So here's chapter 5. Sincerest apologies for the long wait, but let me know if it sucks or if I should continue! Thanks everyone!
Chapter 5
After looking up Boyd in one of the school's yearbooks, I kept my eyes peeled for him. I was so focused on finding him that I didn't even pay attention in my last four classes not that it mattered. The material these teachers cover is easy as pie and I'm starting to wonder why kids even have to attend school. However, when the school bell rings signaling the end of the day I have yet to see Boyd or Scott and Stiles. So with a defeated sigh I start my walk home making it as far as the parking lot before a sleek red Audi screeches to a halt in front of me.
I jump back in mild surprise at almost having my toes taken off, but my surprise soon turns to dread when the driver of the car rolls down their window.
"Get in. I have something to show you." Lydia demands exuding her silent power as she looks up at me through her black sunglasses. I've been avoiding Lydia since the incident in the bathroom and I am more than happy to keep it that way.
"Thanks, but I think I'm going to walk." I nod softly taking a step away from her car, but Lydia isn't having any of that as she swerves over getting that much closer to me. This, in turn, causes the line of cars that's slowly getting longer to honk obnoxiously loud behind us.
"Mia, will you please just get in the car?" Lydia sighs with slight irritation when another blaring honk sounds through the parking lot. With a graceful ease I've never seen on anyone before, Lydia sticks her red-head out the window with a perfectly sculpted arch of her eyebrow at the cars behind us. In a matter of seconds, every driver ceases their incessant honking and is resorting to silent brooding as they wait for Lydia and I to finish.
"Lydia, I really don't-"
"I can and will wait here all day, Mia. It's not like I have anything better to do tonight." Lydia hums inspecting her pink tipped nails in boredom. I watch her while my stomach twists into tight knots as my hope of never talking to the red-head again vanishes with each passing second. However, it isn't until I glance back at the car impatiently idling behind us that I finally cave.
Without a word, I walk around to the passenger seat of her car and slide in. She doesn't waste time as she puts the car in drive and peels out of the parking lot much to her classmate's relief. I simply stare out the window wondering how long it's going to be before she brings up the subject I've spent years enduring the consequences of. But she surprises me once again when she chooses not to say anything until we are pulling up to a monstrous house that I can only assume to be hers.
"Welcome to casa de Martin," Lydia twists the key shutting off the engine as we fall into an awkward silence. I'm not really sure what to say or why she decided to bring me to her home. She's doing one hell of a job at throwing me for a loop. "Well, are you just going to sit there or are you going to come inside?" Lydia asks blatantly staring at me before opening her door and stepping out of the car. I take a deep breath before I do the same slamming the door behind me.
I follow Lydia up her cobblestone path that is lined with blood-red roses to her front door. I wait as she inserts the key into the lock and pushes the door open before I trail her inside. I gap at what I find. There's a massive living room to the left with the latest technologies and fluffy couches and chairs for sitting. On the right of us is the dining room with a long oak table that sits at least twenty and a fireplace off to the side for those cold winter nights. A crystal chandelier hangs over the table as famous works of art by people I don't know hang from the walls.
"It's a little old school for my taste." Lydia criticizes with a speculating eye as she follows my line of vision.
"It's gorgeous," I breathe quietly finding the whole place too good to be true.
"Yeah I guess," Lydia shrugs glancing at me out of the corner of her eye. "Come on, my room's upstairs." I nod keeping pace behind her as we go up the stairs and to her room. It's just as grandeur and amazing as the rest of the house. I stop once I'm inside the doorway. I want a clear path for a quick exit if I need one.
"Why did you bring me here, Lydia?" I ask watching as she drops her bag in the corner and plops down on her massive bed. She takes a minute fluffing her hair before reluctantly turning green eyes on me.
"You can actually sit down, you know? You don't have to wait for me to tell you what to do." I take a miniscule step back and cross my arms.
"I'm good." I nod leaving it at that. I feel for my phone in my pocket briefly wishing Scott or Stiles would call me with an emergency, but as the minutes drag on I can see that's not going to happen.
"Listen, Mia, you don't need to avoid me because you accidentally spilled the beans about your parents. If you haven't noticed my mom and dad aren't around either and they choose not to be around me. You don't have to be afraid of telling me about your past when we all have one."
"I'm not afraid," I instantly protest not wanting to get Lydia more suspicious than she already is.
"Yes you are. I'm not an airhead, Mia. I can see the way you act and how you are. But we are friends and friends tell each other things. You can trust me." Lydia finishes with such seriousness that I have to avert my gaze to remain strong. After several long minutes of silence Lydia sighs. "Fine then, but at least come over here so I can talk about me." This makes a small smile turn up my lips as I hesitantly make my way to her bed. I take a seat at the end and focus my full attention on her.
She tells me everything from how she and Jackson met, to how her dad is always gone on business trips and how her mom leaves for extended periods of time. She fills me in on the details of her life up until now and I have to say she's not the person I thought she was. By the end of it I can't help, but like the girl sitting beside me.
"Question; why don't you show people how intelligent you really are?" I ask so curious as to why she would hide something like that. I've heard the things people say about her at school and not one person has mentioned her smarts.
"I don't know," she shrugs like she can't be bothered with a better answer. "What do you think of this color?" She holds out a chunk of her strawberry blond hair with such enthusiasm that I can't help, but laugh.
"It suits you."
"I know." She flicks her hair over her shoulder so confidently that it sends us both into a fit of giggles.
Not really sure how to feel about it.
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
It takes me all the way.
I want you to stay
I slip my phone out of my pocket quickly when I recognize the ringtone. In a second, I have it open and am yelling into it.
"Stiles! Where are you?" I ask noting the way Lydia arches an eyebrow in question.
"I'm at the mechanic's shop. We found Boyd, but it was too late. Scott got a little banged up, but I dropped him off at Deaton's. Can you meet me here?" I vaguely hear the sound of a drill in the background as I steal a glance at Lydia. She's pretending not to listen, but I can tell she's catching bits and pieces.
"Yeah, I'll be there as soon as I can." I hang up turning brown eyes on Lydia.
"Where do you need to go?" She asks as I smile.
"The mechanic's to see Stiles."
"Alright, let's go." She nods shooing me off her bed and out the door. It isn't until we are back in her car and driving down the road that she speaks again. "Are you and Stiles dating?" She asks the question like it's the most absurd thing she's ever heard and I feel a pang of sadness for Stiles.
