Chapter 5: Abomination Part 1

That same night, Scott had excused himself to go meet up with Allison in the woods. Poor kids. I can't imagine how hard it is to hook up in the woods. Or hook up at all for that matter. Meh, they'll be fine. I only think that because I'm still kinda peeved at Scott. "Oh, yeah. I meant to tell you that I can't pick you up tomorrow morning," Stiles relayed.

"Erica?"

"Erica," he nodded.

"That's sad," I commented sadly. Stiles nodded in agreement and stuffed the thawed broccoli in the freezer. "It would actually be awesome if you drove me the mechanics to pick up my car. You know, since you owe me and all."

"For what?" I asked with a frown. "Oh, yeah. The ice rink." I gave a thorough look at my unfinished homework to see if Stiles would the hint that I'm not interested in giving him a ride. Sounds selfish, but think about all the headaches he and Scott have put me through today, okay?

"You know I'm still technically grounded, right?"

Stiles looked around shortly. "I don't see your dad around here."

As much as I hate to admit it again, Stiles was right. My dad wouldn't be home from work until the crack of dawn. And if I got caught I could just use the excuse of the car needed gas before school.

"Fine, fine, let me go find shoes," I huffed, shutting my book.

"And throw on some pants, it's cool out!" Stiles added as I disappeared up the stairs. I rolled my eyes and called back, "Yes, dad!"

Only halfway taking Stiles's suggestion, I grabbed a sweatshirt that was hanging on my desk chair.

Before heading back down the stairs, I let myself into Matt's room without warning to tell him I was heading out to give Stiles a ride. "Hey, I'm—"

I watched as Matt scrambled to close a window on his computer. Once he got to the desktop screen, her swiveled to me. "O-okay, that's cool."

"I didn't even finish what I was saying," I drawled out slowly. My guess was porn or he was still on that Jackson and sex tape thing. So I guess technically it was still porn.

He rolled around in his chair to block his computer from view completely. "I'm assuming you want the car for the night?"

"Yes."

"Cool, then bye."

"Bye," I said shortly. Shooting one more suspicious look, I left and made my way back down stairs and grabbed the set of keys of the key rack. "Let's go."

"Oh my, god, do you know what a speed limit is," Stiles squealed, leveraging himself with the dashboard.

"Oh, don't be such a drama queen," I replied shortly.

"I'm not," he defended. "How is that you haven't gotten a ticket yet?" I shrugged silently and sped up to get through a green light which earned another 'oh my god' from Stiles.

"Dude, chill."

"I am chill. Just stay in your lane," he said in a strained voice.

"Just stop talking and we'll get there in one piece," I stated with finality. Stiles crossed his arms and huffed with a pout on his face. Baby. My driving is flawless. Except for that one time I hit the stop sign, but that's neither here nor there. I slowed down to a mere 25 miles per hour so the boy's anxiety levels wouldn't go through the roof any more than they already were. "Better?"

"Yes," he sighed. "But now were here so doesn't even matter."

I swear this is the last time I drive around Stiles Stilinski.

My car squealed to a stop. "Stay here," he ordered before I could even think about turning my car off.

Psh, yeah okay.

"Uh, no. This place screams Texas Chainsaw Massacre and I refuse to let us be dismembered."

"It'll take two seconds, Ch—"

"For you to be dismembered, I know," I interrupted as I took off my seatbelt. "You know from experience that it's not a good idea for us to split up."

"Fine," he huffed, getting out the car and slamming the door shut. "Just don't say anything," he pleaded, holding the door open for me. I silently saluted and scanned the facility.

"Hey!" Stiles yelled. With no response, he yelled again only to be ignored again.

I don't blame him for ignoring him either. Especially since I had to listen to it all the way here. Eventually help came and I, to my own surprise, kept my promise of keeping quiet. Even though I really wanted to know how often you're actually supposed to get your oil changed.

As Stiles and the mechanic were talking, I thought I saw something move in the corner of the poorly lit room. Seriously though, this shop should invest in some more lighting.

Okay, now I'm pretty sure I'm hearing things that literally go bump in the night.

