Imagine if the boy you had been in love with your entire life was in love with someone else. Now imagine that someone else was not only the prettiest and most popular girl in the whole school, but also currently unavailable. Imagine what it would feel like to know that the chances of your love realizing this were next to none. Well, Skye Spears could tell you exactly what it felt like, and it wasn't pretty. Because unrequited love was a bitch. It didn't consider your feelings, didn't stop to ask if you were okay before trampling your heart or stop it from beating at a hundred miles per hour from a single look.
You were rendered helpless against it because that's what loves does. And it sucks, and it hurts, and sometimes it makes you feel like anything would be worth not feeling this pain. Or it could leave you breathless with the brute force of its intensity, a constant ecstasy as you soar through cloud nine.
Sadly love never asks for your opinion. It was like a roller coaster to many, with its ups and downs, its twists and turns. Unfortunately for Skye she hated roller coasters, not only did they make her throw up, but they always left her with a queasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
For some there seemed no way to escape while others were lucky enough to find something, anything, to tether them to the ground. It could be a person, a hobby or perhaps even an object. For Skye it has always been photography. Ever since she was a small girl she had been fascinated by how with just a simple click you could capture a memory forever.
She received her first camera at the age of seven, a gift from her dad. Some may find that an uncommonly young age to give such a gift like that to a mere child, but Skye had never been an ordinary child. She had an aura around her that emitted deep understanding and intelligence. The fact that she had been moved up a grade only reinforced this statement.
Photography was her escape, her way of dealing with things. It was what had helped her get through her dad's death and the events that followed. It was marvelous how such a small object could bring so much comfort and peace of mind to her.
Her mother had never understood that. She was a very clinical person and not very good with feelings. She hadn't taken her husband's death too well. She was one of those people who couldn't handle being alone.
Skye wasn't sad to leave her to go live with her uncle. She was happy to forget her mother and the house that reminded her of her father every waking moment.
Her uncle lived in a small town called Beacon Hills where he worked as a deputy in the local police department. Not a lot ever happened, something Skye was glad of as she didn't think she could handle the death of her uncle as well.
The two were very similar and got along immediately. He reminded Skye of her father at times and during the span of a few short instants it would be like her dad was there and had never left her.
Her uncle soon became much more than the guardian who took care of her. So when the night before school started the phone rang announcing a 10-54, possible dead body, Skye grew worried. A dead body meant a murderer. And a murderer meant danger. So ignoring all instructions to stay in the house Skye grabbed a flashlight and her camera before leaving the house.
The woods were dark and damp and Skye regretted not having picked a warmer jacket. But seeing as there was no one with her to complain too she shrugged of the coldness, wrapped the clothing closer to her body, and kept walking.
Small puffs of breath surfaced from her mouth before dissolving into the air. The moonlight made a break between some of the tree branches, emitting a pretty color in the leaves that lay on the ground. Normally she would have stopped to take a picture but worry consumed her and she couldn't seem to find it in her to stop.
As she continued to trek through the woods Skye let out a low screech as her body lurched forward, her foot having been caught by a vine. The flashlight that had been in her hand tumbled away, turning off on the impact, as she was left sprawled in a awkward position surrounded by darkness.
It took her a few minutes before she found the light and longer to get it working. However once it clicked on again Skye regretted it as the body a girl was revealed to her, inches from where her face had previously landed.
Holding back a scream she shone the light around, it was the body the police was looking for, but they hadn't mentioned anything about it being torn in half. The girl had dark hair and looked to be in her twenties. She also seemed slightly familiar but Skye shrugged of the feeling before taking her camera out.
This would be of use to the police. When Skye was satisfied with the amount of pictures taken she got up, dusted herself off and headed to look for her uncle, this time to tell him she had found what they were looking for, hoping that would be enough to distract him from the fact that she had disobeyed him.
She had been walking for about five minutes before a two pair of footsteps echoed around her, heading in her direction. Quickly turning her light off she took shelter behind a tree, knowing it wouldn't be enough cover but better than nothing. What if it was the killers coming back for the body? The steps neared and as Skye labored her breathing a plan formed in her head.
