Chapter 10

Theo:

LIAM: HEADED OUT. THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONG TRIP.

THEO: HOW LONG IS THE RIDE?

LIAM: 6 HOURS.

THEO: OUCH.

LIAM: EXACTLY.

Tuesday, that was the first text I received from Liam at 6 am. I wouldn't normally check texts that early but in case it was Corey I made a habit of doing it as soon as it came in. I was still happy to see it was Liam. He continued to text me on the long car ride to his Aunts.

I spent most of the day lounging around the house. I did a bit of cleaning and then attempted to become Martha Stewart which ended with Parrish and me ordering a pizza because I am not Martha Stewart.

I got a visit from Allison and Malia since Stiles was busy looking for possible leads to Corey and Kate, and Isaac working the whole day. He usually only works a few hours after school but since he has the time out of school and Scott was out of town, he's working part time every day this week. Allison hates that their time this week is cut but she accepts it. She was still worried about her father. He finally called and said he, Braeden and Derek were fine but were following a lead elsewhere and would be incognito for a day or two. We ended up binging cooking shows because I really wanted to learn now so I don't accidentally burn down the house.

Wednesday, I went back to the beach with Stiles, Malia, Isaac, and Allison. I sent Liam a picture and his text back was instantaneous.

LIAM: WHO PUT LOTION ON YOU?

I cracked up drawing attention from the others. I just shook my head and answered him.

THEO: ISAAC VOLUNTEERED. BACK ONLY.

I didn't mention it was because Allison raised her hand first.

LIAM: OH. OKAY. I GUESS THAT'S FINE. TELL ALLISON AND MALIA TO KEEP THEIR HANDS TO THEMSELVES.

Cracking up again, sending him a thumbs up and winking emoji. We spent a good part of the day there. There was a beach carnival in town, so we played some games and ate a bunch of crap that I later had to run off accompanied by Isaac and Parrish. Apparently they were under strict orders from Liam, via Scott, to make sure I wasn't alone. They thought it was hilarious but was okay with going with me on a run. Ending the day with a phone call to Liam.

Thursday took a melancholy turn. I got a text from Corey, he was fine, but he was able to get a couple of kids out and was sending them our way. I sent the message to everyone in the group so everyone would be on the lookout. Liam called at once.

"Are you okay?" he asked as soon as I answered.

"I'm fine. Just worried."

"I know. But him texting you should be a sign that he's doing okay, right?"

"Yeah I know. I just…"

"You want your brother safe with you. I get it. But from what you told me about Corey, he's smart and he's being as careful as he can be. Hopefully, we can get him back soon, safely. Everyone is still searching."

"I know, and your right. I'm so proud of him for wanting to help. I just hope he can stay safe."

"He will. I'm sure he's as anxious to be reunited as you are."

We ended up talking for an hour and I felt a bit better afterwards.

I met up with Stiles and we went over what I remembered from when I was taken. Liam was going to kill me or kill Stiles. I know he wanted to be with me the next time I had to talk about this. I had to work through another panic attack at remembering but Malia was there, and she was the next best person to Liam for this. Everyone was great but she was who I connected with first. Granted it was under nefarious means and it kind of resulted in her and Stiles breaking up for a bit, but things worked out in the end.

Liam sent me a few photos of him and his cousins, twins, at an amusement park of some kind. He looked so damn cute in a fake mustache and a sombrero. I didn't ask questions. I just sent a text telling him to bring that hat home with him.

Friday was Parrish's day off and we ran errands, getting to know each other better along the way. Allison and Isaac were spending the day at her place, and I didn't want to think about what that meant, same with Malia and Stiles. Scott and Lydia were also back but I hadn't seen them yet.

Text were few since Liam would be heading back home soon and apparently there was some party his aunt was throwing or something that night, so they were busy getting the house ready. He sounded so very excited about it. He was even more excited when I sent him a photo text from the diner Parrish took me for breakfast before grocery shopping. It was a picture of Hayden and her mom.

LIAM: WHY WOULD YOU SEND ME THAT? ARE YOU TRYING TO GIVE ME NIGHTMARES?

