AN: Sorry for the wait, here's the next installment! Let me know what you guys think! Also, how do you guys feel about smut? Trying to decide if I should add it in to this story, or make a separate filled with the dirty stuff c; let me know!
On Monday, things had gone back to normal. Well, normal was a bit of a stretch. Erica still wasn't at school, but at least now I knew her whereabouts. I sat beside Jessica at her table instead of being forced to sit at an empty table.
I told her about my insecurities with Erica, and she listened without judging me. It was nice to have a neutral ear to vent to. On my way to chemistry, I was stopped in the hall by Scott and Stiles.
"Hey guys!" I said with a smile while they practically dragged me to a semi-private corner of the hall. "How was ice skating?" I tried to ask casually, although I felt butterflies dancing in my stomach. Stiles was wearing a red and black plaid shirt, a black t-shirt barely visible under the few undone buttons. My mind took over for me, imagining pushing him into a chair, continuing to undo the buttons for him.
"Ice skating?" Scott asked, breaking my daydream while exchanging a look at Stiles.
Stiles grew flustered, throwing his hands up into the air. "I- I may have forgotten to tell you that I'd invited Claire, okay? But that's beside the point." I saw Scott's eyebrows raise, staring at his best friend for a minute before a slow nod towards me. Stiles not so casually nodded, and I fought the urge to remind them that I was still standing in front of them.
Knowing that I was attempting to woo not just one, but two boys, I'd spent extra time in front of the mirror this morning. I was wearing a thick grey cotton dress, with a brown leather jacket, and my favorite black heels. My hair was loosely curled, and I'd even spent time putting on makeup this morning. I was determined for my week to be better than last week.
"Ice skating was good-great! It was great. Lot's of fun skating. On ice." Stiles finally stuttered out, drawing my attention back to him. "Listen, have you talked to Erica since like, I don't know. Friday?" Scott and Stiles both leaned in very close to hear my answer, appearing to be trying very hard not to be conspicuous.
"Yeah, actually. I hung out with her yesterday." I pulled my school books closer to my body, wondering once again why they were so curious about her. I'd heard that Scott and Allison broke up, maybe Scott was into Erica now? Or perhaps it was Stiles that was now seeing Erica. But he'd asked me on the date after he saw her Friday. Then again, I was definitely playing the field. Maybe he was too?
"Did she talk to you about anything. . . Weird?" Scott asked. "I mean maybe tried to talk you into doing something?"
I felt my heart jump for a moment. Did they know something about what she'd been doing? More importantly, should I let on that I knew that she was doing something, even if I actually had no idea what she was doing?
"Uh. . ." I began while looking for an escape. I spotted it in the form of Jessica, putting her books in her locker at the end of the hall. "Sorry guys, I don't know what you're talking about." I answered simply. I began strutting purposefully away from the pair, although I glanced back over my shoulder as soon as I put distance between us. Stiles was watching me walk away, not so subtly checking out my ass as Scott was trying to get his attention. I decided to let his actions slide, turning back to face Jessica with a little more sway in my hips.
"Hey girl!" She called as she caught sight of me. "How's your morning so far?" She tossed her hair over her shoulder as we began walking towards class.
"Fucking weird." I replied honestly. She shot me a questioning look, but I waved it off, focusing on getting through the day.
I'd been worried about being forced to converse with them again during lunch, but Adam had insisted I joined him and his friends. Even when I looked around, I found that they weren't at their normal table. A casual glance around the cafeteria showed no signs of them. I couldn't help feeling like I was missing some huge puzzle piece, like there was a secret club that I wasn't a part of.
"Claire?" Adam asked, waving a hand in front of my face.
"Hm?" I shook my head, trying to get out of my thoughts.
"Did you want to go to the party tomorrow night? After the game?" I raised my eyebrows a bit at his request, two parties in less than a week?
"I can't, I promised my brother I'd come straight home after." I lied. I didn't want to seem too available to him. Also, while the party on Friday was fun, the thought of spending the night outside just wasn't appealing to me at the moment. Maybe I could take Stiles up on our rain check?
"That sucks." Adam commented, leaning back in his chair. "I hear it's going to be pretty great." I shrugged, not feeling very interested. "It won't be as fun without you, though." He added, leaning forward in his seat. I grinned at the compliment, trying to focus my attention back on him.
I spent the rest of the day scanning the halls for Stiles, with no luck. Even at practice, he and Scott were missing. I found myself worrying, although I knew logically they were both probably fine. I had no way to contact either of them, unless I just showed up at the Sheriff's office to demand where his son was. And seeing as how that was unfeasible, I resigned myself to waiting it out with a knot in my stomach.
It was only at work that night when Stiles was walking past the wall facing the street that was made of windows that I let the weight slide off my shoulders. They really were okay. I tried not to seem too eager as I told my coworker I'd be right back, rushing out the door to catch him before he was gone.
"Stiles!" I called out. He was just a few feet ahead of me, and when he heard his name he instinctively threw his hands over his head as though I was going to throw something at him. I bit back my laugh when he turned to face me, his goofy grin appearing as soon as he saw me. I walked forward as he dropped his arms to his side. I strode to right in front of him, reaching one hand out to grab at his. When I tugged it closer to me, pulling him in for a hug, I felt Stiles freeze up for just a second before wrapping his arms around my shoulders. "You can't just drop off the face of the planet like that!" I pressed my forehead into his shoulder, allowing myself to breathe in his scent. It was a mix between cologne and body sweat, but I found it hard to pull away from.
"Next time, I will be sure to tell you when I am dropping off the planet." He assured me before I pulled back. Even as I did, I left my arms looped around his waist, a smile on my face.
