18

The rain fell in a thick curtain that, once paired with the dark of the night, made it nearly impossible to see. The streetlights at the end of the alley provided a dim glow, but I was standing alone and exposed. My breathing was erratic as my body was simultaneously shaking while frozen in place. My head was in a whirl, feeling anger and fear fighting inside it, unable to find the sources. Suddenly, an ungodly shriek caused me to jump, looking behind me. And there it stood.

Yellow eyes with a slit pupil gazed at me, a noseless face at the front of a crouched figure. There was no heir or clothing, just scales that had a greenish hue in the dim light, a tail curling at its feet. It blinked once, it's snake like membranes not covering the stare. When it opened it's mouth to scream again, jagged teeth revealed themselves in a sinister threat.

Adrenaline kicked in, my body jerking slightly as I tried to make it move, my eyes glancing around for something to deter the beast in front of me. There wasn't much around, resulting in me throwing a trash can lid at it feebly like it was an oversized frisbee. It moved easily to dodge it, but I still used the opportunity to run, slipping in a puddle a few yards down. My body was trembling as I tried to pull myself up, the thing's shadow growing bigger behind me. I glanced a look to see how close it was, getting a ice cold glare that made it abundantly clear it didn't appreciate my efforts. Daring me to keep fighting, or to make another move, any move.

But I didn't: I couldn't.

Instead scrambled in a crawl until I could pull myself onto my feet, trying to find someone to help, or an escape, whichever came first. I turned full tilt in front of me, my heart pounding in my ears as I tried to ignore the sounds of it snarling and chasing after me. Suddenly, something strong wrapped itself around my ankle, causing me to fall right in front of the car that was so teasingly close. The taste of freedom burning in my tongue, I started to grab anything and everything around me, throwing debris in the things direction, kicking my hand free from the tail. My lungs were on fire as I screamed for help. a large, scaled tail whipped forward, wrapping itself around my ankle and making me fall. I screamed for help, clawing at the ground as it pulled me closer to it. I turned onto my back, bile rising in my throat as I saw Mr. Lahey's body hanging out of the car in front of me. Eyes forever open and terrified.

I felt my throat constrict, but no sound came out with this last scream as those terrifying eyes covered my vision, claws dragging down my chest.

I jolted upright in my bed, panting and holding my chest as I tried to calm my nerves. I don't know what it is with dreams this week, but I was not enjoying it. Once my breathing was under control, I dropped my hands, confused when I saw smudges of charcoal on my fingers. Looking around, I didn't see anything, no sign of me drawing in my sleep or even a piece of charcoal, Danny's DVD collection the only proof of last night's activities. Shaking my head, I turned my alarm off, knowing there was no way I was going back to sleep at this point. Knowing I should shower before heading out, I gathered my things in preparation, I dropped them on the floor in the bathroom and stumbled to the kitchen. I needed something to calm me down, but I also knew that I needed to stay awake, and to stay alert.

Grabbing some tea, I microwaved a cup of water quickly, dunking the bag in as I waited for it to properly steep as well as cool. My leg kept bouncing as I sat at the table, gnawing on my thumb as the minutes ticked by. After I'd deemed it long enough, I pulled the tea out, using a spoon to bring it over to the garbage bag. I opened it, but finding it to already be full, I set the items on the counter as I sighed. Removing the lid, I yanked on the flaps to get the bag out, resulting in a few items falling out. I dropped the bag next to the bin, kneeling to clean it up. A couple of wrappers crinkled in my grasp without me really looking, but something round slipped between them, and rolled a way slightly. Knowing it was far too small to be a can, I looked back down to find a black stick rolling to clump of paper. I bit my lip before standing with the items in my hand.

I slowly unwrapped it, my fingers getting further stained as it revealed the cause. Letting out a gasp, I watched as the clump was revealed as several pieces of paper, smudged and stained with images. Images from my dream and from last night, there were words scratched along the pages in places, shadows and a car, but the scariest thing was the eyes scrolled all over the place, staring at me unflinchingly as I dropped the charcoal, most of the papers slipping out of my grasp as well. I had never done this before, hell, I haven't had dreams I could remember since I was a kid, too tired after a long day of housework, homework, and other tasks to remember whatever my subconscious cooked up each night. This week, however, this week was tormenting me with too many terrifying things for me to ever want to sleep again. Taking a few deep, slow breaths, I tried to stop my body from shaking and calm my nerves that ramped back up. I clenched my fists around the page still in my hand, moving toward my room with a new sense of determination.

