I walked down the stairs the next morning with an overwhelming sense of anxiety coursing through my body. It was the first day of school, something that I was not at all excited for, and to top it all of today was the day Scott was supposed to leave.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I froze, my eyes landing on Scott's suitcase sitting by the door. It was currently being held together by several pieces of duct tape. I shook my head in disapproval as I made my way into the kitchen.

"Duct tape, really Scott?" I asked as I grabbed a bowl from the cupboard.

Scott looked up from his breakfast to give me a shrug, "Good morning to you too."

I rolled my eyes as I began pouring cereal into my bowl, "That's gonna make a great impression for sure. Nothing says 'I'm a weirdo' like duct tape."

"Sydney be nice to your brother." My mom chastised as she entered the kitchen, giving Scott a kiss on the head before shooting me a glare.

I opened the fridge, grabbing the milk before closing it with a slam, "Just looking out for him."

Scott finished his food, placing his plate in the sink, "You're being mean."

I sent him a challenging look as I leaned up against the counter, beginning to eat my breakfast in fears of being late. It was class registration this morning and that was not something I wanted to miss. "Okay tough guy." I sneered through a mouthful.

Scott raised his brows at me, "You better watch it if you want a ride to school."

I shrugged, "Liam's driving me."

My brother gave me a smirk as he shook his head, "I told him I was driving you, so you better smarten up before I make you walk."

My mom giggled through a mouthful of coffee as I finished my cereal, placing my dishes in the sink, "Let's just go." I muttered, brushing past Scott who was giving me an amused look.

"Have a good day, Syd!" My mom called, finally deciding to be nice to be.

I grabbed my bag on the way by, grumbling out a small, "Bye."

The minute I was into the Jeep Scott was looking over at me, "What's up with you?"

I shrugged as I played with the ends of my shirt, "Nothing."

Scott started the car, "You're lying. I can smell the anxiety coming off of you from a mile away."

I let out a puff of air as I looked over to my brother, "I'm nervous for school, I haven't been doing very well these past few years, and I don't want you to leave. I'm scared what will happen when you're gone. What will I do without you? I need you here."

Scott was silent for a moment as we drove towards the school, "Syd, you're one of the smartest people I know. I know the circumstances have been difficult these past few years but you've got this, it's your year. You will be fine without me, you have Liam and Mason and Corey. Besides, I'm always a phone call away, Syd. I'm always going to be here for you, you know that right?"

I looked back down at my hands, willing myself not to cry. "I know. I just really don't want you to leave."

Scott reached across to give my hand a squeeze. I gave him a sad smile as we pulled up to the school.

As he pulled into a parking spot I remained still, not wanting the moment to be over. Scott looked over to me with sad eyes, "Syd, you're gonna be late."

I nodded as tears threatened to spill, "I know."

Scott opened his door and made his way over to my side. He pulled open my door and reached across to undo my seatbelt, "Come on." he prodded. 

Shaking my head I leaned further into the seat, "I think I'm good here."

Scott sighed, "I'll see you tonight before I leave, okay? Go have a good day and we'll talk later."

I stared forward, not being able to look at Scott without crying, "I don't need to go to school, it's a waste of time if you ask me."

"Come on, Syd." Another voice said from where Scott was standing. I turned my head slowly to see Liam watching me with sad eyes. I assumed Scott had texted him, eluding him to the current situation.

I stared back at my boyfriend, contemplating whether or not I wanted to challenge him. I decided today wasn't the day, and so, I swung my legs out of the Jeep and joined the two boys on the pavement.

Liam smiled as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder,  "Ready?"

I gave him a mock enthusiastic look as I nodded, "Yeah."

"Here." Scott muttered, handing me my backpack, "Have a good day, Syd. I love you."

I smiled as I took my bag out of his hands, "Bye Scott, I love you too."

As Liam and I walked towards the school I felt empty. It was the first year since I started at BHHS that I didn't walk in with Scott and Stiles. It felt unnatural.

Liam pulled me closer to him as he placed a kiss on the side of forehead, "It'll be okay, I've got you."

I smiled up at him, knowing that he was right. Even if I didn't have Scott, I had Liam.

Walking through the main doors I felt the anxiety rise again at the sight of students milling around in the halls, awaiting their turn with the guidance counsellor. Liam had his appointment in 5 minutes, mine was immediately following his. 

I was nervous what the counsellor would say. I was expecting her to tell me that I didn't have the marks or credits to complete this year as planned, or that I wouldn't have any luck getting into colleges, I was just scared.

Liam could sense my unease as we unloaded our things into our lockers, "Stop worrying."

I turned to him with a fake smile, "I'm not!"

"Yeah, okay." he grinned, unconvinced.

Before I had a chance to try and convince him some more that I was fine, Mason and Liam joined us. 

"Can't believe it's already a new school year." Mason awed as he leaned up against the lockers next to mine.

I nodded, closing my locker and turning to face him with a tight smile, "I guess time just really flies when you're having fun."