"No, we are just friends." I answer watching her reaction turn from one of mild horror to relief.
"Well that is a smart move on your part." She purses her lips in concentration as she rounds a corner taking us deeper into downtown Beacon Hills.
"You know, Lydia, Stiles isn't that bad." I try to reason with the girl while she steals a glance at me out the corner of her eye. "He's a lot more useful than you give him credit for." I say thinking back to the conversation with Scott and him earlier today. Stiles helps out a lot more than most people realize with little to no thanks.
"I'm sure he is," Lydia sighs like she doesn't believe me as we pull into a one story building that makes me wonder how it's still running. "Here we are, give Stiles my best." Lydia teases with a wink as I smile and nod.
"I will. Thank you for everything, Lydia." I give her my sincerest gratitude because for the first time someone chose me as their friend.
"You're welcome, Mia. I'll stop by before school tomorrow to help you get ready because girl you are in dire need of some assistance." Lydia hums shaking her head as she gives me a calculating once over. "Anyway! Toodles, be up and ready by six!" She yells through the window as she pulls out of the parking lot and speeds down the road. I wait until her taillights disappear around the corner before heaving a sigh and walking into the mechanic's shop.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing? All I needed was a starter." I hear Stiles yell before I actually see him. He's standing off to the side of his jeep that is being tore down and put back together by the man working under it. From the way Stiles is watching with a less than thrilled expression on his face I can tell he's not too happy.
"Yeah, but it looks like your whole exhaust system has got to be replaced here." The mechanic drawls with a bored tone as he continues to fix the jeep. His white beater is covered in grease and oil but that doesn't take away from his rugged good looks.
"Why do I get the feeling your slightly over-estimating the damage?" Stiles groans and crosses his arms defiantly.
"It's probably gonna run you around twelve hundred parts and labor." The mechanic answers not caring the least bit that it's an outrageous price.
"Actually if all you're doing is taking out the exhaust and starter that should only run Stiles about six hundred. I'm sure you have extra parts around here and my best bet is that exhaust still has life left in it. If you let me look right now I can save Stiles some money and we can be on our way." I speak up without warning drawing both men's attention my way in surprise. Neither had noticed my presence, but from the relieved look sliding over Stiles face he was glad to see me.
"I agree with her. That thing doesn't even have a catalytic converter. And yes, I know what a catalytic converter is." Stiles rolls his eyes as I walk to him hiding my smile.
"Do you know what a limited slip differential is?" The mechanic asks smugly and out of irritation. Stiles remains quiet probably trying to figure out if that's a real part or not.
"The limited slip differential helps the wheels spin and gives the jeep torque. I'm more than a hundred percent sure this jeep does not need that." I examine the jeep closely from where Stiles and I are standing before drifting my eyes to the mechanic who looks a mixture of intrigued and annoyed.
"Yeah, coming on more like fifteen hundred now," the guy barks hoisting himself out of the hole he's in while Stiles gaps in disbelief. I start to internally panic the slightest bit when the man starts to walk over to Stiles and I. Without thinking, I slip my hand into Stiles who surprises me when he inches in front of me while giving my hand a comforting squeeze. "And if you ever want to talk cars over dinner, here's my number." The mechanic smiles cockily at Stiles while holding out a white calling card that I hesitantly take blushing lightly when he winks and turns around to go work on the jeep.
"Is he serious?" Stiles glares at his back before taking my hand and spinning me around. He snatches the card from my hand to get a better look at it. "Miles? Really?" He scoffs shoving the card in his pocket rather than giving it back to me. I don't say anything though as he reaches for the doorknob that leads to the back room only to pull his hand away in disgust. I grimace at the watering substance dripping from his hands and onto the floor. "Oh. Nice! It's real sanitary. Quality establishment you're running here." Stiles yells at Miles who turns on a drill at that very moment drowning out Stile's voice.
"Come on," I sigh grabbing a towel using that to open the door and usher Stiles inside.
"How do you know so much about cars?" Stiles asks moving over to the large plate-glass window to observe his jeep being fixed.
"It was my job to fix the cars in my family." I say turning my back on Stiles so he can't see me cringing at the memory. My father made sure I knew how to take apart a car and put it back together in the most painful ways possible.
"That's w-w-" I hear a soft thud sound from behind me as I spin around to find Stiles on the floor. His phone has fallen to land just in front of his face as he tries to move his arms.
"Stiles!" I breathe running to his side laying a gentle hand on his back. "Stiles what's happening?" I ask noting the way he can't move a single muscle or speak for that matter almost like he's paralyzed.
"Help me! Somebody help me!" I gasp spinning around when I hear the mechanic's cries for help. He's lying on the ground much like Stiles as the converter is slowly being lowered down on top of him. I feel my heart beginning to race as I look back fearfully at Stiles who has averted his terrified gaze to me.
I look into Stiles big brown eyes finding myself calming down just enough to get my head on straight.
"Oh god! Somebody help me!" The mechanic screams once again drawing me out of my haze. I can see the realization dawn on Stiles face as his lips form the word no, but nothing comes out.
"Sorry Stiles," I whisper jumping to my feet yanking the door open. I run at full speed for the converter before I have a chance to change my mind. I instantly look for the off switch, but am shocked when I find the line has been severed spewing gas everywhere.
"Please! Help me!" Miles yells out in pure agony as I race to his side. My next option is to drag him out of harm's way, but right as I bend down to grasp his arm something comes out of nowhere and hits me like a semi. The next thing I know I'm sailing through the air moments before I'm slamming back first into the glass door that separates me from Stiles.
I crumble to the floor along with a shower of glass that embeds itself in my back. I clench my eyes shut to get through the pain shooting its way through my body, but more so to drown out the mechanic's cries. I feel my lip begin to tremble as I cover my ears in vain as I cave in on myself trying desperately to move my blood stained legs. But the pain becomes too much and I have to stop moving and once I stop moving the mechanic stops screaming. Then I only hear silence and my fast beating heart that I'm afraid will explode. So I just lay there covered in my own blood refusing to open my eyes at the pain and scene I'm sure to find. And for the first time since coming to Beacon Hills I'm right back where I started.