I packed a small duffel with my things for today, putting small hotel shower supplies in there with a few towels and my clothes for the day. Changing into some spare gym clothes, I went through my chore chart for today, thankful that Danny seemed to do have done a bunch last night while he was waiting for me. I couldn't face him yet today, I wouldn't be able to do what I needed to today. Scrawling a quick note for the table, I hastily cleaned up the mess I'd made so as not to cause any worry. From there it was just making it through school and work.

School was hell for everyone, so I didn't need to worry about sticking out there. I might be able to convince Scott to cover for me today, and tutoring was cancelled due to midterms, which would illuminate any unwanted interactions. All I really had to do was make sure that Isaac was alright, then I could dig in deeper to figure out what the hell was going on with me. Hopefully he was better than I was but considering I didn't just find a parent murdered in their own car, I doubted it. All I had to do was keep my head down, get through the day, and then I could dig. Heading out to school early, loaded with a gym bag and the trash on top of my regular supplies, I stopped at the mirror in the foyer. Boy, this was going to be harder than I thought.

I took in my sunken yes, wide open as my mind went forty miles an hour thinking about things asnd trying not to think of others. My face as pale and I still looked like I just crawled out of bed. If I looked the bad, how was I going to get through the day? How was I going to try and convince everyone else around me to leave me alone and to keep up appearances? Today was a day that I wouldn't want to attract any unnecessary attention, but my appearance was a neon sign to look at me. Slowly, I took a deep, steadying breath, staring at myself evenly in the mirror.

"One thing at a time, Steph, you can do this."

I took a deep breath and pushed myself out the door before I could doubt myself. I put the trash in the receptacle on the curb and stuffed my gym bag into my backpack. I paused halfway to my bike, remembering where its brought me the past few times I was in this kind of state. Glancing at my watch, I put my hands on my hips. After hurriedly looking at the weather on my phone, I shrugged, and turned back towards the street.

"Screw it, the fresh air will clear my head, and I need to get rid of these jitters." I said, not really sure why I was talking to myself out loud. Then, I got to the sidewalk, turned towards the school, and went.

I forced myself to take a light jog, reminding myself that I wasn't running from anything, even though I technically was. When I arrived at the school, I went straight into the girls' locker room. Once I'd showered, the cold water relaxing my muscles while keeping me alert. Screw waiting until I ran during free period, I needed to get rid of the sweat from the night and my discoveries this morning. Thankfully, it was early enough where the sports teams with pre-class practices were still outside, and other students weren't quite here yet. Though, to be honest, I'm surprised no one called the cops on me, since I'm sure I was quite the vision, running to school this early. And that was why, today I needed to look as put together as possible. If I dressed nicer, than maybe, just maybe, I could I wasn't be as freaked as I felt. Though a superficial distraction, it was a necessary one.

I took out one of the wall mounted blow-dryers and tried to make my hair fluff out and fixing the waterlogged strands to be more presentable. Discovering I didn't have a comb or hair bands, I hastily threw a braid at each side of my face, tying them together at the back of my head. Making a mental note toask Meg for a hairband, I moved on to makeup, placing color corrector and concealer under my eyes, and trying to make my face look brighter. Pulling on a few random bracelets I'd left in my locker; I smoothed the layers of my outfit. While it was simple, it was pretty, and controlled. The layered shirts worked well over the jeans, and my sneakers were replaced with a pair of comfy boots. To finish the look, and provide a bit of warmth should I go outside, I had my dark jean jacket on with a grey patterned scarf. I also threw on a small necklace with a charm on it for added measure. It meticulously showed that everything was fine and that I would be okay, even if it didn't feel that way.

I walked out of the locker room, and moved to my main locker, pulling out the purse kept in there for my pencil pouch and supplies before grabbing my books for the morning. I grabbed my multi-subject binder for when I didn't want to carry too much and didn't want to return until after lunch. I knew I would be searching the halls for Isaac until I found him anyway, so I figured it would be better safe than sorry. I needed to make sure he was doing better than me...or maybe I just needed the distraction, the eyes of his father still haunting me as I passed fellow students, either way, my locker was not going to be seeing me as much today. There was only so much I could shove down with my mantra, but I kept it up, closing my eyes as it got to be too much.

"One step at a time, McGrath." I muttered, pausing in front of my English class with a long-held breath, "You just have to make it through today. You got this."

Except I didn't.

While I had my first two classes with Isaac, every attempt at conversation was dismissed as he sat farther way from then than usual. I tried to catch his gaze a few times, hoping to signal to him somehow that I wanted to talk, but if he noticed he didn't show it. As soon as the bell rang, he was gone before I could even move, his body taught like an arrow string. If I was a nervous wreck looking for him, I could only imagine what he was feeling for him. Still, it didn't stop me from constantly keeping an eyes out for him in the halls. And if that wasn't enough, I was still getting flashes of his dad's body everywhere I looked. After lunch, there was even a moment where I froze at my locker, those strange yellow eyes from my dream haunting me suddenly when group of lacrosse players went by.

