UNDENIABLE PROOFS
october 15th

( you say i killed you? haunt me then )

The events that took place the day before only served to give Zelda another sleepless night, tossing and turning at every given moment, seeing blue eyes everytime her eyes closed. She had given up on sleep around five, opening her computer to some random youtube gamer; her eyes trained on the screen.

Zelda had not noticed the sun come up, or paid attention to her alarm ringing on her bedside table. Blinking slowly at the screen, barley coherent. She distantly heard her door slamming open. A muffled feminine voice scolding her purfouesly, kicking around the various things across her floor.

It was not until her computer slammed closed that she snapped out her exhausted daze, her eyes flickering to her older sisters angry face. Cass had her hands fisted by her hips, features twisted to the point where it must be hurting her.

After moments of heavy breathing on Cass's side, Zelda finally pushed past the dryness in her throat. "If you broke my computer, I'm gonna be pissed."

"Are you fucking kidding me? I thought you were getting ready, we have to leave in five minutes or I'm going to be late and then I'll lose my job and then-"

Zelda rolled her eyes, her eyes catching onto a small fleck of red on the corner of her computer; something the sunlight brought out in a way she has never noticed before. Her brows furrowing, her sisters voice has grown muffled. She leant forward with narrowed eyes, 'was it nail polish?', she never uses red.

A hand snaps in front of her face, "What is your issue today?" Cass questions, frustration clear in her voice, as well as a sort of genuine concern.

She blinks frantically, shaking her head from the thoughts and confusion, glancing down at the computer once more to notice the speck of red is gone.

Zelda slowly looks over at Cass, lips pursed while her features still showed confusion; noticing the anger on Cass's face seemed nonexistent. "I think i made friends with a coyote." She speaks seriously.

The older girl blinks slowly at her, fists unclenching by her sides. "Five minutes and then we're talking on your way to school."

...

"Okay, you are friends with a coyote? Is this the same coyote that you dreamed of? You have got to stop going into those woods." Cass's tone was nothing close to condescending, yet the way she worded it only served to make Zelda feel stupid.

"I didn't dream the coyote! You never listen to me, I swear. I saw it again yesterday and to be so real with you. I made friends." Cass spared her a confused glance, her brows raised as she mouths the world 'What?'.

Zelda shifts slightly to get more comfortable, her arms wrapped tightly around her stomach; exhaling out deeply before speaking. "I made friends with this nice dude named Scott and when i went to that bonfire thing, i met all his friends and they were already weird to began with, especially Stiles."

Cass sputters for a moment, the car swirving into the next lane before straightening out. Causing Zelda to grasp onto the door, her eyes squeezing shut as she swallowed down the nausea the quick movement brought. "What just happened?" She mumbled out in a whiny tone.

It was silent for many moments, her eyes fluttering open to see Cass staring forward with a blank expression. "A dog was on the road, sorry. Stiles sounds like a made up name."

"And Zelda doesn't?" Which only got a single shrug in response.

Zelda exhaled deeply, pressing her head against the headrest while her gaze got caught on the school that they were quickly approaching. "They are just weird and they keep asking all these question that i don't want or even like... know how to answer." Her voice was barley audible, speaking under her breath.

She hated this feeling, she felt it everytime they moved. Everyone questions the new girl, she feels out of place, perceived. The dread and sensitivity was only worse this time, too many things were happening; she could not handle how mentally and emotionally draining it was.

The car rolled to a stop in front of the school, rocking slightly when Cass put it into park. She rested her hand hesitantly on Zeldas shoulder, Zelda turning her gaze to meet the other girls; welcoming the warmth it spread through her.

"You don't have to tell anyone anything, if they cannot respect that..." She trails off, her own green eyes glancing behind Zeldas head. The words sounded helpful, reassuring in their own twisted way. It confused her. "Then get new friends. Now get out of my car."

Now that sounded more like her sister.

She shook off the girls hand, sparing her one last tired glance before pushing open the car door; her backpack sliding over her shoulder easily.

Zelda froze after the door closed behind her, she didn't tell her about the guy in the woods, the words he said.

"Scott was right."

But as she turned to open the door again, Cass was already out of the parking lot.

"Well... guess not." She murmurs.

