Hey,

I hope everyone is staying safe. Thank you to those who have favored, followed, and reviewed you are my inspiration and I appreciate each and every one of you! I hope you guys liked Chapter 6. I'm excited/nervous for you to read Chapter 7. I really liked writing this one and it's the longest chapter I have written so far. But, I hope you enjoy it! Have a happy May the 4th! I have posted Scarred Angel on Fanfiction, and Archive of our own as well. Enjoy!

Always and Forever,

Ari.

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety, silent treatment, stress, abandonment.

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

Chapter 7: Not The Clumsy One

"I love you. Remember. They cannot take it." - Lauren Oliver, Delirium.

4:56 a.m. Inside the Clearwater home, La Push, Washington

"She said it's okay and she's going to call the school," I murmured, setting my phone back in my pocket. Deep down I knew my mom didn't care, but part of me wished that she would care. I wanted her to look at me like how Sue was. I wanted to see her brows furrow in concern and her lips turn into a thin line as she thought about the one minuscule day of education I would miss. Sue sighed setting her hands on my shoulders, and to my surprise I realized she disapproved of me missing school. It was the reaction that I craved from my mom and my heart dropped because I didn't get it from the one person I wanted it from."What's the menu?"

Sue sighed again before her hands rested on my face. Her brown eyes bored into mine as if she were trying to read my soul. "I don't like you missing school, even if your mom said she's okay with it." I scrunched my nose at her, placing my hands over hers. Her worries warmed my heart. I closed my eyes, and for a second I imagined that it had been my mom holding my face gently, and I was touching her hands instead of Sue's feeling how smooth and warm they were.

"It's only for today," I grinned, thankful that I didn't have to endure Alex's glares. After my tear fest, I had stuck to Kim like glue, eternally thankful that she didn't mind my clinginess. She had welcomed it with open arms as had most of the guys except for Jake. I almost didn't notice the absence of Alex. Even with his silence, I knew his anger was brewing and part of me felt like he wanted to punish me since he knew I didn't have anyone else besides him. Except he didn't anticipate my friendship with Kim and I could feel that little fact upset him even more. "I hardly miss school and you know I love to cook."

"Alright," Sue accepted after a few moments, pulling me towards the kitchen counter. "You're going to be in charge of the deserts. The only thing that needs to go in the oven are the brownies. Everything else needs to be frosted and decorated. We have about seven hours until twelve." Sue patted my back, ducking out of the kitchen. I started organizing my area so that I could get things done as quickly and neatly as possible.

I perked up when Leah entered the kitchen, stumbling towards the coffee pot. She frowned at the dozens of cookies that blocked her path. "Leah," I held up my fresh cup of coffee knowing that she needed it more than I did. "Here."

"Thanks," She mumbled, shuffling towards the hot snoopy mug. Her fingers grabbed my bun at the top of my head, moving my head back and forth playfully. "Mom roped you in?"

I smirked, setting one of the cakes on the platter opening the frosting container. "I don't mind. I rather do this than go to school," I said, watching her settle in the chair and run her fingers through her long hair. "What time does your shift start?"

"Three hours." She took one of the sugar cookies, dipping it into her mug. I didn't have the heart to tell her not to eat them. She looked deep in thought, "You need to get your diploma, and get out of here." I bit my lip knowing where she was headed. The announcement of Emily and Sam's engagement had brought back all of the hurt she buried. But I was content here, and I didn't want to leave. "There's nothing for you here." Leah frowned, gulping the rest of the coffee down. "Your cousins had the right idea. I should've listened to them," Her voice was low, and I knew she didn't want her mom or her brother to hear. "Don't worry about the runts, I got them today." I was relieved that I had one less thing to worry about. Since Jay hadn't seen her in a while, I hoped that he would open up to her if he needed to get something off his chest. He had been moody all week but he wouldn't tell me why.

