Chapter 5:
4 hours. I only got 4 hours of sleep last night. Why you may ask? I couldn't stop thinking about all the facts I found yesterday. It was just so overwhelming. So many murders, like those two guys who were burned or the janitor at our school. How do people keep sane with all those losses?
I sat down crisscrossed on my bed just listening to Nickleback. All around me though, I laid down all these different pictures of the incidents. They were all awful looking. There were also some police officers' comments on the incidents. Cougar attacks. That's what everyone says they are. But I don't know. Can a cougar be so ruthless and cruel? I don't want to think so.
There was a knock on my bedroom door. I jumped up off my bed and ran to the door. I opened my door and poked my head out, not wanting anyone to see what I was doing. There standing before me was my mom. She smiled at me and asked, "Can I have a hug before I go to work?" I smiled back at her and nodding, coming out from my room. Then I wrapped my arms around my mother and gave a light squeeze. She did the same before we separated. I patted her head and said, "Now go kick some ass!"
Laughing, she winked at me and walked down the hall and down the stairs. I listened as I heard her leave the house and drive off. Then I slumped against my doorframe. I feel like a letdown. My mom deserves more, way, way more.
Sighing, I went back into my room and collected all the photos and papers. Pushing them under my bed, I hummed the lyrics to the song that was playing. Once that was done, I walked into the bathroom and locked the door behind me. Then I turned on the water and stripped down. When the water was warm enough, I got in.
The little warm droplets pelted my bare back. A sigh of relaxation and satisfaction slipped from my lips as I pulled my hair back into the water. I let the water rain down on my face, relax those muscles. Then I started to wash my face with some face wash, enjoying every moment. I needed to relax and showers always helped me. And besides, I have plenty of time to get ready
After a long shower, I got out and dried myself off. Then I went into my bedroom and got dressed along with doing my straightening my hair and doing my makeup. When I was finished, it was only 4:30 so I began to start on my homework because there is no way I'm going to fall behind and fail.
The doorbell rang, filling the silent house. I jumped up from the stack of textbooks that I had fallen asleep on. It rang again so I yelled, "Coming!" Then I grabbed my bag which didn't have the textbooks in it. Why? I need some place to put my phone and wallet. I rushed through the house to the door, swinging it open only to come face-to-face with Erica. She smiled at me widely and said, "Hello." I laughed as I came out of the house, closed the door, and locked it, making sure I put my keys in my bag.
When I turned back around, Erica was already climbing into the backseat of the Camaro. I smiled before rushing towards the passenger side. Slipping easily into the seat, I closed the door and buckled up. Then I turned to the driver who was always Derek. He gave me a smirk before cranking up the engine and speeding off. "Hey Maya", Erica asked from the back. I turned around so I could see her and smiled. "Yeah?" She smirked at me and said, "Did you see Stiles yesterday at practice?" Shifting my weight in my seat, I felt my heart skip a few beats. "Uh, no, I didn't", I spoke as I looked down at the console.
Stiles; I haven't thought of him for hours. But then again, I didn't think of anything but the incidents for hours. Why did she have to bring him up?
Erica smirked and said, "He looked like a lost puppy with you not talking to him." I laughed, trying to hide the fact that I'm sure my heart stopped all together. Wait, I'm still breathing. Ok, it felt like it stopped. Then I said, "Stiles isn't my friend, so why should I care what he looks like?" Wow, bitch much? Oh, I should just shut up now.
She raised her eyebrows but her facial features showed impressed, not judgmental. That's good, right? Chuckling, she said, "I can't think of a reason. Can you Derek?" I glanced at Derek over my shoulder and he just tightened his lips together and shook his head no. Then I turned to Erica who just shrugged her shoulders and said, "No reasons. So that means you don't need to care." I smiled but on the inside, I wanted to slap myself silly.
In no time we arrived at an old abandoned subway. I looked over at the two with a quizzical look. Erica just laughed and said, "What? It'll be fun!" Letting out a breath through my nose, I let a look of defeat come over my face. Then I got out of the car and pulled the seat up so she could squeeze out.
When she was out and the car was locked, we began our walk into the old subway. The hairs on the back of my neck began to raise a little as I stared at the back of Derek's head. My gut had a little knot in it, like I was having a bad feeling. My heart began to pick up but just a little. Why does Erica want to hang out here? Can't we have just gone to a mall or something like normal teenagers?
