Revenant Paul Lahote

Chapter 10

"Please pick up. It's been a month and I'm worried about you."

Caylee had tried to call him multiple times, failing every time to receive an answer. She didn't understand what was going on or why he had such a big outburst the last time he had been over.

So, she did what she always does; suppressed her feelings as best as possible and hoped for the best. She was worried, anxiety constantly chipping away at her resulting in her cleaning the house over and over and trying to get more hours at work. It was driving Gran crazy.

The last time she had called Paul, she had written what she wanted to say down in hopes of not stuttering or floating off topic. Then out of nowhere, Gran came over all ninja style and snatched it right out of her hands and ate it.

The crazy old woman chewed on the written on piece of paper, staring right into Caylee's soul before spitting it in the trash and going back to watching her soaps.

Gran claimed he was probably having normal guy issues, but Caylee couldn't help but feel there was something more to it than that. It was the end of October, indicating he had missed both her birthday and their two year friend anniversary.

"Darlin' if you don't stop pestering that boy he just might never come back," Gran joked, but it left a nauseous feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Sighing, Caylee decided to go for a walk instead.

Sam Uley was known around the res. For both his partaking in strange "gang like" activities and the drama that ensued after ending his engagement with Leah Clearwater.

The few times he had come into the diner he gave simple nods of acknowledgment or a polite hello. So when Caylee almost ran headfirst into his bare chest, she nearly lost it.

He glanced down at her, way down due to their drastic height difference, and started to reach for her arm to stop her from tripping.

All at once he stopped, pulling his hand back quickly as if remembering something. Instead, he gave her a small nod before turning away.

Caylee wasn't sure what came over her. She had never seen the two boys talk before or hear Paul mention him, but something was bugging her to at least ask.

Her voice was quiet and she feared he may not even hear her. "Have you seen Paul? Paul Lahote?"

Sam stopped, seeming to think for a moment to himself before throwing her a small glance over his shoulder and a soft no before proceeding to walk away.

Caylee should have known that he wouldn't be home, and she should have known better than to show up after he blew up on her for it the last time they spoke.

Paul hated everything about his house. From the porch that was caving in, the wood that was sticking out and ruined from all the rain, to the memories that lay within the home itself.

He had never in their two years of friendship let her come in or near his house, terrified to let her see what he had grown up in.

She wanted nothing more than to take him away, away from all the pain that it had caused him and away from the anger he constantly tried to hide when around her.

But now, she held her breath as she walked up the weeded path to his home, begging for him to answer the door so they could work whatever the problem was out.

She knocked softly, then a little harder when she realized the first one was probably too quiet. "Paul?" She called out, thinking she'd have a better chance at him answering if he knew who it was.

The door swung open and hit the wall so aggressively, it was a shock that it didn't break off of its hinges. Caylee retreated immediately. She had never seen Paul's father before - only the things he left behind.

Even with the foot of space that was between them, there was a potent smell of alcohol that made her want to gag.

"Who the fuck are you?" The man hiccuped. Squinting he leaned forward as if to get a better look but stumbled instead.

Beginning to cautiously take small steps backwards, Caylee could feel an uncomfortable vibe and wished she never came.

"I- I'm Caylee. I was looking for Paul but I can see he's not here, so I'll be going now."

"Well his punk ass ain't here. The fuck are you, one of his whores?" His voice boomed out. "If ya wanted a real man you could've just asked me."

He had a disgusting grin on his face. The yellow in his teeth shining out and the alcohol in his breath hitting her face. Every step Caylee took backward, he greeted with a step forward. Turning to make a break for it, he was faster and snatched her arm quickly and yanked her closer to his body.

She saw them, the flashes of his ending and it wasn't even surprising.

"Where do you think you're going? Stay for a bit. I'm sure Paul can have a turn when he gets back."

She could feel the marks his hand was leaving on her arms and tried her best to push him off. Caylee didn't know why, but she began shouting for Paul, praying that he could somehow hear her and put an end to this.

With one more tug of her arm, the man's grip loosened enough for her to drive her knee directly up into his groin. Taking her chance, she ran back quickly only to have a loose board launch her onto the ground at the end of the steps.

"You bitch!" He shouted.

That's when she heard it.

A deep growl coming from the trees beside the house. Caylee closed her eyes, silently begging for everything to stop.

When she opened them, all she saw was a snarling Paul, his actions coming across so animalistic as he shoved his father against the railing and wrapped his hands around his dad's throat.

"If you ever put your filthy fucking hands on her I will not hesitate to end your pathetic life." His grip grew tighter, and the color was shifting on his dad's face.

"Paul stop!" A familiar voice called out like a warning. Sam. His words did nothing but make Paul's grip grow firmer and his body begin to shake ridiculously.

Caylee stumbled to her feet, still scared, and tried to move closer.

"Paul stop." He didn't respond. "Paul please. I'm fine."

It was as if a switch had flipped. Almost immediately his hands fell to his sides and the disgusting man fell to the floor gasping and wheezing in pain.

And for the first time in a month, Caylee heard her best friend speak.

"Go."

His voice was quiet, and he didn't dare turn around to face her.

"Please look at me-"

"I said go Caylee!" This time he shouted. He had never yelled at her that way, and without sparing her a glance he simply walked away.

Tears began pouring down her face. Looking to Sam, who only nodded in agreement to what her best friend had said, she began her walk home.