Leah got up stretching her long limbs, pinching my cheek. I batted her hand away, rubbing my sore cheek. I glanced up at her, frowning internally at the pain in her eyes. She didn't have that look a few years ago. Leah set the empty mug in the sink, heading back to her room. I stared after her forgetting about the cake. Maybe she was right that there was nothing for me here. My mom had wanted to leave everything behind when dad died, but I convinced her to let Jay and I stay. I was selfish and I wasn't ready to leave behind the memories. But now I couldn't help but think what if it had been better if we left. Left the pain and the trauma, to start over. Start new. I thought about Rachel and Rebecca, knowing how happy they were living their lives in the world away from La Push and the pain of losing a parent. I felt it every day and as time went on the pain hardly went away.

I blinked rapidly, cursing myself for my delay. I was here to make Sue's life easier, not spiral into my thoughts. I took a deep breath in, shoving everything I felt into a box. I would deal with it another day. I focused back on the cake, shoving some of the white frosting into a gallon bag so I could use it later. "Please let my hand be better than it was yesterday."

7:53 a.m. Inside the Clearwater home, La Push, Washington

I covered the last cake, grimacing at the dozens of cookies that were waiting for my touch. I yawned, trying to wake myself up and slowly talk hand into not cramping up. I patted my stomach, wondering if I had food in my car. I yanked out my earphones, listening to the insistent knocking, wondering if I should get the door. "Laryssa, can you get the door?" I tossed my headphones to the side.

"Coming," I called when the knocking continued. I used my wrist to push my hair away from my face. I grabbed the dishtowel, wiping the frosting from my fingers, rushing to the front door. I cursed myself when my foot caught on the carpet causing me to slam into the front door. "Sorry," I winced, yanking the door open. Rubbing my hand across my face, I stared into deep brown eyes. I couldn't help the smile that crossed my face when Paul leaned against the railing holding a plastic grocery bag. "Sorry, come in," I said when I realized I was blocking the door. I glanced down at my attire grateful that I decided to get dressed this morning.

"Did you hit the door," I could hear the amusement in his voice. I nodded, glaring at the carpet for yanking my foot. He laughed, reaching out to touch my cheek. I stared at him, blushing when he showed me the yellow icing that took a liking to my cheek. "Even though you looked cute with the yellow smeared on your cheek, I don't think you want it there." I flushed not knowing how to respond to his comment. I told myself that it was a friendly observation and not to think too much about it. I offered him the dishtowel, checking my reflection in the mirror to make sure nothing else was on my face.

"Paul," Sue said, eyeing me curiously as I fixed my bun nervously. I took the dishtowel back, ignoring his smirk. "This from Emily," She took the bag, peeking in it. She pulled out a foil-wrapped burrito. "Breakfast," Sue set one in my hand, patting my cheek. "Eat, then you can finish."

I smiled, heading back towards the kitchen sending Paul a small wave over my shoulder. I sat down in one of the chairs, looking at the timer. I needed to move some of the cookies so the brownies could cool. I set my food down, deciding to make room before I ate. "Aren't you supposed to be eating," Paul asked, reaching to take the container of cookies. He set it on the table, taking the other one I had grabbed. I pulled out the cooling racks, moving to sit back down. I wrapped my earphones up, shoving them in my pocket.

"I will now," I opened the foil, grinning when I smelt the bacon, eggs, and potatoes. I took a bite, closing my eyes at the warm breakfast. I loved breakfast, and I hated when I missed it. Paul pulled out the other chair, glancing at the table full of frosting and cookie containers. "This is so good." He laughed, watching me while I ate.

I set my breakfast down when the timer went off. "I got it," Paul offered, setting his hands on my shoulder so I stayed seated. I watched him put the pink frilly oven mitts on and open the oven. I swallowed hard when I realized how good he looked with them which was not what I expected. How could anyone look good with those grandma themed oven mitts? His black shirt stretched across his muscled back as he opened the oven. He pulled out the two pans, setting them on the racks turning off the oven. I wanted to capture a picture of him in the oven mitts to try and tease him, but I was content with just having the memory of him with them on. He took them off, turning back to me. "What?"