Walking into the doors of the school only made the pit in her stomach worsen, the exhaustion from lack of sleep made itself very apparent as she walked to her locker; breathing out slowly while she lazily unlocks it.

Her brows furrowed as she turned her head to the side, Derrens locker was wide open and he was there. He was there and he was not talking her ear off or making cringy zelda jokes.

She subtly leans closer, hearing his voice talking lowly. "-hats what i am trying to tell you. I can sense it too, okay? But I don't think she knows or even like suspects it." Her eyes glance down to his feet, an unease building in her chest. 'Where they talking about her?' She wondered, was Stiles on the other end? Was their whole underlying tension fake?

"No no no, She's not weird. She's just.... Different. She seems constantly uncomfortable and just in a daze, dude." Ouch, she thought silently. Her arms curling over her stomach, her jacket crinkling softly. "No! Not in a bad way. You act the same way! I mean, your parents basica- okay okay, sorry off topic."

Derren sighs out dramatically, a distinct thunk of him hitting his head was heard through the locker door. "I don't help anymore, okay? She's nice in her own weird way, and to be honest, I could care less if she was different and ju-"

Zelda had heard enough, the feeling in her chest was feeling more like hurt than anything. Slamming her locker shut before twisting to walk quickly the other way; distantly hearing Derren exclaim, "Oh shit." She did not linger around long enough to hear if he announced anything more.

The whole friend group, which now included Derren it seemed; which really sucked and really made her want to go lay in bed. God, she feels so tired.

While within her own self deprecating and tired daze, her morning only seemed to get worse as she tripped over a bag on the floor. Yelping out as she prepared to meet the floor, feeling hands grasp her upper arms and spin her upright; immediately coming in contact with the brown eyes that have been occupying her thoughts.

"Do you always just knock into things? Is that something humans do?" Malia questioned, her tone sounding accusatory yet genuinely curious.

Zelda did not respond, her eyes wide and her lips parted despite the black spots filling her vision and the bile in her throat. Her focus was purely on the warmth Malia produced onto her skin through her thick jacket, and the way her eyes had light gold flecks in them. She could not care enough to realize the oddity of Malias words.

She would have found herself embarrassed by the way she has not moved away, but was comforted when Malia did not move away either. Her grip stayed strong on Zeldas arms, her eyes unwavering from staring into hers, though her head tilted; a silent reminder to answer her question it seemed.

"I don't pay attention a lot." She replied simply, matter of fact.

"I've noticed." Malia said. The weight of the words did not go unnoticed by either of them.

Their eyes stayed glued to each other. Zelda took notice that her hair was in a side braid, she had a soft pink sweater on. She looked softer than usual. Minutes were definitely going by, students sparing odd looks. It was not until another presence made itself known that Malia glanced away, "Scott." She says bluntly, announcing his presence to Zelda.

She backed out of Malias grasp before she could fully think through her action, the warmth lingered; it comforted her.

Scotts eyes wandered slowly between the both of them, a doe eyed confusion clear on his features. It was almost enough to make Zelda remember why she became friends with him in the first place. His eyes lingered on Malia for a moment before snapping to her, doe eyes twisting into a sheepish expression. "You weren't at the usual spot so i went to your house and you weren't there either, i kinda just hoped you got here.." He explained honestly.

"Oh.." She murmurs, "Cass brought me today." She added on, his head tilting in response. "I should have texted you, maybe..." A sort of shyness in her words, her arms defensively wrapping over her stomach; out of the corner of her eye she catches malia frown at the movement.

He shakes his head, "It's okay. I could've texted you, seems we both suck at texting." Which leads to a silence that has him biting his lower lip, turning his gaze towards Malia.

She takes a small step back, "I don't understand texting yet." To which he closes his eyes and exhales out slowly with a disapproving shake of his head.

She's weird, Zelda had decided. She was her type of weird, Zelda had also decided.

Zelda hummed a questioning noise at her own thoughts, which drew both their attention to her; causing another swoop of unease to flow through her that served to remind her why she was running away to begin with.

Her mood soured again, coldness filling her body where Malias warmth occupied moments ago. "I gotta go."

Scott shook his head, dropping his bag next to his feet as he intercept her path. "Come to the lacross game tonight and i'll drive you home, i have the car today." He said as if that would convince her, his puppy dog smile following right after.