THEO: I THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE HER WHILE YOU WERE GONE. I'M SURE YOU MISS HER.

LIAM: OMG, YOU ARE TERRIBLE. (Facepalm)

Parrish looked at me weird when I cracked up. I explained to him what was so funny and why. The rest of the day was quiet. Allison sent a text that she heard from her father. They were chasing Kate thru Mexico and Texas but were going to head back in a day or so if they didn't catch up to her.

Which leads to today. The girls are having a day at Lydia's old house. The guys, me included, are at Scott's playing video games. Every once in a while someone would stop playing to check a text message and smile goofily.

"How was the visit to see Lydia's mom?" Stiles asked Scott, his body jerking with each move of his player. I'm not sure he ever really stayed still.

"Lydia is lucky I love her so much." He answered, shaking his head.

"Why, was it bad?" I asked, giving Stiles a round house kick.

"No, not bad. But this was definitely a mother daughter kind of vacation, I was just the tag along. But there was no way she was going that far without me."

"What does that even mean, a mother daughter vacation?"

"It means there were spas, shopping, more shopping, and even more shopping. I'm pretty sure Lydia bought a whole new wardrobe while we were down there."

"Let me guess, you were the designated bag holder." Stiles said.

"Right in one. At least not all the shopping was bad." He answered with a wicked grin.

"Don't want to know." Isaac said.

"Wasn't going to tell you."

"Really Isaac? I'm pretty sure you and Allison were almost dry humping at the beach on Wednesday." I said making Scott laugh and Stiles cringe.

"Thanks man, I've been trying to block that image for days now." Stiles said.

"Oh, like you and Malia are any better?" Isaac said. "Didn't you two almost get caught, again, just the other day?"

"Dude." Stiles said forgetting about the game and staring at Isaac. I cracked up almost losing the round. Scott choked on his soda.

"Why does she keep telling you things?" Stiles sighed. Isaac shrugged. It was a valid question. We all know Isaac cannot keep his mouth shut, yet Allison can't help but to share everything with him, without a warning not to repeat.

"Anyway," Scott said. "How's Liam doing? I know he wasn't looking forward to this trip."

"He was fine when I talked to him this morning. Ready to be home though. Apparently his aunt was worse than his mother has been about Hayden. But at least she's been on his side about the meds thing."

Everyone winced.

"I don't get it. I hardly ever see Liam lose his temper. Even on the field he'll get worked up or upset but he's usually good at calming himself down. Why is his mom so worried about him exploding?" Isaac asked.

"I have no clue. I don't get it either."

"And what is her obsession with Hayden. Is she collecting commission if they end up together or something?"

"Apparently Hayden's mom and Liam's mom are friends now. I guess they think it would be cute if their kids dated."

"Are you worried about that?" Scott asked. Thinking back on the kiss we had Monday and the text and phone calls we had this week, I smiled.

"Nah, I'm not worried at all." That wasn't completely true. It was a small fear, but it was there. Not that I would let Liam know that. Things were going good with us. I didn't want to plant that seed of doubt.

"You sound confident." Isaac said.

"If you had seen the kiss they had on Monday you would understand why he sounds so unconcerned about Hayden." Stiles said, scrolling through characters to choose a new one.

"Were you watching?" I asked.

"No, I really wasn't, at first. But then Malia happen to look over and elbowed me in the ribs, which I'm sure she bruised by the way, and pointed and I couldn't help but notice."

"Yeah I can see her doing something like that. At least she didn't crack them. I think you have had enough injuries to date." Scott said.

"Tell me about it."

"I'm not worried because the more Hayden pesters him the less friendly he becomes towards her. But his mom is really starting to get to him about it. I'm just glad he hasn't blown his top yet." I told them.

My phone pinged and I handed my controller to Isaac to take over. Pulling it out I smiled at a new text notification from Liam. Opening it my smile died.

LIAM: I'M GOING TO LOSE MY SHIT.

"I think I spoke to soon." I sighed.

