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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

    𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐎 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖. 𝐓𝐖𝐎 days and Bridget did not show up for school. To say Paul was officially worried would be an understatement. After finding her drunk and disoriented on the beach the other night, not making sense whatsoever, it was clear to him that she is definitely dealing with something personal and emotional. It's bad enough his imprint lives with a bunch of leeches for whatever reason, now she's not showing up for school? Something didn't feel right. 

    At first, Paul didn't think much of it when she was a no show for school yesterday. He figured maybe she was just taking a personal day to deal with whatever was troubling her. But two days in a row? A part of him knew something more was happening. It was a feeling, one he couldn't explain but it made him nervous and anxious. It was hard for him to concentrate during his classes. He just managed to get caught up for the weeks he missed school because of phasing for the first time, the last thing he wants is to get behind again after all the hard work.

    Still, he couldn't shake the feeling something was going on and it only worried him more. So much so that against his better judgment, he located a certain student who has never spoken to before in his life but has seen Bridget speaking to on more than one occasion. Her name is Blair or something like that, he wasn't entirely sure. He knew her brother, Skyler Claw, but he had graduated last year and was probably the first student at this high school to be accepted into an Ivy League college, which had been a big deal.

    When the last bell rang, Paul found the girl he was searching for coming out of the woodshop class. He had learned that she and Bridget shared this class and seemed to always be together when coming out, not like he was spying on Bridget or anything... it is just something he had taken notice of.

     "Claw!" Paul called out, dodging past a few students and jogging towards the girl. He still was unsure of her first name, so decided 'Claw' would be the best bet. Still, the girl did not hear him, so he picked up his speed until he was at her side. "Claw, wait up."

    The girl physically jumped when he gracefully appeared in front of her, taken back in surprise. Her hair was pulled up in a tangled, messy bun and she was wearing black overalls with a striped red, orange and white long sleeve shirt underneath. She seemed more annoyed than startled that he stopped her. "Uh, can I help you, Lahote?"

    "Yeah, you can, actually." Paul said awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "I'm looking for Bridget. Do you know why she hasn't been in school these past couple of days?"

    The Claw girl just readjusted her backpack on her shoulders before hugging a textbook to her chest before frowning at him. "What's it to you?"

    "I just need to talk to her."

    Blair- or whatever her name is- seemed to be debating telling him, clearly not wanting to share Bridget's business, but after a minute, shrugged like she didn't see the harm in revealing it. "Look, all I know is that she told me she was sick and she might not be in for a couple days, maybe even longer. That's all I know."

    Paul frowned, not sure if he believed this. "Are you sure she didn't say anything else?"

    "Like what?"

    Paul let out a deep sigh. "Uh, I don't know, maybe something about the family she is staying with?"

    The girl raised her brows in confusion. "What family?"

    Oh, so Bridget hasn't told her about her living situation... interesting.

     "Paul!" The sound of Jared calling to him brought him out of this insane interaction, looking up to see his friend waving to him to hurry up.

    Looking back down at the brunette, Paul just shook his head. "Nevermind. Forget I asked, alright?"

    Claw just gave him the weirded look, but he didn't even wait to hear her response, just spun around and moved quickly to meet up with Jared. He didn't even stop once he reached him, just continued out the door with Jared right at his side. The latter was frowning in confusion. "Why were you talking to Briar Claw?"

    Briar, not Blair. Eh, close enough. Paul thought to himself.

    "I've seen her and Bridget together a lot. Thought she might know where she's been."

    The two pushed open the double doors to the front entrance and made their way towards the woods. Neither one of them own cars, Sam will sometimes let them borrow his truck, but today was one of the rare days he needed it, so they were getting a ride home from Kim who was most likely waiting in her SUV.

    "And?" Jared pressed, just as curious for information.

    Paul kept his eyes on Kim's car as they approached it, the girl already waiting inside for them. "Just said she was sick and that she might not be in school for a couple days."