She raised a brow, eyes falling to the side as her lips pursed at the attempt to convince her. "No offense, Scott. I don't feel like having my entire being questioned today by your friends." She said lowly, giving him a soft look; trying to convey her exhaustion.

His smile dropped into a frown, eyes pointedly looking over her, in a caring sort of way. "We-''

"It'll just be me and lydia, we bet money on Stiles wiping out." Malia spoke up from behind her, like right behind her. Zelda turns only to step back and crash into Scotts chest, her nose was practically touching Malias.

Scott only put his hand on her shoulder, not caring or seeming to find discomfort in the casual touch. Before Zelda could feel self conscious over the way her body shook from the warmth, Malia spoke again. "Just come. Mason might also be there, He just comments on how hot the guys are.... And bets on Stiles wiping out."

"I don't support that.. Last part, but-" He uses his grip on her shoulder to spin her around, giving her another one of his smiles; "It would be cool if you came."

She was pissed at them, they were making her feel insane and weird, and the only other friend she made was probably still talking bad about her to stiles. She opened her mouth to deny once again but, Malia stepped forward, her eyes trained on Scotts. "She's coming." Her gaze falling to Zelda's, "Meet us at the field, we sit at the bottom. I have class." Then walks away like she didn't just decide Zelda's plans for her.

Sounds only escape her mouth as Scott laughs, leaning down to pick up his backpack, giving her a small shrug. "Lydia is going to force you to be there now." He offered up.

Her shoulders dropped in defeat, her head shaking as she glances in the direction of her locker, slowly looking back at Scott. "Derrens on the team, right? Like he won't be in the stands?"

The question obviously confused Scott, millions of questions showed on his face. She took note from the first interaction that he was very open with his expressions, though she fell victim to doing the same. "Yeah, no. He plays the whole time, you won't see him until maybe after the game." She captured her bottom lip in a nervous bite after hearing that, her heart thumping in her chest as she thought of seeing him.

'She's just... different.' Played through her head.

He noticed the change right away, rolling back his shoulders as he waved a dismissive hand. "We'll leave right after though, you won't see him. I'm gonna be hungry and i assume you will be too?" He questioned in a way he thought subtle.

Zelda felt that unease curl in her chest, telling her not to go. Though the voice in her head reminded her that Scott has remained pretty genuine, despite the two conversations she has overheard with him, he never really calls her anything bad.

"Yeah, yeah food would be good." She replies with a soft sigh, offering up a gentle smile.

...

When Scott said Lydia would make her go, he meant it. She was quite literally dragged there after she got caught leaving the library, even though she was going to head to the field either way.

The conversation there was actually relatively easy, Lydia asked only about her classes and where she got her jacket; did not stray into any personal type of questions. She wondered if Scott had said something to her.

Malia was sitting on the bleachers, nose scrunched as she read through what seemed like math homework. She had taken out her braid and pink sweater, opted for a beanie and jean jacket instead; it only made her look better.

"This one was hiding in the library." Lydia sing songed with a pointed look at Zelda, finally letting go of her surprisingly strong grip in her wrist.

"I was on my way here." She mumbled under her breath, sparing a glance at the strawberry blonde.

Malia looked up from her homework, her eyes raising up Zeldas body until their gazes were locked on each others, a little like this morning. "We didn't trust you'd actually show." Hinting that Lydia getting her was definitely planned, also that they knew she was in the library.

"I did!" Lydia exclaimed as she sat down on Malias left, taking out her phone almost immediately after sitting. A part of Zelda felt like she was informing Scott that she did not chicken out.

Her eyes fell to the open spot next to Malia, hesitating to actually sit down; perhaps this was a horrible idea and she could just call Cass to come get he-

Her anxious thoughts are caught off guard by Malia grabbing her hand and tugging her to sit down, their hips hitting a tad on the painful side. Zeldas expression must've showed shock because Malia let go of her hand as fast as she grabbed it, her golden brown eyes narrowing the longer she looked at her, "With your luck, you would've tried to leave and like fall down the stairs or whatever."

Zelda was quickly noticing how blunt Malia was, so blunt that she lets hints of whatever their secret is out. "Yeah, probably.." She said softly, the corner of her lips quirking to the side.