My feet reached the last step and my eyes instantly landing on Isaac and a big black guy (no racism intended!). Erica jumped to the last step with me with that insane smile of hers. She pointed to the other guy and said, "That's Boyd." He gave me a small smile and a little wave. I did the same and turned my attention to Isaac. He smiled at me and winked. Um, ew. I just nodded at me in my strange way of saying 'hi'.
Just then, Derek pushed past us and leaned against the subway car, a scowl on his face. Well, I can't say I didn't expect that. All the pictures the police have of him, he's always scowling. I guess he just got tired of smiling.
Erica sat down on the step so I followed her action, not really sure what to do. The awkward tension in the air was almost unbearable. We were all just either standing or sitting, shifting in our positions. Boyd walked through the cart, trying to find something to focus on. Isaac just stood there with his hands in his jean pockets, staring at us. Derek stared at us too, except he was leaning against the cart. Well, this should be fun…
"Erica", Derek finally spoke, but his voice took on an edge. She looked up from the hair that she was twirling in her hand. And then they had a staring contest. Derek widened his eyes a little and tilted his head to the side almost as if he was urging her to do something or say something. But she shook her head; a look of fear struck her eyes for a split second.
After a while of them doing that, Erica sighed and turned to me. I raised an eyebrow, my heart kicking up a bit in anticipation. What was she about to do? Did Derek push her to do something she didn't want to do? Oh god, just do it already!
"Maya", she began as she put a hand on my shoulder. My eyes quickly went to her hand then back at her. Her eyes shone with hope and fear. She gave me a sweet smile before she said, "Remember all those people whispering about you? Saying things that was unnecessary?"
Ok, what's going on? I nodded slowly, trying to show that I wanted to hear what she wanted to say but also to show the sadness of what she just said. Just then, a spark appeared in her eyes as she said, "What if I told you it could all stop: the bullying, the whispers, everything?"
I cocked my head to the side, now interested. You can't just make people stop, can you? People will keep on bullying you no matters what. It's just a fact. And you're not supposed to listen to them. That's the whole reason behind the saying 'haters make me famous'. But I do listen to them. I really should stop, but I can't.
"What do you mean?" I managed to say somehow while my brain racked out facts about how you can't make bullying go away. A smirk came to play on Erica's lips as she said, "Well, it all starts with a bite." A bite? What the hell is she talking about? Whatever it is, I'm not liking it.
"A bite", I blurted dumbfounded. She just smirked a little bigger and nodded. Then she leaned forward and whispered, "Trust me, it's worth it. It changed my life."
Wait, changed her life? Now I get it! Whatever that bite does, it made Erica stronger. I haven't seen her have one seizure at all since I've been here. The bite must suppress them. That's why no one bothers her anymore. It's all because of that bite. But what would it do for me?
My face must have been a look of confusion and realization mixed because she stood up and started walking over to the cart. When she spun around, Isaac and Boyd came to stand next to her. Their faces were looks of joy and thankfulness. Erica smiled widely at me and said, "We all got the bite and I have to say, it's been quite amazing!" Isaac smiled and agreed with Erica, saying, "Very great if you ask me." Boyd just nodded his agreement, crossing his arms in a distance manner.
They looked so convincing, but I stood my ground. If there's anything my dad had taught me, it's to not go down without a fight, and that's exactly what I plan on doing.
I gave them a skeptical look and crossed my arms. Then I said, "Ok, and does this great bite have any side effects I should know about? Hmm?" Erica's face fell a little and looked towards Derek. He looked back at her with a look that read of impatience. And if there's anything I know about impatient people, it's that they're desperate.
Erica looked back at me with a wild smile. Oh god, this can't be good… "Well", she trailed off as she twirled a lock of hair in between her fingers and looked up to the ceiling. Then she continued, "If you count having super strength, speed, enhanced healing, and well, enhanced senses a side effect." My eyes widened at her words. Wait a second, back it up! Did she just say what a think she said? Ok, they've got to be pulling a prank on me.
"And", Isaac butted in, "You can't forget about the sharp teeth and the claws and everything. That's pretty cool too." Ok, that's enough. I put my hands up as if to say 'stop' and stood up from the step. "Ok, this has to be a prank or something", I kept on shaking my head at them. Slowly, I lifted one of my feet and put it on the step behind me. But my eyes never left Erica's. She wouldn't do something like this, would she? No, she wouldn't.
