This Changes Everything {Book 1-S1}

Dies Natalis {S1-Epi 5-Pt 2}

{Latin ^ meaning birthday} 

Saturday, January 29th 2011 {Day 20} - Sunday, January 30th 2011 {Day 21}

Monday, January 31st, 2011 {Day 23}

{Words: 1753}

At school... Allison takes a step forward and opens her locker, only to have balloons and a birthday card fly out. Scott notices and approaches her with a grin.

"It's your birthday?" Scott asks. Allison turns around, frantically trying to put the balloons back into her locker.

She smiles briefly but then quickly disappears, saying, "No. Yes, I mean... but keep it a secret. I'm not sure how Lydia found out."

Scott frowns and inquires, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Allison groans and shakes her head. "I don't want too many people to know."

Scott smiles and nods. "You're seventeen years old?"

Allison sighs, exasperated. "That's exactly the reaction I was hoping to avoid."

Confused, Scott looks at her and asks, "Why? I understand."

"Because with all the traveling around, I had to repeat a year," she explains. She slams the door of her locker shut and then surprises Scott by kissing him on the lips.

Blushing, Scott wonders aloud, "What was that for?"

Allison beams and replies, "For being the first person to ever make the right assumption."

Others nearby chime in, teasingly questioning her, "What are you talking about? Were you held back? Are you a moron? Did you take the express bus?"

Scott squints, trying to make sense of the situation. "Is that what you get on your birthday?"

Scott grins as he devises a plan. "Then... what if we got out of here?"

Allison hesitates and says, "You mean, skip class?"

Now the chemistry class, Stiles takes his seat and looks around for Scott but realizes he's missing. Mr. Harris ignites the Acetylene Torch, catching everyone's attention.

Mr. Harris reminds the students, "Just a friendly reminder, Parent/Teacher conferences are tonight. Students with a grade of C or lower are required to attend. I won't embarrass you by naming names, as shame and self-disgust should be punishment enough. Is Scott McCall still absent?" There is no response from the class. Jackson and Morwen enter the room, attracting attention due to Morwen's peculiar aura. All eyes are on them. Mr. Harris approaches Jackson with a cross, offering to understand.

Speaking calmly and empathetically, Mr. Harris tells Jackson, "Jackson, if you need to leave early for any reason, just let me know." Jackson only glares at him, annoyed by the display of pity.

Meanwhile, Morwen takes a seat at the very back of the class, breaking their usual pattern of sitting next to Stiles. This change surprises Stiles.

Mr. Harris instructs the rest of the class to begin reading Chapter Nine, emphasizing the importance of focusing on chemistry rather than treating the textbook as a coloring book. Stiles leans forward to Danny, who sits in front of him, and comments on Danny's capped highlighter.

In the midst of the class activities, Morwen manages to avoid the requirements set for the students. They slide down their black dress and remove their baby blue leather jacket, revealing their attire. Morwen lifts their sunglasses, briefly glancing towards Stiles before lowering them back onto their face.