Author's Note: Once again I want to thank you all for the reviews. They are greatly appreciated. They make me happy knowing that you appreciate the hard work that I've put into this crazy story of mine.
The beginning of this chapter may be a little confusing as it backtracks just a bit with it being in Bella's POV. But don't worry, with this chapter things will really start to pick up so we can start moving in the right direction. This chapter starts the morning after the broken window incident and happens to be the same morning in which Paul breaks things off with Bianca.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Twilight and its characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.
Chapter 7: Welcome to My World
BPOV
I was vaguely aware that I was in a dream-like state, slowly swimming my way back through the black fog of awareness. I was having a very intense dream and I was trying to fight to grab hold of it. The ending was right there, well within my grasp, but alas all was lost when I suddenly awoke with a start and sat bolt upright, breathing rapidly; heart hammering in my chest. I was disoriented and drenched in sweat and embarrassingly enough, very. . .aroused. My face flushed crimson as I flopped back down on to my bed with a frustrated sigh. I have never had a dream like that before.
An involuntary shiver ran down my spine. What is it about Paul? What is it about him that has every nerve ending in my body calling out for his touch? I can't stop thinking about him, and I don't know if that's a good thing or not. He consumes my every waking thought and now he's invaded my dreams. Not that I'm complaining. It's just so frustrating to know that I have such a strong connection to him, yet we're virtual strangers, but it doesn't feel that way.
I've never had such a strong sexual attraction to a man before in my life, not even with Edward. Then again, that's to be expected I guess since he never let our physical relationship or lack thereof move past kissing. No gentle caresses or wandering hands. He would occasionally indulge me when I would forget the strict limitations he set forth in regards to my safety when it came to kissing. It was hard being that close to him and breathing in his sweet breath. I would lose touch with reality from his close proximity and as a result I tended to lose myself and get a bit passionate with a kiss, but he would come to his senses and bring me back down to Earth, and much to my dismay put some distance between us before it could go any further. Even though I knew it was for my own safety, the rejection still stung, but with him I was willing to take what little he was willing to give and learned to be happy with it.
As I lay in my bed letting my mind wander, I was somewhat shocked to realize that I had mentioned, or at least thought Edward's name without the crippling pain that usually accompanies it. It confused me, but I was grateful all the same. It brought a genuine smile to my face when I realized that I was finally getting over and moving past everything that was Edward Cullen. I would never forget, but I felt like I was finally putting that whole ordeal in the past and moving forward. For so long I was afraid to forget, afraid that I would lose any and all memories of him and the rest of the Cullen's. It wasn't a healthy thing to do, but I used to welcome the pain that their leaving brought forth. It meant that they were real, that I didn't some how dream them all up. That I wasn't crazy. But now I realize that I was only holding myself back from truly moving on and being happy. I know I can't continue to live in past and now that I can actually acknowledge that fact, I can breathe a little easier. It's a huge step in the right direction to getting my life back, that's for sure.
Maybe it has something to do with Paul, my subconscious whispered in my ear and I was inclined to agree with her. Yes, maybe indeed.
Without provocation, my thoughts suddenly ventured into remembering some of the events of last night. My breath hitched and my body shuddered when I remembered the feel of Paul's body pressed against mine, the feel of his soft warm lips on mine, thoroughly kissing me into oblivion. I gasped and jumped out of bed as if I had been burned with a hot iron. My face was flushed and my body was overheated. I may be a grown woman, but these feelings are all new to me, so it's only natural to be confused. It's almost as if my body has a mind of its own.
I was suddenly in need of a very cold shower. I groaned as I stretched and then grabbed my bathroom necessities and headed in the direction of the shower.
I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel firmly around myself, while I rung the excess water out of my hair before I wrapped it in up in a towel. Once that task was finished, I wiped the fog from the mirror with the palm of my hand and took a good look at myself. I couldn't explain the sudden impulse to look at myself; I felt different somehow, but not really. I looked at the face staring back at me. I knew it was me, but my eyes were bright and shining. They had a spark of life in them. The same spark that fizzled and died out after my disastrous birthday party. I smiled at my reflection, happy with the sudden change and exited the bathroom.
