MERCEDES CALLAHAN
Drive by Halsey
"all we do is drive, all we do is think about the feelings that we hide."
"Merci," At her father's voice she seized packing her bag "I found this in the box in the garage." He held up the dusty hardcover book, thick with stories. It was a gift from her mother, one which she thought she had thrown out.
"How did- you saw me throwing it out." The teen mumbled in realization before releasing a sigh and continued packing her notebooks.
"Your mother gave you this book for a reason, why would you throw it out?" He asked stepping further into the scantily decorated kitchen as they were still in the process of moving in.
"The only reason she gave me the book is because she knew she was going to leave and she didn't want to feel guilty." Mercedes shot back as she closed her sketchpad and stuffed it in her knapsack as well before closing the bag.
"That makes no sense."
"Nothing makes sense." She sighed pulling the bag from the counter. "I should get going, Allison will be here any minute." Right on queue a honk sounded outside, signaling that the brunette had arrived. "I love you."
"Love you too." He offered a small smile before he ushered his daughter out of the house. She stood to her feet and slid the strap of the bag over her shoulder before running towards the front door. Once she was outside she rushed towards Allison's waiting car, sliding into the car and closing the door behind her.
"Morning," She released a breath as she leaned back into the passenger seat.
"Morning," Allison smiled before shifting the car into drive. Mercedes dad had been working with Allison's for close to five years, which had resulted in them moving around quite often. Frequent moves resulted in Allison and her being close friends as each new friend they made wouldn't last that long because they'd move. "Everything alright?"
"Yeah, I think so." Merci laughed nervously biting her lip "We're gonna take Sophomore year by storm."
"That's what you said freshman year." Allison laughed "Then you dyed your hair blue and cried because you didn't want to go."
"Point out my faulty mistakes." The shorter of the two grumbled though a smile was playing on her lips as she glanced at the tall brunette who laughed shaking her head. "We'll be okay." Mercedes mumbled after a beat of silence.
"I know."
"What are you reading?" Allison asked as the two girls sat outside the school, waiting for the principal who would show them to their class.
"It's my dad's journal." Mercedes replied scanning the pages of messy scribbles. "He has no idea I stole it."
"I know this is wrong but… What does it say?" Before Mercedes could reply Allison's ringtone caused her to mouth 'later' before Allison answered. "Mom, three calls on our first day is a bit overdoing it a bit, don't you think?" It was Victoria Argent yet again. Merci couldn't help but wish her mother was still here, to nag and worry about her.
Mercedes frowned as she read the boring words that were strangely about an abandoned house in New Mexico. It had the dates when it was built to when it was destroyed by a fire. What confused her though was the fact that her father job description had nothing to do with old buildings.
Allison had moved to sit beside the brunette who was too immersed in her reading to notice the pale girl rummaging through her bag. "Tell her we're fine Merci."
"We're fine!" Mercedes repeated loud enough for Victoria to hear through the receiver.
"Yes I remembered everythin- everything except a pen." At those words Mercedes looked up, surprised that Allison wasn't fully prepared opposed to previous times. "We'll be fine mom, don't worry. The principal is coming, I've got to go, love you." Allison ended the call before glancing at her friend. "She says hi."
"You do know your mom scares me right?" Mercedes asked laughing as they stood to their feet.
"She's not that bad."
"Right." the short girl drawled facing the approaching principal as did Allison who was still frowning at the realization she didn't have a pen. "I don't have a spare." Merci added already knowing Allison would ask, if it wasn't for seeing her father's pen on the kitchen counter this morning, she too would've been left without a pen.
"Sorry for keeping you girls waiting." The new principal apologized.
"It's okay." Allison replied when to Mercedes it was not. She was quite impatient when it came to things that would eventually make her nervous.
"So have you always lived in California?" The principal asked as he led them towards the new school building. Beacon Hills High…
"Uh, no. We lived in San Francisco before this, but we moved around a lot for our father's work." Allison explained while Mercedes fell behind trying to place the journal back in her bag while looking to see she was going the right direction.
"Well, I hope this is your last stop for a while. We're happy to have the two of you." Allison thanked him on behalf both girls before following him inside a classroom filled with what were now their school peers. Mercedes gnawed at her lower lip, a nervous habit that had developed with passing years, her eyes darting all around the room not stopping on anyone too long. "Hello class, these are our new Students Allison Argent and Mercedes Callahan. I trust that you will make them feel welcome."
After his words he left the room, leaving the two girls to stand at the front of the classroom as all eyes remained on them. "Well it's nice to meet you two, take a seat." The teacher instructed. Allison moved off as did Merci, both heading for the two vacant chairs. Allison had took a seat behind a puppy eyed, curly haired boy while Mercedes sat in front of a cute boy who had a buzz cut.
