Scars [An Exclamation Point Fan Fiction]

PART 17

                                                        **PAUL'S POV***

Nikki opens the door as I turn around. My jaw drops once I see her. She looks gorgeous. She blushes and looks at the ground, biting her lip.

"Does it look ok?" She asks nervously.

"You look incredible." I say. She blushes again. I take her hand and kiss it. "You're bruises look better."

She smiles. "Lyndsay put make up on them to cover it and the- uh- other scars. She brushes a falling strand of har behind her ear. I can't help but stare at how beautiful she is. Lyndsay walks out the door.

"Hey Paul looking fancy." She says.

"You don't look so bad yourself Lyndsay."

The car pulls up to the red carpet. Nikki is playing with the end of her dress, her hands slightly shaking. I take one of her hands in mine. "Ready to go?" I ask. She nods and bited her lower lip. I lean over and kiss her cheek. "Don't be nervous." I whisper. I let go of her hand and open the door. I climb out and wait for her to get out. Without even thinking I reach for her hand and entwine our fingers. She looks at me and smiles. Suddenly camera flashes go off, tons of reporters surround us screaming at Nikki.

"Nikki why did Nate hit you?"

"Is it because you broke up with him?"

"Did he really even hit you?"

I push them out of the way and take Nikki away from them. We get to the stage where Mandy and Chris stand waiting to perform. Nikki's shaking harder now.

"Are you ok?" I ask putting my hands on her shoulders. She nods her head and takes a few deep breaths.

"I'm fine. Thank you for getting me away from that." She hugs me and burries her face in my neck.

                                                              ***My POV***

I let go of Paul when he's called to the stage. They sing Oh Darling by The Beatles. After the performances, and a few contestant interviews we all go into the theater. The movie is yet another vampire love story. The movie is over pretty late, Paul's holding my hands when we walk out to the car. I lay my head on his shoulder fighting to keep my eyes open. The drive back I fall asleep resting my head on Paul's lap. I'm half awake when the door opens. I feel Paul's arms around me, sliding me out of the car.

The next morning when I wake up I'm still in my dress laying with a blanket over me. I look over and see Lyndsay still asleep in her bed. I hear my phone softly vibrate.I roll over and reach for my purse to grab my phone. It's a text from Paul.

"You looked so peaceful last night I didn't want to wake you. Hope you slept well. See you after rehearsals. Love you. XO"

I smile at my phone and text him back.

"You could've woken me up, but thank you :) Love you too. Text me later. XO"

I throw my phone back on my purse and fall back into a deep sleep.