"I told you I just-I walked in and I saw the jeep on top of the guy, that's all." I over hear Stiles explaining everything to his dad who happens to be the sheriff. I refrain from flinching when the EMT pulls the last shard of glass out of my back.
"And you found Mia unconscious by the door too?" The sheriff asks sending a subtle glance my way. I feel my feet start to twitch with the need to run as far away as possible, but I don't. I remain standing as the EMT wraps gauze around my middle ignoring my fading bruises. However, I seem to have caught Stiles attention as he can't seem to take his eyes off my battered frame. "Stiles!?" The sheriff snaps his fingers in front of his son's face making Stiles quickly avert his gaze.
"Yes, she was passed out on the floor. When she woke up I asked her what happened, but she couldn't remember. Can we go now?" Stiles asks impatiently twitching next to his father. I watch as he looks at me before turning Stiles around so I can't hear what they are saying.
"Here you go, honey." The EMT, a lady in her early forties, hands me an oversized t-shirt to compensate for my destroyed one that lies in tatters in the garbage can. She helps me ease the shirt over my head before sending me on my merry little way. But just as I try to make a break for it I hear my name.
"Mia!" I stop walking long enough for Stiles to catch up to me and when he does he wraps me in a bear hug before releasing me when I groan in mild pain. "Oh sorry sorry," he hisses stepping back. "Are you okay?" He asks me glancing over my shirt in worry.
"I'm okay. Are you okay?" I ask softly looking over his solemn expression. From the bags under his eyes and the way he slumps his shoulders I can see he's not okay.
"I'm fine." He sighs wearily running a hand over his shaved head.
"You saw him being killed, didn't you?" I whisper reaching out to tangle one of my hands in his. He looks down at our clasped hands for a brief moment before mutely nodding. "There was nothing I could do."
"I'm sorry I couldn't prevent you from seeing that Stiles." I hang my head in shame and let go of his hand. You'll always be a disappointment! My father's words play over and over in my head like a broken record. I turn then intent on walking back to Scott's when Stile's hand slides into mine once again.
"Mia," Stiles sighs pulling me gently to his chest this time for a hug. "You tried to help him and that is enough. There was nothing either one of us could have done to save him." I bury my head a little deeper into Stile's chest at his soothing words. I don't know what it is about this kid, but while Scott makes me feel protected Stiles calms me down.
"Stiles, what in the hell happened in there?" I ask suddenly pulling away from him so I can see his face. He stares down at me for a long moment before heaving a deep sigh.
"We have a lot to talk about."
I lay awake that night thinking over everything the boy's explained to me. Not only must I worry about werewolves, the Argents, and Derek. But now there's a giant lizard running around town killing people like the poor mechanic. I squeeze my eyes shut as his pleas for help ring in my head like a haunting melody. It's enough to drive me insane, but I keep it together. I can't fall apart when I already have so much at stake.
So when the first rays of sunlight peek through my window I get up and take a shower. I turn the heat up as high as it will go finding the scolding water soothing on my cold skin. I've always had a hard time getting warm, but ever since coming to Beacon Hills finding warmth is nearly impossible. I stand under the spray of water until it gets cold before wrapping a towel around me and stepping out of the shower. I should wrap the bandages around my back like the EMT told me to, but I figure I can handle it bare.
"Well it's about time!" I shouldn't be surprised when I open the bathroom door to find Lydia perched comfortably on the edge of my bed. She did, after all, tell me she was going to come over, but the whole thing slipped my mind between then and now. "Go put these on." She demands throwing a wad of clothes at my face. "Since you took a millennium in the shower we only have thirty minutes to do your hair and make-up." I stand awkwardly for a moment longer looking down at the clothes in my hand in distaste before reluctantly shuffling back into the bathroom.
As fast as I can go, I dry off and slip on the clothes Lydia gave me. I stare in horror at my reflection in the mirror. I'm wearing a maroon skirt with a thin brown belt to hold the material up around my petite waist along with a white short sleeve shirt that ends just above my belly button revealing way too many scars. Then to make things worse she's put me into thigh high black socks and a long sleeve black cardigan which might not be so bad for covering my smooth stretch of stomach.
"Lydia, are you sure I should wear this?" I ask looking down at myself unsure as I try to cover the large amount of skin showing. I wait for an answer but when all I receive is a giggle and an awkward cough in response; I finally look up. I feel the heat rise to my cheeks when I notice Scott and Stiles standing uncomfortably in the doorway both staring at me through wide eyes.
"Though you do look hot, that's not how you wear it." Lydia grins; shaking her head as she walks over to me and hikes the skirt up until it's covering my stomach. I sigh in relief when the only thing showing is the parts of my legs not covered with the stockings. However, Lydia doesn't stop there as she runs her small hands through my hair fluffing the curls surrounding my face. Then with lightning quick speed she swipes on some mascara and blush before stepping back with a beaming smile. "There. Now you look classy and sophisticated." Lydia hums enthusiastically clapping her hands together. "What do you boys think?"
I glance over at Scott and Stiles who haven't said a word since I stepped out of the bathroom.
"You look really…well like…I was just going to say you give me…"
"What Stiles is trying to say is you look amazing, Mia." Scott smiles slapping Stiles on the chest to get him to stop talking. I cover my mouth with my hand to refrain from laughing as I give them a slight nod.
"Thank you." I smile sincerely looking down at my white converses when I can't hold Scott's unwavering gaze anymore. It's only when I do this that I notice Lydia's pink gloves. I feel my eyebrows come together in confusion as I flick my eyes up to meet hers. She's watching me closely, but sends a subtle shake of her head when she sees the quizzical expression on my face.
"Okay, well, I better get going. I have things to do," Lydia says grabbing her bag before looking sardonically at Stiles and Scott, "more important people to see." She smiles looking at me. "I'll see you at school, Mia. We'll have lunch." She winks brushing past a stunned Stiles before disappearing out the door. Stiles manages to hold his tongue until the front door slams shut before he spazes out.
"How is it you've been here a week and are already in with Lydia?" Stiles sputters looking at me like I've just given him directions to the lost city of Atlantis.
"You're guess is as good as mine," I mutter, moving around the boys to grab my backpack. "I just want to go and get this day over with," I sigh, slinging my pack over my shoulder. At the rate this morning is going I have a sinking feeling it's going to be a less than thrilling day.