I hustled back over to Stiles who looked defeated. "You might as well head out," he murmured, swinging the door open for me. I ducked under his arm and waited for him to join me in the waiting room. "Quality establishment you're running here!" He yelled sarcastically. I rolled my eyes at his sudden impatience and animosity toward the mechanic. "Dude, what is your problem?"

Stiles huffed shortly before answering. "I only needed a starter and now I'm pretty sure he's throwing together words to keep me here longer."

I wanted to ask what the hell is a starter, but wanted to keep us both on track.

"So, you're annoyed that he's helping you out?" I asked rhetorically as he pulled out his phone.

"No, well yeah, but not-"

"You were saying?" I asked with a smirk when he paused completely. Stiles stayed silent and frozen until he dropped his phone and made no immediate move to pick it up. "Stiles, you okay?"

He shook his head softly and gulped. "Something's wrong. I can't move or feel my hands and now my legs are starting to tingle," he added, slightly terrified.

Shit, this has to have something to do with the shadow I saw earlier. See? I knew I wasn't crazy. Crap, I need to focus.

I squatted to pick Stiles's phone to call Scott. "No, no, no, no, no don't touch that!" Stiles whispered-yelled. "Whatever crap was on the handle is on my phone too."

I frowned at him and looked over to at the door handle which was nonetheless covered in something familiarly slimy. Just like the other night, I pulled my sleeve over my hand to get another whiff of whatever the mysterious goo was. Again, I learned nothing.

To get the mechanics attention, I began rapidly tapping (banging) on the glass, but he was incognito. Surely, he was there a second ago. I heard something thump to the ground and saw that it was Stiles who had a pained look on his face. "Call my dad."

With my one good hand, I frantically patted down my pockets before remembering I was still without a phone. "With what phone?" I asked desperately.

"Where's yours?" He asked in the same tone.

"In pieces thanks to Chris Argent," I explained, squatting down next to Stiles. I pulled both sleeves over my hands and reached to pick up his phone.

"I thought you dropped it in the bathtub."

"Totally not important right now." With my last quip, I jumped to my feet when I heard a loud slashing noise. Whatever was keeping Stiles Jeep up was now slowly lowering to the ground and on top of...shit, the mechanic. "Why can't he move?" I whispered to myself.

"Char, get down," Stiles warned in a strained voice from the ground. Something kept me from looking away. The lift suddenly stop and it became eerily silent. With my other covered hand, I reached out for the door handle again and began to pull it open. Only I was stopped when something (a snake—lizard—chameleon maybe?) came from out from nowhere and let out a horrifying screech. Stiles and I let out simultaneous gasps. Whatever screamed in my face disappeared into a corner. With the little breath left in my body, I slid down the wall I had backed into and had yet to remove my eyes that were still glued to the mechanic calling for help. "Stiles," I whispered. "What is that thing?"

"Just don't look, Charles. Look at me. Hey," he called. I tore my eyes away and turned to look at him. "We're gonna be fine, okay?" As much as I didn't believe that, I still nodded silently and crawled over to him. I swung my arm over his shoulder and got into a squatting position in an attempt to lift the both of us up.

Shit, I seriously need to work out more.

Since standing the both of us up didn't work, I pulled us until our backs hit the wall and let Stiles half sit, half lay against me and the wall. Unfortunately, we were in perfect view of the poor mechanic. My options were pretty limited at this point and I was getting more and more exhausted. And here I am making more work for Scott by hanging out with Isaac. The least I could was make myself useful rather than cause problems. "Stiles, I have to do something." I insisted as I began to furiously clean off his phone

"Even if that thing would let you, we'd both dead in a second, Charlotte."

"Bu—" The cries of help from the mechanic were quickly drowned out by a much more horrific sound.

Once the cops finally arrived, Stiles had recovered for the most part and we had worked on our cover story. I let Stiles do all the talking at this point while I kept glancing over at the dead mechanic which was now being covered with a sheet.

"Charlotte."

Whatever gunk was on the handle, I had to get rid of before the Sheriff got here. We were both in agreement that we didn't want his dad to get hurt.

"Charlotte."

