Speak || A Twilight Fanfic

Chapter 8

It was a short walk to the small diner. A wooden little cabin that could have been mistaken for a house by any passerby. But the lit-up 'Open' sign confirmed that it was, in fact, an eatery.

The inside was painted white, a lit-up fireplace warming the space comfortingly. An exquisite aroma filled the air making Gabi's stomach rumble and reminding her that she had yet to eat anything that day. There were only a few locals there, some enjoying food and others simply a cup of coffee.

Paul led them to a table at the back and she could feel everyone's eyes tracking their steps. Their gaze was followed by low mumbles, and she couldn't help but feel insecure as they stared at them walking in together. It made her heart speed up and her thoughts race, wondering what it was that they were saying.

"It's just small-town chatter," Paul quirked as of being able to read her mind. "They're probably surprised that I'm here with anyone, to be honest."

Gabi looked up at him as he helped her into the wooden chair, pushing it in as she sat. "Why would that be surprising?" she mused. "It's nothing out of the ordinary for two friends to come to a diner."

"Well, people in town have a lot to say about my friends and me."

"You mean, Sam and Jared, and people thinking you're in like... a gang," she said silently.

"Something like that, yeah," he chuckled. "But you know that's not true, right?"

"I would not be here if I thought it was."

Paul's answer was interrupted by the waitress walking up. The woman had a warm smile on her face and a mischievous glint in her eye as she stared at the couple before her. It was no secret that in a small town, everyone knew everything about everyone. And there she was, a newcomer with one of them.

"Well, hi guys. What can I get for you today?"

"Hey, Sandra," Paul smiled softly. "I'll just get the usual."

"A double burger with an extra order of home fries and a chocolate milkshake, right?"Gabi stared in amazement, earning a chuckle from the waitress. "He's got a big appetite."

"I can see," she laughed.

"And what can I get for you, sweetheart?"

"I'll just get a BLT and an iced tea, thanks."

"Sure thing, sweetheart," she smiled. "Behave yourself, Lahote."

The woman chuckled as she walked away, disappearing into a door that led to the kitchen. Paul's face rushed warm in embarrassment, his cheeks and ears growing red as every second passed. Gabriella could only grin at the boy.

"So, you bring many girls here?"

"W-what?" Paul spluttered. "No. Why do you say that?"

"Well, you have a usual order and Sandra told you to behave," Gabi laughed as Paul scrambled for an answer, his face somehow growing deeper in hue. "I'm just teasing you, Paul. It's not that serious."

"Yeah, I know," he chuckled dryly. "But, uh, I haven't brought anyone here. Not anyone that mattered, anyway."

He said the last sentence in a whisper, but it was loud enough that Gabi could hear it. The words sent a warm rush through her body, and she couldn't help the smile that spread on her face. Her heart fluttered softly in her chest and her cheeks grew dark as blood rushed to her skin. But she couldn't quite understand the feeling. She didn't feel this way with Jacob, and she had not felt that way with any of her exes.

"I, uh," Paul cleared his throat. "The rez is doing a bonfire for New Year's Eve. Would you... are you going?"

"Yeah, I am. Jake invited me last week," she responded.