Having safely made it back to my room still in one piece, I shut and locked the door behind me. However, it didn't take long for my good mood to evaporate when my eyes traveled over to the window and the cardboard cutout that was lining the broken window from last night.
With a frustrated sigh, I angrily and very maturely stomped my way over to my closet to get dressed. Deciding comfort was best; I went with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. It was simple enough. I went to my underwear drawer to grab my undergarments when I noticed a piece of paper folded in the shape of a heart resting neatly on top of my underwear. I eyed it with disdain, perplexed as to what it was doing in that particular drawer. My blood ran cold as my heart raced, beating twice as fast as its normal pace. I didn't need to open it to know whom it was from. I snatched it from its place in my drawer and hastily opened it and began reading. "Bella, I'm sorry for acting so crazy. I don't mean to scare you. It's just been real hard coping with everything lately. I could really use a friend. Please forgive me - Jacob".
I sighed deeply. First of all, adding this note to my underwear drawer of all places isn't doing him any favors. And secondly, when did he put the note in my drawer? I know he really needs a friend right now, but this note has only succeeded in angering me. He can't do things like this. It's crossing some very prominent lines that shouldn't be crossed. But how do you stay angry with someone who is hurting and clearly needs your help? With no answer to that question, I pushed such thoughts into the recesses of my mind, resolved to think about them later. Besides, my mind didn't have time to dwell on Jacob, my mind was filled with thoughts of Paul, however selfish it might be, but it brought a smile to my face regardless. With happy thoughts now invading my mind, I quickly dressed and skipped my way back to the bathroom to finish my morning routine and then proceeded to make my way downstairs for breakfast.
Once I descended the stairs and made my way into the living room, I stopped short when it was blatantly obvious that Charlie was already up. I could hear the telltale sounds of the pages of a newspaper being turned. With the shrug of my shoulders I made my way into the kitchen.
Charlie was sitting at the table reading the newspaper, just as I suspected.
"Hey dad," I greeted him with a warm smile on my face.
He put the paper down and gave me an odd appraising look. He must have been satisfied with whatever he was looking for because the corners of his lips turned up into a real smile. It was not the awkward half smile everyone was accustomed to, oh no. This was a full smile, teeth showing; laugh lines around his mouth and all.
"Morning Bells," was his response to my greeting as he continued to stare at me. And like a light bulb had been switched on, his expression changed, and I began to fidget under the scrutiny of his penetrating gaze. "Care to explain to me why there is a hole in your window?" He asked.
I wasn't ready to delve into a full blown out discussion on the dramas of my life. I'm good at keeping things from everyone, obviously, so why stop now?
"Well…" I stammered and quickly tried to think of a plausible excuse. "You know I have no idea. When I got home it was like that, Paul helped me tape it up before he left." I mentally winced at my pathetic response. I looked away, afraid that if I looked him in the eye he'd know I was lying. I was never a good liar to begin with, but there was no need to alert Charlie to my peeping tom problem. I could handle it on my own.
"I guess its one of those great mysteries then, right Bells?"
"Yeah, I guess so dad." I answered as I poured myself some juice and sat down at the table. His eyes followed my every move. "What?" I asked with my glass half raised to my mouth, feeling self-conscious.
He ignored my question to ask one of his own.
"Why were you in such a good mood when you came in here?" He asked. Well that's random, but at least we're off the topic of my broken window. For now at least.
And I wasn't aware that it was that obvious. "No reason," I replied merrily, suddenly happy once more.
Charlie raised his eyebrows at me in shock. I was worried his eyebrows were going to disappear into his hairline. Nevertheless, he shook his head as if to clear it, and much to my relief, stuck his nose back into the paper, effecting hiding his face from view.
"This good mood wouldn't have anything to do with Paul, now would it?" He asked.
I was shocked stupid. I could feel myself flush from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. I was thankful he couldn't see my reaction. He still had the newspaper planted in front of his face. I began sputtering my rebuttal, when he effectively cut me off again.
"I saw the way you two were looking at each other." He remarked.
Since when did Charlie become so observant? I decided to be evasive.
"I don't know what you're talking about." I gripped, feigning irritation, though; on the inside my stomach was doing excited little flips at the mere mention of Paul's name.