I swear removing some paralytic crap off of a handle without getting it on you is a special skill. Yep, that's definitely going on my college applications under special skills.

"Charlotte."

What is it with this town and all the crazy shit in it? You know what? I'm making it my number one goal to get into a college on the east coast where nothing can hurt me.

"Charlie," Stiles called, nudging me softly which successfully brought me out of my thoughts. I tore my eyes away from the scene and looked over at the Stilinski's. "Sorry," I quietly said. The Sheriff made a gesture for Stiles and I to follow him out of the car shop and to an ambulance where Stiles and I took a seat. "It's fine. We just need a statement of what happened," Sheriff explained.

"We got here and he was under the jeep," I stated quietly. Sheriff Stilinski looked at me expectantly as if to go in. I rocked back and forth on my heels silently and looked away from his intimidating gaze. "Thank you, Charlotte," he nodded, clearing his throat. "And you two are sure you didn't see anything else?"

"Positive."

"Yes."

Sheriff Stilinski sent us another look before turning to Stiles. "Now Stiles, we have to impound your jeep as evidence. Sorry, kid," he concluded before walking away. Stiles scoffed but nonetheless accepted his car-less fate. "Just make sure they wash before they give it back!"

Ew, I can't (well, I can because I'm looking right at it) how gross that's gonna be.

Eventually Scott came to pick Stiles and I up because someway somehow, Stiles convinced the Sheriff I wasn't fit to drive due to the circumstances. I knew a part of him was right, but I also knew he didn't wanna endure my flawless driving for another night. As Scott and Stiles were talking in the front seat, I occupied the back seat silently as I played with the ends of my hair distractedly. "Right, Charlie?" Stiles asked suddenly.

"Right," I answered monotonously. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Stiles turn around to look at me. "You're not even listening."

"Sorry," I apologized, meeting his eyes. He looked at me for a second and then to Scott. "I was saying whatever that thing was looked familiar, right? But just the eyes."

"Yeah," I agreed, looking at Scott through his rear-view mirror. "It was kinda like seeing one of your friends in a Halloween masks or maybe a distance cousin you haven't seen in years."

"So, you know who that was?" Scott asked.

"No, but it knew us."

Beep! Beep! Bee-

Well, this a first.

I, Charlotte Lynn Daehler, have woken up before my alarm clock. It's a miracle, ladies and gents. Although, given the circumstances, I wouldn't call this a win. Last night I had a whopping...twenty-five minutes of sleep. I blame that thing with a tail. Those eyes, man. They looked eerily familiar. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I've definitely seen them before. Maybe they weren't the same shade of creepy, but nonetheless familiar.

I tossed my bedding off of me and headed to the hall bathroom knowing it was going to take a little extra time to conceal my tiredness. Beating Matt to the shower, I slowly got ready and paid extra attention to the bags that were slowly but surely forming under my eyes. After trekking back to my room, I threw on some black jeans and a long sleeve purple t-shirt. After last night, I think it's safe to say that I can bum it out a little. Sliding on the first pair of shoes I saw, I tossed my back pack over my shoulder and headed downstairs where I saw my dad munching on toast.

"Hey, kid," he greeted. "Want some toast?"

"Why not?" I shrugged, grabbing a piece from the plate. "Matt came in late last night so there's no telling how long he's gonna take." I said as I took a seat across from my dad." If the situation were reversed, Matt would leave in a second for school, but I could care less if we were late or not. At least he was nice enough to broing our car back home before dad showed up.

"Speaking of your brother, do you think he's been acting a bit strange lately?"

"You mean stranger than usual?"

"You know what I mean, Charlotte." I sighed and nodded in agreement before I took a bite of toast. "Any idea why?"

Good question. Honestly, I hadn't really sat down and hung out with the kid in a while. Especially with his recent asthma attack and all the other shit that's been going on. I shook my head no and took another bite of toast. "You think maybe it has something to do with your mom?"

Now that got my attention.

"You think this is about mom?" I asked, putting down my half eaten toast. Ever since she left a few years ago (3 years and 258 days to be exact), my dad has mentioned it twice. The first time was the day she left and he asked have Matt or I had seen her. Eventually, he had put the pieces of the puzzle together when he read the letter she left for him.

