Chapter Three

Friday had come around quickly and I still hadn't asked my parents about Lydia and Jackson's party. I've been considering going, oddly enough I didn't want to disappoint Lydia. Allison told me she was going with Scott, which kind of hurt since—maybe it was just me, that Scott and I had a moment in the Animal Clinic. Maybe not, maybe I'm overreacting like I do with everything.

It's Friday night and I'm left alone to make my decisions. I sat alone at my dinner table, consuming the Chinese takeaways I had picked up on the way back from school. I had left school a little bit late, watching Scott's game with Allison. That's when she told me she was going to the party with him.

I've never had a night where it was just me, Mom, and Dad. I probably did once, when I was little, but I can't remember that far back. Nowadays I'm left alone to sort myself out with dinner. I picked at my food, not feeling really hungry. But I had to eat it.

I poured myself a glass of ginger beer we had sitting in the fridge and took a sip. I slumped back into my chair, feeling lonely. Maybe I will go to this party, it might be fun. It'd beat sitting alone and eating, or watching Netflix by myself. I smiled into my cup as I took another sip.

I pulled out my phone and texted Allison and Lydia. Lydia insisted, now that I'm her new 'best friend' I have her number. Which is insane to me.

To (Lydia)
I can come!

To (Allison)
I decided to come! Meet you outside before we go into the party?

Seconds later, they replied.

From (Lydia)
OMG! Yay! Send me a picture of your outfit xx

From (Allison)
Yay! Of course! We can strut in there and steal the show!

I smiled a little. For the first time, I felt wanted-- my phone has pretty much no numbers. Before it only contained Mom, Dad, Lucy, and Sam. Now, it's Mom, Dad, Lucy, Sam, Lydia and Allison. Though it may not seem much, but it's good enough for me.

I chucked out the rest of the Chinese takeaway and turned off the lights downstairs. I walked back upstairs and into my room, making sure my door is left open so I won't have to quickly shut my door.

Now, to get ready. I had a few hours to get ready, which is all I need to be honest. I decided to wear a dress for once. My Mom would buy me some dresses for Christmas, but I never use them, as it's not my style. But, I didn't mind this one. It was a long sleeve dress, that showed my curves. It was cold tonight. And I wore these black leather boots, Dr. Martens.

Feeling okay with the outfit, I decided to ditch the makeup, thinking its best if I do it natural. I slipped on a jacket and snatched the keys from the counter as I head downstairs. I decided to leave Mom and Dad a note if they come home early for some reason.

Hey Mom and Dad!

A friend invited me to a party, it's at Lydia Martin's if you're wondering where I am. I'll be home shortly.

Lots of love, Paige xx

I left the note on the bench. I grabbed my purse that sat on the counter where I had left it previously and turned off any lights that may have been left on, so the neighbours thinks that no one is home.

I walked into the garage and opened my Range Rover. I exited the house and drove to Lydia Martin's, she had just texted me the address.

Soon, I came to a street where it's full of people. I knew it was Lydia's house. The party had just started a few minutes ago and I hoped that Allison was waiting outside like she said she would.

I managed to park the car about a block away, because I couldn't find a park anywhere outside her house. I don't mind walking, though.

I exited my car and locked it, making sure my purse was hidden. I took out my phone and texted Lydia and Allison.

To (Lydia)
I'm 20 minutes away, couldn't find a park outside your house x

To (Allison)
Are you there yet? I'm 20 minutes away, I couldn't find a park outside her house :(

As I began to walk down a street to Lydia's, I got a reply from them.

From (Lydia)
Cool! Let me know if you're having any trouble, I'll send Jackson down to helppppp

From (Lydia)
PS you're helping me devour these drinks down, I can't finish them by mysejfnf

From (Lydia)
I've already had hafld of themd

From (Allison)
I'll wait for you, I have Scott to company me xx

I smiled a little and decided to not reply to them. I jumped when a guy stood in front of me, gripping onto my wrists tightly. He looks drunk; his eyes are bloodshot—he must been from Lydia's party.

"You're pretty," he slurred out, trying to get closer to me and I felt uncomfortable. I glanced around for help, unsure.

"Er, thank you," I mumbled out, trying to pull out from his grip. I kept trying, but nothing. This dude is really strong considering he's drunk.

He smiled at me slyly. "Can't get away from me that easily, pretty thanggg,"

I cringed at his words. I'm not about to get sexually abused! This man has no right. But, I quickly realised, even if I tell him to stop; he's not going to.

"Please, stop," I spoke out weakly, absolutely hating out weak and pathetic I truly sounded. I was almost hyperventilating, a panic attack was coming along, I could feel my throat closing up as I let out a squeak. Please, no.

Suddenly, his grip loosen and I was surprised; did he actually listen to me? But no, in fact, the guy was ripped out from my grasp, and thrown to the floor. I was faced with a black leather jacket back. My breathing hitch as I watch the guy stumble to the ground.

