Paige

Chapter 13

So this is Mason everybody! His eyes aren't as bright as I would want them to be, but the features are amazing. Okay... Enjoy! Next update I will show you Carly!

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I immediately dropped out of Mason's arms and ran across the deck, my excitement showing as I was slipping and sliding on the ocean mist on the floor. I could hear Mason's chuckles chasing after me as I burst down the stairs.
I immediately picked up my brush and began taking out the knots in my hair. I quickly tied it in a messy bun. I pulled off my shirt and rummaged through my bag for my favorite floral blouse.
I heard a cough and jolted my head up. Mason was standing in the doorway. His hair was freshly spiked and he had already changed into cargo shorts and a red muscle shirt, and I just had my bra on.
I didn't care, I felt safe around Mason. I knew he wouldn't do anything to take advantage of me, and he definitely wouldn't hurt me.
I slipped on my blouse and put on a pair of white shorts. I put my black vans on my feet.
I made sure to cover myself in wonderful scents and a little makeup before zipping my suitcase.
Mason quickly tidied up Lilly and Flame's cages before putting them in.
"It's so funny how hard you try to look pretty, when you don't even need to do anything." He said as he came back from throwing away the waste in the cages.
These words made me smile and blush as I was putting on my favorite necklace.
"Well thanks, but I don't wanna meet your parents in sweatpants. Plus, my hair is already super greasy." I say, playing with my bangs.
"You look fine. Now lets get going." He says as hugs me from behind. I turn around and hug him back.
We grabbed our stuff and walked back to the deck. The boat was now gliding slowly through the coast, heading for a small dock near the shore. I watched a turtle peacefully swim in the water as we parked the boat.
I started tapping my foot to calm the knot in my stomach. I was super nervous to meet everybody. Would they hate me for leaving? Or love me for coming back?
"We'll that caps the end of our journey! Have a safe trip!" The captain said gleefully. I hugged him and thanked him for taking us, Mason shook his hand.
I took a deep breath as I stepped off the boat. We walked off the dock and onto the beach, my vans sinking in the soft white sand. I saw a few people looking at us, I smiled as I watched them start jumping up and down and run up to us.
"Are-Are-Are you... Pa-Pa-" One girl stuttered, her wild brown eyes lit up along with her three friends.
"Paige, yes. Nice to meet you." I smiled.
"Oh I'm so glad you're back!" They shouted. They pulled me in for a group hug. I laughed as they released me.
"We are heading back into town, you guys should too. Stella was rambling on about the big party before I even left! You guys wanna walk with us?" Mason said. I've heard him talk about his mom, Stella, before, but he never said anything about a party! I'm no good at parties. I embarrass myself too easily.
"Nonononono!" They said in unison, "You guys need a grand entrance! We need to tell everybody you're here anyways! we will run, It's not far!"
"Okay, suit yourself." Mason chuckled and turned to me, "The city is just over that hill."
He gestured to where the sand met the grass. I could see the tip of a building over a small hill. The girls began running over it. We started to walk when we couldn't see their heads anymore.
I let Lilly out of her cage to walk with us as we came to the top of the hill.
I took a moment to just take it all in. There were a bunch of small wooden and clay houses surrounding dirt roads. Almost all the houses had garden areas. There was lush green grass and tall gorgeous trees. Everything seemed okay until my eyes landed on the river. It was small, dirty, and there was barely any water running through it.
"Is that... The only water source in the whole town?!" I asked Mason. He shook his head.
"Well, we get very little from the ground, but yeah. That's about it." He replied with a frown on his face.
"I will do everything I can to help this place, don't worry about a single thing Mason. Everything will be alright." I hugged him tightly and he hugged me back even tighter, I love moments like these.
"Paige, I love you. I'm not afraid to say it." He said.
These words triggered something inside of me, something that made me crave Mason in a sort of way. I wanted to just be by his side forever. I didn't want to just be high school sweethearts or the one that got away. It felt different with Mason, I felt safe, happy, wanted, and most of all, I felt beautiful. This was real, this was actual love. And at that very moment, I realized it.
"I love you too!" I shouted. I tangled my fingers with his and we began to walk to the city together.
I got gasps and stares as I came through the the entrance road. People gathered around to get a glimpse of me.
I suddenly felt very self conscious.
I wondered what they were thinking.
Where has she been?
Why did she leave us?
That's her? I thought she'd be prettier!
I knew I was being completely irrational because their facial expressions did not match what I thought they were thinking.
