SONG: Who else am I gon' lean on when times get rough?...Who's going to talk to me on…The phone 'til the sun comes up?...Who's going to take your place?...There ain't nobody better…Oh, baby baby, we belong together ~ We Belong Together by Mariah Carey
Chapter 17
Lydia:
The weekend passed in waves of fast and slow. I spent the time learning more ways to defend myself and Allison even taught me how to escape from being bound in a chair. It was terrifying to think that could happen, but I appreciated it. After I talked to my mother and after explaining that the stalker was in our house she decided to stay with a friend and told me to continue to stay with the Argents. Mr. Argent was all for it. Said he always wanted more kids and now it was like he had two daughters. My heart warmed at that. Isaac and Allison went with me to pick up more clothes and necessities. Isaac said he didn't scent any other person but my mother in the house, so the stalker probably hadn't been back. I was still getting text, but I have not read any of them. I'm too scared to block them or delete them, just in case. But I haven't told anyone about them either. Scott would freak if he found out.
He was the reason the weekend went so slow as well. We texted regularly but he hasn't called or come by since Thursday. But Isaac explained that he and Stiles had a big blow out on Friday when they found Malia. Apparently, Scott really laid into Stiles. For once Isaac decided not to go into detail on it but said it was major. According to Isaac, Scott has been hiding out in his room under the guise of doing homework. Which could be true. But he only came out for food, and he had been ignoring Stiles calls. I feel guilty and then angry for feeling guilty. Scott and I have done nothing wrong. Stiles and I were never together and none of us can help the way we feel.
Tomorrow is Monday and Allison and I go back to school. It should be interesting, all the landmines we will have to avoid stepping on through the day. I have actually been hiding out in my room all day as well. My fingers itching to call Scott, but I won't. Instead, I changed the song on my phone and continued staring at the ceiling. My mind replaying Wednesday night and finally being able to kiss Scott again, to touch him.
"Hey, you've been quiet today. Everything okay?" Allison came in and lay down next to me. I couldn't compute that question because nothing was okay. Stalkers and scorned nonlovers and want to be lovers.
"I kissed Scott." I sighed.
"Today?" she asked with a snicker.
"No, Wednesday."
"Wait, what? When did that happen? How did that happen?"
"Wednesday night when he came over. We were just talking but then you and Isaac were so loud-."
"Shh, are you crazy. Don't say that so loud." She whispered looking at the door as if expecting her dad to be standing there. I rolled my eyes.
"And we both needed a distraction away from… things. Anyway, I was showing him some of the maneuvers you showed me and then it just happened. One minute I'm trying to break his hold and the next we are on the bed making out like crazy. Then some how we ended up against the wall. I'm surprised you didn't hear anything, we kind of… slammed into the wall." Well, I was slammed into the wall, but I was a willing participant. It was hot as hell.
"Oh my God."
"We came to our senses at the last minute, and he had to literally jump away from me in order for us to stop."
"Do I need to ask how it was?"
"You dated him, how do you think it was." I snorted.
"True, but I'm talking about for you."
"It was the hottest non sex I ever had."
"I bet. He's a good kisser."
I slapped her arm and she laughed.
"It hurts, Allison."
"What does?"
"Not being with him. Finally, being able to touch him and knowing I won't get the chance ever again."
"You will. I know it. You guys will figure this out."
I looked over and smiled at her.
"I hope so."
"What are you two doing?" Isaac asked from the doorway.
"Talking about Scott's lips." I answered, sitting up.
"What?" he asked, his smile slipping.
"Don't worry, I like yours better." Allison assured him. The smile came back.
"We're starting the movie soon. Come on." he said and left.
"Come on Lydia. No more sulking in your room. We go back to school tomorrow. We might as well enjoy the night." she said, grabbing my hand and dragging me out of the room.
I took a seat on the couch while Allison and Isaac cuddled on the floor. Mr. Argent came in, passing a bowl of popcorn to us before settling into his chair. Sighing, I snuggled into the cushions and zoned out.
Monday morning, I was nervous for more than one reason. Seeing Scott, seeing Stiles, more notes, or texts. I changed outfits three times before Allison made me stop before we were late. We pulled into the school lot and only Stiles and Isaac were there, Scott's bike was nowhere to be seen. I hid my disappointment and walked with the other three into school. I got my new locker assignment from the office and put away my stuff.
I made it to class early and pretended to study as I waited to see who would come in first. It was Scott. He took his seat next to me and smiled. Then stiffened and turned away. Stiles came in and sat in front of me. Neither of them looked at each other. Nope, not awkward at all. Not one bit.
