3- Tangled Threads

                                    

                                          
I spent the rest of the day trying to keep a low profile, but in a school like Beacon Hills High, that was easier said than done. Word had gotten around that there was a new girl, and despite my best efforts, I couldn't avoid the curious glances and whispered conversations as I navigated the crowded hallways. Every corner I turned, I felt like someone was watching me, and it wasn't just the typical high school gawking. It was more pointed, more deliberate-like the people here were expecting something to happen.
By the time the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, I was exhausted. I hadn't expected to feel so on edge, but the tension that had been simmering all day was starting to take its toll. I grabbed my bag from my locker and headed outside, grateful for the fresh air and the relative quiet of the parking lot.
I was halfway to my car when I heard footsteps behind me. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Scott McCall jogging to catch up with me. He gave me a friendly smile as he reached my side, but there was something in his eyes that made me pause.
"Hey, Avery," Scott said, a little out of breath. "Got a minute?"
I stopped and turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. "What's up?"
Scott scratched the back of his head, looking slightly awkward. "I just wanted to check in, see how your first day went. Moving to a new place can be tough, and, well... I've been there."
I softened slightly at that. Scott seemed genuinely kind, and his concern didn't feel forced. "It's been... okay," I replied, choosing my words carefully. "I'm still getting used to everything."
"Yeah, I get that," he said, nodding. "Beacon Hills is... different. But it's a good place, once you get to know it."
There it was again-that subtle hint that there was more to this town than met the eye. I decided to push a little, see what Scott was willing to share. "Different how?" I asked, feigning casual curiosity. "Everyone keeps saying that."
Scott hesitated, his eyes flicking to the side as if he was searching for the right words. "It's just... well, it has its quirks. You'll see what I mean soon enough."
Quirks. That was one way to put it. I knew from my research that Beacon Hills was a hotspot for supernatural activity, but I couldn't let on that I was already aware of that. Instead, I gave Scott a small smile. "I guess I'll have to keep an open mind then."
"Yeah," Scott said, returning the smile. "That's probably a good idea."
We stood there for a moment, the conversation hanging in the air between us. I could tell Scott wanted to say more, but something was holding him back. Before I could probe further, he glanced over his shoulder at the parking lot, where Stiles was leaning against his Jeep, waiting for him.
"Stiles and I were going to grab something to eat," Scott said, nodding in his friend's direction. "You're welcome to join us if you want."
I hesitated, torn between the desire to get more information and the need to maintain some distance. Getting close to Scott and Stiles could be dangerous-both for them and for me-but it could also be useful. Still, I wasn't ready to dive into whatever mess was brewing in Beacon Hills just yet.
"Thanks, but I think I'm going to head home," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "Maybe another time?"
Scott looked a little disappointed, but he nodded. "Yeah, sure. Another time."
I offered him a small wave and continued toward my car, feeling his gaze on my back as I walked away. I didn't look back until I was safely inside, and even then, I only glanced in the rearview mirror to see him rejoining Stiles. They were talking, but I couldn't hear what they were saying. Knowing Stiles, though, he was probably grilling Scott about our conversation.