I heard some people muffle, "It's her." And some people even said, "Woooow." Like I was the last of my kind or something.
But then again, I kind of was.
One person started to clap, and then a whole applause rang out. People were cheering for me. My face began to feel hot and red as I spread a smile on my face.
All of a sudden, everyone went quiet, and looks of fear were all over. People started to scream and step back. I was completely confused, until Lilly started frantically barking playfully and running around to sniff everyone.
All the people looked terrified, and started running for safety.
Mason and I ran up to Lilly, I sat beside her and scratched her ears to calm her down.
"Hey! Wait! It's okay! Where I am from, dogs are nice! This is Lilly. Please don't be afraid." I said. People began to move closer to me, their faces softened.
One brave girl with wavy brown hair stepped forward to touch Lilly's fur. Lilly turned to face her and she flinched.
"It's okay, she won't bite." I said softly.
She slowly reached out her hand again, Lilly sniffed it and licked her hand. The little girl giggled.
"Mason? Are you back? I thought I heard some commotion going on back here." A woman said somewhere in the crowd. People started to move away from the voice and out stepped a blonde lady with dark brown eyes that shined in the afternoon sun.
"You're home! Mason James Palmer, what did I tell you about staying too late! Oh I missed you!" The woman pulled in mason for a warm hug. I chuckled. I never heard his full name before.
"Hi Mom." Mason said with a smile.
So this is Stella, I thought.
She turned to face me and gasped.
"Paige?.... Paige! I can't believe it's you! Oh my goodness the last time I saw you, you were in diapers! You're so beautiful!" She welcomed me with a big hug also.
"Hi, nice to meet you." I said shyly.
"I'm Stella, Mason's mother. And I run this place with my husband, James." She said softly. Her preppy attitude and perfectly blonde hair that fell on her shoulders reminded me of my mom.
"Alright everyone can go back to what you were doing, the party will start in an hour." She said to the crowd. Everybody dispersed with excited faces.
"So. Mason. Lets take Paige to where she will be staying." She said. I whistled to Lilly to follow me and she obeyed. she was still greeting sone other people.
"I see you have your pet well trained." Stella said as we walked to her house. She hesitantly petted Lilly's head.
"Oh yes, they obey me well. Don't worry they won't cause any trouble I promise." I said to her.
Her eyebrows furrowed, "They?"
I pointed to Flame's cage that I was still holding, "I have a cat too. Very friendly."
Stella smiled, "Ah, yes. A cat! I've seen a few."
She lead us to any normal house in the neighborhood, it was just slightly bigger.
We walked in through a wooden door, and inside stood the cutest house I had ever seen. When you walked in, there was a small living room that lead to a fireplace, where a metal shelf lay on top of it. I guessed that was the stove. Next to it was another fireplace, but in this one, there was a metal box that replicated an oven.
Further into the house were a few doors that held bedrooms and bathrooms.
Stella quickly pointed at different doors, explaining where everything was. I heard a muffled voice from one of the rooms.
"Stella? Is that Mason I hear?" A hearty man voice came from what Stella pointed out as the master bedroom.
A muscular man with thick black hair and a stubbly face came out. His bright blue eyes popped out of his dark face like Mason's. This must be James, I thought.
"Mason my boy! Give your old man a hug!" He stepped forward and engulfed mason in his giant arms, and I thought Mason was huge.
He seemed like the typical dad, he looked warm and welcoming, like you could sit down and spend the afternoon with him and be completely comfortable.
He looked at me with wide eyes, "You brought a girl home! I didn't think a boy like you could pick up a girl like this!" He scratched Mason's head, "I'm just kidding Mason. It's in the genes to pick up pretty girls. Just look at your mother!"
Stella blushed and kissed James, I loved his parents already.
"So what's your name, soon to be Mrs. Palmer!" His dad chuckled.
"Hi, I'm Paige." I said smiling. His dad gasped.
"Paige... Like.... THE Paige Martin?!" James said wide eyed.
"Yes."
"My boy picked up a Martin! Even better!" He said. I laughed as he gave me a warm hug.
"Nice to meet you!" I said.
"Oh and honey... Don't worry about the dog. He belongs to Paige and is perfectly safe." Stella said as James locked eyes with Lilly.
"I know, Canine dogs would attack instantly... Pesky things." He spat.
Stella sniffed the air, "What is that amazing smell! Mason... Come here."
Mason stepped forward. Stella grabbed his neck and pulled his head closer to her nose.