Mercedes removed her notebook from her bag the journal falling out as well, she hurriedly picked it up placing it on the desk before grabbing her pen. After removing the necessities she needed she closed her bag and placed it in the space before her desk. Her eyes fell on the gum sticking out of the notebook a smile making its way on her lips before she turned around to face the boy behind her.
"Can I ask you something?" She started before her eyes darted to the puppy eyed boy who had just offered a pen to Allison. A smile tugged at her lips before her eyes returned to those of the boy. He seemed both mesmerized and shocked. Shocked that such a beautiful girl as her was talking to him when there was a much attractive boy before her.
"Uh y-yeah," He stammered sitting up straight.
"He isn't strict about eating gum is he?"
"Personally I think he has a pole up his butt everyday but I'd advise you chew slowly. Very Slowly." The pale boy replied making hand gestures to prove just how slow she should chew her gum.
Mercedes laughed nodding before turning to grab the gum from between her pages. "I'm Mercedes by the way." She added after turning to face him once more.
"Oh, I kno- oh I'm Stiles, yeah I'm Stiles." He nodded to which Merci giggled before turning to face forward an even wider grin on Stiles as he stared at the back of her head. A beautiful girl had noticed him.
"The first few pages are completely boring, but I figured I'd have to read it from start in case I make it to the back." Mercedes explained as she leaned against the locker next to Allison's.
"I think it's fascinating that he's writing about ancient history." Allison laughed shrugging glancing at the girl who was staring at the tattered cover of her father's journal "Why'd you take it in the first place?"
"I found it in one of my boxes while unpacking, originally I was going for Pride and Prejudice, but found this instea-"
"Killer Jacket!" At the voice Both girls looked away from what they were doing and towards a pretty strawberry blonde. Her eyes met Mercedes brown before they squinted at her appearance, a smirk tilting her lips upwards as her eyes lit up once they landed on the girl's boots. "I like the boots."
"Is that a good thing?" Merci laughed pushing herself forward as her eyes darted to Allison who shrugged.
"I don't usually do boots." The stranger added pointing to her stilettos. "Where'd you get them?"
"Uh my mom was a buyer for a boutique back in San Francisco." Allison answered politely, Mercedes nodding to show confirmation.
"And you two, are my new best friends." Both girls laughed quietly just as a boy around their age approached them, immediately attacking Lydia's lips. Mercedes once again turned to look at Allison, visibly gagging. The pale brunette giggled behind her palm as she shook her head. While the two teens showcased their PDA Merci's eyes began to roam the hallway, stopping on certain groups before finally falling on the two boys from her English class. The taller of the two was hopelessly staring at Allison who diverted his gaze once he realized he had been caught staring, while the other, who had sit behind her was making wild hand gestures pointing in the direction they stood. He turned eyes meeting Mercedes amused gaze before she tuned in back to the conversation they were having before the PDA session.
So, this weekend, there's a party." Lydia started
"A party?" Allison asked
"Yeah, Friday night." The strawberry blonde's boyfriend piped up, eyes meeting those of Mercedes. The short girl raised an eyebrow at the fairly handsome boy before turning her attention back to Allison who she waited to answer.
"You should come," Lydia added before her eyes fell on Mercedes "Both of you."
"Uh, I can't. It's family night this Friday." Allison smiled apologetically.
"Yeah, it's a huge thing for both our families." Merci added backing up the girl she considered as the sister she never had. "Thanks for asking."
"You sure? Everyone's coming after the scrimmage." Jackson pushed wanting both girls to attend.
Allison's brows furrowed in confusion as did Merci's "You mean like football?" The short girl asked raising an eyebrow in question. Jackson snorted at the mention of the sport.
"Football's a joke in Beacon, the real sport here is lacrosse."
"We've won the state championship for the past three years, because of a certain team captain." Lydia smirked looking at a smug Jackson.
"When do we get to see some action?" Mercedes asked smiling
"Right now." Lydia said before bidding her boyfriend goodbye, giving Allison enough time to close her locker before they were both being pulled away. The three soon approached the bleacher's area as did a few other students who had start to get comfortable on the benches, preparing themselves for the practice.
Allison had sit between both Mercedes and Lydia wanting to get a peak in Mercedes apparent guilty pleasure, yet wanting to stay close to Lydia for the girl to explain the game. The lacrosse team had started filing on to the field, Mercedes perking up once she caught sight of a familiar buzz cut head. She wouldn't have guessed he played lacrosse, then again looks could be deceiving.
"I'm Lydia by the way."
"Allison,"
"Mercedes, but just Merci."