"Relax Bells," Charlie urged. "Not that it matters, since you're an adult now, but I just want you to know that I approve. He's a good man, that Paul"
My brain automatically conjured up the image of Paul on the beach, and much to my dismay, a perfect image of his girlfriend as well. As fast as lightening, my brain started working overtime when it remembered that Paul definitely wasn't single.
"Yeah, I'm sure his girlfriend thinks so too." I whispered. So much for my good mood. Sadness washed through me when I remembered that little tidbit.
Charlie signed and put the paper down, eying me with caution.
"Things have a way of working themselves out, Bells, have a little faith" He advised in his fatherly tone that I didn't get to hear very often, however, I wasn't in the mood for a pep talk, so a diversion was in order.
"So . . .," I trailed off, trying hard to suppress my grin with the direction I was heading this conversation in.
Charlie eyed me warily for a moment, probably wondering about my mental state with the sudden change in my demeanor.
I couldn't keep the smirk off my face when I asked. "You and Sue, huh?"
Charlie's embarrassment only added to my amusement. I got the pleasure of seeing his face turn an unusual shade of fire-engine red, as he gawked at me.
I laughed heartily for a moment before I decided to be a good daughter and put an end to his discomfort.
"It's obvious you like her dad, I'm happy for you." He blinked rapidly at me before his face cleared and a wistful look took over his features. He nodded to confirm that I was, in fact correct in my assessment.
Never one for awkward situations, Charlie stood up and made a hasty departure with the excuse of work. Duty calls apparently. I laughed at his retreating form when he closed the front door.
I was excited for Charlie. He was finally getting over my mother, with the help of Sue it seems, and I couldn't be more happy for him.
I continued to sit at the table lost in thought. Maybe Charlie was right. Maybe fate and the heavens would take mercy on me, and something good will come out of mess that is my life. A girl can dream. I snapped out it and made my way to the cupboard that housed the bowls. I couldn't be bothered with cooking. A bowl of cereal would do just as well as anything.
After a less than stellar breakfast, I decided a little house cleaning was in order. It gave me something to do since I didn't have any plans for today. It also made me feel productive since I didn't exactly have a job at the moment. I planned to rectify that situation later in the week when I went to sign up for the Spring semester at the community college in Port Angeles since the Fall semester started shortly before my return. For now I would focus on the task at hand. There was cleaning to be done.
I made quick work of moping the kitchen floor, dusting and vacuuming the living room. I hightailed it upstairs and collected the dirty clothes and was able to get a load of laundry done; folding included. By mid-afternoon my stomach grumbled loudly, demanding food.
I finished putting the clean clothes and linens away and bounded down the stairs to make myself something to eat. And like this morning, I wasn't in the mood to cook. Besides if I did that, I'd have to add the dishes to my list of chores. So with that in mind I made a plain turkey and lettuce sandwich and ate it quickly.
Once finished, I looked around the downstairs area, satisfied that I'd done enough work for the day and made my way back upstairs to my room to do a little reading.
As luck would have it, my plan was derailed when my mother called. She talked my ear off for quite some time before I managed to get her off the phone. I can't fault her though. She's my mom and she worries about me, especially after the last time I came to live in Forks and my breakdown that ensued. That wasn't something I wanted to dwell on at the moment though.
I hung up the phone and was re-thinking my plans for the day; I didn't really think I could concentrate on reading when my mind wasn't in it, clearly occupied thinking about a certain someone. The phone rang and brought me out of my dilemma. Figuring it was my mom once again, I didn't bother to check the caller ID before I picked up.
"Mom, really, I think I've had enough girl talk for the day," I said wearily.
" Bella…" I heard a deep husky voice reply. I knew that voice. It was My Paul. His voice caused a pleasurable shiver to run down my spine in a delicious way, leaving goose bumps all over; even the sound of his voice did wonderful things to my body.
"Bella, are you there?" He asked. I hadn't realized I had yet to respond to him.
"Paul," I whispered, blinking rapidly to clear the fog from my brain. Clearing my voice and willing it to be stronger, I continued "I wasn't expecting you to call." I said shyly.
