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I woke up for school the following morning, feeling absolutely terrible. My eyes were puffy from crying and I was still on the verge of a mental breakdown. I went into the small bathroom, and fixed my appearance as best I could. It didn’t take me long to select my clothes as I only had three outfits really. I put on a long-sleeved shirt to hide my hand that was red and swollen. Whenever I tried to move it, it throbbed painfully. Even when I didn’t move it, it constantly ached. I blew out a breath and let the sleeves fall over my hands.
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I grabbed my backpack and threw it over my shoulder as I walked out the door. My hair was tied up in a messy ponytail and I had rehidden my scar. I hadn’t had much make-up left, so I hoped it was enough to get me through today. I had no idea what I was supposed to do about my hand and I was too terrified to say anything to anyone about it. I just had to act like everything was as normal as could be. I wasn’t going to talk to anyone. Not even Laura. She had probably been nice just so I’d get lured into that house with her and her aunt. I was not going to fall for it anymore. She had let her aunt hurt me and she didn’t seem to care.
I made it to school and I didn’t let the group see me. I slipped past them and to my first class. Unfortunately pretty much all of them were in it so I would see them soon enough. I was already in my seat when the bell rang and the other students entered the room. I stared down at my desk and prayed I’d hidden the evidence of my mental and emotional state well enough. I knew if someone looked hard enough then they would notice the light shadows beneath my eyes that even makeup couldn’t hide that well and also how red they were from crying for most of the night.
The second bell hadn’t rung yet so unfortunately, class wasn’t going to start yet. I prayed no one would talk to me. Scott decides to sit down right next to me.
“Hey, we are having a Christmas party at my house on Saturday.” He whispered. I didn’t really understand why he felt the need to, no one was listening.
“Also, you wouldn’t be interested in working at the vet clinic, would you?” I contemplated his question, about to repulsively refuse, but then I remembered that I only have a week's worth of money left.
“Why are you randomly asking that and why would I care if you’re having a Christmas party?” my tone had no snarkiness to it. It just sounded empty and void of emotion. Scott was, of course, delusional.
“Okay, Ms.Snarky-Pants MgGee. I’m just wondering in case you need a job. Also, I need someone to cover my shift on Tuesday next week.” he explained.
“Then thanks I guess. I do need a job.” I admitted. I had no energy to try to make a retort and I honestly needed this.
“Alright cool. Meet me at the clinic after school. I sort of already told my boss you would come.” He said, giving me a nervous smile.
“I just need the address.” was all I could reply with. I felt like I was half dead. My hand hurt worse now and it was getting harder to ignore it. He wrote it down on a paper, and then wrote his home address for the Christmas Party.
“Thanks.” I muttered, half-heartedly. I glanced up for a moment as I said it and I noticed that Laura wasn’t in the room. I felt relieved. At least I wouldn’t have to deal with that confrontation today. Scott went over to Stiles and sat behind him as usual. Stiles, I noticed, looked concerned. He was tapping his foot nervously and he kept glancing at Laura’s empty seat. I rolled my eyes as the second bell rang.
The aching in my hand got worse as each minute passed. I couldn’t hear anything anymore as all I could focus on was my hand. I suddenly felt sick and I didn’t know if it was from the pain or the anxiety. Maybe both. Without saying a word, I ran from the classroom. The door slammed behind me and I ran into the nearest bathroom. The throbbing was beginning to accelerate at a quick speed. So much so, that I began to hold back tears.
I flew into a stall, and slammed it, hoping it would make me feel better. Which it didn’t. I could sense that there were other people in here too, but the pain was too much to bear. I started to quietly cry on the floor of the bathroom. This actually did make me feel a bit better, until I heard a familiar breathing pattern to my right. There was also someone in here crying. I looked at the shoes. They were embroidered with flowers going up the side. There was someone else in the stall too.
“Shhh, hey it's okay. It’s just a book. None of this actually happened.” The voice giggled
“Laura?” I blurted, realizing I had just blown my cover. The voices stopped, and I walked out of the stall, quickly wiping tears off my face but avoiding where the scar on my face was. I went to the stall where the voice had come from and tried to push the door open. Why was she in here? The door swung open. Laura was crouched on the toilet, mascara running down her face. And then, there was a woman. Her blonde hair was tied together with a blue claw clip. She looked as though she was in her early twenties.