"Interesting name." Lydia hummed glancing at the girl before turning her attention back to the field. Most would've found the strawberry blonde's behavior quite odd, seeing as she was believed to be quite disrespectful but as before Lydia Martin didn't like everybody.
"McCall!" Bobby Finstock's voice caught the attention of girls, all three looking up at the sudden yell.
"Yeah?" Scott asked in response
"You're in goal." The man simply replied while Scott looked utterly confused catching the helmet nonetheless.
"But I-i've never played."
"I know. Scoring some shots will give the boys a confidence boost. First day back thing." He said slapping Scott's shoulder "Get em' energized, fired up!"
"What about me?" Scott yet again asked
"Try not to take any in the face." Bobby replied patting the tall boy's cheek. "Let's go! Come on!"
'That was quite mean.' She thought to herself, eyes squinting at the back of the coach's head.
"Let's go, Come on!"
"Is he tone deaf?" Mercedes asked, to which Allison and Lydia laughed.
"Who is that?" Allison asked, Scott seemingly catching her attention.
"Him? I'm not sure." Lydia replied
Mercedes attention returned to her book losing interest, seeing as the coach was a tone deaf ass hat.
"Hey! Way to catch with your face McCall." The coach's words along with laughs once again peaked Mercedes interest her head lifting just in time to see Scott save a ball from entering the net. A smile graced her lips as she clapped along with everyone else. As if a switch had been flipped, the boy continuously caught every shot the team made.
"He seems like he's pretty good." Allison voiced out
"Yeah, very good." Lydia mumbled,.
Jackson, seemingly frustrated pushed himself to the front before he got ready to make his shot. Everyone had waited with bated breath and as soon as he took the shot they exhaled, inhaling once more when the McCall boy had caught the ball. Mercedes found herself standing clapping along with everyone else, her journal forgotten.
"That's my friend!" She heard the unmistakable shout of Stiles, to which she giggled as her eyes found the cheerful boy.
'Not too shabby now, is he coach?'
"The Belle residence was destroyed by a massive fire, one which was believed to be set by angry villagers, villagers who wanted the inhabitants of the mansion dead." Mercedes read to Allison as she held the phone between her shoulder and her ear. "Belle Mansion?"
"What exactly do you think you're gonna find Merci?" Allison laughed "And the truth, why'd you take the book?"
A sigh left Mercedes lips as she sat at the edge of her bed "At first I was looking for something that would tell me why my mom left… but then I found this and it's been keeping me occupied." She admitted softly.
"I know you miss her." Allison said softly "I miss her too and she wasn't my mom, I can only imagine what you feel. Just remember if you ever want to talk I'm here for you, always have, always will be."
"I know and that's why I love you." Merci smiled laughing "But on to happier things, I saw that little exchange in English class."
"What exchange?" Allison asked playing dumb
"I'm not buying that. He is kinda cute."
Allison giggled "He is." At her words Mercedes squealed loudly.
"I can see it, I see it already. I can even hear the wedding bells."
"Merci we just met, we barely said two words to each other."
"The way he looked at you, no words were needed." Mercedes breathe "I want someone to look at me like that someday."
"What about that guy with the buzz cut? You seemed to got more out of him." Allison piped up to which the tan girl rolled her eyes.
"I wouldn't get my hopes up on that. He is nice though." A silence fell among the girls before they broke into fits of giggles for no apparent reason.
"I need to go down for dinner, I'll call you later." Allison laughed
"Okay, talk to you later." Both girls ended the call before turning their attention to their previous actions. Mercedes glanced back at the journal about to begin reading before a knock sounded at the door. A gasp left her pink lips before she hurriedly hid the book underneath her pillow. "Come in!" She squeaked before clearing her throat. Her father stuck his head inside, meeting his daughter's gaze.
"Hey Merci," He smiled stepping further into the room. " How was school?"
"School was fine." She rushed before sitting straight grinning widely at her father. Don face contorted into an expression of confusion as he stared at the teenager. "Fine was school."
The older man laughed as he ran a hand through his slightly graying brown hair. "Are you okay?"
"Of course, why are you asking all these questions?"
"I only asked two-" Don started but was cut off by Mercedes.
"But who's counting."
"I just wanted to talk to you about your mother." He said slowly gauging his daughter's reaction. He wasn't sure if he should've said anything about receiving divorce papers from her mother but he felt as if she had the right to know. She needed to know that her mother wasn't coming back. Mercedes eyes lit up as her heart bloomed with new found hope.
"Did she call?" She asked excitedly "She said she'd call even though I barely said a word to her before she left."