I didn't hear Meg approach me, so as soon as she touched my arm, I jolted away, slamming into my locker with a bang. She backed off, wide eyed in concern and confusion. I opened my mouth go apologize, to give some kind of joke to let her know I was fine, but I couldn't, running off to my math class. Unfortunately, Meg also had that class, so she was hot on my tail. I knew it was too late and the facade had crumbled, making it impossible to avoid anymore. I took a few steadying breaths on my way to sit down, urging my eyes to stop welling up. and to make things worse, she had that class with me.

"Come one, McGrath, you got this, we're halfway there."

The command was grit out, my hands pulling at my hair to ground me a little more, the braid coming apart in my hand as I waited for Meg to walk through the door and demand an explanation. Almost as if on cue, she arrived a few seconds later, her hands fisted in the long sleeves of her sweater. There was a concerned pinch in her face when she spotted me, making me wince as a feeling of guilt burned in my chest. As she sat next to me, I wasn't really sure what to do, and I could tell she didn't either. We never flinched away from each other, and we always knew how to make the other better without even knowing what was wrong. Except this time? I broke the code, I was providing nothing for her to go on, and I was far to squirrelly for her to even think about believing any lies I told her. Finally, after a few more people came in and I had managed to calm down more, she spoke up, her voice soft.

"Stephanie...are you okay?" She murmured, biting her lip as she tried to gauge my mood, "You've been orbiting a different plan all day, and that's coming from the girl you need to drag back to Earth half the time." She pointed to herself with a nervous breath of laughter.

I sighed, offering an apologetic smile. The problem being that she was right. Meg was someone whose brain worked a little too fast for her to handle. She was always thinking about things and ten different points of view on how to solve imaginary problems. It was like someone took my old ADHD and doubled it up with hers, making when she did focus very daunting. But when she couldn't focus, it was bad, like you need to treat her like a dog and constantly be training her kind of bad. Not that her parents don't try to be careful with what products she uses, and to figure out ways to negate the side-effects of them all or anything, it just happens. So, she tends to take a simple flatliner, making it so she can go about her day in a haze that got her to focus just enough that it didn't put her mind into overdrive. As a result, she let her hair frizz out, and hide in baggy old sweaters of her dad's over jeans and sneakers just to be comfortable. So, when she calls you out on being spacey? She has four legs to stand on in the matter.

"Yea... sorry about running away like that, Danny just gave me a hard time last night after work. He's been running me through an academic gauntlet for midterms, and I chucked a Reign with my breakfast and another one with lunch, so, I'm a bit wired and all over the place."

I smiled weakly over at her, not lying in the slightest. I vaguely heard her go on about how my heart was going to explode one of these days and laughed it off, almost convincing her. Then Isaac walked in and my body went rigid. Our eyes met briefly, but he looked away quickly, rubbing the back of his neck nervously before taking the seat behind Meg. Which of course, had her grinning like an idiot, and giving me a smug grin.

"Are you sure? Because it looks like it's Isaac Lahey that's giving you a hard time." She teased, eyeing him suspiciously. "What has been going on with the two of you this past week?"

I felt a bubble of nervous laughter escape my lips as I tried to think of something to say, "What? Pff- As if… you know better than anyone I don't let boys get in the way...of…"

I trailed off as I noticed her eyes widened with realization. "What are you thinking, because I can tell you right now, you're probably wro-'

"There is something going on with you two! I bloody knew it! Spill. Now." She whispered as our teacher started drawing up the problems on the board. My head whipped around as I looked behind me quickly, slapping her arm to get her to be quiet.

"Shut up, he's right behind us!" I hissed, trying to ignore the fact that I only grabbed his attention more.

"Yeah, sure that's why you want to avoid the subject." She smiled rolling her eyes at me, "You don't even want to talk to your best friend about boys, I see how it is. Guess I'll just have to ask him myself." She turned, eyeing me as I raised an eyebrow, not really believing her, "Hey Isaac, I was wonder-"

Flushing, I clasped her hand, "Meg, No!" She grinned wickedly, gesturing with her eyes to finish what she'd started. Taking a deep breath through my nose, I quickly turned to him with a small smile on my face. "Uh, she was just going to warn you that we're moving our desks next to each other to work on the problems, but with you being tall…well taller I don't think it'll be a problem, will it?"

