Mercedes wasn't thrilled that she had to turn up to school for the rest of the week but she did, and that is how she made herself available for Allison to drag her to the lacrosse field. Of course, she didn't mind but her mood was already quite sour.

"So you're going to the party?" Allison asked the short brunette, who gave a nod in response.

"I asked Stiles to go with me," Merci mumbled twirling her pen between her thumb and index finger. "He said yes."

"Oh my God! You totally like him." Allison squealed loudly which in turn caused Mercedes to send her a glare. Allison completely unfazed awed aloud a smile tugged at her lips.

"I don't like him in the way you think. Sure he's cute, and he can make me laugh but that doesn't mean I like-like him."

"You've never asked a guy out before, it's usually the other way around." Allison reminded "I caught you smiling when you said he accepted your invite. I've known you for my whole life, I knew you before you were even born. Don't try to lie to me." Allison glared though her smile never fell. In truth she just wanted Merci smile to remain in place seeing as she wasn't having the best week.

A laugh left Mercedes lips "You knew me before I was born? How is that even possible?" Merci giggled as did Allison. "Thanks, Ali, I needed that."

"I know, which is why I also know you're attracted to Stiles."

"There's Scott." Mercedes pointed towards the field and Sure enough, when Allison had looked she saw the familiar puppy-eyed boy. Scott waved at Allison who smiled returning his gesture.

The coach had seen Scott raised his hand and had gotten the wrong impression. "You got a question, McCall?"

"What?" Scott asked completely dumbfounded

"You raised your hand, do you have a question?" Coach asked

"Oh no, I was just, uh… nothing, sorry." Scott apologized

"Okay." Coach replied before directing his attention back to everyone "You know how this goes. If you don't make the cut, you're most likely sitting on the bleachers for the rest of the season. You make the cut, You're playing! Your parents are proud, Your girlfriend loves you! Huh! Everything else is uh, cream cheese." He continued stopping to stare at Scott. "Now get out there and show me what'cha got!"

"Are they sure he isn't half deaf?" Mercedes asked Allison who laughed waving her off.

Mercedes watched as the game started and admittedly it was a bit confusing at first but she got into the motion of things a bit down. Her eyes wandered across the field wondering why Stiles was on the bench.

Wasn't he trying out as well?

She cheered loudly once Scott received the ball smirking at Allison who blushed in response. Her excitement, however, was short-lived when Scott was tackled to the ground. A groan leaving her lips as she visibly winced. Her lips twisted into a scowl once she realized who had run into Scott.

"I'm really starting to hate that guy." She muttered under her breath. Scott got back to his feet getting ready again. Mercedes jumped shaking Allison once she saw the curly hair boy dash across the field ball in his net. He dodged the approaching players skillfully doing an unbelievable flip before making a successful shot.

Both girls along with those who had gathered were amazed by Scott's amazing shot. "Wow! A lacrosse player and a gymnast." Merci teased Allison who was applauding as well.

Everyone was completely dumbfounded but they cheered and applauded nonetheless. Both girls jumped to their feet clapping as the others celebrated with Scott.

"McCall! Get over here!" Coach yelled startling everyone, while Mercedes rolled her eyes in annoyance. "What in God's name was that? This is a lacrosse field! What're you trying out for? The gymnastics team?"

"No coach," Scott replied

"What the hell was that?" Bobby Finstock asked once more

"I don't know… I was just trying to make the shot." Scott explained

"Yeah, well you made the shot and guess what? You're starting buddy. You made first line." Everyone soon resumes their applauds as Merci hooted along with the crowd. She used her boot to nudge Allison's leg to which the pale girl laughed rolling her eyes.

"Hey Mercedes," At the call of her name she stopped rummaging through her locker and turned to face Stiles.

"Hey," The short girl smiled "What's up?"

"You forgot your book the… The other day... I mean night." The pale boy explained showcasing the thick hardcover book. "I didn't get a chance to give it back to you."

Merci smile fell slightly as her eyes fell on the book, which Stiles immediately noticed. "Or maybe you left it on purpose," He mumbled to himself

"I didn't," She quickly answered before reaching to take the book from Stiles' grasp. "Thank you, I've been so busy this past week I forgot."

