Storm ☾ Paul Lahote

~ACHE~

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It was a Saturday morning, the light shining through my living room as I sat on the couch, scrolling through channels aimlessly. Emily and Sam were out looking at possible venues for their wedding, I decided to stay home. This was their wedding day, I didn't need to intrude on their decision making. Emily and Sam wanted a small wedding, close family and friends. It wasn't going to be for another couple of months but they wanted to secure a spot. If they didn't, Emily said she would be fine with getting married in our backyard. Our backyard was incredibly spacious, trees lined the edges, leading into a great forest that stretched for miles. A beach was at least a five-minute walk away. They had so many options for their wedding. No matter what they choose, it will be breathtaking.

Jennifer was coming over any minute now to get ready for her little date with the Paul Lahote. Jen was so excited for it, she has been talking about it for days leading up to it. There was no escaping her ranting and overconfidence. She has liked him since the ninth grade before he established his reputation. She always said how hot and attractive he was and that she always wanted to make him hers. No matter what. Whenever Paul would even get close to another girl, Jennifer's jealousy would take over. That's why I didn't want to tell her about Paul and I's conversation on the beach a couple of nights ago. Whenever Jennifer was jealous or angry, she wouldn't think straight and she would say everything that was on her mind. 

Jennifer didn't scare me, she thought she was the most invincible person in the world yet, whenever she was confronted about her bitchy ways, she would have gotten me to get her out of the situation she got herself into. 

I sigh, looking at my clock beside the TV, she'll be here soon. 

Moments later, the doorbell rang, making me shift my body so I could get my feet on the ground.

"The door's open!" I call out, flicking the fluffy blanket from my bed off of me, standing up to greet Jennifer as she stumbled through the door. She had at least three bags of what I assumed to be clothes and makeup

"Reags!" She called out excitedly as she dropped her bags so she could take off her black heeled boots. "Let's go! We got plenty to do!" She hurriedly grabs her bags before rushing over to the stairs. I stood against the kitchen island, wondering what the hell just happened.

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She was practically a tornado. Makeup was clumsily laid out on white vanity, the powders coating it in all different colors. Shoes were thrown all over my room, it was most definitely a tripping hazard. Clothes were laid out on my bed, making me not able to see my white comforter underneath. She wasn't one to be messed with when she was getting ready.

Jennifer stood in front of my bed, studying the many outfits she brought over. "What do you think Paul would like?" She glances over her shoulder at me. I was sitting back on my vanity chair, studying her as she pulled a red cocktail dress from the heap of clothes. "I think he seems like the guy who would totally fuck on the first date." She ponders to herself, turning to me with a playful smirk on her face.

My eyes widen, going back to that night when he let me rant. He wouldn't do that, he was too sincere.

"Whatever you think, Jen." I shrug, "You're the one with the massive obsession with him."

She places the red dress against her body, looking in my full body mirror. "A red lip, gold necklace and rings and, black pumps." She nods in satisfaction as she figured out what she was going to wear.

"What if he takes you to an arcade or something?" I chuckle at how funny that would be if Jennifer showed up overdressed at a geek hangout. Jennifer would never be caught dead anywhere near a so-called 'geek' or 'nerd'. 

"He wouldn't do that." She grabs her red lipstick that was in black casing. "He'd probably take me to a sports game or something. Which would be great, I could just watch him. I wouldn't give a damn about the sports."

"Well," I pause, licking my bottom lip, trying to find something to say. "Is he picking you up here?" I question.

"Yeah," She nods, applying the red lipstick, making her pale skin look even more ashen. "I told him where you lived, I hope that's okay?" She puts the cap back on her lipstick.

"That's alright," I get up from my seating position, "I'll go downstairs and wait for him, you do what you do best," 

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A knock resonated from the front door, making my head snap up from its position. I was staring down at the kitchen table, bouncing my leg anxiously.

"Door's open!" I call out, feeling too queasy to get up and answer the door. I knew who it was. I just didn't want it to be true. I felt this small ache in my body, slowly getting more and more noticeable day by day.

Another three raps on the door came after the slight pause, making me realize Jen locked the door before taking off her shoes.

I sigh, using the table to help me stand up. I stumble towards the door, unlocking it before throwing it open, plastering a smile on my face as I saw Paul, who had his hands in the front pockets of his dark blue jeans. He wore a nice navy blue shirt with a black leather jacket over it. His face was blank when he first saw me, like he really didn't know what to do with himself. Finally, his eyes reached my face the same moment a smile tugged at his lips. "Reagan." He greeted as he stood straighter, pushing himself inside.

"Paul," I nod, closing the door softly behind him. My annoying ache going away slowly as he stood there, his back facing me. "She'll be down soon, she's just putting the finishing touches on her..." I pause, "I don't really know, she's the diva, not me." I slowly walk over to the kitchen, looking for something to do, other than standing there awkwardly.

"About that night," Paul pauses, catching sight of Jen who walked down the stairs, elegantly.

"Paul!" Jen screeched out, smoothly walking over to him, her makeup evident on her face. She wrapped her arms around his mid-section, making me look away until they separated. I watched as Paul pushed her away gently.

"Should we go?" He suggests, making my shoulders relax slightly.

Jennifer nods eagerly, taking his arm. "Bye, Reagan!" She waves at me with her other arm, her black clutch in hand.

Paul nods over at me, his eyes soft and pleading, as if he was trying to explain something.

I gave him a soft smile, urging him to go on. Jen pulled him along, out the door and into the afternoon light.

At that moment, the ache in my body became more and more agonizing.

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