CHAPTER 3: LIZ'S POV
"Here we are at the school of supernatural. Where if you're human, you're in the minority" Katerina announces.
I roll my eyes at her dramatics then respond "Could you be quiet? I know you're fangirling and all that jazz, but we really don't need the kids to automatically think we're weird"
She snorts and chuckles to herself softly "I think them believing we're normal went down the drain when I woke up in Stiles' locker and ran down the halls screaming bloody murder"
Sighing seems to be the only proper response to that, so it's exactly what I do. Why does she have to have a point? Why couldn't we just blend in with the rest of the school? Oh wait, I thought of something!
"Why should that stop me from being normal? No one in the school besides Stiles and Scott have met me, so they can't judge me yet"
Katerina puts her hand on my shoulder looking at me with fake pity "Dude, one little problem with your plan- I'm your friend"
And just like that my hopes for hiding in with the crowd are completely obliterated. If I'm friends with the girl that stands out, of course people are going to notice me by association. Ugh, why must this be so difficult?
There you girls are! I'm sorry I kept you waiting, but I had some things to take care of. Now, let's go to your first class which is English"
The principal lead us into the school. Katerina and I exchanged looks to agree that this is exactly what happened to Allison in the first episode. We were waiting outside on the bench for someone to take us to our first class like the huntress to be did, but unlike her we actually have writing utensils.
We enter the classroom with all eyes on us and Scott giving us a weird look. He probably was eavesdropping on us, but why does that surprise me. Oh wait, it doesn't.
"This is Katerina" he points to the girl mentioned "and this is Elizabeth" the principal points at me.
I raise my hand "Um, please call me Liz. It's what I prefer."
"Alright then Liz, you can sit back there behind Isaac, and you Katerina can sit behind Stiles," the English teacher tells us.
"I see you're in good hands. Have a nice first day girls," the principal bids us goodbye.
I wave farewell and wish him a nice day too. I've learned manners will get you far in life, so I try to use them as much as I politely can.
KATERINA'S POV:
"Well hello there handsome," I purr. Yep, god I'm so hot. He does this weird jerking motion with his head then turns to me.
"You uh, talking to me?" He licks his lips in an unsure way. His eyes jerk to my chest before going back to my face. Oh honey.
"Well who else would I be talking to, him," I question as I point at Greenberg.
"Well, no," Stiles smiles, "I guess not."
I grin, oh this is gonna be fun.
"Wait, wait," he shakes his head, "No you were in my locker like a creep. Why?"
Maybe it won't be fun.
I groan.
"I don't know why I was in your locker ok, I woke up there, you heard me talking to Deaton, I'm not from here."
He's silent for a moment.
"No way."
"Yes way."
"Nope."
"Listen if Scott, dumb sweet Scott, can be a werewolf, I can be from a different reality or whatever."
He looks thoughtful.
"Touché." He chuckles. He knew how true that was, sweet innocent Scott who didn't know that masturbation meant actually touching yourself, he thought it meant you're a master at meditation, he thought that until 7th grade. Poor thing didn't know touching yourself had a word.
"Excuse me do you have anything to tell the class?" the teacher questions.
"No, sorry Stiles was just telling me what I missed, just a quick run down."
"Fine but this is a warning, no more talking please." The teacher starts teaching again.
I lean forward and whisper in his ear, "Talk to me after class sweet thing."
LIZ'S POV:
"Hi! What's cooking good looking?"
Why did I say that?! Oh my god, what has possessed me to say that?! He's going to think I'm an idiot now! I might as well slam my head against the desk repeatedly until my embarrassment goes away. I do hit my head lightly against my desk muttering how idiotic I am.
I hear a snort from behind making me look over my shoulder to see Isaac chuckling softly to himself.
"That's one way to introduce yourself. Though I'm afraid I'm not cooking at this moment. Sorry to disappoint" he says with laughter in his eyes.
I channel my inner Derek to raise an eyebrow in what I hope comes off as impressed. Just my luck though that Isaac curls into himself and stares down at the book in front of him as if I had scolded him. I sigh long and dramatic to show how sarcastic I am.
"Honestly dear, you act as if I had scolded you from stealing a cookie from the cookie jar, and if you've had, then shame on you for those cookies were laced with sleeping drugs. I planned on giving them to Grandmother. You know how Grandma can be on the holidays. She always insists on taking a bath in the lake. A peculiar human that woman is" I say all this with a high pitched and pretentious tone that will hopefully convey my sarcasm.
He raised an unimpressed eyebrow to show his confusion when I got to the part with the sleeping drug. He continued to stare at me for a little longer before his mouth cracked into a tiny grin.
"I hope you know that was a joke. Not a well thought out joke, but a joke nonetheless" I smile warmly at him.
"I thought it was, but one can never be too sure. I'm Isaac by the way. It's nice to meet you Liz"
"The pleasure is all mine, Isaac"
I smiled at him one last time before turning around and focusing on the lesson.
KATERINA'S POV:
The bell rings and I quickly stand up and hook my arm through Stiles's arm.
"Take me to class stud." I bump my hip with his and he stutters. Cutie.
He starts walking me to music class when a voice makes us halt.
"Excuse me, can I talk to you." I turn it's Lydia Martin. Stiles looks like he's about to shit himself. Hehe.
"Me?" Stiles chokes out.
She just gives him an unimpressed look and jerks her head to the left, that head-jerk says 'Get out of here now, I have no time for the likes of you.' Stiles squeaks and skitters away. Huh.
"Well hello Lydia Martin, how can I be of instance." I purr. Lydia's lip twitches up in the corner. She's clearly amused.
"Nothing really, just heard a small rumor that you were in a boys locker in the locker room, I just don't want you you too," she pauses, "Get a bad reputation, don't want you to waste your pretty face."
"Honey that's not a rumor, that's the truth, not sure how I got in there, but I did get nice eyeful of the guys, you're a lucky lady for getting that hunk Jackson." I grin, she's not surprised I know who she's dating already, she's popular.
"Oh I know," Her eyes trail my body and stares, not in the fuck you way, no She looks at me like I'm a puzzle, she wants to use her brain to crack my code and figure me out, "Come sit with me at lunch ok?"
"Got it sweets." I smile, she pushes hair out of my face and pats my cheek like I'm a pet. God I like her, she twirls around and Walt's away. Well….time for class then, I grin as I skip down the hall.