Erica's smile fell completely as she started walking towards me. "Maya", her voice cracked, her eyes oozing with hurt and sadness. Oh god, I'm a bitch. It's been proven. First Stiles, now Erica. She now stood in front of me, her hands resting on my shoulders. Then she whispered, "I'd never prank you or for that matter, lie to you. I thought you knew that." I nodding slowly, saying the one thing I was sure of right now, "I know."
She gave a small smile, whispering, "Do you know how I knew about people calling you shit on your first day?" I shook my head, just going through the motions right now. All I need to do is listen and that's exactly what I'm going to do. "I could hear from a couple halls down", she continued to whisper.
Then she pulled away a little and her hands went from my shoulders to in front of her. "I really do have enhanced senses. All of us do", Erica gestured to Boyd, Isaac, and Derek. She continued, "I know you know how it was for me: people teasing me constantly and taking videos of me while I was having a seizure. That's why I want you to have the bite. You're more than deserving, Maya. You deserve to show all those assholes just exactly what you're made of. And what better way to do that?"
I swallowed hard. This… bite… it's tempting. Just imagine all of those people who teased me just stopping; no whispers, no shoves, and no rumors. I could actually smile without being told that it's ugly. I could actually hold my head up high without fear, just pride. I could be confident. But nothing comes without a consequence. Whether it's good or bad, it's determined by the action. Oh, dad… I wish you were here, not just your words.
"No", I shook my head and stood on the step behind me. There's no way I can do this. Sure, life sucks and it's hard but am I going to cry about it? Hell no. I'm going to face it like every other teenager in this world… well… except for them. I need to earn the right to have confidence and I'm going to start by not being pressured into something. That's a good start, right?
And just like that, the mood in the atmosphere changed. Isaac glared at me and Boyd just turned around, walking into the cart to get away from this train wreck. Derek pulled away from the wall and spat at Erica, "Now what are we going to do? Hmm?" I saw Erica wince a little but didn't let him see.
Derek started stalking over like we were pray. What did I do? What did I get myself into? Just then, he picked up a piece of scrap metal and threw it at the wall next to the stairs. I winced at the sound of metal scrapping and pounding against concrete. My eyes began to water as I struggled to push the memory back. There's no way I will be thinking of that right now. I haven't cried over that in years and I'm not starting now!
Instinctively, I went to sprint up the stairs but someone grabbed my torso and pushed my feet off the ground. I started to kick behind towards the person and clawed at their hands. "Aw, she's feisty!" Isaac. With a big thrust, I pushed my foot back and kicked him square in the chest. He backed up a little but nothing more. Then I could feel his hot breath in my ear as he whispered, trying to be seductive, "Watch it. Someone could really get hurt."
I went to kick again but was thrown to the ground. Pain shot through my chest as the air flew from my lungs. I coughed and put the palms of my hands down on the cold cement. Pushing up, I felt pain shoot up through my arms, begging me to just give in and fall. But I kept going, gritting my teeth.
Once I was sitting upright, I looked up to see Erica staring at me with fear in her eyes, her mouth open just a bit. Derek started making his way towards me. And what happened next surprised everyone. As fast as light, Erica lunged for Derek, huge claws shooting out of her fingertips. The two of them fell to the ground with a big thump. And honestly, it looked like two dogs fighting.
Derek turned onto his back under Erica and growled at her, showing off these huge fang-like teeth. Erica did the same as she raised her hand and brought it down. He just simply caught her wrist and flipped them over so she was on the bottom.
Isaac ran onto the scene, completely regarding me. I scrambled up from the ground and ran towards the stairs, picking up my bag that had fallen to the ground. But when I reached the stairs, my head spun around to Erica who was being pushed against a wall by Derek. Her eyes never left his though and I knew why. If she looked at me so would Derek. And the hope of me escaping would fly out the window.
My feet kicked into gear before my mind could and I bolted up the stairs. Soon, the sunlight engulfed me but I didn't have time to enjoy it. I rushed away from the old subway and down the street to god knows where. I just needed to get out of there. I needed to run.
I've been running for a while and I honestly don't remember which way I'd come from since I made some many turns and pivots. Turning into an abandoned alley, I walked into the middle of it and slumped against one of the walls. I slid down the wall and crashed onto the pavement, not caring if it was dirty.
I hid my face in my knees, recalling all that had happened. Erica saved me. She could have gotten seriously injured and I left her. But that's what she wanted, I knew it. She stood up to them… for me. God, I owe her my life and she's probably not going to talk to me ever again. No one will. I ruined everything.