I shook my head refusing to admit out loud how good he looked, turning my attention back to my food. He sat down again, watching me. "Thanks, for helping." I perked up when Seth walked into the kitchen. Seth grinned at me, reaching down to give me a quick hug. "Morning," I offered him the rest of my food, feeling bad that I didn't make him anything to eat like I usually did. Seth took a bite shaking his head when I tried to get him to take the rest, instead, he grabbed two cookies before I could stop him. He gave me another quick hug, "Jay's awake and he's waiting for Leah."

Seth glanced at Paul, grinning at him. "Morning! Thanks for the bite." He darted out of the kitchen when Leah called for him. I watched him go, wishing that I could be that happy in the morning.

"You're gonna be late for school," I murmured when I noticed Paul still watching me.

Sue walked in, yanking on Paul's hair lightly. "Off to school," She murmured, setting a bottle of apple juice on the table. "I already took one away, I don't want to take another." I watched with wide eyes when Paul pouted at her. Sue quirked an eyebrow at him, clearly showing that she wasn't falling victim to his antics. I held in my laugh when he tried puppy eyes. He was good, but he wasn't Seth. "No."

"Let him help," I heard a new voice call out. I peered around Sue, seeing Emily. Every time I saw her she glowed brighter than before. Her long hair had been pulled into an intricate braid. "We could use an extra set of hands since Sam can't make it."

Sue frowned and I knew she was on the verge of saying yes. "It couldn't hurt if he helped," I offered, finishing the rest of my food. Sue, Emily, and I could handle the food, but it would help with an extra set of hands. Paul sent me a smile before he turned to stare at Sue.

"Fine," She relented, putting her hand on Emily's shoulder. "You can help me with the fish, Paul you can help Laryssa. Don't eat them." I bit the inside of my cheek, not daring to tell her that Seth and Leah ate some. "We have about four hours." I nodded, getting up to wash my hands.

I dried my hands on the dishtowel, glancing at the containers. Now that I had help I knew we could knock this out easily. "I've already premade the colors, all we have to do is decorate them." I smiled at Paul, setting the other colors on the table.

Paul nodded, getting up brushing his hand on my hip as he passed me. I shivered, trying to ignore the warmth that started to build in the pit of my stomach. I bit my lip, telling myself that it was an accident. These past few days, I felt like he and I had gotten closer. "Okay, I've got a new one." I groaned with a small smile when I realized that it was one of his jokes. I acted like I didn't like them, but I did. "It's a good one I promise."

"Let's hear it," I sighed, knowing that it was probably going to be corny.

"What did one boat say to another," He asked, and I could hear the grin on his face. I reached over him opening one of the containers. I shrugged, waiting for him to continue. "Are you up for a little row-mance?" I snorted, rolling my eyes at how cheesy that was.

"Where do you find these," I asked, trying to smother my smile. When Kim and I had come back from her locker, he had started up with the cheesy jokes. Even though they were cheesy, he made me laugh.

"Embry has this joke book," Paul said, his arm brushing against mine as we worked side by side. I could feel his warmth radiating off of him. "Jared said that they were too corny and no girl would laugh at them. Looks like I keep proving him wrong."

"They are cheesy, but I think they are cute," I offered, glancing at him. "Figures Em would have a book dedicated to cheesiness." Embry had always been cheesy. I remembered him telling a joke to the girls behind us in science and how they both snubbed him. "Guess you just have to find the right girls," I offered, wondering if he told the joke to other girls and if they laughed.

"Looks like I found the right girl," He murmured, turning so he was looking at me. I dropped the cookie that I had been working on. It doesn't mean anything, I thought as I picked up the cookie frowning at how smudged the frosting was. I needed to get a hold of myself. "You're close with Seth?"

I nodded, thankful that he was changing the subject."He and Jay grew up together. So I got another little brother by luck." They were inseparable and I was glad that Jay had him and his other two friends. Seth's ray of happiness had been a lifesaver when dad had died. He had kept Jay's head above water. "He is my guinea pig when it comes to new recipes."

"He's a happy kid," Paul murmured, setting his cookies off to the side to dry.

