Our story is about a town, a small town, and the people who live in the town. From a distance, it presents itself like so many other small towns all over the world... Safe. Decent. Innocent.
Get closer, though and you start seeing the shadows underneath.
The name of our town is Beacon Hills.
And our story begins, with what the Reyes twins did this summer.
On the Fourth of July, just after dawn, Jackson and Erica Reyes drove out to Applegate River for an early morning boat ride.
"Are you scared Jack?" Erica asked
Thunder crashed and Jackson just turned to his sister and shook his head 'no', smiling.
The next thing we know happened for sure is that Nolan Holloway, who was leading Beacon Hills' Boy Scout Troop on a bird watching expedition, came upon Erica, by the river's edge.
"Jack." Erica whispered
She was shivering since she was wet all over, her makeup ran and she sat there looking lost.
Beacon Hills police dragged Applegate River for Jackson's body, but never found it.
"If he's dead Peter, I hope in those last moments he suffered. May Jackson Reyes rot in hell." Natalie Martin sneered to her husband
So a week later, the Reyes family buried an empty casket, and Jackson's death was ruled an accident, as the story that Erica told, made the rounds.
That Erica dropped a glove in the water, and Jackson reached down to get it, and accidentally tipped the boat, and panicked, and drowned.
As for us, we were still talking about the "July Fourth tragedy" on the last day of summer vacation, when a new mystery rolled into town.
"Now, brace yourself. The apartment's small, a pied-a-terre, but quality always." Victoria Argent said
A teen girl got out of the car.
"Quality, always." Allison repeated
They stared up the building.
"Plus, it's the only piece of property in my name and not your father's." Victoria said
Allison and her mom stared at each other and followed her into the building. She stood there quiet as her mother talked on and on about her life in Beacon Hills. Allison just rolled her eyes, looking at her phone.
"Mrs. Argent! Welcome home." Alan Deaton said
Allison looked at him in curiousness while her mom walked up to him.
"Deaton, oh you are sight for sore eyes." Victoria replied
They both gave a brief hug.
"How was the ride?" Deaton asked
"No traffic, thank God. Alan, I'd like to introduce to you my daughter, Allison." Victoria said
"It's a pleasure Miss." Deaton said, nicely
Allison smiled nicely at the man.
"Hi." Allison said
"I'll get the bags." Deaton said
"Would you." Victoria asked him
Deaton smiled and headed out.
"Oh and would you like some menus ma'am, so you can order in?" Deaton asked
"Oh no. I've been craving one of Pop Tate's cheeseburgers since noon. Is his Chock'lit Shoppe still open?" Victoria asked
"What is a Chock'lit Shoppe? And why does it sell burgers?" Allison asked
Victoria and Deaton both smiled at her.
"Are you excited? Nervous?" Danny Mahealani asked, excitedly
Lydia Martin turned to him after tightening her strawberry-blonde hair in a ponytail, applying red lipstick, and mascara, only in her bra.
"Both. I haven't seen him all summer." Lydia said
Danny smiled and continued.
"Which is why nerves are acceptable, but we agreed Lydia. It's time. You like him, he likes you." Danny said
"Well, then why, Danny, hasn't he ever said or done anything?" Lydia retorted
"Because. Scott's swell, but like most millennial straight guys, he needs to be told what he wants. So tell him, finally." Danny told his best friend
He stood up and walked up to her window.
"Well, we'll see. I mean, it depends." Lydia told him
Danny noticed Scott and his eyes opened very wide.
"Oh my God!" Danny exclaimed
"What?" Lydia asked
She turned to face him, now getting up to join him.
"Game changer! Scott got hot! He's got abs now! Six more reasons for you to take that brown-haired bull by the horns tonight." Danny yelled out, excitedly
Lydia shivered a little and checked him out. They both squealed and Danny helped Lydia finish getting ready.
Scott and Lydia had met at Pop's Diner and were talking about Lydia's summer.
"So what was the highlight?" Scott asked
"Of my internship?" Lydia asked
Scott smiled and nodded.
"The Toni Morrison book release party I organized, by far. At the end of the night, Toni Morrison, who is as you know, my literary hero, says to me. 'Don't rush time Lydia, it goes by so fast at your age. One summer can change everything'." Lydia said
Scott smiled and chuckled a little.
"Wow, that's so true." Scott said
"How was working for your dad?" Lydia asked
She smiled brightly at Scott.
"It was, pouring concrete, everyday, all day long. To pass time, I would start composing these poems, in my head. And at night I'd go home, I'd write them down." Scott began to say
"You don't even like to read poetry." Lydia told him
She was a little confused. Scott shook his head.
"They weren't poems, they were song lyrics. And working on them made me feel like." Scott said, trailing off
"Like what Scott?" Lydia said
She was motioning for him to continue.
"It made me feel like I'd finally broken through to something real. About my life and what I should be trying to do with it. Music. Starting this year, tomorrow." Scott explained
Lydia smiled at Scott brightly.
"Amazing. Will you ask Ms. Morrell to tutor you?" Lydia asked
"I'm not sure, maybe." Scott replied
He was feeling a little uncomfortable at the mention of Ms. Morrell.
"What about football? Can you do both?" Lydia continued to ask
"I'll try out, at least." Scott responded
"Well, have you told your dad?" Lydia asked
"No. Until I've got things more figured out, you're the only person I'm telling, okay?" Scott said
Lydia nodded and smiled brightly again.
"Well I'd love to hear them sometime. Your songs." Lydia said
Scott smiled.
"Yeah?" Scott asked
Lydia smiled and nodded.
"Yes." Lydia said
"Yeah, I'm finishing a couple of demos tonight." Scott told her, happily
"Great also..." Lydia began
But Scott faded her out, because in that moment a very pretty, short dark hair, girl came walking in the diner and started to walk towards them since Pop's was close to their booth. Scott just stared at her beautiful face, Lydia seemed to notice and stopped talking.
