"Your stitching handiwork is fantastic. Where did you learn to do that?"

"Oh, I, um, took some classes before I left home to study another subject elsewhere. I…wanted to broaden my skills in different things."

I hoped that the lie would come off convincingly, and so far, the nurse seemed to be accepting it. She nodded approvingly, her dark curls bouncing with the movement. I didn't think she'd be too keen on hearing why I was actually really good at it.

I had learned decent things when staying with a gang member and his family when I was between the ages of sixteen and seventeen. I never did stay in one place for very long, or around people that I could get attached to. But I knew these folks could tend to themselves in the case that Damian found them and allowed myself to stay longer than two to three months. It had been the longest I'd stayed in any one place and with any family. I'd ditched being taken in by families shortly before my eighteenth birthday and had remained alone and practically unnoticed until Beacon Hills.

Now, I had been here for about three weeks. I learned that this woman I was talking to was named Melissa McCall, and her name alone seemed to bring either fondness or fright, depending on who I mentioned it to. And much to my disbelief, word had gotten around via the sheriff throughout the hospital that the new girl in town could stitch a wound, and Melissa had wanted to meet me. I had been hesitant, as a job meant sharing out my false information, but the money was too good to pass up, especially when I'd be leaving soon and without a trace, Damian would never know I was here…hopefully.

Melissa slid purple, rubber gloves on, the snapping noise startling me from my thoughts. As part of the deal, they'd demanded she do a quick physical to make sure my sight, hearing and all that were well and functioning. "Have you ever visited Beacon Hills before?" She asked.

I knew she was simply trying to make light conversation, so I swallowed hard my uncertainty and spoke. "No. I am hoping that this will be the right place to maybe start something new." Every word tasted like poison. I hated lying, even though I'd been doing it for years, I hated it.

"Well, you certainly pulled this place out of nowhere. This is a good town, with decent people as far as it goes. I moved here with my son many years ago." "Oh yeah?" I asked, being into the conversation for once. It was nice to just chat with someone. It had been nice getting an occasional dose of it here and there, but I couldn't relay too much information to someone for fear that it would turn sour.

"Yeah," she gave a soft chuckle, "he's all grown up now. Twenty-two years old. He's gone off to college to become a veterinarian. Thank goodness I adopted two others along the way." "Wow, that takes a very caring person. I…admire you for that." She smiled and winked before going to check my eyes, ears, throat and upper respiratory. "Legally, I guess only one adoption took place, the other just spends time around me and I call him mine. His father is one of my colleagues." I nodded in response.

"Do you have trouble with anxiety, Rachel?" She asked, slipping the gloves off once she finished. "…Sometimes." I sheepishly admitted. "That's nothing to be ashamed of. We all have weaknesses, and we can overcome them. My son used to have to deal with terrible asthma. One way or another, we all find ways to cope with it, and you're just fine."

I didn't have the heart to tell her why I struggled with it all, so I nodded again, this time with a small smile. "Well," she said, "everything looks all good. I think you'd be a good addition. You'll be a CNA, and my personal aide. I'll teach you things, and ask as many questions as you want. You can start in a week if that suits you." "Sounds good, ma'am, I appreciate your time." "No problem, see you around."

I shoved my hands in my pockets and strode out of the building. Cora would be around here somewhere, or at least that's what she had promised when I went in.

"Cora?" I called. I came around the side of the building and saw her. She was chatting with a younger looking guy, which didn't seem all that concerning until I saw the other people with him. I recognized three of them.

It was Mason, Corey and the other buff, tall guy from the first night I was here. I tried not to let terror take hold, but I was caught when I turned quickly to walk off. "Hold up!" Cora yelled, running quickly to meet me. She was followed by the four guys who kept a generous distance. "I'm sorry I interrupted, I'll let you be," I said, trying to exit this situation quickly, but Cora caught my jacket and held me there.

"You didn't interrupt. Actually, I was just talking about introducing you." I cringed inwardly, but brushed it off on the outside and met the four pairs of eyes staring at me. "Some of us have already met. It's…nice to see you again?" I said.

