"Welcome back everyone," Our tall, stern homeroom teacher, Ms. Gunderson, greeted the class in her usual pompous manner. "I hope everyone had a productive summer?"
A few kids nodded groggily, most were preoccupied by staring out the window daydreaming about next summer.
"This year is going to be a very important year. Sophomore year you will be taking a class with me about your future career choices. This week I will assign you to come and talk to me about a potential career you would like to look into if you've chosen one. If you don't have anything in mind we will discuss other options." Her loud, low voice boomed throughout the classroom to make sure we were all listening.
I sat up straight and attentive, writing down everything she said. Ms. Gunderson announced when we were to come in and speak with her. I wrote down my date, Tuesday 2 PM, in my neat, crisp writing. I even started writing potential career choices just in case she wanted multiple ones to work with.
"What are you—" I started asking Stiles about what he was going to do, but he was oblivious to my voice. Instead he was staring at Lydia Martin, or The Devil as I like to call her on cheer team. I rolled my eyes in disgust, picking up the paper airplane he made and tossing it at his face.
"Wha—" He looked around, alarmed. His eyes rested on me with a confused expression.
"You got a little drool," I mimicked like I was wiping something off my mouth while I glared into his brown eyes. I turned my back on him to ask Scott what I had started asking Stiles, but Scott was staring out the window and all around the classroom looking frightened.
"What's up, Scott?" I questioned. He jumped at the sound of my voice.
"I think something's wrong." He uttered in a low voice.
"What do you mean?" I looked around trying to find out what he was talking about.
"I think you were right."
"I usually am. You're going to have to clarify exactly what I was right about this time." I smirked but he, however, did not crack a smile.
"I'm hallucinating or something. I think I might actually have rabies." He whispered in a terrified voice, glancing around nervously to see if anyone was listening in. Stiles had resumed his blank stare at The Devil.
"Don't be ridiculous. Stiles and I were just messing with you." I assured him. His face relaxed a miniscule amount. "Besides, symptoms don't usually show up for at least two weeks."
"Okay," He stared out the window distractedly. I glanced out there to see our principle walking into the school with a pretty, brunette.
"Boys." I muttered, slouching back into my chair, facing forward again.
Three minutes later the brunette appeared in the class with our stocky, African-American principle, Mr. Cook.
Ms. Gunderson stood up immediately, holding out her hand, "I'm your homeroom teacher, Ms. Gunderson." She said importantly.
"Alison. Alison Argent." She half-smiled nervously. Ms. Gunderson led her to the seat behind Scott, who was staring in awe of her.
'Really?' I thought to myself. 'Boys can be pathetic sometimes.'
I saw Scott turn around and hand her his pen as soon as she sat down. She furrowed her distinct brows but accepted it with a thankful smile. I sent him an accusing look. He mouthed 'what?' as I shook my head. The bell for second period screamed before I could interrogate his odd behavior.
I didn't see Stiles or Scott until lunch where we trudged out the doors to lounge in the sun. Almost everyone had the same idea as us because it was almost impossible to find a secluded place to eat. We ate under a huge, blooming tree beside the lacrosse field, as the boys discussed tryouts today.
"I'm going to make first line this year." Scott declared. Stiles snorted loudly, causing Scott to glare in defense. "I am!"
"Scott, we've never made first line. We've never even made it off the bench." Stiles said incredulously. "People don't just go from the bench to first line overnight."
"Well I've been practicing and I think I could to it." He took a bite out of his sandwich.
"Whatever you say." Stiles rolled his eyes. I elbowed him softly.
"Be nice. We lost Michael Roberts and Stephen Johnson last year. They're going to be adding some new kids to the line up." I pointed out, "So, maybe, if you lose that negative attitude, you could make it."
Stiles shrugged, snagging my fruit snacks out of my lunch box.
"Hey!" I exclaimed, trying to snatch them back.
"I drive you to school and don't make you pay for gas. This is my repayment." He stated simply.
"Why don't you just get your own car? Then he'd stop having an excuse to steal food from you." Scott suggested.
"Why would I need a car when I have my very own Stiles?" I shrugged.
"You should totally come to the party with us!" The Devil's voice echoed to where we sat, interrupting our conversation. Stiles attention immediately went to Lydia's voice which he could recognize from anywhere. Anger boiled inside me as I watched him look at her like she was some sort of a goddess.
"I don't know," Said a timid voice, I glanced over to see that new girl standing next to the always-stunning Lydia. Jackson had his arm around her, looking around casually like anyone would want to be in his place. One look at Stiles confirmed that he would do anything to be Jackson.
"It'll be, like, so much fun!" She giggled obnoxiously. "You have to come!"
"I'll try." She smiled slightly as they began to walk back to school.
The bell for fourth period rang throughout the school yard, much to most teenagers' despair.
I shot up in a dazed fury and stormed up to the school, leaving Stiles and Scott without another word. I wasn't sure why I was really so angry, but it was all Stiles fault. He had been in love with Lydia since she moved here in the sixth grade and she had never noticed him once. It was infuriating how stupid he was when it came to girls, but I was at a loss about why I even cared at all.
"Where did you run off to at lunch?" Scott asked after he caught up to me when the final bell sounded.
"Fourth?" I said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Without saying good-bye?" He wondered, unconvinced. I shrugged, emptying my school books into my bag. After two periods, I still hadn't cooled off.
"I didn't realize that I had to say good-bye every time I leave. I'll remember that next time, mom." I snapped, slamming my locker shut with unnecessary force. "Tell Stiles I'm walking home. It's too nice out to drive."
I stalked out the back doors of the school, leaving behind a bewildered Scott. I quickly treaded across the lacrosse field. Not wanting Stiles to find me, I decided to go through a short cut in the forest.
Silently fuming, I was unaware of my surroundings for several minutes. The knowledge that the forest was unusually silent hit me like a brick wall. I halted suddenly, feeling uncomfortable in the shade of the swaying trees.
"Who's there?" I called out foolishly. Silence answered me as I laughed uneasily. I was just overreacting because of the dead body. The body was all people could talk about today and I was just getting all worked up over last night's incident.
I walked on, though the suspense made my goose bumps rise. I rubbed my arms, chilled in the slight breeze. My heart was thumping in my throat as I quickened my pace. I wished I hadn't run off into the forest. I felt totally cliché and childish, but I wanted Stiles and Scott here more than anything.
The feeling of unease was building to a boiling point and above my better judgment I began sprinting through the forest. I heard footsteps chasing after me, crunching on the fallen leaves and dead twigs. Adrenaline soared through my vein. My foot flew out from under me as I let out a scream of terror. The cry for help never reached my lips before I was flung onto my back.
An ear splitting growl erupted from the beast above me. The shock of the horrendous thing in front of me sucked the breath out of my lungs. The monster in front of me looked like a horrible mix between a human and a wolf. The black hair that covered him partially was coarse and medium in length. He was so closed to my face that it tickled me. His breath beat down on my face as I stared into his shocking yellow eyes.
Air filled my lungs again in short gasps. A small whimper fell out of lips and I felt him search my face for something.
"Please don't hurt me…" I begged in a whisper. His eyes shot back to stare into my blue eyes. "Please…"