SONG: And he is good, so goodHe treats your little girl like a real man shouldHe is good, so goodHe makes promises he keepsNo, he's never gonna leaveSo, don't you worry about meDon't you worry about me ~ Mama's Song by Carrie Underwood

Chapter 21

Lydia:

I woke up to my phone buzzing and had to maneuver my way out of Scott's arms to answer. He protested and pulled me back in, but I was able to grab my phone. Mom.

"Hey mom." I answered.

"Hey honey. You ready for our spa date?"

"Mom, its," I pulled the phone away to check. "8 in the morning. What time do we need to be there?"

"Not until 10 but I was excited. I just wanted to make sure you were up."

"Well, I am now. I'll start getting ready in a minute." I told her, wiping sleep from my eyes. We were up late, and I don't think I got a full 8 hours.

"Okay, should I pick you up at 9:30?"

"No, I'll have Scott drop me off. I'll meet you out front of Le Chic."

"Scott? Is he there?"

"Uh, yeah. Argent had to go out of town for business and didn't want to leave Allison and me here alone." I explained.

"Where is he?"

"I don't know mom. Probably still sleeping since its 8 am on a Saturday." I huffed and felt Scott shake the bed in silent laughter behind me. "Let me go get ready. I'll meet you in front of the spa at 9:30, okay."

"Okay, but-."

"Got to go, mom. Love you, bye." I said disconnecting. Scott kissed the back of my head as I set my phone back on the nightstand.

"Did you really tell your mom that I'm here?" he chuckled.

"I wasn't thinking. I'm still half sleep and my brain is still addled from last night." I answered honestly.

"Really?" he asked with a cheesy grin.

"I just inflated your ego didn't I?"

"Not really. Okay, maybe a little. But really I'm just happy you enjoyed it."

"Oh boyfriend, you have no idea." I rolled over on top of him.

"Hmmm, but I would like to. Would you like a repeat and you can tell me, loudly." He grinned wickedly, cupping my ass.

"I really like this side of you." I said giving him a lingering kiss. "But we don't have time. I have to get ready to meet my mother."

I hopped up and he groaned. Giggling, I went into the bathroom.

I was brushing my hair when Scott came back into my room pulling a shirt over his head. Abs. I shook my head to clear it. He took the brush from my hand and took over, with long slow strokes.

"Do you want it up or down?" he asked, taking care to gently release the tangles from the ends. I watched him in the mirror fascinated. He surprised me all the time and my heart wanted to burst.

"Lydia?"

"Hmmm?"

"Up or down?" he asked again.

"Oh, I was going to put it in a braid." I told him. He nodded and set the brush down. Before I knew what was happening he was separating my hair with his fingers and… braiding it.

"How do you know how to braid?"

"When I was like 14 or 15 my mom broke her arm. She couldn't do this, so she talked me through how to do it." He chuckled. "My first time I screwed it all up, it was lopsided and just not pretty. But then I decided to learn and watched some tutorials on it, and she let me practice. It's been a while since I've done this, but I guess I still remember." He finished and secured it with an elastic I had on the dresser.

"Done." He smiled. I turned and wrapped my arms around his neck.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

We pulled up in front of Le Chic and my mother was standing there. She smiled as I slipped off the helmet and jumped off the back.

"Hey mom." I greeted her with a hug.

"Hi sweetheart."

"Hi Ms. Martin." Scott greeted dismounting smoothly.

"Scott, you only have the one helmet?" she asked immediately.

"No ma'am. I have another I just didn't think to grab it."

"And you let her use the only one you have."

"Yes ma'am. She comes first." He shrugged.

"Hmmm…"

"Mom…" I groaned.

"I didn't say anything." She exclaimed. I gave her a look. "Fine. It's good to see you, Scott. I promise to keep her safe."

"I don't doubt it."

I leaned in and gave him a kiss; he seemed a bit embarrassed in front of my mom but happily returned.

"Have fun with your mom. Text me, please, to let me know you are okay." He whispered against my lips.

"I will. I promise." I told him with one more kiss.

Mom and I headed into the spa, and I looked back to see him watching. He gave me a dimpled smile and a wave before he mounted his bike and sped off. I couldn't hide the contented sigh and I turned back to my mother.

"I would ask how you are doing but I don't need too." She smirked.

"I'm doing great. Even with everything that's going on." I told her.

