☾

The rather loud pounding of rain beating against my windows fills the silence in my room, the sound oddly comforting. Ever since it started raining, I've held myself up in my room and focused on continuing to unpack my stuff, starting with my large amount of books. While in New York I'd accumulated an insane number of books from this little bookstore where I had spent a majority of my time at and had gotten a part-time job at. It was an escape from the busy city, my sanctuary like my room was before leaving California.

So, here I am, sitting in front of the large bookcase that was in my room before I left since it's in the same shape it was when I left. The light blue walls, sheer yellow curtains, and the fairy lights strung up along the crown molding on the ceiling which is the only source of light right now. Like a friend of mine in New York had, I have a bay window where I usually sat to read.

Familiar and yet a little unfamiliar at the same time. It feels like I haven't been in here in years when in reality, it's only been close to a year.

When it comes to books, they're like my children. I can read all day and never get bored, and sometimes I can finish two thick chapter books in a week since I gained the skill of reading very quickly with the amount of time I've done it. It could be a fiction book, a nonfiction book about science, or even the history of human sexuality, and I'd be content. Not a lot of people read books for pleasure at my age, so I tried to encourage my old friends in New York to do it, and they actually appreciated it. I wish people were like that here in Beacon Hills.

I'm so zoned out that I jump when a loud clap of thunder reaches my ears. I like storms, but most people would've thought differently if they saw me jump, but sometimes when the thunder is loud enough and happens at random times, it startles me.

"You didn't get a fear of storms over there in New York, did you?"

I shuffle around to see Nessaleaning against the door frame, arms crossed over her chest with an amused smile on her lips. "No, I just jump at random times," I retort sarcastically.

"Well, it's getting late, and not to be a total mom about this, you need to get some sleep. Andriana told me after what happened your insomnia got worse," she says bluntly.

My eyes briefly flicker down to the floor. Ever since I was seven I've had trouble sleeping and then it just turned into an ongoing thing, and even now, almost nine years later, I still have trouble sleeping.

"I know, I was about to stop. And my insomnia isn't that bad."

"Okay, then," she says, a little dubiously. "Try to get some sleep. Love you." She gives me a smile before closing the door, and before I can return her words. Well, I don't really say "I love you" that often. Fear, I guess.

A heavy breath leaves my lips as I stand slowly, knees aching since I was sitting on them for a while, and walk over to my bed. I was already in my pj's, a loose-fitting flannel that ended mid-thigh, so I flip back the covers and slide into my comfy bed. I can't help the sigh of content that leaves my lips as I sink into the mattress, feeling worn out from the day. But some thoughts still run through my mind; primarily, Buzz Cut.

In New York, I saw a lot of hot guys and it's natural to feel attracted to them but I never really acted upon my attraction. Hell, I've only ever kissed girls, two to be specific. However, I've never felt an attraction like the one I have towards him. He's super cute and hot at the same time. I don't even know his name and I'm already feeling... Something for him!

Another sigh leaves my lips as I force the thoughts away, eyelids drooping as sleep overtakes me. A flash of red eyes is the last thing I see before spiraling into inky darkness.

☾

Remember how I said I didn't really want to go to lacrosse practice the other day? Well, I don't really want to go to the eliminations today, but Allison begged me with puppy eyes and to be honest, I want to see Buzz Cut. Even if I might not talk to him at practice, there's a chance that I might meet him at Lydia's party tonight, which I am being forced to go to. And I can't deny going with Allison because then I can tease her about her crush on Puppy Eyes, who I've learned is Scott McCall, according to Allison.

She learned his name after he asked her out when she brought a dog she hit to the animal clinic where he works. When she told me that on the phone, I was squealing and yelling, "Called it!"

"See him?" I ask Allison with a smirk, already knowing the answer as she lifts her hand to wave at Scott who was with the other players on the field.

She blushes and mumbles something under her breath, and I find myself looking at the crowd to catch a glimpse at Buzz Cut. Much to my pleasure, he's standing in the front and from this distance, I can see that his face is contoured in an adorable expression.

"Watching that guy again?" Allison asks, making me look at her for a brief moment before back at him.

No point in lying, I guess. She already knows I was looking at him, and she caught me the day before.

"That guy," I say, lifting my hand a little to point at him and finally tearing my gaze from him to look at my friend. "And you can't judge. You've been staring at Scott since school started."

Her cheeks turn red, well, redder. It's cold out and her pale cheeks are flushed and I believe mine are too. "I think he and Scott are friends, so maybe he can introduce you two?" She proposes.

"Or, I can meet him at the party tonight if he's going."

She rolls her eyes while smiling, our gazes going back to the field just in time to see Scott who does a flip over three defense payers! And he scores a goal!

"Holy shit," I gasp, my jaw dropping in complete surprise. From what I saw the other day, he's good but I didn't think he was that good.

Coach calls him over and I can't hear what he says, but once he finishes, Scott has a huge puppy dog grin on his face while bouncing on his heels. He must've made first line. I stand up and cheer with Allison, clapping like everyone else.

