A/N: The title of the story is based on the song I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz. Please listen to it. I think it describes Stiles and the main character's relationship (when they start going out, that is). Thanks for picking my story and please enjoy.
Chapter 1:
Maneuvering through the crowded halls full of other teenagers dragging themselves to class, I made my way in the direction of the main office. The sounds of people's laughter and the shuffling of tired feet filled my overactive ears. I could feel myself shrinking in fear into the jacket I was wearing.
Just then, the loud ringing of the bell sounded all around me. A guy I passed groaned softly and I couldn't help but twitch my lips in a failed attempt to smile. It reminded me of my old school. No matter how weird of a comparison I knew it was, it made me a little comfortable for a second. And when I say a second, I mean it was there and then it left.
The halls started to clear just as I reached the doorway of the open office door. Slipping myself into the small room swiftly, I kept my head up. Usually I'd be looking down at my shoes since I'm what my mom calls 'shy'. But today I had to keep my head up and my bangs out of my eyes. I wanted to see everything so I could memorize the building. After all, I will be attending Beacon Hill High School for a while. Well, I'll be staying until my mom gets relocated.
"Can I help you?" The woman behind the counter asked politely with a smile planted on her face. She had short reddish hair and had these eyes that could ward off the devil himself. And I'm not going to lie, she kind of creeped me out. Just something about her put me on edge, like she was faking her smile or has a deep secret that she doesn't plan on surfacing.
I returned a weak smile and walked up to the counter. Pulling out a note from my jacket pocket, I said in a soft voice, "Yes, I'm new here and I need my schedule, please." I held the note out and she took it in her hand.
Skimming over it, she nodded before setting it aside and going through a stack of papers. Pulling out a small, thin folder she flipped right through it and picked up a small half sheet of paper. Then she looked up, smiled and said, "Have a nice day, Maya."
Gently taking the sheet of paper out her hand, I gave the small weak smile from before, nodding at her in my strange way of saying 'you too'. With that said and done, I turned on my heel and headed out of the door. But before I went any place else, I studied my schedule. When I finished studying it, I went off to my first period.
Walking through the door, I went up to the teacher's desk. He looked like he was in his early to mid-20s with dark hair and glasses. Instinctively, I looked down at his name plate that lay on his desk; Mr. Harris.
My shadow loomed over him even though I wasn't that tall. But then again, I'm not short either. He looked up and met my gaze. I kept on studying his face like I do with all of my teachers but I saw nothing. No anger, no sadness, not even a pinch of happiness. Wow, this is going to be a harsh class, I can tell.
"Yes?" He asked in a kind of monotone voice. Sucking in a sharp and silent breath, I gave a small, weak excuse of a smile. "Hi, um… Mr. Harris? My name's Maya Wilmington, I'm ne"- he cut me off with a crude laugh and said, "Right, the new kid." Well, I stand by what I said before; this is going to be a harsh class…
With the high pitched squeal of the chair sliding back, my new chemistry teacher stood up from his desk and walked around to stand next to me. He turned to the class which was already chatting away, too engrossed in their own conversations to even care about the fact that their teacher was staring at them with a hint of a glare.
He cleared his voice loudly but only a few heads turned to him. So he said in a loud voice, "Class, I need your attention!" And like that, most of the classes' eyes focused on him. The other majority of eyes were either looking down in their laps, at their phones no doubt or up at the ceiling, not really caring about what he had to say or out the window, daydreaming about something.
Mr. Harris slapped one of his hands down on my shoulder farthest from him. At the touch of him, I cringed a little, but not a lot for anyone to notice. His touch just didn't feel right. "Alright now this", he gestured with his other hand to me before continuing, "Is Maya Wilmington, our newest student."
Everyone kept their attention on anything but me, which was a good thing in my mind. Then the teacher rushed back to his seat as he said to me without looking, "Pick any open seat." I nodded though he couldn't see and instantly shot towards the back.
After a few minutes, we were given an assignment and went to work on the worksheet. There were some hushed voices and I rolled my eyes, a glint of annoyance boiling a little inside of me. Doesn't anyone care that some people actually want to get their work done? I swear this happens everywhere. It happened at my old school in Virginia and it's happening here.
"Stilinski!" My head snapped up at the harsh, loud tone Mr. Harris took on. Just then, a guy with short brown hair that looked like a buzz cut straightened his posture as he said, "Huh?" The teacher just looked at him in his way of a glare and quizzed, "Would you like you stay after school for detention?" Quickly, the guy shook his head.