"Now back in the 1800's, the women…" I zone out as Mr. Thompson continues to dull the class with his history lesson. It's actually a wonder no one has fallen asleep yet, but that could be because it's only five minutes until lunch.
"You think he would have given up by now, huh?" I tear my eyes from the blank piece of paper in front of me to the boy next to me. He's watching me through sparkling blue eyes that light up when I give a nod in agreement. "My name's Matt, by the way." He offers me his hand that I take after a second of hesitation.
"Mia," I answer quietly looking over Matt's brown hair and light stubble that has grown in since his morning shave. He looks harmless enough with his boyish grin that makes him appear younger than he really is.
"You're new here, aren't you? How has your first week gone?" Matt asks politely making me smile bashfully. This is the first boy other than Stiles and Scott that has introduced himself to me since my arrival in Beacon Hills. I would love to say that it's because of my beaming personality, but I know his sudden interest is because of Lydia's outfit. All day I have felt the hungry eyes of every teenage boy in this school drinking me in and I hate it.
"It could be better," I keep my answer short, choosing not to elaborate even when Matt leans forward for more. However, once he sees I'm not going to continue he grins.
"Yeah, this isn't the most welcoming of schools. I would have introduced myself sooner, but I didn't have the opening…until now." His grin widens when a blush rises to my cheeks. I quickly turn my head towards the door so he can't see my face, but from the soft chuckle he releases I know he saw.
However, there must be a god somewhere because at that exact moment the bell rings signaling the end of the period. I quickly gather my books and hurry out of the classroom hoping to be gone before Matt can grab me, but I'm too slow.
"Hey, Mia!" I hear Matt calling after me which should have given me some warning that he was coming up behind me, but I still flinch and rip my hand out of his grasp when he tries to make a grab for me. "Oh, whoa, sorry I didn't mean to scare you." Matt stammers, holding his hands up in surrender as he takes a step away from me.
"No, no I'm sorry," I shake my head and bite my lip as I look away from Matt's confused eyes. "I'm just a little jumpy," I laugh scrubbing an embarrassed hand down my face as I look down the hall in longing. What I wouldn't give to be anywhere but here right now.
"It's okay I understand what it's like to start in a new place. It takes a little while to get used to everything." Matt smiles reassuringly making me sigh in relief.
"That it does," I nod surprising myself with just how much I'm enjoying this conversation. A comfortable silence falls between us as I look over Matt's features. He just looks so…human.
"Well, if you're not doing anything, would you want to get some lunch?" Matt asks, breaking the silence, as he rubs the back of his neck avoiding my eyes at all costs. My lips curl into a small smile at the light pink tint to his cheeks as I open my mouth to answer him.
"I would-"
"Mia!" Both Matt and I turn around at the loud obnoxious holler that echoes down the hallway. I'm not surprised when I find Stiles barreling towards us with a speed that will no doubt leave him fighting for breath. "Mia! There you are!" Stiles gasps coming to a stop next to me as he bends at the waist to catch his breath.
"Are you okay, Stiles?" I ask, resting a soothing hand on his back, as I try to help him calm down.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little out of shape." He huffs, straightening his back while opening and closing his mouth like a fish out of water as he sucks in air. "I need to talk to you." He informs me after several long minutes of silence.
"Uh, Stiles, I'm kind of-"
"Hey buddy; this isn't a free for all." Stiles suddenly blurts finally taking notice of Matt. "The lunchroom is that way." I swallow the rest of my words at how rude Stiles is being to Matt.
"Actually Stiles, this is Matt. He and I were just talking." I reprimand the boy next to me softly while giving him a look that has him drawing back in surprise. I watch Stiles look from me to Matt in shock before he shakes his head furiously.
"Absolutely not…nope…no sire!" Stiles rushes out as he moves behind me and starts shoving me down the hallway passed an astounded Matt. I catch Matt's eye for a brief second, which is long enough for me to give him an apologetic smile, that is, until Stiles moves over to block me from view. "Hey pal, don't even look at her! Avert your eyes, she's off limits." Stiles yells behind us as he continues to guide me down the hall.
"Seriously Stiles?" I mutter under my breath as we get farther away from Matt.
"Trust me, that guy is a creep. He gives me bad vibes," Stiles all but growls as he moves to walk beside me. I don't say anything, too caught up in my own thoughts to argue with him. I simply stare at the row upon row of lockers and walk in silence. "You know," Stiles coughs drawing my attention to him, "you really do look beautiful today."
"Oh…well thank you, Stiles." I smile hoping that is the reaction he's looking for. He caught me off guard with his compliment and I'm not too sure how to respond.
"You're welcome." Stiles blushes as we turn the corner to find Scott sitting anxiously on the stairs right in front of the boy's locker room.
"There you are!" Scott yells, leaning forward eagerly when Stiles takes the seat beside him. "What did she say?" I lean against the wall next to the boys as I listen into their conversation.
"I'm so sorry about the other day. I'm trying. We'll get through this." Stiles sighs like it's paining him to say this as he looks at the ceiling in thought. "Uh, I know, because I love you. I love you more than - oh, my God. I can't!" Stiles suddenly yells, shaking his head refusing to continue. "You and Allison just have to find a better way to communicate."
"Wow," I mutter inaudibly feeling my blood begin to boil as I finally realize what is going on here. Stiles is being Scott and Allison's little carrier pigeon as they send messages back and forth through him.
"Come on, you're the only one we can trust." Scott pleads looking at Stiles like a kicked puppy. "Will she be at the game tonight?"
"Yes!" Stiles blurts throwing his arms out exaggerating his point. "Okay, message complete. Now tell me about your boss." I lean forward then wondering what Scott has managed to find out, you know, when he's not fraternizing with the enemy.
"He thinks that Allison's family keeps some kind of, uh, records of all the things that they've hunted. Like a book." I freeze at Scott's words as my blood runs cold. Luckily, neither boy notices as they are too busy looking at each other.
"He probably means a bestiary." Stiles supplies rubbing his chin in thought as I try not to hyperventilate.
"What?" Scott asks, completely lost on what Stiles is talking about.
"A bestiary." Stiles repeats himself like it's the most normal thing in the world for people to know about. I watch an amused smile turn up Scott's lips as his eyes shine with false understanding.
"I think you mean bestiality." He laughs causing Stiles and I to gap at him.
"Nope, pretty sure I don't. It's like an encyclopedia of mythical creatures." Stiles informs Scott making the wolf sputter.