The second time, he was drunk out of his ass. Ironically, that was the reason why she left him.

After she left, he quit drinking (or tried to) and got himself together. Seemingly. Around that time, Matt's asthma got worse and I had no choice but to step up. Eventually we all fell into a pattern where everyone pretty much did their own thing. Once the divorce papers were signed, we all felt a custody battle wasn't necessary. Our choices were limited to a drunk and someone who had abandoned us. It's kind of nice splitting the time between two people who hated each other.

"I don't know. Could be a girl we don't about," he shrugged, avoiding eye contact with me. Great, now he's deflecting.

"Dad—"

"Can you talk to him?'

"Sure," I began, gathering my stuff and heading out the door. "I'll do your job for you." After shutting (slamming) the door behind me, I trudged up to our car with my lips unintentionally pursed. A few minutes later, I heard the front door slam and saw Matt with a similar look on his face. "What's got you in such a good mood?" He asked once he opened the driver's door.

"Your dad," I grumbled, crossing my arms.

He let out a short scoff and started the car and corrected me. "Our dad."

"I demand a paternity test."

"Okay. Seriously, what's wrong?"

I uncrossed my arms and looked toward him. "I should be asking you that."

"Why?" Matt frowned as he peered at the rear-view mirror. "Can I get over?"

"Because you've been acting like a weirdo lately." I stretched my neck to see if there were any cars in his blind-spot. "You're good."

Matt huffed and sent me an offended look. "I have not and I don't think I should trust your judgment of what you think is weird and if I'm really good to switch lanes."

Now it was my turn to send him an agitated look. "I'm just saying you've been a little jumpy. Like you're walking around with a secret or something."

"Whatever you say," he shrugged, now switching lanes cautiously. He seemed to let it go for the time being. But knowing the true nature of my brother, it was only a minute before he spoke again. "I'm not jumpy just...nervous," he defended as we slowed to a stop at a red light. "You know…for the game tonight."

"Right," I nodded. "I'd be nervous too if I knew I had to warm a bench while taking pictures all night. Real hardship."

"Okay," he said sternly as he reached over to open my passenger door. "You can walk."

Talk about dramatics.

With an eye roll, I slammed my door shut just as the light turned green. "Just ask me to change your diaper next time you big baby."

"Yeah, yeah," he mumbled. "So, what was the deal with you and dad this morning?"

"He thought you were acting weird because of mom and when I asked him to elaborate, he waved it off and made me talk you about it instead."

"Oh, so that's three?"

"Yeah," I confirmed. "Sorta. It didn't last very long so I really I'm counting it because he said mom."

We pulled into the parking lot and searched for an open spot near the lacrosse field. "Just tell dad that it's a girl, but don't go into detail."

"No," I rejected. "I'm not interested in playing messenger. You're a big boy, Matt." He rolled his eyes before shifting the car into park and shutting it off. "I know, but just tell him that and I'll take care of the rest."

"Yeah, fine, whatever," I reluctantly agreed. I checked my make-up in the vanity mirror one last time before getting out.

"Thanks," he smiled. "Plus there's sorta kinda may be a girl."

I frowned as we made our way toward campus. "What the hell? Is she like half robot?"

"No," he scoffed. "You know her."

I sucked in some air through my teeth as I racked my brain. "I don't think I know any half-robot, half-girls, man."

"Charlie!" Someone called, interrupting our conversation. I whipped my head toward the source and saw it was Allison with Lydia trailing behind her. As the four of us came together, we came to a stop at the main steps. "Hi," she greeted quietly, looking past me. It took me a second to realize she was saying hi to Matt who was smiling back and blushing slightly.

Wait.

It's Allison.

I sent Matt a smug smirk to let him know I figured it out who in return, glared at me.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" Allison asked, breaking Matt and I's silent conversation.

"Sure," I agreed. Matt took the hint and disappeared up the stairs. Lydia simply walked away and waited while examining her pink gloves.

