Chapter 7: Thread
Paige felt insecure. She couldn't just tell him forget about it, that was a mistake, that would've outdone the good she did. Besides, it wouldn't be true. She didn't even know if she could trust herself or her own emotions right now and since when did Cole become a damsel in distress, who brought out her caring, motherly instincts? Was it when he looked devastated after being tricked by the siren? It was before she tried her first power stripping potion on him for sure, but when? Didn't she even want him back together with Phoebe for a moment after the ball with the Cinderella dress? Didn't they make Phoebe apologize to him? Eih, somewhere along the line she'd softened so much towards him, but she didn't even know. Then there's another puzzling question, what were his feelings for him exactly? It didn't matter though, she could not concentrate on her own cognitive state, there was somebody next to him, rather suicidal, if not, self destructive and totally lost, somebody who was apparently afraid of her reaction to the kiss. She gave herself a mental slap and squeezed his hand, "if you were given a new start, no talk of heritage, no given disadvantages known by anyone, what would you do?"
Cole looked up with a huge amount of confusion on his face, which slowly turned into shock. Did she just say something positive to him? Majorly positive? After him stealing a kiss? Did she like him and why? "I dunno what I'd do," he slurred, "it doesn't happen. It cannot happen. Once I thought I could start anew, I trusted somebody, I thought she'd recognize her own emotions with her being a psychologist herself. I believed she loved me, whoever or whatever I was, I thought I could be who she loved me to be. Trusting her was a mistake, cause nobody trusts me, no matter what I do. There's always that little suspicion in the back of their minds that spoils everything. I'm done running. It's all about trust," he emphasized quietly.
"Forget about everyone else Cole. I have given you a new start. And I will not regret it because I've seen how obsessively you try to be good. I don't even care if it's only for Phoebe's sake."
"I can't do it alone Paige. Not even close." He clutched his knees nervously.
"You won't be alone," she shook her head, "now once again, consider it, a new life, what do you think it could signify starting it?" Seeing he was still lost between comprehending she was there for him and that all didn't necessarily need be irrecoverable, she tried to give him a clue, pointing at the stubbles that scratched her delicate skin a little when they were kissing. "It's easier to start with the appearance you see," she smiled trying to lighten the mood.
"Oh, I didn't really notice how I looked," he responded to her smile with a lopsided, apologetic one. He looked down at himself and tugged at the sticky shirt, "perhaps you're right. A shower should help," he finally said with a little bit of vigor and purpose returning to his voice.
Paige knitted her eyebrows. Didn't this thing start because she didn't want to let him leave alone? Because she wanted to stay with him at all times, just in case his powers and his desperation got the better of him? Of course she never considered practicalities then, going to the washroom, changing her clothes, showers and so on!
From his expression, he was in middle of realizing the implications of her promise as well, "care to join me?" He asked impishly. Cause whatever the answer was, the whole situation was going to be funny.
Tbc