"How am I the only one that doesn't know anything about this stuff?" Scott shakes his head in disbelief finally acknowledging me as his eyes travel to mine. I must look pretty bad because his face instantly creases with worry. "Mia, what's wrong?" Scott asks, jumping up from his spot on the stairs to land beside me.
"Whoa, are you going to be sick?" Stiles asks, springing to his feet and away from me so quickly that it's almost humorous.
"Does a bestiary include the names of the creatures they've hunted? Like a history of who they've taken down and who they have yet to catch?" I question feeling my breath quicken as my eyes dart between Stiles and Scott.
"I guess they could. It really depends how detailed the hunter wants to be, but with Gerard I'm sure he has the names." Stiles answers my question with a look of utter curiosity sliding over his face.
"Why do you ask, Mia?" Scott wants to know causing me to look up at him through nervous eyes. His hand is rubbing soothing circles against my back like he knows I'm liable to panic at any moment. Yet he doesn't try to pry the information out of me even when I shake my head stubbornly.
"It's nothing. I think I need to get some air. I'll see you two at the game." I practically jog down the hall as I try to get away from the boys. I can feel their eyes following me even when I burst through the school doors and down the stone steps. I take a seat on the last step and heave a deep sigh in contemplation.
I know for a fact that Gerard knows who I am. He knows who I belong to and who to use against me to produce the most fear. I have no doubt that he's written about my family in his bestiary and soon everyone will know who I am. They'll finally understand that chaos has come to Beacon Hills.
"Have you ever seen a lacrosse game before?" Melissa questions expectantly as I scan the crowd that has gathered for any potential threats.
"No, but Scott's told me a little about it." I lie trying to keep the conversation flowing. When Melissa offered to accompany me to the game tonight I knew I had to accept. If it wasn't for her, I'd be on the streets somewhere trying to fend for myself. Now, I, at least have some semblance of a real life.
"Yeah, he's the co-captain, did he tell you that?" Melissa gushes as she leads me to an empty set of bleachers off to the side of the field. "He's the star player." She states proudly searching the field for Scott. I watch her closely feeling my heart tug with sorrow at the beaming smile that curls her lips when she finally finds him. "Oh! There he is," she swats me on the arm pointing toward the sidelines. I follow her finger to where Scott is standing with Stiles, both talking quietly to one another as they send subtle glances to the second set of bleachers next to us.
I don't have to look to know what they're gawking at. I spotted Gerard before I even stepped foot on to the field. I've been keeping tabs on him all night, just in case, I need to make a run for it. He may be old, but I'd be downright stupid to underestimate him.
"Mia, are you alright?" I'm pulled from my thoughts when someone nudges my shoulder. I look to my left to find Melissa watching me through worried eyes and it leaves me a little shell shocked. I'm not used to people fretting over me.
"Of course, I'm just thinking." I nod mustering up a small smile for her. However, I can see she doesn't believe me.
"You know, Mia, if you ever want to talk about anything I'm always around. Trust me, I won't judge you on anything you say," she laughs with a shake of head. "God knows, I've done my fair share of things." She smiles easily, her eyes brimming with a kindness I haven't seen in a long time.
"Thank you, Melissa. For everything," I nod seriously, sobering Melissa up with just one look.
"You're welcome," she pats my hand affectionately just as the whistle blows signaling the beginning of the game. "Oh, here we go." She breathes excitedly averting her eyes to the field. I do the same ignoring the warm feeling in my stomach at her words.
I keep up with the game pretty easily once Melissa explains the rules. Get the ball and get it in the net. Simple enough, right? Wrong. After ten minutes, at least, half of the team is on stretchers thanks to some huge buffoon on the other team. I'm eagerly waiting for Scott to lay him out, but am disappointed when it never comes.
"Why isn't Scott hammering him into the ground?" I hiss under my breath, finding myself getting into the game.
"Honey, Scott, may be strong, but he isn't superman." Melissa jeers, looking at her son with concern. I do my best to hide the small smile on my face at her words finding them to be funny considering Scott is kind of like superman.
I quickly return my attention to the field when the crowd lets out a particularly loud boo that has me wondering what I missed. However, I find another one of our players has been laid out while Stiles sneaks away during all the commotion to retrieve the keys from Allison.
"Hey," I say turning to Melissa who lends me her ear, but not her eyes as she's too focused on the game. "I have to use the bathroom. I'll be right back, okay?" I ask, sliding off the bleachers only leaving when Melissa gives me a hurried nod.
I don't waste time making my way off the field and across the parking lot to the school. I'm almost to the doors when I catch sight of Stiles leaning against someone's car as he pokes his head through their window.
"Stiles!" I hiss quietly wondering what in the hell could pull him away from the plan. We only have a small frame of time to steal the bestiary before the game is over.
"Mia?" Stiles calls back equally as quiet as he narrows his eyes trying to get a better look at me in the dark.
"Yes, it's me." I sigh walking over to stand beside him. "What are you doi-" I trail off when I look down to see Lydia dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. Her face is red and I can see where her tears have dried up on her cheeks. She looks so miserable and Stiles looks so overjoyed to be the one making her happy that I don't think twice about snatching the keys from his hand.
"What are you doing?" Stiles asks dumbfounded as I back away from him.
"I think you have more important things to do." I smile softly and nod my head encouragingly at Stiles who just watches me go. I catch the appreciation that blossoms behind his dark eyes before I turn around and jog toward the school doors.
I try not to think about what I'm doing as I find Gerard's office and easily slip inside. I don't want to contemplate the consequences of him finding me in here snooping through his things. Just like I don't want to think about what Scott and Stiles are going to do when the bestiary comes up "missing." I've been chewing over my options all day and in order to keep my secret safe I have to either get rid of the bestiary or get rid of myself.
I'm banking on the first, but I'm prepared for the second.
I'm flipping through folders in Gerard's filing cabinet after finding nothing in his desk when I hear the undeniable smack of feet running down the hall. I freeze with my hand poised above the folders as I pray whoever it is will pass. Unfortunately, my luck is shit and my heart drops to my stomach when the feet come to a stop in front of the door. As quickly as I can I slide the drawer closed and am in mid turn to hide when the door swings open revealing no one other than Stiles.
"Son of a bitch Stiles!" I yell, my heart hammering in my chest as I bend at the waist to catch my breath.