"It rubs off on you," I smiled, thinking about the multiple times I had woken up depressed and dreading the day. But after I had picked up Seth, he and Jay made me feel loads better. "I hope he stays like that."

"I'm sure he will," Paul bumped his hip against mine. "Leah will murder anyone who breaks his heart." I nodded in agreement, knowing it was over for the girl who decided to break his heart. I never experienced a broken heart, and from what I have seen with Leah, I never wanted too. "Have you ever had one? A broken heart?"

"No, I've never been in love to have one," I admitted embarrassed that I was eighteen and still had never been in a relationship. "Have you had one?"

"Yeah, but I know now it was for the best." I wondered what he meant by that, but I wasn't going to ask. "I thought she was the one, but I was wrong."

"What happened," I asked, opening a new container. Paul didn't seem like he ever had a broken heart, but there was more to him than I knew and I wanted to have a chance to know who he was.

Paul reached over, setting some cookies on his mat. I shivered when his arm brushed against mine, I couldn't get used to his touch. It felt like sparks every time I felt his skin. "Cody seemed to capture her interest more than I did. I thought what we had was enough, but in the end, it wasn't. I've made peace with it." I tried to remember who Paul hung around with freshman year, but I couldn't place his band of friends. I think over the years I had shared about three classes total with him. I remembered him being a lot less buff than he was now, but I still thought he was cute.

"Does it hurt?" I winced at how childlike I sounded. Of course, it hurt, it was such an idiotic question. "Sorry, stupid question."

I stared at his hand covering mine. "Remember what I told you? You can ask me anything, without judgment." I wondered if our hands would fit together if I turned my hand. God, I needed to get a grip. He was way out of my league and even if he was I wasn't worth it. "It did. I was angry, she tossed everything away like we meant nothing." Paul took his hand away, but I felt his hand tremble. Whoever she was, I couldn't help but dislike her. I didn't know her reasoning, but I couldn't fathom any reason for choosing Cody Rivers over Paul.

I set my hand on top of his before I could stop myself. "Her loss. You'll find someone who makes you happy." Paul turned his hand, taking mine in his. I glanced at him, holding my breath when I realized how close we were. I could see flecks of gold in his eyes. I pulled my hand away when I heard the front door slam.

"How's it going," Emily's cheerful voice filled the kitchen. "Oh these are so cute," She peered over my shoulder looking at the cookies we had decorated so far.

"It's going good," Paul answered, turning his attention from me to her. I touched my hand that he held, smiling when I realized how mine had fit in his.

12:15 p.m. Fork's Hospital, Forks, Washington

I smiled politely at the hoard of hungry nurses that crowded around the table full of food. I hated the hospital and I was fighting my fight or flight response. I started edging towards the back, so I could relax against the wall and away from the smells of death. A warm hand rested on my back, and I knew it was Paul. I breathed in deeply, focusing on his hand. I knew I was placing too much into him, but I couldn't help it. He made me feel safe.

"Laryssa," I looked at the nurse who called my name. I blinked rapidly when I saw Nurse Norris. He hadn't changed since I last saw him, except for the black glasses on his face. He walked towards me and suddenly I was transported to the last awful memory I had of him. I reached behind me, grabbing Paul's hand in a death grip. Paul tensed moving closer to me, grabbing my hand so he had a better grip on mine. "My god you have grown."

"N-Nurse Norris," I tried to smile and let my anger stay in the box I had placed it in, but my smile felt more like a grimace. "It's what happens when the years go by," I said, trying to shove down the unwanted memories.

"Still got that smart mouth," He laughed like he was relieved, crossing his arms staring up at Paul. He was waiting for an introduction and part of me wanted to tell him to shove it, but I was trying to embrace being the bigger person like my dad would've wanted.

"Paul, this is Nurse Norris. Nurse Norris, this is Paul," I introduced, feeling somewhat sick to my stomach. I tried to hold onto the words that my old therapist told me, but the more I looked at that man the more I wanted to knee him where the sun didn't shine.

"Hi," The elder man smiled up at Paul, turning his attention back to me. "How's your mom and brother?"