Meg gave an impressed pout at my lie, moving her desk as I pleaded for it to work. There were a few seconds where his eyes narrowed, his head tilted ever so slightly to the side, as if trying to catch me in the act. Taking a deep breath, I held my hand out to show Meg proving me right, and he finally nodded, slowly, not entirely convinced.

"Yeah...yeah, It's fine."

"Okay, sorry for bothering you." I muttered awkwardly, offering him a small, nervous smile, trying to convey that I would explain later before turning to Meg and lowering my voice. "Okay, okay, oh-kay. I wasn't with him last night, but I did happen across him on the way home."

"Brilliant, and then what." Her concern was lost in the intrigue, making me struggle to come up with a story.

"And-and…" I struggled, getting flustered as I felt two pairs of eyes boring into me. "Well, you know how I am! I tried to talk to him, it went really bad and rambly, so I ran off."

"Is that why you've been trying to see him throughout the day? To apologize for your awkward streak? Hon, you can't apologize for something you can't control." She pat my shoulder, companionably "I mean, were you at least finally going to tell him that you've been harboring a secret-"

"NO, no…." I said, cutting her off harshly while giving her a meaningful look. "Ixnay on the ushcray with the oybay unless you want me to spill to Stilinski." She abruptly clamped her mouth shut, allowing me a victorious grin. "That's what I thought. And besides, even if I did what would happen? I doubt it would work out with Danny on my ass about grades and being safe with everything, do you really think he'd be letting any guy friends in the house?"

"Well we're not talking about friends, now are we?" She said with a wink, making me roll my eyes. "Or at least I know I'm not."

"You know what I mean. Like you said, I have an awkward streak, and on top of that, when I'm not working on school, I have tutoring, the clinic, and whatever work I have around the house!" I took a deep breath revealing way more than I had wanted to with him so close, but already too far in, "Not to mention the fact that we haven't really talked in years, and his brother used to be my brothers best friend. But yeah, let me ask him out of the blue, it'll totally work. Nothing weird about that at all."

"You are such a downer, maybe your parents should have named you Debbie" Meg laughed, pushing me slightly. "I'm only saying that you are an amazing person on all accounts and he's cute, so if I was you, I'd snatch him up before someone else does."

"Like whom, you? Whatever shall Stiles think?" I pushed her back as she shook her head, the two of us laughing until the teacher looked over at us with a frown, forcing us to at last pretend to go back to our work. After his gaze shifted, I turned back to her, "Look, I'm just...trying to be realistic. And if the past week's interactions have been any indication, he is not interested."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, McGrath," She muttered, not looking up from her notebook."I can't talk you into something that you think is a lost cause...I learned my lesson when I tried to die you hair blonde."

"That's more that I don't trust you near my head with Bleach." I said, the two of us laughing at the joke.

We fell into a comfortable silence, making me relax for the first time all day. I was able to just sit and talk about nothing with her, working on our math work, trying to not think about how much Isaac had heard of our conversation. Soon the bell was ringing, my next class being my free period and finishing the day with Chemistry. Meg walked me to the locker rooms, promising to swing by if the yearabook meeting let out early, skipping to her French class. I waved, feeling lighter than I had this morning as I slipped to the side of the hall and waited for Isaac to come by on his way to lacrosse practice. There was no backing out now, he had to go this way, and I wasn't going to let him go in without finding out how he was dealing with everything. Or so I thought, until he walked by and my arm grabbed him without even thinking. Judging by his reaction, I could tell he was just as surprised as I was.

"Stephanie…" The tightness in his face fell instantly, his shock more than likely mirroring my own "Sorry I thought you were-" He paused, dropping his fist- huh so that's that that feels like- and running his hand through his hair, "I mean...I have practice, so I can't-"

"Are you for real?" I snapped, shock melting away with anger. I was just worried about you, you idiot! "Hey Steph, sorry I nearly punched you in the middle of the school hallway, but I have practice and can't chat?"

His jaw clenched, and his face hardened again, anger radiating from both of us now. "Did you need something?"

I felt a chill at his sudden change in attitude, but pushed on, "Oh I don't know. How about an update on how you're doing today? Ya know since I left you at the crime scene of your dead father?" I hissed, lowering my voice so no one could hear me. "I have been trying all day to check on you, but you've been perpetually evasive, and...and I know that I'm still freaking out about it...so I just wanted to...check on you."

All the anger left my body as suddenly as it had entered, my confrontation petering out before I could finish. I gulped, waiting for him to react, or respond, anything to validate what I was feeling. His anger smoothed off his face, regret filling his eyes. And though I could tell it was sincere, I didn't let it get to me, standing my ground, crossing my arms for good measure.

"Right, sorry, of course you are, why wouldn't you be... I'm sorry" He looked down, then back at me, the same concern from last night evident in his face. "I'm just trying to adjust to the… uh, hey, are you okay? Did you get home safe?"