LIZ'S POV:
I shuffle down the halls trying to find my locker while simultaneously hopping away from students that get too close. I sigh when I finally arrive at my destination, and hurry to put in my code.
My first hour was spent sharing small smiles with Isaac, and half listening to the teacher go over something I wasn't here for. By the end of the hour I mustered enough courage to ask Isaac to eat lunch with me since I didn't know my way around the lunchroom yet. Surprisingly he agreed, and he even full on smiled at me like the cute hopeful puppy he is.
Now I'm on my way to second hour which is math. I avoid kids that get too close for comfort, and hurry away from teens staring at me with curious eyes. It's a stressful affair, trust me.
I immediately go to the teacher to find where I sit, and she points me to a seat in the back next a girl with blonde hair. I quickly thank her and run to set my things down before taking my seat.
"Hello! My name is Liz. Obviously I'm new here, so I hope you won't mind if I ask you a question or two in the future"
She pulls her long hair back then hooks it behind her ear. Oh my glob it's Erica!
"Um, hi. It's, ah, it's nice to meet you. My name is, um, it's Erica"
Awwww, she's so adorably shy! Oh I just want to cuddle her cute little face!
"Well how do you do, Erica? One as pretty as yourself deserves something fantastical, but I seem to not have anything worthy of your presence, so perhaps tomorrow I shall give you a gift to brighten your day?"
She blinked at me like she couldn't understand anything I had just said. I sigh dramatically and throw my arm up into the air to show my exasperation.
"Erica, darling, is it so impossible that I'm actually trying to be nice to you?"
She nervously fidgets around and taps her fingers on the desk. She only looks at her moving fingers like she couldn't bear to look at me, which is just rude by the way. My face softens as I think about how she probably wants to vehemently deny what I said, but she has proper manners to keep from yelling at someone who hardly knows her or her situation, unlike some sour wolves I know. It's going to be difficult to know so many things about these people, yet act like they are complete strangers.
For a majority of the hour I leave her be, but it isn't until fifteen minutes left of class do I ask her a question about the worksheet the class is working on. She explains it to me, so I take that as an invitation to start talking with her again.
"What's your favorite color?"
She rears back like I slapped her or something. Ugh, why is everyone so jumpy in this school?! I know why it's just difficult to respond to them appropriately.
"Why do you want to know?"
She sounds distrustful, but why she thinks her favorite color could stab her in the back later is anyone's guess.
"I want to get to know you. Is that so awful?" I say
She blushes and quickly covers her face with her hair. I give her a moment to compose herself.
I clear my throat to get her attention "My favorite color is hot pink, in case you were wondering"
She stares at me with an unimpressed expression.
She tilts her head and stares at me with the most adorable confused puppy look I have yet to see today. Isaac is a close second, but he pulls off the hopeful puppy expression a lot better.
"Why is it hot pink?"
"Because it is vibrant and childish."
She frowns looking to be quite confused, but I'd rather not get into exactly why those things appeal to me. I roll my hand in a 'continue' gesture.
"Oh yeah, my favorite color is baby blue. It . . . um . . . the color calms me."
She said the last part in a rush like she was quickly spitting it out as if the admittance would burn her. Does she assume I'll think less of her if she wanted some calm in her life? This leads me to wonder about what I'm doing with the three betas.
I know I'm not usually the kind of person to just be nice to people, but I know, thanks to the TV show, how hard these people's lives are. I want them to have at least one real friend, and if that person has to be me then so be it. My first step was to get Isaac to fully and truthfully smile, and my second self-appointed task is getting Erica to know she has at least one person at high school that truly cares about her. The final step is Boyd, and I hope to get him to tell me three things about himself.
Moving on to the end of second hour where I rush out the door the second Erica agrees to eat lunch with me and leaves. I hurry to my locker by means of almost tripping over air at least four times. Yep, I'm graceful like that.
I look around at the kids staring at me, which makes me try to get my stuff faster. Emphasis on the word try. Because I'm paying more attention to my speed rather than my skill, my things fall to the ground scattering all around the hall. I curse as I bend and stretch to grab my papers and notebooks and whatever else.
I bump into someone who is surprisingly at my eye level, but it's not until he hands me my papers do I realize he's helping me gather my things. I observe his face for a couple seconds, and then it hits me. The person being a genuinely kind person is Danny!
My face immediately goes red with the thoughts of, and yes I'll admit it, him shirtless. I blame all of it on teenage hormones! I know he's gay, but damn it he's attractive and a good person. I dare you to tell me you don't want that in a guy!
I'm interrupted from my thoughts when he says to me
"Are you alright? Your face is really red"
I blush even harder, if that's possible, and I quickly gather the rest of my supplies in hopes of distracting him.
"Oh yeah, I just have a sunburn, you know, with my pale skin I can burn super easily. You obviously don't with your very nice tan. Are you Hawaiian or something like that?" I blurt out.
He gives me an inquisitive glance, but doesn't bother to question my stupidity, which is really what I need right now.
"Well I have to get to class, but it was nice meeting you"
With that said he walks off leaving me with my scattered brain.
Wait, did he say class?
I look for the closest clock and notice I have one minute to get to class. Shit! I don't even know where my class is.
KATERINA'S POV:
I rush into my third hour, art class, and quickly take a seat. Damn I sure got lost. I turn in my seat as I slip off my bag and see...Danny!
"Hi there the name's Katerina, how are you, you sexy creature." He looks up at me startled, then raised a brow.
"Names Danny, and I'm gay." He gives me an apologetic look.
"Honey being gay doesn't make anyone less attractive. You may like dick but girls still can look from afar." I smile.
"True," he grins.
"So Danny what we doing in art today."
"Well, yesterday she told us to partner up, but I didn't really want to be with anyone here, so I guess you're my partner."
"Yessss, we are team gay, well I'm not really gay, I'm pan, but like, I'll be gay for the team," I put my fist out for a fist bump. He grins and fist bumps me, fuck yeah.
We mostly draw each other…..and dicks…. Art class well spent.
LIZ'S POV:
I never understood how people could ignore the pressures of getting your lunch. Do they just block it because of the mental trauma it caused? I push down my anxiety fearing I'll start crying. Ugh, and I was doing so well today too.
Finally I escape the crowd of obnoxious teens to find a certain someone who I understand is known to always sit alone. I know from personal experience that you choose to find an empty table to not disturb people, but secretly you're dying to have some place where the people either invite themselves to sit with you or they invite you to sit with them.
