Hey,

I hope no one is going stir crazy. I hope everyone is doing well and thank you to those who have favored, followed and reviewed. I hope you guys liked Chapter 4. I'm excited/nervous for you to read Chapter 5. I have posted Scarred Angel on Fanfiction, and Archive of our own as well. So far this is my longest chapter! Enjoy!

Always and Forever,

Ari.

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety, bullying, stress, abuse, some blood and implying abusive sexual innuendos.

Disclaimer: I only own my OC's and parts of the plot you do not recognize from the Twilight Saga.

Chapter 5: At Ease With You

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." - Aristotle, Philosopher

Continued: "Can we talk?"

He stood beside Laryssa, "Can we talk?" Laryssa peered up at him, a light blush still coating her cheeks. He smirked, standing closer. "I promise, no more teasing." Paul held his hands up jokingly to try and put her at ease. She rolled her eyes, a small smile placed on her face as she moved to sit on one of the benches. He stared at her realizing she had dimples. He was in a trance as he watched her pull out a few pieces of hair from the bun at the top of her head. "Okay, maybe some teasing," he joked when his mouth started to work again.

"Very funny Paul," Laryssa added, dryly pressing her hands against her face, watching Kim and Jared wrestle with each other. He could faintly hear Kim laughing at Jared. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Uh-," Paul faltered, suddenly unsure if he was moving too fast with her. They were only going to the beach with the others, but he wanted to be around her and he wasn't sure if she wanted to be around him. Laryssa glanced at him, frowning slightly when he remained silent as she tapped her fingers against the bench. He reached up rubbing the back of his neck, trying to gain the courage to ask her. "So-"

"Laryssa," Kim murmured, bumping past Paul to pull at her arm. "C'mon, Coach Mig is getting angry!" She urged Laryssa up, pushing her towards the double doors. Paul grumbled to himself following after the two. He had no problem asking out the other girls, but she wasn't just any girl, She was his imprint, and he wanted her to be happy. He groaned internally, preparing himself for the endless teasing he would have to endure if he didn't ask her.

"Couldn't keep Kim occupied for two more minutes," Paul shoved Jared, listening to Kim drone on about how much of an idiot Cody was.

"Yeah because you were doing so well," Jared mumbled, shoving him back. "So whose Cody," Jared asked, jogging to meet up with the girls. He backed away when Kim shot him a glare. "It's a valid question," he called, looking at Paul with a shrug.

10:18 a.m. Track, La Push High, La Push, Washington

"I love him, but I'm going to kill him," Kim murmured, glancing behind us at the two guys shoving each other playfully. "This is our hour when we can gossip."

"Lahote! Cameron!" I turned watching Coach Mig summon the two boys over. He started gesturing to the tires piling up. "Well he is all the way over there and we are over here. I don't see why we can't," I offered, pulling my sweater off. I was burning up from all the embarrassment I was feeling. I eyed the sky hoping that the rain would hold off until we were back inside.

"So let's talk about why you were blushing with Paul," Kim bumped me, starting to lightly jog. "You have to tell me, Laryssa!"

I rubbed my hands over my cheeks when I felt them start to warm again. "I may have accidentally told him I found his body attractive," I murmured, wanting nothing more than to blend into the gravel when Kim stopped abruptly.

Kim cackled, stopping her light jog to laugh at my demise. "I didn't mean to. I mean he is physically fit, so he shouldn't have to make up one missing gym class," I tried to explain, so she didn't think that I was after Paul. I froze at my train of thought. After Paul?

Kim tossed her skinny arm over my shoulder startling me from my thoughts, tugging me so we were hip to hip. "Don't be embarrassed, I mean look at them." I peeked over at Paul, seeing him heave up two tires with ease. There was no doubt that they were attractive, most of the girls at school thought so. I thought so, but I didn't want them to think that was all I thought about. I ignored the warmth that spilled into my belly when he smiled at something Jared said. I sucked in a breath when I realized that he had a nice smile. I averted my eyes when I caught his gaze, hoping that he didn't think I was being creepy for watching him.

I swallowed hard, starting to walk faster to put some more distance in between us and them. "Kim, if I blush any harder I'm going to melt into a puddle of goo."

Kim snorted, "Rys..." I pulled my hair loose from the bun, letting it shield my cheeks. "I know you didn't mean it like that. Paul knows. He just likes to tease."

"Did Jared really like the brownies, or was he just being nice," I changed the subject, so I could cool down. If it started raining, I knew that my cheeks would start steaming from how hot they felt.