"Fine," I didn't want to give him any more information. "Enjoy your food," I kept my voice steady, holding on to Paul's hand like it was my last lifeline. "Excuse us." I pulled Paul towards the door, silently hoping Sue would understand that I needed air. I felt like I was choking.

I practically ran until I was outside and I didn't realize that I had dragged Paul with me. "What's hap-," I turned, burying my face into Paul's shirt, not caring about how I looked. I just wanted to scream, everything that I had buried was trying to break free. I grabbed his shirt, in an effort to try and calm myself down. His arms wrapped around me holding me closer to him. "I've got you." I took in a shaky breath, holding onto him tighter. "Just focus on breathing or my breathing."

I nodded following his calming breathing. I paid attention to his heartbeat, finding comfort listening to his heart. "I hate him," I whispered, finally saying what I could never say to anyone. My dad had always told me there was no room for hate in our hearts and it was an ugly emotion. I could hear his words. We are better than that. But that didn't stop me from hating him. Paul rubbed my back, tightening his arms again. "I'm sorry." I closed my eyes when I realized that I just dragged him into my drama, yet again. I was going to drag him down and he needed to stay far away from me.

Paul pulled back, putting his hands on my cheeks. He held my face so I couldn't look away. "Friends are there for each other. I've got you, no matter what. I don't know who he is, but if you hate him then, I hate him too."

I grabbed his wrists holding them tightly sending him a small smile. I never had someone have that kind of blind loyalty. Although it warmed my heart, I couldn't have him do that. "You don't have to do that, but I appreciate it, so much." He grinned, holding my hands. I glanced back at the doors, knowing that we had to go back in. "I owe you an explanation." Deep down I knew I had to tell him, why I acted like a child but I wasn't ready to face that. I wasn't ready to admit why Nurse Norris caused me to form the ugly emotion of hatred.

"No, you don't. You don't owe me anything," He denied, letting go of one of my hands to stroke my cheek. "Tell me when you want to or if you want to."

I let his hand go, reaching to give him a hug. I wrapped my arms around his torso, squeezing him lightly. "Thank you," I murmured, relieved that I didn't have to go into details. He had helped me on numerous occasions and I didn't have any way to thank him besides a poor batch of brownies. "We should get back," I wasn't excited to be in the same room as that man, but I was there for Sue and I would push aside my feelings for her.

2:16 p.m. Paul's Truck, La Push, Washington

"No," Laryssa laughed, tugging her long inky hair from the bun on the top of her head. He glanced at her quickly, wanting to run his fingers through it. He inhaled, breathing in her rose shampoo. "Paul, please tell me that you're kidding."

"I'm not," He grinned at the sounds of her giggles. "Call deserved it," He shrugged, tightening his hand on the wheel. He took his foot off the gas not wanting to reach her house too soon. "I never lose bets."

"Never," She asked, running her fingers through her hair. "I can't believe he ate snails." She shivered, making a face. "Remind me never to place a bet with you." Laryssa smiled, humming along with the radio. Paul glanced at her again, wondering how someone could piss her off so much to make her hate them. He didn't think that she had a hateful bone in her body.

"Never," He admitted, relieved that she wasn't upset earlier. He told her that he'd wait for her to tell him and he would. But that didn't stop him from wondering what happened between the nurse and his imprint. After they joined Sue and Emily again, he hovered closer to Laryssa making sure the nurse didn't come close to her. He noticed the glances from the nurse set her and they made him feel uncomfortable. He could only imagine what Laryssa felt. "What are you going to do for the rest of the day?"

"Not sure, Jay is going to Collins house. What are you gonna do?" Laryssa tapped her fingers against her thighs, letting out a small yawn.

He wanted to spend more time with her. Paul wanted to be greedy. He hardly had time with her. He only spent time with her in their class, walking with her to her next class and at lunch but he wanted more. "I don't know. Do you want to hang out?"

He saw her fingers falter against her thighs and he almost backtracked on his offer. He was torn between not wanting to push her and wanting to be with her. "Sure. I want to show you something first," She smiled relaxing against his seat, combing through her hair again.