I see him after looking around feeling like I'm about to puke from the twisting knots in my stomach. Ugh, there was a reason I always sat close to the entrance in my own dimension. I dig my nails into my hip to ignore the pain in my nose which warns me I'm about to cry from the thought of my home. Thankfully I'm now in front of Boyd who is ignoring me to read his book. I resist the urge to roll my eyes remembering how I used to do the same thing to pretend that I'm perfectly content to sit alone, but that is complete bullshit.
"Excuse me," I say "is it alright if I sit here?"
I point to the chair across from him indicating my wish.
He doesn't say anything or even change his blank stare, but I take that as permission to sit down. I tell him too.
"I'm going to take your silence as a yes"
I adjust my stuff and start to eat my food. I watch Boyd wondering how I'm going to get him to talk. Oh I thought of something!
I pull out a notebook and pencil. I write down a quick sentence as I continue to devour my food. I pass the notebook over to Boyd and wait to see what he'll do. He reads it then uses the pencil to write something down under my sentence. He passes it back over and I read what we have written.
'My name is Liz. What's yours?' is written in my best handwriting.
'Boyd' is written in bold letters.
Leave it to him to be stoic and blunt.
We continue writing for another minute or so until I hear someone clear their throat behind me. I look at Boyd to see a tiny bit of surprise on his face as he watches the person behind me. Turning around I notice some more people staring at us like they can't believe what they're seeing. My hands curl into fists as I think of how everyone will likely be staring at me like that when they notice who I'm hanging out with. I can already hear the gossip now.
Why is that girl hanging out with the rejects? Is she a reject herself? Is she doing it out of pity? Should we help her see the awful decision she's making?
God I hate high school. It's full of stupid kids with stupid thoughts that do stupid things to innocent people.
I imagine putting up invisible walls to block out their stupidity and focus on the person behind me.
"Hey Liz. I was, um, just . . . wondering if you still want to, like if you're still cool with me sitting with you." Erica stutters.
Awww, she's so adorable! Kawaii!
I smile as brightly as I can with my not so great feelings then pat the chair next to me indicating she should sit down. She fidgets nervously before looking at Boyd in his eyes.
"Can I sit with you, Boyd?"
He doesn't move an inch like he's paralyzed by her one question. I stare at him quizzically, but turn to Erica to ignore him for the time being.
"He's not going to respond, but that just means he's not saying no," I lean closer to Erica and cover my mouth from Boyd's sight with my hand, "I think he's a little shy" I say in a stage whisper so he can still hear me.
She grins at me while Boyd gives me an unimpressed look. She sits to my right and starts to eat quietly. I'm content enough to let us just sit in the half awkward half relaxing silence.
Soon I see Isaac making his way over to us clutching his tray a little too close to his chest to be comfortable. I mentally sigh knowing he's as anxious about lunch as I am.
He arrives, but doesn't sit down. Hmm, we'll have to fix that won't we? I smile at him in hopes of reassuring him.
"Hey man! What you just standing there for? Come sit down with us!" when he's still just standing I try a different approach, "Please? It would really be awesome for you to join us. I'm sure you have other friends you'd rather sit with, but I would really appreciate your humor. It would probably break the ice, don't you think?"
His faces changes from one emotion to the next, but only some of them I'm able to understand. He goes from shocked to confused to angry to embarrassed and he is now happy. He's shy happy, but at least he seems more sure of himself.
Just like Erica he has to ask Boyd if he can sit with him before he actually sits down on my left. Oh my god, why do they do that?! Do they think he's going to bit their heads off if they don't ask his permission? Ughhhhh, why was I sent to this dimension?
"Soooo, what do you guys like doing for fun?"
That was a good conversation starter, wasn't it? I don't know, but at least Erica mentions she likes comic books. Then Isaac talks about his favorite anime and manga. The weirdest part though is when Boyd explains in depth his love for mystery books like Sherlock Holmes.
Yeah, I'd say it was a good conversation starter.
KATRINA'S POV:
I grab my bag and throw it over my shoulder.
"Hey Cat," yep my nickname, that happened because I started drawing cats with weird faces.
"Yeah Danny?"
"I was wondering if you wanted to sit with me during lunch." He smiled.
"Well Lydia asked me to sit with her today so…" I knew they sat by each other but….I can't know too much you know?
"Like Lydia Martin?"
"That's the one," He looked surprised before smiling.
"Well it's a good thing I sit by her then."
We walk into the lunchroom and it's like I'm Moses parting the red sea. And that's exactly what I say.
"It could be because I'm with you or someone saw you talking to Lydia…" he pauses, "Or you know you were in a locker in the boy locker room." Danny grins
"It's probs the locker thing," I giggle and hook my arm through Danny's, he just rolls his eyes and leads me to his table.
As we are passing Boyd's' table, I give a charming grin and wave at all of the people sitting there, Boyd, Erica, Isaac, and Liz. Boyd slightly raises an eyebrow, Erica kinda glares at me, it's like a puppy really, Isaac blushes and ducks his head, and Liz rolls her eyes.
We get to the table and I realize there's no spots, well besides Danny's but I can't take that. I look at Lydia. I also try to ignore Jackson's shocked face.
"Hey sweets, where am I supposed to sit?" I question as I let go of Danny's arm, he seems to be trying to think of something but can't.
A girl sitting by Lydia scoffs, and Lydia turns to her and whispers something in her ear, she looks panicked before grabbing her stuff and rushing off. Lydia turns to me with a smile, "Right here sweetie."
I grin at her and sit by her. Danny rolls his eyes and sits by Jackson.
"Thanks Sweets" I grin, Lydia's about to speak when Jackson beats her to it.
"Whoa, why's locker girl sitting here?"
Lydia turns to Jackson, "Because I want her to?"
"But why?"
"Because she's pretty cool," Danny grins and I lean to fist bump him and of course he accepts. Jackson stares at me.
"Jackson listen, she's different, we needed someone different, we kind of lost Allison she seems sad now that she's on break with Scott, so I get her, she's got great fashion taste, she's pretty, and she seems, odd, like a good odd, I mean who goes into someone's locker, she probably did it to look at guys, she said she liked what she saw when she saw you." Lydia smirks, knowing the last part would win Jackson over. He liked it when people liked his looks.
"Alright she can stay," Jackson says after he stares at me for a bit. Lydia kisses him on the cheek and winks and me, Danny smacks him on the back and smiles. This is gonna be fun.
