The next morning the sleeping pair were woken up by Melissa barging through the bedroom door. Holding out a leash and poop bags to Derek, Melissa hustled him out the door and turned to help Jess get ready.
By the time Derek returned from taking Raggedy Anne for a short morning walk Jess was sitting downstairs at the counter eating a yogurt for breakfast while Melissa fixed her hair. Stepping forward Derek started checking her bag to be sure she had all of the necessary supplies. Derek checked that she had her binder, paper, pencil case, pencils, pens, whiteout, highlighters, scientific calculator, water bottle, small pill case with today's pills, her first aid kit, and last but not least, he made sure she had the small can of pepper spray he had asked her to carry everywhere. Derek grabbed her phone, keys, and wallet and added them to the bag.
When Melissa finished Jess's hair she turned nervously to the young girl. "Do you have everything you need? Your pills, your water, your paper, and pencils and all those other supplies? If you need anything call. I'll be at work but I can always leave and come get you if you need me. If you don't end up needing me I'll be back late tonight so you'll need to get supper yourselves. Scott has a card he uses when he needs to get supper when I'm gone to work late so just speak to him. Scott has work after school so make sure you speak to him about it at school or you'll have to wait till he gets home. The school sent an email with your schedule and Scott looked it over. One of your friends should be in each of your classes with you today. Today and the rest of this week will be all about you doing placement tests. Have one of the boys carry your bag, and don't be scared to go to the nurse if you need to lie down for a while, you have a doctor's note excusing you from gym class and giving you permission to take breaks when needed. Try and eat something at lunch,you don't eat enough to keep a bird alive. The most important instructions I have is to go announce yourself to the office first thing in the morning to get your schedule and a map of the school, and the second most important thing is to try and have fun. I know you don't like the idea of going to school but it's a good chance to make some friends your own age. If you let yourself you might even enjoy yourself." Grabbing her purse and keys from the counter Melissa herded Jess and Derek out the door ahead of her along with Anne. Checking that Jess and Derek both had their new house keys Melissa locked the door and headed for her car to head to work.
Wrapping his arm around Jess Derek gently herded her to his car. "I figured I could drive you to school today since you're still a little shaky. We'll stop to drop off Raggedy Anne at the clinic on our way to school. She can spend the morning with Dr. Deaton while I'm running some errands. Don't worry, I'll pick her up as soon as I'm done running my errands." Getting Jess settled in the passenger seat Derek tilted the driver seat forward to allow Anne to easily climb into the back of the car. Settling himself in the driver's seat Derek turned on the ignition and peeled out of the driveway speeding across town to the animal clinic.
Reaching the clinic Jess got out of the car, tilted her seat forward and called Anne. Leading the dog to the door of the clinic Jess found the door unlocked. Entering she heard Dr. Deaton speaking to someone in the examination room. Watching Anne run over and settle herself under a table on a dog bed in the waiting room Jess smiled. Clearly Anne was not upset about coming back to the clinic temporarily. Leaning around the door frame Jess peeked into the exam room and made eye contact with Dr. Deaton. Holding up the leash Jess pointed over her shoulder towards where Anne lay under the table on the dog bed. Dr. Deaton smiled and nodded, waving his hand to shoo her away calling out "I'll speak with you later if that's all right, I'm a little busy right now." Jess hung the leash on a hook near the door for the exam room, giving the vet a small wave Jess headed out the door.
Returning to the car Jess opened the door and frowned at Derek who she found with a bunch of bills in one hand, and Jess's wallet in the other.
Looking slightly panicked Derek smiled nervously. "This is not what it looks like."
Jess settled herself in the car and turn to him. "Oh really? Because it looks like you're returning the money I gave you yesterday."
Pausing Derek tilted his head to one side before replying. "Well, now that I think about it, Yes I guess it's exactly what it looks like."
Rolling her eyes Jess took the wallet and the wad of bills and shoved them carelessly into her bag. "You know, I pity whatever fool marries you. If this is the way you spoil your siblings I do not even want to think about how badly you will spoil any children you eventually have. I mean if I decide to spoil your children as their fun young Aunty that's acceptable. But a father spoiling his children that just is not acceptable."
Derek just rolled his eyes, started the car, and peeled out of the parking lot causing Jess to grab the oh shit handle. "Relax I'm an excellent driver." Derek bragged swerving in and out of traffic. Pulling into the line for a coffee shop drive-through Derek turned to Jess. "What are you going to drink this morning?" He asked pointing to the extensive menu. 10 minutes later they were leaving the drive-through line. Derek had a reusable insulated thermal cup with some sort of fancy hot chocolate drink. Jess had a similar insulated thermal cup filled with hot sweet English breakfast tea.