"I called in an order, for Argent?" Allison called out to Pop Tate
"Two burgers? Yeah, almost ready, but you gotta wait." Pop Tate said
Allison noticed Scott and Lydia and she turned to them.
"Hi." Allison greeted
"Hey." Scott answered
He was almost stumbling on his words. Lydia just shrunk a little.
"How are the onion rings here?" Allison asked
"So good." Scott answered, quickly
"Can we get some onion rings too, please?" Allison called out to Pop Tate
He called back out a yeah and Allison turned back to the couple smiling.
"My mom, and I just moved here so..." Allison began
"From where?" Scott asked
"New York." Allison answered
"Wow." Scott replied in awe
Lydia looked at him like if he was okay.
"Do you guys go to Beacon Hills High?" Allison asked
"We do." Scott answered
"We do, both of us together." Lydia also answered
Scott and Lydia looked at each other, and then looked back at the dark hair girl.
"Yeah, we're sophomores." Scott answered for both of them
Lydia smiled up at her.
"Me too. I'm filled with dread." Allison said
"Why is that." Scott asked
"Are you familiar with the works of Truman Capote?" Allison asked
They both looked confused but Allison continued.
"I'm Breakfast at Tiffany's, but this place is strictly In Cold Blood." Allison said, joking
Scott laughed at Allison's joke and she laughed too. Lydia just looked at him weirdly.
"Allison Argent." Allison introduced herself
"Scott McCall." Scott introduced back
Lydia looked at him pointedly.
"And uh this is Lydia Martin." Scott introduced
Allison looked her and recognized her name.
"Wait, are you?" Allison asked
"Supposed to give you a tour tomorrow? Yes." Lydia replied
She was smiling brightly at Allison.
"I'm you peer mentor." Lydia said
Allison beamed at her.
"Do you want you to join us? Maybe we can un-fill you with dread." Scott offered
Allison smiled gratefully but shook her head no.
"My mom is waiting for me. But to be continued." Allison told them
She grabbed the food from Pop Tate. Allison smiled at them once more and left. Scott just sighed out happily and looked at Lydia.
"What were you saying?" Scott asked
Lydia smiled at him
"Nothing." Lydia said
Scott was putting on his shirt as he quickly made his way downstairs.
"Hey dad. First day of school and I'm already late." Scott said
He entered the kitchen.
"Hey Vegas." Scott greeted
He petted the dog.
"Hey you uh stopping by the site later?" Rafael McCall asked his son
"Dad, it's my first day." Scott told him
"Oh we got to get you going in the office, so next summer you're not on the crew." Rafael told him
Scott just nodded.
"Well, I can't. I've got football tryouts. Or is that not okay?" Scott asked
Rafael shook his head.
"No, it's uh okay. Good luck." Rafael said
Scott smiled and grabbed his backpack and made his way out the door.
Natalie Martin was currently sitting on Lydia's bed, watching as she gather her things.
"Lydia. This coming year is critical, for colleges. Grades are important, extracurricular, athletics. Maintaining a decent character is hugely important, they do look at that." Natalie said
"Mom, I'm a sophomore." Lydia told her
"You've accomplished so much, I don't want anything jeopardizing that. I mean just think of your poor sister. She was a shining star before she let that Reyes boy ruin her." Natalie said
"Mom, I'm not Malia." Lydia told her mom
She was a little annoyed that once again her mom was comparing her to her older sister.
"You missed curfew last night." Natalie told her
"By seven minutes. I was with Scott, who has brown hair, yes. But its nothing like Jackson Reyes." Lydia said
"Oh but sweetie, all boys are like Jackson Reyes." Natalie said
Lydia sighed and finished packing her backpack.
"I love you so much Lydia Camille." Natalie told her daughter
She stood up walking up to Lydia.
"I just need you to be smart okay. And stay focused." Natalie said
Natalie placed Lydia's pills on her hand and she started to walk out the door.
"I refilled your Adderall." Natalie said
She paused by the door.
"Seems you forgot to pick up your prescription." Natalie said
Lydia sighed and grabbed her things, and then looked at her medication.
Scott was grabbing his books from his locker when Isaac Lahey walked up to him
"Bro, you are ready for football. I'm not kidding you dude. You got ripped. Dude you're a beast, look at this arm. It's diesel." Isaac said
Scott closed his locker and smirked, as he started to walk away with Isaac following him.
"How much you benching, like 220? 225? You got to give me some tips man. Romanian dead lifts, right? Taking some T? Ginseng? Maca root? Tribulus terrstris?" Isaac joked
"It's from working construction, Isaac." Scott told him, chuckling a little
"Oh yeah, yeah, that's right. Yo Ethan! Look who grew up over the summer." Isaac said
"Hey!" Ethan Steiner said
He caught up with them, greeting Isaac and Scott.
"Yo be honest with me, you work on any houses? Any private homes?" Isaac asked Scott
"Yeah, a couple." Scott replied, smiling
"Did you tap some cougar ass this summer?" Isaac asked, smirking
"You know what, I think that's more a fantasy for your wank-bank Isaac." Scott told him, smirking
He left the two teens.
"I'll see you guys soon." Scott said
"Peace out brother." Isaac said
Isaac just laughed and smirked as he turned to Ethan.
"Totally did it bro. He totally did it." Isaac said
Ethan just laughed and they both left to their classes.
Lydia and Allison were heading out from the office.
"So I usually start off my my tours with a little history and context." Lydia began
They both walked down the hall.
"Beacon Hills High School, first opened its door in 1941 and..." Lydia started
"And hasn't been redecorated since. Apparently." Allison said
She looked around the school.