"So, Kat, can I call you that? So Kat, tell me all about yourself." So I do, I tell her about my sister with Cancer and how I love fashion, I leave out how I'm not from here. I also tell her I draw and she wants me to draw her sometime, and duh I say yes! Gotta say this is a great lunch. I seem to win Jackson over with my funny sarcasm. I think I'm gonna like it here.
LIZ'S POV:
"So why did that girl wave at us?" Isaac asks me as we're having free time.
The teacher gave a five minute introduction, and then let us do what we want for the rest of class as long as we do it quietly. I spent my time staring out the window and daydreaming. Super productive, I know. I have this class with Boyd and Isaac and they moved to sit next to me when all the other students moved next to their friends. Does this mean they already think of me as their friend? Sweet!
"What?" I ask "Sorry I wasn't paying attention."
I hear Boyd softly scoff to himself, and Isaac frown like he was disappointed. Oh crap, I messed up didn't I?
"Haha, I was just kidding. I totally was listening." I laugh hoping they will believe me.
"Oh really? Then what did he ask you?" Boyd asks.
Shit! Come on Elizabeth think! Go over what he said and figure it out.
"Well you asked me about a girl." I think I got it. I hope I got it or else Boyd looks like he's going to scold me, and I do not want to know what that is like.
"Uh huh. What was the girl doing?" Boyd demands.
Arg, does he really have to be such a hard ass?!
"She was smiling." I say with false bravado.
Boyd makes a buzzing sound, like the one on TV shows that mean you're wrong. I didn't know he was capable of making that particular sound.
"She waved at us. I was asking why she was waving at specifically us." Isaac says with a soft hurt voice.
Oh no I made him upset! I need to make it up to him. The question is how? Wait, a girl waved at us? Oh that's right! Katerina waved at us as she passed our table with Danny! I remember now. I rolled my eyes at her because she knew they wouldn't understand her motives behind her actions. Which is why Isaac is asking me now. Ugh I'm such an idiot!
"She was waving at me."
They both gave me perplexed looks like they couldn't believe a girl like her could know a girl like me.
"Why would she do that?" Isaac asks.
"She's my friend. We're staying together."
"Who are you guys staying with? I mean like whose parents?"
"Oh actually we're staying with a family friend. He's my dad's college friend." I explain.
"Why are you staying with him?"
"Well my mom is on a business trip in Europe and my dad wanted to go with, but I couldn't come because it was during the school year. Deaton offered to let me stay with him."
"Okay, but that doesn't explain why your friend is staying with . . . What's his name?"
"Deaton. Katerina is having some family issues, so Deaton offered her to stay too."
"And how long do you think you guys are staying?" I'm surprised Boyd asked me this. He doesn't say too much.
"That's up in the air at the moment. Hey do you guys want to play Hangman with me?" I ask.
They agree, so we play that for the rest of the period. Turns out Boyd is the king at Hangman, and Isaac completely sucks at it. I on the other hand wasn't paying attention as I tried to get more information about them and what they like. Boyd's favorite color is emerald green, his favorite gum flavor is cinnamon, and his dream house is a log cabin in the woods. Isaac can't choose between red and blue, he likes spearmint gum the best, and wants to live in modern house with lots of windows overlooking the sea.
KATERINA'S POV:
I make my way through the hall with Lydia, she's taking me to Chemistry. Oh lord help me. It's with Harris. Lydia looks at me as we walk.
"Ok this teacher is an ass, don't get on his bad side like," she pauses as she sees Stiles and Scott, "Stiles come here," she snaps. He spins and looks shocked, Scott looks shocked and confused but he always does.
"Me?" He squeaks.
"You're the only one with that name," she snaps with a fake smile. He jumps and tumbles over.
"Keep an eye on her got it, if she needs help do whatever she asks got it?
"Y-Yeah," Stiles sputters.
"Good," she turns to me and leans down and kisses my forehead, so I recently learned I'm not 5 foot, I'm 4'11. God I'm short, "Have a good day Kat."
"You too sweets," I kiss her hand and she preens and walks away.
"Wow, that was….hot," Stiles said, god he doesn't have a brain to mouth filter but I don't either. His eyes widen when he realizes what he said.
"It was," I grin and wink and head into the classroom. Stiles follows and sits down. Oh god I have to talk to the teacher to get my seat. I see Mr. Harris writing stuff on the board, I walk over to him.
"Um, Mr. Harris," I say softly. Oh god this man scares me.
"What," He snaps and turns to look at me, his eyes go wide, he clears his throat, "How can I help you?"
"I'm new, but you probably know that. I need to know where I sit?"
He looks at a kid in the front and tells him to move to the back.
"Sit right in the front, so I can get to know you better, Katerina," He smiles. Oh my god. Help me. Peter eat him.
"A-Alright," I sit and look behind me, Stiles and Scott both looked freaked out, no one else really notices because they're busy with other things before the bell rings, well maybe someone did notice, I don't know, all I see is two freaked boys. I turn to the front and see Mr. Harris staring at me. This is gonna be a long class. The bell rings, starting my hour of hell.
"You have 45 minutes to complete the test. 25% of your grade can be earned right now simply by writing your name on the cover of the blue book. However, as happens every year, one of you will inexplicably fail to put your name on the cover, and I'll be left yet again questioning my decision to ever become a teacher, after the test go and do that back lab. So let's get the disappointment over with. Begin. " says right as the bell rings, he then calls Stiles and Scott, but Scott's having his freak out about Allison. Poor guy.
We have 10 minutes of class left. We are in the lab area doing something stupid lab with Light. I'm doing it with Scott and Stiles, thank god we got to choose lab partners. I'm writing something down when walks by, he tips over a stool with papers that was there, it's one of those ones that are there taunting you because it knows you're not allowed to sit.
"Katerina can you pick that up for me?" He smiles.
"Um sureee." I bend over and lift the chair and start picking up the papers. From the corner of my eye I see him bend slightly and hum contently. Oh my god. He's not, is he? Oh my goddd. I quickly pick up the papers and set them on them on the stool.
"Thank you," Mr. Harris grins.
"You're welcome," I respond stiffly. Mr. Harris moves to a group that seems to be having trouble.
"Oh My god." I whisper and turn to Scott and Stiles. They both look disgusted.
"Dude," Scott shudders.
"Bro," Stiles winces.