    "See? That makes perfect sense. I mean, you did find her after taking a late night dip into the freezing ocean on one of the coldest nights, I'd be surprised if she didn't get sick."

    Paul would be lying if the thought that she was sick hadn't crossed his mind, but still, there was still the gut feeling that something more was going on. It was driving himself crazy. After he finally apologized to her for his behavior, he felt like they had a moment in his shed. He hasn't been able to stop thinking about it- about her. It wasn't anything big, but it felt right, like a first step in the right direction. Paul still has no idea what to do about this imprint... a part of him is still upset he has one but the other part can't help but feel happy that he does.

    Maybe the part that worried him was because of that bruise on her arm. Sam had told him about her pathetic excuse for it, none of them believed it for a second. It was put there by a person because someone was too rough with her. His blood boiled at the thought and he knew for a fact it was one of the Cullen's. Accident or no accident, he will destroy them all if it meant protecting Bridget.

    Jared hopped into the passenger seat and shared a passionate kiss with his girlfriend, like he hadn't just seen her in their previous class. Paul rolled his eyes and climbed in the back, Kim taking off towards Sam and Emily's place, as was the routine. Paul lived there, occupying the shed that he converted into a bedroom because he likes his privacy and Jared was hardly ever home anymore. Kim normally would stay, but would sometimes have to go home because her parents relied on her babysitting her kid brothers on certain days.

    Paul spent the ride doing what he's been doing for months on end now. He was thinking about Bridget Clark.

    He wondered all different things about her, not just her connection with the leech family in Forks or why she lives with them. It was clear she knew what they were, if Emily's party was indication when she got the call from the doctor about some rogue vampires who were hunting Bella Swan. Sam had enhanced patrol duty after overhearing that conversation, but thankfully they haven't seen anything out of the usual since.

    But that isn't all he thought about. He thought about what he knew about her so far, even if it was only a little. He knew she could sing- her singing in the choir room was still a core memory. He knew she played the violin, but only from Sam and Emily since they had been at the restaurant where she works. The two raved about how talented she was and it only made him want to hear her play even more. He also knows she owns a lot of dresses, because for some reason does not like to wear pants. He knows she is always in high heels, making her just as tall as he is, maybe even a little taller, depending on how high the heels are.

    He knew she taught herself to ASL, and that she is very secretive and passive when it comes to talking about herself. He knew she was emancipated, but knew there was something off with that. He isn't quite sure why, but he just doesn't believe her on that front. It was clearly a cover up, but he kept that to himself, seeing as it was a sensitive subject. 

    Despite all of this, he wanted to know more about her. He wants to know her likes and dislikes, fears and pet peeves, passions and dreams. Paul has never wanted to get to know someone like he wanted to know Bridget Clark. He wants to know every single little miniscule thing about her from the inside out, but Paul knew since Emily's birthday, that it was not going to be an easy task.

    Well... challenge accepted.

     Kim pulled up to Emily and Sam's not even five minutes later, Paul getting out of the car before he was forced to witness the lovebirds saying goodbye like Jared wasn't going to sneak into her bedroom later in the night when he is off patrol. Upon getting out, Paul noticed Harry Clearwater's vehicle parked on the other side of the house and frowned as he approached. Jared had gotten out and jogged up to him, noticing what Paul was staring out.

    "What's Harry doing here?" Jared questioned out loud, but Paul only shrugged, the two going around back and entering through the sliding doors where Harry sat at the table, as well as Billy Black and Quil Ateara III and his son, Quil IV, all four elders. They all seemed to be filled with joy and happiness, however Sam looked a bit conflicted as did Emily, who sat next to her uncle with a look of uncertainty.

    Billy was the first to greet the two werewolves. "Boys."

    "Hey. What are you guys doing here?" Paul is the one to ask.