"What's wrong?" Scott asked.

"It's Liam. He's pissed."

THEO: WHAT'S WRONG?

LIAM: MY MOM WONT SHUT UP ABOUT HAYDEN, AGAIN. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET HER TO LET IT GO?

THEO: CAN YOU TUNE HER OUT?

LIAM: NO, MY EARBUDS DIED HALFWAY THROUGH THE TRIP BACK HOME. MY DAD IS TRYING TO GET HER TO STOP BUT SHE WON'T AND I CAN SEE MY DAD WATCHING ME BECAUSE HE KNOWS I'M CLOSE TO THE EDGE. I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING, NOTHING IS WORKING TO CALM ME DOWN. I'M REALLY CLOSE TO LOSING IT.

"Yeah he's really pissed." I told them.

"Should we be worried?" Scott asked. Even Isaac and Stiles stopped playing to listen.

THEO: HOW FAR ARE YOU FROM HOME?

LIAM: TWO HOURS STILL.

THEO: CAN YOU TRY TO HOLD IT TOGETHER, IF WE MEET YOU AT YOUR HOUSE?

LIAM: I REALLY DON'T KNOW.

"I would say we do need to be worried."

"How far is he from here?" Stiles asked.

"About two hours."

THEO: CAN YOUR DAD PULL INTO A REST STOP FOR A MINUTE SO YOU CAN CALM DOWN? I'LL CALL YOU.

I waited a full minute for a response, the guys watching me.

LIAM: 10 MINUTES.

Liam:

"Liam, why don't you get some air. Your mother and I are going to grab some snacks." My dad said. I nodded once and exited the car before my mother could say anything.

I ended up at a picnic table just barely in view of the rest stop shop, by a grove of trees. There weren't a lot of people out. A woman with a toddler who was yelling his head off as she tried to give him a pacifier while bouncing him on her hip. A guy laying in the grass with a hat covering his face, I'm assuming he's sleeping. A couple stretching their legs, walking hand in hand.

I climbed to sit atop the table I was at and just tried to focus on anything else but having to get back in that car for another two hours and listen to my mother push, prod, poke and harass me about Hayden anymore. I really don't get it. Why is she so hell bent on this? I was trying hard to keep my temper because bursting into wolf would not help the situation. Thank God my dad understood when I asked him if we could stop for a stretch, he quickly agreed.

My phone rang in my hand, and I wasted no time answering.

"Hey." I answered with a sigh.

"Hey. Are you okay?" Some of the tension started to ease just hearing his voice.

"No, I can't take it. I tried ignoring it and her. I tried switching topics. I even tried telling her flat out that I wasn't interested in Hayden. That didn't go well. I just don't freaking understand. We haven't gone out since January. I don't talk about her; I don't talk to her. Why the hell is my mother so hell-."

"Okay, stop. I can hear the growl in your voice."

"I know, I'm sorry. I'm trying but nothing is working."

"Switch to face time." I heard a door open and close in the background. I switched to face time and Theo's face appeared on screen. I didn't realize how much I missed him until then, seeing him. Already I was feeling less like exploding.

"Is there anyone around you?"

I took a quick glance around. Besides the guy that was still sleeping on the ground everyone else had moved on.

"No."

"Good, your eyes are gold."

"Are they?" I didn't realize how close to the edge I was. I tried closing them to switch them back, but I still wasn't calm enough. I groaned running a hand through my hair.

"Hey, it's okay." he said softly. I shook my head because it was not okay. I couldn't go back to the car like this. "Liam, look at me."

I opened my eyes and focused on him. He smiled but I could see it was strained.

"What three things cannot long be hidden?" he asked, soothingly. I shook my head ready to tell him that wasn't working but he quirked a brow at me.

"The sun… the moon… and the truth." I recited, taking a deep breath just as I had learned to do.

"Good, again."

"The sun… the moon… and the truth." I repeated, slowly, feeling more tension ease as I focused on him.

"Again."

"The sun… the moon… and the truth." I said, my eyes switching back.

"There's my adorable mini wolf." He said grinning. I huffed a laugh.