The rest of the day went the same way. Scott skipped out of lunch deciding to work on a paper according to Isaac. He seemed to be a go between. Stiles looked lost but stayed quiet, which wasn't him at all. Liam and Mason kept up a steady conversation with Allison, Isaac, and I... just sat there. Allison looked over at me silently asking if I was okay. I smiled and nodded. French was okay, Scott did talk to me, but he was holding himself back, which really hurt. I knew what he was doing and why. But I just wanted to scream. Allison and I opted out of watching the guys practice, going home instead.
Tuesday it rained and we had to run from the car to the school. I chose heels for some reason and slipped in the doorway and ended up being caught by Scott of all people as he wrapped an arm around me.
"You, okay?"
"Yeah." I nodded.
He let go and moved back a few steps.
"We got the report from Mason. Stiles is going to go through it and make a list for us to go over tomorrow morning." He informed me.
"Okay, that works."
"Good. See you in class." He said giving me a smile and walking away. I watched him go with a hollow feeling in my chest. Shaking my head at Allison when she started to speak and walked away.
I zoned out the rest of the morning and zombie walked to lunch. I grabbed a tray of food that I couldn't tell you what it was and took a seat beside Mason far away from Stiles. I really resented him right now and I felt bad about that. Scott didn't skip today but the only seat available was between Stiles and Isaac. we both glanced at each other but didn't linger. I played with the food on my tray and listened to Liam and Isaac's banter. I started to relax a bit and join in the conversation until Allison told a story that both Scott and I had been apart of. We both looked at each other and tried not to laugh until the staring went on too long and then Scott abruptly stood.
"I have to get something from the library. I'll see you guys later." And again, he was gone.
I shoved my tray away and closed my eyes.
"Lydia?" Allison called me. I shook my head and wiped at my eyes.
"I'm fine." It would have been convincing if my voice didn't crack. I crossed my arms to hide the shaking in my hands.
Allison gave a frustrated growl.
"You need to pull your head out of your ass, unless you want to lose two of your closes friends." She spoke sharply.
I opened my eyes to see her staring Stiles down even though he was staring at the table and not her.
"What do you want me to do?" he asked.
"I don't know. Maybe talk to him. Maybe stop acting like this is only about you. That's a start." She hissed.
"Seriously dude, this is going too far. Its not only affecting the three of you." Isaac spoke up. Liam and Mason just follow along like a ping pong game.
"Stop it." I said in barely a whisper.
"How is this my fault. I didn't do anything." Stiles responded.
"Are you sure about that?" Allison asked him.
"Stop it." I said a little louder.
"You practically gave him an ultimatum on Friday. An unfair one at that. She's not yours, not like you want. I get that it hurts but like Scott said, you're not the only one." Isaac told him.
"I get that okay. I do. But come o-." Stiles was getting worked up, but I had enough.
I slammed my hands down on the table shoving my chair back as I stood up. The cafeteria just went silent, and every eye was on us.
"Stop it. Just stop it." I shouted.
"Lydia." Stiles said.
"Don't." I clenched my hands and took a breath. "I can't do this. I just can't." I walked away, hearing Allison tell Stiles one more time to 'pull his head out of his ass,' then running to catch up to me.
"Where are you going?"
"I don't know but I have to get out of here." I told her as I burst through the back door and marched out into the middle of the parking lot, in the pouring rain. Allison stopped at the edge of the building and watched me. I drew in a huge breath, and I screamed. I screamed hard, I screamed loudly. I screamed until my lungs felt like bursting. I screamed until my throat felt raw. I screamed until my stomach ached. I screamed until every bit of frustration that I felt, every pain, every fear, every disappointment, and every bit of anger I felt left me. Until my muscles hurt, and my head pounded, and I thought I would fall from exhaustion. Blew a few of the parking lot lights, cracked some windows, blew others and car alarms went off left and right.
Allison ran out to me, before I really did collapse, and guided me to the end of the lot to her car. After she turned off the alarm, she shoved me into the back seat and climbed in after me. I sat there feeling everything and nothing at all.
"Here, its Isaacs, it will be big on you but at least its not soaked." She said, handing me the shirt.
"Thanks." I rasped, my throat feeling raw. I pulled off my top and grabbed some napkins for the console to dry some of the wet spots before slipping on the t shirt. Allison pulled out her phone and started texting.
"I'm just letting everyone know you're okay." She said. And I knew by everyone she meant Scott. My eyes clouded.
"I'm tired of pretending. I'm tired of fighting it. I'm so tired." I cried.
"I know." She said pulling me into a hug.
