Chapter 4
Casually lounging on the front porch of my home, my thoughts ran through my head. One thought that I couldn't rid my mind of. I leaned my head back, rolling my neck. Letting out a deep sigh, I thought back to the day Paul found me on the floor of the hospital.
I snapped my head up, as Paul bent down in front of me.
"Did you really find it necessary to piss Embry off like that?" I asked through a pained and cold tone.
"Did you really find it necessary to be listing?" he retorted, fashioning a arrogant smirk.
"Well, look what I get," I gestured, almost grazing my hand across my nose. "Hum, looks like I always get hurt. Mentally and physically. What do you get out of it?" He didn't answer, I could feel the rage bubbling between us. "That's what I thought. Nothing! Get the fuck out of my sight. I'm not pleased with you Paul Lahote. Don't even think of speaking another word to me."
If only I had the choice not to do this.
I groaned as the motor of the massive black truck, filled my ears as. As if on cue my stitches began burning when the truck pulled into view. It stopped at the curb, Paul pulling it into park. I heard the door slam as he came around the side.
"Coming?" he asked as he leisurely leaning against the front of the truck. I rolled my eyes as I made my way to the truck, not saying a word. I pulled the door open, making my way up into the cab. I extended my left arm, reaching for the handle to hoist me up. I pushed myself off the ground bracing my weight on my right arm.
Not the best move of the day.
I hissed in pain, stifling a scream, as I came tumbling toward the ground. Moments before hitting the concrete, someone caught me.
"Careful there," Paul advised, helping me back to my feet. Practically setting me in the seat. I gave him a thankful glance, before shutting the door in his face.
"So, remind me why Embry couldn't take you?" Paul asked as we waited in the lobby of the hospital. He bounced a leg rapidly, a nervous habit of his. Why was he edgy? He had nothing to worry about.
"Huh, he's avoiding me." I rasped out, clasping my sweaty hands together. Nervously, I untangled my hands, wiping my hands on my shorts.
"That's what you call it?"
"What and you think it's something-"
Our conversation was cut as a blonde nurse stepped through the door, calling my name. I forced myself up, trying to brace myself on my shaking legs.
"Are you sure you don't want your boyfriend to come with you?" the nurse sweetly asked.
"No, I'm fine," I coldly replied, glaring at 'my boyfriend' who held a smug look on his face. Psh, there was no way in hell.
"Dr. Cullen will be in here in a moment," I was told, after the nurse had done her duties. The paper of the bed crinkled as I sat upon it. The noise it emitted rang through the room.
The door creaked open, Dr. Cullen holding numerous tools. I gulped as my pulse sped up again, sweat lining my brow.
"Are you alright, dear," Dr. Cullen asked while slipping into a pair of gloves. I hated how he could notice my present state.
"Yes," I squeaked out.
"Hum, you don't seem so sure. When a person lies, their eyes dilate and voice becomes shaky. So, are you alright?"
"No."
"There's nothing to be nervous about, my dear."
"I'm not nervous," I lied, he tilted his head in my direction. "Okay, I am. I'm afraid to see it," I paused, hoping he knew what I was talking about. "You know, the scars."
"Don't be. You'll have to learn to embrace them. They're a part of your life. A constant reminder that-"
"Don't," I warned, not wanting to hear all the shit he had to say.
"I'm sorry. I never imagined how hard it would be for you," he made his way towards me, syringe in hand. "Now, breathe and calm down. It will all be over momentarily." He steadily brought the needle to my skin, I stopped him before making contact.
"No!" I screamed out. Abruptly he pulled back. "Please, will you just go get Paul for me?"
I kept my eyes closed still clinching to Paul's massive, burning hand. I felt the pressure disappear, as Dr. Cullen stepped away.
"You're all done, Ms. Morris. Would you care to take a look?"
"No," I replied pulling my shirt back down. "Thank you though." I added as an afterthought, trying to be polite.
"You can let go of my hand now. Or do you like holding it?" Paul lowly said, close to my ear as Dr. Cullen left the room.
I jumped down from the bed, pulling my hand free of Paul's. "Just take me home, Lahote."
I quickly averted my eyes from the white wall in front of me as my door swung open. I jolted upright, staring at a shirtless Embry.
"Where did you go with Lahote today?" he asked, demanding an answer, his arms crossed over his seemingly muscular chest. When did that happen?
"Nice hair. Was that a requirement to entering your little cult?" I bitterly said, knowing that was why he had been avoiding me.
"That's not what it is."
"Whatever."
"Good God, Blake! When was the last time you showered?"
