Enduring Love (A Derek Hale Fanfic)

Chapter 9

Friday, March 13th, first day back at Beacon Hills High School. Seems fitting.

I showered quickly and blow dried my hair before running my new straightener through it. I applied my usual makeup then decided on an outfit: black, high-waisted shorts with my cream colored 'Young and Reckless' tee tucked in. I threw on my red and black checked button up and black combat boots.

The breaks on Stiles's Jeep squeaked slightly, announcing his arrival. I grabbed my black hobo bag and headed for the Jeep.

"Good morning, Bri. Ready for this?" Stiles greeted cheerfully.

"Being the only 22 year old student in the school? Hell yes!" I over-laced the statement with sarcasm.

"It shouldn't be too bad," Scott assured, "We'll all be there with you."

I smiled, "Thanks. Hey, Stiles? Can you drive me to AT&T after practice? I really need to get me a phone."

"Yeah, no problem."

"Great. Thanks so much."

We drove the rest of the way in silence. I was too caught up in my own thoughts to acknowledge the guys'.

When Stiles parked, I sighed.

Here we go.

As I walked into school, many people watched. Mostly guys. I caught several "Who's that"s and "She's hot"s being shared among one another. I really just wanted to get to class and get this over with.

Before, I had never really caught anyone's attention. I mean, I didn't consider myself ugly, but I knew I wasn't 'hot' either. I just kinda faded into the middle. But now this vampire thing must have made me appear much better. I received stares from a bunch of guys and glares from jealous girls. Thankfully, no one recognized me as the poor girl who spent the last 6 years in a coma.

My first class of the day was still art and I was still enrolled in AP.

In out meeting, James assured me that no one would make a fuss about me coming back or ask questions about the accident. Anyone that didn't know wouldn't find out unless I told them personally.

But that didn't stop Mrs. Montgomery from engulfing me in a massive hug before class began.

"Oh, Bri! I'm so glad that you're back! I've missed my favorite student so much! How are you feeling? Are you okay?"

"Mrs. Montgomery, I've missed you, too. Im doing well. It's weird coming back after all these years."

"I can imagine, dear. Well, come on in and find yourself a seat."

I smiled and took an empty seat near the back of the room. Not where I use to sit, but it's pretty close. I was hoping that going back to school and doing the same as I had before would help bring back my memories. So far, nothing has happened, but it was only my first hour back.

Not to my surprise, my artistic abilities hadn't disappeared, they had strengthened along with the rest of me. My re-creation of the painting Starry Night was nearly perfect when I finished. Mrs. Montgomery was astonished.

Third period was the same: Music with Mrs. Lynn. And she had aged quite a bit in 6 years. As I walked in I smelled something I could only describe as death. Mrs. Lynn was sick. She greeted me with the brightest smile she could muster through the pain. I searched her brain to discover she had stage 2 lung cancer. She had to continue working to pay for treatments. I planned on donating some money to her anonymously. Mrs. Lynn was one of my biggest inspirations.

She hugged me and her arms felt brittle; as if they would disintegrate if she tried any harder.

"It's good to have you back, dear. It's been a long time."