"You didn't forget about-about the party did you?" Stiles asked nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

"What party?" Merci asked feigning confusion. Once she saw Stiles slight smile pulled into a frown she immediately regretted faking her confusion. "I'm kidding Stiles. I remembered."

"Very funny." Stiles sarcastically remarked. The brunette grinned widely tilting her head to the side.

"You're picking me up?" She asked closing her locker. uncapping a black marker and grasping Stiles' arm, she wordlessly began writing her number.

"Uh yeah," Stiles replied as he watched the girl scrawl across his skin, though all he could think about was how perfect her bare skin felt against his. And maybe it was just his teenage hormones but he could swear he felt jolts of electricity.

"For my address and also when I ask you to be my study partner." Without waiting for a response the short girl slung her bag over her shoulder and began walking towards the exit. "Don't be late Stilinski!"

"I don't know what to wear," Allison whined through the video chat she was currently having with Mercedes.

"What you're wearing is fine Ali," Merci laughed while she sat by her vanity fixing her eyeliner. "I'm sure Scott will still like you even if you showed up in a sack."

"I see you went all out for Stiles," Allison noted as she looked at the glimpses of Merci's outfit. The girl was dressed in ripped high waist pants a white cropped top and her favorite ankle boots. "Even curled your hair."

"Shut up." The shorter of the two replied rolling her eyes as she stood from her vanity chair, not wanting Allison to see the blush blooming on her cheeks. "What were you expecting? A sack?"

Allison giggled holding up her hand in surrender. "No need to get defensive… I think that's Scott, see you at the party."

"See you there," Mercedes confirmed before they both ended the call. A knock sounded at her bedroom door before her father shoved it all the way open.

"Where are you going?" He asked noting her attire

"Out with Allison." She replied nonchalantly walking towards her closet to retrieve a black leather jacket.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to be out partying?"

"Dad, I'm fine. I'm not staying cooped up in here all sad and pouty, I have a life." The teenager sighed moving to unplug her phone charger and retrieve her phone from the bedside table.

Don sighed nodding "I just want to make sure you're okay."

"I know, and I am okay." Merci reassured just as the doorbell sounded "I'll see you later." Mercedes pressed a kiss to her father's cheek before she started for the front door. Once standing before the door she fluffed her hair then opened the door to reveal a jumpy looking Stiles. Stiles' eyes widened at the sight of the brunette.

"Oh wow, y-you look hot."

A laugh left Merci's lips as she stepped out on to the porch. "You don't look too bad yourself." As she was about to close the door she caught sight of her father who was standing at the end of the stairs arms folded and eyebrow raised in question. "Ready?"

"Y-yeah." Stiles stammered as he gestured for her to walk before him. Mercedes started down the steps turning to glance at Stiles whose pale cheeks were tainted red.

"Do I make you nervous?" The brunette asked stopping at the passenger side of Stiles blue jeep.

"What? No of course not." Stiles replied unconvincingly before he met her knowing eyes. "Okay, maybe a little." He reached for the handle of the door pulling it open.

"Thank you." She smiled

Once both were inside Stiles started his beloved Roscoe and pulled away from the curb and started for Jackson's house. The drive was fairly silent despite Mercedes attempts to start a conversation, but Stiles mind was too occupied with Scott to keep the conversation going.

"Stiles?" Mercedes tried, the spastic boy hummed in response "There's nothing wrong if you want to back out."

"Back out of what?" Stiles asked confused glancing at the brunette who was finally relieved that he had met her eyes, if even for a split second.

"Going to this party with me."

"Why would I want to back out?" Stiles was still confused to which Merci rolled her eyes.

"You seem out of it. Maybe you wanted to go with someone else."

"What? No, Sorry…" Stiles' mouth had gone dry once he realized that in worrying about his best friend he was severing something that could maybe happen with a pretty girl who he actually liked, while Scott was living it up with Allison. It was odd that within one week of hardly knowing the girl she had somehow managed to make him forget all about his infatuation with Lydia Martin. "I'm completely focused, focused I am."