"Yes, hello again Rachel," Mason said, holding out his hand. I shook it a little more warmly this time, but still kept it brief. "So, Corey and Mason I know. I hope your nose is okay." I said, trying not to let pink slide up into my cheeks. "Never better!" Mason chuckled, taking Corey's hand.

"Liam Dunbar," the first guy said, reaching out and giving my hand a sturdy squeeze. His blue eyes showed buried hostility, though it didn't appear to be aimed at me, but his youthful appearance didn't match that. He was on the shorter side, but definitely not petite, as his handshake had said earlier.

"Rachel Brodie," I said. Without letting go of my hand, he spoke again, "You're new in town. What brings you?"

"Come off it Dunbar, you'll turn her off to this place before her time here even begins."

This came from the tall guy with the swept brown hair and hazel eyes.

Liam released my hand and, without turning to face the guy, replied, "Theo, if you could shut up for two seconds straight, that would be really, REALLY nice."

I felt uncomfortable suddenly, like at any moment, Liam would pounce on him. The one I now knew as Theo gave a sly half smile, which pissed me off almost instantly. I knew his type.

I had the urge to spit on him when he held his own hand out to me, but I held it in and took it. "Theo Raeken," he said, giving a small wink with it. I felt my hand go still in his and replied coldly, "Rachel."

I would have given up the winning lottery ticket to smack that smirk off his face. I heard Cora stifle a giggle and caught sight of Liam grinning. "What is so funny?" I asked, feeling a little embarrassed. "Nothing sweetheart," Theo said playfully, making me grind my teeth, "they just like that I'm getting the usual response."

"And you're proud of that?" I growled. "Beyond."

Fed up with it all, I turned to Cora and said, "I think I'm going to go for a walk. Want to come?" She nodded, and the others all turned, save Liam.

"You guys go ahead. I'm going to stick around and get to know Rachel a little better." I wasn't sure why his words put me a little on edge, but I hoped it wasn't because Damian was involved. There's no telling who Damian would find to help hunt me down.

Quietly, I watched as the others walked off, returning Corey's wave and rolling my eyes at Theo's wink. "Y'know," Liam said, "all that does is make him be a bigger dick. Theo isn't one to take a hint." I met Liam's eyes to find him smiling. "I guessed," I said, already feeling better being in his presence.

"Sorry if I came across as creepy or unwelcoming. I've just been dealing with a lot lately." "No problem," I said in earnest, "very few of us would say we haven't felt the same." He nodded and began walking. Cora stopped me as I started with him. "I've got some errands to run, are you going to be okay with him?"

The fact that she cared at all mattered a huge deal to me. I felt a connection to her then, which frightened me and relieved me at the same time. "Yes, I should be. He seems harmless." "He has problems with anger sometimes, but he's not mean spirited. Just be careful. Have a good walk." "Thanks, you too."

"So," I said to Liam once I reached him again, "um, there's not going to be a girlfriend or anyone I'll piss off by walking with you alone, is there?" Liam chuckled, "No. My girlfriend left a few years ago with her sister. Wanted a better place to live." He had said years, but the pain on his face said eons. "I'm sorry. That's got to be tough. I wouldn't know. I'm too scared to tie myself down to anyone." "Been hurt before?" "Uh…yeah." I said.

Liam gave me a small smile before pushing his hands into his pockets. "So, Rachel," he spoke to me as if he'd known me forever, "what has been your opinion of Beacon Hills so far?" "Great, until I met your friend back there." Liam grimaced.

"He's not my friend. I don't even like him. No one does. He's just kind of the one who pushed his way into the group and we deal with him." I laughed.

The walk lasted for a couple hours as we rested here and there, talking like old buddies. It hurt to remember that this was temporary, and that within weeks, Liam would be just another good memory I had in the past.

In a big, lonely world, it was people like Liam, and like Cora, and even Melissa that kept people like me going on.

**Thank you guys for reading! I know it might be taking a bit to get into this, but it will pick up! It's strange to be in a place that you don't feel comfortable, but it's the people you meet who keep you standing. Please R&R! I hope everyone has a fantastic day!**