CHAPTER SEVEN

Pulling into the driveway, everyone inside the house was immediately aware of the newcomers. The boys and Emily exchanged puzzled glances, wondering who had arrived at the home. Curious about the unexpected visitors, they waited anxiously to see who it might be.

"Any ideas about who it could be?" Embry piped up as they trailed behind Sam, his curiosity peaked.

Jacob shrugged and replied, "I have no clue."

However, the moment any of them stepped outside, they immediately recognized the vehicle: it was Serena's.

With a subtle glance, Jacob cast his gaze towards Paul, who stood there, completely absorbed in eating his food, seemingly oblivious to everything around him.

As Rachel emerged from the car, Jacob immediately recognized that this visit was likely her doing; after all, who else would go through the trouble of bringing her grumpy sister alongside? The question remained: how exactly had she managed to convince the older sister to make an appearance, considering her adamant refusal to be in Paul's presence.

Jared rushed over to Rachel, pulling her into an enthusiastic embrace. Meanwhile, Embry and the others were intrigued by the heavily tinted car, wondering what could be hidden within.

As Serena cautiously stepped out of the vehicle, it was Sam who immediately called out her name, "Serena?!"

At the sound of her name, Paul's attention snapped towards Serena, causing him to drop the food he held in his hand. He gaped at her, surprise etched across his face.

Meanwhile, Serena groaned inwardly, seeing the one she did everything to avoid.

Serena muttered under her breath, "Son of a–" as she caught sight of Paul, immediately shooting a glare towards Rachel, who tried her damndest to act innocent. Realizing they were stuck in the situation, Serena plastered on her best smile and greeted, "Hey, boys!"

Serena was suddenly engulfed in a tight embrace from Quil and Embry, their excitement palpable. "I can't believe you're back," Embry exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

As Serena slowly disentangled herself from the hug, she gently patted their backs and replied, "It's good to see you guys too."

Serena turned her attention to Embry and Quil, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You two look different since the last time I saw you," she said, a small gasp escaping her lips. "When I last saw you, you guys were, like, this high," she added, gesturing with her hand to their heights.

Quil snickered, and Embry chuckled in response. "We weren't that small ," Embry tried to justify.

"Sure, that's why you still had baby faces back then" Serena retorted, a playful smile on her lips. She couldn't help but tease the boys a bit, enjoying how they looked slightly embarrassed at her comment. "But honestly, you have both definitely grown up quite a bit," she added.

"It's so great to see you again," Quil smiled, his excitement palpable.

Serena couldn't help but chuckle as she gently patted his head, feeling a sense of nostalgia in the moment.

Emily ran out, not knowing it was saw and made her way to Serena, embracing her with a heartfelt hug. "I missed you so much!" she exclaimed, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Did you move back?"

Serena felt a pang of discomfort at the question, knowing that disappointing them was almost inevitable. "Oh no, it's just temporary," she replied, her tone reluctant.

Meanwhile, Paul observed silently, his heart heavy as the events unfolded.

Emily's expression saddened as her hopes dashed away.

Seth approached eagerly, expressing their frustration. "Yeah, I tried coaxing her to stay, but she's vague about the timeframe," he lamented.

Quil interjected, "Wait, you knew she was back?" and Seth confirmed with a nod.

"Yeah, she returned a few days before that tragic night," Seth confirmed, his voice trailing off as Serena reached over and comforted him.

Embry dropped his hands in astonishment, his surprise evident on his face. "Whoa, really? For a few weeks already?" He looked at Serena, a hint of hurt in his expression as if he felt a twinge of disappointment she didn't share the news sooner.

Rachel stepped in, trying to diffuse the uncomfortable situation.

"Yeah, she's been very busy with our dad. After all, she's good at everything she does," Rachel mentioned, her voice laced with nostalgia.

Sam chimed in, a teasing tone evident in his voice. "Ah, that's our big sister Serena for you." Serena couldn't help but roll her eyes, used to the nickname given to her by the boys.

"Hey Sam, careful now, don't let me give you time out" She joked.

"Oh, I wouldn't dare test your authority," Sam replied with a lighthearted tone, eliciting laughter from the younger boys. Serena chuckled, her comment drawing laughter from everyone except for Paul, who remained silent, his gaze fixed on her.

Paul couldn't help but notice the exchange between Serena and the other boys, feeling a mixture of nostalgia, confusion, and something else that he couldn't quite place. He observed her carefully, taking in her every gesture and response, his mind running through various scenarios.