"He ate half of the container," She huffed, crossing her arms. "He would've eaten the whole thing if I didn't pull it away from him." I laughed, watching Jenny pretend to stretch in front of Jared and Paul. "I can't believe her," Kim grumbled, stepping away from me causing me to stop. I knew Kim was stronger than she looked and I didn't know if I had the power to stop her from charging at Jenny. I had seen too many girl fights and I half expected her to charge over to Jared and give Jenny a piece of her mind, but to my surprise, Kim took a deep breath and looped her arm through mine. I eyed her in curiosity when she started rambling about Cody again. "I trust him and I know he loves me. "Kim smiled, tugging me so that we kept walking. "Look at them." I stared at Jared and Paul, expecting them to be watching Jenny stretch her assets, only to see them ignoring her. Jared waved to Kim and to my surprise Paul grinned at me sending me a wave.

I sent him a smile back, waving shyly when I noticed Jenny squint to see who he was waving at. I avoided looking at Jenny when I felt her stare as Kim and I passed her. I reassured myself that the reason why he smiled and waved at me was that we were becoming friends and that's what friends do. "So, why is Cody pissing you off again?"

"He wanted to copy my Spanish homework and when I told him no, he started going on and on about how he has helped me when I needed it and I was being selfish," Kim complained, pulling her jacket off. "He also tried to steal my brownies and my homework."

"I wanted to smack him last year," I grumbled, wishing I had the courage to tell him no when he wanted to copy me in math. Instead, I gave in like the coward I was. "I do not miss having class with him." I knew what she dealt with and Cody was a nightmare.

"I'm going to smack him next time," Kim grumbled, kicking a rock causing it to fly into Anne. She turned around to glare at us. "Sorry," Kim mumbled, not sounding very apologetic as she leaned down to pick up a blade of grass.

"No don't do that, Cody can get physical," I said, clutching my wrist from when he grabbed it last year. The bruise had been a pain to hide from Jay and Alex. "It's not worth it." The bruise hadn't been worth me pretending to forget to do my math homework.

"What did he do," Kim stopped, grabbing my hands and turning them over. "Do you have any classes with him?"

I gently pulled my hands back, touched at how worried Kim was for me. "No, not this year. I don't have to worry about him anymore. Just be careful."

Kim let out a puff of air, tossing her arm over my shoulder. "I will. How's Alex?" I eyed my beat-up converse, debating on whether or not to tell her about this morning. "He seemed pissed off this morning."

"He is, but I guess we are going to talk about it later." I was dreading later and I knew he was going to be upset that I blew him off. I bit my lip knowing if he ever found out about Paul going into my art room or helping me with the project, he was going to blow a gasket.

"He's your best friend, he will get over it," Kim assured, grimacing when she felt the drizzle of rain. "Looks like we get to have a movie period," She cheered, tugging her hood over her head waving to the guys. I smiled, holding out my hand to feel the cool drops. "C'mon we are going inside!"

10:34 a.m. Gym, La Push High, La Push, Washington

I stretched out on the bench watching Coach Mig struggle with the projector, silently listening to Kim and Jared giggle at each other. I glanced at the two of them, noticing how close and comfortable they were with each other. I couldn't help but smile softly when I realized how in love they were.

"We used to make fun of him for being whipped for her," Paul said, stretching out next to me. I eyed him, pulling my knees to my chest.

"You guys don't anymore," I asked, leaning my head against my knees observing him. His hair was wet and dripping down his shirt, but he didn't seem to mind.

Paul grinned, "No we still do. Just not as much." I offered him my towel when he used his shirt to wipe his face. Paul grasped the towel wiping his hair and his face again. "Thanks."

"They always look happy," I murmured, glancing around the gym seeing a few girls taking peeks at me. I avoided their gazes thankful we were at the back of the gym. I moved over making sure to put room between Paul and me. "She used to be really quiet," like me, "when we first started running together. I remember how excited she got when Jared asked her out."

"You should've seen how nervous he was," Paul laughed, looking at his hands. "His hands were shaking." I listened to Paul's foot tap against the bench.

