AN: It's the weekend, yay! Enjoy the chapter x
Jamie's first day back at school came like a tidal wave, scooping her up and pulling her under. She fought the whole day to keep her head above the water, but when lunch rolled around, she'd had enough. No way she could be in a cafeteria full of other students. No way she could awkwardly sit with her brother and Stiles, or even Jackson and Danny. There was too much tension still there.
The air under the bleachers was damp and cool, a faint breeze carrying the sharp scent of freshly cut grass. Jamie sat on the dusty ground, her knees pulled up to her chest as she lit a cigarette with shaky fingers. She exhaled slowly, watching the smoke curl upward before dissipating into nothing. It wasn't the smartest thing to do, she knew, especially after everything - but it was familiar, and right now, she needed that.
The sound of voices and laughter drifted from the field, accompanied by the occasional thud of a lacrosse ball hitting a stick. She closed her eyes, trying to block it out, when a voice broke through her haze.
"Those will kill you, you know."
Jamie jolted, turning to see Isaac standing a few feet away, his lacrosse stick slung casually over his shoulder. He was dressed in the team uniform, his hair messy and sticking to his forehead. She frowned, caught off guard.
"What are you wearing?" she asked, gesturing at him.
Isaac grinned. "It's called a lacrosse uniform. I'm on the team."
Jamie raised an eyebrow. "Since when?"
"Since forever." He smirked, leaning against one of the metal supports. "I guess you would know if you stopped only talking about yourself."
Her mouth dropped open slightly, a mix of offense and amusement flashing across her face. "Wow. Rude."
"Just saying." He shrugged, his smirk widening into a grin.
She shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "Whatever."
Isaac stepped closer, holding out his stick. "Here. Give it a try."
Jamie stared at him like he'd grown a second head. "What?"
"Come on," he urged. "It's not hard. Just catch the ball."
She hesitated, glancing at the field where the rest of the team was still practicing. "You're kidding, right?"
"Nope." He tossed the stick lightly at her, and she caught it with a clumsy grip. "Now, hold it like this," he said, stepping closer to adjust her hands on the shaft. His touch was light, quick, as if he was careful not to linger too long.
Jamie glared at him sceptically but followed his instructions. "Okay, now what?"
Isaac held up a ball, spinning it casually in his fingers. "Now I throw this, and you catch it."
"Great plan," she said dryly. "What happens when I inevitably fail?"
"You don't fail. You just… learn," he said, his voice annoyingly patient. Before she could argue, he tossed the ball toward her.
It hit the edge of the stick's pocket and rolled onto the ground.
Jamie stared at it for a moment before deadpanning, "Wow. I'm a natural."
Isaac laughed, the sound easy and unguarded. "You'll get there." He picked up the ball and tossed it again, softer this time. She caught it, barely, and a spark of triumph lit her face.
"See?" he said. "Not bad."
"Yeah, yeah." She tried to throw it back, but the ball veered wildly off course. Isaac jogged to retrieve it, shaking his head. "Okay, fine. I suck."
"You're better than I was my first time," he said, tossing the ball into the air and catching it effortlessly. His movements were fluid, practiced, and for a moment, Jamie just watched him. There was a confidence in the way he moved that didn't match the boy she'd was used to seeing in class.
"I don't think you're clumsy," she said suddenly, her voice quieter, carrying a different weight.
Isaac froze mid-spin, the ball slipping through his fingers. He caught it quickly, but his easy smile faltered. His eyes flicked to hers, narrowing slightly, as if trying to read her thoughts.
"I'm not," he said, his tone flat but loaded, like he knew exactly what she was referencing. For a second, it felt like they were playing a different kind of game, one neither of them was ready to lose.
Jamie broke the tension with a shrug, her voice light but her eyes lingering on his.
Isaac looked away, spinning the ball again, his usual grin returning but not quite reaching his eyes. "Anyway, I should get back to practice before Coach freaks out."