"Thanks." I sighed. "I'm sorry I had to bother you with this."

"Don't apologize. I'm glad you talked to me about it. I'm glad I could help. Feeling better?"

"A bit. But I don't know how I'm going to get through the rest of this trip if she keeps at it."

"I don't think your dad is going to let her. He had to see how close to the edge you were."

"Yeah, probably." I sighed.

"Hey, it's okay. You can only take so much before you snap. And having someone harp on the same thing over and over again has to be stressful. Just hang in there until you get home. The guys and I are going to meet you at your house and take you away for a while. Okay?"

"Yeah, okay. I could use a break."

"I bet. Don't worry we'll figure something out. I can't wait to see you. I missed you while you were gone."

"I missed you too." I told him and meaning it. As much fun as I had with my cousins and even my aunt and uncle for the most part, I really wished I were with him. I couldn't wait to see him again, and I really couldn't wait to kiss him again.

I heard my name called and looked back to see my dad standing a few feet from me.

"I've got to go. My dad is calling me. But I'll see you soon." I told Theo.

"Okay, just try to stick it out for this last leg and I'll come rescue you. Text me if you need me."

"I will. Bye."

"Bye."

Dad took a seat next to me as I hung up.

"Dad, I'm really sorry." I said feeling disappointed that I couldn't stay in control.

"Don't apologize. I'm actually proud with how well you were holding it together." He said, hugging me.

"But I didn't, though."

"Yeah you did. Your eyes were gold Liam, but you were trying so hard to keep it together. I watched you doing all the things Scott taught you to gain control and it was working enough at the moment. I don't really blame you. I don't understand your mom's obsession with that girl."

"Yeah, me either. I just want her to stop. Nothing is going to happen between me and Hayden." I sighed.

"Yeah, I know. Even before… well I could just tell you weren't in to her. I'm surprise you actually went out with her again after homecoming."

"I shouldn't have. Apparently that just fueled a fire there. She is constantly trying to find ways to be around me in school. I'm pretty sure my friends are acting as bodyguards now." I said rolling my eyes making him laugh. I wasn't kidding though. If Theo or Mason weren't around me then I suddenly found myself walking with Malia or Allison or Isaac between classes just so she wouldn't approach.

"Well, I had a talk with her, and she promises to tone it down."

"But not stop?"

"I don't know. I'm sorry. I'm trying."

"I know. It's not your fault. But I think when we get home I need to get away for a while. The guys were going to get me after we get back. I think I need to run this off."

"That's a good idea. Let's get going. The sooner we get home the sooner you can make your escape." he said leading me back to the car.

30 minutes in and it was blissfully quiet. The radio was playing, and dad was humming along to it while mom concentrated on a book she had brought along, and I was playing a game on my phone. Was it too much to hope it stayed that way? I could deal with the lingering bit of tension still in the air.

"Liam."

I guess it was too much to ask for.

"Yeah." I sighed.

"I'm sorry about before."

I hummed in response because there was really nothing to say to that. I concentrated even harder on the level of Candy Crush I was on. I had been stuck on this level for days now. It would be nice if I could beat it. Maybe I would get Stiles to do it for me. He seemed to have a knack for these games.

"Can I just ask.." she started and drifted off. I could hear a barely audible sigh from dad.

"Is this about Hayden, again?" I asked.

"I just don't understand. You were so excited about homecoming-."

"Yeah, because it was my first school dance and I got to hang out with my friends."

"But you asked her. if you didn't like her why did you ask her?"

"Diane…" dad started.

"I'm just curious." She defended.

"I asked her because she was nice, and we had class together and yeah I thought she was cute. Not necessarily because I was looking to start something with her." I explained, still playing my game. Hoping it will help me to stay a little calm.

"Okay, but then you asked her out again after homecoming."

"No, she asked me out after homecoming, and I didn't want to hurt her feelings."

"Oh. But a couple of months ago-."

"A couple of months ago you were hounding me about her, again. Just like you are now. So, I asked her out to get you to stop. See how good that went." I muttered. That quieted her for a moment, but I knew it wouldn't last.