"I can see that. Come on let's get checked in and then I want all the details of how this happened." she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me along. I groaned again. I loved being able to spend the day with her today, but I dreaded the inquisition that was coming.

And inquisition it was. As soon as we had changed into robes and seated in massage chairs with our feet soaking in lavender filled water she started. And I told her as much as I could about how Scott and I got started. I even told her about Stiles. She sympathized but squealed in delight when I told her how he told me he loved me.

"How did I not know about him? I mean you two weren't even friends really until last year as far as I know."

"I don't know. It all kind of started last year really. We kissed once in our sophomore year. It was just one kiss but, I don't know it kind of changed things. But we didn't go any further with it. I mean honestly, we shouldn't have kissed at all. He was reeling from his breakup with Allison, and I was still kind of dating Jackson. But… I was so angry at Allison for breaking up with him how she did. She did it the night we got locked in the school and some kind of animal got in. Scott risked his life to go for help and she dumped him. And Jackson was painting him as this villain, but I didn't see him volunteering. But eventually he and Allison worked things out sort of. So, I forgot about it."

"So, when did it change?" she asked.

"Over the summer. All of us, including Allison, Stiles, and Isaac kind of stuck together with everything that happened with those people being murdered. We got to know each other better and things just kind of clicked. One day he was Scott my friend and the next he was… so much more. I can't explain it but that's how it felt."

"How is Allison with all this?"

"She's been pushing me to make a move for weeks now. She was so smug when we finally gave in. besides she's lustfully happy dating Isaac now." I snorted.

"And Stiles?"

"He's… adjusting. He and Scott are best friends and he's liked me for ages. It's why Scott and I didn't get together sooner. Scott would do anything to not hurt him. I mean I didn't want to hurt him either but Scott…" I smiled.

"You love him."

"So much. He's amazing. You know he plans to be a vet. He works with Dr. Deaton, has since he was 16. Deaton is urging him to go to his alma mater, Tuft. Already has a letter of recommendation written for him." I stated proudly.

"Tuft, huh. You know that's awfully close to MIT." She smirked.

"I know. I can't say I haven't thought of the possibilities. But honestly, I just want him to go where he's happy. We'll figure it out."

"You talk as if you know for certain that you guys will still be together then."

"I think we will. And I know I sound like every other teenage girl saying that but it's how I feel."

"Well, you do but it's different. As much as I loved you father, I don't think it was like this. You two seem to have this otherworldly connection. I saw it at the school after the locker incident. The intensity in his eyes when it happened. It was like he was ready to tear the world apart to keep you safe and that was before you got together."

She had no idea how true that was.

"So, what's Scott like, I don't know much about him. He seems the opposite of Jackson."

"He is the complete opposite. He's serious but he can be funny when he wants to be. He's calm when I need it. Fiercely protective of those he cares about and he's so sweet. You know he braided my hair this morning." I told her nodding when her mouth dropped open. "He said he learned when he was 14 to help his mom when she broke her arm. He loves animals, especially dogs. He's smart and all kinds of sexy." I sighed, melting in my chair.

"Mmmm, I bet. I've seen those abs he's got."

"Mom." I squealed.

"Oh honey, I may be old, but I can still appreciate a good-looking man."

"How did you even see them?" I gasped.

"At the lacrosse teams annual summer car wash. Why do you think we took that country drive in July?" She winked.

"Oh my God mom. You cannot perv over my boyfriend's abs."

"Relax Lydia, I didn't say I wanted to mount him."

"Oh God, mom please just… don't." I said my face burning in humiliation.

"Fine, so tell me how it ended up Scott stayed over last night."

"Oh, that's not better." I groaned. She raised a brow at me.

"Argent had to go out of town yesterday for a business meeting and he didn't want to leave Allison and me alone especially not with this creeper out there so he asked Scott and Isaac if they wouldn't mind staying over."

"Scott and Isaac, who's dating Allison, both were there overnight. I see."

"It was the best option; Scott would rather die than let anything happen to me and Isaac would move mountains to protect Allison."

"That's true. I'm not going to give you a hard time about it. He's very protective and that's all that matters. Besides even if Chris had left you alone you probably would have invited them over anyway."

It was weird to hear Argent's first name. He never uses it I forget he even has one. In my mind it's just Argent.

"Were you at least careful last night?" she asked.

"Nothing happened." I moaned.

"Nothing?" she quirked a brow. I blushed.

