CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: SEASON TWO

Are you high enough without the Mary Jane like me?

Do you tear yourself apart to entertain like me?

Do the people whisper 'bout you on the train like me?

Saying that you shouldn't waste your pretty face like me?

Halsey

The next morning I wake to a ghost kissing my lips. 'Cause as I open my eyes I find no one there, but the space beside me is warm from a body curled against mine all night. My eyes find the curtain adrift from the chilly morning breeze slipping through my open window.

At least Derek kept his promise about not being here when I woke. Even if I feel way worse than if he were here right now. Even if he had stayed the night and I acted like he was the biggest nuisance in the world, I still rather him be here.

And I need to puke.

Hurriedly I scramble from the bed and tug my plaid robe over my nude body. Thankfully I make it into the bathroom in time to dispose of my insides in the toilet.

My voice is hoarse as I sarcastically grumble to myself, "You were right Mom… I totally jinxed myself."

There is a soft knock on the door. "Haldey, you okay?" asks Scott.

"I think I have morning sickness…" I grumble.

"Want me to make you some tea or something?"

"Don't think that's going to help, but I wold appreciate some water."

"Got it!"

I pull myself off the floor and brush my teeth. My face is pale, teal hair washed out to the point where it looks almost like a pastel sky blue, and heavy bags under my copper eyes. I stare at myself for a few moments more than necessary. Was this how I looked last night when Derek was having sex with me? Dear god, the man did not have standards if this is what he found attractive.

Scott is outside the door when I open it, my hand flies to my chest and I curse him under my breath for the minor heart attack. "Seriously Scott…"

He rubs at the back of his head with a grimace. "Sorry." Handing me the drink, I take a sip at the same moment he blurts out, "I know Derek slept over."

Of course I start choking. Scott being the best brother ever pats my back. Hard. So, now I'm choking to death in pain. And the last thing I will remember is this freaking moment.

"Sorry, sorry!" he apologizes.

"No you aren't! You're trying to kill me," I declare with a pout.

"I just… I didn't think he would be around."

I shrug. "I didn't think he would either."

"So… are you guys together?"

"No."

"Oh… Then…" Scott frowns down at his feet. "Okay."

"Okay?" I repeat, because I'm two seconds away from locking myself in my bedroom and never coming out.

"Yeah. Okay. Just… was curious."

"Alrighty-then."

I turn on my heel to run and hide.

"Wait. Haldey. Ugh. Dammit." I face him, he's pinching the bridge of his nose. "Look. I don't want to say this, but I'm going to." Scott takes a few moments of silence to make odd facial expressions at whatever the hell is going through his head. "Right after everything happened with Peter and Kate… Derek saved me from Allison's grandfather and a group of hunters. They would have killed me… and Derek's kind of an asshole. He is stubborn, rude, intrusive, bossy, and a freaking know it all."

"I'm definitely aware of Derek's faults, Scott. You don't have to tell me-"

"-no!" he shouts making me jump at the sudden change in tone. "That-that's not what I'm trying to say. See. That night he saved me, he said he still cared about you. That he always cared about you, and he wasn't lying. I could hear his heartbeat, and he meant it. I don't think Derek is a good guy. I think he sucks. A lot. But… he does care about you more than I ever thought he really did. And as much as I hate to say it, I know you care about him just as much."

"Just because two people care about each other it doesn't mean they are meant to be together."

"Maybe not…" Scott frowns. "But people always tell me to stay away from Allison, and I can't imagine what my life would be like without her. I love her more than anything in the world. I would do anything for her… and if Derek even feels slightly for you what I feel for Allison, then I just want you to be happy."

I don't know what to say to that.

"I think Derek and you can be really happy together. I mean… personally, I don't see what you find appealing in him. He's seriously got the personality of a wasp. Like, always hovering and you kinda just wanna-" he makes a swatting motion.

"I don't think you'd appreciate what I'd say I like about him…" I point to my stomach.

He gags. "That's disgusting. I think I puked a little."

"Shut your face."

"Hey… can I get a ride to school?"

"Of course," I tell him with a smile. "Mom at work?"

"No, but she's still asleep and she has a mid shift. I figured I'd let her sleep in since you were already awake."

I kiss his cheek. "What a sweetheart. Let me take a shower real quick and I'll meet you downstairs, okay?"

"Thanks Haldey."

Grabbing a clean pair of washed out skinny jeans, black undies and sports bra (boobs have been extra sensitive since I became pregnant, letting them hang free isn't as awesome as before), and an off the shoulder gray sweater. Nothing like that nippy Beacon Hills weather for ya. And some people think all parts of California are warm all year round. HAH.