Mercedes giggled nodding watching as Stiles parked his car a good distance away from the house seeing as the place was already filled with other cars. "Wow, the party of the century huh?"

"You could say that," Stiles mumbled before they both exited the jeep. They walked side by side towards the party listening to the pounding music. Mercedes was surprised that neighbors weren't already complaining.

"Remember when you asked what kind of guy I'm interested in?" Mercedes suddenly asked glancing at Stiles.

"Yeah?" Stiles already knew the answer, he was positive it was one of the athletic boys who had abs, the definition of a golden boy.

"Keep me entertained tonight and I'll tell you." Mercedes smiled wordlessly grasping Stiles' hand. It was no secret that she was quite bold, it was a trait she had inherited from her mother. One thing she truly cherished. Stiles' eyes darted down to their adjoined hands before he met the twinkling brown eyes that belonged to Mercedes. He grinned widely, squeezing Merci's hand before the two resumed their walk to the front door. Maybe Allison was right, something about the spastic boy had indeed caught her attention.

The music got louder once they entered the house, soon they had found their way to the backyard where the core of the party was located. The teenagers were mingling, dancing and drinking from red solo cups. The typical teenage party scene. Stiles' eyes darted around looking for Scott, he did find Scott dancing seemingly okay with Allison. As his eyes left the happy couple they landed on another. Jackson and Lydia were taking PDA to another level as they openly made out in public. Stiles had to admit that there was a slight tug at his heart but as soon as he felt the small hands that were engulfed by his, the feeling disappeared.

"Wanna dance?" Merci asked over the music, Stiles eagerly nodded as he yet again began to blush.

Allison caught sight of the two moving closer together and a smile tugged at her lips as she hummed in approval before returning her attention back to Scott.

As soon as Mercedes and Stiles were getting into the feel of dancing Scott had run past causing the two to separate. Stiles groaned before he ran after his best friend leaving behind a confused Merci. She rushed after the boy watching as Scott stumbled towards the door. As she made it outside it was too late as Stiles was gone and so was Scott.

Mercedes turned around facing Allison who looked just as disappointed as she felt.

"Great, just freaking great."

After Mercedes outburst, a fairly handsome man approached the two calling out to them catching their attention. "Allison, Mercedes, I'm a friend of Scott's. My name is Derek."

Don was lying on the couch when his daughter had returned home. "Back already?" He asked once Merci entered the living room.

"Yup," The teen sighed plopping down on one of the couches. "What are you doing up this late?"

"Waiting for you to get home." Don chuckled as he muted the television. "You seem down."

"I'm fine, just exhausted."

"Sure?" Her father asked gauging her reaction. Mercedes nodded in response before she stood to her feet.

"I'm going to bed." She stated, just as she was about to leave the room the doorbell sounded to which both glanced at each other confused as to who could be visiting at this hour. Merci wordlessly moved towards the door pulling it open once she saw who it was. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to make sure you got home safe," Stiles said, his breathing uneven as he hunched over trying to catch his breath.

"Yeah, no thanks to you."

"I'm sorry." He apologized standing straight. "Scott freaked out, I wanted to make sure he was okay."

"Is he?" Merci asked as her hands fell to her sides. Stiles slowly nodded not quite sure if his best friend was okay.

"Give me a heads up the next time you're gonna bail."

"You wanna hang out again?" Stiles asked eyes wide and mouth slightly agape as he stared at the girl before him. She managed a small smile.

"Only if you want to."

The pale boy nodded a smile tugging at his lips "Definitely,"

"Good night Stiles."

"Good night Merci."

"Have you seen Allison?" Mercedes asked approaching the curly haired boy who was sitting on the bench outside.

Scott shook his head before voicing his reply. "No, I'm actually waiting for her to get out."

"Have you seen Stiles?"

Scott smirked at the short brunette "I have."

Merci laughed rolling her eyes "Lose the face, McCall. I just need his help with something."

Scott hummed disbelievingly wiggling his brows. Mercedes could see why Allison liked him, he was fun to be around not to mention the cute puppy look he had.

"Are you okay now?" Mercedes asked suddenly "You kinda stormed out on Ali at that party. Stiles said you freaked out."