"Well, THAT didn't happen. Scott said he didn't want our first time together to be in a house with Isaac and Allison right down the hall."

"Wow. That's just…wow."

"I know. Now can we be done with this conversation before I burst into flames? Tell me how you are doing. How's work and how's Prada?" I asked.

Thankfully she let me change topics and started talking about her life and what she has been up to. We caught up through manis, pedis, mud baths and massages and left the spa feeling refreshed and happy to just be together. I sent a quick text to Scott as we were seated in the small café next door.

As soon as food was set in front of us my mother started tapping her fingers nervously against the table.

"Lydia, Spending time with you isn't the only reason I wanted to see you today." She started.

"Okay…" I said taking a bite of my salad. Mom picked at her food, taking a small bite, and watching me carefully.

"I was offered a position, at CSU." She told me after taking a deep breath.

"CSU? In Long Beach?"

"Yes."

"Doing what?"

"Research mostly but a few Organic Chemistry classes as well."

"Are you going to take it?" I asked, my heart hammering. I swallowed around the lump in my throat. I didn't want to leave Beacon Hills, even if it was batshit crazy. And I couldn't leave Scott.

"I haven't decided yet. It's a contracted position so it's not permanent even though they said that I would be reevaluated at the end to see if I could be considered for long term." She told me, nervously.

"So that means we would have to move to Long Beach." I took a sip of water to battle the dryness in my throat.

"Well, that's where I want to get your opinion. We could move to Long Beach, together. It would get you away from this town and all the weirdness that seems to happen here."

"Or?" I whispered.

"I don't want to pull you away in your junior and senior year. I know how much staying would mean to you especially now with Scott in the picture."

"Okay, uhm… what other options do I have?"

"1. I could turn down the job, stay at Beacon Hills College and once this mess is over, we can go back home and continue as we were. 2. I talked to Chris Thursday, and he has agreed that you can continue to stay with them for the rest of your junior and senior year if you want."

"But you would be in Long Beach."

"Yes."

"How long is the contract for?"

"18 months with the option to stay on pending review." She said.

Suddenly my salad wasn't as appetizing. Pushing it away, I grabbed my water and slumped back in my seat. 18 months, a year, and a half. I would be well into my senior year before she knew if it would be permanent or not.

"When would you need to be there?"

"Then want me to start December if I take the job, but I would need to at least get there a few weeks early so I could get settled."

"December." I whispered. "Wait you what about thanksgiving and Christmas and… I have homecoming coming up."

"I could come back for those, honey. Long Beach isn't that far away. It's a 2-hour drive tops. I can come back to see you as much as you want."

I didn't know what to say. Besides these last few weeks, I have never lived without my mom around. Could I let her go without me? I didn't want her to lose the opportunity. She was wasted at BHC. But I couldn't move either. Just the thought of it made my chest ache. I rubbed a hand against it to sooth it.

"This is a lot to take in. When do you need to let them know?"

"They gave me November 1st, so we still have a little time to make a decision." She assured me.

"Okay. Can I think about it for a minute?"

"Yes, take your time. I want to make the right decision for you."

"What would you do with the house?" I asked suddenly.

"Well, it's paid for so we could hold onto it until I know what's going to happen long term. We could sell it and put the money in an account for you when you graduate college, or we could rent it out for the time being. But that would mean we would need to pack up our personal stuff so it's a clean slate."

"Whew, okay this is a lot. Let me think about it first."

"I understand. Take your time."

"I'm uh, I'm going to use the bathroom. Be right back." I said getting up.

"Okay, I'll pay the check."

I rushed to the bathroom and sighed. This wasn't the news I was expecting at all. I wasn't really surprised. My mother was a great professor, she deserved this chance. But could I live for a long period of time without her, right now. I expected to when I went to college, but I thought I still had at least a year to prepare for that. November. That felt like it was too soon. Or was it? I was doing fine now living away from her. We called and texted a lot and saw each other a few times away. But her being in Long Beach would mean that I wouldn't see her for longer stretches of time.

On the other hand, her being in Long Beach would get her away from the supernatural, at least the ones here. With the Nematon up and active I was sure we would have more activity. Remembering what Scott, Stiles and Allison went through just this past summer with their parents being kidnapped and almost sacrificed… that could have just as easily been my mother. I love my mom, but she wouldn't handle the supernatural well. It's why I keep her in the dark about it. Her being away would mean she wouldn't have to know. I wasn't sure which way to go with this.