"Wha-wow-I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare-oh my god you yelled!" Stiles blurts, watching me through wide disbelieving eyes. I huff, shaking my head while I try not to die from a heart attack.
"Yes, it was quite the experience." A velvety smooth voice brings Stiles and I out of our conversation as we whip our heads to the door. I cringe when I find Erica standing there with a predatory smile on her lips.
"Oh look what the wolf dragged in," Stiles mutters out of spite. I flinch when Erica whips her hand out to circle around Stiles ear before giving it a sharp tug. "Ah Ah Ah," Stiles hisses in pain having no choice, but to follow Erica as she drags him out the door. However, before they disappear completely from view Erica narrows her cat eyes on me.
"Derek wants to see you. So follow me or Stiles here has an accident." She threatens giving Stile's ear a particularly hard pull causing him to cry out before stalking down the hallway. I, immediately follow her, not sure what has gotten into me as I willingly go to meet her alpha. With each step I take I'm becoming more afraid, but one look at Stiles hunched form as he tries to keep up reminds me why I'm not running.
I don't say a word the entire time Erica is leading us around the school. She even tries to bait me a few times, but I refuse to give in to her pathetic threats. I know who the real threat is here and I feel my heart stop beating when we turn the corner to the pool and find Derek waiting.
"Ah, Ah, Ah, ow!" Stiles groans, twitching away from Erica as she finally lets him go once we are stopped in front of Derek.
"Stiles." Derek greets playing with the basketball in his hands. "Mia." I eye him warily as he turns to face me. Fear wells up deep in the pit of my stomach and spreads through my veins like wildfire. I'm too choked up to answer the alpha as my face drains of all color.
"Derek." I hear Stiles voice, but I don't actually see him. I'm too busy staring into Derek's green eyes afraid if I look away he'll knock me out. That is, until, I feel something warm and soft slide between my fingers. I look down then to find that Stiles hand is intertwined with my own. I feel his fingers flex around mine as he gives me a reassuring squeeze and I can't help the eerie calm that settles over me. A new feeling blooms in my chest at Stiles touch and I'm not sure what to make of it.
"What did you see at the mechanic's garage?" Derek's booming voice brings me back to the present as I tear my eyes from Stiles stony face to Derek's. I watch his eyes harden as they flick to Stiles and mine's interlocked hands.
"Uh, several alarming EPA violations that I'm seriously considering reporting," Stiles offers with a shrug seconds before Derek smirks humorlessly popping the ball in his hands, "Holy god!" Stiles spasms in fear dropping my hand in the process.
"Let's try that again," Derek glowers with only a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
"All right, the thing was pretty slick looking. Um, skin was dark. Kind of patterned. Uh, I think I actually saw scales." Stiles provides a mediocre description that has me thinking back to the mechanic's garage.
"It has a tail," I supply quietly aiding Stiles with his challenge. I don't think anyone hears me until Derek's eyes flash to mine.
"You saw it?" He asks urgently taking a step toward me. I hurriedly take a step back keeping my eyes focused on Derek's.
"She didn't exactly see it. She was more or less plowed over by it." Stiles blurts taking a protective stance in front of me. I catch the subtle glance Derek runs over Stiles like he's sizing him up. "Is that enough? Can we go now because I've got somebody I really need to-hrrr." Stiles groans at the look of utter indifference he's receiving from Derek right now. "Eyes are, um, yellowish. And slitted. Um, has a lot of teeth." Stiles rambles on even when Derek's attention slowly turns toward something above us. I feel my eyebrows draw together in confusion when a look of pure terror pinches up Erica's face. "Wait, have you seen it? You have this look on your faces like you know exactly what I am talking about." Stiles asks just as a loud screech echoes around the room. I jump and swivel around just in time to witness the monster everyone's been talking about.
I'm frozen in place as I stare open-mouthed at the creature. Stiles pretty much nailed his description give or take a few minor details. Like for instance, how fast it is.
"Mia! Run!" I whip my head around to find that Stiles is no longer beside me, but behind Derek as both men look to me in fear. Everything seems to speed up after that because the next thing I know the creature is whipping Erica across the pool with its tail. I watch in horror as she crashes into the wall, her head making a sickening smack against the ground which knocks her out cold.
"Run!" Derek bellows turning around for a split second to push Stiles toward the exit. However, it was one second too long as the monster slices Derek on the back of the neck.
"Derek, your neck!" Stiles shouts, rushing forward to help Derek as the alpha begins to stumble. "Mia, come on!" Stiles yells over his shoulder as he drags Derek around the pool. I move to run after them, but am caught off guard when I see a flash of green out of my peripheral vision. I gasp whipping my head to the side when a hiss rings in my ear.
"Run!" I vaguely hear Derek roaring something from across the room, but I'm too terrified to heed his warning. Instead, my eyes are fixated on the creature stalking toward me with its teeth glinting under the fluorescent lights. I want to move. The closer it gets to me, the more fear that pulses through my body, but I just can't seem to budge.
"Get her! Stiles, drop me! Grab Mia!" I can't even breathe as I stand frozen in place. I can only watch as the thing stops in front of me and stands on its hind legs to tower over me. I close my eyes then as I wait for the inevitable sting that will accompany its claws slashing through my throat, but I'm shocked when it never comes. Instead, complete and utter silence fills the pool.
I almost relax then my brain fooling me into thinking it left. However, the hot rush of air that blows against my skin informs me otherwise. I tense hearing the creature inhaling my scent as it sniffs my neck and shoulders. I feel its slimy claws rest heavily against my shoulders causing me to jump. However, this elicits a loud hiss that has my eyes popping open to meet its yellow ones.
I gap at the human quality the monster possesses as it stares me down. An eerie calm has settled in its eyes and it looks almost hypnotized as it looks over my face. Then without warning, it leans down and flicks its tongue out to lick a long streak up the side of my cheek. I gasp and stumble back in shock just as Derek's voice rings out shattering whatever the hell was happening between that thing and me.
"Stiles!" I watch in horror as Stiles dives for what I can only assume to be his phone as Derek tumbles over the edge of the pool. I can't say what came over me at that moment as I watched Derek sink to the bottom like a sack of potatos. It could have been the twinge of fear that slid over his face before he was submerged in water or it could have been the animalistic cry of the lizard standing in front of me that had me diving over the edge and into the luke warm water.
