Brooklyn (A Paul Lahote Story)

Chapter Twenty Two

My shoulders keep bumping against other peoples shoulders, the large hallway filled with many teenagers - gossiping about what they did this weekend and who they kissed. Me, on the other hand, is just focused on getting to my locker and not missing my first class for the day. English with Miss Meyers. She's young but very strict, always wearing her tight pencil skirt and heels that could break your neck if you fall.

"Dani!" I hear someone shout my voice as I finally reach my lockers, my head turning in the direction where the voice was.

"Kyle!" I laugh, embracing him into a hug - a very tight hug. But not like Paul's.

That thought couldn't help but cross my mind as we pull away from the embrace, smiles still plastered on our faces. "How was your weekend?" I quickly ask, opening my locker before reaching in to grab the needed books and tucking them under my arm.

"It was good! You missed this awesome party that Bianca had! It wa-" I slowly tuned him out, my thoughts focusing on my weekend; Paul and the kiss. Oh that kiss. I softly sigh, the memory being very vivid in my head as I go back to relive it.

"Earth to Danielle.." Kyle starts waving his hand in front of my face to catch my attention. I snap out of my trance, shaking my head as I finally make eye contact with him.

"What?" I ask, frantically looking around and examining his face to see what's so urgent.

"Why are you being called to the principles office?" He asks, his eyebrows bunched and I tilt my head, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Uhh, no idea.." I trail off, clinging my books to my chest as the first bell rings.
"Save me a seat." I ask, smiling. I watch Kyle nod his head in response before walking off towards the principles office.

I come face to face with the wooden door, a hesitation in my knock before I pound my fist against it, the faint sound of someone saying "come in" trying to break through the door.

I slowly enter, Principle Phillips sitting in his large leather chair, glasses peeking on the edge of his nose.

"Ah, Miss Hudson, please take a seat." His deep voice says, his hand welcoming me in before he closes the folder he was just looking in.

I take a seat, placing my books on my lap before meeting his intense gaze. What could this be about?

"I'm sorry to be the one to inform you but your father is in the hospital.. He and his fiancé got in a car accident. You may leave for the rest of the day to go see your dad." He says, his voice monotone - no expression in his voice, not even a hint of sympathy.

I frown at his sentence - the part of my father being in the hospital, not Paige. She deserves whatever injury she's got. Be nice, Dani.. I scold myself, trying to rid of the terrible - yet hopeful - thoughts.

"Is he okay? Do you have any information on what happened?" I panic, questions filling up my mind as the thought of my dad being in the hospital.

"I have no information for you." He says, still lacking any emotion in his voice. I slowly nod, trying to calm myself down.

"And, uh, who called?" I question, worry in my voice from what might've happened to my dad.

"Sam Uley." He states, his stare blank.

I nod again before slowly standing up, my books against my chest and off my lap. "I think I'll just head over to the hospital, if that's okay." I say, looking at the old man.

He nods, opening up his folder before signaling for me to leave the office. I quickly leave, the only thought on my mind being my dad.

I enter the empty hallway and walk towards the  front door, not bothering to put my books back in my locker.

I exit the large building, quickly running down the front steps as I look out at the parking lot. How am I going to get-

I stop halfway down the stairs, the familiar beat up truck right in front of me with Paul leaning against it, arms crossed and eyes focused on his phone screen in front of him.

Just looking at him and pausing for a moment gave me enough time to let all the thoughts sink in. My dads in the hospital and I don't know what's going on and -

A sob escapes my mouth, tears blurring my vision as the worst case scenario clouds my mind. What if he dies?

Slowly, I bend down, sitting on the concrete steps as a hand finds its way to my mouth to muffle the sobs coming from it. Tears begin to find their way down my round, freckled cheeks.

Five seconds felt like an eternity as I just stared at the side walk before me, sneakers soon coming into my vision which are soon replaced with Paul's chiseled face.

"Oh Dani..." I hear him whisper before wrapping his muscular arms around my small frame, his body hiding my puffy face and arms protecting me from anyone seeing me break down. Worry, panic, and fear bubbling up inside me and I can't control it. Not right now.

"Shhh, it's okay.. Everything will be okay.." Paul says, pressing his cheek against the top of my head.

"I'm here for you. Everything will be okay."

But will it really?

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A/N: So, this was a well overdue update... Sorry about that! I hope that this chapter was somewhat worth the wait. If not, hopefully the next one will be!

Anyways, leave your thoughts in the comment section below and don't forget to vote! Please give me your honest feedback, ideas, opinions..anything! I love hearing from you guys!

Until next chapter,
C