Chapter Nineteen
You don't mess with an Imprint
Disclaimer.
Slight Warning for the language...
Pauls' POV
I saw red. He had been on her. Who did he think he was?!
I threw him across the yard in a swift motion, bending over her in alarm.
"Did he hurt you?" I asked, my voice unstably quaking.
"No, I'm fine..." she said, though by the looks of her bloody knee, and torn dress it was a lie.
"Fucking bastard." I muttered going over to where he was, just finding it in him to be able to stand.
I threw a punch, hitting him on the jaw twice, sending him flying to the hard ground again. I waited till he hit the ground then I pulled him back up by his shirt, hitting him twice in the gut.
I was shaking so bad it was hard to see.
I kicked him, sending him tumbling a few feet away. I was about to kick him again when someone was abruptly grabbing my arms, pulling me away.
"Calm down Paul! You don't want to do this hear. Besides anymore will kill the idiot." She said, struggling to keep a hold on me.
Suddenly Rachel was in front of me trying to sooth me and calm me down.
"Paul, I'm fine, please don't do this here." She said running her hand on my shoulder. Instead of having her usual calming affect, seeing her dirtied dress and bleeding knee just made me angrier.
"Rachel, get away!" Leah said, pulling me into the forest.
I was trembling even harder now and was literally ready to explode. Leah let me go when we were far enough in, and I instantly erupted, snarling furiously.
…
Rachel's POV
I followed them as fast as I could in high heels through the forest. As soon as I reached them I almost regretted following them.
Paul, in his wolf form, was thrashing and clawing at the tree's wrathfully. He snarled angrily breaking a tree in half with just one paw.
"Rachel! Get out of here! I'll take care of this, just leave!" Leah said, guardedly.
Looking wide-eyed at the sight before me, I quickly turned to leave. Walking as fast as I could, I ran back to the lawn of Teresa's house, passing the pervert who was puking his guts out, and got in my car hastily locking the doors.
Starting the ignition I quickly texted Becca that I needed to go home, and to hurry and get outside. Though I wasn't keen on answering any of her questions at the moment, I wasn't about to leave my pregnant sister at a party with a bunch of drunken guys, especially with what just happened.
The ride home was filled with her questions and my silence. Soon she just rubbed my arm comfortingly and accepted that I didn't want to talk about it.
When we got home I took a shower, got dressed in my p.j.'s and went right to bed, worn-out from all the things that had happened.
…
It's been three days since I last saw Paul. He hasn't stopped by the Library, every time I go to Emily's he isn't there, and he wont answer my calls. Every time I texted him, he would answer with 'I'm Fine. Cant Talk.' It was getting rather frustrating.
He is doing his best to avoid me. And frankly I can't take it anymore.
The worst part was that there was a huge storm over Washington, basically drowning the people of La Push and making it basically impossible for me to go anywhere. Which is exactly what I really wanted to do, to get all this drama off my mind.
Sighing as I sat on my bed I tried calling him again. Like the last couple times, it went straight to voicemail.
"Hey Paul, its me Rachel. I'm really worried about you and I cant take this anymore. I don't even understand why you're ignoring my calls. Just call me back okay?" I sighed burying my head in my pillow.
Becca came in an angry scowl on her face. For the past couple days she has been on this Anti- Paul thing. She doesn't know what happened, but she's being a loyal sibling and sticking to my side.
Suddenly my phone started ringing and I quickly went to answer it, but Becca snatched it up first.
"No! I don't know what's going on between you two, but if he choose to ignore you, then you don't necessarily need to answer him either." She said holding the phone above her head.
"Becca! I need to talk to him!" I said trying to reach the phone desperately.
The ringing stopped and she smiled, satisfied. She sat down holding the phone between us.
"Now we wait for a voicemail." She smirked.
I sighed, grumbling. We both perked up when the familiar ding sounded. I hesitantly clicked on the 'Hear Voicemail' button.