"Honestly, I feel like I'm wandering through the lost epilogue of Our Town." Allison said
"Uh huh." Lydia replied
They both giggled.
"So what are the social scene like here? Any night clubs?" Allison asked
Danny caught up and answered.
"A strip club called the Ho Zone, and tragic gay bar called Innuendo. Friday nights, football games and then tailgate parties at the Mallmat parking lot. Saturday nights is movie night, regardless of what's playing at the Bijou, and you better get there early, because we don't have reserved seating in Beacon Hills. And Sunday nights... Thank God for HBO." Danny said
"Allison Argent, Danny Mahealani. Allison's new here, Danny is..." Lydia started
"Gay. Thank God. Let's be best friends." Allison finished off
She shook hands with Danny, who smiled.
"Is is true about your dad?" Danny asked, in all seriousness
"That's he's the devil incarnate?" Allison asked
Allison began to get defensive.
"I stand by my father. Does everyone here know?" Allison asked
Danny and Lydia looked at each other and then looked at Allison in pity. Allison began to get mad.
"Wonderful. Ten minutes in and I'm already the Blue Jasmine of Beacon Hills High." Allison snapped
She walked away.
"What?" Danny asked
He was a little confused at her remarks.
Scott walked into an auditorium where he heard three girls practicing singing. Braeden and the Pussycats. Braeden was the first one to notice him and she stopped then Kira and Gwen.
"Excuse me, this is a closed rehearsal." Braeden told Scott
"I'm sorry... I... Braeden right? I was hoping, I could talk to you about some songs I wrote?" Scott began to say
Braden stood up and walked towards him cutting him off.
"Let me stop you right there. You're staring at our pussycat ears, which is rude. But let me break it and then down for you. The Pussycats are building a brand, creating a signature look, okay? We're telling a story. Last year we won Beacon County's Battle of the Bands." Braeden said
"That we did." Gwen responded
Braeden smiled and pointed her finger back to Gwen.
"This year, we'd like to build on that success, continue telling out story with songs we write." Braeden said
"I get that. It's just..." Scott began
"Read my glossed lips, Justin Brown-ieber. Not. Gonna. Happen." Braeden said
She waved goodbye to him. Scott sighed and nodded before leaving.
"Oh, and of course there's the Back to School semi-formal dance this weekend." Danny said
He, Lydia, and Allison walked through the halls. Allison spotted Scott and grabbed Lydia.
"Oh, there's the hottie we were with last night. The brown-haired Ansel Elgort. Is he your boyfriend?" Allison asked
"No, he's straight." Danny answered
"No, we're just friends." Lydia said at the same time
Danny and Lydia looked at each other and smiled.
"In that case, mind putting in a word. I've tried every flavor of boy but brown." Allison said
"Actually to clarify. Lydia and Scott aren't dating but they are endgame." Danny informed Allison
Allison smiled at Lydia.
"You should ask him to the semiformal then." Allison told Lydia
"She should, but I heard it might be cancelled. Because of what happened to Jackson. They are going to tell us at the assembly." Danny informed them
Allison looked at both of them confused.
"Who's Jackson and what happened to him?" Allison asked them
Lydia and Danny looked at each other in seriousness and then looked at Allison.
"Thank you for that moment of silence. Many of you were lucky enough to have known my brother personally. Each and everyone of you meant the world to Jack." Erica Reyes said
Allison looked at Lydia and looked back to Erica. While Stiles Stilinski looked up from his computer and glared at no one then went back typing to his computer.
"I loved my brother. He was and always will be my soulmate. So I speak with the confidence only a twin could have." Erica said
Scott caught the eyes of the music teacher, Marin Morrell, and they stared at each other immensely.
"Jack wouldn't want us to spend the year mourning. Jack would want us to move with our lives. Which is why I asked the school board not to cancel the back to school semiformal." Erica said
Everyone began to cheer and Erica continued.
"But rather to let us use it as a way to heal, collectively, and celebrate my brother's too, too short life on this mortal coil. Thank you all." Erica finished
Everyone cheered, but Scott ignored them all and continued to focus on Ms. Morrell as he remembered what they did during the summer.
"Ms. Morrell. Hey." Scott said
She stopped her car right next to him.
"Scott. What are you doing walking in this heat?" Marin asked
"Uhm. Building character." Scott responded
He laughed and Marin laughed too.
"Do you want a ride?" Marin asked
Later on the night they were making out and doing it.
Ms. Morrell was the first one to look away, and when it was time to leave she hurried out the door. Scott ran to catch up to Ms. Morrell and he called out for her.
"Ms. Morrell! Ms Morrell! Marin." Scott called out
That finally got Ms. Morrell's attention.
"What can I do for you Mr. McCall?" Ms. Morrell asked
"Can we talk Ms. Morrell. Please?" Scott asked
"It depends. About what?" Ms. Morrell asked
"You're the music teacher. Can we talk about music?" Scott asked
"Of course, make an appointment. During my office hours, my official office hours." Ms. Morrell told him
She walked away. Scott sighed and watched her as she left.
Rafael walked into his office and noticed Victoria.
"Victoria Argent." Rafael said
He chuckled and he walked towards his desk, putting his construction work hat down, and sat on his chair.
"Well my day just got a lot more interesting." Rafael said
"Hello Rafael. How are you?" Victoria asked
"Surprised. Can I can get you anything? Would you like water?" Rafael began
"A job. I saw on your website that you are looking for a seasonal hire, someone to help with the books?" Victoria asked
"Yeah, my guy's on paternity leave." Rafael responded
"You know I think my daughter's going to school with your son, isn't that funny? We'll have to tell them that we knew each other that we even dated for a little. Well, at least until I..." Victoria began
"Chose the rich kid. And now a reversal of fortune." Rafael said
"How's Melissa doing?" Victoria asked
She was ignoring what he had said.