When they reached the school long before the Bell was due to start the day they simply sat in the car sipping their drinks and staring at the building. Attempting to distract the girl from her growing dread Derek pulled out his phone and opened the notes app. "All right, you're going to tell me exactly what it is you like to eat, You're not eating enough to keep a bird alive. When I'm done my errands, before I pick up Anne, I'll make a stop at the grocery store and pick up anything you want." Derek promised.
Laughing Jess shook her head. "Unless you're prepared to act as my sous chef and hands and help me cook something tonight there's not much chance I'm going to eat more than a few bites of dinner. I am just sick to death of those pre-cooked meals from the grocery store. If I eat any more rotisserie chicken I feel like it's going to start exploding out my ears and fruit salad has lost all its appeal despite the Wiggles ideas on the matter. Once my arm is recovered and I can get back to cooking I'll eat a lot more. Still not as much as you Bottomless Pits but enough that hopefully Melissa, and you, and Scott, and Stiles, and every other person that has seen me eat in the past few days will finally stop hassling me about the amount I eat."
Smirking confidently Derek raised his phone and turned expectantly to the girl. "Ok, give me your shopping list so I can pick up the ingredients and we'll cook something as soon as you get home from school." Derek promised. "I'm not any kind of fancy cook, but I can follow instructions and handle simple cooking. If you can't think of what you want right now just text me sometime today and I can pick the ingredients up while you're in school. Make sure you also send a list of kitchen tools needed to make the meal because the McCall's kitchen doesn't look like it gets a lot of use."
Smiling happily Jess gathered her bag and opening the door of the Camaro struggled to her feet. Turning to look back into the car Jess smiled. "I'll send you a text or three with the ingredient list and the tools I'll need listed in the order I'll need them. I'll stick with something simple tonight since I don't know how much energy I'll have at the end of the school day." Closing the Camaro door Jess smiled when she heard the window being rolled down. Looking back into the car Jess saw Derek leaning towards her looking slightly concerned.
"Are you sure you don't want me to walk you to your first class?" Derek offered. "I can carry your bag for you, and make sure that you get there all right."
Smiling Jess shook her head. "Scott and Stiles are somewhere in there, so are Allison and Lydia. I'm sure that one of them will be available to help show me around. And if I walk in with you I'm going to be pestered all day long by the girls asking about my hot friend or by the boys because if such a hot guy is interested in me then clearly I must be worth trying to date themselves. I am sure I will be fine. I'll see you after school. If anything happens and I need your help I will call." Jess promised. Turning away from the overprotective werewolf Jess headed up the stairs and into the school.
Quickly finding the office Jess opened the door and stepped inside. She was shocked to see the place crawling with police and law enforcement. Standing to one side until the secretary had a moment where nobody was trying to talk to her Jess cautiously approached the desk and tried to introduce herself.
"This is none of your business young lady." The secretary snapped angrily not even looking at Jess.
Shocked to be so rudely dismissed Jess took a deep breath and decided to try again. Jess calmly tried to politely explain to the secretary that she was a new student.
But the secretary completely ignored her words and spoke over her. "I've told you once I do not want to have to tell you again." The secretary snapped angrily. "I don't care how much you think you deserve to know what is going on this is an official police investigation and you and your other little gossiping girlies can just go wait to hear about it on the news like everybody else. Now stop bothering me." The secretary finished pointing aggressively towards the door of the office and glaring angrily at the girl.
Jess simply stood there in shock staring at the angry secretary. Hearing the door behind her open and feeling a strong presence come up behind her Jess glanced to the side to see Sheriff Stilinski waiting patiently to speak to the secretary.
Looking up and seeing Jess still waiting there the secretary scowled angrily and opened her mouth no doubt to berate the girl some more. Seeing the Sheriff standing just behind the girl the secretary wiped the sneer off her face and reaching up to fix her hair smiled invitingly at the sheriff. The woman gushed happily. "Sheriff it's so wonderful to see you! Of course the circumstances could be better. Horrible business all these animal attacks we've been having. But I'm sure you and your deputies will solve the problem for us soon." Completely ignoring Jess the secretary turned all her attention to the Sheriff.
Realizing that this witch behind the desk was not going to help her unless Jess took drastic measures Jess decided to unleash her inner drama queen and use whatever skills necessary to get the damn papers she came into the office for. Clenching her fist so tightly that her nails started to cut into her hand Jess felt tears welling up in her eyes. Lowering her chin and sniffing pitifully Jess turned slowly away from the desk hugging her bag to her side and turning so that her tear streaked face was clearly visible to the Sheriff.