When I strip off my robe in the bathroom I gaze down at the leftover mess from last night with Derek. Ew.

There's also something new. Something that makes my hands shake with excitement. I think maybe I'm imagining the hardly noticeable raise in my skin, but I smooth my palm over my once flat stomach in awe. It's not much, but as I twist in front of the mirror to get a better look I can definitely tell the difference.

I stand in front of the mirror for ten minutes inspecting the bump before Scott knocks on the door.

"Haldey, are you okay? You've been in there for ten minutes and you haven't started the water yet…"

"Sorry! I'll be quick, sorry. Just a minute!"

I rush into the shower and rinse myself off. Hardly giving myself time to towel dry my hair, I sprint down the stairs with much scolding from Scott the entire way.

"Slow down! What if you fall?" he questions in a panic. His chocolate eyes are wide and frazzled as they roam over my body like I already have a million bruises from breathing.

"I'm fine. Look!" I lift up my shirt. "It's the baby!"

Scott drops his backpack from around his shoulder to the floor. He steps forward, squatting so that he's eye level with my abdomen he stares at the little bump. "Is that really the baby?"

"Well, not really. It's the sac the baby is in… I think?" I shrug. "I should probably learn more about what's happening inside of my body."

He reaches out a hand to rub on my stomach. "Feels weird."

"It's hard, right?"

"Yeah."

"Come on. If we don't leave now we are going to make you late."

Scott swings his backpack around one shoulder and throws the other arm around me, bringing me into a tight side hug. He laughs, "This is so awesome. I'm going to be an uncle!"

It's one of the proudest moments of my life.

A few hours after dropping Scott off at school I convince myself to call Fred & Lisa's diner. I'm not sure what to say, but the phone is already ringing.

"Thanks for calling Fred & Lias's diner. This is Lisa speaking. How may I help you?"

Her voice leaves me speechless. I totally should have googled what to say. What do I say? What do I SAY?

"Hello?" she repeats. "Is anyone there?"

I stuttered out, "H-hello."

"Hey there sweetie, what can I do for you today?"

"Um… my name is Halden. I, ugh, got your card from Frank. He said to give you a call… see if maybe you could help me out," I mutter.

"You said Frank, sweetie?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Well, Halden, we sure could use some help around here. Are you free around 1 P.M. today? You can swing by for an interview if you are able to."

"Y-yeah! I'm totally free. Free as a bird. I seriously do nothing all day." Oh my god. She did not need to know that. "Sorry… that was so weird, I'm sorry."

"It's okay sweetie. I understand, it's nerve wracking making this call. Just swing by the diner and ask for Lisa, alright?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Is there anything else I can do you for, Halden?"

"No ma'am, I appreciate the interview."

"I'll see you later sweetie! Looking forward to meeting you."

When the phone disconnects it drives me into a panic. What do I wear? What do I say? How do I act? Should I even go? Maybe I should just stay home…

And then I puke four times. I haven't even ate. It's mostly water and flem. Gross.

Mom isn't even here to help me pick out an outfit. What the hell do you wear for an interview? All I have our tanks, baggie band tees, loose sweaters, jeans, and fucking yoga pants!

I bet Mom has some nice dress pants. Quickly, I head into her bedroom and raid her wardrobe. I find a powder blue button up, black dress pants, and a black cardigan. There are even a pair of black flats. Her shoes are a size bigger, but I stuff tissue paper by the toes to make them fit.

Whatever it takes.

Fred & Lisa's is your average diner. The parking is terrible, packed with all sorts of different people. Many of them questionable in appearance, they kinda look like murder suspects. The outside is just… plain. Simple.

I open the two front doors to immediately come across the front desk. There is a young woman in faded jean shorts, a solid white long sleeved shirt, and her hair is pulled up atop her head in a messy blonde bun. She gives me an amused grin when her eyes take in my faded teal hair and interview attire.

"You must be Halden," she says immediately.

I nervously tug at the end of the fishtail braid that wraps around my shoulder (it was the only hairstyle that I know how to do that looks semi-professional). "How can you tell?"

"You're the type that usually works here."

"Oh."

"Lisa!" she screams behind her. I notice there's a door to the right of the desk. "Halden's here!"

The familiar voice from earlier this morning calls back, "Coming!"

Lisa is nothing like I expect. I'm not sure what I expected, honestly. I guess I anticipated a short elderly woman that bakes pies all day. I'm not positive where the imagine came into play… but Lisa ends up being a tall woman in her late thirties. She's got the biggest blue eyes I've ever seen with tight caramel curls that surround her head prettily, even if it's chaotic and messy. She reminds me of a lion. Or a goddess. She's gorgeous.