"I wasn't sure I should call either. I know last night was crazy but I was hoping we could get together and talk, maybe dinner tonight? If you're not busy that is." he said nervously.
"Yes of course," I blurted out immediately and was rewarded with his deep chuckle.
"Really, okay how about I pick you up at say seven o'clock then?" He asked hopefully. "There's this place I want to take you that I think you'll enjoy it." He said.
"Sure, but um Paul, are you sure it's a good idea?" I asked nervously. "I don't want to cause problems or come between you and your girlfriend," I explained.
He sighed. "There's a lot to talk about. I'll explain everything tonight." He said.
Satisfied that I would finally be getting some answers tonight, I was quick to agree.
"Okay, sounds nice. I'm looking forward to it" I smiled.
"Me too, there's a lot to discuss." He cleared his throat and continued in a strained voice, "Oh and Bella…"
"Yes?" I asked, wanting to keep him talking to hear the husky tenor of his voice.
"Pack an overnight bag. I'll see you at seven." He said.
"Well aren't you a little presumptuous." I snarkily replied, shocked that he would even imply such a thing.
He chuckled. "It's not what you think. Just trust me, pack the bag. . . And stop biting your lip." He demanded softly.
My breath caught in my throat. I blinked at the phone, bewildered as if he had eyes of its own. I do it unconsciously out of nervous habit. I didn't even realize I was doing it. How the. . .
I giggled. "Are you stalking me Paul?" I asked more pleased by that prospect than I should be. I won't deny that that idea sent a thrill through me for some unknown reason.
He laughed. "You wound be Bella. But it just so happens that I know you better than you think. Now go get ready. I'll see you at seven." He hung up before I could say any more.
My head was spinning. I had half a mind to call him back and demand he tell me what the overnight bag was for, but decided against it. I trusted him completely for some inexplicable reason, but I wasn't going to question his motives. Somewhere deep inside I just knew that he would never harm me.
I heard a car honk outside and I jumped. Startled, I looked out the living room window to see Paul's truck passing by. I chuckled at the idea of him being so nervous that he couldn't bring himself to ask me out in person. And I thought I was bad.
Paul has a way about him that makes me feel young and carefree in a way I've never felt before. It's a nice being able to act young for a change. For so long I've been on the outside looking in because I've never quite fit in with my peers. But with Paul there's a feeling belonging. I don't have to pretend with him and it's a nice feeling to have.
I was a little uneasy about his relationship status because I'm not that kind of girl, but he did say he would explain everything to me tonight, so I argued with myself that if he wasn't concerned about it then I wouldn't be either.
With an excitement level that could put even Alice to shame, I ran up the stairs to rummage through my closet for something decent to wear. I debated for a couple minutes on what to wear, since I didn't know where it was we were even going. I didn't even think to ask. I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself in case I talked myself into backing out due to my frazzled nerves. So without over thinking it I had an outfit picked out and placed it on my bed. Smiling to myself, I returned to my closet to collect a small duffel bag to pack an overnight bag before venturing into the bathroom for another shower. I felt grimy from all the cleaning, and a thorough scrubbing was in order. This was certainly going to be an interesting night.
An hour after my shower, I was dressed and ready for my evening with Paul. Since he failed to specify a location I didn't want to be dressed too casual and feel out of place. I decided on a cute plaid top that had ruffles down the front. It was more dressy than something that I would normally wear, but casual enough for tonight's festivities. At least I hoped. I paired it with a pair of jeans and a pair of boots that Renee gave me as a birthday gift shortly before I left Jacksonville to come back to Forks. I'm not one for make-up, so I kept it simple. A little eye shadow, mascara, and lip-gloss. I skipped the blush. I have enough natural blush to forgo that process altogether. That was about the extent of which I could handle when it came to the whole face paint farce. I didn't do anything special with my hair. I left it down in its natural waves that were cascading down my back and declared myself finished. With one final look in the mirror I wished myself good luck, returned to my room to grab my duffel bag, and nervously made my way downstairs to wait.
