Chapter Eight: Lunatic

I stayed in the hospital for a few more nights. I was glad when they finally released me.

Even though I was released dad didn't let me go to school. He was still so worried about me. I was ok with that. School sounded terrible right now. People pressing against me, normal teenage chatter and problems just sounded so…useless. I didn't want to deal with anything right now. I wanted to sink into sweet oblivion.

Finally I had to go back to school. I couldn't hide anymore. I changed into jeans and a graphic tee and pulled my hair into a pony. I didn't see the point of dressing up.

Stiles drove me to school and parked.

"Are you sure you want to go back?" he asked. I rolled my eyes. He and dad had asked me that over and over again.

"Yes Stiles, I'm alright. I just want to get back to normal. You can help Scott and I'll help you if you need it," I replied. He nodded and we got out of the car.

I went to dance. I was able to lose myself in practice and really focus. I got my routine down fully and smiled brightly at my reflection. Now I would be able to perfect it and add some flare.

"Arisa," I turned but didn't see anyone. I shook my head and went over to my bag. I pulled out my normal clothes so I could change.

"Arisa," the voice was back. My heart beat sped up.

"Who's there?" I snapped. Everything was silent. I scooped up my bags and ran into the locker room. I quickly changed and ran out into the crowded hallway.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Stiles was so bust helping Scott that he didn't notice my absence from everything around me.

After school I started walking. I didn't want to go home right away and I didn't want to have Stiles asking me questions.

I wandered around until I found myself at the hospital. Curious as to why I had come here, I walked inside. No one noticed me as I moved around aimlessly.

After a few minutes I found myself outside of an open door. I looked around nervously then peeked inside. There was a man sitting in a wheelchair. I hesitated then stepped inside. I glanced at the name tag on the wall near the door and did a double-take.

His name was Peter Hale. I moved slowly towards him and sat down in the free chair. I faced him fully and I saw the ragged burn scars across the right side of his face. I winced in sympathy. It must have been so painful.

"Hi Mr. Hale. We've never met before but I know your nephew, Derek. I also know that he's a werewolf," I said.

Before I could consider the consequences I was pouring out my soul to Peter Hale. I told him everything from my mother's death when I was five to the unexplainable events happening around me. I sat there for hours just talking. It was refreshing to get everything out to someone even if that person couldn't speak and probably didn't want to hear any of this.

A knock on the door made me look up. It was a nurse.

"I'm sorry but visiting hours are over," she told me. I nodded and she left. I looked back at Mr. Hale. His eyes were hollow and I felt sorrow for the man he used to be.

"Goodbye Mr. Hale," I murmured. Without really thinking it through I kissed his burned cheek. I patted his shoulder awkwardly then slipped from the room.

I felt refreshed now that I had gotten everything off of my chest. I also had a few plans in mind. I would help Scott get through this change. Hopefully we could find a cure to lycanthropy but if we couldn't I would be there with Stiles to support him. I was determined.