"Hey, Rachel. I know I haven't been answering your calls lately, and I don't really have a legitimate reason as to why. I feel really bad for ignoring you, and I don't think hearing your voicemails over and over is enough to really keep me calm anymore. I guess I was just scared. Scared to see the way you would look at me after this. To be honest I've had my phone off almost all the time, other than to check the voicemail so I know your okay, cause I was scared you would call me and break up with me. Please Rachel, I'll do anything, but please don't end it between us. I don't think I'll be able to take it." He sighed hanging up.
Even Becca looked a bit sorry after that message. I got up, grabbing my purse and my keys.
"Where are you going?" she asked, puzzled.
"I'm going to see Paul." I said grabbing my raincoat.
"Rachel! Are you kidding me? You'll be so flooded your car might just float on into the ocean!" She said getting up.
"Becca. Please stay out of this. I need to see him." I said stubbornly.
I ran out to my car, already drenched by the time I got in. I ran down the path Paul had once told me about that led to the house he shared with his father. It was about a ten-minuet drive but it took me twice as long as it would on any other day because I could barely see out the window.
I parked in front of the small white house, making sure to spot the basement door before getting out of my safe haven. Paul once told me that he had the basement while his dad lived on the upper floor.
I hopped out of the car, wincing as my bandaged knee started to slightly sting. It had been a deep cut and would take a while to heal. My hair stuck to my face as I ran through the yard and to the basement door. I probably looked like a drowned cat.
Banging hastily on the door I raised an arm above my head, trying to slow or at least decrease the amount of downpour that was falling on to me.
"Coming!" a voice boomed, barely being heard over the loud thundering behind me.
"What is it?" Paul asked, opening the door angrily. As soon as he realized it was me he quickly puled me into the house and out of the rain.
"Rachel! What do you think your doing? It's thundering, you could get sick! Or worse you could have gotten into an accident! Do you know how dangerous-" he started ranting before I stopped him by grabbing onto his neck and pulling him into a kiss.
He complied easily, lifting me to his height so that I wasn't on my tippy-toes. He kissed me feverishly, unwilling to let go. I tangled my fingers in his short-cropped hair, mussing it playfully. Slowly he set me down, being extremely tender.
"Does that answer your question? Cause it never even crossed my mind to break up with you Paul. If anything, that night just showed me how extremely lucky I am to have you." I said, my hand on his cheek.
"Rachel I'm sorry. I shouldn't have exploded like that." He said shaking his head.
"Paul. It's all forgotten alright?" I asked sincerely.
"Alright." He smiled.
My nose suddenly started to tickle and I sneezed.
"Man, Rach I'm so sorry. I should get you a towel." He said suddenly springing into action and bringing me two huge towels, wrapping me up.
"Let me get you something to change into." He said looking at my drenched clothes.
"Thanks Paul. I guess I should have brought some. Its not like the rain took me by surprise." I smiled sheepishly. At the moment I hadn't really been thinking of much other than my tremendous need to see him.
"This should…" he said trailing off to look at my significantly smaller form. "Cover you up." He laughed.
I rolled my eyes, going into the bathroom to change. Taking off my soaking clothes, I towel dried my body and hair off pulling the huge navy blue t-shirt he gave me on. Though the shirt came to the middle of my thigh, I still felt extremely exposed. I pulled my hair into a bun, and opened the door.
"Paul..? Do you think that maybe you have any shorts or something? They don't have to be small, just some that I can at least tie on." I said blushing.
He gulped, after a second of thought he turned and started rummaging in his drawer.
"Here," He said, his face as red as scarlet, tossing me some black basketball shorts.
They fit after I tied them, though they were pretty long. I stepped out of the restroom, taking an actual look at Paul's place.
He had a bar stool table that wrapped around a small kitchen, a nice living room with a L-shaped beige couch a nice T.V. and by the door to the bathroom there was an open door which held a bed with a red comforter and a small dresser.