Jamie nodded, handing him the stick. "Yeah, sure."
He started to walk away but turned back after a few steps. "You should come to a game sometime."
She snorted. "We'll see."
Isaac gave her a crooked grin before jogging back toward the field. Jamie stayed under the bleachers a little longer, the faint smell of grass and smoke lingering in the air. Her cigarette had burned out, but she didn't light another.
Jamie was sprawled out on the couch, absently flicking through channels on the TV, the hum of the background noise barely registering. The quiet of the house was something she'd grown used to recently - just her, the walls, and the silence that seemed to surround everything. It felt peaceful in a way. But also empty.
Her mom's voice cut through her thoughts, pulling her back into the present. "Jamie, someone's at the door for you."
Jamie sighed, a little irritated, before getting up. "Who is it?" she called back, not looking forward to whatever awkward interaction was waiting for her. Melissa didn't reply, and Jamie huffed, standing from the couch and wondering over to the door.
Standing there was Allison Argent, looking slightly awkward but with a warm smile plastered on her face. She shifted on her feet, clearly not sure what to say first. Behind her, Jamie noticed Lydia sitting in the car, watching them.
"Hey," Allison said, her voice a little too bright. "Uh, I was wondering if you wanted to come to the mall with us today?"
Jamie frowned slightly, not sure she heard her correctly. "What? The mall?" she asked, glancing at Lydia in the car who was still sitting there, arms crossed and leaning against the passenger window.
"Yeah," Allison said, her tone more casual now. "Lydia and I are picking out dresses for the winter formal, and we thought you might want to come with us."
Jamie's eyebrows furrowed in surprise. "I'm not going to the formal," she said bluntly, crossing her arms over her chest. There was no need to sugarcoat it.
Allison looked taken aback for a second, but she quickly recovered, her expression softening. "I get that," she said, glancing back at the car where Lydia seemed to be getting impatient. "But we're just going to hang out. You don't have to worry about the whole formal thing. Just come with us. It could be fun."
Jamie felt the pressure of Allison's gaze on her, the kind that said she wasn't giving up easily. And, honestly, Jamie didn't really want to turn her down completely. The last few days at school had been isolating, and maybe a distraction wouldn't be the worst thing. Still, she hesitated.
"Come on," Allison added, offering her a smile that almost made Jamie feel guilty for saying no. "It'll be nice to just hang out. No pressure, okay?"
Jamie sighed, knowing she wasn't going to win this one. "Fine," she said, stepping aside to let Allison in. "I'll go with you guys. But I'm not buying a dress."
The mall buzzed with chatter and the occasional sound of heels clacking against tile floors. Jamie trailed a few steps behind Lydia and Allison, her hands stuffed into her jacket pockets. She wasn't thrilled about being dragged dress shopping, but Allison had been insistent. And Lydia… well, Jamie wasn't about to cross Lydia Martin when she had her mind set on something.
"Alright," Lydia announced as they entered the boutique, her eyes already scanning the racks of sequined gowns and flowy dresses. "Let's find you something that doesn't scream 'I'm only here to please my mom.'"
Jamie rolled her eyes. "I said I'm not getting a dress. I'm not even going to this stupid formal."
Allison turned to her with a small smile. "You might change your mind. It'll be fun."
"Not for me," Jamie muttered under her breath.
They split off, Allison browsing one side of the store while Lydia practically tore through the racks like she was on a mission. Jamie hovered near the door, feeling awkward and out of place. She was just about to suggest heading to the food court when Allison appeared beside her.
"You know," Allison said softly, "If you're worried about going alone, you could ask Isaac to go with you."
Jamie blinked, caught off guard. "What? Why would I do that?"
Allison shrugged, her tone casual but her expression kind. "I've see you guys together at school. You've been hanging out, right?"
"We're just friends," Jamie said quickly, a little too defensive.