“Hi!” The woman exclaimed with a nervous smile, trying to cover Laura who was in the middle of an anxiety attack.
I thought I would cry when I saw Laura. I thought it would hurt but honestly I was just angry. “Why are you crying? What does the dramatic Laura Argent have to cry about now?” I snapped. She had friends and she had a family. She didn’t have someone trying to hurt her or have some sort of poison killing her hand.
“I’m sorry, but what the ACTUAL HELL is your problem?” The woman snapped.
“No, it’s okay.” Laura started, about to explain.
“Don’t bother, Laura. I am done falling for this. You don’t care about anyone but yourself.” I couldn’t shout but it was clear if I could, I certainly would have.
“Would everyone calm down! For starters, who are you? And why the hostility towards Laura?” She questioned. She is obviously confused by what is going on, but who does she think she is to butt into our problems like that.
She also seemed like she wanted to try to control the situation. I’d hate to be her because control wasn’t really my thing.
“Why does it matter to you? It isn’t any of your concern and I doubt Laura even remembers or cares. I wouldn’t talk to her. She’ll just stab you in the back. Possibly literally.” I retorted.
“Well, it matters to me because I hate to see two friends fighting. So, if you could tell me what this anger is all about, maybe we could work through this together.” The woman reasons.
“We aren’t friends.” I snapped.
“Then how come you accepted the 'Scotts Christmas Party' invite?” She snarkily asked
“I didn’t! I have no interest in being anywhere near any of you! You and Stiles with your stupid tension is absolutely sickening to watch and… and I HATE YOU!” I quickly wiped the tears away from my eyes and stumbled back a step.
“First of all, let's not say things we don’t mean. Secondly, Laura, since when have you and Stiles-”
“That’s not what we’re talking about right now.” She quipped.
“Oh my lord, Derek is going to get a kick out of this. Not going to lie, I kind of saw it in his stories, but still.” She continued, “So, tell me, how far have you two gone?” She inquired further with a wink.
“How has this conversation turned into a police questioning?” Laura said, throwing her hands up in the air.
“She hasn’t done anything! She just strings him along because she has nothing better to do and hurting people seems to be her special talent.” I muttered. The pain in my hand was starting to make me go light-headed. Did Kate say the poison could kill me? Just my hand? I couldn’t really remember.
“Well, that sounds extremely frustrating. Laura, is it true that you have been stringing him along?”
“What? Mia, how long have we been friends for? Why would I ever do that to anyone?” she asked.
“I’d say we’ve been friends for approximately 10 minutes. And in those 10 minutes, I have found out that your friend is indeed in need of your help and feels betrayed by you. I have made it my life goal to fix your relationship. I mean look at her, she's practically dying!”
I wanted to say something. Some remark. I couldn’t do it though. I leaned against the wall of the stall and tried to take a deep breath. Was I dying? I felt panic rising in me and I felt the familiar feeling of not being able to breathe.
“Holy shit! She is dying! Laura, what do I do?”
This only made me panic more. I didn’t move my arm as it would hurt and I didn’t need them to see. I could deal with this myself.
“It’s okay, let me just call Derek. He will know what to do.” She pulls out her phone but it flies out of her hand and drops into the toilet. “Laura, you wouldn’t happen to have Derek's number now would you?” She questions, her voice laced with panic.
“Yeah, here just take my phone.” She stated, and quickly handed her, her phone from her back pocket.
“Oh my goodness, you are literally a lifesaver.” She takes Laura’s phone and calls Derek. Meanwhile, it is getting harder for me to breathe and my vision has started going blurry. I sank down to the floor and as I did, my sleeve rolled up, exposing my hand. It looked so much worse than it had earlier. I didn’t want to look at it so I looked at the floor. I didn’t know what to do. I felt a few tears of panic leave my eyes. 251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUv7Hshofj
I woke up in what looked like a doctor's office, but a little more rustic.
“Didn’t think we would be meeting like this.” A male voice chuckled as I started to come to. I jerked up immediately, panicking. What had happened? Where was I? What was happening?
