Green Pastures (Edited)

Chapter 10

Author's note:
Hey, Lovie's! I just wanted to start out by saying, I am so grateful for your support! I've been getting my children back into their school routine, which is why I haven't updated. So here y'all go! I hope you enjoy.

P.s. if some of this doesn't make sense, I will fix it. I'm currently exhausted but needed to get this down before I forgot. Lol.
♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

I helped Grandpa into the house and lowered him onto the couch. He grunted as he got comfortable and I went to the kitchen. Sebastian was leaned against the sink, staring out the window. I watched him as his shoulders shook. His head was lowered so that his chin rested against his chest. He made no sound. His hands gripped the edge of the counter, knuckles white from the pressure. I stepped closer to him but stopped when he whirled around.

"I'm sorry," I said, as I looked at my feet.

"Why," Sebastian asked.

"The way I told you. I shouldn't have done it like that."

Sebastian didn't say anything else. He slid around me and walked out.

I filled a glass with water and took it to grandpa. He sipped it as Sebastian introduced his lady friend. I still wasn't sure how I felt about her. She was definitely gorgeous. And I could tell she knew it. Although, she didn't put off that vibe that said she was a snob, so that was interesting.

Sebastian didn't talk to me as he introduced her. Instead, he looked right at grandpa and said, "Pa, this is Lillyth."

Grandpa stuck his shaking hand out and she took it, gently squeezing it.

She gave him a beaming smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Shaw. Bash has told me so many wonderful stories about the two of you."

Grandpa smiled at them both and Lillyth looked at me. I still stood by the couch, waiting for grandpa to hand me his glass. She smiled at me and I smiled back. She stuck her hand out to me and I shook it. Sebastian cut in and asked, "Isa'Bella, could you go fix us something to eat?"

"Oh," I stammered. "Yeah. Sure."

I turned on my heel and walked to the kitchen. Moments later, two sets of feet made their way into the room. I turned and felt my heart sink when Sameal's eyes shined and the corners of his mouth touched his cheek bones at something Lillyth had said. I quickly turned around and continued my work. I poured the shells into the boiling water and sat the packet of cheese on the counter. I flipped the meat in the iron skillet.

I refused to turn around but could no longer resist when I felt a strong hand on my shoulder. I glanced sideways, into his eyes. He smiled at me and used his hip to move me over. I couldn't help the grin that formed on my face. He took over cooking the meat.

I caught myself staring at his muscles as he moved. The way they rippled as he moved. I could imagine the way they would feel, wrapped around me. Someone behind us cleared their throat and my cheeks flushed when I turned to see Grandpa smiling.

I turned to the stove, head down, and continued to cook the shells. When we were done cooking, I put plates, forks, knives, and glasses on the table. Sameal sat the food in the center.

There were just enough seats for everyone. Grandpa sat at the head of the table across from where I always sat. Naturally, Seb and Lillyth sat next to each other which left me sitting next to Sameal. That was unless I wanted to look like a complete ass and move my chair.

I slid into the chair next to Sameal and silently prayed. I waited for grandpa to fix his plate. Seb, having no manners, was slapped by Lillyth when he tried to put food on his plate. I smiled to myself. After grandpa, we all fixed our plates and ate. I didn't say anything as Sebastian and Grandpa caught up on things.

Every now and then I would feel Sameal brush his knee against mine. I had to stop myself from sighing. I didn't know if he even knew he was doing it so I continued to eat. In agonizing silence. A beautiful man, secretly touching me. I wished he'd secretly touch me in other places than my knee.

I choked on my food. My thoughts getting away from me. Sameal looked concerned and asked if I was okay. I said yes and took a gulp of my water. I quickly finished my food and washed my dishes. I nearly ran from the kitchen to my bedroom. I sat on my bed, head in my palms.

A knock at my door made me jump. "CRAP!" I thought. I tried to relax and said, "Come in."

Lillyth stepped inside and shut the door. She looked around and said, "You don't have much."

I wasn't offended by her statement. It was, after all, true at that moment.

"No. The movers haven't brought our things from California yet."

"I see." She sat on the end of my bed. "So Sameals cute." She wiggled her eyebrows and smirked.

My cheeks heated and I looked away. My mind going back to his face when they had talked earlier. "I'm only 17."

She continued, "I think he likes you."

I looked at her and said, "Nah. He's just being nice."

"You must be blind. His face lit up when I mentioned you earlier."

"Oh," I said, lamely.

"Anyway, I think Bash wants to talk to you. "

"Okay. Thanks Lillyth."

"You're welcome. He's on the porch. "

I followed her out of my bedroom. She sat on the couch next to grandpa and I walked outside. Sebastian was in grandpa's chair, staring into space when I walked out. I walk around and sat in the other chair. I waited for him to say something but he didn't.

"Look," I started but he stopped me.

"No. Don't. I need to say this."

He took a deep breath and lowered his head into his hands. He was quiet for a moment before he met my eyes.

"I love you, Bee. But, I can't help but hate you so much right now." My heart sank. "I don't understand it. I know you weren't the reason for the accident but I can't get over the fact that you're here and they aren't." He paused as tears ran down both of our faces. My throat constricted and I couldn't see straight.

"Lillyth has helped me through these last few weeks. I didn't understand anything at first. That's why I ran. That's why I didn't want to keep you and Jessi. Lillyth has helped me see that. She's helping me get passed my hatred too. It's going to take time but I promise I'll get better. "

I didn't have any words. I knew that he was right. Hell, I felt the same way towards myself. The only difference was that I didn't think I'd ever get over it.