I snorted slightly, "Maybe physically, but my brain had other ideas." I mutter, shaking my head when I realized I said that out loud, "Or I mean…I was trying to ask you that. You seem kind of off today... and more on edge than I am."

He clenched his jaw, slowly losing whatever composure he had, "Yeah well, I'm glad you're okay, but like I said I have practice, so I'll see you later, okay?"

I nodded, unable to gauge what was going on with him, "Right, well I have a free period so I'll just-" I stopped as he turned abruptly and storm down the hall. "Be sitting on the bleachers, being ignored as usual."

Following his lead, I took a door leading outside, breathing in the cool air with a sigh. Moving to the bleachers, I saw grimaced when I saw Greenburg making out with one of Lydia's old Lackies turned new It Girl. The two were making quite a show for everyone, making me want to throw condoms at them and offer to pay for a hotel room. Seeing Scott make his way over to the goalie position, I made my way over to Stiles, remembering that I needed to talk to his bestie about covering for me today. Tapping his shoulder, I kept my gaze on Scott and the defensive player that separated him from the slowly forming line of players.

"Wha-? I didn't do anything!" He turned, as if expecting someone to yell at him or something, relaxing as he saw me, "Oh...hey Stephanie… what's up?"

"Sup, Martin" I said, forcing myself to calm down and remind myself that we were friends. Or at least friendly. Quirking an eyebrow, I gestured to his friend, "I was just coming to see if I could grab Scott before practice, but seems like he's already out there. Any reason he's goalie today?"

"Oh that... Yeah, he just wanted to try it out, since he was really good at it last time and as a newly minted co-captain, he figured it would help the team work harder." He looked back from Scott to the line, "Why'd you need to talk to him?"

"Oh, just seeing if he could cover for me tonight, ya know, I have a mountain of practice tests to go over from tutoring." I said, waving him off, "But it can wait, Finstock however, can't, so you should head out there."

"What Coach isn't even-" He jumped when the whistle went off. "Oh my god."

"Let's go! Line it up!" Coach Finstock yelled at the team, spurring Stiles back into action, "Faster! Make Daddy proud."

Waving him off, I sat where I was, thankful to have the distraction. Or more accurately, the opportunity to attempt a read on Isaac as I observed the practice. As the first player ran forward, though, Scott suddenly rushed forward from the goal and knocked him to the ground. If that wasn't strange enough, he made a show of smelling the poor guy. I looked to Stiles in confusion, but he avoided my gaze from his spot in line. As if he didn't want to admit to knowing anything. Not that I could or even would confront him about it, but it was strange all the same. Instead, all I could really do was watch as Coach yelled at Scott, who was helping the player up now, patting him on the shoulder.

"Usually, the goalie stays somewhere within the vicinity of the actual goal." Coach groused, looking at Scott like he didn't understand how to play the game. Not that I blamed him of course, he brought up an excellent point.

Scott nodded, "Yes, coach."

I watched him go back to the goal, but then the next person that went forward was met with Scott flipping him onto his back, sniffing as he did before. The third guy was then taken out with his stick, making me question why the guy hadn't decided to just play as the defensive player. Coach seemed to also be thinking the same thing and wasn't very happy about it.

"McCall!" He shouted, "The position's goalkeeper. Not goal abandoner."

Scott let out a halfhearted apology, but Coach just went back down the line, shaking his head and ushering the next player forward. The next victim goes to run, but Scott just knocks him down, causing Coach to go talk to Stiles for a few seconds. My current theory being that he was trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with his best friend. Meanwhile, I was trying to catch sight of Isaac, only to realize that I had been right the other day and it was impossible to make out who was who with their facial guards covering their features. Unfortunately, I couldn't linger on the slightly smug feeling I felt, however, as I looked for his jersey number. As I strained my eyes back on the front of the line I realized, or thought, they'd reached the actual goalie, Danny's turn. I didn't bother watching though, knowing it was going to be the same, the crunching of gear on the ground proving me right. Finally, Coach had had enough and pointed to Scott angrily.

"McCall! You come out of that goal one more time and you'll be doing suicide runs till you die." Coach groused, clearly having enough of these antics. "It'll be the first ever suicide run that actually ends in a suicide. Got it?"