Water instantly shoots up my nose sending a fire through my nostrils and down my throat. But I don't let it stop me from swimming to the bottom of the pool and looping one arm around Derek's lean waist. I kick off from the bottom and use my free arm to propel us upward taking a huge breath of air once we break the surface. I hold on to Derek for dear life as he sputters beside me shaking the water from his eyes.
"Where did it go!? Do you see it!?" I panic searching the room for the monster in question.
"No." Derek responds trying to keep his head above water as I hoist him higher so he doesn't freak out even more. I open my mouth to suggest that maybe it left, but even I know that's a long shot. Especially when Stiles undeniable yelp echoes through the large room making me whip my head to the left. I witness Stiles frail body crash into the water sending droplets raining down on Derek and me.
Just like I did with Derek I don't waste a single second making a lunge for my friend. He's close enough to us that I manage to snag his fingertips just before he completely goes under. I grunt loudly with the effort it takes to pull Stiles to me while trying to keep him and Derek's head above water, but I do it.
"Oh my god," Stiles gasps once I finally have him glued to my other side. He's stiff as a board just like Derek and I have to furiously pump my feet to keep afloat.
"Did you get Scott?" Derek asks moving his eyes to look at Stiles who is taking labored breaths.
"I didn't exactly get the chance before that thing slashed my neck." Stiles fires back, both men not pleased with their situation. I can't really say much considering my arms are already weakening with the strength it's taking to keep them up.
"Mia, get me out of here before I drown." Derek demands gruffly causing my body to twitch with the force in his voice.
"You're worried about drowning!?" Stiles yells in disbelief as I bring him a little closer to me. "Did you notice the thing out there with multiple rows of razor-sharp teeth."
"Did you notice we are paralyzed from the neck down in eight feet of water!" Derek bellows making me growl in irritation.
"Did you notice that you two aren't exactly light!" I yell effectively silencing the two beside me. I've had enough of their bickering to last me a lifetime. "Stiles is right that thing is still out there and I can't exactly pull both of you out without potentially drowning the other so suck it up!" I hiss looking from a wide-eyed Stiles to a disheveled Derek. I narrow my eyes into slits when his do the same. "Now is not the time to challenge me alpha." I growl so lowly and so icily that I actually hear Derek's sharp intake of breath.
Stiles and Derek remain silent after that. Neither will look at me nor talk to me which is perfectly okay. However, after an hour I can feel my arms begin to shake.
"Okay, I don't know how much longer I can hold you two up." I finally crack already feeling myself sinking so the water is just under my chin.
"Someone needs to try for Scott again, but…" Stiles trails off when he looks at Derek and himself.
"No, no, no. Don't even think about it!" Derek grumbles his eyes finding mine.
"Would you just trust someone else this once?" Stiles huffs rolling his eyes which almost make me laugh. Almost.
"If I drop you I don't know if I'll be able to bring both of you back to the surface." I reveal looking between the two men that are having a silent stare down.
"You will." Stiles breaks Derek's unwavering gaze to look at me. "I know you can." He whispers gently his big brown eyes softening. That feeling that I couldn't place before erupts in my stomach once again and as I stare at Stiles I finally realize what it is. Butterflies.
"No." Derek's deep voice shatters the hold Stiles has over me as I turn to grimace at the alpha. He looks pissed as his eyes linger on mine and I'm not quite sure why.
"I'm the one keeping you alive, okay, have you noticed that?" I snap before I can stop myself. I know I keep throwing these two curve balls with my mood swings, but the longer I sit here the longer this thing has the chance to get us.
"Yeah. And when the paralysis wears off, who is gonna be able to fight that thing, you or me? You don't trust me I don't trust you. You need me to survive, which is why you are not letting me go." Derek huffs in anger his eyes turning into saucers when I easily unwind my arms from around his and Stiles waist. "Mia!" He gurgles as he goes under. I quickly tread water keeping my eyes peeled for the creature. When I think the coast is clear I reach my hand out to snatch Stiles phone, but I'm too little too late when the monster falls from the ceiling and slices my hand.
"Ahh," I hiss grabbing the phone as I yank my hand back. I quickly backtrack out of arms reach as I leaf through Stiles phone and find Scotts number. I hit the dial button so hard I'm afraid it will shatter the phone, but I stop caring when it starts to ring. I only have so long before I too go under. The least I can do is try to save Derek and Stiles. I practically scream when I hear Scott pick up. "SCOTT!" I yell seconds before his panicked voice talks over the top of me.
"I can't talk right now." I gasp softly when Scott hangs up on me, but I don't have time to dwell on his less than desirable reaction. I'm still in full control of my motor functions as I dive under the water and head straight for Derek and Stiles. They are both sitting at the bottom of the pool neither have their eyes open. A shot of pure terror slices through me when I grab both of their arms and push off from the bottom. I don't think about the fatigue that's slowly starting to weigh me down as I push them though the surface followed seconds by me.
"Tell me you got him." Derek growls after he catches his breath. I just shake my head softly tightening my hold on their waists. I don't have to look to feel the disappointment that's radiating off both of them. You can't do anything right! What's the good of having you around anyway! You're a waste of air! I have to squeeze my eyes shut to block out my father's voice. I'll never be good enough.
"Mia, look at me." I bite my lip and turn watery eyes on Stiles when he whispers my name. I want to hurl myself against a wall at the tears pooling in my eyes. I need to keep better check over my emotions. "It's okay. We're going to get out of this. Scott will come for us." Stiles voice holds so much certainty that it makes me smile, but my smile falls from my face when I see the cut on my hand. I haven't gone paralyzed like these two. I'm still in full control of my movements and that thought alone terrifies me. What does it mean?
"Mia!" I whip my head to the right when Derek cries my name. His head is almost submerged in water and I haven't even realized it.
I gasp and lift him higher only to have Stiles slip from my grasp.
"Mia!" Stiles yelps just as he goes under. I quickly pull him up only having a few seconds to realize that I can't hold them both.
"I-I can't hold you both." I grapple for them, but my muscles are slowly giving out on me. I look at Derek to find his face hardening as he prepares himself to go under before I turn to Stiles. His eyes are looking towards the ceiling almost like he's praying that he'll make it out of this gym alive. Despite the differences I have with Derek I can't let him die nor will I let Stiles drown. So with all my strength I push them both up as I sink below the surface. Its better leverage down here I realize as I kick my feet to keep them above water and try to pace myself.