I smiled trying to imagine Jared nervous to ask out Kim. "That's sweet." I sighed, slightly envious at their relationship. "Do you ever think you'll find what they have?" I wondered what my fate had in store for me. I pulled myself from my thoughts when I didn't hear the tapping. I glanced at Paul, seeing him staring at me. I swallowed hard, realizing that we weren't close and the question was awfully personal. "Sorry, I tend to talk out loud and I didn't realize-"

"Yeah, I do. Do you," He cut through my ramblings, quirking an eyebrow at me. I stared at him, unable to look away from his gaze. He looked tired, and for some reason, I wanted to brush my hand against his cheek.

"I hope so," I answered, ignoring my thoughts telling me that I wouldn't find someone to love. I looked away trying to keep my hands busy so they didn't cause me to be creepy. I started picking at a loose thread on my shirt. I hope that fate will be kind to me and send someone that will love me like how my dad loved my mom. I thought to myself, stretching out my legs.

"This weekend, a bunch of us are going to the beach and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me. I mean-" Paul's voice started getting lower and lower. I watched him shove his hands into his pockets. I froze, wondering if he was asking me as a friend or as a date. As if he would want to date you. You're a mess. He feels sorry for you. I pushed the snide voice in the back of my head away. "-Kim's going to be there." I focused back on him, trying to figure out what the hell I wanted to do.

"Are we friends," I blurted out, cursing internally at my loose mouth. Paul froze, a small frown overtaking his face. "I mean… It's just-" I faltered feeling my cheeks start to burn. I looked down at my lap, digging my nails into my palms. I'm such an idiot.

"Hey don't do that, you'll hurt yourself," I refused to look at Paul, my embarrassment held me, hostage, as it replayed my words over and over. "Laryssa," He put his hands over mine, so I couldn't dig my nails in further. I looked at our hands, focusing on the warmth of his hands. I didn't even realize how cold mine had been. His hands were rough, they had covered mine so easily and for the first time in a long time, I felt at ease. "I would say we are friends unless you don't want to be," He murmured, tightening his hands ever so slightly.

I took a deep breath, keeping my eyes on our hands still ashamed to look at him. "I just wasn't sure and I've been wanting to ask you, but I didn't know how." His thumbs started stroking the back of my hand soothingly. "I do want to be friends."

"You can ask me anything you want," Paul reassured, squeezing my hands gently, "without judgment." I looked at him needing to see his expression, smiling when I saw no judgment from him. "There she is," He grinned, sitting next to me letting one of my hands go. "So want to go to the beach? The sun is supposed to be out."

I grinned, feeling even more at ease because I knew where we stood. "Yeah, it sounds fun." He let my other hand go, and my stomach dropped when the warmth disappeared.

11:13 a.m. Room 13, La Push High, La Push, Washington

"Ready to talk," I asked Alex, setting my notebook on my desk taking my seat. I braced myself for his glare, only to be met with a blank stare. He shrugged, going back to his book. "Silent treatment?" He ignored me, loudly flipping his page. Silent treatment.

I rolled my eyes at him, deciding to let him stew. I looked at my hands, remembering the way Pauls' felt. I shook myself from the memory flipping through my notes, smiling slightly when I passed the doodles from this morning. I stopped on the page, lightly tracing over the sunflowers. I smiled because I knew where Paul and I stood and it was one less thing for me to stress about. I tensed when Alex slammed his book on the desk, grabbing my notebook, ripping the page out and tossing it in the trash. "It was ugly," He sighed sitting back down in his chair.

I glared at him, grabbing my things moving to get the doodles. "It wasn't yours to decide." I picked it out of the trash, walking out of the classroom not caring about the consequences from Mr. Begay. "Who the hell does he think he is," I grumbled heading to my locker. I opened the page, straightening out the crumples.

"Still talking to yourself," I spun around seeing Cody, getting his things from his locker. I set the doodle in my notebook, shoving the notebook in my bag. I nodded, started to walk towards my locker hoping that he would stay at his. I walked faster when I heard his locker slam shut. "Hey!"

I flinched when he grabbed my wrist digging his nails in, turning me so I was facing him. "When someone talks to you it's best if you speak back." I swallowed hard, wishing I had just stayed in my seat and dealt with Alex. He squeezed my wrist again, "are we clear?"

"Crystal," I grimaced, trying to pull my wrist from his hand. He let go with a laugh, eyeing me up and down. "I have to get to the office," I mumbled, walking backward when he took a step towards me. Cody stalked closer, brushing up against my side. I shrunk into myself, trying my best to ignore his hand on my hip.