Allison raised an eyebrow but didn't push. "Okay. Just thought I'd mention it."
Jamie glanced away, the idea swirling in her head despite her protests. Before she could dwell on it, Lydia called out from across the store.
"Jamie! Over here!"
Jamie sighed and made her way over to Lydia, who was holding up a stunning dress with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt. "Try this on," Lydia commanded, thrusting it into Jamie's arms.
Jamie stared at it. "I don't even like green."
"It'll bring out your eyes," Lydia countered without missing a beat. "Go. Dressing room. Now."
Jamie sighed again but obeyed, slipping into the dressing room and reluctantly trying on the dress. To her annoyance, it fit perfectly, and Lydia was right—the colour did make her eyes pop. It didn't mean she liked it though. And it definitely didn't mean she was going to the formal. She stepped out of the dressing room, and Lydia's face lit up in triumph.
"See? I'm always right," Lydia said, circling Jamie like a designer inspecting her work.
Jamie glanced at herself in the mirror, feeling a pang of unease. "Why are you being so nice to me?"
Lydia's hands paused on a hanger, and she turned to Jamie with a raised eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Jamie hesitated. "You know I tried to kiss Jackson."
Lydia's expression faltered a moment, and then softened slightly. "Jamie, I don't pretend to understand whatever…thing you and Jackson have. But I know it's important to you. And to him." She paused, then smirked. "Besides, I think you can do better than Jackson Whittemore."
Jamie snorted, caught off guard by the comment. "That's rich, coming from you."
Lydia shrugged, her smirk turning into a genuine smile. "Whatever. I'm not here to hold grudges. Life's too short for that."
Jamie looked at Lydia, unsure of what to say. For the first time, she saw a side of Lydia that felt real. Vulnerable, even.
Lydia handed her another dress, breaking the moment. "Now go try this one on. I'm buying." Jamie frowned at her.
"You don't have to do that," she protested.
"I want to," Lydia said firmly. "Consider it my good deed for the year."
Jamie didn't argue this time. As she returned to the dressing room, a small smile played on her lips.
Friday rolled around and the school halls were buzzing with excitement for the upcoming formal, but Jamie felt more like a ghost than a participant. Everyone else seemed to have their plans in order—couples making last-minute preparations, friends planning their outfits, and everyone talking about the dance. Jamie wasn't part of that conversation. She had spent the morning trying to avoid the topic, trying to distract herself with anything else.
Her fingers fidgeted with the strap of her bag as she walked through the hallway. She knew she should probably just leave it. Forget asking Isaac. He probably had a date, and even if he didn't, he'd most likely say no. Still, part of her needed to try.
Isaac was leaning against his locker, looking his usual self—slouched, a little out of place, but kind of calm. He was fiddling with his lacrosse stick, checking the strings and making it look like something he was genuinely focused on. Jamie's heart started to race a little faster.
She cleared her throat, the words already forming on the tip of her tongue. "Hey, Isaac."
He looked up, flashing her that half-smile, the one that made her feel both like she was the only person in the room and completely invisible at the same time.
"Hey," he greeted her back. "What's up?"
She shuffled her feet, trying to keep things casual. "I was, uh… I was wondering. Are you going to the formal tonight?"
Isaac raised an eyebrow, giving her an amused look. "Me? Nah. That's not really my scene," he said, then smirked. "I didn't think it would be yours either."
Jamie felt her stomach drop, but she fought to keep her expression neutral. She shrugged, trying to downplay it. "Yeah, not really. But I was thinking about going anyway, you know, just to check it out."
Isaac tilted his head slightly, a curious look in his eyes. "Oh yeah? I figured you'd be more into something like, I don't know, dark alleyways or hanging out in the woods." He was teasing, but there was something in the way he said it that made her feel a little lighter, like he was trying to make it less awkward.
She couldn't keep the next part of her thought to herself. "Well, I was actually going to ask if you wanted to go with me," she said quickly, her words tumbling out before she could stop them. Her face burned as she glanced up at him.