Don's heart fell to the pit of his stomach as he met his daughter's hopeful gaze, and from the look the girl received she knew that a call wasn't what he wanted to talk about. "No, she didn't call."
"Oh." For some reason Mercedes had thought that if her mother had called she could somehow convince her to come back, even if it meant letting go of the anger she had gathered when she had left.
"Merci," He sighed before moving to sit beside her "Reyes isn't coming back."
"Oh."
"Your mother didn't like the idea of us moving around all the time for my job." Don started "She wanted to settle down somewhere, and have a stable job. She wasn't happy."
"That's not why she left, you do not chose staying in one place over a daughter and a husband."
"Merci, your mother wants a divorce."
He watched as Mercedes went white as a sheet, every ounce of light that was present vanishing from her eyes. The familiar brown eyes that were identical to his soon to be ex-wife met his blue eyes, unshed tears glistening. "Seriously?" Her voice trembled as she stared back at her father.
He nodded slowly before uttering his answer. "Yes."
"Are you okay?" Mercedes asked softly as a tear rolled down her cheek. Don wordlessly pulled her into a hug kissing her hair.
"We'll be okay," He said softly "We'll be okay."
Sometime after Don had left, Mercedes too had snuck out to go for a walk hoping to clear her head. Everything had finally sunk in, her mother wasn't coming back. She willingly walked away from her family, the family she had made. The rain had begun pouring soaking the book that the teen girl held in her hands, she didn't care if it got wet.
'Happy Endings' the book was titled in elegant gold lettering. Merci couldn't help but laugh humorlessly as she stared at the cover blinking the rain from her vision. Without even thinking she flung it in the centre of the road sending it into a puddle, water splashing as it landed. The jeep approaching pulled to a halt merely avoiding the flying book. A gasp left the lips of the teen as she turned to squint against the headlights. The door was opened, the occupant stepping out into the rain.
"I'm so sorry." Mercedes rushed out as she pushed strands of wet hair from her face.
"Mercedes?"
At the familiar voice, the brunette breathe a sigh of relief. "Stiles, I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry."
"T-that's okay, uh you need a ride?" He asked gesturing upwards towards the sky as if to say she shouldn't walk in the rain.
"I don't want to get your seats wet."
"Come on," He waved her towards the car, Merci mustered a small smile before she began to walk towards the blue jeep. Stiles had started back towards the driver's door but paused once he realized the girl had turned back to fetch the book from the puddle. After retrieving the book, she had finally entered the jeep. A more genuine smile tugged at her lips as she realized that a red flannel was spread across the seat for her to sit on. "You okay?"
"Yeah," She breathe in response "Yeah. I'm fine." Stiles stayed silent not wanting to push though he knew she was lying.
"Can I ask you something?" Stiles asked breaking the silence that had fell among them upon Mercedes last response.
"You just did." Merci laughed before nodding her head "Yeah, you can."
"Which do you prefer Batman or Superman?"
A giggle slipped pass her lips before it soon turned into a full blown laugh. Stiles smiled in accomplishment as he glanced at the laughing girl. He couldn't help but admire how beautiful she looked, even when she was completely soaked from the rain, her hair wet and flat, sticking to her face. She was beautiful, he had to remind himself that he was already crushing on someone else. He didn't need to set his heart up for more rejection.
"Superman." She finally answered after catching her breath. Stiles eyes returned to the road, his grin fading at her reply.
"W-what?" He spluttered in disbelief "Batman is better than Superman."
"No, Superman has super strength, he's an alien. A hot alien at that." Mercedes said defending her choice.
"So girls are attracted to aliens?" Stiles asked glancing at the grinning brunette before returning his attention back to the road.
"Not all of them, some are attracted to assholes, good guys, mysterious guys." Merci listed as she turned to glance out the window. "Every girl is different…"
"What kind- what kind of guys are you attracted to?"
Mercedes smiled as she gnawed at her lower lip "Turn here." She instructed, Stiles did as told before pulling to a stop in front of the house she had pointed. Her father hadn't gotten back as yet, which was good since he'd be furious that she was out in the rain. "Can I ask you something now?"
Stiles nodded gulping audibly as the brown eyed brunette turned to face him. "There's this party on Friday, would you go? With me?"
Stiles lips parted releasing a gasp of surprise as his eyes widened. '"Uh- yes, yeah, of o-of course. Definitely."
She smiled before opening the door, the rain finally seizing it's heavy downpour. "I'll see you tomorrow Stiles."
"See you tomorrow." He smiled through his shock watching as the smiling girl exited his beloved Roscoe. With one last wave, she closed the door and began walking up the driveway towards the front door. It was when she had gotten in and Stiles had just pulled away from the curb that she realized she left her mother's soaked book.
"Crap!"