The hot sting of fresh tears welled up inside my eyes, begging and pleading to finally be let out. Usually, I would force them back. I've been doing that for years. But not now. I just couldn't bring myself to do that. And with that, I let myself be weak. The warm water trailed down my cheeks and fell onto my skinny jeans knees. No, I'm not one to break down. I rarely do that. I just let the tears fall.
My hand shot into my bag, searching for a tissue. But instead of a tissue, my fingertips grazed what felt like a wrapper-like object. Curiosity took over me and I took it in my grasp, pulling it out and in front of me. There, in my hands, was the Reese's bar Stiles gave me. But there was a phone number written on it. Stiles wrote his phone number on it? When did he do that? I didn't see him.
A felt a blush coming onto my cheeks but I didn't feel like taking notice. I just went back into my bag and pulled my phone out. Clumsily, I typed in the number and pressed the call button. Then I pressed it to my ear, listening to it ring.
After the 5th ring, I heard that familiar voice ask in a cute, confused tone, "Hello?" "Stiles", I cocked out through the tears that started coming down more fiercely. "Um, yeah. Who's this?" I could feel the heavy tears coming more rapidly the more I talked but I managed to say, "It's Maya."
It became silent and I couldn't take it anymore. "Stiles", my voice cracked and so did I. I began to sob silently. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry", I chanted through my sobs. Hey, can you blame me? I just lost my best friend and the chance of a normal life. The least I could do was say that I'm sorry to one person.
"Shh Maya, its ok", I heard his voice immediately. A flood of relief filled me. He didn't hang up. His voice was filled with worry as he tried to calm me but it didn't do any good. Then he asked, "Maya, where are you?" I shook my head though I knew he couldn't see me. But I managed to say, "I-I d-don't k-know. I-I w-was running a-and…" I couldn't finish. The pain was too much and so was the memory of today's events.
"Shh, Maya, shh. Just tell me a street name or something so I can pick you"- I cut him off, "No." I sobbed a little more before saying, "I'm a bitch. You deserve more than wasting your gas on me. J-just, ignore I even exist. I don't deserve you." That was it. That's all I wanted to say. That's all I really ever needed to say ever again.
I looked to my left onto for my eyes to lock on the sparkling broken glass of a beer bottle. That's all I really ever needed to say ever again. "Stiles", I said a little better. Maybe it was the fact that I found a solution to all my problems. "Tell my mom I love her and it's not her fault." Slowly, I started to crawl inch by inch closer to the broken shards of glass.
"Wait, what do you mean?" His voice asked in my ear but I didn't really want to listen. Yet I couldn't put the phone away. I guess I want someone to be there when I die, even if it's through the phone.
My guess is that he caught onto what I was saying because the next thing I know, he's yelling into the phone, his voice filled with worry, "No! Don't do it! You deserve more! Just tell me where you are!" But no matter what he said, I couldn't stop inching closer to the glass. It was like it was calling to me, mocking me. I had to reach it, I just had to.
"Maya!" That was it. The glass didn't call to me anymore. I just looked up at the sign that was just outside the alley and read it off. I don't know why I did it, I just did. "I'm coming. Just stay right there. I'm climbing in my jeep right now. Just stay right where you are", his voice was angelically soft.
He was about to hang up, but I stopped him, "Stiles." "Yes?" I heard him ask over the roar of an engine coming to life. I bit my lip hard and whispered, "Stay with me, please." I held my breath. I didn't want to be left along again. Even if he was on the phone, I just wanted to know that he was there and on his way. "Ok", he said softly.
I sighed before bringing my knees up to my chest. He was on his way. I could hear his breathing. He was ok. I was ok, or was I? I just found out that my best friend is some kind of… I don't even know how to describe it. She saved me when I didn't want to join her and she's going to suffer the consequences, no matter how much I didn't want her too. Why can't I just have a normal life with a normal family, a normal school life, and normal friends?
My sobs didn't cease as he stayed on the phone. I guess that's what happens. You build up so many tears you refuse to cry and when you do decide to let them fall, they all come. It was like all the pains from the last few years were beaming down on my at one time: dad's death, mom's sobs, all the sympathy from the teachers, fellow students, and police officers, the move, not being allowed to be Stiles's friend, and lastly but certainly not least, Erica fighting for me.
