Brooklyn (A Paul Lahote Story)

Chapter Twenty Five

A soft sigh escapes my lips as I try and get myself comfortable in this hospital chair. My knees are touching my chest as I rest my chin on top of them, my arms holding my legs in place.

Ever since my little moment with Paul in the woods, I've been here at the hospital, waiting for my dad to wake up and tell me that this move was just a joke - that we're moving back home and Paige isn't really his fiance.

But, due to my lack of luck, he just lays there and the only sound filling the white room are the beeps from the machine tracking his heart and vitals. So I just sit here, letting my thoughts flood my mind.

The only thought coming to mind is Paul. 

I know that we were in a good place. He took care of me and was there for me. He held me when I needed it and never tested his boundaries. Sure, we've kissed once or twice - maybe more - and they were nice. Oh gosh...they were amazing. But I can't help but push him away and guard myself. With him I feel like I'm me again. The me when my mom was still alive. With him I feel safe, protected, loved. But last time I felt like that, I was hurt. Real bad.

A couple years ago I dated this guy. He was the popular kid in school and all the girls loved him. But he was my best friend and, eventually, my boyfriend. Our relationship was like a romance novel - minus the happy ending. We knew each other inside and out; we were perfect for each other. He was the reason why I kept dancing after my mom died.  But when I wasn't ready to go the next step, he started to cheat on me. Part of me knew while another part of me didn't accept it, I let myself believe that it was just my imagination. Once I found out, though, he didn't apologize. Instead he told the whole school how I rejected him and didn't have sex with him. The worst part is that he lied and told them that after I found out about the affair, I begged him to sleep with me and that I could be everything he wanted me to be. I was the joke of the year. We broke up, he started to date that girl, and that was when I finally dropped dance and started track.

Now I'm here and Paul is turning into that guy for me. And I'm scared.

"Oh, Miss Hudson, I didn't know you were still here." A nurse gently says, coming in to check on my dad.

I smile softly, snapping myself out of my thoughts before looking at the time. 10:48pm. 

"I'm actually about to head out." My voice hoarse as I stand, gathering my things before leaning down to give my dad a kiss.

"Have a good night, Miss." The blonde nurse kindly says as I leave the room.

I turn around and smile at her, saying the same as I wave before carrying on with my journey back to Sam and Emily's. 

I exit the hospital, the cold air nipping at my arms as my feet pad against the sidewalk but soon comes to a stop when the familiar blue vehicle comes to view. Paul.

Slowly, I approach the beat up truck and see his figure behind the wheel. His head is resting against his seat with his eyes closed and arms crossed over his chest. Has he been waiting for me this whole time? I smile softly to myself, my heart fluttering at the thought that he came so I could have a safe journey home. I use my fingers to tap on the glass on the drivers side, watching his eyes flutter open and look in the direction of the sound. At the sight of me, his eyes brighten up as he sits himself up, opening his door.

"You were in there for a while." His groggy voice fills the quiet of the night, sending shivers down my spine.

"Just needed to spend some time with him and try to figure some things out." I shrug, crossing my arms to lock in some of the body heat I have left. "Even though he isn't conscious and won't speak back." I lightly laugh, trying to mask my disappointment.

The warmth of Paul's hands meets my waist, pulling me in between his legs as they dangle out of the truck. "I'm sorry... What can I do to help?" His eyes search mine, waiting for a response.

I shrug my shoulders, avoiding eye contact as I try and wiggle out of his grasp but his grip tightens lightly, keeping me in place.

"Can we talk about that day?" His voice gentle as his thumbs rub circles into my skin, reading my mind. "I don't want it to ruin what we have - or at least had. I miss my cuddle bug." Paul whispers, his forehead touching mine as I close my eyes.

I nod softly, not being able to find my voice as I rest my hands on his biceps. "Neither do I-" I stop, trying to find the right words to say, "-I just can't go there..."

I feel his hands squeeze me gently, his body heat keeping me warm by how close we are. "I don't want to do what you don't want me to do. I don't want to hurt you, Dani." 

I nod again, feeling his warm breath fan my face as we enjoy the closeness. I don't want to move. I don't want to leave this perfect position in this parking lot. The way I feel, how safe and protected I feel is a feeling I haven't felt in a while. And all I want to do is to let him hold me. So much for avoiding him.

"Take me home." I manage to whisper, opening my eyes.

Paul smiles softly, nodding before helping me in the truck and starting the engine. I tuck myself under his arm as he drives, the only sound filling the truck are the engines and our breathing. I let my fingers play with his hand as my eyes are fixated on his face. I focus on every detail. How his eyes wrinkle at the corners when he smiles; his nose turns up a little at the tip, giving it a perfect round edge; his lips are plump and soft, perfectly pink. Everything about him is perfect and he just so happens to choose me for whatever reason. Maybe that will go away one day and I'll end up where I was. At least I'll try and enjoy it while it lasts.

Paul's truck stops in front of the house I now call home. I peek into the dark place, my last memory not being a good one. I haven't really been home since the accident. I mean, I've been here to change and get ready for school but I've slept over at Emily's or Leah's. I'm just scared of being alone. Sure, I have Skie but a part of me needs more than just my pup.

I need Paul.

"Stay with me." I gently ask before giving it a second thought as he walks me to the front door.

"You sure?" He seeks reassurance and I nod, leading him into the house and towards my room after locking the door.

Luckily he's just in a pair of joggers and a t-shirt, not really needing much to get to bed. I, however, need to do a couple things before getting in bed. 

"Make yourself comfortable... I'm just going to get ready." I quickly say, gathering my jammies before going into my bathroom and closing the door behind me. Quickly, I wash my face and change into an over sized vintage tee and some black shorts, tossing my dirty clothes in the hamper before leaving the bathroom.

As I enter my room, I see Skie laying at the end of my bed in her own and Paul sitting on the edge of mine in nothing but his joggers. My heart starts to pound against my ribs as I walk closer to him and our eyes meet.

Paul offers me a gentle smile and I return it before climbing into bed and laying on my side. I pat the spot next to me, encouraging him to climb in and lay down - to which he obliges to. I scoot closer, resting my head on his bare chest and my legs move to lay over his. His one arm wraps around my waist, his fingers tracing patterns into my tee as his other hand finds a place behind my knees. I feel the warmth of his lips kiss the crown of my head as I pull the blankets over us.

"Goodnight, Dani." He softly whispers, making me close my eyes.

I feel comfortable and safe. In his arms I feel like no one can get to me.

"Goodnight..." I whisper back, the sound of his heart beat lulling me to sleep.

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A/N: Hey guys!

Here's a short, sweet chapter. I hope you guys liked it as much as I enjoyed writing it (: Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

Until next chapter,

C