"Shit," I say as I lay my head on the Lab bench. I feel two hands pat my back, I turn my head and look at the two guys, they give me comforting looks as the both pat my back. I jump and hug them both. They hug back, best bro hug ever. I pull away, "Thanks."
"No problem," Scott grins with his stupidly cute face. Got the crooked jaw, so cute.
"Yeah no prob, um of you want me to talk to my dad he's the sheriff so…"Stiles trails off.
"No it's just looking, if he touches then we can tell your dad," I smile. I hear the bell ring.
"Hey Stiles can I use your phone? I gotta text Derek to pick me up after I watch some Lacrosse practice," I ask. Scott and Stiles look at each other.
"Not a good idea….." Stiles says and he looks away from me.
"Um why's that?" I snap.
"Well…" Scott purses his lips.
"We may have gotta Derek in trouble, he may be a part of a man hunt, and he's the man," Stiles awkwardly laughs. Oh my god I forgot that.
"YOU IDIOTS," I start smacking them with my backpack, "You have no idea, Ughhh!" I seethe.
"Ow," Stiles hisses from the onslaught, Scott makes a hurt puppy dog face, poor thing feels bad.
LIZ'S POV:
Erica, Isaac, Boyd, and I are walking to the front entrance talking about which breed of dog is the best when I notice Erica glaring to her right- where no one is walking next to her. I follow her line of sight and see Katerina glaring at Stiles and Scott. Stiles is rubbing his arm while Scott is frowning at the floor. Okay, so obviously I missed some fight.
I'm a little concerned that Erica seems to hate Katerina when she has never met her before. I clear my throat to get her attention. She looks over at me and sends me an apologetic expression. Well at least she likes me.
"Why are you glaring at her?" I ask.
"She's one of the Populars." Erica spat disgusted.
Ohhhhh, I get it now. She has been bullied by the Populars, so she thinks now that Katerina is friends with them she will also bully her.
"She isn't what you think she is. Just like you aren't what the Populars say you are."
Isaac looks over at me surprised "That sounded very wise."
I raise an unimpressed eyebrow at him "Are you saying I'm not wise?"
He blushes and looks down at the floor embarrassed. Aw, he's such a puppy.
"Anyway, I should be going soon. I need to talk to Deaton." I smile at them before grabbing all of them and pulling them into a group hug.
They wave goodbye as I salute them farewell. I'm smiling when I reach Katerina, Scott, and Stiles.
"Hello my fellow humans! Oh wait . . . " I try greeting them enthusiastically, but then I remember Scott isn't human. Oops.
Stiles flaps his arms all over slapping my shoulder in the process. I wince not expecting the blow.
"Dude! Do you know what Scott is too?!" He exclaims.
"What? Are you saying Scott isn't human?"
Katerina scoffs and rolls her eyes. "As if you don't know."
"Know what?" I ask 'innocently'.
"That Scott is a werewolf. And Derek." She 'explains'.
I gasp loudly gaining the looks of some of my peers making me blush and turn into myself. I guess the time for dramatics is not when people could overhear us talking about the supernatural.
"Yeah I know about you guys. What were you guys talking about?" I say.
"Oh you know, just that Derek at the moment is the most wanted man in California. Nothing big." Katerina says sarcastically and rolls her eyes at the end.
"Oh right! I forgot about that part!" I say.
"How could you? Isn't your favorite scene cousin Miguel?" Katerina asks.
"What the hell are you two talking about?!" Stiles yells.
Katerina reaches up to his face patting it softly "Nothing you need to worry about, honey."
"You two are weird." Scott says with a confused look.
"Thanks for stating the obvious, pup. Now how are we going to help Derbear escape from the cops?" Katerina taps her pointer finger on her chin in thought.
Hm, wasn't Derek caught by the police when he goes to see Peter at school? Well, actually he went for Mr. Harris, and the Alpha, also known as Zombie Wolf, was there to . . . uh I don't remember why he was there. To kill Harris maybe? I hope so that man is a dick.
"Remember why Laura even came to Beacon Hills? It was because she found something. What was it?" I ask.
"Idk, man. Let's ask Derek. I'm sure he'll know." Katerina says.
"One problem with that. We can't be seen in public with him. The cops will come immediately!" Stiles explains.
"True. Let's do this- Scott calls Derek, and I'll meet him wherever it's safe, while you three go to lacrosse practice. Sound like a plan?" I say.
"Okay, but how are you getting there?" Stiles asks.
"Good point. I'll just walk to the vet and get Deaton to take me." I say.
Scott called Derek after I told him to, and he now hands me his phone.
"What?" Great introduction Derek, real social butterfly material. Geez, could this man be more blunt?
"Hi. I want to talk to you. Where is it safe to meet?"
"Do you know the abandoned subway station?"
"I know of it, but not how to get there. I'm pretty positive Deaton will know how to get there though."
"Fine. Whatever. Be there in one hour." Click. Dial tone.
"He hung up on me! What an ass!" I complain.
"Yes, and what a glorious ass it is." Katerina says.
Scott chokes on what seems to be nothing but air. Haha, he can be such a blushing virgin, even though he no longer has his V card. Silly Wolf boy.
"Alright as awkward as that was, we really need to get to lacrosse practice."
I wave good bye to them, and hurry out the front entrance. I'm going to have to run to get the station in time. Damn it, Derek, I don't have abs like yours. This is going to suck.
KATERINA'S POV:
I hurry with the boys to Lacrosse practice. They show me the exit to the field, and I go stand by the bleachers. I hear someone call my name.
"Oh Hey!" I grin at Lydia as she stands next to me.
"Hey Cat," She smiles, "I'm surprised you're here. I'm sure you've seen more of the guys then any of us here."
"I sure have, gotta say, a few made me happy to be alive," I laugh. Lydia laughs with me. It's a real laugh, not one of her fake ones she has with those girls that follow her around all day. I smile softly as she laughs when suddenly I'm lifted in the air and spun around. I screech, and hear a familiar laughter, fucking Danny.
"Danny you ass!" I laugh as he sets me down.
"You are what you eat," he grins before taking off running with the guys doing laps. I hear Lydia snickering.
It's been awhile when suddenly we hear shouting.
"Danny oh man Danny!" Lydia and I rush over. Oh fuck I forgot this.
"We didn't hit him that hard. A player days.
"Danny, are you okay?" Some other dude says. I look at Lydia as she moves to. I walk over to Stiles and Scott.