“Another Teen Werewolf, huh?” He asked rhetorically, probably talking to himself
“No, I’m not.” I said quickly, edging away from him. Who was he? Where was I? It was the same questions constantly running through my head.
“Does Scott know?” He yelled over the clanging of all his tools going back into their disorganized compartments.
“Know what?” I asked, getting to my feet and backing up towards the door, and then immediately falling over.
“Nope.” He spoke, almost like a delayed reaction.
“The injection is going to make it so that your legs are of no use for at least another two hours.” He explained, throwing away a certain part of the syringe.
“What the hell?” I muttered. I felt a little afraid. I couldn’t get away and I didn’t know where I was or who this was.
“We haven’t formally met. My name is Alan, Alan Deaton. I run the vet clinic here at Beacon Hills.” He told me as he sterilized his hands.
“You’re Scott’s boss then?” I asked hesitantly.
“Yep,” He nodded, “You can call me Deaton. Your friend Scott said that he thought you’d do pretty well here at the clinic, and I definitely can see us getting along.” He chuckled.
“Speaking of Scott,” he continued, “He should be here in about five minutes to take you home.”
“No.” I blurted.
“Welp, you cannot drive my friend.” He stated, gesturing to my legs.
“How did I even get here?” I knew I sounded frustrated and upset. I didn’t have the energy to hide it and I honestly didn’t care to.
“Well, one of Scott's friends called the clinic. I can’t remember her name. I’ve heard her name quite a few times out of a certain person's mouth. But that's a conversation for another time. Then she and Derek's girlfriend drove you here.” He recalled as he finally finished cleaning up.
“That was quite a poison injected into your bloodstream. Almost intended to harm a werewolf. Only a hunter could have made this.” He contemplated, clearly knowing that I was hiding something.
“I-I don’t know what happened. I woke up this morning and my hand was swollen and I didn’t know what to do.” It wasn’t exactly a lie.
“It’s alright. Part of my job as a supernatural-veterinarian is to not ask questions. You need to learn to do the same.”
“I don’t want anything to do with the supernatural!” I shouted.
“It’s a little too late now.” He factualized, “You’re already involved. But here is something to be optimistic about: you got the job!” He smiled, as he leaned back against the counter with his arms crossed. Suddenly, the bell on the front door chimed, and Stiles and Scott come walking in. Stiles with a pen and notepad, and Scott with a stupid smile on his face.
“Well, well, well look what the cat dragged in.” Scott quipped.
“Dude, this isn’t the time. There is clearly someone poisoning random people and we need to figure out who it is.” Stiles explained, looking like a cop, which he definitely wasn’t. Scott looked up at Deaton, who almost barely shook his head. This meant that what Stiles was saying wasn't- all true, but no one wanted to say anything.
“Listen, I really appreciate you guys coming to pick me up, but I don’t want to be causing any trouble. I’m sure Derek’s girlfriend is probably on her way. So thank you, Scott, for showing up. But it’s completely unnecessary.” I stated, trying to avoid the awkwardness that would be getting into Scott’s car. Then again, the door chimed. And a cheeky-looking Mia, a smirky Derek, and a pissed-off Laura walked into the clinic.
“Oh my goodness! Sydney are you okay? I called Derek and-”
“Actually, you used my phone to call Derek. Then I took it out of your hands, and called Deaton ‘cause you were taking too long.” Laura snapped, clearly in a bad mood.
“They were flirting the whole car ride. And it was bad flirting.” She whispered into my ear.
“First of all, Laura, I can hear you, and there is no such thing as bad flirting. You, of course, wouldn’t know and I can’t even say why because we are in mixed company.” She threw an exaggerated wink, which caused a guilty Laura to roll her eyes. “Secondly, you called Deaton, I called Derek potayto-potahto, all that matters is that we are all here and in good health. Well, relatively.” She throws a glance at me, “And lastly, I brought you a lollipop to make you feel better!”
“I don’t need your pity.” I say, trying to stand again. As soon as I was about to collapse again, Scott picked me up bridal style.
“Alright let's head out.”
“Put me down!” I shrieked, trying to use my hands to dislodge his grip.
“I’ll see you on Tuesday.” Deaton chuckled.