I feel completely overdressed and embarrassed as she comes out wearing an almost similar outfit to the hostess, except she's wearing jeans (hello, Beacon Hills. Why is that girl wearing shorts anyway?). She holds out a hand and I slip my fingers between hers, she gives a firm shake.

"Come on around back. The office is back here," Lisa says. I smile politely as she guides me into a small room. There is a single desk with a laptop and a whole mess of paper all over. She takes a seat behind it at the desk chair and urges me to sit in the single couch chair in front of the desk.

My palms start sweating and I wipe them on my pants.

"What did you in?" she questions.

"What?"

"What drug? Or drugs?"

What.

Lisa smirks. "It's okay. Mine was heroine. Hell of a fucking drug. Had to kick it though, for my daughter." She turns a framed picture towards me on the desk. It's of a small girl that looks near identical, except she has these big brown eyes instead of blue. She is holding a Mickey Mouse doll and has Mickey ears atop her head. "Lucy loves Mickey Mouse. Thinks he's the best thing in the world. Hates Mini, she's convinced he's her boyfriend. I don't have the heart to tell her he's a cartoon."

I chuckle.

"So, I called Frank right after I got off the phone with you earlier. He told me about your situation." Her eyes drop to my stomach. "How far along are you?"

"Going on nine weeks."

"Morning sickness?"

"Was only feeling nauseated, but I've puked like… five or six times today."

"Shit. Mine started a couple weeks after I got pregnant. Lasted the entire pregnancy."

Dear god. Is that real?

"Don't look so scared," Lisa laughs. "I'm sure that won't be the same with you. I was also a recovering heroine addict."

"Vyvanse."

She nods her head slowly. "A lot of kids are getting mixed up with those pills these days. They are addictive."

"I used to do coke sometimes… with my ex. We would pop a few pills, drink a shit ton of alcohol, occasionally a line, and smoke a lot."

"Sounds like a good time."

I shrug. "Sometimes."

"The father in the picture?"

"Yeah, he is."

"Is he a good man?"

"He tries to be."

"You're lucky. Some don't even bother."

Oh, I know.

"Halden. We just lost a bus boy. Overdosed on some pain pills, admitted himself into rehab. We needed a replacement like… five days ago." She scratches her temple. "It's a lot of picking up dirty dishes, helping out the waiters bring food to the table if they need help, and dishes. We need someone part time. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, ten to three. If you think you can handle it and are interested, the job is yours."

"Are you serious?" I ask skeptically.

"I'm good at reading people," Lisa says with a smile.

"If you are sure, I'll happily take the position."

"Great! Since it's already Wednesday, your first day is going to be on Sunday. Bring a valid drivers license or state I.D. with your social security card and I'll have Fred show you the ropes. He does most of the training around these parts."

She stands from the desk and I try to follow, but realize my hands are shaking so bad I can't move. Lisa moves so that she's standing beside me and she squats so we are eye level. Her long fingers wrap around my shoulder and she gives a gentle squeeze.

"You're going to get better and take care of your baby," she tells me like it's fact. "Now, wipe away those tears and walk out of here with your head held high, sweetie, because it's your time to show the world that you aren't giving up just yet."

I'm crying? My hand swipes underneath my eyes and I find my cheeks soaked. Oh. I use the sleeves of the cardigan to clean myself up.

Lisa gives me a hug then walks with me out. I wave goodbye to the hostess, who tells me her name is Bennie. Then I go home.

It's the best day in a long time. I feel strong. I feel like everything is falling into place. I can do this.

And maybe Scott is right. Maybe Derek and I will be good together.

So, I decide to travel to the train cart to tell him just that.

Derek and I will not be good together

I walk into the train station to find number thirty seven - Jackson - paralyzed on the dirty floor with Derek hovering over him. I hear the man loudly say, "You're still a snake, Jackson, just not the one we're looking for."

What the fuck?

Derek falls back and Isaac replaces him. He gives the teen a cheshire cat grin as he tells him, "You're still gonna have to do one more thing for us. Well, actually, for me."

Jackson groans.

"You are gong to tell the sheriff that you didn't see my dad and I fighting the other night. Understand?"

"Yes," the other teen chokes out.

"What is going on?" I ask.

The entire room falls silent as I take the last step inside, my brows raised high on my head as I peer at Derek, Erica, Boyd, and Isaac questionably.

"You shouldn't be here," Derek grumbles as he stalks over to me. He tries to put his body in front of my view of Jackson, but I step around him. He reaches a hand to grab my arm and I elbow him off as I drop to the floor by the teen.