"Dude, what the hell are you doin'? Stiles hisses.
" He's twice the size of me." Scott says back.
"You idiot." I hiss, they both look at me and Stiles nods in agreement.
"Come on, watch out." I hear coach say but I turn my attention back to the guys.
"Yeah, but everybody likes Danny. Now everybody's gonna hate you." Stiles sighs.
"I don't care." Scott replies.
"Oh my god Scott," I roll my eyes.
I hear Jackson say something about just a bloody nose and lipstick. Whatever. I sigh. I can't deal with dumb Scott, I gotta deal with Peter. I gotta try to talk to him, it's not the best idea I know, but I gotta know what's up with him, besides being cray cray. And I gotta stop him from killing Mr. Harris, Derek would have but we kinda changed things so I have no idea if he's gonna show up. So it's up to me. Yaaaaaay. Sigh.
I look around and see everyone getting ready to go, I see Lydia wave at me with a smile, I wave back.
"Hey, uh, you need a ride?" Stiles asks as he wanders up to me.
"Nah, I got something I gotta do," I grin at his confused look, I reach up and pull his shirt so he's leaning to my height, I give him a kiss on the cheek, "See you stud," I wink and start walking to the school doors, I hear Stiles freak before Scott calls to him. Time to get started.
LIZ'S POV
Omg I have no idea what the hell is up with my new body, but I'm totally digging it. I ran a couple miles and I'm not hyperventilating! I know that sounds dramatic, but I full on bolted to the vet. I don't think I've ever run that fast before, so like I said- this new body rocks!
Anyway I'm going into the vet now hoping Deaton will give me a lift to the subway station. There isn't anyone in the waiting room which leads me to wonder how this place is still open, and how he can afford to pay Scott. My bet is his involvement with the supernatural. If your life is going to be in danger, at least make some money out of it. Good life lesson right there.
"Hey Deaton?" I call.
The door that leads to the back room opens revealing just the man I wanted to see.
"Hello Liz. How can I help you?" He asks.
I smile at him happy to know he's still willing to help me after all he's already done for Katerina and I.
"Would you be willing to drive me to the abandoned subway station? I need to meet Derek there in," I look at the clock on the wall in front of me, "30 minutes."
"Alright. Let me close up the clinic and then we can go."
This man is awesome! He doesn't ask questions, just goes with the flow.
The drive here was short, and on the way Deaton told me instructions on how to get to his apartment from here. I'm fairly certain I'm going to have to walk back, even though it's not really walking distance. Let's get this over with so I can get back at a decent time.
"Derek? Are you here?" I call out.
I don't see anyone, but with this creeper stalker wolf you never know when he could be watching you.
"You're late."
I jump up in shock, and quickly spin around to find the obnoxiously gorgeous man who is glaring at me.
"Holy shit man! You can't just sneak up on me like that! I could have a heart attack!" I exclaim.
He frowns a little and moves closer to me, so we're now a foot apart. "You're too young to have a heart attack."
"You never know. Luck can be a bitch sometimes."
He smirks, but soon gets his game face on. "What did you need to talk to me about?"
"The alpha," Derek raises his eyebrow in disbelief, "Yeah, you know that werewolf that has been killing people? The one that bit and turned Scott? Am I ringing any bells?"
He gives me his classic bitch face. He just stares at me for a while, so I take that as my cue to continue talking.
"We also need to talk about the hunter problem. You know Kate's back in town?" Derek scowls and growls slightly at her name, "Yes, that evil bitch cougar. Ugh, I would definitely kill her if I could. Even if I have nightmares for the rest of my life. Anyway, moving on to better topics, I understand you know why Laura came back?"
He glares at me, pissed to all hell. I guess it's still a delicate topic for him.
"Look Derek, I'm just trying to help you. The sooner you're more open with me, the sooner we can deal with all of the shit in Beacon Hills."
After an annoyed huff he shoves a worn down piece of paper. I look over the paper and realize this is the list of all the people to blame for the Hale fire. Well at least he's starting to trust me. This means a lot coming from this man, who has been through too much. I might just swoon from his apparent like of me.
"This is great. Thank you, Derek. Okay so I'm guessing Laura wrote this, right?" He nods his head yes even if a little reluctant, "Mmkay, well this list obviously means something. Wait a second; aren't some of the people on this list the ones who were killed by the alpha?"
Derek's eyebrows furrow in concentration, but soon he nods and rolls his hand in a 'continue' gesture.
"Alright, so we know the victims, but now we need to figure out the reason. Why kill these specific people? And why did Laura make this list? I'm guessing she wasn't working with the alpha."
He scowls at me in anger. Obviously that means he agrees with what I'm saying, but doesn't like it.
"Somehow these people affected both Laura and the alpha. They made Laura suspicious enough to make a list of them, and angered the alpha enough for him to kill them."
"How do you know the alpha is male?" Sourwolf asks.
Oh crap I've been caught! Say something to distract him!
"Oh, I'm just guessing because I think women are refined enough to not go on a murderous rampage, but you know that's a biased opinion."
The born wolf growls deep and threatening "You're lying. Your heart skipped a beat."
Gosh darn it! I hate werewolf super senses! I got to get out of this mess before he kills me!
"Maybe my body is just reacting to your hotness. You know you totally rock the dark and dangerous look. I mean I'm wet just looking at you!" I yell out.
What the fuck did I just say?! 'I'm wet just looking at you'?! Who the hell says that?! Oh my glob I'm going to die embarrassed as hell just because I suck at social interactions. Maybe it's a good thing he kills me. It would be so much better than having to know the rest of my life what I said to him.
"What? That doesn't even . . . why would you . . . I don't . . ." Derek looks at me completely lost.
Oh crap I think I broke him. This isn't good, I need him to become alpha, and he can't do that when he looks like he can't even remember his own name. I need to snap him out of his daze, but the question is how to do that without him ripping my throat out. With his teeth. Oh well it was fun living while it lasted.
I slap Derek across the face as hard as I can. Oh shit! My hand is stinging with pain. Ow! What is this man made out of?! Titanium?! This is not the time for a Rihanna song! While I'm yelping and whining and screeching in a very high pitched and unlady like voice, he seems to come back to his bitchy self and growls so loud the walls shake in effort to not collapse on us. I scream with the dignity of a five year old, and try to run the fuck away from the pissed off werewolf, but he soon pounces, literally pounces, on me making me drop like a bag of bricks.