"New drawing," He asked, putting himself at ease now that he knew she was okay with spending more time with him.

"Maybe," She teased, staring out the window. "Do you like the rain?"

He eyed the small drops of water hitting the windshield. Paul didn't hate the rain, but he didn't love the rain either. It was a pain when he was on patrol, the rain pelting his fur and mud clinging to his paws. But he did like the fact that it cooled his skin. "Depends on my mood. Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Do you?"

"Yeah. Well sometimes. Today I like it, but yesterday I wasn't fond of it. Driving in it isn't fun" She smiled, pulling her hair so it was gathered on the side of her face.

Laryssa held her arms tighter against her chest. Paul froze when he remembered his heater went out a few months ago. He never bothered to replace it because he never needed it. "Shit, I'm sorry. I didn't realize how cold it was."

"It's alright," She brushed it off, rubbing her wrist.

"I don't get cold," He cursed himself internally. How could he not realize how cold she was becoming. "I'm warm-blooded," He let the lie slip off his tongue. "C'mere." He stopped at the light, knowing they had about twenty- twenty-five miles to go. "You'll warm-up." He watched her falter slightly before she took off her seatbelt and slowly moved over. Her movements were hesitant and he was more than happy to let her set the pace. She hooked her seatbelt, lightly pressing against him. "I'm sorry," He muttered his senses on overdrive since she was close to him. He could feel his skin tingling where she was touching.

"It's nothing to apologize for," Laryssa said, moving closer to him. He could feel her shaking and he was furious at himself. "Do you mind if I wrap my arm around yours?"

"N-no," He grimaced when his voice cracked, he didn't mind if she wanted to touch him. He moved his arm and she wrapped her arm through his. After a few moments, she rested her head against his shoulder, he shook his head when he realized her hair was still damp. He glanced at her through the corner of his eye, a soft smile on his face. He listened to her breathing even out after a while. He now understood what Jared meant when he said he was at peace when he was with Kim. He was at peace with her.

3:08 p.m. Chiago Driveway, La Push, Washington

Paul stopped the truck, turning it off. She felt warm and for once he was glad that he had a higher temperature. He reached over, resting his hand on her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open and she glanced up at him, sending him a shy smile. "Have a good nap?" He couldn't help but tease her.

Paul watched her cheeks start to turn pink. "The best," She let go of his arm, tucking her hair behind her ears. "You're really warm and surprisingly comfortable."

He swallowed hard when she turned the tables. "Surprisingly?" He held his heart as if she wounded him badly. "You wound me."

Laryssa laughed, gathering her things. "Hopefully not too bad." She opened the passenger door, "C'mon." She got out and ran towards the porch. Paul grinned to himself, following after her. He ran up the stairs slipping when he got to the top step. His hand reached out grabbing the first thing to steady himself. He heard Laryssa yelp in surprise as he grabbed her arm, pulling her down with him. He moved so that when they fell he cushioned her fall.

Laryssa landed on him, her palms reaching out to catch herself. She stared at him with wide eyes, before she started laughing. He grinned at her, loving the way her laugh sounded. It reminded him of the chimes his mom used to hang when he was younger. "I'm starting to see why you like attacking the floor." He sat up, bumping his nose against hers. He heard her suck in a breath and he could see her eyes dilate when they met his. "I didn't mean to pull you down."

Laryssa smiled at him, moving so she was sitting beside him. She bumped his shoulder, "it's nice not being the clumsy one." He smirked, rubbing the back of his neck. "C'mon, clumsy," Laryssa teased, standing up offering him a hand.

He barked out a laugh, taking her hand knowing there was no way she was going to be able to help him up. He just wanted to feel her hand in his. "Clumsy?" He pretended to use her as he got up.

She smirked, letting go of his hand to unlock the house. "Yeah, it's going to stick for a while." She walked in, holding the door open for him. He walked in and was immediately surrounded by her scent. Paul looked around the room, liking how homey it felt. She shut the door, walking towards her art room. "C'mon."