"What the hell did you guys do to him?"

"Halden-"

"-NO! What in the fuck, Derek? He's a teenager! I thought we discussed this already. Shit, Jackson… are you okay?" My hand feels at his clammy forehead and he moans helplessly. "Alright, let's get you home."

I try to lift the teen, but he's dead weight in my arms.

"Halden-" Derek tries again.

My hair whips dangerously around as I face Derek with flared nostrils, angrily I scream, "WHAT?"

Derek's green eyes are wide. "He's dead weight. You won't be able to lift him."

"Then help me get him into my car. Now."

He opens his mouth.

"RIGHT now."

His lips clamp shut and he glares down at Jackson as if the teen is the one yelling at him, but he lifts him up into his strong arms. I stalk behind him as he carries the body up the stairs. I open the passenger door of my car and Derek places the teen inside. I shove Derek out of the way as I strap Jackson in.

"Halden, please. If you let me expl-"

"-not right now," I tell him shortly. "I'm fucking livid, Derek. I'll come to you when I cool down. Until then, leave me the fuck alone. Understand?"

He purses his lips, but doesn't argue.

I get into the drivers seat and pull out of the lot.

"Can you talk okay? Or what-what happened? What did they do?"

"I can talk…" Jackson mutters. "They dripped something into my mouth and now I'm paralyzed."

"The fuck?"

"I don't know what's going on. The bite was supposed to turn me into a damn werewolf, and nothing happened. I have the video to prove it."

"Who gave you the bite?" Even as I ask the question I know the answer.

"Derek."

Go fucking figure.

"Should I take you home?"

"Please."

"Where to?"

He tells me the address and I'm not familiar with the rich neighborhood he speaks of, so I have to google it on my phone. It's relatively quiet for the entire drive. Thankfully Jackson starts to regain feeling in his hands and feet once I park in front of his house, but he's not one hundred percent and I don't intend to just kick him out of my car.

"I'm so sorry for whatever Derek and his… pack… did to you," I tell him. I hesitate on the wording because it still sounds a little funny to me.

"Thank you for helping me."

"You shouldn't have to thank me for that."

Jackson manages to shrug a shoulder. "What can I say? I'm very thankful to have such a beautiful woman drive me home."

Beautiful. Woman. HAH.

"What's that face?" he asks with a chuckle.

"What face?"

"You're looking at me like I'm crazy."

"I'm a mess, not beautiful."

"Not true at all. You're easily one of the hottest women in Beacon Hills."

"If you say so…"

"I do," he finalizes. "So… are you single?"

"That, and pregnant."

Jackson's blue eyes widen. "Oh."

I laugh at his expression. "Not so hot anymore, am I?"

"You're still hot."

Both of us start laughing. Jackson unbuckles his seatbelt. I'm shocked as he leans over and presses an innocent kiss to my cheek.

"Thanks," he whispers while looking into my eyes.

I smile. The kid is smooth, I'll give him that.

And it feels kinda great to be called hot.

FIRST AND FOREMOST: I apologize for the long wait. I've been super busy with work and I haven't had much time to update. It's the winter holiday, so I make no promises for the duration of this season to make timely updates. It's difficult with work hours/social situations. But I do apologize for not being able to bust these chapters out faster!

THANKS for all the support. I appreciate all the love you guys give Halden & Derek, my babes! Love them so much & you guys! Special thanks to: megladon1616, WickedlyMinx, Guest(s), Lola Tudor, Cassie-D1, Liam1094!

RenTenTen: thanks for the thoughtful comment! I like your idea about Jennifer/Derek/Halden haha. I'm still not sure what I intend to do with it, but I'm definitely open to suggestions :D

BreenaBelle-xoxo: THANKS! I'm so glad you spent so much time reading my story. It just sucks when you have to wait for the next chapter (I know, I'm a hungry, hungry hypocrite on that front). My favorite thing about this story is Halden & the relationships she develops with everyone, so I'm glad you like it!

Gr Is Law: HECH YESSSS!

ssjbura-briefs: you are not the only one that finds fully shifted derek hot *raises hand* Sorry for not having smut in this chapter, and there won't be any in the next :p but after that we are getting to the point where harden & derek will be constantly bumping uglies. i don't want erica and boyd to die. i think that is something i hope halden can prevent happening by being included in the story, but sometimes people get hurt. so i'm not sure! i'm hoping her butterfly y effect will be able to keep them living. and i love long reviews! so don't be sorry! and at this time i shall not reveal who shall bite halden, but only that it's not peter!