girls, but more so than any other person. I don't usually feel like this. But, no matter what I say, he never seems to judge me harshly.
I've spent a few other days, just hanging out with him. Not overly but I'm happy to say me and Brady are pretty much friends. The girls don't care so much anymore. They know that I won't ever like him that way. And having a boyfriend is far from being on my agenda anytime soon. I have my mother, Nick and now Moose to worry about. There is also the slight chance that Kat will slip into her slight fuck-crazy phase as well, what with Nick going to another consultation for a different treatment scheme soon. It tends to affect Kat badly. And then there's Ava, who has the tendency to slip into a slight depression phase every now and then, which we have to look out for. Her adoptive parents are amazing to her, but she still needs us to be there for her to pick her up when she's down. Plus, Brady isn't even into me, so I don't even know where they got that idea in the first place.
Okay, so here's the next chapter. I'm thinking of having Brady phasing for the first time next chapter, what do you guys think? I was going to have LOADS of time before that, to have them develop a proper friendship, but I can't seem to be able to pull any filler material out of my brain and I have a bunch of ideas for when he does phase. And yes, Moose is Paul's sister. Hee hee hee. I'm starting up some things that hint at what will happen later, but you won't even notice it now.
To any Unsuspecting readers, I know, I've updated this twice and yet no chapter for Unsuspecting? Why am I doing this? Do not fear, I have not lost the love for Embry and Alex, but I have hit major writers block on it. So LIS is being a nice distraction until I can finally get back to writing it properly. Because if not I'll just end up writing about three paragraphs a day, which sucks, instead of splurging out a whole batch at once, which I tend to find is usually better written. Sorry :)
Anyway, back to this, how do you guys feel so far? You are slowly finding more and more out about Zoë and her friends and family and their lives. Am I writing it okay? What about Brady's feelings for her at the moment? And Zoë doesn't like him as anything but a friend right now, what do you guys think? Ready for some proper lovin' soon? Don't worry, things shall not be going perfectly smooth when he does phase. Hee hee hee!
PLEASE review! It will make me write more, so if you want a quick update, you know which button to press ;D