Glancing up the Sheriff moved to step past the girl and did a double take. "Miss Black?" The Sheriff asked stepping closer to the girl. "Are you all right honey? What's wrong?"
Sniffing pitifully Jess looked up at the Sheriff through eyelashes dripping with tears and said in a soft quavering voice. "I just came in to get my schedule and my map like I was told to do. I don't know what I did wrong. But she just started yelling at me."
Moving with exaggerated care the Sheriff slowly removed a white handkerchief from his pocket and making sure that Jess could see him slowly held it out to the girl. Worried she might have another meltdown if he moved too fast.
Taking the hanky Jess started dabbing at her eyes carefully trying to avoid smudging her makeup. Sniffling pitifully a few more times Jess looked up at the Sheriff and wailed softly. "I don't know what I did wrong!" Before covering her face as though overcome with tears. The next thing Jess knew she was being held in a pair of strong arms while someone else patted her back and multiple voices were desperately trying to reassure her. Glancing up Jess saw that she was being hugged by Sheriff Stilinski, while a concerned woman in Scrubs was patting her back repeatedly.
"You didn't do anything wrong honey." The Sheriff said glaring angrily at the secretary.
"Of course not!" Crooned the woman in Scrubs. "We were all told at the staff meeting that you would be coming today. And that you would be checking in here at office first thing in the morning to get your schedule and a map of the school. I've spoken already to your Foster Mother, who's giving me a complete list of your injuries and medications. If you need anything today you just ask someone to get the nurse and I'll come right over and take care of things."
At this point the entire office full of people which consisted of the majority of the School faculty and many police officers were glaring at the frazzled secretary. Scrambling around her desk the secretary quickly offered up the needed papers. Snatching the papers from the secretary's hand with a angry huff the nurse turned and offered them to Jess.
Gently shrugging free of the Sheriff's arms Jess dabbed again at her face with the handkerchief and thanked him softly. "I'm sorry Sheriff, I'm not normally so emotional . But these pain pills they have me on just keep destroying my filters."
Intercepting the papers the Sheriff gently took Jess's bag from her shoulder and placed the papers inside. "With the week you've been through girl you just go ahead and cry anytime you feel the need. If I had been through half the things you have been through I know I would likely be a sobbing mess. Now where are Scott and Stiles?" The sheriff asked looking around the office. "Didn't those boys offer you a ride to school? They promised they would be looking out for you. They should at least be here to carry your bag. There's no way you should be carrying it in your condition." Handing the bag to the nurse the Sheriff turned and headed for the door. "I'll go find those delinquents and send them here to help make sure you get where you need to go and carry that bag for you." The Sheriff left the office muttering under his breath. He was back just a few minutes later with Scott and Stiles following him. As they came through the door the Sheriff was berating the boys for leaving Jess to get to school, and get signed in, and find her way around all by herself.
Stepping forward Jess quickly came to the boys defense. "I got a ride to school with my brother. We needed to stop and drop my new dog off at the Animal Clinic on the way to school and plan out what we would be cooking tonight for supper. He offered to come into the office with me but I didn't realize it would be a problem for me to just ask for my schedule and map. I'm still not entirely sure what it is I did to upset the secretary so much that she felt the need to yell at me like that."
Scowling at the secretary Scott stepped forward and took Jess's bag from the nurse. Putting his arm gently around Jess Sxe led her out of the office followed closely by Stiles.
The Sheriff followed the trio out of the office rubbing nervously at the back of his neck. "Speaking of your brother." The sheriff began nervously looking at Jess. "I would really appreciate a chance to sit down and talk with him. Not in an official capacity. But just man to man."
Remembering what the girls had said yesterday about the Sheriff's ranking in the eligible bachelors of Beacon Hill listing. Jess thought for a moment. "You could come for supper tonight. You and Stiles, you could speak with him then." Jess offered smiling tentatively at the Sheriff.
Looking at Jess with surprise Scott leaned in and whispered to her "I'm not sure I've got enough cash on the card to get supper for that many people."
Frowning at Scott in surprise Jess shook her head. "Oh, we won't be using the card. Derek's going now to pick up the groceries needed and when I get home from school he'll be helping me in the kitchen to cook supper from scratch. With him having to work as my hands I'm planning on making something simple. Just some homemade tomato sauce, loaded potato skins, Caesar salad, Italian sausages, and some homemade potato gnocchi. Smiling at the slightly glazed look in the boys and the sheriff's eyes Jess added. 'Oh, and of course garlic bread."