    "Well, we came bearing some wonderful news, but your alpha here has his panties in a twist," Old Quil grumbles out. He was the oldest out of the four, one of the original wolves who made the treaty with the Cullen's when they first arrived. Paul goes to school with his grandson, Quil IV's son, though the kid was a junior and they've never gotten along much.

    Sam did not seem to take kindly to the older man's words, rolling his eyes in annoyance. This only intrigued both Jared and himself more. "What's going on?"

    "Word got around that the vampire leader, the doctor, tendered his resignation at the hospital yesterday. They left town." Harry said, a bit satisfied though he knew what this meant.

    Paul stiffened at his words, the part of him that wanted to jump up and celebrate was drowned by one thing and one thing only. Bridget.

    "Wait, seriously? They're gone?" Jared asked excitedly, not truly understanding what this meant.

    Old Quil seemed to be the most excited out of all of them as he nodded in confirmation. Paul felt like his heart stopped as immediate panic overwhelmed him. Sam's eyes never left Paul, watching him carefully. This should be amazing news. He should be cheering, celebrating. The Cullen's left town, they were no longer a problem for them. He should be jumping up and down in joy. But he couldn't. In fact, he was absolutely terrified.

    Paul looked up and met the eyes of his alpha. "What about Bridget?"

    Sam only looked at his brother solemnly before shrugging his shoulders. "I don't know."

    Paul's brown eyes widen in disbelief. "Well, call her!"

    "I can't," Sam admitted, regretfully. "We've never exchanged numbers. We've only ever spoken on the— Paul!"

    Paul was running before Sam could even finish his sentence. He stormed out of the house and leaped in the air, phasing immediately and took off in his wolf form, his paws digging into the dirted ground. He could hear Sam and Jared chasing after him, calling him to his mind link, but he wasn't going to slow down and this time, Sam wasn't ordering him to stop. Because a part of him knew that Paul needed to know. The other part of him needed to know too.

   So the three wolves crossed the treaty line into Forks where they never would have been allowed to be without breaking it. But if the Cullen's were truly gone, the treaty is nonexistent in their absence.

    Paul never once slowed down. He followed the scent to the Cullen's house, despite never having been there before. Once the large house came into focus, Paul halted first, watching the place carefully. He tried to pick up their scent. It still reeked of leech, but it was faint. He got closer, looking at the house, only to see the lights were off and furniture was covered in white sheets.

    It's like it's been abandoned.

    Paul let out a deep throat growl, panicking completely. No. No, this can't be happening. She can't just be gone. It took him a second to find her scent among the wretched stench of the vampires, but when he finally did, it smelt just as faint as the leeches.

    She's gone. She's gone before he could learn all the things he wanted to learn about her. He will never know her favorite color or her favorite food. He will never know her dreams or aspirations. He will never get to hear her play the violin or hear her beautiful angelic singing voice again. He will never get to see those gorgeous ocean blue eyes or her contagious smile that she rarely allows anyone to see.

    Bridget is gone. His imprint is gone.

    "Paul, man, look, we don't know that she's gone for good." Jared said through the link, sounding a bit unsure.

    So much boiling rage filled inside of him. He couldn't take it. The reality crashing down on him. The fact that he could have possibly prevented this. He could have prevented this if he hadn't been so harsh with her, if he hadn't waited so long to apologize to her about his behavior. He could have gotten to know her over the summer instead of being too scared. He could have tried harder, instead of running away like a coward.

    This wasn't anyone else's fault. It was his and his alone. Why they left, they don't know. But Paul knows he has himself to blame for Bridget leaving with them. If he had been so scared of the imprint of bonding with someone, then maybe Bridget would have felt like she had options. Maybe she would have stayed.

    "You can not blame yourself," Sam told him. "None of us could have predicted this."

    But Paul couldn't hear his words. He was blinded by so much anger and regret and sadness. So instead, he took off once again, this time Sam nor Jared did not follow him. Where he was going, he did not know, but he knew one thing, he was unsure if he was strong enough to come back.