"Still in Chicago. We split up. We're civil. How about you? How are you holding up? Really?" Rafael asked
Victoria chuckled and looked at Rafael.
"I have a little money saved. I was praying that someone in Beacon Hills, maybe an old friend, would be willing to give me the benefit of the doubt." Victoria said
Rafael sighed and looked at her again.
"If it were up to me." Rafael began
"Isn't it up to you? It's your company." Victoria said
Rafael sighed and shook his head.
"Well I have clients. I can't very well have Victoria Argent, the wife of Chris Argent, on trial for fraud and embezzlement, balancing my books. Can I?" Rafael asked
"No, I suppose you can't." Victoria said
She nodded, stood up, and left.
Allison made her way out to the courtyard and by the stairs she looked around at the cliques that were formed. She caught Erica's table, Isaac's table, and then she spotted everyone looking at her. Allison sighed and walked towards the table where Danny, Lydia, and Scott were sitting at. The trio sat that there listening to one of Scott's songs. Danny just looked interested and Lydia looked awed.
"Can I join?" Allison asked
"Yeah." Scott answered
Allison smiled and set her tray down and sat next to Danny.
"What are we doing?" Allison asked
"Listening to one of Scott's songs." Lydia answered
"I thought we were going to have to pretend to like it, but it's actually really good." Danny admitted
Scott looked at Danny and nodded.
"Wait that was you singing? Something you wrote?" Allison asked
"It's rough." Scott admitted
"No, it's great." Lydia said
"It's incredible, actually, the snippet I heard. Is that your thing? Music? Are you going to do something with that?" Allison asked
Danny and Lydia just gave each other a look and then went back to their food.
"Yeah, that's the plan. "So how's your first day of school is going? Good?" Scott asked
Allison sighed and turned to them all.
"Not to be a complete narcissist, but I thought people would be more..." Allison started
"Obsessed with you? Any other year you'd be trending number one, for sure. This year though, it's all about Erica trying to win the Best Supporting Psycho Oscar role for her role as Beacon Hills' Highest, Bereaved Blonde Widow." Danny said
Scott looked up and noticed Erica walking towards them. He got his stuff together and stood up.
"Hey I should go. I got that meeting with Morrell and then football tryouts so..." Scott said
He started to walk away.
"You play football too? What don't you do." Allison asked
Scott walked away and the three of them faced each other.
"Before you ask, Blue Jasmine, no, she has not invited him to the dance yet." Danny said
"Not yet and don't talk about Scott." Lydia said, quickly
"Allison Argent. I heard whisperings." Erica said
Erica came up to their table. Lydia and Danny shared a looked and then looked at Erica.
"I'm Erica Reyes. May I sit." Erica said
She turned to Lydia.
"Lydia, would you mind." Erica said
Lydia scooted over and ignored Erica. Erica smiled at Allison and continued.
"So what are you three hens talking about? Scott's Efron-esque emergence from the chrysalis of puberty?" Erica asked
Allison looked at Lydia and she shook her head no. Allison looked at Erica and smiled.
"Extracurriculars, Yukimura wants me to sign up for a few." Allison said
"Cheerleading. You must. I'm the senior captain of the Cyclones." Erica said
"Is cheerleading still a thing?" Danny retorted
"Is being the gay best friend still a thing?' Erica snapped back
She turned to Allison and smiled brightly.
"Some people say it's retro. I say it's eternal and iconic." Erica said
"At Spence, I sat at the top of the Elites' pyramid. I'm in. Lyds you're trying out too." Allison said
Erica stared at Lydia's plate and gave a disgusted look.
"Of course. Anyone's welcome to try out. But Lydia's already got so much on her plate right now. And being a Cyclone is kind of a full time thing." Erica said
Erica looked back up and smiled.
"But open to all." Erica said
She stood and faced Allison.
"Follow me on Twitter and I'll do the same. My handle is EricaBombshell." Erica said
She walked off. The trio sat there as they watched Erica walk away, Allison rolled her eyes and face Lydia.
"Okay. Go ahead, and hate on cheerleading but if Hipster Prince Harry..." Allison started
Lydia cut her off, smiling.
"I'd love to be a cheerleader. It would look great on my college applications. But last year, when I tried out, Erica said I was too fat." Lydia explained
"Too season 5 Lydia Draper." Danny told Allison
But he looked up at her and bashfully smiled.
"It was a great line but not at all true." Danny said
Lydia smiled.
"Well, you're a total smoke show now. I mean it. As hot and as smart as you are, you should be the Queen Bey for this drab hive." Allison
Lydia smiled at Allison.
"Look if you want to be a Cyclone, I'll help you prep. I have moves." Allison said
"Okay, you know what? Show me your moves." Lydia said
Allison smiled and Lydia smiled at Danny.
Scott was currently looking Ms. Morrell as she hearing his song. Ms. Morrell took off his headphones and handed his phone back to him.
"They're, very real. Very personal." Ms. Morrell said
"I took your advice and wrote them down. Polished them. But I was wondering maybe you can help me." Scott asked
"With what Scott?" Ms. Morrell asked, nervously
"You went to Julliard, Ms. Morrell. There is no one else in Beacon Hills I can take lessons from, believe me I've looked." Scott said
"Well I don't think this is a good idea. I don't think we should be alone together." Ms. Morrell said
Scott just sat there staring at her in disbelief.
"If this is you trying to restart something that never should've started in the first place." Ms. Morrell said
"No, it's not. It's about the music. But it's also." Scott said
Scott sighed.
"Come on, I need to be able to talk about what happened with someone. We heard what we heard and we didn't do anything. We didn't say anything." Scott said
He was remembering the gunshot they heard at Applegate River.