I turned on the cold water in the sink, splashed some across my face and tensed. A feeling of foreboding filled me suddenly. I looked around and no one was there but I knew that feeling, well. I pulled my phone out and dialed Scott.

"Hey girlfriend. You done with your mom?" he asked, and I could hear the guys in the back hackling him. He said he was going to get together with the guys minus Isaac who would take advantage of having an empty apartment with Allison as much as he could.

"Scott?" My voice was shaky as I spoke, which immediately caught his attention.

"Lydia, what's wrong?" he asked urgently.

"I don't know. I just got this feeling something is going to happen. But I don't know." I said, my hands shaking as the feeling grew stronger.

"Okay, are you still at the café."

"Yeah, we are still here. But mom is paying now so we are leaving. The feeling is getting stronger."

"Stay there, I'll come to you."

"No, just… meet me at Allison's, please. We are leaving now."

"Lydia-."

"Scott please. I don't want to spook my mom. Just meet me at Allison's."

"Okay. But you call me if something happens or if the feeling gets any stronger."

"I will. I'll see you there."

"Okay."

I disconnected and tried to stop the trembling.

"Ready?" mom asked.

"Yep. Scott's going to meet me at Allison's." I told her, walking out into the sunlight. Squinting, I looked around cautiously but besides a few cars and a few people out enjoying the day, there was no one really on the streets.

"Can't keep you two apart for long I see." She giggled.

I forced a laugh as we got in the car. Mom pulled out and I clenched the seats as the feeling kept growing until I felt like I was suffocating under the pressure of it. I tried taking slow deep breaths to calm down and I tried to think of Scott and how soon I would be safe with him, but the feeling wouldn't go away.

"Lydia, what's wrong sweetheart. You look tense."

"Hmm, nothing. I think maybe that salad I had wasn't a good idea. The salmon was really greasy." I lied.

"Oh, next time we'll try somewhere else. I didn't particularly enjoy my club sandwich. Maybe sushi next time." She suggested. "Now what is this idiot doing?"

"Huh?"

"He's right on my tail and he has his lights on high. I don't know why since its daylight." She sighed squinting into the mirror. I turned to look behind us but could only see a tinted windshield. But the feeling became so unbearable that I felt like I was choking on it.

"Oh God." I whispered.

"Lydia? Honey what's wrong?" mom asked.

"Mom, I need you to speed up." I told her, taking out my phone.

"Why?" she asked, startled by the urgency in my tone.

"Mom, please just go faster." I told her hitting redial on my phone.

"Lydia."

"I think he's following us." I said shakily. Mom glanced at me concerned then in the rearview. I could see when she understood, and she gripped the steering wheel hard and pressed down on the gas. "There's a blue truck behind us, but he's so close. Scott, that feeling I had I feel like I'm choking on it." I hurriedly told Scott.

"I need you to tell your mom to drive faster. Screw the speed limit tell her to just go. I'll meet you halfway."

"She's trying but he keeps speeding up as well." I said looking back again.

"Lydia, hold on. I think he's trying to run us off the road." My mom said. I think she's right. No matter how fast she was going he was approaching even faster.

"Oh God," I whispered, feeling a new level of fear. "MOM GO. JUST GO, FASTER!" I shouted.

"Lydia!" Scott called through the phone.

"Scott he's going to hit us." I said just as he rammed into the back of us sending us jerking forward and my mother swerving.

"I'm coming now. I'm on the road. Tell your mom to beep the horn so I can hear how far away I am."

I didn't hesitate to reach over as she drove and blasted the horn hard in three successions. I could hear it through the phone. But I knew he would be too late. Just as I pulled my hand back, he rammed us again.

We screamed as he rammed into us sending us flying forward and my phone tumbling from my hand. My mother's head hit the steering wheel and bounced back.

"Mom! Mom!" I screamed. Her head bobbed and hit the window, staying there. I grabbed the steering wheel as he rammed into the side sending the car careening off the road where it flipped onto its side. My head slammed against the window hard .

"Lydia! Lydia!"

I heard Scott's voice muffled from my phone wherever it had landed. My eyes opened to see a face peering at me through the window on my mother's side that was facing upward. The sound of a car approaching turned him away for a second then smiled at me.

"I guess we will have to reschedule this date, Lydia. See you soon." Greenberg said before he disappeared. I heard tires squeal away and then the sound of sirens getting closer. Everything faded to black.