Isaac blinked in surprise. The smile he gave her was more genuine than she'd expected, his eyes lighting up a little, like he wasn't sure how to react to her question. "You were going to ask me to the formal?" he repeated, clearly flattered. "Huh. Didn't see that coming."
She scratched the back of her neck awkwardly. "Yeah, just… you know, as friends. I figured it might be fun."
Isaac's smile faded slightly, replaced by a more reluctant look. "I wish I could, but..." He trailed off, rubbing his neck. "I can't. I have to work tonight."
Jamie's heart sank, but she quickly masked her disappointment with a shrug. "Oh. Yeah. I get it. Work's important."
Isaac gave a tight, forced smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, my dad's got me on this night shift tonight, so I'm stuck there." He paused, then added with an uncomfortable laugh, "And you know how it is, right? Can't really say no to your dad when he's the boss."
Jamie could tell there was something deeper there—something about the way he said it, like he didn't quite believe the words coming out of his mouth. His tone was light, but there was a tinge of something else, something unspoken, hanging in the air between them.
"You're really not going?" she asked, trying to make it sound casual, but her concern was obvious.
Isaac shook his head. "Nope," he said, voice a little more final now. He gave her a grin, but it was forced. "Maybe next time, huh?"
Jamie nodded slowly, the words not quite matching the disappointment that twisted in her chest. She smiled, trying to be light-hearted. "Yeah, maybe next time."
As she turned to leave, she caught the smallest glimpse of something in Isaac's eyes. A flicker of vulnerability—maybe even frustration—that he quickly masked with another smile. She wanted to ask him what was really going on, to push him for more, but the way he quickly changed the subject made her feel like she'd crossed some invisible line.
"Anyway," Isaac said, shrugging it off, "Don't have too much fun without me."
"Yeah, you too," she replied, forcing herself to smile as she walked away.
Jamie stood in front of the mirror, taking in the unfamiliar sight of herself. Her makeup was subtle, just enough to highlight her features without drawing too much attention—just a soft dusting of bronzer, a hint of mascara, and a nude lip. Her hair, usually wild and untamed, was straightened for the first time in what felt like forever. It hung down her back in smooth waves, a stark contrast to her usual unruly curls.
The dress Lydia had picked for her was simple but elegant - a pale pink satin slip dress that hung just to her mid-thigh. The fabric shimmered slightly under the light, soft and smooth against her skin. It wasn't something Jamie would have picked for herself, but she had to admit, it was kind of beautiful in its simplicity. The pale pink contrasted nicely with her skin tone, and the delicate straps made her feel more sophisticated.
She stood there for a moment, fidgeting with the silver heels her mom had lent her. She wasn't used to wearing heels, but at least they made her feel a little more put together than she usually did.
As she turned away from the mirror, adjusting the straps on her shoulders, she realized there was something missing. It wasn't just the fact that Isaac wouldn't be there. It was the fact that she didn't feel like herself in this world of formalities and dances. But she had decided to go anyway. If nothing else, it would be a distraction from everything else she had been avoiding. Anyway, she didn't need a boy to take her. Lately all they'd been doing was getting her in trouble.
She sighed, glancing at her phone one last time. No texts from Isaac. She didn't really expect any, but it still stung.
Just as she walked out into the hallway, she bumped into Scott, who was rushing to get ready. He stood frozen for a second when he saw her, his eyes wide. He had never seen her like this - dressed up, with her hair done, her makeup subtle but polished.
"Woah," he said, his voice thick with surprise. "You look... like a girl."
Jamie chuckled, a genuine smile spreading across her face. It was such a simple thing to say, but it felt almost like a compliment from her brother.
"Yeah, well, I can clean up when I try," she replied, trying to shrug it off, though she couldn't help but feel a little better.