"We heard fireworks." Ms. Morrell said
"Who's lighting up fireworks at 6:00 in the morning?" Scott asked
"How would we explain why we were together at Applegate River at 6:00 a.m. on the Fourth of July. And you're right. We didn't say anything. We're both going to have to live with that choice. Do you understand? I think you should pursue your music, but not with me." Ms. Morrell said
She then left the room. Scott watched her walk away and sighed.
"We're Red! And White! We're dynamite! We'll take you down and fight the fight!" Allison and Lydia cheered
"Whoo, go Cyclones!" Allison cheered
Erica sat on her chair with two other cheerleaders.
"Hmm. Ladies, where the heat? Where's the sizzle?" Erica asked
"Well you haven't seen our big finish yet." Allison told her
She turned to Lydia and whispered to her.
"Don't freak out. Just trust me." Allison whispered
Lydia looked confused and Allison leaned in to kiss her. They both kissed, while Erica rolled her eyes and handed her clip chart to one of the other cheerleaders.
"Check your sell by date ladies. Faux lesbian kissing hasn't been taboo since 1994. So let's see if you do better with the interview portion of our audition." Erica said
Erica turned to Lydia and started to ask her questions.
"Lydia, how's your sister doing?" Erica asked
"Malia's fine. Thanks for asking." Lydia answered
She was looking rather uncomfortable.
Erica turned to Allison and started again.
"Allison, has Lydia told you about her sister yet?" Erica asked
Allison faced Lydia and turned back to Erica.
"Uhm no." Allison said
"Go ahead Lydia. Tell Allison about your sister and my dear brother." Erica demanded
"Malia and Jackson dated." Lydia began
"I wouldn't call it dating." Erica scoffed
"It didn't end well." Lydia said again
"In fact, Jack's probably the reason why your sister had a nervous breakdown and now lives in a group home, isn't it?" Erica sneered
"That's what my parents think." Lydia interjected
"What do you have to say about that Lydia? Go ahead the floor is yours. Whatever you've been dying to spew about Jack and how he treated Malia unleash it." Erica sneered
Lydia began to clench her hands, digging very deep. Allison took a noticed and paid attention to her hands, while Erica continued.
"Destroy me. Tear me a new one. Rip me to shreds. Annihilate me." Erica said
"I just." Lydia began
She un-clenched her hands and Allison noticed they were bloody. She frowned at that.
"Finally." Erica said
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry about what happened to Jackson. I can't even imagine what you and your family are going through." Lydia said
"Right." Erica said
She looked up and smiled.
"Allison, welcome to the Cyclones. Lydia better luck next time." Erica spat
"Wait, what? Why? Because you couldn't bully Lydia into being a bitch?" Allison asked
"I need girls with fire on my squad." Erica told her
"I know what you need, Erica, because I know who you are." Allison began to say
She was bringing out her ice queen bitch attitude.
"You would rather people fear than like you. So you traffic in terror and intimidation. You're rich, so you never been held accountable, but I'm living proof! That certainty, that entitlement you wear on your head like a crown? It won't last." Allison said
She was pointing out facts, as she stalked towards Erica.
"Eventually, there will be reckoning, or maybe that reckoning. Is me." Allison said
"Lydia and I come as a matching set. You want one you take us both!" Allison spat
Lydia looked down biting her lip and gave an amused and looked back up. Allison was now in front of Erica, glaring at her.
"You wanted fire? Sorry EricaBombshell. My specialty is ice." Allison sneered
Erica looked at her, with glassy eyes, and stayed quiet. Allison just glared down at her, daring her to refuse her and Lydia.
The whistle rang loudly, as Scott ran up to the sidelines to get some water, he watched as he heard Coach Finstock yelling out the plays to his football players. He was resting for a bit when he got called.
"McCall!" Bobby Finstock called
"What's up Coach?" Scott said
He jogged up to his coach.
"Here." Coach Finstock said
He threw him a football jersey. Scott looked at the jersey number and looked shocked.
"This is Jackson's number." Scott said
"It's yours now." Coach said
He looked at his team.
"Usually sophomores they only play JV. This year we've got an open spot in varsity. From what you've been showing us, well I want you to fill it." Coach said
"Varsity's got longer practices, More away games." Scott began
"Yeah, bigger commitment, yeah." Coach said
"Well I need to think about it Coach. I..." Scott began to say
"Oh? What you got something better to do?" Coach Finstock asked
Scott sighed.
"My dad's company. It's our family business, and he's sort of counting on me to help after school, on weekends." Scott explained
"Hold up. Lahey hold the ball! You know what, why don't you sleep on it. Let's go. Bring it in guys. Come on." Coach said
Scott sighed and followed.
Allison was helping Lydia zip up her uniform. Lydia turned around and they both giggled. The white long sleeve undershirt. With the red and white cheerleading shirt and skirt.
"Perfect. Very Lydia Draper, season 1." Allison told her
She was smiling at her. She turned around and checked her outfit before Lydia tried to get her attention.
"Allison. Why did.. why did you defend me? I know the crowd you ran with in New York. Why are you being so. Nice?" Lydia asked
Allison and Lydia were walking outside where football practice was going when she finally talked. Rachel sighed.
"When my father got arrested, it was the worst thing ever, all these troll started writing horrible things about us. We'd get letters and e-mails, saying that my dad was a thief , my mom was a clueless socialite, and that I was the spoiled rich bitch princess." Allison said
Allison turned to Lydia and sighed.
"And what hurt the most about it was, the things the trolls were writing were true." Allison said
"I was like Erica, I was worse than Erica. So when my mom said were moving to Beacon Hills, I made a pact with myself to use this as an opportunity to become maybe, hopefully, a better version of my self." Allison finished
"That's a lot of pressure." Lydia said
Allison stared at her and Lydia sighed.