Once she was out of hearing range, Allison began telling me about Gerard and his leather-bound book. "Do you think it means anything? I mean, he said he would be lost without it." Apparently there's a book that Gerard is seriously over protective of that Allison thinks could help us. I don't have enough details to back up her theory, but she is related to the man so I have to give her some credit. Plus, I know how frustrating it can be to sit on the sidelines and not help your friends.

"Gerard is a hunter too, right?"

Allison nodded. "He seems to know a lot more than he's letting on. I just don't know if it's because of this book or because of my dad, you know?"

I bit my lip in thought before answering. "Maybe, but we have no idea where this book is. And doesn't it seem kind of risky for a mysterious payout?" Truth be told, I hadn't been keeping up with Gerard since the funeral. And with how tired how I was, Allison could have told me anything and I would be suspicious of it. Sleep deprivation and paranoia do mesh together quite well.

"I know—I know how crazy it sounds, but I have an idea where I think it might be, but I wanted to let you guys know first."

"He's going to the lacrosse game tonight, right?" The bell rang as Allison silently nodded as an answer. "Okay, I'll tell Scott and we can figure something out later."

"Thanks, Charlie," she thanked with a smile.

"You're welcome," I said distractedly. "By the way, who's Lydia talking to?" I asked as I saw her talking to herself alone, but she was staring up at someone as if she were talking to someone.

"Lydia!" Allison called. Lydia jumped a bit and looked in our direction. "Who are you talking to?" Lydia looked back at the space she was conversing with and looked slightly put out when she didn't see them.

"No one. Let's go before we're late," she answered quickly. She brushed past Allison and I and up the stairs. Allison and I exchanged looks of confusion and followed her up the stairs and into school.

"And make sure to tell him how sorry I am again," Allison concluded. Knowing me, I began batting my eyes to get rid of the glaze that was sure to be on them. Since Scallison are dating in secret, they also argue in secret. Meaning Stiles and I are stuck relaying messages between the two of them. Apparently, the universe was determined to make me a messenger today.

And I still have no idea what the hell 'because I love you' means.

The warning bell rang and Allison summed up what she's already been preaching to Scott. I love you, I'm sorry and all that lovey dovey crap. After she bid me goodbye, I made it my business to find Scott and relay Allison's message. Mostly because I didn't feel like heading to class right away. Or at all for that matter. Who knows? Maybe I'll find the nurse's office first.

Sadly, I found Scott and Stiles on my way to the nurse's office because, again, the universe has a sense of humor. Stiles looked put out, but I wasn't here to listen to him complain about the same I was going through. I let out a sigh and stared up at the ceiling. I stood in front of them while they continued to sit and stare on the stairs. "Allison says-"

"No, don't say it like that. Say it like her," Scott interrupted, standing up. I looked down from the ceiling and at Stiles who looked just as annoyed as I did. I took Scott's hands (which were oddly clammy) and took a deep breath. "Scott," I began, taking an elongated pause. "I can't do this."

"She said that?" He yelled, turning a few heads. I tore my hands away from his. "No. I can't do this. I'm with Stiles on this. You and Allison have to find a better way to communicate."

"C'mon guys, I already told you that you guys are the only guys we can trust," Scott complained, fidgeting a bit.

"Stop saying guys," I frowned.

"Sorry," he said quickly. "Now what'd she say?"

I huffed, but relayed everything that needed to be told. I started with this morning with the stuff about Gerard and ended with Allison and I's recent encounter. In my own tone of voice, thank you very much.

"A book?" Scott asked once I finished my spiel. I nodded silently and glanced at Stiles who looked as tired as I felt. Thoughtful. But tired.

"A book that's a huge advantage for hunters apparently. To quote Allison who quoted Gerard, he would be lost without it," I mocked in my best old man voice.

"Like a bestiary," Stiles piped from his spot on the stairs.

"A what?" Scott asked with a smirk.

"A bestiary."

"I think you mean bestiality," he corrected with a grin.

"I'm pretty sure I know what I meant."

"I don't know," I mused, looking at Scott. "It does sorta sound like..."

"Okay, no, no, just no. Go find Allison and tell her. In fact, we'll both go," Stiles concluded, standing up and grabbing my hand. I turned to wave at Scott who was still smiling when he returned the wave.