"Yeah, of course, wouldn't be a complete meal without garlic bread." Scott said haltingly.
Turning to his father's Stiles clasped his hands together and started whispering. "Please, please, please, please say yes."
Smiling at his son the Sheriff turned to Jess and questioned. "Are you sure it won't be any trouble to have two more at the table? I wouldn't want to be a bother."
Smiling happily Jess shook her head. "Of course not, cooking for six people is just as easy as cooking for four."
"Well then Stiles and I would be delighted to join you for dinner. It has been quite some time since we got to enjoy a good home cooked meal. Now you young people had better head to class and I need to go and continue with my investigation." The Sheriff said waving them away and turning to return to the office.
To Jess's surprise the day really seemed to speed by. English class was stupidly easy and boring. Jess finished the days portion of the placement test in a fraction of the time given to complete it. The teacher refused to give more of the placement tests explaining that the score for the first days would effect the questions for the second day. Which Jess took to mean the woman was not actually prepared with a second portion of the test. She was redeemed slightly in Jess's eyes when she allowed Jess to go to the school library to borrow a book to read quietly for the rest of the period. Based on the look on the woman's face returning with a large book on mamillian biology was not the choice she had expected Jess to make.
Science was a real test of Jess's patience. Jess flew through the placement test and tried to hand it in but was told she couldn't have finished so quickly. The teacher sent her back to recheck her answers. Jess returned to her seat fuming. Reading through the test again Jess scribbled a bit more on a few answers. Mostly just restating points she had already made. Taking a deep breath Jess headed to the front and tried to hand the test in again. This time the teacher told her go back and be sure she hadn't missed pages stuck together. Returning to her seat grinding her teeth in rage Jess began checking the pages to see that none were stuck together. Preparing to face the idiot teacher Jess carefully numbered the bottom corner of each page and brought it back to the front. When he tried to send her back without even looking at it muttering she still must have missed some Jess pointed out that she had numbered the pages so he could quickly check if that was true. Glancing down at the pages the teacher stared for a moment before admitting he didn't know offhand how many pages long it was. Turning on her heel Jess stalked back to her seat practically trembling with rage. Sitting at the table she slowly started thumping her head down on the table over and over. The young man sitting at the other end of the table chuckled at her actions. The next time her head came down she was surprised when her forehead hit a thick book instead of the hard tabletop. "Thanks." Jess muttered to her tablemate. "If I sustained a head injury being dramatic I would never hear the end of it."
"No problem. Us dramatic types need to look out for one another." Her table mate whispered quietly. Leaning closer he continued. "What's your name?"
Sighing loudly Jess replied in a slightly louder whisper. "I'm Jess. And I DON'T date teenage boys."
Chuckling at her response the boy learned slightly closer. "I'm Danny. And I ONLY date teenage boys."
Blushing slightly Jess shot the boy an apologetic smile. "Sorry, the amount of whispers I've heard as I walk past guys about the state of my ass has put me on high alert."
Beside her Danny nodded. "Yeah, men are pigs."
The pair continued their whispered conversation for the rest of the period.
Lunch was awkward. Jess was so sick of eating junk that she took a bottle of water and a small cup of fruit salad and didn't even look at the other options or bother with a tray. Jess sat down beside Stiles since Scott had mentioned about 50 times throughout the morning that Allison had asked him to save her a seat at lunch. When an entire group of teens had descended on the table, a long haired guy sitting to Jess's right, Jess had sighed. Resigned to an uncomfortable meal Jess started picking at her fruit salad knowing she needed to put something in her stomach after taking her second pain pill when she stopped by her locker. When the boy seated beside her was ordered to move and was replaced with her new friend Danny Jess perked up considerably. Watching the disaster that was Scott and Allison being sucked into a double date was equal parts hilarious and painful.
The highlight of lunch was when the smug boy at the head of the table demanded a introduction to Jess. Before she could decide just how to respond to the demand Danny swooped in and saved the day. "This right here is the newest member of my Overly Dramatic Drama Queen Club, Jess Black."
Turning to Danny Jess held up a hand. "If I'm to be a member then I will need a Drama Queen Card. Snap, snap." Confused when the entire table groaned and Danny beamed and started cackling Jess watched in shock as the teen pulled a card out of his pocket and presented it with a flourish. It was a buisness card with Danny's full name and number and the job title listed was Professional Drama Queen. Clutching the card to her chest Jess sniffed and pretended to cry. "After all of these long years searching. I have finally found my people!"
