The next day at school, everyone was spreading the Rhea story. Paul assumed most of it was gossip and hated the fact that rumors even happened. Luckily the day went by pretty quickly.
After school, Paul made plans to hang out with Aiden and play some pool. He arrived at Fireside's. His friend was already there, and he was having a conversation with Thalia.
"Hey you wanna play pool with us?" Paul asked Thalia as he walked up.
"Nah, I was just introducing myself. I think I'm gonna stay around Autumnvale for a bit, and also wanted to say thanks."
Paul was confused, "What did I do?"
Thalia smiled. "You guys were always really nice to Rhea. Being friends with her family, that means a lot to me. I know shes not the easiest to get a long with.”
Aiden scoffed. “Oh you haven't really met my sister yet. Rhea always got me more than her.”
She took her leave and Paul turned around while Aiden racked the pool balls.
"She seems pleasant," Paul said t.o Aiden.
"I can't help but think I've seen her somewhere before." replied Aiden.
Aiden spent the next few minutes talking about it with Paul but eventually he dropped it. Paul ended up giving Aiden a ride home afterward. His buddy said his goodbyes and left the car. Paul started to drive away, when his passenger door flung open and Melissa got in.
"Hey so about the hospital." she began to say.
Paul cut her off. "Yes, about the hospital."
The two faced each other. Melissa placed her hand on his face and continued, "You need to forget that happened and forget this talk, and we should just stay friends."
“Yeah, I'm not gonna do that." Paul plainly replied.
"What!" Melissa said with a surprised look on her face. "What do you mean you're not gonna do that? You're supposed to."
"Look. Melissa, I think we get along really well. And I have come to enjoy your company. I like you." Paul told her. He grabbed her hand and kept going, “Which is weird because I didn't when you dated Quinn."
"That's not as smooth as you think it is, saying that last part there. Wait, why didn't you like me?”
"I'm just saying, I know it's not the best idea on the planet, but what if we go on a proper date, and then we can go from there?" Paul asked.
Melissa leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
"Imma take that as a yes.”
The girl said good night and went back inside. He did not expect his night ending like that. He drove home. He couldn't help but to be pretty overjoyed about his up coming date. Then the guilt set in.
Quinn was his best friend. To Paul, Quinn was the second most important person on this planet. Although his best friend had moved on. He even was with a new girlfriend. Rhea is back safe and sound. So in theory his buddy shouldn't care who his ex-girlfriend dates. Paul knew that, despite all that, he would still be breaking a friendship code, you don't date your best friend's ex.
Ultimately, he decided to take Melissa out. He needed to figure out his feelings and that date would help with that. He picked her up on Saturday night. They went to go watch a movie at the theater. He let her pick what movie they'd watch. It was a comedy which Paul really enjoyed.
For some reason, Paul was extremely nervous. Melissa went to hold his hand and it was all sweaty. He didn't recall ever sweating this much from his hands. He was perplexed about why he was nervous.
Then he realized this was his first real date since Delilah. In fact he had only dated one girl ever. He had no practice taking girls on first dates.
After the movie, they grabbed some food. There was a tiny burger place with outdoor seating called Suzy's. They had any type of fries you could want and pretty decent milkshakes. The pair laughed and talked. Before they knew it, it was almost 10 p.m and time to call it a night, so he drove her home.
Paul walked her to the door. He stepped toward her and the pair kissed. He couldn't help but notice how soft her lips were. He put his hands on her hips while she put her hand around his neck. It lasted longer than a goodnight kiss should have lasted, but Paul was okay with that. They said their goodbyes, and he went back to his car. While he was walking back, he got a phone call. The caller i.d read Rhea. "Hey Rhea. What's up?"
"Paul, Quinn is not picking up, and I need a friend to talk to. I'm starting to remember things. Can you meet me in front of the school?" she said over the phone.
"Yeah, I'm ten minutes away. See you there." Paul replied and then hung up.
Paul sped to the school. He pulled up and Rhea was sitting on the steps. He made his way over to her. "You good? Should I call my mom?"
"Yeah, no, I'm fine. There is just stuff I need to share with you. The first thing being, I am sorry Paul." Rhea stated.
"Sorry for–" everything went dark before Paul finished the question.