"When Malia and Jackson got together, it mean everything to her and nothing to him and, things got super intense and toxic and my mom turned on Malia. Said that Malia wasn't her daughter anymore, said all these awful things to her. Jackson hurt Malia but it's my mom who broke her." Lydia said
Allison spotted Scott and decided to make change the topic.
"Scott." Allison called
Lydia stood there trying to formulate words.
"What are you doing?" Lydia whispered
"Slaying your dragons Lydia Martin. One by one." Allison told her
Scott jogged up to them.
"Hey there Cyclone." Allison said
"Hey, nice outfits." Scott said
He was complimenting the cheerleading outfits. Allison smiled widely.
"Lydia here has something she wants to ask you about the back to school dance." Allison said
She turned to Lydia.
"Go on Lydia ask." Allison said
"I was wondering if you wanted to come with." Lydia said
She turned back to Scott.
"Both of us." Lydia said
"Huh?" Allison asked
"What?" Scott said
"It's your first dance at Beacon Hills. You should have someone to go with even if it's just a friend." Lydia said
"I mean, I'd love to." Allison said
"I'm not really in the head space for a dance." Scott told Lydia
"Oh. That's okay." Lydia told him softly, a little disappointed
"Totally unacceptable Scottiekins, We need an escort." Allison began to say
They both turned to face her.
"Take a break from being a musical genius and come spend a blissful evening with not one, but two newly-minted Beacon Hills cheerleaders. We'll text to you time and place." Allison said
Scott just smiled and laughed a little.
"Okay, yeah. Okay." Scott said
Lydia and Allison said bye to Scott and took off. The girls watched him go, and then turned to each other and giggled and left to their own homes.
Lydia had her music in her room and she was dancing around, going from mirror to mirror. Natalie appeared by her daughter's room and turned off her music.
"What is that?" Natalie asked
"I made the cheerleading squad." Lydia told her
Natalie gave a disapproved look.
"Erica Reyes' cheerleading squad? After what Jackson did to Malia? No. I'm sorry. I won't allow it. Take that off right now." Natalie said
"No." Lydia said
"What did you say to me?" Natalie asked
"I do everything for everyone. Everything! To be perfect. The perfect daughter, the perfect sister, the perfect student. Can't I do this one thing just for me?" Lydia said
She walked around her mother.
"Wait. Where are you going?" Natalie asked
"To buy a dress. Because guess what? I'm also going to the dance with Scott. And Allison." Lydia stated
"Wait. Victoria Argent's daughter?" Natalie asked
"She's actually really nice. And trying to be a good person." Lydia said
"You think so? You think she's going to be your friend? Let me tell you about something. Girls like Erica Reyes and Allison Argent, they don't like girls like us." Natalie said
"I don't want to hear it mom. It's happening. I'm going" Lydia said
She grabbed her purse and took off, almost storming off.
Victoria had walked in to her apartment looking devastated with Deaton helping her out.
"Thank you Deaton. As always, you're a godsend." Victoria told him
"Happy to help, Mrs. Argent." Deaton said
"Unlike the rest of Beacon Hills." Victoria said under her breath
"Hmm, what was that Mrs?" Deaton asked
Victoria waved him off and smiled at him. Deaton nodded and began to leave.
"Oh. A spot of good news. The car service found and dropped off your missing bag." Deaton said
He left the room.
"Missing bag?" Victoria asked herself, confused
She walked up to the bag and opened it and saw the big amounts of cash.
"Oh Chris. What have you done." Victoria whispered
Scott was sitting out on his porch, strumming his guitar, thinking of what more songs he can write. Rafael walked out to the porch and Scott turned to him and put his guitar down.
"I, uh. I got a call from your coach today. He's under the impression that you can't play varsity football, because I'm making you work for me. Which is odd, because you made it seem like you couldn't work for me because you were playing football." Rafael said
Scott looked down and his dad continued talking.
"So my first question. Who are you lying to? Me or your coach?" Rafael asked
"Neither." Scott responded
Rafael looked at him and he sighed.
"Both. Dad. I want to study music, I want to write music." Scott said
"Football takes you to college. College take you to business school. Business school." Rafael began
"Takes me back here. To work for you in Beacon Hills." Scott finished
"Not for me. With me. And eventually for yourself son. The company will be yours." Rafael said
"No disrespect dad. But I don't want it." Scott admitted
"Three months ago, you did. What happened?" Rafael asked
"I've changed. Everything changed. This summer." Scott began to admit
"This summer what?" Rafael asked
Scott sighed and Rafael shook his head.
"That's it? We don't talk anymore?" Rafael asked
"Dad." Scott began
"I would never force you to play football. I don't care if you play football. And you don't have to work with me or for me, ever again. But advice man to man? These decisions that you're making now, son, they have consequences. They go on to form who you are. And who'll you become. Whatever you decide, be confident enough in it that you don't have to lie about it." Rafael said
Scott dropped his head as he heard his dad go back inside. He sighed and looked up at nothing.
Allison, Scott, and Lydia walked up the gym of the school looking around at the decoration. Allison let go of Scott's arm and took a step ahead and turned to them.
"Well it's not the Met Ball." Allison said
"Hey, when do you have to let Coach Finstock know about football?" Lydia asked
"This weekend." Scott answered
"Guys, can't we just liberate ourselves from the tired dichotomy of jock/artist? Can't we in this, post James Franco world, be all things at once?" Allison asked
Scott and Lydia looked at each other and back at her.
"I've been working on it Allison." Scott told her
Allison smiled.
"Work faster. I'm getting punch." Allison said
She leaned a little closer to Lydia.
"You got this." Allison whispered
They watched at Allison took off. Lydia turned to Scott and stood in front of him.
"It's about following your heart. right? What does your heart say? Music or football?" Lydia asked
Scott looked at her and then up and caught Ms. Morrell's gaze.