Not that I needed his permission or his approval, but I figured a note to Charlie informing him of my plans would be common courtesy, seeing as how I am living under his roof. Besides I didn't need to worry him. He has a life of his own to live. Maybe he'll see Sue tonight and not even realize that I'm not home. With a note for Charlie in mind, I went into the kitchen to write a note for him on the mini pad stationed next to the phone. Not knowing if I would be returning tonight, I decided to keep that piece of information to myself. I kept the note simple by informing Charlie that I was out on a date with Paul and didn't know when I'd return. Satisfied that that would suffice, I scribbled my name on it and retreated into the living room to continue the waiting game.
I sat on the couch and couldn't sit still. My leg was anxiously bouncing up and down. I had butterflies in my stomach, and my palms were starting to sweat. Who could blame me? Technically this is my first real date. Edward and I never really had one. Somehow I doubt the Italian restaurant he took me to the time I was almost attacked in Port Angeles constitutes as a date. I immediately scolded myself. Tonight was all about my date with Paul, so I banished all other thoughts from my mind and focused on My Paul. I willed my heart to slow down when I heard a knock on the front door. I took a calming breath to steady my nerves and went to get the door.
Opening the door slowly, so as to not seem so eager, I saw Paul standing there in all his handsome glory, smiling from ear to ear. His smile was dazzling. I found myself unconsciously returning his smile. It was contagious. His smile was intoxicating. I felt myself get a little woozy and steadied myself on the doorframe to keep my balance; least I fall and make a fool of myself.
Paul must have noticed my equilibrium wasn't up to par because he recovered quickly and broke the spell we were under when his hand shot out and gently grasped my arm to help steady me.
Once I was safely rooted in place he gave me a wry grin. "You look Beautiful, Bella" He said with a husky undertone to his voice.
"Thanks, " I managed to mutter. It was hard not to mumble my words while he was standing so close to me. His entire being was intoxicating and it was a heady combination. I shook my head slightly to clear some of the residual fog. "So should we get going, or did you want to come inside for a bit?" I asked nervously suddenly remembering my manners.
He smiled again and it immediately put me at ease. God, that smile should be illegal.
"We should get going." He suggested. He seemed nervous; I found it endearing, glad that I wasn't the only one.
"Okay, just let me grab my purse and bag that you insisted I bring." I playfully narrowed my eyes at him and gave him a stern look, then winked to make sure he knew I wasn't serious.
I turned on my heel and made my way back into the living room to collect my things, unaware that he had followed me in.
"Here, let me get that." He said, gesturing to my duffel bag.
I let him take it. I know I can be stubborn, but there's no use in arguing over something so petty as to who gets to carry the bag.
"Are you going to tell me why exactly I need it?" I asked.
He just smirked. "All in due time Bella." He laughed outright at my irritation, which quickly melted away at the sound of his laughter. It was music to my ears. Even his laugh was beautiful. Was there anything about this man that wasn't beautiful?
I huffed and closed and locked the door behind me to follow Paul towards his truck. In a gentlemanly move, he opened the door for me. I quietly thanked him as I buckled my seatbelt. He put my bag in the bed of the truck and quickly joined me inside.
The car ride was quiet and filled with the sexual tension that never seemed to dissipate whenever we were alone. It was as if the chemistry between us was so palpable that it was difficult not to imagine myself in his arms with his soft lips molding to mine. I felt warmness spread through my body and I felt my cheeks and neck flush. I could hear the blood pumping furiously in my ears as a result of my erratic heartbeat. I silently cursed my body's ability to give me away as I willed my breathing and heartbeat to slow. I didn't want him to notice my body's reaction to him in this enclosed space.
I was too busy trying to keep myself from attacking him due to my raging hormones that I wasn't paying attention to the scenery. We definitely weren't in Forks anymore. The time on his dashboard showed that we had been driving for well over an hour. Surprised I decided to ask what his plans were since I hadn't the slightest idea.
"Where are we going?" I asked as I continued to watch the scenery pass us by. We were definitely on some secluded road, wherever we were.
He turned to look at me with a secretive smile upon his handsome face. "It's a surprise," was all he said.
He turned back to the road and regarded me cautiously out of the corner of his eye as I quizzically gazed at him. I was anxious to know what was going on, but again I decided to trust him even though I hated surprises.
He pried my hands apart that were clasped on my lap, and grabbed hold of my hand to intertwine our fingers. "Relax, we're almost there." He soothed.