I glared at him, falling back down on my bed turning from him. I heard a commotion from behind but dismissed it. There was no way I was going to take a shower. I couldn't even fathom touching any source of water.
I felt Embry's presence return, I turned back in his direction, starring at him.
"Get up," he demanded, still revolted by my state. I knew he was trying to help, but he didn't understand.
No one did!
"You're not getting me in there." I remarked, trying to stay strong even though I was terrified.
"I don't want to have to do this just as much as you want me to." He crossed his arms, still standing in the doorway.
"Then don't. You don't get it."
"I'm trying, Blake. Now come on. It'll be easier this way."
"No!" I yelled, turning from him. I couldn't believe that he was doing this.
"Dammit, Blake!"
Abruptly, I was lifted from my bed, and flipped over Embry's shoulder. When the hell did he get so strong? But I needed not worry about that I had to get away. Now!
"Stop, please," I cried pounding my fist on his back. "Let me go! Let me go!"
The running water filled my ears, as I felt the steam slide across my body.
"Stop, crying. It's nothing to get so emotional about. It's just water."
He flipped me back over, I flung my hands up to his bare shoulders, holding on for life.
"Stop, you don't know what you're doing!" I clutched on tighter as he pushed me down, under the shower.
My heart pounded in my head as the images came back. Everything becoming real. I thrashed against the wall of the shower, trying to break free.
"Help! Help! The blood! Blood! No!" I yelled, trying to get away from the sharks hold. Escape my blood flowing in the ocean, as I wailed through it.
Two warm arms grabbed me as I continued thrashing, trying to escape the ocean.
Through tear stained eyes I glanced up at Embry. My heart clenched in my heaving chest as my wounds burned.
"No," I continued mumbling through short breaths.
Embry ran his hand across my wet hair, pulling my soaked body into his bare chest.
"I'm sorry," I continuously heard in Embry's now soft voice. Sill holding me close, in his burning chest, I began to calm down.
Suddenly, exhaustion took over as I found myself asleep, still wrapped in Embry's warm arms.
Chapter 5
The dull moonlight shone through my window, drawing me near. I untangled myself from Embry's arms, rising out of bed. Slowly crossed over to the window. Kneeling on the cushion underneath the window, I pulled the curtains back, pushing the glass plated doors open.
The deep blue ocean beckoned for me to come near. The moon glistening across the sea, making it sparkle.
Bit by bit, I crawled out of the window making my way down to the sea.
I continued to walk, dazed by the glimmering deep. My bare feet hit the sand, sinking with each step. The wind faintly picked up, pushing back the loose strands of hair that shrouded my face. The salty smell of the sea filled my nostrils, reminding me of my home.
I closed my eyes taking in the glory that surrounded me.
Abruptly, there was a rustling in the woods that adjoined the beach. I snapped my head to the right, to find a glowing pair of stormy eyes. Surly, I was hallucinating.
I continued back to the sea, my feet touching the damp sand. The tide came in and out, brushing against my toes. I smiled, wadding out more into the salty ocean.
I felt something brush against my leg. I tried to move, but couldn't. I was frozen in fear. I opened my mouth to call out, but instead water rushed in. My breath was gone, as I fell into a state of panic.
I trashed through the water, trying to get loose of the jaws that were dragging me to my death. But it was inevitable.
Something clutched on to my back, yanking me from the sea. Water rolled off me as my screams came in contact with my ears. I continued to struggle, not knowing where I was. Abruptly, I found myself on the sand, the last person I wanted to see coming into view.
"Bronwyn. Bronwyn!" His voice called not fully reaching me. He placed his hands on my shoulders , yelling my name again and shaking me. "Dammit, Bronwyn! Am I going to have to put you back in the water?"
"No!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. "It's out there, it's got me. Let me go!" I began shaking my head, trying to get away from his grasp. "Help!"
He shook me again, but with more vigor. I felt as if I was a rag doll in his hold. "Blake, wake up!" He yelled, his hands tightening around my shoulders.
"Get you damn hands off of me, Lahote!" I snarled, pushing away from him. "What the hell are we doing out here? Why am I wet?"
A small smug look crossed Paul's face for a second, then he became serious again. "You slept walked into the ocean."
"Haven't you ever heard not to disturb a sleep walker?"
"Yes. But I think that changes when the sleep walker is about to die!"
"I was perfectly fine!"
"Really? Why don't you go back into the water, and tell me that." I cringed at the thought, beginning to shiver. "Exactly."
"B... bu... but how did you know where I was? What time is it?"
"It's four in the morning. Come on, let's get you back to your house."
"How did you-"
"That doesn't matter, just be fucking happy that I saved your life! And you can't even say thank you!"