Her gaze was too much, it was unwavering, like she could maintain eye contact with Zelda all day. It made her heart skip a beat, a type of heat swell in her stomach that she has not felt in a long time; she felt warm just from her gaze.

Malias eyes fell to her chest, almost like she knew the effect she had; her gaze raising up to Zeldas. "Why does that happen?" Causing Zeldas brows to furrow, because there is actually no way she knew.

'Your heart skipped a beat.' was a fleeting thought in her head, pushing it down before it became a panic for her.

"Liam might freak on the field and it won't be my issue." Mason had unintentionally interrupted the conversation, opting to sitting in front of Zelda; slightly leaning his weight against her legs.

Her eyes unwillingly left Malia, falling down to the boy who looked exasperated in front of her, looking at them with a deep frown. "Why would Liam freak out?" She questioned as she looked around at the other three, obviously feeling out of the loop with the way they all frowned.

He glanced at the two girls, having a silent conversation before fully twisting his body towards Zelda. "Davenford Prep was Liams old school, life was hell for him there and then he kinda..." Bringing his hand up to rub the back of his neck nervously with a hiss, laying the arm down on Zelda's knees, causing her to repress a shiver at the motion. "Destroyed his teachers car, and when i mean destroyed... I mean it."

She nodded with a quiet, 'Oh.' Her arms crossing loosely over her stomach so she could hunch over comfortably; her gaze going to his arm over her knees. They are all a touchy bunch.

"He has an anger thing, IE- Ow, what? He does?" Malia got caught off by Lydia back handing her arm, the strawberry blonde shaking her head disapprovingly.
Zelda could feel how much that they did not want her to know that, her eyes catching the way Mason winced at the words. The unease in her chest returning, "Uh..."

Their eyes snapped to her, awaiting what she would say in response. "So I guess he's really good at defense in this sport?" It was a stupid joke to make under the circumstances, but it did crack a smile on Masons face.

"Yeah, Scott and Stiles were very intimidated when he first showed up! Oh my god, speaking of Stiles."

Zelda knew he was still talking when she turned her attention elsewhere, it probably had to do with the whole bet thing they had told her earlier. Her eyes slowly went to the woods, her heartbeat spiking in her chest. Those piercing blue eyes appeared in her thoughts, followed by a strange sensation of comfort. She wondered if the coyote was out there, watching, somehow knowing she was here.

The hair on the back of her neck stood up, the comfort quickly leaving. She felt like somoene was watching her; her eyes jumping to the field, not seeing any of their eyes on her own. She could still here the three friends talking and her eyes landed back on the woods, squinting as if that could help.

The arm across her knees rubbed across, moving her legs with the motion, causing her to glance down. Masons brows were raised, "You good?"

Zelda looked over to Malia and Lydia, seeing the same expressions on their face. A foot touched her ankle, knowing immediately that it belonged to Malia, she slowly exhaled.

Clearing her throat, a closed mouth smile followed. "Yeah, sorry. I get distracted easily... What were we talking about?" She questioned, a faux type of interest in her voice.

For not trusting this people, she sure hangs out with them a lot.

"Stiles wiping out. Lydia bet ten dollars, Malia bet five, I bet giving Coach twenty bucks." Zelda was ninety nine percent sure that is not how betting works, but who is she to say different.

Malia nudged her ankle, "You have to bet something."

She pursed her lips, knowing she is not given enough cash to bet on Stiles falling; no matter how much it would delight her to see. "I bet... Getting everyone pizza?" At least that way she could put it to something useful.

Malia perked at that, turning her gaze immediately towards the game that seemed to be starting. "I like that bet." To which Mason agrees, and Lydia just murmurs something along the lines of 'I was not aware we could bet food.'

Coach blew the whistle, players running onto the field with haste; if she really paid attention, she could tell who was who in the friend group. She could distinctly tell which was Scott, just by the way he walked.

...

They were, what Zelda believes, half way through the game. Kira got benched and Stiles still has not wiped out; a shame.

Malia had not moved her foot from Zeldas ankle, has not said one word to her either; only sparring glances here and then. Mason was just making comments on how hot some guy named Brett was from the other team. Lydia agreeing in hums and a nod.

"Can I just say, between us, Scott does not look horrible in that uniform either." Mason had said after being silent for only a small number of minutes.