Instantly Danny joined the dramatics. Getting up from the table he dropped to one knee and pulling a ring off his pinky her held it up to Jess. "Join me my Queen of Drama and together we shall unite the realm and rid it of the stench of boredom, FOREVER!" He loudly proclaimed.
Slipping Danny's card ino a card slot on her phone case Jess turned around on the bench to face the kneeling teen. Holding out her right hand Jess sniffed loudly and pretend to cry. "Yes Danny, Yes, I will join with you and unite our kingdoms and boredom will forevermore be banished from these hallowed halls."
Slipping the ring onto Jess's ring finger Danny surged to his feet and pulled Jess into a tight embrace pretending to be making out fiercely. The entire lunch room broke out in applause.
The effect was ruined when Danny accidently crushed her bad arm and Jess gasped and had to push him away. Sitting back down Jess grimaced at the pain in her arm.
"Ooops." Danny said sheepishly. "Sorry, I got a bit carried away. Been a while since I met anyone who could keep up with my Dramatic Flair. Are you alright?"
Waving away his apology Jess forced a smile. "I'm fine." Taking a sip of water Jess tried to hide how much her hand was trembling. "I figured the next dramatic move after the proposal would be an embrace or possibly you sweeping me off my feet. Either one was going to hurt. But it was worth it for the Drama."
"Honestly are your injuries even that bad, or are you just being dramatic about those as well?" One of the girl's who had been forced to sit at the end of the table asked snarkily. "Must be nice to have people carrying your stuff for you all day and fawning over you while you sit around and do nothing."
"Chelsea!" Lydia snapped angrily. "Do yourself and everyone here a favor and try not to show everyone just how stupid you are by talking about things you know NOTHING about." Pointing at Jess's sore arm Lydia continued. "Does THAT look like a fake injury to you?"
Looking down at her arm Jess cursed loudly to see blood had soaked through her white turtleneck. "No, no, no." Jess cried. "I really liked this shirt." Pouting angrily Jess unlocked her phone and sent Derek a text.
Slight problem in the cafeteria. Could you bring me a shirt to change into. Pretty please? -Jess
Jess got a reply almost instantly.
No problem. I just finished started a load of laundry at the laundromat. But I have one I can lend you and you can borrow my jacket if it isn't warm enough for you. I will try to be there before your lunch is over. -Derek
Thank you so much! You are my knight in shining leather! You are my hero! You are the bestest brother in the whole wide world! -Jess
You took another pain pill with your lunch didn't you? -Derek
Yes. How did you guess. Is it one of your super wolfy powers? -Jess
No, just an educated guess. Make sure you stick close to Scott and Stiles until I get there. -Derek
Why? -Jess
Because I asked you to and I am doing you a favor and you should always listen to you knight in shining leather. -Derek
Kk, we have a while until lunch is over anyways. See you soon. Xoxo! -Jess
Sitting at the table texting and picking at her fruit salad Jess completely ignored the teens panicking slightly around her. Putting Danny's contact info into her phone she placed it down on the table. Jess was eating peacefully until someone walked up behind her and a voice said.
"Oh dear, that doesn't look good." Looking up Jess saw the nurse from that morning surrounded by several students all staring at the slowly spread patch of crimson on her arm.
Glancing at her arm Jess frowned. "Yeah, it's a bit of a pain. I really liked this shirt. But my brother is already on his way bringing me a shirt to change into so I doubt I will even end up missing any of my next class. There is no way I can get out of this sling and bloody shirt myself without getting blood everywhere and it isn't bleeding very badly. So I figured I would just keep eating my lunch while I wait for my brother to get here to give me a hand." Jess told the nurses.
Everyone stared at the girl in shock as she calmly turned back and kept eating her lunch.
"If you come with me to my office I can help you out with all that dear." The nurse offered. "I think the bleeding is making some of the other students uncomfortable and putting them off their lunches."
Glancing around and seeing many people had their hands over their eyes and had pushed away their trays Jess grimace. "Oops. Didn't think of that." Quickly eating the last few bites of fruit and drinking the rest of her water Jess stood and turned to gather her garbage.
Snatching up the garbage Danny placed it on his own tray. "Allow me, my Queen. I need to start working to make this up to you. I will make sure to remind Scott to get your bag from your locker and bring it along to math class incase your brother doesn't get here before the bell rings." Danny promised.