Soon, I heard the roar of an engine and Stiles's voice asking, "Ok, where are you?" I took in a staggered breath, trying to compose myself but failing greatly. "The alley", I croaked out. My voice was thick from the crying.
With that said, I started to see the light from his jeep's headlights near one end of the small alley. I tightened my grip around my legs instinctively. Then there was the sound of a door opening and slamming shut. Heavy footsteps started sounding, ringing off the alley's tight walls. I couldn't move. It was like I was paralyzed. The phone slipped from my hands as it fell to my side.
"Maya", his voice yelled as he drew closer. I squeezed my eyes tight, not wanting him to see me cry. It wasn't something I'm particularly proud of. Just then, a bare of strong arms wrapped themselves around my torso, pulling me closer. When my back it his chest, I let out a small whimper. His hands rubbed up and down my arms in a comforting motion as he whispered in my ear, "Shh, its ok. I'm here. Shh."
After a while, I started to calm down. "Stiles", I whispered. "Hmm", his warm breath hit my ear in a way that was way better than when Isaac's breath did. "I'm sorry", I whispered back. I would love to stay right there but he needed to go. He had a friend and a dad. I didn't.
"Shh", he whispered again but this time it wasn't for comfort. Then he whispered, "You apologize too much." I laughed a quick laugh before leaning my head back. It gently hit his shoulder so I turned my head a little and nuzzled my face into the crook of his neck. I took in a deep breath, his vanilla scent filling my nose. I could feel him stiffen a bit before relaxing and lifting a lock of my dark hair, twirling it his hand. His other hand was still firmly placed around my torso to keep me in place.
But then there was a shuffle of a pair of feet and an old man's voice yelling, "Hey you stupid teenagers! Get out of the damn alley!" My eyes shot open and I looked over to see the old man eying us, his grey hair sticking up. Stiles's hands glided down my arms and took a grasp of my cold hands. I didn't object. I was too busy eying the guy back.
The man stomped his foot and yelled, "Did you hear me! Get out!" Stiles's hand tightened their grip on my hands when before they were loose. When we didn't move, the man scoffed and started stomping towards us. And just like that, we both leaped into action. Stiles pulled me to my feet and helped me gather my stuff which I kind of had trouble with.
The man got even closer to us so Stiles grabbed my hand and pulled me along down to the other end of the alley where his jeep was, swinging my bag over his shoulder.
I kept on tripping over my own feet but tried my hardest to stay in pace with him. When we got to his car, he opened the door for me, his hand still holding mine. I grabbed the door with my other hand and used both his hand and his door to push me into the jeep.
Once I was in the passenger seat, Stiles left my side to rush to the driver's seat. I closed the door for him and buckled up as he climbed into his seat and put my bag in the back. When he was ready and the car was going, he hit the gas and we began speeding off.
I looked out the window to notice that the sun had set and nightfall was already coloring the sky. My goose bump-filled arms began to shake even more from the cold. My hands shot up to my arms, rubbing them up and down.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Stiles look over at me before looking back at the road. "Are you cold?" He asked as he kept on glancing at me and the road. I nodded my head and rubbed my arms a little harder. Just then, he took one hand off of the wheel and started to unzip the jacket he was wearing.
Instinct overtook me as one of my hands flew to replace his on the wheel. He let go of the wheel completely, trusting me not to wreck it. But he did lower his speed a little bit. I kept my eyes on the road and I stirred from the passenger seat. Ok, that's one thing I never thought I'd do.
When the jacket was completely off of his body, he placed his hands on the wheel again. I let go and slumped in my seat. He picked up his jacket that lay on his lap and handed it to me, saying, "Wear this."
I nodded obediently and slipped the jacket onto my small frame. It hung on my body just a little bit but I didn't really care. I zipped it up and crossed my arms, falling into the piece of clothing. He smelt of him and warmed up my body in no time.
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips and I didn't force it back. I didn't want to force anything back right now. I just wanted to stay like this.
I glanced over at Stiles who has his eyes glued to the road. Then I trailed down to look at the hand that had handed me the jacket. It now lay in his lap with no purpose. Slowly and cautiously, I pulled my left hand out of the jacket's arm and reached it over the console, watching my hand then up at him over and over. Finally, I slipped my hand in his, keeping my head down.
After a while, I felt Stiles's finger wiggle a little. I watched as they entwined with mine and his hand give mine a light squeeze. My eyes shot up to his face. A smile was plastered on his face as he glanced at and then back at the road. I smiled a little bigger and began to listen to the radio that played softly.