"So. About that rain check. . ." I began, flashing him a toothy grin. His eyebrows raised a significant amount, seeming to be caught off guard. "How about tomorrow night? After the lacrosse game." He was nodding before I could even finish my sentence.
"Yes, absolutely."
"Are you sure?" I asked, letting my hands drop from his waist. "No plans at all?"
"I will clear everything on my schedule." I grinned at his eagerness, feeling giddy just thinking about tomorrow. I took out a pen and grabbed his hand, scribbling my number on his palm.
"I'll see you tomorrow, then." I shot him a smile as I began walking backwards. He ran the hand I hadn't written on along the back of his neck, shooting me his goofy grin before I disappeared into my work.
I turned to watch him leave, but I was surprised to see him pumping his fists in the air. A laugh escaped me, and I couldn't keep the grin off my face as I went back to work.
"I'm just saying, I don't think it's going to turn out well is all." Jessica informed me, putting her finishing touches on my makeup. "Adam was asking for you after school." I felt my heart leap for a moment, excited that he was making our flirtationship a little bit more public. "What are you going to do when they find out about each other?" She spun me around to face the mirror, showcasing her work.
My normally wavy hair was straightened, the length of it surprising me. She'd painted my full lips a dark pink, the cupids bow standing out. My normally pale complexion seemed to almost be glowing, and she'd used an almost brown blush just under my cheekbones to make my face look slimmer. I applauded her work, standing up to change into my outfit for the night.
"They're not going to find out about each other." I assured her. "I'll have my fun and then put my toys away." I joked, although Jessica didn't seem to find it funny.
"I just feel bad for Stiles, you know?" She sat on the edge of her bed, braiding a section of hair while I pulled on the black crop top I'd picked out for tonight. "It feels like we're using him."
"We are not using him." I emphasized, setting both of my hands on Jessica's shoulders. "I am going to have my date with him tonight, and then I will let things go." She didn't seem satisfied with my answer, but she let it go in favor of deciding between her outfits for tonight.
Less than an hour later, we were making our way up the bleachers. Jessica had invited me to sit with her and her boyfriend, Gabriel, but I declined, having planned to sit with Erica. Erica was already on the top row, sitting with some guy that I recognized from my English class.
Erica waved me over when she saw me, turning to the boy to say something before she turned to me with a large smile on her face. I tried to pretend it didn't seem fake as I took the seat.
"You remember Boyd, right?" Erica asked, leaning back so I could shake hands with Boyd. My entire hand seemed to be swallowed by his, and I tried to fight the urge to ask if this was her new boy toy.
"Yeah, nice to see you outside of class." I commented, pulling back when he smiled at me.
"Likewise." He replied, sitting back.
I chatted with Erica for a few minutes, completey avoiding the topic of boys, mostly trying to get her caught up on what we'd done in class today.
When the whistle finally blew to start the game, my eyes were instantly drawn to the bench directly in front of us. Stiles was looking up at the stands at the same time, he grinned and his cheeks started turning pink when he caught my eye, but as he glanced beside me at Erica and Boyd I saw his eyes narrow. Erica threw an arm around my waist, pulling me closer to her in some show of dominance. I shot her a confused look, but she just grinned down at Stiles, waving with her free hand. I shook my head and turned my attention back to the game, where Adam was beginning to play.
In California, lacrosse was huge. I'd practically grown up on the sport. When I'd realized in middle school I wouldn't be able to play in high school, I'd took up soccer, but my love for watching lacrosse continued. The whole town was at the game, cheering alongside one another.
Unfortunately, there was a monster of a man on the opposite team that kept plowing through our players. One by one, our players dropped, and when I heard Coach Finstock call for Stiles, I jumped in excitement.
My excitement was short lived as I realized he wasn't on the bench anymore. I glanced around the field, but there was no sign of him. Boyd stood up from beside Erica, and I heard her mutter something under her breath before Boyd pulled his jacket off and made his way to the field, apparently to play on the team.
Adam had just been taken away, and I debated for a moment going to his side before I debated against it. I had my date with Stiles tonight. I could focus on Stiles for one night.
When the game resumed, Boyd quickly took the lead by smashing into the monster of a player. Cheers erupted around us, giving us hope that we would win this game.
"I'm feeling some fries." Erica told me. "You mind grabbing me some?" I didn't really want to miss any action, but I was in a good mood.
"Sure." I made my way to the concession stand, casting glances around to see if I could spot where Stiles had disappeared to. My search was fruitless, but I did manage to begin making my way back up the bleachers with a plate of hot fries. I tried to keep my eyes on the field, so when I was almost back up to my spot on the bleachers, I was disappointed to see that Erica wasn't there. She had even taken her bag and jacket with her. My heart dropped when I realized she'd ditched me.
"Claire!" Jessica grabbed my shoulder, bringing me back into reality. "Enjoying the game?" She asked, pulling me to her seat. Gabriel shot me a wave, not standing up from his spot as he focused on the game.
"I think Erica just ditched me." I admitted. I popped a fry in my mouth, offering the plate to Jessica. "Want some pity fries?" I asked with a grin.
She grinned and shook her head. "I saw her heading into the school." Jessica informed me. "But it's her loss." She told me, throwing an arm around my shoulder as the Beacon Hills Cyclones scored a point. I sat with Jessica for a few moments, anger growing as I contemplated how mean it was for Erica to have left me. When it finally felt like I was going to start screaming, I stood up with resolve. I was going to find her and tell her that I didn't want anything more to do with her.
Things are about to get intense! I should be putting the next chapter up tomorrow!