"Being injured in the line of Dramatic Duty is just one of the hardships the members of the Overly Dramatic Drama Queen Club must be prepared to endure." Jess proclaimed loudly. Leaning closer she added for just the people seated at the table to hear. "But this better at least earn me a membership card." Turning as the table exploded with laughter Jess gestured to the nurse. "You'll have to lead the way. I have no clue where your office is."
A short while later Jess was sitting on a cot in the nurses office making a shopping list on her phone. Finishing the list Jess sent it to Derek so he could start shopping after he brought her a shirt. Her arm had been cleaned and rebandaged neatly with a thicker layer of bandages and she was wrapped in a blanket to stay warm and covered up. Suddenly her phone chimed loudly announcing a text.
Where are you! I see Scott and Stiles but I don't see you anywhere? -Derek
In the nurses office. Someone narked on me and I was dragged to the nurses office. The women is good at her job. Has me all cleaned up and ready to steal a shirt from you. -Jess
Jess was still waiting for a reply when someone started pounding on the door of the nurses office.
When the nurse opened the door Derek burst into the room and rushed straight to Jess. Yanking the blanket aside he started checking her over for injuries ignoring the nurse loud protests at his behavior. "What the hell!? How did you get hurt? You said you needed a clean shirt because of a mishap in the cafeteria. I thought you just spilled something! You bleeding is not a MISHAP!" Derek barked searching every inch of skin before zooming in on the fresh bandages. Leaning forward with one hand clutching the cot on Jess's right side he lifted his left hand and gently touched the thick bandages his hand shaking noticeably.
"It's fine." Jess called to the nurse reassuringly. "He is just worried about me." Reaching up to rest her hand on Derek's chest and feeling his heart beating wildly Jess sighed. "This is what I was trying to avoid by saying a mishap." Jess said softly slowly starting to rub circles over Derek's heart. "I am fine. My arm got bumped and the wound started leaking. The bandage wasn't thick enough so it showed up on my new white turtleneck." Jess pouted. "I liked that shirt." Looking around the room Jess frowned. Still rubbing slow circles on Derek's chest and ignoring the way he was leaning forwards into the touch Jess asked quietly. "Um...where is the shirt you said you would bring me?"
Dropping his head forwards to rest on Jess's bare shoulder Derek sighed. "I may have panicked slightly when I read that you were with the nurse." He whispered sounding embarrassed. Taking a few deep breaths Derek sighed again before he straightened up. Taking off his jacket he tossed it on the cot. "Do me a favor and TRY not to get hurt again before the end of the day." Leaning back away from Jess Derek peeled off the long sleeved black shirt he was wearing revealing a tight white undershirt. Lifting the shirt Derek carefully helped Jess maneuver her injured arm into the sleeve then carefully stretched it over her head. Stepping back he left her to get her right arm in the sleeve on her own while he snagged her sling, belt, and scarf from where they sat on a nearby table. Helping Jess settle her arm in the sling Derek frowned at the dark visible bruises around her neck. Lifting up the scarf he spent a few minutes trying different ways of wrapping and knotting the scarf to see which woukd cover them best. When the scarf was finally wrapped so no bruises were visible Derek helped Jess to her feet and started smoothing out imaginary wrinkles in the shirt.
Rolling her eyes at the man's fussing Jess pushed away his hands and reached for the belt. "I promise to do my best to avoid injuring myselfor being injured by others. Now stop preening me and give me my belt. I need to get to my next class."
Batting away Jess's hand Derek carefully positioned and did up the wide leather belt high on her midriff just below her breasts. "I don't preen. I'm not a bird. I groom." He whispered softly. Stepping back he looked over the makeshift outfit. Turning to the nurse Derek gestured to the teenage girl. "What do you think? If you didn't know better would you guess I brought her the wrong shirt by accident?"
The nurse looked over the outfit and smiled. "It looks surprisingly well put together considering the circumstances. But it won't be as warm as her other outfit was. Her turtleneck was much thicker and they keep the school so cold a lot of people wear light jackets to class."
Scooping up his jacket from the cot Derek shook it out and draped it over Jess's shoulders, carefully lifting her hair out from under the collar. Stepping close he reached up to fix the collar and whispered quietly. "Do you want me to kidnap you and bring you home? I am sure if you turn on the water works they will let you leave for the day." Derek tempted Jess his hands still shaking slightly lingering on the collar of the jacket.
Smiling softly Jess shook her head. Catching Derek's hand in her own she turned and pressed a kiss to it. "I am FINE. It really was just a mishap. The only reason I ended up here with the nurse is because the blood was putting people off their lunch. I sent you the grocery list while I was waiting for a shirt. Go get the shopping done and put away and then pick up Anne and take her for a walk and by then it will probably be time to pick me up from school." Jess cajoled gently. "I'll be ready to pick up before you know it."