"Woah! New York changed you boy! You got gel and good smelling stuff in your hair. And nice clothes! Well... Girls can change a guy." She laughed. I smiled at Mason, I always did love the smell of him.
"Well anyways. Paige, your room is over there. Mason is right next door, and so are we. So if you need anything, just ask. Alright sweetheart?" She gave me a big smile.
"Okay." I smiled back.
I grabbed my bags and went into my new room. Inside was a small bed and a nightstand with a candle on it. There was a closet door in the corner and a dresser near the bed.
I set my bag on my bed. Lilly jumped on top of it and laid down. I laughed as I opened Flame's cage. She stepped out and began to purr on my feet.
I shooed Lilly off my bag and unzipped it. Just then Mason walked in. He wrapped his hands around my waist and I ran my hands through his hair.
"I always thought you had good smelling hair too." I said smiling.
"Yeah... Sorry that my parents are so... Out there."
"What do you mean? I love them!" I said. Mason laughed and leaned in for a hug.
"Mason I have your formal clothes already laid out on the bed so... Oh... Oops.. Sorry!" I heard from an open door. I turned to see Stella.
"Woah... I didn't actually think you guys were a thing. Well that's good to know! Just no funny business... If you know what I mean." She said.
Mason and I's faces went completely red and we separated from each other awkwardly. Stella let out a
huge laugh and walked out of the room.
I laughed shyly and looked at Mason's red face.
"See what I mean!" He said.
"It was funny." I said back.
"It's embarrassing!" He said laughing.
"Why is it embarrassing..." I said moving closer, giving him a seductive look, trying to be funny.
"Because I love you... And I wanna take things slow with you. I don't wanna rush anything like stupid teenagers. Because I'm not like that with you." He said giving me a seductive look back. The butterflies in my stomach were now alive and moving.
"I love you more." I said back.
"There is no way that is anywhere near possible." He laughed.
"Oh yes there is!"
"Nuh- Uh! Okay anyways, I have to go change. My mom left you a dress in the closet. She made it before you even came here, so I suggest you wear it." He said as he walked out the room.
I stepped closer to the closet curiously.
I opened the door to find a gorgeous, baby blue, mermaid fit dress. I could sleep in the fabric on it. It was so simple, but elegant.
I undressed, slipped it on, and stared at myself in awe. It complimented my curves very nicely, and the color made my blonde hair lighter.
I tied my hair into a fishtail braid, slipped on my gold heels, and walked into the living room.
Mason was already dressed in a white button Up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and a black pair of dress pants.
He stood with his mouth open when he saw me.
"You look better than when we went to homecoming." He said in awe.
"Paige, you look gorgeous!" Stella said.
I blushed at their reactions.
"Alright, James and I have to go to the party room to see if everything is being set up correctly. You wouldn't mind coming with us?"
I was anxious to see what this party looked like, so I agreed to come with. We walked just down the street a ways until we came to a rather large building with a large wooden staircase. Great... I thought, I'm already wobbling in these heels.
Other than the stairs, the place looked beautiful. There were tables set up everywhere with gorgeous flowers and heaping piles of food. Hanging from the ceiling was an awesome handmade chandelier with what seemed like a thousand candles.
"This is where we have all of our parties and weddings." Mason said.
"It's so pretty." I said to him.
"Okay! People are showing up! Go up the stairs and wait for my signal!" Yelled Stella excitedly.
I took a deep breath and hesitantly started walking up the slippery stairs. Mason noticed my nervousness, so he put a hand on my waist and pulled me close to him, I instantly relaxed and my steps became quicker.
"Thank you." I sighed.
"Just relax, nothing will go wrong." He played with my hair to comfort me. I couldn't help but smile.
We waited behind a wall near the stairs. I heard what sounded like a nest full of angry bees in the party room. My heartbeat quickened and my hands started to get sweaty. I couldn't help but feel super nervous, it's just who I am.
"Hey... Relax. You will be fine. I will walk with you if you feel too scared." Mason said calmly.
I looked at him with wide eyes, "How did you know I was scared?" I asked.
"Because your eyes go wild when you're nervous. I can see literally every emotion when I look into your gorgeous eyes, Paige." He said with a big smile that was contagious.
"I love you." I laughed.
"I love you way more." He said back.
I heard a loud voice boom over the crowd. Everybody fell silent. Mason and I kept our eyes locked.