"She said let go." The man growled out, I watched as his fists clenched. My saviour... The man that had me hostage stands up, sending the dude a glare.

"Hey!" He slurred out angrily. "S-She was mine! Get your ownn!"

"She's not object, now get out of here before I beat you to death!" The man snaps again. I was practically shaking now, as I take a step back. The man that held me hostage took off without a second thought and I calmed down a little, thankful for this black leather jacket guy for saving me.

The man turned around. He looked like he was in his early twenties. He had a baby face still, a little pale, a strong jawline and hazel green eyes. I gulped as he took at me. "T—thank you," I stuttered out. I pretty much owe this man my life now, don't I?

"Are you okay?" He asked sincerely, eyeing me carefully. I took another step back, though he saved my life, doesn't mean I completely trust him. "I'm not going to hurt you." I took another step back and he sighed. "I'm Derek."

Derek. Oddly enough, that name did suit him.

"You always save 16 year old girls from sexual abuse?" I managed to breath out. He heard this though and gave me a smirk.

He shrugs. "I'm a hero, what can I say,"

"Cocky," I mumbled. "Er—I'm Paige." He stilled for a moment, taking a long look at me and I felt uncomfortable under his gaze.

"Paige?" He murmured, his face going soft.

I nodded. "Um, I should probably get going now. Thank you for saving me, really, er—I'll be on my way,"

"Let me take you there," he spoke quickly. "Just to make sure none of these other drunk guys try to take advantage of you."

I nodded and didn't say anything else. We walked in silence, I kept my distance from him and wrapped my arms around my stomach. If Derek hadn't saved me, I don't know what could've happened. Rape, I'm assuming.

It makes me angry that guys can take advantage of girls. It makes me sick to the stomach that not everyone has a Derek to save them from that kind of thing.

15 minutes later, we had made it to the party. I thanked him again before walking over to Scott and Allison. Scott was already watching me while Allison faced him, talking. He had this angry look on his face, his jaw clenching.

I wrapped an arm around Allison and she jumped in surprise, completely cutting herself off. "Oh, Paige! You made it! I thought something might've happened." She laughed and I faked a smile.

"No... Nothing happened, just parked a little too far away," I lied easily and Scott looked at me sceptically.

"Who was that you were with?" Scott nods over to where Derek was and I shrugged.

"Friend." I lied again. I don't really feel like explaining what had just happened.

"You should've told him to come in!" Allison pouted. "I would've loved to meet him." I felt a little uncomfortable and tried to change the subject.

"Er—can we get some drinks? I'm really feeling it tonight." I admitted and Allison nodded. She pulls me inside with Scott behind us, Scott's hands found their way down to my waist, guiding me along carefully, and dare I say it, protectively.

I tried to hide my smile, because he came here with Allison. I don't want to ruin any chances Allison has with him. That'd make me a bad friend. And right now, I'm lacking in the friend department.

We stumbled through the crowd to get to the drinks. There was punch, but I didn't care for the drink too much as I took a red empty cup and poured myself a drink. I scoffed that down, loving the taste of the raspberry going down my throat. I think it's raspberry and vodka.

"Did you drive tonight?" Scott asked me worriedly and I nodded. I knew I let my chances of being a sober driver go down the drain, but I didn't care. I filled my cup up again and noticed Allison nor Scott was having any.

I offered them a cup. "Sorry, did you guys wanted some, too?"

Allison shakes her head. "My parents would kill me if I came home drunk. I think I'm going sober tonight!" She yelled over the blasting music. I nodded and took sips from my cup. I wanted to forget what happened half an hour ago, and these drinks are helping me.

"This is my favourite song!" I gasped out as Avril Lavigne came on, Sk8ter Boi came on. I clasped onto Allison's hand and pulled her to the dance floor. "Let's dance!" I spoke, downing my drink and leaving it on the ground. "He was a skater boy!" I sang at the top of my lungs with Allison and she laughed.

We both danced together, completely forgetting about Scott. I wasn't completely drunk yet, but I definitely wasn't sober. The next song comes on and it was Lady Gaga, Poker Face. A few songs came on after each other had finished, all songs everyone knew.

It was getting pretty hot and a slow song started. Scott had eventually found Allison and I. "Allison." He speaks, smiling when he sees her. Allison smiled tiredly at him. "You wanna dance?" For a split moment, I was about to answer, thinking it was for me. But I knew it wasn't.

"Yes!" Allison nods. "Let's dance outside, its too cold!" She looked over at me worriedly and I waved her off.

"I'll be fine, just don't forget about me! You owe me a slow dance!" I giggled and she nods, smiling widely. She pulled Scott outside, where it was less crowded so they could slow dance.

This music made me want to sleep. I let out a yawn escape my lips and I walked over to the drinks, grabbing myself another red cup and pouring myself some punch.