I can vaguely hear Derek and Stiles screaming my name but I pay them no mind. I just have to keep them alive until Scott gets here. Then he can save them and I'll already be gone.
"Your momma was a great swimmer! But you wouldn't know that since you took her from me!" My eyes drift close as my father's voice rings through my head. "You'll never amount to anything! You're a disgrace to your mother's name! You're a waste! No one will ever love you! You're nothing but trash! Disappointment!" I can feel my hands falling from Derek and Stiles backs as my chest burns for oxygen. But it's a sweet tantalizing burn that flows through my blood stream straight to the voices in my head. It wipes out everything in its path including my father as I become weightless. I can feel myself spiraling downwards into oblivion, but I welcome the silence. Because for the first time since I was born I'm finally free.
I never believed in life after death. To be honest, the thought of chubby angel babies floating on clouds of cotton candy as they wait to welcome me into those big pearly gates was always a foreign concept to me. I always assumed when I died I'd just vanish. Poof! Gone.
But low and behold it seems I'm wrong.
I sit up when I feel the heat from the sun beating down on my face. There's a luke warm breeze blowing through the air that ruffles the loose hair falling around my shoulders. It makes for a comfortable atmosphere as my eyes finally take in where I've been dropped.
"You have got to be kidding me." I mutter shaking my head in disbelief at the water surrounding me. As far as I can see is nothing but crystal blue water that glistens like diamonds when the sun hits it just right. Death is an ironic bastard I realize as I cross my legs on the wooden platform I'm on.
I'm tempted to reach over and run my fingers through the cool liquid, but an indescribable feeling washes over me at the thought. So I pull my hand back and hold it to my chest as I listen to the water lapping against the wood. It's so calming and peaceful that I lay back down and just feel. Gone is the weight crushing guilt and sorrow that once held me down and gone are the voices that lingered in my head reminding me I was nothing.
Here, in this moment, I'm something. I'm someone. I'm free.
"Mia!" I feel the breath catch in my throat when I hear my name. "Mia, come on!" My eyes flash open in shock when I recognize Scott's anguish filled cries.
"Move over! You're not doing it right." I gasp and bolt upright when I hear Stiles voice followed shortly by an unbearable pressure building in my chest.
"No…" I wheeze clawing at my skin searching desperately for the breaths that aren't coming. "Stop…" I plead as I climb to my feet unsteadily.
"Mia, you do not get to leave us!" I begin to choke as something lodges in my throat. I can't get a single wisp of oxygen to my lungs as I begin to stumble. Black dots cloud my vision and I'm helpless to the wave of darkness that crashes over me. In seconds, I'm tumbling over the edge into the water below.
The first thing I do when I finally come to is turn my head and throw up the massive amount of chlorine in my system. I had no idea my lungs could hold so much water, but apparently they can I realize as I take gaping gulps of air.
"Mia! Oh thank god!" Before I even have time to properly collect myself I'm being crushed to someone's chest. From the Old Spice and overpowering scent of chlorine that lingers on their clothes I know its Stiles. He wastes no time wrapping his thin arms around my torso as he buries his head in my neck. "I thought you were dead!" I don't really know what to say so I say nothing and let him hold me.
"Stiles, man, give her some air." I practically sigh in relief when Scott cuts in and Stiles lets me go.
"Sorry," he mumbles bashfully releasing me.
"It's okay, Stiles." I muster up a small smile for him as I try to crawl to my feet. However, my muscles give out half way up, but Scott is quick to catch my elbow before I completely face plant. "Thanks," I mumble ignoring how sore I am as I straighten my back.
"I got you," Scott murmurs wrapping an arm around my waist as he pulls me close to his side. I don't try to fight him as I rest my head on his shoulder and let him lead me out of the gym. We're almost out of the school before I realize that Stiles isn't walking beside us.
"Hold on," I croak turning my head just enough for me to witness Stiles bringing up the rear. He looks exhausted and haggard from the night's events and for some reason; I can't help but think it's my fault.
"What is it?" Scott asks gently making me look to the werewolf warily. I just shake my head letting him know it's nothing as I turn back to Stiles. I don't say anything as I hold out my free hand toward the boy in question and wiggle my fingers. If I wasn't so tired myself, I would chuckle at the delight that lights up Stiles face as he jumps to intertwine his fingers with my own.
I sigh in content then as I lift my chin to look at Scott.
"Okay now we can go," I exhale a long breath and lay my head back on Scott's shoulder. But not before I see the huge grin that splits his face. Despite dying and coming back from the dead, I choose to ignore all the problems piling on my plate for the rest of the night.
Which is why, I find myself lying face down on my bed two hours later with fresh clothes and clean hair. I have a million things I should be doing and preparing for, but the only thing I want to prepare for is bed. However, it seems fate has other ideas when I hear a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," I mumble into my pillow figuring if it's Scott he'll be able to hear me. Sure enough my door opens not even a second later.
"Mia?" I turn my head to find Scott standing awkwardly in the doorway with a look of pure guilt turning down his features. He's in his blue plaid pajama pants that look comfortable as hell with a matching dark blue shirt that hangs off his thin frame.
"What's wrong?" I ask lifting my green eyes to his dark brown ones. I can see the internal war raging in his mind as he looks between me and the door, but in the end he comes over to sit on the side of my bed.
"Stiles told me about what happened tonight. I'm so sorry, Mia. I should have talked to you when you called me. I was so busy with trying to find the bestiary that I didn't come when you needed me."
"Scott, it's okay. I'm fine." I try to reassure him, but he quickly talks over the top of me.
"It's not fine! You almost died, Mia! Actually, you did die! You drowned protecting Stiles and Derek. I should have been there and I wasn't." I watch Scott beat himself up over what happened tonight as he rests his head in his hands. He looks so remorseful that I don't stop myself from sitting up and wrapping my arms around his middle.
"Stop it." I demand laying my head on his shoulder. "I don't blame you for anything that happened tonight. And I didn't die. I'm right here and it's because of you. I'm here because of you." I finish gritting my teeth at the words coming from my mouth. Don't get me wrong I'm thankful Scott was there for Stiles and Derek. But that doesn't mean I wanted to be saved. In fact, I think Scott should have left me dead.