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   𝐒𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐋𝐄𝐅𝐓. They are truly gone and Bridget is still here... at Forks, once again on her own. It doesn't feel real, if she's being honest with herself. After spending nearly a decade with them and now within the span of three days, they are no longer a part of her life. It is such a bittersweet feeling.

    It is very strange, being in that big empty house without them. She had called out of both school and work, saying she had a horrible stomach virus, which was untrue. Truth be told, she called out for the rest of the week because she wanted to spend what time she had with Rosalie.

    Saying goodbye to all of them was very hard, but they seemed to understand and respect her decision. Bridget will miss them all though. Even Jasper, in a way. He was always kind and he apologized to her personally for what happened. She forgave him, of course. They parted with friendly smiles.

    Bridget had driven Rosalie and Emmett to the airport Thursday night, while everyone else took their own transportation. She did not care that it was a three hour drive to Seattle, saying goodbye to her only friend was harder than she thought. Unfortunately, though, her crappy station wagon had broken down so she was forced to spend two nights in a motel until her car was fixed. She spent the weekend bored to tears. She thankfully got her car back Sunday morning and got back to town late afternoon.

     Edward was not at the house when she had returned yesterday. He was the last to leave, wanting everyone gone before he informed Bella of their decision to leave on Friday. Much to her surprise, Edward was almost happy when he learned Bridget would be staying in Forks. He had even pulled her aside the other day before she left for Seattle and asked for a favor. He asked if she would be willing to watch over Bella. Not to babysit her, just check in on her once in a while to make sure she was alright. Bridget, of course, didn't have the heart to decline. Besides, they both know she would have done it anyway without him even asking.

    Bridget can't help but worry about Bella, hoping the girl will be alright. The whole situation is unfortunate. She can't imagine what Bella must be feeling, but she does believe it is for the best. Bella does not need to be a part of this world. She is naive and reckless and attracts danger left and right. Hopefully in time, she will understand the favor Edward has done for her by leaving. She has a full life ahead of her. A full mortal life. It is a gift in itself. A gift Bridget envies more than anything...

    On a positive note, a large part of Bridget feels free now that they are gone. It is like she is finally able to relax for once, to have a steady mind. It is so strange how she can miss them already yet also feel a bit glad that they are gone. She can't explain the reasons why she needed to stay, she is just not ready to leave Forks just yet. It's like a weird feeling in her chest, tugging her to this place. Bridget felt it when they first arrived two years ago, but she could never figure it out.

    Bridget let out a tired sigh as she pulled into the student parking lot Monday morning. She didn't really regret missing so much school last week, she is pretty confident she can make up whatever she missed with ease.

    Grabbing her bag from the back seat, Bridget climbed out of the old station wagon, her long-sleeve floral print, belted A-line dress flowed against the wind, a very light drizzle made Bridget remind herself to grab her umbrella before making her way into the school.

    A random student saw her coming to and held the door open, which Bridget appreciated and thanked, before heading to her locker. Students have gotten used to her being here, she was no longer the new girl anymore, just another student and everyone seemed to leave her alone for the most part, which Bridget was grateful for. It was all she wanted when she was at Forks, but it never stopped there. She knew she was going to have a lot of homework to make up, two days is not a lot but in the advanced classes she was in, the teachers definitely will have work for her to do. She honestly did not mind, it will give her something to do after work tonight.

    "Bridget?"

    The blonde spun around on her black pumps at the sound of her name, only to see Kim approaching her with a look of surprise and happiness. Bridget found herself giving the nice girl a kind smile. "Hey, Kim."

    "You're here," Kim examined, still a bit shocked.

    Bridget was blinded by the real reason she was reacting like this and nodded her head. "Yeah, I know. I had the flu, it's been awful. But I'm feeling much better now."

    More lies. How she hates lying.