"Its pretty small, but I like it." Paul shrugged, noticing my observance.
"Paul this place is humungous! I would love to have a place like this." I smiled sincerely.
"Well, consider it yours." He smirked, making me laugh.
"Paul, do you have any bandages?" I asked, pointing to my knee. I had to take the bandage off because it had been so soaked.
"I'll destroy that guy if I ever see him again." He growled, but went to the cabinet and got out some white cotton squares and some medical tape. He bent down lifting my knee in scrutiny, lightly wrapping my knee with the bandage. After that was done he pulled me to the couch and turned the T.V. on.
I sighed, snuggling into his chest. It was so incredibly warm I had to fight the urge to just tuck myself into him and let the rest of the world fade away. I was almost asleep when I had a sneezing fit, scrunching my face up. After I sneezed another five times, Paul insisted on checking my temperature.
"Paul, I'm sure that even if I got sick I wouldn't have a temperature that fast." I laughed as he stuck the thermometer under my tongue.
"Well, I'm just checking." He said stubbornly.
I rolled my eyes, complying. His eyes widened, showing me the 100 temperatures.
"Paul, its probably just from you holding it." I laughed.
"Do you want some soup? Maybe a washcloth?" he asked seeming particularly upset by the thought of me being sick.
"Paul, I'm fine." I giggled, rolling my eyes.
"Anything Rach, I'm serous. Maybe just a sandwich?" he asked.
"You know what? You could do me a teensy favor…?" I asked.
"Of course!" he said energetically.
"Could you just lay down and let me lay with you?" I laughed.
"Fine. But if you really need something just say so." He smiled, lying back down and pulling me with him.
…
I honestly think we slept all day. Quil, being the main reason we even woke up, came to tell Paul it was his shift to patrol.
"Mmm, don't go." I grumbled, burying my face in his chest, relishing the smell of wood and sun, and a tad of citrus. How one could actually smell like the sun was beyond me. But he did.
"Rach, don't do this to me." Paul whined, actually looking pained.
"Fine, fine. I'll go." I grumbled, reluctantly getting up.
"Your welcomed to stay babe." He said, getting up.
"Its alright, Becca's probably already getting ready to kill me anyway." I laughed.
He placed his hand on my forehead as if to check my temperature. Kissing my nose softly, he took my hand and walked me to the car. Thankfully the rain had stopped and it was just a light drizzle.
"Call me later alright honey?" he asked, smiling sadly as we departed.
Becca was raving when I finally got there, but by then my head had started hurting pretty bad, so I ignored her and quickly got in the shower. I turned the nozzle to steaming, and took in the warmth as the water ran down my stiff and almost achy back.
After a long calming shower, I got dresses in a long t-shirt and some shorts. I brushed my hair out, putting it in a bun and falling into the warmth of my blankets, even though it was only mid day. My body ached slightly as I yawned, though I was asleep so soon it didn't really register.
…
"Rachel? Paul's on the phone, he wants to talk to you?" Becca asked, walking in. I looked at the clock and saw it was just after nine.
"Hello?" I asked groggily, taking the house phone.
"Honey? Are you alright?" he asked tenderly, sounding concerned and a bit alarmed.
"Mm-hmm." I mumbled, closing my eyes. My skin felt hot, but I had chills.
"Babe, do you need me to come over?" he asked, sounding worried.
"I'm fine." I said, knowing I was sick but not wanting him to see me all sweaty and revolting.
"Babe. I'm serious." He said blankly.
"Paul so am I." I said shuddering slightly as the air conditioning kicked in, giving me more chills.
"So, do you prefer tomato soup or chicken soup?" he asked, and I could hear him shutting a door.
"Chicken." I smiled, rolling my eyes.
…
I must have dossed off after we finished talking because soon I woke to him opening my door and walking in carrying a plastic container, some flowers and a teddy bear.