"So", he said after a little silence. I looked up at him and waited for him to continue. "I don't know where you live and I really think you should get home before your mom starts worrying", he tilted his head a little when he admitted he didn't know where I lived. A little giggle escaped from my lips before I told him my address.
I saw him smile a little as he turned a corner and started headed towards my house. As he drove, I tapped my fingers against his knuckles to the beat that I wasn't really familiar with. I looked out the window and saw the trees passing by.
Biting my bottom lip, I managed to say, "I never thanked you for the Reese's bar, did I?" Stiles chuckled lightly and shook his head. I shifted my weight in the seat so I was sitting on my legs and was facing him. I leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Thank you. It was really sweet." And with that said, I moved my head a little and kissed him on the cheek.
When I pulled away, I studied the smile on his face as it grew a little. My smile grew too as a result. Then I sat back down properly in my seat, my hand still in his.
We got to my house not long after and I have to admit, my heart did sink a little at the sight of it. He pulled into the driveway and put the jeep in park. He turned off the engine and I opened the door. But before I stepped out, I looked over at Stiles who was already looking at me. I gave him a small smile and asked, "Walk me to the door?" He nodded before opening his door and climbing out.
I stepped out and closed the door, feeling a little sad that he would have to leave soon. Meeting him in front of the vehicle, I started to notice the warm tingle in my hand that he was holding only moments before. Looking down at my hand, I secretly wished his hand was still gripping it.
We began to walk and as if he read my mind, his hand outstretched for mine. I gladly placed mine in his and he instantly entwined them. Heat began to raise to my cheeks and I bat my eyelashes a few times, embarrassed that I was blushing and I had no way of hiding it.
Sooner than I hoped, we were standing on my porch, the light still on. Oh god, my mom's waiting. I turned towards Stiles who was licking his lips and was rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand.
When he noticed me watching, he gave me a small embarrassed smile. I gave him a half-smile in return before looking back down at our joined hands. He followed my gaze and pulled his hand away.
My face fell a little, I could tell. Apparently so could Stiles because the next thing I know, he's opening his arms as if to ask for a hug. I couldn't stop myself; I ran to him and latched on, my arms wrapped around his waist. He stumbled back a little but managed to hug me back, his hands rubbed the small of my back.
We stayed like that for a while before I saw the blinds of the window right beside the door open a little so a pair of grey eyes could pear out. When those eyes met mine, the blinds instantly closed. I chuckled and pulled away from him.
I automatically wrapped my arms around myself as I backed up towards the front door. "Thanks Stiles. I owe you", I said. He just waved away my words and said, "It's not a problem." Then he looked me straight in the eyes and pointed at me. "But I will be back to check up on you", his words took on a protective tone and I won't lie, it was kind of attractive.
Nodding, I said, "I'll be waiting." His face showed a hint of surprise at my words but he smiled and said, "Good night Maya." "Night", I whispered as he turned and started towards his jeep. I watched as he climbed in and started the engine. He gave me a quick wave which I mimicked as he pulled out of my driveway and down the street.
Once he completely vanished from my eyesight, I sighed and reluctantly opened the door, stepping inside. As I closed the door behind me, my mom strolled in with a smile planted on her lips. I raised an eyebrow at her, encouraging her to speak.
She spoke, "You know, I would have been mad but seeing you with that cutie, I'm going to let it slide for now. But just for now." I laughed. That's my mom alright. She was always more of a best friend than a mom to me. But when push came to shove, she was just as motherly as any other mother.
"I'm going to go to bed", I said as I made my way upstairs. "Wait a minute", I stopped obediently and turned around. My mom stood at the bottom of the staircase smiling up at me. Then she asked, "What's his name and why didn't you tell me you were with him?"
A lump grew in my throat but I swallowed hard. "His name's Stiles and I don't know, I just forgot. But I'll tell you next time, I promise." She raised her eyebrows and questioned, "Next time?" I just shook my head at her while smiling and started climbing the rest of the stairs. As I reached the top, I heard my mom whisper, "Stiles? That's a weird name." And I couldn't help but laugh.
So what do you think? I know, I know, it's long! But I want your feedback. And to all of those who have reviewed, I really do appreciate it! I love all of you guys' comments. Hopefully this chapter answered some of your questions. I hope you enjoyed. Personally I can't wait to write the next chapter 3