    Kim kept her bewildered expression. "No, we heard the Cullen's left town. We thought you went with them."

    To say Bridget was surprised would be an understatement. Word spreads fast in this town. She honestly did not think she would have to explain herself to anyone, mainly because she didn't think anyone would care. But it makes sense that Kim was confused, she is one of the few in this school who know her living situation.

    Pursing her lips, Bridget closed her locker and turned to face the dark haired girl fully. "Uh, yeah, they left but I chose to stay."

    Kim's brows rose, taking in the vague answer. Bridget didn't know what else to say, but thankfully the bell rang before Kim got a chance to question her further. "I need to get to class."

    Kim just gave her a tight lipped smile, nodding her head softly. "I'm glad you stayed."

    Bridget felt a warmth feeling going through her, realizing that Kim had been genuinely worried that she had left. She smiled back brightly. "Me too. See you in History?"

    When Kim agreed, the two girls went their separate ways, Bridget completely oblivious to the fact Kim was pulling out her phone and immediately calling her boyfriend to tell him the news.

    The day went by pretty quickly. Bridget had gotten the homework assignments she missed from the teachers and was told that there is a Trig test on Friday, which she knew she'd pass easily. She didn't care, it's not like she really needed to study for any of this. She was very good in school, seeing as she has graduated with honors multiple times, it was a piece of cake now.

    Walking into woodshop, Bridget took a seat in her usual spot, just as Briar comes in, immediately spotting her and racing to her side. She was dressed in a pair of black cargo pants and a white long sleeve shirt, her hair was pulled into a messy, tangle bun as per usual. A look of relief upon seeing her flashed over Briar's expression. "Thank goodness you are back. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I missed having someone to talk to in this testosterone filled class."

    Bridget quirked her brow in amusement. "It's nice to see you too, Briar."

    "You are never allowed to get sick again and leave me for so long again." Briar completely ignores her words, taking off her backpack and dropping it to the floor.

    The blonde shakes her head softly. "I'll be sure to tell the germs to steer clear of me next time so you don't have to suffer this class all on your own."

    Briar smirked. "Thank you. That's all I ask."

    Bridget couldn't help but giggle, shaking her head. Mr. Adams took a quick attendance and then allowed everyone to get back to their projects. Bridget had gone and asked Mr. Adam's if there is a way for her to get caught up seeing as the three days absent have left her behind then her other classmates. He just told her that some students come during lunch to work on their projects when they aren't as far along and it would be fine. Bridget made a mental note to do so tomorrow.

    Ten minutes into their work, Briar came over to Bridget, taking a break from her project. "So, you'll never believe who bombarded me with questions about your whereabouts yesterday?"

    Bridget turned off the saw and pushed her safety glasses to the top of her head. "Who?"

    "Paul Lahote." Briar informed, giving the blonde a questionable glance. "Since when are you two friends?"

    Bridget was taken back by surprise at this piece of information, and suddenly she became anxious. "Uh... we're not really. What-what did he want?"

    "He just said he needed to talk to you, didn't give much detail. I told him you were sick and that I didn't know much else." Briar explained, sounding a bit like she was teasing a bit. "He sounded kind of worried."

    Bridget brushed the saw dust off of the table and went back to her station, placing the plate of wood onto the table before a C-clamp and tightening it onto the table, meanwhile her mind tries to process Briar's words.

    Bridget would be lying if she claims she hasn't thought about Paul, because she has. And when she does, she can't help but feel warmth spread inside her. The way he helped her the other night, how he had taken care of her, she was grateful he had been there on the beach. He was the last person she'd expected to help her, mostly because she truly believed he disliked her for whatever reason. But then he apologized for his behavior and Bridget had sensed a bit of vulnerability inside of his tough exterior.

    She can't explain why, but she liked that he let down his walls for her, even if it was only for a moment.

    Briar met her gaze with a raised brow. "Do you know what it could be about?"

    The blonde only shrugged her shoulders. "Beats me."