I nodded. "No, it's fine " I said. The feel of his hand in mine set my pulse racing. Tingles shot up and down my arm causing me to shiver in delight. I struggled to control my breathing. I looked away to hind my flushed face. The last thing I needed was for him to feel as though he had to reciprocate the feelings that I was obviously having towards him.
He released my hand to pull out his cell and sent a quick text to someone. I silently stewed in my seat wondering who that someone was. He replaced the phone and picked up my hand to intertwine our fingers once again.
Paul pulled into a parking lot where a car honked as it passed us on its way out. Paul waved and honked back. Puzzled and curious I asked. "Who was that?"
He squeezed my hand. "That was Jared and his imp- girlfriend Kim. That's whom I sent a quick text to. They helped me out this evening and I wanted to make sure everything was all set." He said.
"Oh?" I asked, forming it as a question, hoping he'd elaborate and give me some kind of hint.
No dice. He winked. "Nice try."
Okay, Bella. You can do this, I told myself. Time to get your game face one. I turned towards him fully and gave him my best pout, the one I just so happened to learn from Alice. "Won't you tell me? Please." I batted my eyelashes for good measure.
He groaned loudly while I internally cheered and gave myself a mental pat on the back for a job well done.
"They brought the. . ." he trailed off; having caught on that he was giving me the info I so desperately wanted to know. He muttered something under his breath about 'the look' and 'not fighting fair', while I sat back and watched him with great amusement. I cleared my throat to get his attention. He regarded me for a few seconds before sighing.
"We're going on a little hike, that's all you're going to get out of me, so put that weapon away." I quickly turned my frown upside down while I filed that information away for later use. I had no idea it would work that well. I laughed softly and gave him a mock salute while he shook his head at me with a smile on his face.
He turned the ignition off and I removed my seatbelt. He came around to my side and opened my door, grabbing my hand and helping me down.
I looked around our surroundings in the fading light to try to discern where we were. All I could see was a trailhead a short distance up ahead and trees. Lots and lots of trees.
"Where are we?" I asked.
"We're about 30 minutes East of Port Angeles." He informed me.
He kept hold of my hand and led me over to the trailhead and it was at this moment that I registered the fact that we were actually hiking. Great. Just what I need. Me and nature are constantly at odds. With my luck I'd end up ruining the night before it even got started with my inability to walk.
"I hope you don't expect me to hike. I'll kill myself." I nearly shouted.
He laughed at me. This was no laughing matter. I'm being completely serious.
"Bella, I wouldn't let any thing happen to you. It's a surprise. I'll even carry you if you'd like. We're not going that far off the trail. Come on." He gave me the puppy dog face. Complete with the pout. He totally stole my look. I sighed. How was I supposed to resist that face?
"Fine, but if I break my ankle I'm forcing you into servitude as my slave for the foreseeable future." I glared at him.
He chuckled. "Deal. Now come on. Time's a wastin'." And with that he gently tugged on my hand and we started on the trail for our hike.
The ground crunched beneath my feet as we made our way down the dirt path to God knows where. It was too dark for me to really see anything this time of night anyway. So I couldn't really appreciate the beauty surrounding me. What I could see was very serene. The darker it got, I focused on Paul's hand holding mine, praying that I wouldn't stumble and take us both down. You'd think that after 19 years on this Earth that I would have outgrown my clumsiness. It hasn't gotten worse, so at least there's that.
I don't know how long we walked for. It seemed like an eternity to my feet. I closed my eyes and let the feeling of Paul's hand calm me. Somehow with my eyes closed it made it easier to walk. I didn't worry about stumbling or tripping. The tingles brought on by Paul's touch allowed me to lose myself to the outside world, so I hadn't realized that we had stopped moving.
"Open your eyes Bella." Paul gently prodded as he whispered in my ear.
Slowly opening my eyes I was shocked to see that we were no longer on the trail. We were in a clearing of some sort. An open expanse of field surrounded by trees on either side of the field. We were standing at the end of a little bridge that overlooked a small spring. The gentle rushing of water over all of pebbles and rocks was soothing, however that isn't what had me gaping up at Paul completely awestruck.