Scott gave a noncommittal answer, but something told me it wasn't going to be followed. Coach seemed to think so too, and just let out an exasperated mutter to the affirmative, knowing that he probably wasn't going to get the guy to listen. Turning to Jackson, who said something to him, he motioned for him to leave the line. I guess his shoulder must still be bothering him from earlier in the season, and they couldn't risk their 'star player' getting injured further. I rolled my eyes, continuing to scan the line, when I caught the worried energy Stiles was giving off. Looking in front of him, I realized why: Isaac. The number fourteen now in clear view, I could almost feel the anger from earlier, that caged feeling that wanted to lash out. I could see it, too, almost like he was steaming with rage, trying to hold it back as he tensed for a fight. I stood up, walking over to the bench, and clenching the metal nervously. What are you planning, Isaac...what's the play here? Whatever it was, it didn't look good.

I watched as he took off with the whistle, Scott charging forward with the same vigor. As he went for the goal, both him and Scott pushed off the ground so hard, they brought up huge clumps of dirt, leaping into the air as they collided. It looked like two animals sparring as they briefly grabbed each other, spinning so that they flung themselves apart. They spun around so that Scott had his back to the line, and Isaac the goal. They were standing on all fours, staring at each other intently until Coach's whistle seemed to break the spell. Isaac even seemed to slump almost like a puppet cut from its panting as he looked to Scott.

Suddenly, the sheriff and a couple of deputies showed up, on the field, walking over to Coach. as cops suddenly appeared on the field. Soon, Isaac was beckoned over, joining them as everyone on the field started to swarm around at a distance. Without a second thought, I let go of the bench and marched toward Scott and Stiles. I don't know what was happening, but if the cops were involved, that couldn't bode well. With their helmets off, I could see the worry in both of their faces, as well as the fear in Isaac's.

As I got closer to them, I heard Stiles tapping at his chin, looking at Scott nervously, muttering to his friend.

"What are they saying?"

"His father's dead…" Scott answered, tilting his head to the side, "They think he was murdered."

Shit that can't be good. I paused, wincing as I finally paused enough noticed the divots in my hand from gripping the back of the bench so hard. I hissed, trying to smooth them out as I waited for the two idiots to notice me. Good luck with that, they are in their own littler world. And did…did Stiles ask what they were hearing as if Scott could hear them?

"Are they saying he's a suspect?" Stiles said, still not noticing that I was eavesdropping on them.

"I'm not sure, why?" Scott turned to him, causing me to do a little finger wave when he saw me. "Uh, hey, Steph! What are you doing here?"

"Same as everyone else? I was on my free period, watching you guys when I saw Isaac getting pulled over to talk to the Sheriff," I crossed my arms, "And apparently you can hear them based on Stiles' demands for a play by play. Or are you just that good at reading lips?"

Both boys looked down and at each other, moving in near perfect sync. They hadn't expected anybody to walk up to them, clearly, but they were so freaking obvious about it. I waited; my eyebrow raised as they shared an awkwardly silent conversation. Finally, Stiles wrapped an arm around Scott's shoulders, patting him on the chest with the other.

"Well if what Scott thinks they're saying is right…" Stiles looked at Scott meaningfully, "If they think he's a suspect then they can lock in him a holding cell for twenty-four hours." He looked at me, holding a hand up with a shrug, "Not that I get what has you so interested out of nowhere, McGrath. I didn't think you guys really talked anymore."

"Not that it's any of your business, Muhammad." I grit out, purposely picking a name that was nowhere close to being his real one. "But I'm allowed to be concerned about a fellow classmate. If you didn't want people to think you were a leading authority on the matter, you two idiots should have been quieter. Now if you'll excuse me, the bells about to ring, and they're leaving anyway."

I ran off, not entirely sure why I was so offended by Stilinski's accusation. What I said wasn't wrong, but he did bring up a good point. I very well could have implicated myself if I wasn't careful. Now, I needed to try to save Isaac from something that absolutely was not his doing, not than anyone would believe me if I told them what I saw. When I got inside, I waited, figuring they would have Isaac change before questioning him. Sure enough, a few minutes later he came out of the locker room changed out of his uniform. I waved him over, my mind working in circles as I attacked him with questions.

"Hey, are you a suspect? What did they say? Are you alright?" I rambled off, clenching my bag's strap like a lifeline that would ground me in the storm of worry and fear. "I'm sorry, you're probably just as confused, and I'm rambling again." I took a breath, touching his arm slightly to ground myself. When he flinched however, I pulled away, opting to hug myself instead. "Let's just stick with what did they day… I guess that would be the best question."

"I uh...I don't really know yet," He paused to run a hand through his hair, looking away as a few boys exited the locker room. "They told me about how they found him…and there was a call last night, but that's it. Th-then they told me to get changed, and to meet them at the office...something about talking to a few people before doing anything for sure…"

"Oh...okay…" I ran a hand through my hair, the hair myself. I never did as Meg for a hair tie, I'm sure I looked a mess at this point. But I was past caring, keeping my focus on Isaac. "People...people like who?"