"Hello everyone! Welcome and thank you for coming to this wonderful occasion." James was speaking very loud to the crowd.
"As you all know, a few weeks ago, I sent my son Mason to New York to find Paige. I know it's been hard for all of us here, and we have lost many brave people. But today is the start of a new and better life! Mason has returned! And brought a recruit!"
You could feel the excitement rise in the room.
"Lets bring out my successful delivery man! And... Word on the street... Him and Paige are kind of a thing..." He said laughing. The whole crowd gasped and awed, which made Mason and I smile.
"Come on out Mason!"
My body froze... He didn't call me and him together.
"Paige... I'm so sorry. Just breathe and stay confident. Don't worry. All you have to do is walk down the stairs." Mason said.
"Bu-b-but" I stuttered.
"There's no ti-" Mason was cut off by his dad.
"Uuuh... Mason? What are you and Paige doing back there..." The whole crowd burst in laughter. Mason and I laughed too. He stepped out from behind the wall and everyone cheered. I peeked behind the wall to see Mason waving confidently at everyone, smiling. Why couldn't I be like him... I thought.
I took deep breaths and and closed my eyes to keep myself from vomiting. "Good to have you back Mason! how was the trip!" James cheered.
"Very well. I met an amazing girl that i love very much and can't wait for you all to see her." he said. I smiled as my anxiety went away. I just wanted to get down there and hug him tightly.
Then I heard the words I had been hoping James would never say.
"Well lets bring her out then! Ladies and Gentlemen... I bring you... Paige Martin!"
I was about to step out when Mason's words stopped me.
"Oh wait! Paige, before you come out, can you do a little twirl at the top of the steps, to show everyone how beautiful you are?"
I smiled so wide it felt like my lips touched my ears. The whole crowd awed again.
"Okay!" I shouted. Everyone gasped at these words, I could feel the anxious tension coming up from the people.
I slowly stepped out from behind the wall and everyone stood there speechless. Their faces were filled with delight as they looked at me.
I took a deep breath as I twirled around, the bottom of my mermaid dress flaring out. The crowd roared with excitement.
I started to walk down the steps, carefully placing my feet as I went. The crowd cheers did not die down at all. I smiled shyly and gave small waves every once in a while.
I finally made it near the bottom. I looked at Mason and smiled. How could some bodies jawline be so perfect? I thought.
And of course... On the last step, I wasn't paying attention. I stepped on the back of my dress and fell forward. The crowd made scared noises until I fell into Mason's arms. He was laughing hard. I slapped his arm playfully and laughed too. The crowd cheered at the amazing catch.
"You did great." He said in my ear, his hot breath brought tingles down my spine. He put a hand on my hip and held me close.
"So... Paige. How were the last few weeks for you? Finding out about this place and everything." James asked me.
I cleared my throat, "Believe me, they were pretty crazy. Finding out the reason that my family is gone was hard to process, but I couldn't of asked for anything different. I'm very glad to be here."
The crowd cheered once more.
"Well that's just wonderful. Now... How about we get some food! Lets celebrate!"
Everybody dispersed to eat. The food was very good. I tried a lot of new dishes that I never heard of before, and I liked every one of them.
After eating and talking to different people, I heard music start to play. Everybody quickly cheered, and some couples started to walk to the middle of the party room. Ed Sheeran, Thinking Out Loud started to play from a loud radio.
I looked at Mason, "How do you guys know these songs?"
"We have a few radios. We know all about music and singers and stuff. Our radios are kind of like how we stay connected to the world. My personal favorite is Drake. Oh and Jason Derulo! Yeah they are awesome." Mason said.
I smiled, I really liked Drake too.
"Wanna dance babe?" I asked.
His face lit up and he grinned, "How could I say no?"
I grabbed his hand and we walked to the dance floor. We danced peacefully until the music stopped unexpectedly.
Everyone groaned. They headed back to their seats. I sensed something, I didn't know what, something just didn't feel right. The atmosphere felt abnormally thick, and I faintly smelled cigar smoke.
"Mason... What's going on?" I asked. At that moment, I heard a loud bang, and a few wild barks. Everyone screamed and scattered around, terrified.
I think I knew what was happening.
"Paige! You need to get out of here! Now!" Mason yelled, "Go upstairs and hide! Quick!"
I began to run when I heard another bang, and the sounds of ropes moving.
I looked up to see the chandelier falling on top of me.

I hope you liked! I know it was long, but I needed to pack a lot of info in it. Okay new updates coming soon!