Well, everyone but Buzz Cut.

☾

My eyes flit over the swarm of intoxicated teenagers dancing in the backyard of Lydia's house, some grinding against each other and some just dancing with more than one person. Fairy lights are strung up across the yard that almost remind me of my room. Almost, being the keyword. The music is blasting in my ears, which doesn't bother me that much. I saw Allison and Scott arrive a while ago and now they're among the crowd of teens, dancing, so that is another person I know who is here with someone while I'm alone.

Awesome. Just awesome. Notice my sarcasm, please and thank you.

I'm dressed comfortably in tight black jeans, a white camisole over a loose cropped gray sweater over it, and just to add to my height, black knee-high boots with chunky heels. Nessa insisted on doing my makeup, which turned out to be fantastic. Long eyelashes, perfect amount of gold-brown eye shadow and my lips painted a bold red. Her words were, "You should at least have a normal high school experience and looking like a bombshell at a party is apart of that."

Currently, I'm leaning against a wall, one knee bent with the sole of my boot against the bricks and my arms crossed over my chest. Back in New York, I went to a couple parties with my friends, often getting a buzz but not drunk, as I didn't want to get a hangover. My aunt was cool with it, said it'll give me a lesson on not to drink too much and to prepare me for college parties, but it was my uncle who tried to discourage me from doing so since he's a doctor and knows the effects of drinking. They were usually fun, the apartment filled to the brim with drunk teenagers who were dancing and making out, some in the bedrooms having some private fun.

But I don't really know that many people here like I did over there, so I don't really know how to handle this.

I was thinking about moving to another place, maybe get something to drink when a rather tipsy Lydia in a stylish dress approaches me with two red solo cups in her hands. Well, more like stumbled towards me.

"Heeyy," she slurs, obviously having just too much of whatever concoction she's serving. But her glazed eyes narrow at my bored expression. "Oh, come on, Mare!" She whines, a goofy smile on her plump lips. "You need to loosen up and have some fun."

Her eyes light up with a thought and she shoves one of the cups into my hands. Looking into it, it's only about a quarter full of some type of liquid. Why only a quarter full? Oh well, that's a drunk Lydia Martin for you.

"Drink, have fun! It's a party!"

With that she stumbles away, probably off to find Jackson. I sigh and bring the cup to my lips, its potent scent already invading my senses as I tip my head back, downing all of it in one gulp. I start to cough as the liquid burns my throat, covering my mouth with the inside of my elbow and dropping the cup. Gosh, never let drunk Lydia mix different types of alcohol together.

"You okay?"

I jump and spin around, blinking rapidly to get rid of the water in my eyes from the coughing fit. Standing there before me is Buzz Cut who looks concerned. My eyes quickly scan over him, seeing him in a pink button-down, a tie in a dark shade of red and a light gray blazer. Odd outfit for a party, but it suits him.

"Yes," I answer quickly, glaring down at the empty solo cup I had dropped. "Just a horribly mixed drink. Probably why different alcohols should never be combined."

His lips quirk in a soft smile, my eyes flickering down to them before back to his eyes. "Well, I just wanted to say you look really beautiful tonight," he compliments, cheeks going red and eyes wide, myself having a similar reaction. "N-not that you don't look beautiful every day – which you do – it's just you look even more beautiful tonight."

I can't help but smile at his ramblings, finding it rather adorable. "Thanks," I say genuinely. "And you don't look too bad yourself."

He chuckles and nervously scratches the back of his neck, looking down at his shoes for a few moments before looking back up and holding out his hand. "I'm Stiles," he smiles.

I take his hand, the same jolt of electricity from the first day racing up my arm but I try to ignore it as I shake his hand firmly before letting go. "Mary Anne." I wince, remembering he already knows that. "And you already know that, so I don't really know why I just told you that when you already know my name."

Great, now I'm the one rambling.

Why do I have to be so awkward around a really cute guy?

"Sorry," I apologize, face red and feeling embarrassed as I avoid his intense gaze.

"I—it's okay," he stutters slightly, making me look back at him. Even with the boots he still has a few inches on me, and with that, I realize how close we got during our conversation. There's only a couple of inches between us. "It's a habit of mine, so I understand."

A little chuckle of relief leaves my lips, reaching up to tuck a curl behind my ear. We stand there for a few moments in semi-awkward silence before I break it. "Wanna dance with me?" I ask, looking straight into his eyes as a surge of confidence rushes through me.

His eyes widen, shock coloring his whiskey eyes. "Me?" He asks, pointing to himself and looking behind him to make sure I was talking to him.

He is so adorable.

I giggle, catching his attention. "Yes you, silly," I say sweetly.

He nods eagerly, grinning while his already flushed cheeks get even darker when I take his hand and lead him to the crowd. Oh, my Gods, his hand is large compared to mine, warm and clammy, meaning I'm not the only one who's nervous.

