CHAPTER EIGHT

DEVIENT

The next day after Quil tried to scare me with a worm I just sat in the sand, digging my toes in. Then Embry came to sit with me.

"Are you having fun?"

I looked at him and nodded, "Yeah, I am. I like hanging out with you guys."

Embry gave me a sarcastic 'tell the truth' look, "You like hanging around with a bunch of immature guys?"

"You guys make me smile. Nothing makes me smile anymore." I answered simply, putting my head on Embry's shoulder. He laid his head on top of mine and put his arm around my shoulder, shielding me from the cold like he does. I felt warmer.

"I don't like thinking about you being so sad," Embry whispered.

I closed my eyes, "I don't like being sad. But I'm getting better. Even my dad noticed."

Embry kissed the top of my head affectionately, "Good. I want to make you happy."

"And you will. I don't want to sound pathetic or anything but you're my best friend," I looked down at my feet in the sand.

"It's not pathetic, Callie." Embry pulled me tighter into his side, "You're one of my best friends too. I really care about you."

I looked up at Embry, "I really care about you too. You've helped me so much in so little time and I don't think you know that."

"I'll always be here to help you," Embry swore, "In any way I can."

"Hey you two," we looked to see Quil and Jake grinning at us, "Stop making out and come into the water."

I blushed at the making out comment and shrunk into Embry's side even more. He laughed at my embarrassment and called out, "I think I'd rather make out than take a really cold bath!"

I heard the howls of laughter and playfully glared at Embry for encouraging the making out part of their antics. Embry laughed when he saw my glare, "Come on, Callie. It's funny."

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah sure."

Jacob then came to sit by us, "Quil can go have fun in the cold, I'm tired."

Embry and I laughed as Quil called out, "Pussy!"

Jacob gave us a curious look, "Are you two...?"

Embry shook his head and answer, "Nah, man, we're just close."

Jacob nodded and I could have sworn he mumbled 'good' but he quickly started talking again, "I heard Forks High's prom is coming up..."

I nodded, "Yeah."

"Is Bella...?"

I rolled my eyes, "Bella and I are going to Jacksonville." This felt so rehearsed. How many times had I given this excuse? "Jacob..." I began, cautious, "Bella is with Edward. She loves him."

Jacob and Embry looked uncomfortable with the serious subject. Jacob sighed, "I know."

"But you still chase after her?" I asked, incredulous.

"You don't get it, Callie," Jacob started, "You don't have anyone to fight for."

My face grew grave and dark, "No, I guess I don't."

Jacob looked guilty with sudden realization, "Callie, I- oh gosh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way."

I looked away, out onto the water. I thought of how easy it would be to just walk into the freezing cold blue and go numb. And keep walking. I'd just float away. No pain.

"I know."

I felt Embry wrap both his arms around me and kiss the back of my head. I forgot about the water.

I know it's very very short, I know. Don't be mad. I'll update again soon. But still tell me what you think!

RegalGirl94