He trailed after her, looking at the frames hung up in the hallway. In every single one of them, she was grinning wildly. Ever since he knew her, he hadn't seen her smile like that. He stopped, seeing a photo of Laryssa being hugged by three people. He recognized her little brother, only he had chubbier cheeks. He didn't recognize the woman, but Laryssa looked just like her. They had the same brown eyes, dark hair and their smile mirrored each other. He had never seen her before and it was odd because it was a small town, everyone knew everyone. The man who had his arms wrapped around all of them was grinning the most. He held them like he had just won the lottery. He was happy that she grew up loved and wanted. He didn't get that from his parents, but they kept him fed and sheltered, it was all that mattered to him. "Is this your dad?" He asked, seeing her stop.

Laryssa turned around to see what had captured his attention. She sent him a soft smile, as she reached out to touch the frame. "Yeah. That's my mom next to him." Laryssa reached out to touch her dad's face, "It was a good day."

"I'm sorry," He heard the pain in her voice and it was a pain he couldn't take away.

"There's nothing to be sorry for," Laryssa smiled, dropping her hand from the frame. "So, you gave me an idea, when we were drawing the eyes. I hope you like it," She grabbed his arm, tugging him towards her art room. She opened the door, practically skipping towards a canvas covered by a sheet. Laryssa grabbed his arms moving him so he was in a certain spot. She grinned at him, reaching to tug off the white sheet. Just as it was about to fall off, she hesitated.

"You're doing it on purpose," Paul laughed, rubbing his hands together trying to be patient, but he wasn't known for his patience. "Let's see it," Laryssa smirked, letting the sheet fall.

He froze, seeing her painting. He stared at the eye, focusing on a lone surfer wading in the water staring at the horizon waiting for a wave. He took a step closer, seeing his tattoo and he knew it was him. It was the first time that he had been the center of attention in a positive way. He wondered if this is how she really saw him. If she had seen him without the stigmas their class placed on him. He stared at it, seeing someone without the weight of a protector looming on him. He didn't have tensed shoulders and he looked at ease. He could feel his throat tightening and the last thing he wanted was to upset Laryssa by crying or hearing it later from the guys. He could feel her curious eyes on him and he didn't know how to tell her he loved it. His words were failing him and so he did the only thing he could think of.

3:18 p.m. Chiago House, La Push, Washington

I tensed when Paul's arms wrapped around me. I slowly let my arms wrap around him when my shock wore off. I didn't have to ask if he liked it. I could tell by his reaction. I smiled, tightening my arms around his neck. I was comforted by his deep breaths, and I realized how deep I had gotten myself. I didn't know how in the span of a week, he had become someone so important to me. I held him tighter when his own arms tightened around me. I knew I was no good for him, but I wanted to be selfish. I didn't want to let him go or push him away. I was going to ride this out until he decided I was too much. I stared at the painting over his shoulder. I pulled back, smiling up at him.

"It's beautiful," He murmured, keeping his arms resting against my lower back. I held my breath when he rested his forehead against mine. I felt the warmth start to build in my stomach. "I have no words, other than how beautiful it is." My cheeks flushed at his compliment.

I let my hands move so they held his cheeks. I stroked my thumbs against his cheek feeling stubble. Paul closed his eyes, his arms tightening again. "It's yours," I murmured, trying not to second guess my thoughts of touching him. I didn't want to let go. "I'm happy you like it," I smiled, feeling his smile. I closed my eyes, focusing on his body against mine. I opened my eyes when he shifted, so we were closer. I let my hands drop, so they settled on his upper arms.

"You didn't sign it," Paul said, keeping his forehead against mine. I held in my sigh, taking a moment to cherish the feel of his skin against mine. I didn't know if I would feel it again.

I looked away laughing when his forehead knocked against my hair. "I forgot." I let go of him, moving to the canvas, smiling when he didn't let go right away. I kneeled, signing my name on the bottom right corner. I stared up at the painting, smiling softly. "There. The artist has signed her work." Paul offered a hand to me. I grabbed his hand allowing him to pull me up.

Let me know what you guys think!

Edited on May 4, 2020.