    "Well, a bit of advice," Briar offers, starting to sand down a new piece of freshly cut wood. "Steer clear of him. He kind of has a reputation for being a player."

    "I don't listen to rumors, Briar."

    "Not really rumors if they are true." The dark haired female muttered, going back to her project.

    Bridget didn't let her words bother her, it's not like she cared what Paul Lahote did in his free time. At least, that's what she told herself as she plugged in the hand saw and began cutting her piece.

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    𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐍 in the possession of the recent book in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series for two weeks and she was already on her third re-read. She was absolutely and pathetically obsessed with it and she hates that now she will most likely have to wait four to five more years before the next one. They were worth the wait though, that is for damn sure.

    Her love for Jamie Fraser lives on.

    Bridget found herself at the beach immediately after school, not letting what happened here a few days ruin her favorite spot. She doesn't have to be into work until six tonight, so she had an hour to kill before she needed to get home and get ready. She had brought her journal and had debated for a good five minutes whether she wanted to write anything, but given that her journal was her way of talking to her brother, she didn't have the nerve to write down what happened just yet.

    She is still trying to process the fact that she broke her promise to him. There was no almost. Bridget broke her promise to Alex when she went into that water. She promised him she would never try to take her own life again. She promised him she'd never give up again. She meant it at the time, because she had him. Now... she doesn't have him anymore and she was sad and was plagued with a future filled with nothing but pain and emptiness.

    She is happy she managed to snap out of it. She is happy with whatever that feeling was, whatever pull that was tugging at her, that it was enough to pull her out of that water.

    But she still didn't have the guts to write about it. She will, eventually, but right now she will stick to her fiction stories that make her undeniably happy and swoon over a Scottish gentleman. She just got to the part where Claire is being accused of murder and she and Jamie both are being taken to Wilmington to face trial. Despite already reading it twice already, Bridget can't help but be surprised at the brutality Claire has faced in this book, worse than anything she has ever had to endure before.

    "That book must be really good," a voice tore the blonde away from the pages, looking up to see the large figure of Sam approaching her from the side. "Those kids threw a frisbee that landed right in front of you and you didn't even blink an eye at it or them when they approached."

    Bridget looked over and in fact did see a group of pre-teens throwing a frisbee back and forth about ten feet away. "Huh, I didn't even know they were there."

    Just like any day Sam finds her on the beach, he comes and takes a seat next to her in the sand, though she was sitting on her blanket she keeps handy in her trunk. He stared at her, having the same look Kim had held earlier. Almost like he was relieved to see her. Bridget bookmarks her book and sets it to the side. "What brings you here? You don't normally come on Monday's."

    "Actually, I was hoping to run into you." Sam admitted, causing the blonde to raise her brows in interest. "Kim told me that she saw you in school today. When we heard about the Cullen's leaving, we just assumed you'd have gone with them."

    Bridget only shook her head and dug her feet into the cool sand, her arms wrapped around her knees. "Nope. Not this time."

    Sam turned back to face her. "Why would they leave you behind?"

    "They didn't leave me behind. I chose to stay." Bridget admitted. "I did not agree with the sudden move and besides, I'm emancipated, remember? I was only staying with the Cullen's because they had a spare room."

    "So, where are you staying now that they are gone?" Sam inquired, before realizing how that might have sounded. "I'm sorry, it's none of my business."

    Bridget shook her head. "No, it's alright. They actually offered me to stay in the house until I found a place of my own for as long as I wish."

    Sam frowned. "So you are staying at that house all on your own?"

    "Yeah, but it is not so bad. It's not much different from when they were actually living there. I tended to avoid most of them whenever I was home. I just never felt like I belonged with them. But I am looking for a new place. I don't exactly like living off people and they refuse to let me pay any rent, which is incredibly frustrating."