I tried to study the guy's face but it's a little hard when he's tables in front of you with his back facing you. After a while I just gave up. What was the point, right? If I was meant to study people's actions and the way their expressions appeared on their faces, I would be a therapist, not a high school student.
The teacher nodded and said, "Then shut up." With that, the guy in front of him looked back at him. And just like that, I studied his face; a habit I grew after 3rd grade. I noticed his jaw line was slightly uneven while his dark brown hair matched with his brown eyes.
"McCall!" The guy with brown eyes turned around to face the teacher. He did that little glare again and said, "Would you like detention?" Just as quickly as the other guy did, he shook his head and said, "No." Mr. Harris nodded once and said, "Alright then." And with that, class continued on like nothing happened.
Walking into the bathroom, I noticed that no one was in there, thank god. I swear I was hyperventilating. I went up to the full length mirror and studied myself. From my long, black, wavy hair that ended at around the middle of my ribcage to my rare forest green eyes.
Tugging at the bottom of my plain V-neck, I wished I was invisible. I hated going to a new school, even if I've done it millions of times before. They say I'd get used to it, but I haven't. I'm 16 for Pete's sake and I still get scared out of my mind at the thought of going to a new school.
I glared at my bangs and tilted my head a little, making them slide out of my range of vision. Then I took a deep breath and used all the confidence I could muster at the moment to push my feet to walk out of the bathroom.
Making my way to the cafeteria, I kept my head down low. As if on cue, a few whispers were shared around me. I force myself to slow down and strained to listen. "Great, just when I thought this school had enough losers", a girl's voice whispered. A guys voice snickered as he said, "I think she actually thinks she could fit in."
"Ha, never", that was it. My feet kicked up their speed but instead of going to the cafeteria, I sprinted outside and out across the front gates. No, I don't skip classes but no, I'm not a goody-goody-two-shoe either. I just like to distance myself.
After a walking around the side of the school, I found a nice quiet bench. I sat down and rummaged through my bag, searching for my iPod. Once I found it, I switched it on, put my ear-buds in, and flipped to a random song. Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day sang softly in my ears and I instantly felt my muscles relax. I can honestly say that music is always my stress reliever.
A few minutes passed accompanied by a few songs as well until I saw a sleek black Camaro ride into the parking lot which just happened to be in front of me, great-note my sarcasm. The Camaro pulled into a parking space and just as quickly as it came into the parking lot, a guy stepped out of it. He wore a leather jacket with jeans. Wow, isn't he classy…
He kept a scowl on his face and I just had to wonder, did he have any other expressions? As if feeling eyes on him, his green eyes instantly looked into mine. I guess he was trying to scare me or make me uncomfortable with his glare since he looked at me coldly but I wasn't scared. I was used to people looking at me like that.
Soon though, his head snapped to in front of him. I followed his gaze to see a girl with long, blonde, curly hair strutting his way. He acknowledged her by lifting his chin a little. The distance between them decreased and they began to jump into a conversation.
I turned away, not wanting to come off as the nosey type. But I probably already blew it because that guy just didn't rub me the right way. You know, now that I think of it my mom did say something about guys who have stubble on his face. She said that they always had something on their mind, no matter what they were doing. And to tell you the truth, I'd rather not try and figure out just what he was thinking about when he glared at me.
The song changed to play Bones by Young Guns and I tried to focus on the lyrics. But I kept on feeling something, like someone was staring me down. So I spun around looking in all directions but not wide enough to attract attention.
My eyes searched and searched until they landed on two things: the guy and girl from before. They were staring me down but I pretended I didn't see them and skipped over them. I saw a look of disgust fly across the girl's face as she said something, her upper lip curling.
I sighed before hurrying a little bit getting up and shoving my iPod into my bag after I had turned it off. Slugging the small bag over my shoulder, I risked a glance back at the girl and guy but they weren't there.
Just then, the roar of an engine sounded and I spun wildly, watching as the black Camaro sped out of the parking lot. A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I looked down and started towards the front door so I wouldn't be late for my next class.
But I hit into something, or should I say someone. I stumbled back and held my hands out towards the ground to catch my balance. Once I was sure I had my balance, I look up through my bangs to see the same girl from before standing there looking a little perky. She smiled at me so I gave her a side-smile in return.
"Sorry, I'll just be going", I mumbled out, trying to walk around her. But she side-stepped into my path and waved her hand at me. She looked like it wasn't a big deal and said, "It's fine, you have no reason to apologize." Her voice was so… what's the word… cocky? Yes, I believe that is the word. But then again, I'm in no position to judge. All I am is the new loser from New Brookes, Virginia.