"Hey," I smiled sitting up slightly, though my aching body made me instantly regret it.
He came over kissing my forehead, and handing me the bear. It was a cream colored bear with a heart for a nose. I smiled setting the bear next to me.
"I brought you flowers too." He smiled, setting the vase of white Rosses on my dresser.
"Thanks Hun." I smiled curling back up.
"You want the soup now?" he asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Later? I'm not usually hungry when I'm sick." I said.
"So you're actually admitting that you're sick?" he smiled, brushing my hair back from my forehead.
Before I could answer I started coughing up a lung, the action answering for me. There was no denying your sick when you cough like you're dying, and shake like an earthquake at the slightest coldness.
His eyes widened in alarm, as he lightly patted me on the back. I shivered, covering myself in the blankets. Paul crawled over me and got under the covers with me, wrapping his arms around my body as I buried my head in his chest. Almost instantly I felt better than I had all day.
…
Paul and me stayed like that till lunchtime the next day. It hadn't really occurred to me that Becca didn't have anywhere to sleep till I woke to pee in the middle of the night and heard her snoring in the living room. I might have felt bad; if it weren't for the fact that Paul was unbelievably comfortable to sleep with.
In the afternoon Paul basically carried me to the kitchen when he heard my stomach growl. Though I didn't feel very hungry, my stomach was protesting. Paul made himself two sandwiches as a snack and heated up my soup.
"Why don't you just move in with him already?" Jake asked, looking up from his video games.
Did I really just hear that come out of his mouth? Wasn't Jake like our number one hater? Since when did he even want me seeing Paul, let alone living with him?
"Jacob. I just got her back, don't you go handing her off." Dad glared, looking up from a book. When dad wasn't at Sue's house, or watching a game, he was reading a mystery novel.
Paul's enthusiastic smile dropped, and he looked a bit bummed. I laughed rolling my eyes, and taking small sips of soup. The taste was bland in my mouth, but I knew if I didn't eat there was no way Paul would let me leave the table.
"Where's Becca?" I asked looking around, peeking from the huge blanket I had brought with me. On top of that I had scotched my chair as close to Paul's warmth as possible.
"She went to see Leah. She said she would have invited you, but she knows how you are when your sick." Dad said.
I nodded in full agreement, peeking to see if Paul was looking as I poured some soup into a container I had sneaked over. He was currently looking at my dad though, so I quickly poured some soup in to make it look like I was eating.
"What do you mean?" Paul asked him, curiously.
"Though Rachel doesn't get sick very often, when she does she gets really sick. Her cough tends to worsen her asthma, and she can pass out for days if we let her." Dad said, shaking his head in thought.
Paul looked extremely alarmed at this information and gulped his sandwich down in uneasiness.
"Paul, I'm fine. I've been way worse." I said, trying to reassure him.
He only seemed more uncomfortable with the thought. I placed a hand on top of his, rubbing his knuckles. At the same time I set the container on the counter to my side, pushing a loaf of bread in front of it.
After 'eating' I went back to bed and Paul had to leave for patrol. It was hard to say goodbye to him, one because I would miss him, and two because of his warmth.
I laid down in the soft blanket, dreaming of blackness as I succumbed to the weak armed feeling I always got when I was sick. Being sick sucks.
But it sucks even worse when you don't have your warm wolf lying next to you.
…
Hey guys! How did you like the chapter? It may not be as good as the others because, yes, I am in fact sick :/ It sucks. Seriously. Lol anyways if this feels a bit like a filler its cause I'm trying to transfer into the Breaking Dawn section of the story, but I don't know if I want to do that with Becca still visiting. I'm not sure yet if I will do that before or after she leaves but I do know that I can't wait till the Breaking Dawn part is over! Then I can start MY plot :D Which let me tell you, is going to make this story A LOT more interesting.
Anyways please Review, and tell me what you think :D