"Damn it this is not the way I wanted to die! It was supposed to be peaceful, not terrifying. Get the fuck off me, Hale! I know you're not a killer, so let me go!" I'm screaming at him by this point.
His growl is deep and up close. I can feel his fangs an inch away from my throat. Oh my glob, he's going to bite me! To my death! Ahhh! This utterly blows!
All of sudden Derek is not pinning me with his entire weight anymore. He's still not giving me enough space to escape, but at least I can breathe again.
"I am a killer." Derek says with this voice that sounds like an awful combination of broken, defeated, and guilty. My heart clenches in pain from knowing and understanding what made him sound this way. I sigh knowing I have to comfort him at least a little bit. I was never good at being there for someone who desperately needs it. I maneuver myself so I'm now looking into Derek's eyes, which are about a half foot away from my face. My god, he looks to be in so much pain. Like his soul is being torn apart. My eyes water from the pure empathy of seeing his suffering.
I try to put on a determined face, so he knows I'm being dead serious. "Derek, you didn't kill your family. That crazy ass cunt, Kate, did. She is the one that started the fire. She is the one responsible for all of the pain and suffering that fire made."
Derek is shaking his head with a sad grin that just about breaks my heart. "I'm the one that brought her into the house. That showed her where everything is. It's my fault."
His last sentence is said with a broken voice, like its torture that he thinks he deserves. I have had enough of his 'woe is me' attitude.
"Derek!" I yell as loud as I can.
His whole body startles from the shock of my volume, and his eyes are now wide staring at me with disbelief. That's better.
"Derek, let me put this in a way I think you'll understand. Did you want to kill your family?"
He furiously shakes his head no.
"Did you want them to burn?"
Again he viscously shakes his head.
"Did you want them to die?"
He shakes his head now looking a little confused. Probably as to where I'm going with this.
"Well guess who did? Who was the person that actually wanted to do those terrible things so badly that she actually did kill your family?"
"Kate." His voice is shocked, like he never thought of it that way before.
I smile at sadly, knowing this is hard for him to swallow.
"Do you see now? Do you understand? It was all Kate, never you."
He starts crying really hard, and he's laughing like he can't believe I just said that. Well believe it sweetheart because it's the truth. I hug him close and put his head in the space where my neck and shoulder meet. He cries for a little bit longer. He holds me tight the entire time, like he wouldn't let go for the world. I guess he never really had anyone to be there for him except Laura, and she was dealing with the loss too as well as suddenly becoming alpha.
Eventually Derek pulls away looking awkward as all get out. I clear my throat to try and alleviate the weird tension that surrounds the room. Who knew talking to Derek about his guilt issues would lead to him being awkward? I knew, but we had to have it. Someone needs to see Derek for who he really is- a confused person who has lost so much in his short life. He's alone. At least he has Katerina and I now to keep him company.
KATERINA'S POV
Ok, time for me to make a plan.
Step one: Not die.
Good, I made a plan.
I sigh. I'm not good at this stuff, I think as a walk to Mr. Harris's room. I see the door and peek in. Yes not in here. I pump my fist. Fuck yeah.
I walk in and look for a place to hide. There's the desk, a closet, a place full of chemicals and- I jump as I hear footsteps. Shit. I hide under Mr. Harris's desk. He walks and sits down, I press my back against the desk, he almost knees me in the face. Got his crotch is right there. God help me. We sit there for I don't know how long but he finally gets up and I hear a crash and growling. I crawl and peek from the back of the desk.
"Please don't kill me." Mr. Harris whimpers.
"Do you know who wrote that list?" Peter growls.
"Laura - Laura Hale." Mr. Harris cries out.
"Do you know why she was looking for you? I know why. Turn around, Adrian. Turn around and I'll show you. Turn around!"
"No. Please." Mr. Harris begs.
"Look at me. Look at what you've done!" I hear something being thrown and I quickly stand up.
"Peter!" I shout. They both look at me, Mr. Harris looks shocked, but Peter is growling as he lunges and presses me into the wall; his claw digs into my left shoulder.
"Ah!" I yell, and look up to meet his gaze. God werewolves are tall. I see Mr. Harris look at me and mouthed help or something. I turn my gaze back to Peter, he was about to turn around to look when I grab his face. He snarls.
"You let him get away," He roars. He's super pissed.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to, I don't like him much anyway," I breath, "He's kinda an asshole and" Peter cuts me off.
"Silence," He growls, "Why are you here?"
"Um to talk, not to stop you from killing my teacher or anything," I laugh awkwardly, he growls, "I'm just here to have a civil conversation, woman to man, or woman to werewolf."
"It can be woman to man if that's what you want," I look at him confused when I see his body start changing, oh god. He's naked.
"Well this is better huh," He smirks, his eyes red.
"Yeah, um dick, I mean," I tear my eyes from his crotch and look at his face. Uhhhhhh shit.
"Now I got a question for you," he brushes a curl out of my face, "Why did you show up at my hospital room threatening me about my plans?"
Oh shit.
"Um well because like I know what your planning is kinda a douche thing to do, well it needs to be done but in a less douchey way?" I say with false cheer. He stops smirking and leans close to my throat, I feel his teeth change into fangs. Fuck. I whimper and feel his hands on my waist. Ok um yes to that but no to fangs.
"How do you know of what I'm planning," He questions, I feel his breath, it tickles my neck.
"I come from a world where I saw all of it happen and it doesn't happen how you want it to."
I hear him hum and he lifts his head and looks me in the eyes, his are still red.
"Is that why you smell, so," He takes a deep breath, "fresh, well just not like the rest of humans who smell of unnatural scents, you smell, organic," He gives me a grin showing his fangs.
"I guess," I whisper. He leans and, wait is he scenting me?
"Hm if you know of what happens, I want you to help me."
"Only if you say please," Oh my god my stupid mouth. Peter smirks.
"Will you," he leans in and whispers, "Please help me."
Oh my god this creepy man. He's too creepy and hot.
"Y-Yes" His lips are close to mine before they move to my forehead and kisses it.
"That was a thank you and a return for the one at the hospital," he pauses and tilts his head, "Well I must be off, the hunters are here. I'll be seeing you real soon, oh and sorry about this, gotta rough you up so no one will ask questions" He sings before, he scratches my cheek, my chest, it went through my new dress and bra wow thanks, and my inner thigh. He quickly turned back into his wolf form and jumping out the window, for our first meeting it was sexual and I was not prepared.