"So, you're just playing with her feelings?" she asked. That question caused me to make the wrong move and lose my game. But I was too surprised to care.

"What? Why would you even say that? of course I'm not playing with her feelings." I asked, staring at the back of her head.

"Diane, what are you talking about?" my dad asked sharply, at the same time.

"Well, I mean, she always talks about him and how he doesn't really talk to her in class even though they are lab partners. And how he just didn't seem interested after that last date. She-."

"Wait, you're talking to Hayden about me? Behind my back?"

"Honey, it's not like that. You know me and her mother are friends."

"Yeah, you and her mother are friends. So why are you talking to Hayden about me?" I asked, getting angry.

"Well… she was just so upset that you stopped paying attention to her. All she wanted was a chance. I don't understand why you won't even consider giving her that."

"Maybe because she's not my type? Maybe because we just didn't click that way, despite what you and she thinks. Or does my feelings not matter in this at all?" I asked.

"Of course, they do. But…" she turned in her seat to look at me, flinching a bit when she saw my expression and turning back around. "you just never talk about girls at all. She was the last one you were interested in and that was just two months ago. What could have happened in the last two months that made you disinterested? Especially since you see her almost every day at school. Do you even talk to her?"

"Diane, you need to let this go." dad said, and I could see, when he looked at me through the mirror, that he was getting just as irritated as I was.

"I'm just saying no one just loses interest in someone overnight. So, something must have happened. She seems like a perfectly nice girl. Did I miss something?"

"Oh, my God. Yes she's a nice girl. We just aren't right for each other. It happens. People fall out of like all the time. Why are you so obsessed with this?"

"Diane, we just talked about this. You said you would drop it." Dad interjected and I could see he was past annoyed now.

"I'm sorry. It's just concerning that he never talks about girls."

"MOM." I shouted, then took a deep breath to calm myself. I could see dad glancing back at me nervously. "Why do I need to talk about girls? Why is that so important?"

"You're almost sixteen, Liam. You should be interested in dating by now. Even if just a little. You just don't seem to be."

"Who says I'm not interested in dating? Who says I'm not interested in someone right now? Just because it's not Hayden doesn't mean I'm not interested." I snapped, running my hand roughly through my hair.

"Well, you never mentioned another girl." She huffed snippily.

"Maybe because it's not a girl." I yelled, stunned that I was even able to get the words out. I could hear dad sigh loudly in resignation. This was not how I planned to do this. I didn't really have a plan, but this wasn't it, either way.

"What? What do you mean?" she asked in confusion.

"I'm already dating someone and it's a guy." I admitted.

"What? you mean, like you're gay?" she asked, shaking her head. "You're not gay."

"No, I'm not gay, I'm bi. I like guys and girls. Right now, I happen to be dating a guy."

"No, you're not. I think I would know." She sighed and I could practically see the eye roll.

"And how would you know? You've been harping about Hayden practically nonstop. Have you actually taken a moment and just asked me or noticed? Apparently I'm not good at hiding things."

"Liam, you're my son. Of course, I would know. If you really want me to stop talking about Hayden then fine. But you don't have to lie about something like that."

"Diane." My dad sighed, again. I choked on a laugh.

"You think I would lie about something like this to get you to back off? Who would even do that? It's not like me telling you I'm not interested in Hayden made you stop why would I think lying would?"

"You must be because you're not gay or bi or whatever."

"Well, I'm not lying, and I am bi."

"Since when?" She asked turning in her seat to look at me.

"I don't even know how to answer that. It's not like I marked it on a calendar. It's just always been there."

"Well, I've never heard you talk about a guy… like that."

"Just because you didn't hear it or pay attention doesn't mean I haven't."

"Who is it?"

"Why does it matter?"

"Because I want to know who's filling your head with this nonsense." She screeched and I winced at the volume.

"David, you knew about this." she turned on dad.

"Yes." He answered looking straight ahead but nodding.

"How long have you known?"

"Officially just now. but I suspected for years."