I took in the scene before me once more. In the middle of the tiny bridge was a blanket nestled over the wooden planks with candles lit all around it and the biggest picnic basket I'd ever seen sitting in the middle of the blanket. I had tears in my eyes. No one had ever gone to so much trouble for me.
I turned back to Paul's smiling face completely and utterly incapable of speech. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. I cleared my throat and tried again.
"What have you done?" I asked. When he nodded his head, eyes shining with that brilliant smile still plastered on his face, I continued. You did all of this?" I whispered still in a state of shock.
He smiled indulgently at me. "That's where Jared and Kim came into play. I made all of the food, but I didn't have time to bring everything here and set this up without being late. So I called in a favor and they were happy to help. They left a few minutes ahead of me so that by the time we arrived, the food would still be warm."
"That was very kind of them to help. Remind me to thank them if I ever see them again." I told him.
He snorted. "That won't be a problem. Kim is especially anxious to meet you."
I furrowed my brows at him in confusion. "Why would she…"
"I'll explain that later. Come. Let's eat before it gets cold." He suggested. As if on cue, my stomach rumbled loudly at the mention of food.
He gave me a small smile and leaned down to kiss my forehead with his scorching lips. Squeezing my hand he led us up the bridge to the blanket and eased us both down on to the blanket.
He set about opening the basket and placing all of the various food items on to the blanket in front of us. It was like a three course meal. He had Alfredo pasta with shrimp, breadsticks, a salad, and cherry pie for desert. It was surprising still warm. I really will have to thank them when I see them again. It was really nice of them to help out like this.
Paul seemed to have it in his mindset to see me laugh and smile as often as he could. Almost like he was afraid it would be his only chance as odd as that may seem.
He started talking about mundane things at first. Nothing of real consequence. We were in our own little bubble, unaware of the outside world. We continued to laugh, talk and feast on the delicious food as we shared our likes and dislikes. It was as if we had known each other for years instead of days. I learned so much about him. I learned that he's 22 and does construction work for a living. He has his own house. I wanted to know everything there was to know about him. It felt so easy to be with Paul, even easier than it was with Edward, there was no burden of secrecy and danger. It was simple and normal, something I hadn't experienced with my past relationship. There wasn't a dull moment between us. Even when we weren't talking, the companionable silence was comfortable and welcome. Nice even, such was the case at the moment.
I could feel his burning gaze on me. I smiled for the millionth time it seemed and turned to face him and got lost in the intensity of his eyes. They were piercing and mesmerizing.
He brought his hand up to my mouth and pried my bottom lip loose from my teeth.
"Don't bite your lip. You don't know what it does to me." He groaned.
I closed my eyes and inhaled a shaky breath. The feel of his finger on my lips caused me to whimper. I heard him sigh softly and slowly opened my eyes.
He smiled a lazy grin at me and pulled his hand back, much to my dismay. He chucked at my pout before closing his eyes for a few seconds and shook his head before he opened them again.
"Bella, I know last night was chaotic, believe me I do. But I just want you know that what happened between us last night was real and I've never felt like this about anyone." He said.
"Not even Bianca?" I asked with a renewed sense of hope.
He smiled tenderly at me with what looked to be love shining in his eyes. Impossible I told myself.
"No Bella. Bianca and I aren't an item anymore. I couldn't stay with her when I have such strong feelings for you. What I feel for you. . . I can't even put into words. In the short time that I've known you, you've become my reason for everything. For living. For breathing. I don't want to scare you with the intensity of my feelings, but you deserve to know the truth. What you choose to do with this knowledge after you learn everything will be up to you." He smiled sadly at me.
"I thought it was just me. I thought I was crazy. Ever since I met you I've felt this intense bond, this connection with you. It scares me. I don't know what it means, but whatever it is, I don't want to fight it," I whispered as a tear rolled down my cheek.
He leaned forward and brushed away my tear with his calloused thumb and kissed my cheek. "I have to make a phone call. I'll be right back" he whispered.
"Okay. . ." I was confused. Why would he need to make a phone call right at this very moment? It made no sense.
"Wait here for me. I won't go far." He said.
I nodded my head so he knew that I'd heard him.