     For some reason, Sam grinned and chuckled at her words, but Bridget didn't understand what she said that would be funny. But instead of explaining what was so funny, he recovered quickly. "Have you had any luck finding a place?"

    "No. There was this apartment just outside Forks, but the school board apparently said that if I wanted to continue attending school on the Reservation, I can't be as far as Forks. I need to be within the district."

    "That sucks."

    Bridget shrugs. "It's okay. I only have one more year left. Who knows where I'll end up next."

    Sam stiffened at her words. "Are you leaving right after you graduate?"

    "Haven't really decided. I like it here, though. I wish it could last."

    "Why can't it?" Sam asked, curiously.

    Bridget let out a deep sigh, looking back out into the ocean. "It's complicated."

    Sam only nodded, not pushing her to explain further, which Bridget appreciated. This is why she likes talking to Sam. He was a great listener and he never overstepped his boundaries. He was respectful and also insightful when he wanted to be. And each time Bridget finds herself talking to him, the more he reminds her of Alex.

    After another couple seconds of silence, she turned back to face him regretfully, wishing she didn't have to leave this beautiful day. "I should probably go. I have a shift at the restaurant in an hour. Need to shower and change before driving to Port Angeles."

    Sam nodded, standing when she stood, helping her fold up her blanket as she grabbed her bag and book. She gave him a genuine smile, tucking the blanket under her arm and started for her car. "See you soon?"

    "Yeah," she heard him say and she barely made it a few more steps before he called out to her. "Hey, Bridget?"

    The blonde turned to face him, seeing him jog a little until he was in front of her again. He looked a bit nervous, awkward even, which she hasn't seen from him since they first met after he yelled at her at this very beach months ago. "You know, I actually have a spare room at my house. It's just me and Emily, and some, uh, some friends who like to hang around sometimes. It's yours if you want it."

    Bridget couldn't help but be taken back by the offer, a bit astonished. It wasn't something she expected, causing her to blink once, then twice, trying to process his words. After a minute, she finally shook out of her state of shock and softened her expression. "Oh. Um, wow. Thank you, Sam. That is very generous but like I said, I don't like living off of people."

    Sam immediately shook his head. "No, that is not what I'm offering. I was thinking, maybe you'd like to rent it? It's nothing glamorous or anything, just a simple size room with a bed and dresser. The one you stayed in before. You can do whatever you want with it. If you want it, it's yours."

    "Isn't this something you should discuss with Emily first?"

    "Trust me, if she was here, it would have been her idea first." He said with a small chuckle.

    She has to admit, it's probably going to be the best offer she will receive. She spent the entire day yesterday after she got back scouring the internet, looking for rentals in the area, anything available was for sale and not rent, which is not what she needs. She does not have the qualifications to own her own home nor would she ever invest in anywhere permanently.

    What Sam is offering is actually really amazing and convenient. He lives on the reservation, she won't have to suffer being alone, she will be closer to this beach she loves so much. She barely remembers the room she had woken up in, but the little she does, it wasn't so bad. It wasn't nearly as big as the one she has at the Cullen's place, but then again, she didn't need all that space anyway. Just a bed to sleep in, a closet, a dresser and a place for her books.

    And it wouldn't be for longer than a year. But still, this was a big decision. With the Cullen's, they knew about her situation. She didn't have to walk around with the fear of being discovered, though she is pretty sure those who had been questioning her were no longer searching for her.

    "Can I think about it?" She finally found herself asking after a minute of silent thinking.

    "Of course." Sam agreed. "I'll give you my number. Call me when you decide?"

    Bridget only nodded, pulling out her phone and handing it to the tall male, allowing him to input his number. They parted shortly after, Bridget having a lot to think about on the way home.

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Ehhhh... not to crazy about this chapter. I loved Paul's pov, but the rest of it was just eh. Sorry bout that guys! But it's not so bad honestly. I had a hard time remembering the timeline tho, idk why but I edited it about five times and rewrote the second half twice.

Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter!