Chapter 2: The Shy, Quiet, Lonely Boy

"There is no peace that I've found so far." - Snow Patrol, Set the Fire to the Third Bar

The bell rang for the end of the period. Stiles and Scott dashed over to Isaac's desk before he even had a chance to stand or put his notebook away. Scott caught a glimpse at a forest scene with a full moon, before Isaac quickly closed it and shoved the book into his bag.

"So, Isaac… Looks like we're going to be working together." Stiles had this giant grin on his face that reminded Scott of the Grinch. He could only guess that it was freaking Isaac out.

Isaac nodded to Stiles as an answer but said nothing. He stood and began making his way to the door.

"Want to come over to my house later and work on it?" Scott asked quickly. For a human, Isaac sure was fast.

"Uhh… I'd have to ask my dad first…" Isaac spoke with his head bowed, like he was waiting to duck or dodge something at any given moment.

"Sure. Just meet us by Stiles's jeep and let us know." No need to give a description of the thing, even if you didn't know Stiles, you knew his jeep.

Isaac nodded. "O-Okay…" With that Isaac raced out the door.

"Well… It's a start." Scott said.

"Come on," Stiles clapped his friend on the back. "We got off to a good start. If his dad's fine with it, we are even better. Let's go celebrate with some lunch!"

Leaning against the lockers, Isaac pressed the phone to his ear. Please, don't be angry. Please, don't be angry. Please, don't be angry. Please, don't be angry. Please, don't be-

"Isaac!" His father barked. "Why are you calling me, when you should be in class?"

"It-It's my lunch period. And I wanted to ask you something before school was out." Isaac's heartbeat thudded loudly. He felt as if his father could hear every rapid beat it made. "I got assigned to a group project for History and was invited to work on the project at one of partners' house tonight. Is it alright if I go?" Isaac held his breath, waiting for his answer.

"Hmmm… You said it's for school, correct?"

"Yes."

"Well, then, I guess you'll have to go…" Isaac felt his heart lighten, only for it to shatter a moment later when his father continued. "But that means we can't do our father/son activities tonight, so… Why don't you come home now. We'll see what we can get in."

Isaac knew the hidden meaning. He gulped, before replying, "Yes, Sir."

"Good Boy," his father hung up.