Sighing heavily Derek gave Jess a pout and released the collar of the coat. "Fine." He growled. "But I am going to buy only the most ridiculously expensive versions of everything that is on that list." He threatened. "Organic EVERYTHING!" He snapped scowling at Jess's amused look. "I may even try and find a health food store to get some of it at. And you know how expensive those are." Leaning in he placed a kiss on the top of Jess's head before turning and stalking stiffly from the room.
Blinking in confusion the nurse turned and stared at Jess.
"Long story. Best not to ask." Jess quipped. Picking up her phone Jess frowned. "Scott was suppose to take my bag to my next class for me. Which is great except that my bag holds my map. So I have no clue where I am supposed to go."
"No problem, I can show you the way." The nurse replied helpfully gesturing for Jess to proceed her out of the office and locking the door before she led the way to Jess's math class.
Jess managed to get to class just a few minutes after the bell rang and having the nurse escort her to class meant she didn't need to think up an excuse for being late. Seeing all her friends, and Jackson, were sitting in one area with an empty desk in the middle with her bag resting on the seat, Jess grabbed the thick placement quiz from the teacher and headed to her seat. Smiling at Danny who quickly whisked her bag off the seat for her Jess sat down and pulled the bag into her lap. Ignoring the whispered questions coming from a bunch of strangers throughout the room Jess started digging through her bag for her calculator, ruler, erasers, and pencils. Suddenly feeling like she was being watched Jess glanced out the nearest window and shook her head to see Derek standing beside his car staring at her through the window. Waving her hand at him Jess quickly pulled out her phone and sent him a text.
Go do the shopping. If you don't hurry the healthfood stores might all be closed. I am FINE.
Putting her phone back in her bag Jess glance around the room and saw that all the girls were staring out the window at Derek. Danny and a few other boys were also staring. Heated whispers and giggles were erupting all over the room and several students had began to fan themselves with their books.
Pulling her phone back out Jess sent another text.
Seriously the entire class has ground to a halt and I am surrounded by horny teens who are drooling over you. It is very distracting. The pain pill is going to make doing a math test hard enough. I don't need to listen to girls fantasize about climbing you like a tree while I am trying to concentrate.
Smiling at the collective groan that rang out by the drooling fanclub when Derek finally climbed into his car and drove away Jess settled down to start working on the placement test. Each sheet of the large stack had four questions. Each question on a page used the same formula and started easy and got harder. Jess worked steadily away at the papers until the bell went. Halfway through a large equation Jess continued working on it while the rest of the class scrambled to gather their things. When a hand reached to take the papers Jess snapped. "Hold on!" And quickly finished scribbling the last bit of the answer. Glaring up at the owner of the hand for trying to take the papers mid-question Jess paled when she saw the hand belonged to the math teacher. "Sorry, just wanted to finish writing the answer." Jess muttered embarrassed.
"Not a problem. You lost a few minutes at the beginning of the period so I should have given you a few extra minutes at the end. I forgot about that until you snapped at me. I will make a note that you were due a few more minutes to work on the first section when I am doing the marking." The teacher said picking up the papers and walking back to her desk. Shoving all her things into her bag Jess picked it up and hurried for the door of the classroom.
Slinking out of the door Jess found Allison and Lydia waiting for her. Allison grabbed her bag and Lydia threaded her arm through Jess's good arm.
"We told the boys we would take you to gym. The fastest way there is through the locker rooms and I doubt you want to be led through the boys locker room." Allison said leading the way to their lockers. As another new student Allison's locker was just down the row from Jess's.
When they reached the locker Lydia peeled away to go grab her gym bag saying she would meet them in the locker room.
Taking her bag from Allison Jess placed it inside her locker. Grabbing just her phone and her water bottle she turned and waited for Allison to get her clothes and lead the way to the locker room.
Jess spent the entire gym class typing out the recipes and tools needed for the meal she was planning to make and sending them to Derek. The class was running laps and then divided into teams to play volleyball. Whenever someone from her group of new friends got subbed out of the game they came and sat and spoke with Jess. When Danny was sitting with her he asked in she wanted to join him and crash the super awkward bowling date planned for the next night. Pointing out how dramatic they could make the evening.