I hear gunshots so I turn my head to the door and see Mr. Argent and his pals shooting, he tells them to start chasing him. He turns to me and makes his way over.
"Did he bite you?" Mr. Argent asks, I look at him as he kneels in front of me, his face is pure seriousness.
"N-No," I breath out, gotta act scared, well I am a tad scared but shh. I'm in pain, all my scratches hurt, I think Peter went a tad deep on my thigh. His face relaxes into a concerned dad face, it must be because I'm his daughter's age.
"Alright, can you come with me so I can patch you up, then we have to go to my house so my wife and I can ask you something."
"Sure," I smile lightly. Wait shit Kate's probably there.
"I'm Chris Argent, you can call me Chris or Mr. Argent I don't care," He smiles, "What's your name?"
"It's Katerina, Chris, Mr. Argent," I say awkwardly, he laughs and leads me to his car.
Fuck I gotta see Kate. Help me Liz, anyone. God.
LIZ'S POV
I did not sign up for this shit. I am running through the woods being chased by a wolfed out Derek. Where the hell is Katerina when you need her?! My legs are aching, my voice is gone from screaming so much in fear, I have cuts all over my body from falling down all the time. I can't see in the fucking dark, okay?! I just want to go home!
.
.
.
You're probably wondering how the hell I got into this situation. Well let me explain.
I was hanging out with Derek after our man to man talk, though we didn't really say anything afterwards. Until he started to question me on how well I knew what was going on with the Alpha. Needless to say my sputtering lead to him thinking I'm in the cahoots with the deranged Alpha. This is my life isn't it? Well now it is. Damn it.
So back to where we were. Still being chased by a werewolf. Still fearing for my life.
All of sudden I see neon blue eyes glow a ways in front of me.
Shit! I fall down on my face again from the shock. Owwwww.
I hear vicious growling to my right. Pulling my face away from the dirt I see two figures that look like they're flying from the way they jump and dodge. It takes my eyes a while to focus, but soon I can sort of see that the shapes have claws, and when I focus on where the growling is coming from I see their fangs glistening with saliva. Oh that is just gross, and terrifying. Did I mention terrifying?
This is the best time to get away while Derek is distracted, but . . . I don't want to leave him to fight with, um, who is he fighting with? Oh! It's Malia.
I need to break them up, but how? It seems the answer comes when a fucking arrow gets shot not too far from the fight. It's glowing, strangely enough, and for some reason they have stopped fighting. Malia whines high pitched yet low in her throat. She dashes off away from sight while Derek collapses to his knees. What the hell is going on?!
KATERINA'S POV
I'm at the Argent's house standing in the doorway with Chris Argent's hands holding my shoulders making sure I don't fall over. I see Kate talking to Mrs. Argent. She looks at me and smiles at me with concern. I smile back, well more of a grimace. God she really can act. Seeing her fills me with rage, but I take a deep breath to calm myself down.
"Is this her?" Kate asks as she and Mrs. Argent walk over to us.
"Yeah, her name is Katerina," Chris said as he pushes me to his couch. I sit down with a groan- I feel like I was hit by a truck.
"So sweetie," Kate says as she crouches down in front of me, "Do you know what attacked you?"
"A wolf that's like a man," I pause, "Wolf man."
"A wolf man," Kate repeats amused. She shares a look with Mr and Mrs. Argent.
"Yeah you know like Twilight."
Kate laughs, "So a half-naked man?"
"No a wolf, never mind I was probably just in shock, it was most likely the mountain lion that's been in the news. If they were real then sparkly vampires would be also, and that's just wrong."
"Yeah that's pretty dumb," She pats my head before standing up. Mrs. Argent gets a call, and talks for a minute before whispering in Chris's ear. He nods and moves to Kate and I, but Mrs. Argent leave in a hurry.
"I have some business to take care of. Would you be okay with staying here with my daughter Allison until I come back?" Chris asks lightly.
"Yeah sure," I smile. Chris turns and yells for Allison.
"Coming Dad," I hear her thumping and she runs down the stairs. She comes down and smiles at me, I grin back.
"Allison this is Katerina, please take care of her until I return. She was attacked by the Mountain lion, so she's a bit scratched up."
"Of course dad," She smiles and he quickly leaves, "Hey Katerina, are you pain?"
"Yep, oh and call me Kat everyone does"
"Alright Kat, you want some pain meds?"
"Hell yes."
LIZ'S POV:
I look over to the direction of where the arrow came flying from to see three human like shapes.
"Where the heck did you get those arrows?!" I yell out to them.
The outline of people appears to freeze, and out of the corner of my eye I see Derek run away. One less thing to worry about I guess.
Soon different people shapes run in the direction of Derek's escape. I shouldn't let them follow him. I have to protect him.
"Who are you people?!" I yell.
The running figures don't stop, but the first three I saw are moving towards me. I need to stop the others!
Going with my instinct I race after the chasers going as fast as I can. I have to distract them!
"Wait! Don't leave! I- I- just . . ."
I'm breathing very fast. My heart is pounding. I can't go through this again. My vision is blurring. I think I'm crying. No! I need oxygen, my heart can't fail again. I can't die! I've been through too much to die now! My body feels like it is going to collapse. I have to keep going! I can't give up! I need to push through!
I'm desperately trying to collect myself. I try wiping away my tears. My vision is slowly clearing. I feel something warm on my shoulders, and . . . are they moving?
I finally notice the muffled sounds of someone speaking. Someone is speaking? Are they talking to me? I know there are people in front of me whose mouths are moving, but my brain hasn't clicked back to normal yet. I should push through the fog. They're probably saying something important. I need to know what they're talking about.
"-hell kind of human girl claws us?!" one voice says.
"Maybe she's with the wolves."A different voice says.
"She was scared of them. She was screaming in fear for crying out loud!" Another voice speaks.
My hearing is slowly coming back to normal. Good.
"Why is she just staring at us? Shouldn't she be reacting at least somewhat?" The second voice says.
"She's in shock. Let her come out of it on her own."
Why does this man sound familiar?
"She got in the way of our hunt. What are we going to do about her?" This woman is also familiar. But why does her voice aggravate me?
A sigh from the apparently familiar man. "Let's just bring her back to our house. She can stay with the other girl and Allison."
"You two can take her. I have to lead the others. They're a lost cause without their leader." The annoying lady is still here? Greeaat.