The police had to be nearby. If she could just create enough commotion to attract attention they would be able to capture the killers, hopefully. In the meantime she would try to put up a fair fight with the minimum defense skills her uncle had taught her for emergencies, such as this.
Knowing it was a stupid idea and she would most likely get hurt in the process, she lunged towards one of the shadows as they walked by her. She rapidly came to the conclusion that it wasn't the murders, or anyone dangerous for that fact, when the body squeaked in surprise as they collided.
Skye and whoever she had just tackled fell to the floor with a hard thud, both bodies rolling around until she somehow ended sitting on top of the other person's chest. A cloud shifted and permitted Skye to see the outline of the person beneath her, revealing none other than Stiles Stilinski, the boy Skye had been in love with ever since she had first arrived in Beacon Hills.
Skye became eternally grateful for the darkness as her mind caught up with her position followed by her cheeks. Quietly mumbling an apology she stood up and took a few steps back. It was then that she caught the amused expression on Scott McCall's face, Stiles best friend and partner in crime, also the other person Skye had heard.
"What the fuck are you two doing out here?" She demanded angrily, trying to sound frustrated as she raked her hands through her hair, while really brushing it with attracting attention from the boys. They didn't.
Of course Skye already knew what they were doing, in fact she had been expecting Stiles to show up, no doubt dragging Scott along, as those two were always near trouble and too curious for their own good.
Stiles dad was the town Sheriff and worked with her uncle, so ever since she had first arrived to Beacon Hills she had seen quite a lot of both Stilinski's. Not that she would ever complain, even as her crush had grown it had never really been a problem as Skye was especially good at lying.
Skye was soon distracted from her thoughts as loud yells were heard, the police coming into view after, spotting the three, no two, Scott had been quick and smart enough to scramble away before it was too late, teenagers a few yards ahead.
"Hang on, hang on…These little delinquents belong to me," the Sheriff's familiar voice said with a resigned sigh. Honestly it sounded like he wasn't all together that surprised, which seemed more than likely.
"Dad, how you're doing?" Stiles answered with a smirk. Skye watched as the Sheriff glanced at her before looking at his son.
"So, you're listening to all my phone calls?"
Stiles smiled shyly, "No! Not the boring ones…"
"So where is your usual partner in crime?"
"Other? What do you mean? Nope, it's just me and Skye here. Scott's home, he said he wanted to get a goodnight sleep before the first day of school tomorrow. There's just me…In the woods…With Skye…Alone…"
Skye was good at lying, Stiles? Not so much. It was obvious the Sheriff didn't buy it either as he looked around with flashlight in hand.
"Scott you're out there? Scott?" He received no answer and gave up. Taking Stiles by the neck and signaling Skye to follow him he started making his way back to the cruiser. "Well, young man, I'm gonna walk you back to your car, and you and I, we're gonna have a discussion about something called violation of privacy. Skye, your uncle is staying at the station, he staying up late tonight so don't expect him home."
Nodding her head in understanding she climbed into the cruiser and prepared herself for the ride back home.
It was only when Skye was tucked warm in her bed and had turned off the light that she realized she had lost her necklace in the woods. It must have fallen when she jumped on Stiles. Silently cursing angrily she punched the pillow in frustration before rolling around knowing it was far too late to go back and look for it.
"Skye!" were the first words she heard the following morning as she groaned and rolled over. Tucking her head under the pillow she tried to catch a few more minutes of precious sleep.
Her uncle's voice rang around the house a second time as he called her down again, this time noticeably louder. Knowing she should listen she kicked her covers off and waited for the cold air to wake her up a bit.
School was great and all that but getting up early sucked major time. First day back at school were always worse though. It wasn't like Skye had seeing her friends again to look forward to, as she had only one if she thought about it. But she didn't really mind as she actually enjoyed the loneliness. No one to tell you what to do or chatter your ear off about school nonsense. Who was she kidding, she hated it, but it wasn't like she made an effort to do anything about it either.
Her mind awake she swung her legs to a side and headed over to the bathroom across the hall, snoozing time over. Skye's hair was a mess, luckily nothing a good brush couldn't fix. She wasn't really a makeup person, the main reason being she had absolutely no clue how to use any of it and it wasn't like she could ask her uncle on tips and advice anyway.
Throwing on a pair of leggings and a zipper hoodie Skye grabbed her school bag and jumped down the steps, all done in less than ten minutes. Her uncle was waiting for her by the kitchen throwing her a bag with her lunch and handing her a muffin accompanied by a milkshake for breakfast before they both headed out.
Since Skye was still too young to drive she had to be taken everywhere, including school, and that meant eating in the car and arriving 20 minutes before the first bell rang. It wasn't the most comfortable routine at times but over the years she had grown somewhat accustomed to it.
Conversation was scare as her uncle drove and soon enough the familiar building of Beacon Hills High School came into view. Without saying a word she kissed her uncle goodbye before hopping off.
She was grateful her uncle didn't say anything either as she walked away, not really wanting to hear him mention her lack of social life. For someone who had never married and had kids he understood teenagers pretty well, or at least Skye.
Making her way towards one of the side entrances Skye munched on an apple she had found in her lunch bag, having finished the muffin, as she saw her only friend, Erica Reyes, perched on a bench her body hunched over, a book in hand as usual.
"What you reading this time Ricky?" she asked with enthusiasm, using a nickname Erica despised thoroughly, plumping down on the bench as well.
"Skyler," Erica answered with Skye's real name.
"Ew," Skye scrunched up her nose, pronouncing her disgust, "You know how much I hate being called that, it's horrendous."
"And Ricky isn't? I'm a girl not a guy." Erica added an eye roll to her statement.
Crossing her legs and pulling them up towards her body, Skye peeped over her friend's shoulder.
"What'ya reading?" she asked, again, taking another bite out of the apple.
"A book," was the response she got.
"I know that much," now it was Skye's turn to roll her eyes, "But what I want to know is what book is it?"
"The Catcher in the Rye."
"Again? How many times have you read that thing already? You know what, don't answer."
Erica continued with her read as Skype ate her apple. She honestly didn't know how the two of them ever became friends. They had nothing in common except maybe for the fact that they were both loners. Or that they both liked Stiles Stilinski, but Erica didn't know that, no one did.
Speaking of Stiles, Skye watched him now as he pulled over in his blue jeep and went to greet his friend Scott. They interacted a few words before Scott pulled up his shirt. Skye wondered what they were talking about as Stiles eyes widened in disbelief. Shifting in her seat she tried getting a glimpse of what was so alarmingly interesting. She had no luck.
As she pondered the bizarre reason as to why Scott would be showing Stiles his torso, Skye indulged in the possibility of them being gay, and not for the first time either. She certainly wouldn't be too surprised as those two were practically joined by the hip. In fact, if it wasn't because she knew for certain that Stiles was deeply and utterly in love with Lydia Martin, the most popular girl in the school, she might have thought it possible.
It would certainly explain the absence of a girlfriend over the years, because while Stiles tended to be a bit too energetic at times, he was a handsome boy with a great personality and Skye knew of a couple of girls who would give almost anything to be his girlfriend, including, of course, herself. But alas the was blind to anyone who wasn't Lydia, and had been since the third grade.
Lucky for her, Skye didn't mind too much observing from afar. That way no one got hurt.
She continued to watch Stiles as he aimlessly tried to catch the attention of the pretty strawberry blond as she breezed past him without a second look. It appeared Stiles would remain off her radar for yet another year, still it was cute to watch how he continued to try.
As the bell rang Skye scrambled to get to her first class, English, as she waved good-bye to Erica with a promise to sit next to her in the library during lunch. She walked into class and sat down towards the back, grabbing a seat next to the window, where she had the opportunity to gaze across the lawn and spot a girl sitting all alone on one of the benches. Wondering what she was doing and that she was going to be late, Skye took out her pencils and set them neatly in the top right corner.
Coincidentally Stiles sat in the row in front of her and Scott one to his right. Grinning Skye took out her notebook and picked up the syllabus that lay on the desk.