Cocking her hip out, she smirked and said, "My name's Erica, by the way." I gave her a small smile. What? Ok, I don't like to show my full smile, I just don't. "I'm Maya", I said smoothly though I was worried I was going to be late getting back to my classes. I don't want to make a bad impression on my first day.
Erica smiled and said, "So what do you think of Derek?" My head tilted to the side and my eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She just rolled her eyes and said, "You know, Derek; the guy who I was just talking to. C'mon, I saw you looking at him." I nodded, finally understanding her.
She smiled, leaned in, and whispered, "Isn't he hot?" My eyes widened as I looked at her shocked. "Ok, I know I'm new to this town and everything but don't people wait to judge others when they actually know them", I quizzed, getting all defensive. She just shrugged before leaning in again and saying, "Well I think he is."
I had to resist the strong urge to roll my eyes. After all, she was being a little immature. Me, I would never admit I thought someone was hot to a complete stranger, nevertheless a stranger who dresses somewhat of a slut. But seriously, has she ever heard of covering her cleavage?
The bell's ringing sliced through the heavy tension I could feel building. My eyes widened as I mutter, "Shit." Then I turned a little and started to walk off but stopped when a hand clamped down hard on my upper arm. I head snapped behind me to see Erica's smiling face. "Um, not to seem rude but I've kind of got to get to class…" I trailed off, hoping she would let go.
But she didn't. She just said in a softly voice, "I heard what those dumbasses said about you in the hall." My eyes widened, waiting anxiously for what she would say next. Just then, a look of pain, anger, and pity crossed her face before they exchanged for a look of sympathy. "Don't listen to them", her voice came out even softer and it hit me. She must have gone through something similar. Is that why she dresses the way she does?
I smiled sweetly at her and said, "I'll try not to." And just like that, she smiled. Then she gestured towards the building and said, "Shall we?" I nodded and we began to walk towards the school.
After a couple moments of silence, she draped an arm around my shoulders, pulled me a little closer to her, and whispered, "Us girls need to stick together, don't you think?" I shrugged and said, "Eh, it would be relatively easier if we did but let's face the facts: not a lot of girls will even stand by you. If you want to 'stick together', then you first have to find some friends that actually will."
Erica looked at me with a look a shock but then smiled and said, "Maya?" "Yeah", I asked as I looked at her. She smiled a tad bit bigger and said, "Will you be one of my 'stick together' friends." A smile grew on my face as I nodded. She smirked and said, "Cool."
We walked into class together and the teacher eyed us. Erica just flashed a toothy smile and said, "This is Maya, she's new." Instantly, the teacher nodded and shot up from her seat. She walked in front of me smiling and held out her hand. I shook it expectedly and gave her a little bigger smile than I did the other teachers. What? I was in a better mood now that I actually have a friend. When I met the other teachers, I was just the new friendless loser.
Once our hands separated, she placed her hands on my shoulders and twisted me around to the class. Instantly, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. And luckily, I could play back into my memory to recall what that movement was. The boy from chemistry… Stilinski…? Yeah, something like that. Well he quickly moved his head from looking at something to straight into his book.
"Class", the teacher began in her generally kind-sounding voice. The class slowly raised their heads from what they were doing. I didn't expect anyone to look at me but I did feel a few eyes. I looked over and instantly my eyes got caught in the gaze of a pair of sweet hazel eyes. Blinking, I forced my vision to look at more than the person's eyes. So I looked back and saw that the guy was the one from before in chemistry and the one who ducked his head down in his book. Huh, why is he looking at me? I'm not important, well, unless you're the welcoming committee.
Still feeling some undetected eyes, I searched around the guy from chemistry to see the other guy… McCall I think he's name was? It's probably his last name. But yes, that guy was staring at me with his brown eyes as well.
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, starting to get uncomfortable. And just like that, I was grabbed by the arm and pulled towards the crowd of scattered desks. Looking over, I saw Erica side-smirking at me before letting go of my arm and sitting. I looked behind me to see an empty chair there so I wiggled myself into it. Once I was in the chair, I looked up at the board, trying to find out where we were in the lesson.
Starting to finally get what we were doing, my attention was stripped away from the board at the sound of Erica's voice whispering, "Pst, Maya!" I looked over at her and ducked my head down a little so it was almost touching the desk. Smiling at her, I whispered back, "Yeah?" But she just smiled and said, "Oh, nothing. You looked kind of dead staring at the board." I laughed quietly and whispered, "You could say that."