Scott didn't say anything for a moment, just looking at her with a slight smile. But then his face fell slightly, and he ran a hand through his hair.
"I'm, uh... not sure I can give you a ride," he said, his voice edged with the stress that had been hanging over him all day. He looked like he had barely gotten a chance to take a breath in between rushing around and trying to get himself together. "Everything's kind of crazy right now."
Jamie tilted her head, catching the tension in his shoulders. She had hoped she wouldn't have to turn up alone, but she didn't want to pressure him.
"I'll just take a cab," she said, waving him off with a casual shrug. "It's no big deal."
Scott nodded. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The tension between them was palpable, like they were both trying to figure out how to interact in this new, unfamiliar space.
"Uh, I gotta go," Scott said, quickly adjusting the collar of his shirt as if trying to mask his own discomfort. "But, uh... have fun tonight. You look great, really."
"Thanks," Jamie said, offering him a small smile as he started down the stairs, clearly still preoccupied with whatever stress he was carrying.
Scott disappeared downstairs, and she followed him a moment later. She stepped out into the cool night air and headed toward the cab that had pulled up to the house.
Jamie sat back against the worn leather seat of the taxi, trying to focus on her breathing. She fidgeted with her fingers, twisting them anxiously in her lap. She glanced out of the window, watching the trees blur past. The dense forest seemed to stretch for miles, its shadows long and heavy in the evening light. The further they drove, the more the familiar landmarks of Beacon Hills disappeared, replaced by the wild, untamed woods of the preserve.
Wait a second. This wasn't the way to the school.
She glanced at the cab driver, but he was silent, focused on the road, his face hidden behind the rim of his cap. The rhythmic hum of the tires filled the quiet of the car, and Jamie's stomach twisted into a knot.
"Hey," she called, her voice slightly shaky. "Where are you taking me?"
The driver didn't respond. He just kept his eyes on the road, his knuckles white against the steering wheel.
A cold chill crept up Jamie's spine. The trees around the car had begun to crowd in closer, the forest enveloping the road in its dark, oppressive silence. They were deep into the preserve now, and it was too quiet. Too still.
Her heart began to race. Panic surged in her chest. She reached for her purse to check her phone but her fingers froze. It wasn't there. Her stomach dropped as she realized in horror that she must have left it at home.
The car sped up, taking a sharp turn off the paved road and heading deeper into the trees. Jamie's mind raced, her breath coming quicker now. She had to get out. She had to get out now.
"Stop the car!" she demanded, but the driver only sped up, ignoring her. "I said stop!"
Her pulse pounded in her ears as her gaze flicked to the door handle. There was no time to think. The panic was building, suffocating her. She wasn't about to wait around for whatever was coming.
Without warning, she threw the door open, her hands trembling as she clutched the handle. The wind rushed at her face, the roar of the engine suddenly drowned out by the overwhelming sound of her own heartbeat. Before she could stop herself, she flung herself out of the moving car.
The cold night air hit her like a slap in the face as the ground rushed up to meet her. Her bare skin scraped against the gravel as she hit the dirt. The impact sent a jolt through her body, and she gasped, feeling a sharp sting in her wrist where it had twisted awkwardly beneath her. Pain exploded in her leg, and she looked down to see a small tree branch sticking out. Without a second thought, she ripped it out, groaning in pain as blood dripped down her thigh, staining her dress.
She scrambled to her feet, disoriented and breathless, as the cab screeched to a halt up ahead.
Adrenaline shot through her, her legs burning as she took off, barefoot on the cold earth, her silver heels discarded behind her. The forest around her was dark and unfamiliar, the trees thick and tangled. She ran without thinking, her mind locked into a single purpose.
Her heart raced in her chest, every muscle screaming as she pushed herself faster, farther into the trees. The sharp branches and rocks beneath her feet didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was the pounding of her feet against the earth, the rush of the wind against her face, and the growing sense that she was running from something far worse than she could ever have imagined.