Bumps In The Road / Paul Lahote

1. First Day

Chapter 1

"Do you think she's doing drugs, as well?"

"I can't believe they're together already, she's only been here for a day!"

"I heard she was living with Sam Uley!"

The comments and the stares hadn't subsided as the day progressed. In fact, it may have worsened as everyone threw more fuel into the flames of the rumour mill, adding to existing ideas or starting new rumours altogether. People spoke of Embry and I being together, since he'd kept me company for all the classes that we had together, but out of every rumour I had heard the most surprising was to hear whispers about me joining the 'Uley cult'. I'd considered the word 'cult' to be pretty heavy and almost laughed at the casual use of it when referring to Sam's group of friend; who seemed far from cult-like to me. It seemed La Push wasn't only a small town, but a dramatic one at that.

Throughout the day, I'd noticed that the whispers didn't just concern me, but in the mix were also rumours about Jared, Embry, Sam and another guy named Paul. At times I wondered if Embry was oblivious to what was being whispered between people, but then there were times when I noticed his jaw click in annoyance or his fists ball with anger. It only took a quick glance into his eyes to feel the irritation swirling throughout him. Was he hearing it all, just as I was?

I had found walking between my classes to be the most annoying part of the day, since that was the time that I had to deal with all the stares. At least in class, most of my new peers were distracted by the lesson, but the hallways turned me into the star attraction. I'd met up with Embry again at our History lesson, the room not far from my previous class.

I walked in behind Embry and together we sat towards the back of the classroom. I pulled out my books from my backpack when suddenly I felt a strong energy enter the room. Looking up, I met the eyes of a boy from across the room. He wore long pants and a long top over his tanned skin and his long hair was tucked behind his ears. His strong gaze met mine for a moment before they narrowed at the sight of Embry, who seemed to be avoiding the heated stare. Behind the boy stood another, except with shorter hair, but held the same annoyed emotion in his eyes at the sight of Embry. I frowned, looking at Embry's reaction, but he remained expressionless in his seat as he stared at his phone in his lap. The boys rolled their eyes and made their way to a seat on the other side of the room. Finally, Embry cleared his throat and turned to me for a second.

"What's wrong?" Embry asked.

"Who were they?" I asked quietly, my eyes finding the two boys. He frowned and glanced over his shoulder, before quickly looking away again. He shook is head.

"Old friends" He mumbled. The emotion in all three boys' eyes told me that there was more to the story than the simple response Embry shared with me, but for the short amount of time I'd known Embry I had no expectations for him to share any intimate details with me just yet. Despite the nosey voice that desperately wanted to ask for more information, instead I nodded and dropped the conversation. When the class had started I half listened to what the teacher was going on about, seeing as this History was different to the kind of history I was used to hearing in Australia. Nevertheless, the sound of the bell ringing for the class to end was still a welcoming sound to my ears. Embry walked me to my next class, before walking off to make his in time.