"Maybe we should just ditch the rest of the day," He offered, guiding me so that I was pushed up against the lockers. "Don't you think that's a good idea." He put his hands on either side of my face trapping me, leaning toward me

"No," I pushed myself closer to the lockers, placing my hands on his chest to keep him away. "I have to go to the office. Let me go," I mumbled, trying not to panic.

Cody smirked, running his hand through his hair, stepping back. "Laryssa, you are no fun." He jerked his head towards the office. I willed my legs to move, I avoided his eyes as I started walking towards the office. "Laryssa," I kept walking, not daring to look back. "I'll see you later." I turned the corner, breaking into a run, so I could put more distance in between him and me.

I glanced back so that I knew he didn't follow me. I yelped when I collided with a warm body. I stumbled back, losing my footing, hitting the lockers behind me. I winced when my head hit the locker. I whimpered when I sat up rubbing my head. "Shit, are you okay?"

"I should be asking you that," I grumbled, taking Embry's outstretched hand. He pulled me up with ease, grabbing my bag and handing it to me. "Sorry, I-"

Embry grabbed my cheeks, turning my head quickly making me slightly dizzy from how fast he turned my head. "Oh god, you're bleeding," He whispered, his eyes widening letting go of my cheeks. "Let's get you to the nurse." Embry pulled my bag from my shoulder, putting his arm behind me as if I was going to topple over. "Are you in pain?"

I reached back touching my head, hissing at the stinging. I pulled my fingers back and I frowned at the small amount of blood. "I'll be okay, I think it's just a small cut." Embry yanked the office door open so hard that it slammed against the wall. I glanced at him noticing his eyes darting around the room.

"Mr. Call, why are you slamming doors," Mrs. John glared moving to get up from her seat towards us.

He moved past her, still keeping his arm behind my back. "Sorry, Laryssa is bleeding," He said, not sounding apologetic at all as he ushered me into the nurses' office, ignoring the glare from Mrs. John. He set my bag on the seat, putting his hand on my arm helping me sit on one of the beds.

"I'm fine Em," I sent him a small smile trying to ease his nerves. "I'm clumsy by nature and sometimes I get injured," I reassured, glancing at the nurse standing behind him.

She cleared her throat, smirking when he jumped out of her way. I smiled when he sat next to me. "What happened?"

"I accidentally ran into Embry and fell against the lockers. I hit my head and Embry said I was bleeding," I shrugged, wanting to touch the tender spot on my head but refraining when she pulled her dark hair into a bun.

She gloved her hands before she handed me a wipe. I ripped open the package, wiping my hands. I winced when she touched the tender spot on my head. "Don't hurt her," Embry grimaced, balling his hands into fists.

"It's a small cut, nothing to worry about. You might have a headache, you can lay in here if you'd like," She offered, starting to clean the wound, ignoring Embry. "Did you want some pain medicine?"

"Yeah," I said, setting my hand on Embry's fist patting it gently, trying to calm his sudden anger. The nurse walked out, shoving her gloves in the trash. "I told you." I bumped his shoulder trying to get him to relax. "Are you okay, I hit you pretty hard," I asked, feeling like I ran into a brick wall.

Embry tried to smile as he ran his hand through his hair. "I'm fine. But you hit the wall pretty hard," He stood up, grabbing me a cup of water. "Why were you running?"

I bit my lip debating on whether or not to tell him. I looked away when he rubbed his arm. I sighed, I did owe him since I ran into him. "Just Cody being himself," I offered, not telling him the whole truth.

Embry nodded, putting the water in my hand. He faltered looking at my wrist, I looked down to see what had captured his attention, noticing nail marks on my wrist. I pulled my sleeve to cover them. A tremble went through his body, I grabbed the blanket at the foot of the bed setting it around his shoulders. "Did he-"

"Here you go," I jumped, taking the pills from the nurse. I perked up slightly when the bell rang signaling lunch. "You can go, it's a small cut so just clean it gently. If you start feeling unwell during the school day come back and see me. If it's later today, tell your parents to take you in."

"Thank you," I took the pills, wishing that I had my mom to take care of me and swallowed them along with the wishful thinking. I crumpled the paper cup, standing, causing Embry to jerk out of his thoughts. He stood, setting the blanket down, taking my bag from the chair.

I set the cup in the trash, heading out of the nurses' office trying to take my bag from Embry when we exited the office. "I'll carry it." He said softly, holding the strap tight. I frowned when his eyes darted back to my covered wrist. "Did he do that?"

I wanted to tell him, yes, but it wasn't his problem to deal with. Instead, I smiled, "No. I can carry my bag Em." I held out my hand, hoping he would hand it back to me. He tightened his hand around the strap, silently refusing to give it to me. "Em."

"We have our next period together after lunch, you can eat with me and my friends," He said, trying not to let me carry my stuff. I sighed, tugging my bag from his shoulder.

Embry let it go unwillingly. "I will be okay. See you after lunch," I moved past him, hiking my bag on my shoulder. "Hey Em," I turned, seeing him turn to glance at me. "Thanks for staying with me," I grinned, heading towards my locker. I rounded the corner, my hand itching to touch my scalp and soothe the pain. I carefully made my way towards my locker, sighing in relief when I made it. I opened my locker, glancing at my wrist. I pulled my sleeve back, noticing that the marks were starting to fade. I pushed my sleeve back, taking a chocolate bar out and setting it in my bag. All I had to do was not show up on Cody's radar and I would be okay. I closed my locker, pressing my forehead against the cool metal. I could faintly hear the others laughing down the hallway. I took a deep breath moving to sit against my locker, I didn't have the energy to walk to the cafeteria. I closed my eyes, gently laying my head against the metal careful not to hit the sore spot.

"Yeah, they were all cuddled up in the gym. He was holding her hands. He's a smooth talker, she'll be the next one to be broken-hearted." I opened my eyes to watch the girls turn the corner. I frowned, closing my eyes again pulling my legs to my chest. Jay was on his own for dinner. I let out a huff, pulling my notebook out of my bag, flipping to a blank page. I grabbed the pen that I had let Paul use, twirling it in my palm before I let my hand start to sketch.

11:57 a.m. Hallway, La Push High, La Push, Washington

I opened my chocolate bar, pursing my lips at the sketch. I traced my fingers over the hands, ignoring the warm feeling that was starting to build in the stomach. "What the fuck Embry!" I pulled my hand away, watching Paul storming down the hallway with Embry following. I frowned wondering why he was so angry. "Why did you let her-" I put a piece of chocolate in my mouth, freezing when Paul met my gaze. He moved quickly, kneeling so we were at eye level. "Are you alright?" My cheeks started to heat up at his concerned tone.

I tilted my head to glare up at Embry, watching him shrug and stick his hands in his pockets. I glanced at my wrist seeing the crescents gone. "I'm fine," I reassured, offering him some chocolate wondering what the hell Embry told him.

"He said you slammed into a locker and you started bleeding." He looked like he wanted to pull my face and search for the blood.

I rolled my eyes, taking another piece of chocolate fighting the urge to kick Embry. "It was a small cut with a small amount of blood. I wasn't watching what I was doing and I ran into him." Paul turned to glare at Embry as I offered him some chocolate. Embry swallowed hard, shaking his head at me. "You came to see if I was okay?" I took Paul's attention away from Embry, wondering why he came rushing for me.

Paul looked back at me, a frown still on his face. "Yeah. He said that you were hurt and you wouldn't go with him." I sighed, setting the rest of my food in my bag. Paul looked back at Embry jerking his head.

"I'll see you in class," Embry murmured, walking towards the cafeteria. I watched him go, thankful that there was no mention of Cody. I closed my eyes for a moment, ignoring the pounding coming from my head.

"Why didn't you go with him," Paul moved so that he was sitting beside me. I could feel his arm brush against mine.

"Should I have," I countered, trying not to let my irritation seep through. He was being a good friend and I was being an ungrateful witch because I wasn't used to all of the attention I was getting. "It is a tiny cut and the nurse helped me, so I was fine."

"Was?" Paul asked, setting his hand on my arm. I opened my eyes, looking at him, type on his phone. "Are you not feeling well now?"

I smiled, rubbing my head. "I have a headache, but the medicine will kick in soon." I closed my eyes again, letting my body relax. "I just need to close my eyes for a few moments. You should go eat," I murmured, waiting for him to go. I heard him sigh as he got up. My eyes flew open when he grabbed my notebook and my bag. "What are you doing," I asked, frowning when he offered his hand to me.

"I'm going to take you home," He stated, urging me to take his hand. "Jared has a spare key to my truck and he can give it to Kim so she will take your brother home." I stared at his hand, wondering if I wanted to take it.

"I have to take Seth home, I can't just leave. I'll be okay," I stated, knowing I couldn't hand my responsibilities over to someone else to handle. "Really."