"Paul-" I sighed, pushing back my hair. "Just take me home."
He placed his hand in front of my face to help me up. I swatted it away not wanting the help.
"Okay, get up on your own. I was just trying to help." I slowly pushed myself up trying to get to my feet. Eventually, I got to where I was firmly planted on the ground. I picked up my foot, to step and then fall. "So, that wouldn't happen."
Suddenly, Paul grabbed both of my hands in one of his and my legs in the other. Effortlessly, he slung me around his shoulders, carrying me back to my house. I huffed, obviously defeated.
Without setting me on the steppes of my porch, Paul grabbed the spare key, unlocking the door and entering the house. Without fault, he quietly shut the door behind us, taking me to my room. As he walked me up the stairs, he asked in a low voice, "How the hell did you get out of your room without killing yourself?"
I shrugged, not realizing he couldn't see it, but he probably felt it.
He stopped at my room, noticing the lights were on. I hadn't left with them like that. He outstretched his arm for the door but it was opened before he could reach it.
"Embry," he growled lowly. If it weren't for the fact that my head was so close to his face I wouldn't have heard it.
"Hello, Paul," Embry greeted with a fake grin on his face. He looked as if he were about to blow a fuse. I had never seen Embry like this, ever. "Now, will you please set Blake down?"
I slid off of Paul's bare back, I came around both of them, making my way to my bathroom. It was quiet, a little too quiet. I turned around to find both of them staring at me.
"What?" I demanded, trying to pin point their stares. My jaw dropped as I realized what I was wearing. I was in my Juicy Couture nighty that wasn't only short and white. But now soaked. Hurriedly, I crossed my hands over my chest. I mumbled a couple of profanities underneath my breath. I closed the door behind me. Quietly, I pressed my ear up to the door, anxious to hear what was about to be said.
"What happened?" I heard Embry's voice demand.
"I don't know. Maybe if you were such a good friend she wouldn't have had another break down. You were here. Why didn't you watch her?" Paul retorted.
"I didn't cause this one!"
"So, you caused one?"
"No! Well- You make seem like it's such a chore to take care of her! She is after all you im-"
"Watch what you say! It's not a chore! I just don't want to cause her any more pain than she has to bear. All your doing by still codling her, is getting in my way!"
"Where have you been? No where! You haven't helped her one damn bit! I'm helping her. I was there when the damn shark attacked her. I was there to comfort her. Not you!"
"Where were when she was getting her stitches out? Answer me that. Do you know how damn scared she was? She can't even look at herself. To be reminded of that night! But I was there. And whatever little comfort I could bring I did. Or tried too! I wasn't her ideal choice to come with her to get them out. I knew she much rather have you there. It's always been you!"
That was it! I pushed through the door, not caring that I was still in the nighty. Tears blinded my vision as my chest heaved up and down.
"Stop it both of you!" I yelled, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Get out of my house! Get out of my sight! Get out of my life, both of you!" Tears streamed down my face, as they stared at me. Paul took a step towards me. "Now!"
They both turned heading out of my room. Out of my life, just as I had asked.
I slammed the door behind them. Slowly, I slid to the floor, burring my head in my hand. Letting the sobs rack my body.
Suddenly, I heard a commotion from my unclosed window. I steadily got to my feet. Striding over to the window pane, I saw the two of them continuing to argue. Embry began getting closer to Paul. It looked as if he was about to hit him. But I knew better. Paul would beat his ass. Especially with the temper that he had.
I reached out for the window knobs, taking them in my hand. Tears fell to the ground as I pulled the window shut. I glanced through the glass once more, to find Embry and Paul looking up at me. The looks held on their faces broke me more. I turned away from the window.
What had I done?
Chapter 6
I yanked my long strands of hair into a taught braid, falling down my back. I fastened it with a thin black rubber band, making sure it was secure.
I seated myself in the delicately iron casted chair at my desk. I studied myself in the mirror, that attached itself to the desk. The antique wood, framed the glass.
Slowly, I tugged the drawer beside me open. Reaching inside, I retrieved the shining pair of sharp, silver scissors.
Taking the handle in my dominate hand, I tugged them open. I lifted my chin glancing at myself one last time. I turned my head to the right. With my left hand I clutched the ends of my braid.
The seconds seemed to lengthen as I placed the opening of the blades to the edge, extremely close to the nape of my neck. I clamped the handle together and then open again and closed it once more. Continuing in the patter until there was nothing left to cut.
I dropped the scissors to the edge of the desk, releasing my braid to the ground in the same motion.
I turned once again to the mirror, to find a new Bronwyn.