A/N: This chapter is the one with the moment of self-harm. It's a bit of a blink and you'll miss it moment. Also, you aren't supposed to like Mr. Gregory.

Derek knew that Laura was worried about him. He'd been in the Beacon Hills ISD all his life and had never been to any other school system. He'd always been a known quantity as a Hale, a basketball player, and as an academic. People had expectations that he met and even exceeded because he was Derek Hale, and that's what he did.

His new school, however, was supposed to be tougher, a real challenge, and Derek looked forward to it. He hoped a challenge would distract him from his guilt.

Derek jammed his claws into his palm and hissed softly. He needed to find his classroom; the bell had rung ten minutes ago.

Finally, he spotted the proper room number and hurried to the open door, watching as the teacher wrote on the board until someone spotted him. "Mister Gregory," the boy said, "A visitor."

Mr. Gregory turned to the door, "Yes, may I help you?"

Derek hesitated, "Classroom 3207, right? Chemistry?" He held up his schedule, "I'm Derek Hale."

"Ah, our missing student. Surely the campus has not been rearranged while I wasn't looking?" Mr. Gregory said.

"No sir," Derek said.

"It's the same as it was yesterday," Mr. Gregory persisted.

"I guess," Derek replied.

"You guess, Mister Hale?"

"It could change, I wouldn't know," Derek replied calmly.

"As a student here, you would be well aware of the nature of the campus by now." Mr. Gregory said as the class laughed quietly.

"It's my first day," Derek said, trying not to let his frustration show.

"It's everyone's first day of the school year," Mr. Gregory replied.

"No," Derek said.

"I assure you, I know the academic calendar," Mr. Gregory said.

"No," Derek said, his temper fraying, "it's my first day at this school, because I just moved to New York City because my whole family is dead. I got lost because I do not know this school."

Mr. Gregory blinked, clearly startled at Derek's bluntness. No one was laughing now. "I see, Mister Hale. Why don't you partner with Ms. Livingston, she is without a partner, I believe."

Derek wanted to refuse when he realized his lab partner was a pretty blonde, but he'd caused enough ruckus today. Instead, he forced himself over to sit by the girl, and as he walked, he forced himself to notice the difference. Blue eyes, not hazel, her nose was different, and she had a chipped tooth. Her clothes were stylish. He sniffed delicately as he took his seat, and let the mix of sea, pine, and rosemary flood his senses in a way that her honeysuckle, electricity, mint never could.

"Hi," the girl said, "I'm Wren."

"Derek," Derek muttered.

"Welcome to New York."