"I'm sure she will take him home too. Laryssa, I really think you need to rest. Please let me drive you home," Paul stared at me, glancing at his hand. I sighed, taking his hand allowing him to pull me up. I let go of his hand trying to grab my bag, only to have it pulled away. "Are your keys in your bag?" I nodded, watching him pull out my keys.

He took my hand again, pulling me towards the parking lot. We raced to my car, I could feel the cool rain start to seep into my jacket. Paul opened my car, setting my things in the back before quickly moving to open the passenger door. He looked at me expectantly, when I didn't get in right away. I bit my lip, moving to sit down. Paul shut the door gently and ran to the driver's side. He got in quickly muttering curses when his knees hit the wheel. I snorted when I saw how squished he looked. I felt my cheeks heat up when I realized how much his white shirt stuck to his chest. I pulled off my jacket, distracting myself so I didn't openly gawk at him.

"Are you sure Kim won't mind," I asked, debating on just going home for now and going back to pick the boys up.

"I asked Jared and Kim said she would help," He stated reaching over to click my seat belt. I turned my head, accidentally brushing my nose against his. My breath hitched when our eyes connected. I shivered when his hand brushed against my arm. He smiled, settling back in the seat, "sorry," he said, not sounding apologetic at all as he pulled out of the parking spot. He fiddled with the heater, turning the vents so they were pointed at me. I pulled my phone out busying myself by sending a quick text to Jay and Seth, letting them know about the change of plans.

I leaned against the seat, trying my best to keep my hands occupied so I didn't touch my nose. I closed my eyes, wincing slightly when we went over the speed bump. "Laryssa?"

"Yeah," I opened my eyes. I turned my phone in my hands, waiting for my brother to text back. I watched him tap his fingers against the wheel.

He sighed, glancing at me from the corner of his eye. "I'm glad you're okay." I glanced down at my lap, feeling my heart skip at the sincerity in his tone. I sent him a small smile, not knowing how to reply to him. "I'll let you know when we get there." I nodded, closing my eyes again.

1:27 p.m. Chiago Driveway, La Push, Washington

Paul put the car in park, turning it off, watching the rain come down against the windshield. He looked at Laryssa, holding onto his arm as she slept. He grinned at her, not wanting to wake her just yet. Paul grumbled when he heard his phone vibrate. He checked it seeing Sam's message letting him know that he was there. If he could he would stay with her like this until she woke up, but he couldn't and he hated that he couldn't.

"Laryssa," Paul whispered, brushing his fingers against her cheek. She grumbled pushing her face further into his arm. He grinned, stroking her cheek again. "Laryssa," he tried again, hoping she would grab on tighter to him.

She opened her eyes, blinking a few times. Laryssa looked at his arm, freezing when she realized what she was doing. He chuckled when she started blushing, she let go of his arm biting her lip. "Sorry," She mumbled, sitting up straight looking at the rain not daring to look at him.

"Don't stress about it," He said, wanting her to look at him. He reached over touching her hand when he noticed she was digging her nails into her palm. "You should go inside and rest," Paul watched her eye his hand on hers.

She smiled, setting her other hand on top of his. "Thanks for driving me home." Laryssa pulled her hands away, unbuckling her seatbelt, reaching over to take her keys out. He thought back to when she brushed her nose against his and he wanted it to happen again. She fumbled with the keys offering her car key to him. "So you don't get wet," She explained, waiting for him to take it.

Paul shook his head, with a smile. She was too trusting and part of him was terrified at the fact. "Sam came to get me," He pointed to the truck sitting near her mailbox. Laryssa nodded in understanding, opening her glove box handing him an umbrella. "No you use it," He didn't want her to get sick.

"I'm going to go right inside, you probably have other places you're going. Take it," She set it in his lap when he didn't grab it. "Please," Laryssa begged when he tried to hand it back to her. "Wait," She murmured with a smile. He watched her, waiting for her to continue with her statement. He didn't notice her hand on the handle until he watched her throw open the door and sprint to the front porch. He scoffed, opening the door grumbling at the fact that he had to open the umbrella. "Sorry," She called with a laugh, wiping her face down.

Paul shut the door, telling Sam to hold on. He walked up the steps, shaking his head at her. He sighed, setting the umbrella down. Paul watched the excess water drip down the side of her face as she continued to laugh. He reached out, wiping the water from her face. Laryssa looked away from him, but she let him keep his hand on her cheek. "Make sure you warm-up," Paul grinned, letting his hand drop. "Next time, we can share."

Let me know what y'all think!

Edited on April 18, 2020.