Scott carried me to the parking lot, and I hated every second of it. I like to do things myself.
“Damnit McCall.” I murmured
“Pick your poison.” Stiles stated, gesturing to the two cars.
“Too soon.” Laura giggled
I contemplated which would be worse, a car ride with Derek, Mia and Scott, or a car ride with Laura and Stiles. I then realized the endless ways I could embarrass Laura.
“Whichever car that Scott is not in.” I spoke
“Ouch.” Scott laughed
“I think I’m speaking for everyone here, when I say that this sexual tension is almost too much to handle.” Laura joked.
“Laura, I couldn’t agree more!” Mia exclaimed and high-fived Laura. Meanwhile, Scott was still carrying me, and due to my paralyzed legs I could do nothing about that situation.
“Okay, I have a girlfriend that happens to be your sister.” Scott retorted
“I’ve actually got to head back to my apartment, Scott. You’re going to have to ride with them.” Derek commented after checking his phone.
“Okay, so I guess I’ll go with Stiles and Laura.” Mia confirmed.
“Alright, I guess we got a full house.” Stiles laughed, flipping his car keys around his finger.
“Hey, I’m watching you two.” Stiles sarcastically warned Scott and me. I threw my head back and groaned. Scott brought me over to Stiles’ car and opened the passenger door. Gently, he set me inside and went to buckle my seatbelt for me.
“My legs are paralyzed, not my hands, Scott. Nice try though, I can buckle the seatbelt by myself.” I snapped.
“Sorry,” he raised his hands in a surrender position, “I was just trying to help.”
Mia and Laura give each other a look.
“Dude. What is your problem?” I giggle, throwing my hands up.
“They just can’t keep their hands off each other.” Laura said, continuing the uncomfortable conversation.
“In all seriousness though, I really want what's best for you guys. Which is why I’m going to give you some advice. It is always, always, always important,” Mia paused for dramatic effect.
“To use protection!”
Stiles and Laura burst out into laughter.
“Yeah Scott, we want you to know that we will be there with you through your decision. Every step of the way.” Stiles agreed
“Oh my god.” Scott huffed, facepalming.
I rolled my eyes and looked out the window. After ten minutes, we arrived outside my small apartment complex.
“Whyyy- how do you know where I live?” I ask, my anxiety level beginning to rise.
“I may have followed you home a few times.” Laura said quietly with a nervous smile, and two thumbs up.
“That is a complete violation of privacy.” I snapped.
“I was just making sure you weren’t homeless or getting kidnapped.” She remarked
“Well Sydney, that was a very kind thing for Laura to do. Don’t you agree?” Mia questioned.
“No! She should mind her own business. I can handle myself perfectly fine.” I retorted with a scowl. Scott and Stiles were not involved in the conversation whatsoever, they were busy screaming Last Friday Night lyrics at the top of their lungs.
“WE CAN’T HEAR YOU GUYS FIGHTING OVER THIS AMAZING SONG!” Scott screamed.
“ALRIGHT, alright. Guys, someone needs to help Sydney to her apartment. Mia, any suggestions?” Laura questions with a smug look on her face.
“I don’t want to overstep here, but I do think that Sydney would love it if Scott would help her to her apartment.
“NO!” I shouted. I tried to will feeling back into my legs.
“I’m sensing some big emotions right now, let's talk about what you are feeling.”
“It’s okay to feel embarrassed. It happens to all of us. We are here for you.” Laura giggled.
“Right. So who’s there for you and Stiles? I mean the tension must be getting to both of you. Care to vent?” I remarked.
“What?” Stiles retorts.
“What a great way to deflect!” Laura chimes.
“That’s actually a good idea, Sydney, let’s just get all of our emotions out right now. This is a trick I learned while in couples therapy with Derek.”
“You know what? Just take me already. I’m done with this.” I groaned. Scott climbed out of the car and picked me up bridal style once more. As Scott started to walk, Laura rolled down her window.
“I SWEAR TO GOD,” she yelled, loud enough so that the whole neighborhood could hear,
“IF YOU GET HANDSY WITH HER, MIA AND I WILL FIND YOU.”
“DAMN-RIGHT, WE WILL! YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE!”
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