He leaned against the wall with a sigh, "I don't know...Jackson, I guess? He lives nearby and I think he was outside when…when I took off on my bike to…"

He struggled to say the words making me realize that maybe, just maybe it was what I was suspecting. I bit my lip, not wanting to push, but yearning to comfort him. Taking a step closer, I placed a hesitant hand on his arm, waiting until he met my gaze.

"Look, I'm not going to make you say anything you're not ready to say, but if there is even a chance that he could make you a subject." I shook my head, trying to think. "Then I need you to tell them that I was there. You hear me? You didn't do this, and I'm going to fight tooth and nail to make sure they know that."

"Steph-" Isaac started, clearing his throat, "I uh...I don't understand why would you-"

"To show you that no matter how bad it was...no matter whathe did to you...you're not…" I cleared my throat as I was hit with a wave of emotion. "You're not alone. And if Jackson is going to twist it so that you look bad, you need someone in your corner. Besides, it's not a lie if I actually was there, ya know?"

I smiled at him, hoping that my sincerity came through, that he was able to take comfort in what I had to say. After a few silent moments, I was worried that I'd said too much, but slowly, he nodded, staring at me as if trying to find something my eyes. Blinking a little, I started to get a little unsure, feeling conflicted out of nowhere. Then, suddenly, suddenly, Isaac was wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into a short, yet strangely prolonged hug. There was something so loud about the gesture, especially when he had flinched at my touch earlier. I had reached him, truly reached him, and there was a trust earned, and a gratitude conveyed. There was so much being said that I didn't even know how to respond, Overwhelmed as I was. I didn't even get a chance to react before he released me, leaving me to watch him retreat down the hall in shock.

As he disappeared around the corner and the bell rang, I couldn't shake off the feeling that this wasn't the last time I would be hugged by Isaac Lahey. It also scared me a little that I didn't want it to be either. I wasn't a touchy-feely person, I barely hugged Meg, and Danny was the only person I really shared any source of physical affection with. Now, I'd do anything to pause time and stay in the bubble of that hug and breath in the feeling.

"One thing at a time, McGrath….it was just a hug." I said, adjusting my shirts and heading to class, "No need to get your panties in a twist. People hug each other every day."

I tried to calm myself, knowing that there was a chance I'd be pulled from class, but also not rushing to get there. As soon as I reached the room, however, I panicked, opening the door to find Harris already at the chalkboard. Luckily, I was waved away before I could even open my mouth to apologize. got into class, Harris was already at the chalkboard.

"Save whatever poorly orchestrated excuse you have ready for a teacher who will actually have the patience to pretend listening and get to your seat, Ms. McGrath. Though with Stilinski's imbecilic tendencies seeming to be rubbing off on you, I would suggest trying a seat change next time." He quirked an eyebrow at me skeptically, "That is, if you find it in your graces to be on time next class."

I nodded, not even bothering to respond before shuffling to my desk. Harris in his typical fashion continued on, drawling about how he was rudely interrupted. Of course, when I got there, Scott and Stiles were joint together and whispering to each other, completely oblivious to my existence. Instead of mocking them again, I tried to ignore them, keeping my mind on the notes. Granted, I was so worried about Isaac, that my mind wandered a bit, allowing me to catch the conversation next to me. I really need to stop…but they aren't exactly subtle about it either.

Scott's voice was hopeful, no doubt his doe eyes big and bright as he looked at his best friend, "Doesn't being a teenager mean your dad can't hold him?"

Out of the corner of my vision, Stiles played around with his pencil "Well….not unless they have solid evidence." He looked upward, coming to a realization "Or a witness."

"Yeah, and?" I said, letting them know they weren't as slick as they though while he whipped to look behind us. I glanced at Scott. "You guys need to work on your private conversations more."

Scott laughed awkwardly, the two of us turning to see Stiles addressing Danny. "Wait. Danny… Where's Jackson."

I bit my lip, already knowing the answer as the Goalie answered, looking at Stiles like he was an idiot. "In the Principal's Office, talking to your dad."

Stiles leaned towards him more, "What? Why?"

Since they were behind me in the information wheel, the irony of which didn't escape me, I turned back to my notes. Harris, however, snapped my attention forward when he called my name.

"It would seem you're needed elsewhere at the moment. Please take your things and head to the office."

I nodded, scrambling to get as much information down as possible before taking out my homework and grabbing my things. Looking at Stiles and Scott's faces, I just shrugged, not willing to give them anyr understanding what was going on. Let's see how they like it. Keeping my head down, I paused at Harris's desk and slid him my homework, pausing when he placed a hand on my wrist. I looked to see him eyeing me over his glasses, a stern expression on his face.