"Lyd, will you give me a minute? And I promise when I get back, I'll be much better date, okay? I got a plan." Scott said
He took off before Lydia can react, Danny came up to her.
"Lyd, you will not believe who just propositioned me in the bathroom. Give you a hint. His name may be Ethan, but I'd describe a certain appendage of his as horse like." Danny told her
Lydia looked at him like if he was mental, while Danny looked amused.
Scott walked up next to the snack table and turned to Ms. Morrell.
"Don't panic, I'm not stalking you." Scott said
"Scott, didn't we have a deal?" Ms. Morrell asked
Scott let out a small snort and went to sit next to her.
"No, Marin. We have a secret. Multiple secrets, actually. And maybe we could've done something to help Jackson that morning, or maybe we couldn't have. And I won't tell anyone anything, but you need to help me. This summer, the only thing that kept me sane was writing these songs. So here's my not so indecent proposal. I want to do an independent study with you, as you can spare, and I swear that's all it'll be. And I won't tell anyone about July Fourth ever. Deal?" Scott said
"Monday, Wednesdays, Friday, 7:30 a.m before first period. I'll set it up and see about getting you credit." Ms Morrell said
She left Scott. Scott smiled and walked his way back to where he left Lydia. He made his way back when Erica came up, and Braeden and the Pussycats were setting up their set.
"Good evening friends. As honorary chairperson and de facto queen of tonight's semiformal. It is my great pleasure, to introduce this evening's entertainment. To know them is to be obsessed with them. Though they usually perform their own material, they're making an exception and debuting a cover of the song my parents claim they were listening to the night Jack and I were conceived. This one's for you Jacky." Erica finished off
Danny was being dragged off by Allison, and waved at Ethan who was spiking the punch with Isaac. Scott caught up with Lydia and smiled.
"Sorry about that." Scott said
"I give you Braeden and the Pussycats." Erica introduced
Everyone cheered and began to pair off to dance.
"Wanna dance?" Scott asked
Lydia smiled and nodded. Scott wrapped his arms around her waist and she wrapped hers around his neck
"Yeah. Did that go okay?" Lydia asked
"Yeah, yes. I'll study music with Ms. Morrell before school, football practice after school, and work with my dad on the weekends." Scott said
Lydia smiled.
"It's going to be nuts." Scott said
"So long as you don't give up your passion."
Lydia laughed. Scott smiled and they continued to dance. Lydia turned her head and saw Danny and Allison dancing, motioning her to ask him out. She smiled and turned back to Scott.
"Uhm, now that I am a cheerleader, and you're going be on the varsity football, I have this fantasy of us being a power couple. Or maybe even just a couple." Lydia said
Scott stopped dancing and stared at her.
"Lyd." Scott said
"Is that so impossible to imagine?" Lydia asked
She let him go. Scott just stared at her in disbelief and looked back up to Ms. Morrell. She just looked away from him. They separated and joined in applauding the band. Erica noticed the couple and started to smirk.
"Make sure those two turtledoves come to my after party. Rachel too. I'm in the mood chaos." Erica said
Allison and Lydia were sitting in the couch at Erica's place. Isaac was there shouting things a little drunk already. Scott was standing up, and just staring at everyone. Erica came in, with a bottle in her hand.
"It's game time at Chez Reyes, kiddies. We're going old school tonight. Seven Minutes in Heaven. Who wants to tryst in the Closet of Love first? My vote is 'S' for 'Scott' Anyone care to second it?" Erica asked
"Wait actually." Scott began
"Yes, McCall! Yes!" Isaac yelled out
He laughed and turned back to face Allison and winked at her. Allison just rolled her eyes.
"All right. Gather round kids. Let's see who's riding the brown-haired stallion tonight." Erica said, smirking
She spun the bottle and it landed on Allison. Allison looked up at Scott and at Lydia then frowned.
"Oh! No way." Isaac said
Isaac laughed out a little drunk.
"It's clearly pointing to, the new girl. This should be fun." Erica said
She was smirking at Allison. Allison glared at her.
"I'm not doing this." Allison said
"That's up to you. But if you don't, house rules decree the hostess gets to take your turn." Erica said
Allison looked at Lydia with so much regret. Lydia just looked at Scott and looked back down.
Allison and Scott were in the closet and they both sighed.
"I know her brother died and everything but. Erica Reyes truly is the antichrist." Allison said
They both laughed.
"So uh, do you miss New York?" Scott asked
"It's been less than a week. But yes." Allison said
"Six minutes, twenty seconds. Okay, Your turn. Ask me a deep, probing question to kill time." Scott said
Allison laughed and nodded.
"It looked like you and Lydia were having fun at the dance." Allison began
"Definitely. We've been best friends forever. My turn." Scott said
"I didn't ask my question yet. Is that all it is? Just friends?" Allison asked
"We're not just friends, we're best friends." Scott corrected
Allison just chuckled and nodded.
"My turn. Did you have a boyfriend in New York?" Scott asked
"No. My turn. Could it ever possibly become something more?" Allison asked
Scott looked at her confused.
"Are you asking for Lydia or yourself?" Scott asked
"For Lydia, and you didn't my question." Allison answered
"I have never felt, whatever it is I'm supposed to feel with Lyd." Scott admitted
"Have you felt it, though? With anyone?" Allison asked
Allison began to whisper and took a little step closer.
"Yeah. This summer. Have you?" Scott asked
"Maybe once." Allison admitted
She smiled and pointed his chest.
"You are a little more dangerous than you look, aren't you? All boy next doorish." Allison said
"You have no idea." Scott told her
He was stepping closer to her. Allison looked up and looked at his lips and back into his eyes.