Zeldas jaw dropped at the comment, her cheeks flushing as she turned to look at the two girls next to her; seeing a slight smirk on Lydias face while Malia only furrowed her brows.

Lydia spoke first, "He looks good out of uniform if we're being honest here." She says with shrug of her shoulder, following with an approving hum as she looks at him on the field.

Mason flipped around to look at Zelda, "Oh, I know you agree. You give a 'everyone is hot in their own way' type of vibe." The words produced a gasp fom her, a genuine disbelieving laugh following; her arms crossing tighter around her stomach when she instinctively sought out Malias reaction to those words.

The raised brow and push on her ankle only served to make her more flustered.

Lydia had gained interest in that point too it seemed, leaning over with an amused expression; brows raising like she was silently asking 'Well?'.

"I mean...." She swallowed down the shakiness in her voice, glancing over at Malia one last time; the brown eyed girl had not moved her eyes away from the field. Zelda would never admit it out loud, but it made her stomach drop. "He has a nice smile." She finalized, Lydia and Mason nodding with an enthusiastic 'Mhm!'.

The foot on her ankle slid away and her eyes snapped to Malia, a frown present on her face. Just before she could open her mouth, Malia stands up; frightening all of them. "Liam and Brett hit."

Masons head snapped to the field, "Did they get hurt?" Concern evident in his voice. Her own eyes following to where she sees, she assumes Brett limping off the field and Liam getting checked out by Scott.

"No, but something...." Malia did not hide looking down at Zelda with frustrated eyes. This was probably something Zelda was not allowed to know about yet, the unease was back in her chest.

At the same moment, Lydia stood up, her eyes trained on her phone. "We gotta go." Panic was filled in her tone, her free hand grabbing Malia by the wrist. Sparing half a thought to lean over and look at Zelda, "Family emergency, Mason will be here though." Already tugging Malia down the bleachers before Zelda could even respond.

Too many things happened in the same moment, it made her head spin and her eyes narrow in only slight suspicion.

Her eyes followed as Malia turned around despite being dragged, sparing a last heavy look at Zelda; her lip quirking to one side before she glared down at Mason, turning around as if neither look just happened.

Zelda wordlessly looked down at the boy, seeing his equally confused expression. "I feel insane right now." She murmured.

That cracks his expression, a gentle smile growing on his features. "You get used to it." She did not know yet if she wanted to get used to it.

Her eyes narrowed past the scene happening behind Mason, seeing Derren and Stiles whispering angrily at each other; Scott running up to them with a fearful expression on his face, Liam looking up at them from his spot on the bench with his own look of doubt.

So much was happening and there was still awhile left in the game.

...

It only got weirder. Mason was looking down at his phone every minute, Scott was barley actually going near anyone while playing, Liam was constantly looking around like a scared puppy. Derren and Stiles looked attached at the hip, which was honestly the weirdest part, despite the fact they looked like they were just arguing the whole time.

Lydia and Malias swift escape felt connected somehow, but also just felt like an excuse to get away. She could not figure it out, and she was cold. She was cold, hungry, and confused. A horrible combination.

She watched as Scott got benched only a little later, Mason grumbling under his breath.

Her head tilted when Scott randomly jumped up, running up to the group of boys with his phone; relieved yet confused expressions filled the group.

"Thank god." Mason breathes as his phone dings. She glances over at his phone but he already turned it off, turning towards her with sheepish expression. "Not to leave you stranded but I have to go, the door on the right is next to the locker room. Just go there after the game." He explains, standing up.

"Oh.." She replies quietly as she forcefully twists her body to glance at the doors behind the bleachers, turning back around with an awkwardly polite smile. "Uhm thanks... See you around I guess?"

He brightens slightly at her words, but his demeanor screamed that he wanted to get out of here. "Yeah!" He exclaims, starting to walk away, yelling a quick "Bye!" Over his shoulder.

And she was alone, cold and alone. She had to stop agreeing to these hangouts, every single one leaves her in a state of confusion and unease. Malias brown eyes flashed through her mind, a sigh leaving her audibly.

Her eyes returned back to the field, noticing that Scott was not there anymore, and to her realization Kira had left a long time ago. Where did he go? She had a gnawing thought that she was going to be left without a ride here soon.