"I suggest you don't make this a habit Ms. McGrath. Tardiness I can tolerate with some form of grace, but leaving my class is something I will not. Make sure to read the next chapter, take notes, and fill out the review."

"Yes, sir." I gave him a tight, embarrassed smile, and went straight into the hallway.

I walked slowly towards the office where Jackson was giving the police exactly what they needed. Holding my head high, I prepared to help, just like Isaac needed. My hands were clenching and unclenching, and I could feel my stomach twisting in knots, but I was willing to do it. So, finding the door closed, and following the receptionist's prompting, I sat down in a chair outside. I tried to keep my breath steady as I watched a few students walk down the hall, but couldn't stop the exasperated sigh that escape as the Sweet and Aggravating showed up, throwing themselves into the chairs to my immediate left. They didn't even say anything to me, opting to lean against the windows, not bothering to hide their eavesdropping. Before I could comment though, before the sheriff spoke up, bringing my attention elsewhere.

"Listen to me," The Sheriff's voice was incredulously, "You're telling me that you knew Isaac's father was hitting him?"

"Hitting him? He was kicking the crap out of him."

Despite how matter of fact he was, or maybe because he was so matter of fact, I felt an overbearing desire to kick Jackson's teeth in. My hands balled into fists around my bag, my knuckles white as the Sheriff shared my disbelief.

"Did you ever say anything to anyone? A teacher...parents…..anyone?" I bit my lip knowing that if it didn't effect Jackson's immediate life, it didn't matter. In spite of everything he's been through in life, he'd rather just skate along in his own cloud of egomania. It made me sick to my stomach that he could have said something at any point and prevent all of this from happening. But then again, that was the Jackson Whittemore style.

"Nope." I closed my eyes, wishing I couldn't see his smug face. "It's not my problem."

He let out an uncaring sniff and I let out a puff of air through my nose, making Scott look at me strangely. I shook my head, leaning my head back to indicate what I was reacting to before reigning to play with my fingers until I was called.

"You know, it's funny that the kids getting beaten up are always the ones who least deserve it." Stile's dad sad, making me smile at the jab. At least he understood.

"Yeah." Then he realized what was said, "Wait, what?"

"I think we're done here." Stiles and Scott turned to face the hall, the former scrambling to grab a Rio magazine from the table next to him. The sheriff opened the door then, ushering Jackson back to class. Upon seeing his kid, he just looked at him with an unsurprised expression, looking to Scott instead.

"Hi, Scott." He greeted the teen, smiling kindly.

Scott smiled slightly embarrassed, "H-yea."

I sighed, shifting in my seat as his gaze fell on me, "I take you're Stephanie McGrath?"

"Uhm," Standing up, I sighed, "Yes sir…"

He noticed how worried I looked and had me follow him, the boys looking at me strangely. I was thankful that whatever went down, Mr. Stilinski wanted to at least attempt to keep them out of it. I mean, I know that Stiles would find out anyway, but the effort was nice. Stopping around the corner, he rubbed at his nose with his thumb.

"Do you have any idea why you were sent to me, Ms. McGrath?"

"No sir, I was just pulled out of my Chemistry class and sent here." I said, playing with the ends of my scarf as I tried to keep my composure. "Though, that's a lie, I guess I do have an idea, just not sure it's the correct one."

Giving me a look, entirely too used to rambling thanks to Stiles, the sheriff nodded, waiting for me to continue. I bit sighed, avoiding his gaze as I spoke up.

"It has something to do with Isaac, right? Since I was with him last night?"

He nodded, his shoulders slumping as if he was hoping I would deny it. I stood firm, not caring at the moment what Danny would say, or how furious my mother would be. Right now, I needed to stand up for my friend, and keep my promise. Seeing that I wasn't giving in, the sheriff sighed, waving over a deputy as he ran a hand down his face. Once his associate reached him, he looked at him, avoiding my gaze entirely.

Speaking with a reluctant tone, he looked at me before heading down the hall. "Officer Howard, could you please secure Ms. McGrath and while I grab Lahey boy? They'll both be coming with us."

"Howard" nodded, "Miss, I need to you put your hands behind your back and give me your bag."

"He didn't do it." I said, complying with the instructions. "I swear, he's innocent.

He didn't answer, just placed the cold circles of arrest to my wrist, effectively shackling me as he spoke an even worse response. "Stephanie McGrath, you are being brought in under suspicion of being an accomplice to murder. You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you…"

My hearing tuned out, my ears ringing as I was arrested in a high school hallway for trying to do the right thing at the absolutely wrong time.