Once we found Allison in the quad where she was studying, Stiles began explaining all the stuff about the bestiary. "I think you mean-"

"No, I mean bestiary! And the three of you, I don't wanna know what's going on in your heads!" Stiles stressed, fidgeting a bit. I let out a small laugh while setting my stuff down next to Allison. I pulled out my Geometry book and notes in an attempt to cram for the test later that day. Meanwhile, Stiles continued briefing Allison.

"What would it look like?"

"I don't know. Old, worn..." Stiles listed.

"Bound in leather?" Allison asked, turning around to face me. "Sounds like that could be it?"

"Yeah, totally," I nodded, biting the end of my pencil. "Is this a good time to ask what a bestiary is?" I asked, looking up from my notes and over at Allison. She expectantly looked to Stiles who looked shocked that we never heard of this thing.

After a heavy sigh, Stiles took a seat next to Allison. "It's like a master list of supernatural creatures. With stats, pictures, descriptions, stuff like that."

"Will it tell us how to kill a giant lizard?"

"Maybe, maybe not," Stiles shrugged. "But if Gerard can't live without it, then at least we'll have that advantage over the hunters—no offense, Allison."

"None taken," she disputed with a polite smile. Judging by her face, she did look like her feelings were a little hurt. This whole situation made me wonder if anyone had asked her to choose sides. And if they did ask—would she choose?

"So," I began, breaking the silence. "Do we think Deaton knows anything about this book?"

"Good question," she shrugged, she turned to face Stiles. "Can you go ask Scott?"

Stiles mumbled something under his breath, but turned to leave anyway. "You coming. Char?"

"Pass," I called out, not looking up from my notes. I saw Stiles throw up his arms in frustration. "I'll take the next shift, promise," I lied, looking over at him. I needed a nap and a sudden hankering for Geometry.

After passing Stiles back and forth, the three of us finally formed a plan. I had finished cramming to the best of my ability and put together Stiles a cardio workout plan. The kid definitely needs it.

You know what I hate (there's actually a really long list, but that's not the point)? When you're minding your own business and someone just decides to literally pull you into their conversation. Especially when that conversation is happening under the bleachers of a very busy lacrosse game. All way too suspicious for me.

After Matt removed his hand from around my upper arm, I took the time to glare at him. The boy knows how I don't like to pulled outta my thoughts unless it's something Nick Jonas related. "Marley, did you mess with this?" I broke my glare away from Matt to furrow my eyebrows at Jackson. He was holding the camera that was used to make his sex tape. I looked at the screen where I saw him just lying there like he was asleep. I took note of the date in the corner and then the sex tape thing suddenly started to make sense. The stamped date was between Isaac and Erica's bite. Which could only mean Derek did in fact bite Jackson. "Hello?" I heard Danny call. He comically waved his hand in from of my face which I softly swatted away. Danny? Does Danny know? Does Matt know? Does anyone know what the fuck is actually going on?

"Oh, no," I stuttered, pulling myself together. "I didn't touch it. Matt freaked out and wouldn't even let me loo-"

"Okay, were done. Thanks. Go sit," Matt rambled, placing his hands on my shoulders and pushing me toward the bleachers. "Weirdo," I mumbled under my breath. I looked over my shoulder to see Jackson running his mouth with a very constipated look on his face. Would he tell Matt or Danny about Derek? About Scott? About all of it? Why would Derek pick Jackson of all people to bite?

"Charlie!"

I spotted Allison sitting with Gerard and figured it was time to move our plan along. Allison was already two steps ahead of me and scooted closer to Gerard and patted the empty space next to her when she spotted me in the thinning crowd.

"Charlie!" I whipped my head toward the source of the voice already knowing who was calling my name. Stiles mouthed to me, "You good?" I shrugged knowing I didn't have a honest answer for him. He didn't look very impressed with that response but I shooed him away before turning to head up the bleachers to Allison.

Throughout the game, Stiles kept looking back to check and see if Allison acquired the keys so we could go search Gerard's office. So far, the only thing I was concerned about was the huge guy on the opponent's lacrosse team.