'The door on the right is next to the locker room.' Rang in her brain like a reminder, her body twisting till she could see the doors; a pull in her chest is what made her stand up. Glancing behind her to make sure he truly was not on the field, walking towards the door quickly despite the shakiness in her body.

She tugged her jacket tighter around her body as she neared the doors, that feeling of someone watching overwhelmed her senses once again; she brushed it off as paranoia.

Maybe Scott just wanted to leave early, or maybe he got hurt and she not realize; he did not seem like the type to just abandon her there. He drove by her house this morning for godsake.

There was an eerie silence as she opened the door, her eyes drawing to the windowed door; her brows furrowing at the grunts coming from the room as she got closer. Her hand landed on the knob, her ear pressing against the cold glass; unable to hear anything but some thunks and pained noises.

Were they fighting? Her chest felt as she was about to open the door, in her peripheral, she saw a shadow come towards the door.

She scrambled back, opting to press herself to the vending machine that was next to the door; not allowing her gaze to stray as some blonde guy ran out of the locker room. Priding herself in the way she barley flinched as he brushed by her, a small ting of noise happening at her feet.

Her eyes fell to the noise, seeing a small black bottle coated in some wet substance spilling out onto the floor. She had a fleeting thought about Scott and the locker room, wondering if this had something to do with it. 'He doesn't seem like the type to be hooked on drugs.' She thought with a curious tilt of her head, bending at her knees until she could view the vial more closely.

"Woah." She murmured as tears sprung to her eyes at the stench radiating from the liquid, a sort of dizziness filling her body; falling to rest on her knees as she tried to shake off the spots filling her vision.

'Alcohol?' She wondered, it definitely could be just based off the strong scent. She reaches down till her fingers dip into the pool of liquid around the bottle, it was slimy and warm.

Zelda narrowed her eyes as she raised her fingers up, noting how the substance was yellow; a type of jelly alcohol maybe? She hesitated breifly before bringing the tip of her finger to her mouth, tentatively tasting the liquid.

A burning type of pain was all she felt before her body froze up and her vision fell black.

...

Safe.

A breath of relief tore through her lips, she just had to wait it out. Cass had to come looking her eventually, she left her own birthday party and she not returned; they would come for her.

Her hand shakily rose to the wound on her hip, inhaling sharply at the burning sensation that trailed down her leg from just brushing her fingers across it. Her body flinching at the onslaught of pain each movement caused, only reminding her of the deep gash along her upper back due to the gate she had to push herself through to get away.

Safe.

Feet had fallen numb minutes ago. From blood loss she assumed, or the amount she ran barefoot. She was bleeding from her right foot, she could feel her heal in the thin substance.

Safe.

Her head fell back against the textured wall of the cave, eyes fluttering to a shut as she felt her heart still beat at a rhythm to fast for her body. Adrenaline had gotten her here, but that adrenaline was quickly leaving her veins. Pain was thumping along various bones throughout her body, each serving as a reminder for her hope that someone would come soon.

"Oh Zelda..." A disappointed voice echoed through the cave.

Her blood ran cold, her hands falling to the dirt by her sides as her head snapped up from the wall; squinting through the darkness to see their figure. Her lungs stung from how harsh her breathes were, body shaking unintentionally.

"I taught you better than this. I taught you so much better than this.." They cooed, mocking her for her stupidity.

He should not have been able to enter the cave.

...

Her senses came back to her slowly. She was on the floor, her jacket had been taken off; now just laying over her body as a makeshift blanket. There was a hand on the side of her head, slightly in her hair; it was not warm enough to be Scott or Malia. Someone else. She blinked open her eyes, the brightness only served to make water fill her gaze. Her head and throat hurt, she also noted.

"Shit, Derek shes awake." Derren, She would recognize that voice anywhere. The hand moved to her shoulder, his face moving into her line of sight, successfully covering the bright light from her vision. "Are you okay? Do you feel fine?" He sounded frantic, concern evident in the way his brows were curled up.

The bottle. She had smelt the liquid and.. That was all she remembered.

She raised her right hand, surprised to find it dry. Her head lolled to the side, just to find there were no remnants of the bottle there at all. Did she dream it?

"What happened?" She whispered out, pushing down on her hands to sit up. Derren quickly bringing his hand to her back to help.

