Chapter 3: the kindness of a stranger.
Four weeks went by and her father hadn't gotten any better. If anything he had gotten worse. His heart had stopped at least twice and they had to revive him.
Bella felt guilt eat at her. If she hadn't gotten involved with the Cullens in the first place maybe he wouldn't be in this state.
after a few weeks, the visitors died down. Billy and Elder Quil were consistent and some of the pack but that was it.
She knew every last person who went in and out of this room.
She hadn't left her father's side.
At first, Edward was patient and loving but then he became irritated and irate. He couldn't understand why Bella wouldn't leave Charlie's side.
But Bella wouldn't move. She ignored him and then eventually asked him to leave.
It was the same for Alice. She fussed over Bella but Bella ignored her. Banning her from the room as well.
She didn't have time for anyone else's foolishness. A quiet knock on the door brought Bella out of her thoughts.
Looking up she was surprised to see Paul Lahote. One of the few if not the only pack member she had never talked to. He wore a grey T-shirt and jeans. A simple brown jacket to complete the ensemble.
Surprise showed on Bella's face as he walked into the room. Why was he here? He hated her. Always had. She remembered when she first found out about the pack. When Jacob brought her to Emily's Paul exploded and attacked him. From then on Paul was kept away from her.
She glanced at the clock, noticing that it was 8 pm. Visiting hours were over. How did he get past the nurses?
" hey Bella…" he greeted quietly. His huge 6'8 frame standing over her.
"hey, paul." She greeted stiffly. She had no clue what the man wanted or why. The first and last time she saw him, he was trying to rip Jacob's throat out.
"so, I know this is awkward. But I figured you might be hungry for some real food. I got your favorite jalapeño pepper chicken sandwich, cajun fries, and a spicy chocolate milkshake?" he questioned as he held up the bag.
Immediately Bella's stomach growled and Paul grinned awkwardly.
" so .. yeah here you go."
Bella took the food he offered with a quiet thank you.
Paul nodded and then said "soo, do you want some company or would you rather prefer to be alone?" he questioned
Bella shrugged. At the moment she couldn't care less, she just wanted to tear through her chicken sandwich.
" ok… well, I'll just take a seat back here." He told her quietly.
Bella nodded and continued to eat.
It took her about 15 minutes to finish her food and when she looked back, Paul was gone.
…
For the rest of the week, Paul showed up like clockwork. Every day with a different meal and to her surprise he would have books and magazines. Items that took her interest and her mind off of Charlie.
Finally on a rainy Saturday in August Bella found the courage to ask Paul why he was here.
He was sitting behind her on one of the chairs. A Manga volume in his hand.
It made her pause for a moment as she took him in.
He was reading intently with not a care in the world. Something she used to do often.
"Hey, Paul? I'm not trying to be rude but Why are you doing this? Why are you here? You hate me. You always called me a leech lover? Why the change up now?" she asked with slight bitterness
Paul looked at her with sorrowful and yet understanding eyes. They didn't hold pity but instead, they held empathy.
He then looked at Charlie's comatose body as the tubes breathed for him and said "Because I wish I had had someone do this for me when I was going through this. Someone to just sit with me and be by my side no questions asked. And by the way, never have I once ever called you a leech lover, that was a sick joke between Embry and Quil, and somehow the rumor spread that I said it and I never did. Think about it when have you or I ever interacted? Have we ever been alone together?"
…..
Paul pov:
Paul watched as Bella's eyebrows furrowed.
She was a sight for sore eyes. She was still in her wedding dress that smelled like the cold ones. The edges were also dirty from the dirt it swept off the floor. Not to mention her hair was a greasy mess.
"you know you are right. Now that I think about it. We've never been alone together nor have we ever ever talked before. We had that one incident when we first met but that was unfair for me to judge you. You are a protector of your tribe and very protective of your brothers. I am sure when you found out that Jacob told me your legends, it felt like a betrayal. Your customs and heritage are sacred and you felt that Jacob didn't care and was talking about it willy-nilly. I can understand why you were angry that day. I'm sorry I snapped at you it's been a long couple of weeks." She told him wearily.
Paul felt himself slowly start to relax at Bella's words. She had put exactly how he felt that day into words and he told her as so.
" that's exactly how I felt that day. Our legends and heritage are dying with each new generation. And yet some of us have been chosen to carry it on and here comes baby alpha tugging along the chick who ran with our enemies and telling her our secrets. We work hard and that day I was just so exhausted. We had been chasing the redhead and dealing with two new wolves. When we first phase we are very easy to anger and it was stupid for Jacob to bring you around so soon. If he had just told us what we needed to know we could have prepared everyone first instead of blindsiding them. And to make it worse, I wasn't keeping my anger in check and I phased. I could have hurt you and I owe you an apology. I am third in command and I have to have self-control at all times. I've been working on it but I felt so bad because at that moment I saw how terrified you looked. I didn't want anyone to look at me like that again."
As Paul looked up to see Bella's reaction, he realized she was chuckling.
" what's so funny? I'm trying to give a sincere apology here." He explained with a tinge of anger.
Bella chuckled again and said " I know. I know and I appreciate it! But I was just thinking about that day. Paul, I wasn't afraid of you. If anything I was afraid you and Jake were going to hurt each other."
Paul couldn't help but laugh with her.
"you were worried about us! you do know we turn into giant wolves? You are differently different Bella."
They fell into a comfortable silence before Bella spoke again.
" hey, earlier you said that you knew what it was like and that you would have wanted someone here for you. What did you mean?"
Paul sighed as the sad memories assaulted him.
" before my dad and I came back to Lapush, we used to live in Tacoma with my mom. But when I turned 16 she was diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer. There was nothing they could do. My dad is in the military so it was just me by her side at the time. There was nobody to sit with me. And I know the pain of watching the machine breathe for your parent. Unfortunately, my mom didn't make it and we moved back here. Her death is what caused me to phase. Long story short all I am saying is that I understand. And that you are not alone."
Tears welled in Bella's eyes as she looked at him.
"thank you Paul I needed to hear that. " she admitted.
Paul nodded and then said, "Can I be honest?"
" Sure?"
" Bella it's been five weeks and you're still in your wedding dress. It has to be uncomfortable. Isn't it?"
He watched as Bella shifted uncomfortably and nodded avoiding his eyes
" I know you want to be here for Charlie. But do you think he'd want you to sit by his side in discomfort? Wouldn't you feel more comfortable in a T-shirt and lounge pants? And maybe a shower?"
Once again she shook her head without looking at him.
It was then Paul pulled out his car keys.
" here. Why don't you take my car keys and you can use my shower or you can go back to your place to change. Whatever you want to do. I just thought you could at least use a change of scenery. I'll watch Charlie until you get back. I have a silver Ford."
He watched as Bella looked at him with wide tired eyes. He could see the debate in her mind.
" Bella a nice hot shower and some comfortable clothes will do you some good." He told her.
If he was honest, Paul didn't know why he cared about her well-being so much.
But he knew one thing, his assumption of Bella Swan was wrong.