"Your turn. Ask me a question Scott. Ask me anything you want. We shouldn't do this." Allison said
"We definitely shouldn't be do this." Scott said
They both leaned closer and kissed for the next minutes. When they both got out the closet everyone was there except Lydia. Allison gasped and got mad at herself for doing a bitchy move. Isaac whistled at them both and smirked.
"Nailed it." Isaac said
"Where's Lydia?" Allison asked
"She spiraled and fled. Between us, she's a lot more high strung that she looks." Erica said, smirking
Allison glared at her and took a step forward. Scott grabbed her by he wrist. Allison glared at her once again.
"You shady bitch." Allison sneered
She walked away, with Scott following behind her. Erica just gave a puppy look and then smirked turning back to her guests. Scott tried to catch up with Allison by the stairs. She called Lydia and when she didn't answer, she angrily hung up and put it in her bag
"Crap. Lydia's cell is off." Scott told her
"I'm getting an Über." Allison said
"Can I come with you? We should probably try to find her." Scott said
Allison stopped and turned to face him.
"Believe me. The last thing Lydia wants is us tracking her down together." Allison said
She groaned.
"We messed up." Allison
She took off and Scott just stared at her.
Allison walked into her home and walked up to where her mom was sitting at. Victoria looked up at her daughter.
"Hey, you're home early. How was the dance?" Victoria asked
Allison just smiled a little.
"It was fine. I mean it's not the Met Ball or anything." Allison admitted
She sat next to her mom and laid her head on her mother's lap.
"Tell me about it. You can cheer me up." Victoria said
"I'm super tired Mom." Allison told her, in a weak voice
Victoria noticed and frowned at her daughter.
"Is everything okay?" Victoria asked
Allison said nothing and stared blankly ahead.
"Allie, what is it?" Victoria asked
She just played with her hair and left it like that.
It was midnight, and my old friend Scott McCall, arrived at the one place in town that was still open.
He was looking for the girl next door.
Instead he found me
Scott walked in Pop's Diner and looked everywhere for Lydia and instead found Stiles Stilinski. Scott turned and walked up the counter to Pop.
"Hey Pop, Lydia hasn't come in tonight hasn't she?" Scott asked
Pop Tate shook his head no and nodded towards Stiles.
"Nope. Just the night hawks in tonight." Pop said
"Thanks." Scott said
He went to walk where Stiles was sitting at.
"Hey, can I sit, Stiles?" Scott asked
"If you want." Stiles replied
"What are you working on?" Scott asked
He sat down.
"My novel. It's about this summer, and Jackson Reyes." Stiles said
"Seventeen years old and how will he be remembered? A captain of the water polo team?" Scott asked
"The Aquaholics? Considering how he died. Probably not." Stiles replied
He was giving Scott his usual glare.
"No what I mean is." Scott began
He played with his hand and then looked up at Stiles.
"Was he supposed to do, everything he wanted, I mean did he even know what that was?" Scott asked
Stiles just stared at him and changed the subject.
"Coach Finstock was in here talking to Pop Tate. Varsity. Does that make you, what, Mr. Popular Football God now?" Stiles teased
Scott chuckled a little and then became seriousness.
"No, in fact, I'm kind of terrified. I lost my best friend tonight." Scott said
"If you mean Lydia, whatever happened, just talk to her." Stiles told him
He was looking out the window, glaring.
"You know it'd go a long way." Stiles said
He looked back at Scott.
"Would've gone a long way with me." Stiles said
Scott stared at him guiltily and nodded.
Scott arrived to Lydia's house and paused a little and stared at the house. Lydia opened her door and walked out. Scott took that as a sign and made his way towards her.
"I'm not going to ask what you did with Allison at Erica's." Lydia began
Scott paused.
"But what I'm asking you now, right now, if you love me, Scott. Or even like me?" Lydia asked
She has tears in her eyes.
"Of course I love you Lyd." Scott said
He took a step forward.
"But I can't give you the answer you want." Scott said
"Why?" Lydia asked
She was getting annoyed. Scott sighed.
"You are so perfect." Scott admitted
Lydia just huffed and a tear ran down her face.
"I've never been good enough for you. I'll never be good enough for you." Scott said
Lydia just stared at him and nodded. She turned around and walked back into her house.
And so, it wasn't one heart that broke that night.
It was two.
And the night was far from over.
Danny and Ethan arrived at the river's edge and got off the car. Danny was ahead of Ethan and was already unbuttoning his shirt.
"For the record I'm not gay." Ethan said
He was following Danny. Danny started to chuckle.
"Obviously not Ethan, you're on the football team. But if you were gay, what would you like to do?" Danny asked
"Everything but kiss." Ethan answered
Danny laughed and nodded.
"I love a good closet case." Danny said
Danny finally unbuttoned his shirt and took it off and tried to untuck his undershirt. He turned to Ethan and continued on.
"So, let's start with skinny-dipping and then see what happens?" Danny offeered
Danny took a step back and tripped and fell. Ethan laughed a little.
"Dude are you okay?" Ethan asked
Danny swallowed deeply and stared at the dead body in front of him. Ethan's smile fell at what Danny was staring at.
"Oh my God it's Jackson. He was shot." Danny said
The two teens just stared at the moldy, zombie-like body of Jackson Reyes and noticed the bullet hole on his head.
By next morning, everyone would be talking, texting and posting about it.
Scott and his dad stared at the body that was currently being taken away, he turned and saw Erica crying, and then noticed Lydia, with her mom and dad beside her. Scptt looked back and saw Allison with her mom and then he looked at Stiles who took off.
We'd be all feeling it.
That the world around us had changed. Maybe forever.
That Beacon Hills wasn't the same town as before.
That is was a town of shadows and secrets now.
On Monday, the autopsy on Jackson's body would take place.
And on Tuesday, halfway through fifth period, the first arrest would be made.