Seriously, what were they feeding this kid?

"I knew I should have brought a warmer jacket," Allison said, rubbing her arms. Gerard had offered his jacket and passed it on to Allison whether or not she wanted it. Subtly, she dug around for the keys and I couldn't keep the small smirk on my face once she handed them off to me. I cleared my throat before standing up and excusing myself. "I gotta pee."

Smooth, Daehler. Smooth.

I stuffed the keys in my other pocket before I carefully made my way down the bleachers. The last thing I needed was to fall down a set of bleachers filled with people with something we all desperately needed. Stiles had already disappeared and was waiting on the side of the bleachers once I had made my way down. "Here," I said, handing the keys off. He took them and we headed off with a sprint toward the school.

Remember when I mentioned the cardio workout for Stiles? Yeah, I'm taking that back and using it for myself.

I almost ran him over when he came to a rough stop in the parking lot. "What are you doing?"

He sighed and pointed silently to the car where Lydia was crying in. Instantly, I threw my head back in frustration. "C'mon, Charlie. It's Lydia Martin," he argued.

"You do realize that's not a valid excuse for everything?"

"Please?" He whined.

"I don't have time for this Stiles! Let's not forget I have a curfew that I was lucky to get because I grounded thanks to you and Derek!"

"Please, please, please, plea—"

I puffed out cheeks and let a whoosh of air out through my mouth. "Fine, take care of your business." We didn't have time for a full scale argument anyways. Stiles gave me a quick hug and pushed me in the general direction of the school. Ugh, rude.

I'm already hating this plan. First, we have to go in school after hours. Dude, I don't even like being here during the school hours. Second, we (before Stiles ditched me) have to look for something that's probably locked up in center of hell (this is Gerard we're talking about, c'mon). And the icing on the cake? Stiles had to console Lydia and here I am standing in an abandoned hallway realizing he still had the keys. "Shit," I whispered, shaking the locked door. "I should just go home. I should. There's no reason for me to be risking my life alone i—"

I looked around as if that would give me the answer or better yet, the key, but with such luck on my side, I was met with Derek who had suddenly appeared down the hall. "Boo," he deadpanned. Unimpressed, I rubbed the tired from my eyes and pushed down the urge to yawn. "Shouldn't you be—"

"Yes, I should, or maybe I shouldn't—you don't actually care," I interrupted. "But don't even start with me, Derek. You're in a high school you graduated from years ago. After hours on top of that. Shouldn't you be—"

"I'm really surprised your mouth hasn't gotten you in trouble yet," he interrupted, taking a few steps toward me. I wanted to agree with him, but instead I backed away from him. As a reaction, I glanced down the hall to see the pool and a smirking Erica standing silently.

"Haven't heard that one before," I replied lamely. Oh god, my hands are starting to get all clammy. "What are you two up to anyway? Is Isaac here?"

"Charlie! You in here?"

Word of advice? Never send a Stiles to do anything that requires sneaking and staying quiet. "Shu-ow!" I saw Derek nod at Erica who grabbed me by my underarm and led (dragged) me into the pool area.

Ah, the smell of chlorine and urine never gets old.

Stiles joined me shortly after and looked surprised to see me. He opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by Derek loudly popping a basketball.

"Are you serious? I spent like an hour of detention blowing those things up, man." In response, Derek simply grabbed another basketball and popped it. "You suck, man." Stiles nudged and shushed me shortly after. Really? The one who came looking for me by yelling my name is shushing me.

You suck too, Stiles.

"What did you two see last night?" Derek asked again. I looked to Stiles who looked at me who then looked at Erica who was staring at me. I shrugged at the same time Stiles piped, "I don't know."

Derek gave the two of us a look and stepped forward. "Okay, okay," Stiles shuddered. Gah, he's such a wimp sometimes. "Um, yellow eyes, slits maybe. It had scaly skin, kinda slimy. Oh! And a tail," he listed. I nodded as he described the thing. As Stiles kept going, Erica and Derek were looking up and past us. I followed their line of vision until I saw what they were seeing. That thing. "You guys have this look on your face like you know exactly what I'm talking about."

