HEARTBLOOD - Paul Lahote

TEN

The next week was a blur of strained conversations and missed opportunities. Every time I saw Paul, he'd barely meet my gaze, his jaw set in that way that told me he was keeping his emotions tightly in check. I tried texting him, suggesting we meet up, but his responses were short, almost distant. It felt like he was pulling away, slipping through my fingers no matter how hard I tried to hold on.

Meanwhile, life in Forks went on as usual. Angela and Ben noticed I was more withdrawn, asking if everything was okay. I'd brush it off with a smile, not wanting to drag them into my mess. But I could see the concern in their eyes, the way they'd exchange worried glances when they thought I wasn't looking.

One afternoon, after school, Angela invited me over for tea. We sat in her cozy living room, the soft scent of chamomile filling the air, and she looked at me, her eyes gentle but serious.

"Is everything okay with Paul?" she asked quietly, her voice full of understanding.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I don't know. Things have been... rough. He thinks I'm choosing Forks over him. Over the pack. But that's not true."

Angela nodded thoughtfully. "Sometimes... when people care about you a lot, they can get scared of losing you. It doesn't make it fair, but it's hard to think straight when you're afraid."

Her words struck a chord. I knew Paul loved me, that he was just as torn as I was. But it didn't make the hurt any less real. I wanted to be there for him, to reassure him. But every time I tried, it felt like we were speaking two different languages, both of us trying to make the other understand without truly listening.

I left Angela's house that night with a heavy heart, my mind a whirl of confusion. I didn't know how to fix things with Paul, but I also knew I couldn't just let things go. Not when there was still a chance, however small, of bridging the gap between us.

Later that week, I found myself back at the beach, staring out at the endless waves, the cold ocean breeze biting at my skin. I remembered the times Paul and I had spent here, laughing, talking, just enjoying each other's company. It felt like a lifetime ago.

And then, as if drawn by some invisible force, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned to see Paul standing there, his face unreadable. We stood there in silence, the sound of the ocean filling the space between us, until he finally spoke.

"I miss us, Nicolette," he said quietly. "I miss how things used to be."

I looked down, the ache in my chest growing. Me too. But things have changed, Paul. I have other people in my life now, and that doesn't mean I care about you any less.

He nodded slowly, his gaze softening. "I know. I just... I just want to be a part of your world, too. Not just a shadow waiting on the side."

I took a deep breath, stepping closer. Then let's figure it out. Together. No more walls. No more distance.

He looked at me, a small smile breaking through. "Yeah. Together."

And as we stood there, I felt a glimmer of hope, a sense that maybe, just maybe, we could find our way back to each other.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Monday mornings were always a mix of exhaustion and excitement, the kind of day when everyone dragged themselves into school still half-asleep, but with the weekend's stories ready to share. I shuffled through the front doors of Forks High School, giving myself a moment to enjoy the warmth of the building after braving the usual rainy chill outside. It was just a regular Monday, but I couldn't help smiling to myself. Mondays used to feel like a chore, but these days, I actually looked forward to seeing my friends.