He eyed me anxiously for a second before he strode off the bridge with long strides. He stayed at the far end of the bridge so I could still see him, but all I could hear was his muffled voice. Not that I was trying to eavesdrop on his conversation. I just needed to be able to see him. I wasn't exactly too keen on the idea of being out in the woods by myself, so I'm glad he didn't stray off too far.
Whoever he talked to, it didn't last long. He came back a moment later looking more nervous than ever.
He walked back over to the blanket and held out his hand to me to help me stand. "Stand here. I'm going to go down below on the grass right over there" He pointed in the direction of a grassy area right by the steam of water. "There's something I have to show you. Once I've shown you, I'll answer any questions you have." He said.
I was more confused than ever. What was he going to show me?
"Paul, what's going on?" I asked anxiously. Annoyed that my voice cracked and broke towards the end.
"Bella, before we can be truly together, I need to show you something. But please don't be frightened" he said tensely.
He kissed my forehead, then my cheek, and then his lips smashed down on mine in an unyielding desperate kiss that frightened me in its intensity. With one lingering peck on my lips, he turned briskly and made his way down the bridge leaving me dumbfounded and slightly alarmed.
I watched as he started removing his clothes in his wake. Not that I didn't admire his body, but why was he removing his clothes? By the time he made it down to the area he pointed at, he was stripped bare and I met the sight of his naked form with his back turned towards me.
"Paul, what are you doin--" before I could finish my sentence, I watched in horror as he started shaking violently. He looked like he was convulsing. I could virtually feel the buzz and hum of the energy that surrounded him. I could hear these awful growling sounds as he continued to seize and shake with tremors. I was scared out of my mind. The more he shook and the louder the noises got I wanted nothing more than to look away, but couldn't force my eyes from the scene in front of me. It was horrifying. What was happening to him? He howled into the night and my eyes bugged out of their sockets when suddenly Paul disappeared before my very eyes and in his place I was met with the sight of a massive bear like beast of a creature gazing back at me.
I had to be hallucinating. This can't be right. I tightly squeezed my eyes shut, praying I was seeing things. When I snapped my eyes open its dark gray fur was bristling in the light breeze, much to my relief, it was still in the same spot. As the moonlight shone brightly over the small enclosure, I was stupefied. Utterly frozen, shocked, rooted in place staring unblinkingly at the giant animal before me.
I was aware of the heavy pressure compressing my lungs. I couldn't breathe. Why can't I breathe? Had I stopped breathing? Oh, God. Paul. My lungs were beginning to protest from lack of oxygen. So that's why I can't breathe. I sucked in a huge breath willing myself to calm down.
"Paaauuulll" I managed to choke out, while I struggled to control my heaving breaths. I couldn't get enough air into my lungs. I was getting light headed. Little black dots started dancing in my vision. I vaguely heard a howling whine pierce the night air as I was fighting a losing battle with consciousness. So much for normal, was the last thought that entered my mind before there was nothing but complete blackness.
Author's Note: Phew, this was a long chapter. The more I edited it, the longer it seemed to get.
Stupid Paul. Looks like he probably should have mentioned that he was a wolf before he phased. Don't count Bella out just yet though.
So, Bella is now 19 in this story, in case you missed that part, therefore I've decided to make Paul older as well. I know in New Moon that Paul's age was said to be 16, making him two years younger than Bella. I didn't feel comfortable keeping his real age. I just have a hard time seeing Bella with a 17 year-old Paul. Just...no. In the books, Bella was always mature for her age; ahead of her time. She never quite fit in with her peers because of it. That was always one of the reasons–among many that I could never picture her with Jacob. In the books Jacob looked older physically, but he was still very much a 16 year-old boy. So I took the liberty to make Paul a little older and hopefully more mature in this story to make for a better fit for Bella. He won't be perfect; he will have his moments, but that's what makes him Paul.
I ask that you ignore any and all grammatical and spelling errors you may find. Unfortunately I can't catch my many mistakes. As I said, I had trouble with this chapter and had to re-write it several times. I'm still not happy with the end result, but I tried. Hopefully you enjoyed it.
Also, If you're interested there is a link to Bella's outfit on my profile page.
Until next time.