"Uh yeah. Yeah, I'm okay now... I think." Scott nodded slowly "Does Allison know I didn't mean to leave like that?"

"No, she doesn't... I could vouch for you but she's coming this way so work your magic." Merci patted Scott's shoulder before walking away to give the two space. She was going to spend the night at Allison's seeing as her father didn't feel comfortable leaving her alone after receiving a call last night. He wouldn't be home for the day so he had suggested the young girl stay at the Argents until he got back.

Admittedly it was a little weird in Merci's opinion but she had grown used to it by now, seeing as his job required him leaving home often, though it was mostly at night time.

Alas, Chris Argent had pulled up to pick up both girls. He exited walking around to open the front and back passenger door.

"Hey Mr. C." Mercedes smiled as she got into the back. He smiled in response to her greeting before closing the door once she was in, doing the same for Allison once she too approached the vehicle. "Wedding Bells."

"Oh my god Merci."

"Boo!" Mercedes yelled startling the two boys who were staring at the three men conversing. Two of which were police officers.

They turned around meeting amused brown eyes. "What're you guys doing? It's not eavesdropping if you can't even hear what they're saying." She continued "Anyways Stiles... Lydia and Allison are going out tomorrow after the game, Scott you already know. Mine joining so I'm not the awkward fifth wheel?"

"Uh, um..." Stiles stuttered eyes wide as he glanced at Scott who was confused by his best friend's actions. "I don't think I'll be able to make it."

Mercedes smile faltered at the boy's response. "Oh... Okay, I'll see you later then." She turned away rolling her eyes to herself as she walked down the hall opposite of which Lydia was introducing Allison to some unfamiliar boy.

"Yes, Allison." Mercedes laughed as she walked down the street phone clutched to her ear. "I'm fine, I'll be back before you know it."

"But Dad's worried you'll get lost." The pale girl replied and if possible Merci could hear the frown in Allison's voice. "I'm worried you'll get lost. You're not the best when it comes to directions, plus It's dark out."

"I have you know I found my house in the dark, while it was raining cats and dogs." Mercedes defended before signing in defeat "I'll come back if it'll make you guys feel better."

"I'll wait for you by the driveway?"

"Okay see you in ten."

The two ended the call before Mercedes begun to turn around, pulling the fabric of her cardigan tighter around her body. The night was slightly chilly and she had no idea what possessed her to leave the house but she felt as if she needed to walk.

The scarf she had wrapped around her had slipped off when she had bent to tie the lace of her converse. Before she could retrieve it a golden retriever snatched it running across the road and into the woods.

"Hey! Get back here!" She called running after the small puppy who effortlessly ran through the woods. While she swatted at the low hanging branches to avoid them hitting her in the face. "I'll give you a snack! Just stop!"

Her lungs had begun to burn as were her calves, as she was not a fan of exercising at all. The dog came to a halt at the end of two tracks that went different directions. Mercedes sighed in relief as she hurriedly ran grabbing the scarf that was now wet from the dog's saliva. "Great." She mumbled as she stared at her mother's ruined scarf. Glancing back up she realized the dog was long gone, having caught a glimpse of him as he went the other direction.

She pulled out her phone turning on the torch before she shot a message to Allison that she got sidetracked but was now on her way. The snapping of a branch had her looking up from her phone screen, now just noticing how dark it was, the only source of light coming from her phone. Another snap sounded before she caught a glimpse of glowing red eyes, a gasp left her lips as she took a few steps back. She turned around running in whichever direction her feet led her. She could hear the loud thud every time the feet of whatever was following her hit the leaf covered ground.

In the distance she caught sight of street lights, urging her to go faster. A sigh left her lips when she emerged from the woods. However, her relief was short-lived as she turned around at the flashing of headlights. A scream left her lips as she closed her eyes bracing herself for the impact. The car screeched to a stop before the sound of a door slamming could be heard.

"Mercedes?" Chris called, the girl opened her eyes squinting against the bright light. She stepped forward, her breath ragged as she came closer to the man. "What happened?" He asked

"I don't know." Mercedes replied glancing over her shoulder "But something is out there."