"And you're okay with this?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" he asked giving her a confused look.

"Because… because…"

"Are you saying you're not okay with it?" I asked, feeling my breath catch.

"No, I'm just… shocked. Are you sure you're not just confused? I mean if this… guy is the first you liked then-."

"He's not the first or even the third. He's just the first I decided to date." I told her.

"Maybe you just haven't met the right girl. I mean you're still young. You could change your mind about… liking boys. Maybe it's just a phase."

"A phase? Did you have a phase where you liked girls?"

"No, of course not."

"Then why would I?" I asked.

"It just doesn't make sense." She said ignoring my question.

"What part?"

"You weren't… that, 2 months ago, when-."

"Oh my God, if you bring up Hayden one more time I'm going to scream. I do not want Hayden and it has nothing to do with me being bi or me dating Theo. I just don't like her that way."

"Theo? The one you went to the movies with?" she asked, loudly. I groaned.

"Yeah." I said and cringed. I didn't mean to actually say his name.

"Well maybe that's it. If he got into your head and made you think-."

"What part of this isn't new, confused you? I just told you that I have liked guys before, I didn't date them, but I liked them."

"Does Mason know about this?" she asked. I blinked at her randomness.

"Yeah. He's my best friend. Of course, he knows. Why?"

"Well then maybe, he influenced you somehow. Maybe-."

"Don't." I snapped. "Do you seriously think that being gay or bi or pan or anything is something people decide to be on a whim or by choice? Or that there's some secret agenda to turn people?"

"I don't know, alright? I'm just trying to wrap my head around this." She fumbled trying to come up with a reason.

"And you need to accuse my friends of brainwashing me, to do that?" I asked, my hands balling into fist in my lap. So far I couldn't feel my claws extending and I don't think my eyes had switched but I was getting angrier by the second.

"Well, I mean. I don't think they meant to or anything."

"Diane, stop." Dad said, warily.

"You can't turn someone gay. This isn't a recruitment situation. It's not the Army. I'm bi, mom. I like guys and girls. At this time, I happen to be dating a guy. What is so wrong about that?"

"I'm not saying… its wrong." She stuttered out.

"you couldn't even say that without hesitating." I chuckled, shaking my head.

"I'm trying to understand, Liam. You just sprung this on me, with no warning."

"Believe me, this wasn't how I planned to tell you, at all. But I can't take hearing about Hayden anymore. We are never going to be a couple."

"But why? You liked her before this Theo came into the picture. What did he say or do to-."

"Are you serious, right now?" I shouted, over this conversation and just plain pissed off.

"Alright, that's enough. Both of you need to settle down. I think this conversation can happen once everyone has had a chance to process all of this." Dad said and we both went quiet.

I stared out the window watching the passing landscape and trying not to think of the fact that my mother would rather believe I was confused and brainwashed then that I'm bi and dating a guy of my own free will. The fact that she was in such disbelief… I don't know what I was expecting. Maybe she would take a minute to think about it. Maybe ask more sane questions. Was that too much to hope for?

The rest of the drive was beyond tense, and I was done. Our street came into view, and I relaxed seeing Stiles' jeep in front of my house. As soon as dad parked I was out of the car. Theo got out of the back of the jeep and jogged over to me. I didn't think about it, I just hugged him.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked hugging me back. I could sense his concern and surprise. We were still out in the open and it was still daylight. I didn't care. Touching him made me calm.

"Please get me out of here." I whispered. He pulled back to look at me and nodded.

"Yeah, okay. Let's go."

"Liam, stay with Scott tonight, okay? I'm going to talk to your mom." My dad said. I nodded, not moving.

"David, I don't think-."

"Go." He cut her off. I didn't bother to pay attention to her response.

Theo walked me to the jeep, and I climbed in with him right behind me. Stiles and Scott turned in their seats to look at me.

"Are you okay?" Scott asked. I shook my head and blinked back tears.

Isaac, who was in the very back, gave my shoulder a squeeze. Stiles started the jeep, and I closed my eyes, laying my head on Theo's shoulder.