Sighing regretfully Jess had to turn him down. "Honestly, with all the trouble I am in having recently been caught and thrown back into the foster care system I don't want to test the boundaries by breaking a police enforced curfew just yet." Jess said looking down at her hands nervously. Seeing Danny's pinky ring still sitting firmly on her right hand ring finger Jess laughed. "Speaking of trouble. I should probably return this before you forget you put it on me and report it stolen." Jess said holding her right hand towards Danny.
Looking outraged Danny pulled back away from Jess. "What!? Are you crazy? After I sent you to the nurse with my stunt you think I'm going to let you give me back the ring? No way!. It looks better on you anyways."
Chuckling Jess looked down at the ring and tilted her hand to admire it. "Fine! But then you have to consider us even. No more trying to make it up to me. It was an accident and no real damage was done." Jess bargained hiding out her hand to seal the deal.
Clasping Jess's hand Danny shook it once before bowing over it and kissing the ring where it rested on Jess's finger. "Deal!"
When the class was over Jess said she would find her was to her locker herself and head outside to meet Derek. Using the night's dinner as an excuse. After checking with Stiles what time his dad got off work they planned to have supper at 7pm. Leaving the other teens to go and shower Jess stopped at her locker to grab her bag and raced for the doors.
Getting outside Jess looked around and smiled to see Derek's car parked right infront of the main entrance to the school. Leaning up against the hood Derek was smiling at a large crowd of students who were standing in a circle beside him. Walking closer Jess saw that in the center of the circle was Raggedy Anne bouncing from one student to another pausing only long enough for a quick cuddle before she bounced away to the next student. Tossing her bag on the hood Jess turned and leaned against the car beside Derek. "Are you going to call her away now?"
Glancing at Jess then at the ecstatic dog in the middle of the huddle of teens Derek shook his head. "She's been cooped up in the clinic all day. She was going stir crazy. Better to let her get rid of some energy here instead of bringing her home to drive us crazy while we try and cook." Derek grumbled crossing his arms and glaring towards the group.
Shaking her head Jess leaned against the man. "And I am sure that the fact that this is basically heaven for such a friendly dog didn't enter into your decision in any way." Jess drawled. Leaning closer Jess whispered. "I have no idea how you have so many people thinking you are dangerous. Anyone who spends any time with you should realize what a softy you really are." Leaning back away from Derek Jess stood against the hood of the car and the pair watched the dog having the time of her life. They were still standing there when Allison, Lydia, Jackson, and Danny came out the doors of the school and approached the group surrounding the dog. Reaching the group they quickly joined in petting and fusing over the friendly dog.
"Cool dog." Jackson said quietly carefully scratching her behind the ears. "But why is she all banged up?"
Allison looked closer at the dog and said in suprise. "Wait, I know this dog. She is a stray staying at the clinic Scott works at after being hit on the road. What is she doing here?"
One of the original group that had been petting the dog pointed to Derek. "That guy brought her. Said they were waiting for her owner."
Looking over and seeing Jess and Derek the four teens headed towards them. Anne abandoning the original group to their great disappointment followed trotting along beside Jackson who reached down every few feet to pet her. Reaching the Camaro Allison scowled at Derek. "She should really be on a leash so you can keep her under control. She has been hit by a car before you know. You don't want to risk her getting hit again."
Scowling darkly at the girl Derek stepped away from the hood and grabbing Jess's bag he opened the passenger side door and tossing the bag in the back he tilted the seat forwards. Snapping his fingers he pointed into the back. Anne instantly shot away from the teens and leapt into the back of the car. Settling on the center seat Anne sat with her head bobbing between the two front seats. "I don't need a leash to keep her under control." Leaving the door open he walked around the car and got into the driver's seat slamming the door loudly.
Ducking her head at the loudly slammed door Jess raised her hand to cover her smirk. Saying goodbye to her new friends, and Jackson, who had gotten a few brownie points in Jess's book for admiring and being concerned about Anne, Jess climbed into the car pulling the door shut quietly. Doing up her seatbelt she waved to her friends while Derek shot the car into reverse and peeled out of the parking lot.
Speeding down the road Derek glanced over at Jess. "So...how was your day?" He asked uncertainly. "Seemed liked you had a bit of a following already by the end of the day. The blonde kid is a prick, but the brown haired boy seems nice." Derek said slowly.
Perking up instantly Jess smiled widely. "Danny is the greatest! I think we may actually be soulmates!" Jess gushed. "It will take at least a few more days before I know for sure though. He gave me a ring ring he asked me to go with him to the group bowling date tomorrow night but I turned him down. I am in enough trouble now without breaking curfew." Sitting back against the seat smiling happily Jess completely missed Derek's eyes flashing blue for a second.