"There you are!" I looked over and saw Lydia coming towards me, dragging Jackson behind her. "I've been looking for you guys everywhere! Allison said you'd be in here." She noticed I was taking a sip of her punch. She smiled. "You like it?"

I nodded as I scull it down. "It's amazing, thanks, Lydia!"

She nods. "You're welcome! Hey, we should dance together when a more upbeat song comes on. By the way, I love the outfit! You look hot as hell!"

Drinking these drinks makes my nerves go away and I smiled widely. "Thank you!" I pour myself another cup.

"Jackson and I are going to slow dance now. Find me later, babe!" She gives my cheek a kiss before pulling Jackson away, who hadn't said a single word to me yet. But, I didn't really mind.

Another boy came over to me, I realised that it was Stiles. I gave him a nod. "Hello, Stiles." I greeted. I feel like I haven't talked to Stiles in forever. Ever since I stopped coming to the police station after school, that's when we stopped talking. I missed talking to him, he actually listened to me and made me feel important when it was just the two of us.

"Hey, Paige." He greets back, getting himself a cup. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" I nodded, taking a sip as he does. "How have you been?"

"Good." I lied. "Really good."

"How's singing? You still doing that stuff?" He then questioned, turning to me. I liked Stiles, he was always a polite boy. But, once you got to know him he's the most sarcastic boy you'll ever meet. But, my personality and his clash, and at the police station it's never a dull moment when we're there.

I nodded. "Yeah, I do. It's going great, I'm working on a song at the moment."

He smiled. "Give me a demo, go on." I shake my head, a blush spreading across my cheeks. "Come onnnn, it's just us," Just us. And a few hundred around this house. I never did well with crowds when it comes to singing, I get too shy.

"No, no," I laugh, shaking my head, trying to cover my embarrassment. I took another sip. "So, you heard about the dead body to the other night, didn't you?"

His eyes widened slightly. "Oh! Oh... Yeah, like everyone else,"

I rolled my eyes. "I know you have a police scanner, too." I told him. "That was your Jeep I saw in the reserve, wasn't it?"

"You went out there, too?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow and I nodded. "Damn. Scott and I went out there, but I got caught. I never saw Scott until the next morning. You didn't run into him, did you?"

I shook my head. "I'm just an expert at sneaking into crimes without getting caught. I go by myself."

"Sneaky," he laughed. "I like it."

Suddenly, Scott and Allison were pushing their way through the crowd. Scott was holding his hands against his ears and scrunching up his face as if he was in pain. Allison was following behind him worriedly. "Scott, Scott!" She yelled after him.

Stiles stepped in front of him. "Whoa, hey, Scotty, you good?" Stiles questioned him worriedly but Scott shoved Stiles aside and continued to move through the crowd.

Allison huffs and stopped at Stiles. "I don't know what's wrong with him. I—I have to make sure he's okay," she insisted.

"I'll come with you," I grabbed her hand, giving Stiles my red cup and leaving him behind. We both followed Scott outside. He was already in his car, driving off.

"Scott!" Allison yelled tiredly. "Great, there goes my ride." She puts a hand through her hair worriedly.

"I'm sure there's a reason why Scott left you," I stumbled my words out. "I'll give you a ride home!"

"Thank you for the offer, Paige," Allison sighed. "But you're drunk, remember? Do you remember where you parked your car so I can drive us home?" I frowned and shook my head. I don't remember. She groaned. "Great."

"I'm sorry," I pouted, feeling stupid.

"Allison." I turned around with Allison to spot Derek standing there with his hands stuffed in his leather jacket. I smiled a little bit, hey, I know him! He's the guy that saved me. Wait, he hadn't left yet? My smile faded and I frowned. Why hasn't he left? "I'm a friend of Scott's."

"And mine," I decided to add in, slurring my words a little. "He saved me from sexual abuse."

Allison turned to me with wide eyes. "He what? Paige, why didn't you tell me? Are you okay?" She cups her hands around my face, examining me closer. I pulled away from her touch.

"I'm fine, Allie, seriously," I mumbled, trying to get rid of any evil thoughts coming to my mind.

"My name's Derek," Derek told Allison and we looked to him, seeing he had walked closer to us.

I blinked at him. "I know that, silly." He almost rolled his eyes and I came up with an idea. "Oh! Since we're friends, can you give us a ride? Allison's ride left, and I don't remember where I put my car," I had pouted.

He only nods. Allison gave me a warning look as I began to follow him as he began to walk away, as if to say 'follow me'. Her arm shot out and grabbed me by the sleeve, pulling me back a little. "Can we trust him, Paige?"

I nodded my head eagerly. "Yes. I pinky promise." I hold up my pinky. She sighed and wrapped her pinky around mine, ceiling the promise. I smiled and kissed her cheek before skipping off after Derek, and Allison walking quickly behind me.