I looked around the empty living room. The only sound that could be heard was the eerie ticking of the over head clock. My eyes travelled to the mirror that hung on the wall, a little girl look back at me, her big brown eyes filled with curiosity. A mop of brown curls cascaded down her shoulders. I soon realized I was this little girl.

Seven year old me jumped as the front door swung open with a loud bang. Loud footsteps pounded against the floor, as the person came closer to the living room.

"There's daddy's little girl." The voice was slurred, a the figured stumbled into the room.

It was my father.

He walked closer to the younger version of me, tightly wrapping his arms around my petite figure. The stench of alcohol burned my nostrils as he pulled me closer to him.

"Daddy stop, you're hurting me."

And then something clicked, I realized this wasn't a dream. It was a memory.

My father pulled away, and suddenly he wasn't my father, but instead one of the Dread Doctors.

A scream tore through my throat as terrifying clicking noise came from the creatures mouth.  I stumbled backwards as it got closer and closer, before I had a chance to do anything else, the thing was right in front of me, it's hand reaching towards me.

"Wake her up!" It was Scott's voice now. "Theo, wake her up! Do it now-"

I shot up off the couch with a scream, my chest rapidly rising and falling as I tried to catch my breath. I looked over to Theo who was watching me with wide eyes, apparently I had fallen asleep on him at some point. 

"Sydney, what's wrong?" Scott asked, his eyes filled with worry, as were everyone else's in the room. He moved toward me, stopping so he could crouch in front of me. He rested a hand on my shoulder, forcing me to look him in the eyes.

"You were screaming." Stiles announced, ruining any chance I had of lying and telling them I was fine.

"I had a nightmare." I explained, finally starting to catch my breath.

"What kind of nightmare?" Lydia asked slowly, almost as if she was afraid of my answer. 

I let out a sigh as I looked down at my hands, "It was a memory."

Scott's hand slowly fell from where it was resting on my shoulder. "Okay, that's enough for tonight." he announced standing up, everyone else followed suit, all of them giving me worried looks as they collected their stuff.

"Call me if you need me Syd." Lydia said softly as she followed the rest of the group out the door.

I nodded as I gave her a thankful smile. Scott followed them to the door, bidding farewell to everyone, however one stayed behind. Theo watched me with curious eyes as sat on the couch, I looked up, catching his gaze, "What?" I questioned, immediately self conscious.

He shook his head, "Just wanted to make sure you're okay." he answered, quickly looking over his shoulder as the rest of the group left. 

I gave him a warm smile, pushing myself to my meet. "It was just a dream." I promised, trying to convince both he and myself. 

Theo nodded, giving me a final glance before making his way toward the front door. He said a few words to Scott before making his leave. As I went to climb the stairs, Scott gave me an amused look.

"Stop looking at me like that." I demanded, giving him a confused look.

Scott wore a teasing smile, "So you and Theo?"

I rolled my eyes as I began making my way up to my room, "He's just being nice." I shot back. And besides, I was still in love with Liam.

As I made my way into my room, the memory was still etched in my brain as I got ready for bed. I tried to push it aside as I got changed, brushed my teeth and washed my face, but it still lingered. 

I had just flicked off the light, and got into bed when the room was lit up again. I shot up to see Scott standing at my doorway, blankets and pillows in hand.

"What are you doing?" I questioned, pushing myself up onto my elbows.

"I'm sleeping in here tonight." he answered, throwing his pillows onto the bed.

"You don't have to do that." I whispered, my heart swelling at the sight of my big brother. 

"Yes I do." he replied flopping down beside me. "I'm keeping you safe." he promised.

---

I felt jealousy boil up inside of me as I glared out at the field. Sophia had insisted we come watch the lacrosse guys practice, but unfortunately the weren't the only one's out here. The girls soccer team was also warming up. Which meant I had to sit wand watch Liam and Hayden try to impress each other. I wasn't exactly sure when those two became 'buddy buddy' but I knew for sure that I didn't like it.

I scoffed as Liam glanced back at Hayden after every shot he took on net to see if she was watching.

"Okay I thought you broke up with him?" Sophia broke the silence, turning to face me.

"I did!" I argued, finally pulling my eyes away from the field. 

She gave me a look, "Well then why do you care so much that they're flirting?"

"I- he, well-" I clamped my mouth shut not knowing what to say. I hadn't told anyone the real reason I ended things, almost too embarrassed to do so. So, instead I said nothing. 

"Okay, second question of the day," Sophia changed the topic, her eyes locked elsewhere, "Why is Holden staring at you?"

I furrowed my brow, as I allowed my eyes to follows hers. Holden sent me a smile as our eyes connected. I gave him a small wave, meanwhile trying to mutter to Sophia to stop freaking out, as that is exactly what she was doing. 

My gaze then set on Liam , who was glaring at Holden. Finally my eyes fell on Hayden who was now watching Liam, with a slightly annoyed look on her face.

Sophia let out a laugh as she leaned back, "Theo, Holden and Liam? Wow, Syd, look at you go. You've started a love square."

My head shot toward her, "No!" I snapped, trying to defend myself, "I have nothing going on with any of them." I promised. And it was the truth-for the most part. 

Sophia didn't have anytime to craft a response as before we knew it, a kid from the grade above us came rushing out onto the field, "Does anyone here have asthma? Does anyone have an inhaler?"

My head snapped towards Liam. who was already looking at me with wide eyes. "Scott!" I gasped, already on my feet and making my way toward Liam who had already started toward the school.

"Where does he keep his extra ones?" Liam yelled as I caught up to him, neither of us breaking our stride.

"In his gym locker!" I answered, pushing past a few kids as we barged into the school. 

The two of us sprinted toward the locker room, coming to a stop in front of Scott's locker. Fear gnawed at my stomach as the realization that I didn't know his combination hit me.

"I-I don't know his combo." I admitted, almost breaking down in a mess of terrified tears.

"Back up." Liam ordered. I did as he said, and as soon as I was against the wall he began kicking the lock. After a few solid kicks the door gave way, falling right off of its hinges.

As soon as the door was open, I reached onto the top shelf as grabbed the extra inhaler that I knew for a fact Scott kept. Although he hadn't had an asthma attack for the past two years, he always kept an extra inhaler, and thank God he did.

"He's in AP Biology!" I called as I set off down the hall, Liam right beside me.

As we reached the room I was out of breath, and was very close to needing an inhaler myself.
Liam and I pushed past the crowd of people by the door.

"We got it! We've got the inhaler!" Liam called as the two of us knelt down beside Scott.

"Here." I panted, shoving the object into my brother's hand.

Scott still struggled for air, but didn't bring the inhaler up to his lips.

"Scott." I urged.

"Scott come on." Liam encouraged, but Scott didn't budge.

"Scott!" Liam growled, his eyes changing to yellow.

That seemed to get Scott's attention as he pulled the inhaler up to his mouth, taking a big breath.

I let out a sigh of relief as I sat down on the cold floor, closing my eyes, attempting to catch my breath.

"Thanks." Scott said looking between Liam and I.

I pushed myself off of the floor so I was closer to Scott."This isn't good is it?" I whispered. 

"No, it's not."

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-maddy xoxo