Stopping at a little spot, I turn around and look up at him, placing my hands on his shoulders while shifting a bit closer to him. His eyes are wide while looking into mine, arms by his sides as I just sway. It's weird to slow dance to an upbeat song and he isn't even touching me which I kinda want him to do.

"You can put your hands on me, you know," I tease him lightly.

He nods, mostly to himself and I feel his trembling hands come up to hold my waist. Huh, a gentleman... I like it.

"See, it's not that hard."

He huffs out a quiet laugh, smiling while his eyes light up. Up close, I can see how pink his lips are and how the closest mole is about an inch away from the left corner of his mouth. We sway together, one of my hands moving to the back of his neck while we move closer to each other, his hands never straying from my waist, and no words are exchanged between us. Just his whiskey brown eyes staring into my icy blue ones, our faces slowly moving closer.

My bare arms that were once chilly became warm from our close proximity, my chest lightly pressed against his as some invisible magnetic force attracts my body to his. His flushed cheeks are now a deep shade of red, lips parted slightly. I want to kiss him right now, just to see if his lips feel as soft as they look. Just as I start to gather the courage to do it, someone bumps into us, making my head move to his shoulder as he almost falls over on top of me.

"Hey! Watch where you're–Scott!?"

Stiles' eyes widen at the mention of his friend's name, watching as he moves through the crowds deliriously. At the brief glance I had of him, he looked kind of sick. I look back at Stiles to see his eyes swimming with concern, my hands moving away from his body which makes him look back at me. "Go check on Scott," I yell over the music, smiling at him reassuringly. "I get it."

He smiles gratefully at me. "I'll make this up to you!" He promises, letting go of me and running off to chase his friend.

A little sigh leaves my lips and I catch a glimpse of Allison, who rushes towards me. "Did you see Scott?" She asks, which I nod to. She takes my hand and pulls me along with her through the house to chase him, ignoring my protests. Just as we make it down the steps and to the driveway, Scott is driving off. My eyes move over everywhere, trying to look for Stiles since he'd most likely be with Scott, but no such luck.

"Maybe he's sick?" I suggest to her, seeing her disappointed face.

She smiles weakly at me, but an unfamiliar voice speaks out from behind us. "Allison." We look back to see who the voice belongs to. Tall, dark hair, black leather jacket, and a white t-shirt. Kinda cliche but I can tell he's pretty damn hot. "I'm a friend of Scott's," he says, which is obviously a lie. I keep my eyes on him as he walks closer to us, smiling. "My name's Derek."

My eyes narrow at him, the name familiar but I can't place it. Why is it that people who I don't know seem so familiar to me?

"He wanted me to take you home," he tells us, eyes falling to me. "You, too, Mary Anne." How does he know my name?

"Sure," Allison answers hesitantly, tightening her grip on my hand and I do the same.

His smile doesn't reach his eyes, but we follow him to his Camaro. I get in the back and Allison in the passenger seat, buckling up as Derek silently starts the car and takes off. Something about him seems off, something dangerous and dark.

I ignore their conversation, and it seems like a long time pasts when Derek pulls up to Allison's house. "Thanks for the ride, Derek," Allison says with a small smile, getting out but not before sending me a concerned glance. I give her a small nod and she doesn't look entirely convinced but doesn't continue. As soon as the door is shut, Derek shifts gears and takes off once more, towards the direction of my house. Wait, how does he know where I live? I never told him.

"Why did you lie about being Scott's friend?" I speak up, trying not to sound scared because honestly, he kinda scares me.

His eyes meet mine in the rear view mirror briefly, his dark eyebrows raised. "How did you know I was lying?" He avoids the question.

"I have this thing where I can tell when most people are lying and you were lying about being Scott's friend. So, how 'bout you tell me why."

I can see his fists clenching around the wheel, speeding up a bit. "It's none of your concern right now," he says vaguely. Right now?

"And how do you know my name? I'm pretty sure that I've never met you," I say, starting to think that he's some stalker.

He doesn't respond, eyes glued to the road. I sigh and lean back against the leather seats, lurching toward slightly as he skids to a stop. My eyes fly to the window to see the front of my house. Oh shit, he does know where I live. How?

"Get out," he says stiffly, voice void of any emotion.

Don't have to tell me twice.

I unbuckle and quickly climb out the car, smoothing down the skirt of my dress and shutting the door behind me. I walk around the back of the car and just as I step onto the sidewalk, the screeching of tires makes me wince as he goes off. I don't bother turning around, knowing he was speeding down the street of my neighborhood. I tip my head back, eyes closing and I let out a loud groan of annoyance. I was having a good night, which started when I met Stiles and danced with him, and now this Derek dude ruined my good mood.

Well, this Friday night sucked!

☾

Part 2 is up! Yay! Thank you MyNameIsLexi101 for your support and everything. I know I'm just getting started so I appreciate your votes and comments, and anyone else reading this. So thank you so much.

Void_Stiles_is_Life xx