Revenant j. hale

Chapter 9

"Paul, please pick up. We haven't talked in a month. I'm worried about you." I hung up the phone. This was the tenth time I have tried calling him. He's been ignoring me for a month. The worst part is I didn't even know why. We were just hanging out and watching a movie when he told me he had to go.

I had made a list of things I could have done wrong that day, and previous days at that. But I am still lost. Then when I called I started reading stuff off the list. Up until Gran came out of nowhere like a ninja and snatched it out of my hands. And you know what she did? She ATE it. That crazy grandmother of mine stuck a piece of paper I had written on and put it in her mouth.

She gnawed on it for a good 45 seconds too! Right before she spit it out and walked away. FOR NO REASON! Crazy woman she is. I love her to death. I even told him that in one of my voice mails. Usually he'd come right over and laugh about it with me to get the story in full detail again. But not this time. 

Gran said he was probably just sick or having guy issues. Maybe she's right. That's never stopped him before. Our two year anniversary of being best friends was coming up, and even though it's lame and not something Paul would seem into, he loved it. HE was the one that recommended we do it. Then he disappeared on me. 

"Darlin' if you don't stop pestering that poor boy he might never come back."

I knew she was joking, but I couldn't help the clench in my chest and the nauseous feeling that came over me. Sighing, I decided to go for a walk instead. The best part about living at the reservation was the beach was right there. When you weren't feeling the beach, the forest was right behind you. A win win in my opinion. 

Sam Uley was known around the res. For his partaking in "gang" activities and for the drama that ensued following his breakup with Leah Clearwater. He had come in the diner a few times but that was it. Nothing more than a polite head nod or hello. So when I almost ran into him I just about lost it. Glancing down at me, way down might I add seeing as he was well over a foot taller than me, he started to reach for my arm so that I didn't stumble. 

Before he could, his face changed. As if remembering something. Pulling his hand back to his side he gave me a small nod before turning to walk away. I don't know what it was. I had never seen the two speak before, or heard him mention Sam. But I just had to ask. Sam was practically the eyes and ears of the res anyway. 

Clearing my throat, I squeaked out, "U-um. Have you seen Paul? Paul Lahote?"

He seemed to stop, thinking for a moment. I stood for a moment with a hopeful look on my face that was mostly hidden behind my hair. Throwing a small glance over his shoulder and responding with a soft no, he carried on walking.

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I should have known he wouldn't be home. Paul hates everything about it there. I've begged countless time for him to come live with Gran and me. Every time he just gets a sad look on his face and says he can't.

I guess I can understand why. After all, family is family. But to me he is family. I want him safe. Not talking to him has been like a frozen boulder had fallen on my chest and refused to budge. So now I am making my way up the weeded path to his front door, praying for him to answer the door.

I knocked softly, then a little harder when I realized it probably wasn't noticeable the first time. "Paul?" I called out thinking he might answer if he knew who it was.

The door swung open and hit the wall with a thud as a big man stepped onto the porch, making me retreat a little. I had never seen Paul's father before - only the things he left behind. Even from the foot in between us the overwhelming smell of alcohol filled my nostrils.

"Who the fuck are you?" He hiccuped. Squinting, he leaned forward as if to try to see better but pulled back as it didn't work. Burping and starting to lean forward again I felt an uncomfortable vibe and wished I never came.

"I-I'm Caylee," I stuttered out, "I'm looking for Paul."

"Well his little punk ass ain't fuckin here. The fuck are you, his whore?" His voiced boomed out. Scared, I took a step back only for him to take a step forward. "If ya wanted a man you could've just asked for me."

He was grinning this disgusting grin. The yellow in his teeth shining out and the alcohol in his breath fanning my face. For every step I tried to take back he kept coming closer. Turning to try to make a break for it he snatched my arm hard, yanking me closer to him. I saw them, the flashes of what his ending would be. It wasn't even surprising.

"Where do ya think you're going? Stay for a minute."

"No, I really have to go. Please let go of me," I pleaded. Starting to take quick breaths, his grip only tightened. I knew it was gonna leave a mark. I also knew that if I didn't find a way out of this situation he would leave a lot worse.

Starting to struggle in his grip I began shouting for Paul. It may be dumb but hopefully he could hear me or someone else  if they were near by.

"Play nice or I'll make you regret it. He's not comin' sweetheart. You've got me." He laughed.

With one more tug of my arm he stumbled, loosening his grip just enough for me to step back. My luck made me fall off the porch step. Oh god, please don't let this happen. As Paul's father began to come over to me I heard it. A deep growl coming from the trees beside the house. Closing my eyes as his hand began to get closer everything stopped.

I felt nothing. Opening my eyes I first saw a snarling Paul, seeming so animalistic in his manners as he shoved his dad against the railing, hands wrapped around his throat. "If you ever, put your filthy fucking hands on her I will not hesitate to end your pathetic life." His grip was growing tighter and his dad's face was turning a different shade.

I heard a loud, "Paul! Stop now," from behind us and recognized the voice. Sam. He knew where Paul was all along. His words did nothing as Paul's grip was still firm and his body shaking ridiculously. Paul's plans weren't exactly close to stopping.

Stumbling to my feet, scared. I wobbled a little as I tried to move forward only to be told that I don't wanna move any closer.

"P-paul? Please stop. I think he understands." Nothing. My teary eyes still trained on the scene in front of me terrified. "Pauly please. I'm fine."

A switch was flipped. Almost immediately his hands dropped to his sides and his dad fell to the ground gasping like crazy and writhing in pain. My best friend finally spoke. So quietly I almost didn't hear him. "Go."

"Paul, would you please loo-"

"I said go, Caylee!" He shouted. He never yelled at me like that. Without sparing me a glance, he turned and walked into the forest.

Shaking and worried, tears ran down my face. Glancing at Sam, he just gave me a nod as if to confirm what my best friend said. Choking on a sob I began walking home.