For the rest of the day, Erica would help me out with finding my classes. It was actually quite nice. Nobody's ever done that for me before. It was always the same ritual: people see me, the new girl, and ignore me. After a few days, some might try to spark up a conversation and I would gain a few friends. But that's all you need, right? A few friends?
Once the final bell rang, I headed outside towards my car. It wasn't much, just a black 2000 Pontiac Grand Pix. But my head was swarming with questions. Why do I have so many questions on the first day of school? Oops, there's another.
But I focused on the main questions: why were those two guys staring at me? What did Erica talk to Derek about? Was it that important that he had to come to the school? And the biggest of all: how did Erica hear those kids' remarks about me? I didn't see her in the hall. Maybe she was around the corner. Yeah, she must have been around the corner. But am I sure? Oh stop it Maya! It's bad enough that you're arguing with yourself but already jumping to conclusions? Are you that idiotic?
Too jumbled in my thoughts, it took me a while to realize that Erica was leaning on my car, on foot on it and her arms crossed. I gave her a smile seeing as she was flashing me her pearly whites. She stepped a little away from my car as I drew near. Then as I unlocked and open my door to throw my bag in the passenger seat, she said, "So did anyone give you crap? I'll beat them up." I chuckled and said, "No worries, you can put your fists away."
Closing the car door, I leaned against it. Erica joined me and leaned back against my car. We looked around aimlessly, not saying a word. "So", she broke the silence, "A few of my friends and I were going to hang out Friday. Want to come?" I shrugged; trying to play it off cool but inside, I was busted out into a crazy dance. Someone actually wants to hang out with me and wants me to meet her friends. This is just amazing and on the first day as well. Could it get any better?
"Sounds like a plan", I said and gave a small smile. She smiled before I heard a masculine voice yell, "Erica!" Our heads snapped towards a guy with curly brown hair waving his arm around, waving at her. Right next to him parked a black Camaro, Derek's black Camaro.
Erica rolled her eyes and flipped the guy her middle finger before turning towards me. "Sorry, as Isaac as clearly stated, I have to go. But I'll see you tomorrow, ok?" I nodded in agreement. She shot me a smile before walking towards the car. I watched her go as he climbed into the car with Isaac close behind and speed off before I got into my own car.
"Mom, I'm home!" I yelled as I shut the door behind me and threw my bag on the ground. "But you aren't", I muttered to myself as I made my way into the kitchen. There, I fixed myself a snack seeing as I missed lunch. Once I finished my peanut butter sandwich, I started on my homework. Damn, how much homework do they need to assign! It was my first day for Pete's sake! But soon, I was finished and left to unpack my room.
Just as I hung up the rest of my clothes in my closet, I looked at my alarm clock that read in big red lettering 9:51. I sighed and grabbed a pair of pajamas before making my way into the bathroom. Once in there, I got into the shower and the second the warm water hit my shoulder blades, I began relaxing. How, am I really that tense? Wow…
When I got out of the shower, I dressed, brushed my teeth and hair, and walked out. Walking towards my bedroom, I heard the faint roar of sirens. Huh, I wonder what happened. With that, I rushed to my room and looked out my window that was right next to my desk. I could see the blue lights piercing the blank, starless night sky as they headed east.
My curiosity grew inside of me but before I could explore it more, there was a shadow looming above me. Instinctively, I jumped up a little and looked up to see my mom leaning near the window herself. When she caught me watching her, she smiled at me and said, "What?" Her grey eyes looked dull and tired so I said without thinking, "You look tired."
I mentally face-palmed myself but she didn't seem too offended. She just said, "Yeah, work's just hectic." Usually she would always jump at the idea of going to work but now, she just looked out the window with a worried expression pressed on her face.
Hmm, I wonder if something happened… no! Stop it Maya! Just stop! You can't just get into people's business like that! But she's my mom. Oh god, I'm arguing with myself again. What is wrong with me?
I looked back at my mom and rested a hand on her shoulder. "You should get some sleep", I spoke to her. She chuckled and pulled away from the window. When I gave her a confused look, she sighed and said, "Usually it's the mom saying that to her kids, not the other way around." I just shrugged before standing straight up, pointed towards my open door, and demanded like a mom, "Now go to sleep young lady!" She laughed before composing herself. Stomping her foot, my mom spoke like a teenager, "No. You're not the boss of me."
We both stood our ground, not moving an inch. But one look at her eyes and we both cracked. We laughed as she waved bye to me and headed out of my bedroom. Once I quieted down, she yelled from down the hall, "Sweet dreams May!" I smiled at my old nickname and yelled back, "Night!"