The next chain of events happened in a blink, so all I remember is Erica getting thrown and some way Derek and Stiles ended up in the pool. I, on the other hand, was on the other side of the pool near the shallow end. AKA far, far away from Stiles's phone and the thing that was stalking us.

We all watched as it ran off after it stuck it's hand (no, claw) in the water. Okay, so it's afraid of water. That makes two of us. It's totally not my fault my parents never taught me how to swim.

"Charlie!" Stiles called out.

"Yeah?"

"Do you see it anywhere?"

"No," I answered looking around.

"Maybe it took off." With that, I started my way back over toward a floating Derek and Stiles. I froze when I heard the thing with a tail screech in the distance. "Maybe it didn't," Derek quipped.

I looked over to Erica who was still unfortunately incapacitated. The sound of my heart beating in my ears was making it super difficult to form a cohesive plan. Clearly, this thing didn't want me to help Stiles or Derek.

"I don't understand—I thought this thing was only tied to Isaac. Why is it following us?" I asked, mostly myself, out loud. Without waiting for an answer, I made my way to the edge of the pool and began to crawl on all four to get to Stiles's phone. "Did Isaac know that mechanic? Did anybody know that mechanic? What was his name? Jesus what a terrible way to die with no one knowing who you are," I rambled, trying my best to keep my eyes shut. Maybe the killer lizard won't see me if I pretend I can't see it. Right?

Eventually my hands found a rectangle that could only be Stiles's phone. The loud hiss from behind me that followed was enough to make me open my eyes and stop in my tracks.

"Jump," Stiles whispered-yelled.

It can hear you, man.

"I can't swim!" I said back in the same tone.

"What do you mean you can't swim?"

"I don't know how to be more clear than that, Stiles!"

"Just jump and kick. You'll be fine, I swear."

"Wow, haven't heard that one before."

After a few moments, the thing started pacing behind me and I had yet to turn around. I reached down to grab Stiles's phone again, but was met with another hiss. "What's it waiting for?" Derek asked aloud. I shrugged and shivered. I should have stayed home. I could be on the couch enjoying another marathon right now. Instead, I'm in actual hell. Not wanting to make any sudden movements, I slowly turned around to see what this thing was waiting for.

"Just jump, we know it's afraid of water."

"No, you idiot. If she jumps, she'll drown."

Between the thing pacing a wide circle around me and Stiles and Derek arguing about me to jump, I was having a hard time focusing on anything. The most I knew how to do in water how to do was flail and there was no way I'm taller than 8 feet, but I also don't wanna die. Especially by something that recently crushed it's last victim to death.

"Jump!"

Stiles couldn't hold up Derek forever. Erica wasn't getting up anytime soon.

I quickly grabbed Stiles's phone and tossed it to him which he caught with both hands, leaving Derek defenseless and sinking. The thing was now heading toward me and I only had one option left. With a deep breath, I took the last few steps and jumped in head first.

Fact: people who can't swim shouldn't ever attempt to dive. Ever.

I decided to try something I've seen people do dozens of times in movies; swim. I opened my eyes and saw nothing but blurred legs and a blurred Miguel at the bottom of the pool. I heard Stiles yelling, but I couldn't make out what he was saying.

Ten bucks that it's impromptu swimming lessons.

Shutting my eyes, I began moving my arms toward the surface of the pool, but was utterly confused when I was met with concrete rather the surface. Trying to keep my cool, I pulled an 180 and began moving toward the surface a second time. Turns out, my swimming is equal to sinking. As my lungs began to burn, I began flailing as a last resort. Unfortunately, my right leg began cramping and my body stiffened. The air left in lungs wasn't enough to bring me to the surface and I began sinking again.

If you think it's impossible to cry under water, think again.

I opened my eyes to figure out where I was which was pretty much futile at this point. I blinked trying to rid the black spots that were plaguing my vision as I clumsily tried to stretch out my leg. Between the growing black spots, my cramping leg, and now the feeling that my head was about to explode, I involuntarily opened my mouth to take a breath and let in a large amount of water.

Crap, now I'm really screwed.