Feeling smug that she had read the majority of the books listed, the up-side of having nothing to do all summer and enjoy reading, she settled down and prepared to listen to the teacher.
"As you all know, there was a body found in the woods last night," he began. Skye thought back to the pictures she had taken and to the gruesome sight of the girl's mangled body. She would certainly be examining them later on. "And I'm sure your eager little minds are coming up with the various macabre scenarios for what happened. But I'm here to tell you that the police has a suspect," weird her uncle hadn't mentioned anything this morning, "which means you can give your full attention to the syllabus on your desk. Various students groaned as usual.
A knock was heard by the door and opened to reveal the principal followed by the girl Skye had seen sitting outside. She sported a shy look framed by dark hair.
"Class, this is our new student, Allison Argent. Please do your best to make her feel welcome." Skye inspected Allison as she chose a seat next to hers, behind Scott. The boy turned around and handed her a pen, a small smile tugging at his lips. Allison looked surprised as she mumbled a quick thanks before turning her gaze towards the front of the class. It didn't pass Skye's eyes the blush that crossed Allison's face or the content look on Scott's.
It crossed Skye's mind to tease either of them about their interaction but decided she would pass, no need to give the new girl a reason to dislike her.
After that the day seemed to drag on and soon enough the end of the school was upon Skye. Dragging her body over to her locker she was surprised to find the new girl, Allison, struggling with the lock, just next to where hers resided. She silently debated if she should help before letting out a quiet sigh.
"These lockers take time to get used to," she said as a form of introduction. "Here, you just have to give it an extra hard pull, like this." Skye demonstrated, pulling down hard. The lock clicked open.
"Thanks." Allison said, pulling a strand of her hair behind her ears.
"Your welcome. I'm Skye by the way," Skye held out her hand smiling as Allison shook it.
"I'm Allison."
"I know, you're in my English class. You liking Beacon Hills so far?" She didn't know why she was being so friendly, usually she would have stayed far from the new girl as she was bound to attract attention, and Skye didn't like attention.
"It seems..."Allison was interrupted as Lydia Martin marched towards them. See, attention.
"That jacket is totally killer. Where did you get it?" The strawberry blonde demanded.
Allison shot Skye a nervous look before responding. "My mom was a buyer from a boutique back in San Francisco."
"And you are my new best friend." Lydia exclaimed as her boyfriend, Jackson Whittmore, the most rude, and good looking, asshole in the entire school, arrived and kissed Lydia. The couple had serious problems regarding PDA in Skye's opinion as she had been the subject to many of their heavy make-out sessions, being Lydia's neighbor and all. She really hated that her window mirrored hers.
"So this weekend there's a party…" Skye took this as her cue to leave but remained rooted to the spot as Allison had clutched onto her arm.
"A party?"
"Yeah, friday night, you should come."Jackson said eyeing Skye suspiciously. He probably didn't even know who the hell she was.
Seeing Allison waver, Skye decided to be nice yet again and intervene. "Didn't you tell me friday was family night?"
Allison shot her a grateful smile, "Yeah, it is. Sorry...But thanks for asking."
Jackson didn't seem entirely convinced. "You're sure? Everyone's going after the game."
Not everyone, only anyone who's anyone important is going Skye thought about saying, but kept her mouth shut tightly. She did not need the pair mad at her.
"You mean like football?" Allison made the mistake of asking. Miraculously Jackson only laughed at her comment, perks of being new and hot, Skye guessed.
"Football is a joke here. The sport is lacrosse. We won national championship last year."
"Because of the team captain!" Lydia butted in excitedly.
"We practice in a few minutes. If you and your friend don't have anything else to do…"
Skye adopted a horrified expression at that statement. Did Jackson just deliberately invite her to watch lacrosse practice? This had to be some kind of joke.
Sensing her discomfort it was Alison's turn to save Skye. "Well, we were just thinking about going to..."
"Perfect! You're both coming!" Lydia ended for her enthusiastically before walking off. Having no choice left but to follow Skye forced her locker shut thinking that this was a very bad idea as she heard the clicking of Lydia's heels hitting the floor.