"You passed out." A deep male voice spoke from in front of her, the hairs on her arms raising from the voice.

'You left your phone.' Same voice. Another one of Scotts weird friends.

Her gaze trailed up onto she saw his face, a ripple of familiarity spread through her body. He looked familiar, as if she had seen those green eyes and hard set features before. He did not look like a high schooler, more like Cass's age.

Her jacket fell to her lap, goosebumps spreading along her skin immediately from the cold chill it spread down her spine. "But I...." Her gaze falling back down to the spot where the bottle was, the dryness on her hand only made her feel more crazy. There was no way she imagined it, she could still taste how horrible it was, smell the rancid odor.

Scott.

"Where's Scott?" She questioned, the man in front of her.

Derren responded with, "Family emergency come up, he asked if I could drive you home and that he'll-" She shook her head as she moved to scoot away from his hand on her back, she was still upset from this morning; she was not even supposed to see Derren tonight. "No, I can walk back."

A flash of hurt came across his features, "Zelda, you were like cold on the floor." He reminded, flashing a look at the man behind her before tilting his head at her with a deep frown, "If this is about earlier, it was not like that. Link would never say that about pri-"

"I'll take you home." The man spoke from behind her, her head turning to him with an unreadable expression. "It's dark and cold out and you just passed out. I'm guessing your older sister would not approve of you walking through the woods in that state."

Zelda wish she could say that she denied and that he listened, or that Derren did not try to stray her into getting into his car instead. But, she ended up in the car of a man she had no idea whos name was; just because Scott abandoned her and she was convinced Derren was in kahoots with Stiles.

The ride was unpleasently silent, heaters turned up high; his gaze trained forward. Only words spoken were the directions to her house.

Her eyes flickered to the side of his face, her arms curling almost painfully tight around her stomach as her brain ran through every possible person she had ever met.

Maybe he felt it too, "Is Scott okay?" She questioned softly, only reaction she got in return was a raised brow. "I thought I heard him fighting with someone before I passed out.." She did not add that she saw a boy run out, because that just led to her maybe made up experience.

The hard intensity in his eyes when he looked her reminded her distantly of Malia.

"He got in a argument with someone from the other school and then his mom needed the car. He wanted you to text him when you woke up." The words sounded rehearsed to her, considering she rehearsed her own excuses.

She did not respond, only bunching the material of her jacket in her hands as she sunk further into the warmth of the seat. Her head still pounded, more than usual; it made her want to close her eyes.

"Stiles doesn't trust you." He supplies to the silence.

"I heard he doesn't trust anyone." She retorts softly under her breath.

A huff leaves the man, his expression amused. "No, he does not. He's usually right about these things. Not that I would ever say it to his face." He pulled the car over to the sidewalk in front of her house, her brows furrowing. She had not realized how fast the car ride actually went.

He put it in park before turning to her, focus clear in his green eyes. "Is he right about you?" The words sunk low in her chest, feeling the weight of what they implied.

Zeldas eyes fluttered to the center console, her mind racing through every single event from these past couple days. Some questions they had asked her were questions she herself had wondered but never had the confidence to ask her sister. Though, she was not the one having secret conversations on how they were different, or bringing up their past at any given moment. Her eyes slowly raised to meet his green ones, his head now leaning down slightly; baring his ear.

Scott had done that when they first met.

"I don't know." She whispered honestly.

He straightened at the words, narrowing his eyes before nodding sharply. Reaching down to unlock the doors.

Zelda exhaled out slowly, forcing herself to power through the lightheadedness standing up brought, not glancing back at him as she closed the door. Only feeling slightly guilty about not saying thank you for the ride, simply grateful to be out of the awkward tension. The lights were off in the house, but the car was in the driveway.

He rolled down the window from behind her, "Zelda?" He called out, her shoulders raising as she slowly turned back around with her features twisted into a confused expression.

His brows lowered, tilting his head down slightly before speaking.

"Stop going into the woods."

┇AUTHOR NOTE┇

yoda posting in 2024??? yoda updating a book???? i know huge shocker.
Malia and Zelda simply just lock eyes and the world shakes.
i am going to try and update this at least once a week :( don't quote me though!
DONT BE A GHOST READER XOXO