Emotional Tethers

Chapter 7 - Truth

Lydia groaned as she was busy waking up. She looked around the dark room as she saw that it was slightest past 4. She didn't know what to do, yet she knew who she had to go and see. She quickly got dressed for the day while she didn't know why she even bothered. It was super early, but she also knew of one person who would be awake at this hour. She went outside while she looked around and got on her bike. Yes, it was dark, and she was going on a bike. Lydia thought for a second about it before she actually shook her head. She got off as she started to walk through the neighborhood.

Stiles laid in his bed. He didn't know why, but he couldn't sleep. When in reality, he knew why. He couldn't sleep because he was constantly thinking about Lydia. How she was coping and how she would take on the day. He didn't bother to call Scott, but he did think of calling Lydia. He didn't know if she would be awake, but it didn't matter to him. He dialed her number while he was hesitant, before he called her.

"Should I be surprised that you're awake?" Lydia asked as Stiles smiled.

"Should I?" Stiles asked while Lydia chuckled.

The sound was something Stiles has heard quite a few times while he got used to it.

"No. But I got a feeling you will be when I say I'm outside your house," Lydia said.

"I'm on my way," Stiles said ending the call.

While rushing downstairs, Stiles didn't think of anything. He saw the young girl standing outside his door as she came in and he closed the door. He looked at her before hugging her tight and she buried her face in his chest.

"I'm so sorry. I should have told you the minute I realized that they kept you in the dark," Stiles said as Lydia looked at him.

"I don't know what to think or do about all of this. He's my best friend. And a werewolf. How... How do I continue after this?" Lydia asked.

"We'll figure it out together. Why don't I make us some coffee?" Stiles asked as Lydia nodded.

"Did you walk all this way?" Stiles asked as Lydia nodded.

He saw the backpack and knew that she was planning on going to school after this. He smiled. He was glad it didn't faze her too much and that she was able to go to school. But he then also realized that something was going on that seemed to be out of his control. He got a feeling. A feeling that he didn't like. But the feeling overtook him. He saw a young girl sitting in his living room the one moment. And then the other, he saw a girl who walked all this way in the dark. He wanted to lash out, but decided against it. She didn't have to witness that.

"How are you feeling, Lydia? Anyone would be shocked after what happened last night," Stiles said handing Lydia a cup of coffee while he sat down next to her.

"I was shocked last night. Maybe even scared. I got a fright when the wolves surrounded us, but when I saw Scott as one... That I didn't even think was possible. Was that why you asked if I believed in supernatural creatures and werewolves?" Lydia asked as Stiles nodded.

"Yeah. I went off at him after I found out that he didn't tell you. But it didn't help. I was close to telling you myself. I didn't want you finding out in a way like this. Lydia, I'm so sorry. I know nothing I say will make up for keeping it from you," Stiles said.

"It's not your fault. I think Scott would have told me at a time which would be better. Telling me while we weren't really talking and I didn't know how things would end wouldn't be the best time to tell me my best friend is a werewolf," Lydia said as Stiles heard his phone ringing.

"Think Scott just realized you're not in bed. Yes, Scott. Lydia's with me," Stiles said.

"Good hell. Why does she give us such a fright? Will it be okay if I come over?" Scott asked as Stiles looked at Lydia who just nodded.

"Yeah, come on over," Stiles said ending the call.

"You sure about this?" Stiles asked.

"I can't avoid him forever. I haven't even spoken to Ally since he told you about Jackson," Lydia said.

"Since you brought up what's-his-name. If you ever feel scared or he gets violent, please don't go quiet and avoid me. Call me so I can come and help," Stiles said as Lydia nodded.

"I will," Lydia said biting her lip.

"I was scared you would think less of me when you found out about the abuse," Lydia said.

"Many girls have relationships with men that are abusive. I'm just glad that you decided to get out of that one," Stiles said as his door flew open.

"Ever do that again and you're dead," Scott said.

Lydia had put her cup down on the coffee table as she ran into Scott's arms. Stiles smiled at two friends being reunited and talking (almost). He knew Lydia was a good friend to Scott and maybe even better friends with him than he was. But that meant that they all needed to be extra careful about everything that happens.

"I am so sorry. I'm sorry I told Stiles about Jackson and I'm sorry I didn't tell you that I was a werewolf," Scott said as Lydia pulled away.

"It's okay, Scott. I know you were only trying to protect me. How long have you been one?" Lydia asked.

"He got bite on the first day of school, last year," Stiles said while Lydia looked at him.

"Did he get yelled at?" Scott asked as Lydia shook her head.

"No. He didn't. I know both of you were trying to protect me. And I know that Stiles didn't tell me because he would rather you tell me," Lydia said.

"Can we all go back to being friends?" Scott asked as Lydia nodded.

"Yeah," she said as everyone went to sit down.

"Stiles, you good if Lydia joins our pack, then?" Scott asked.

"It's your pack, dude," Stiles said.

"I'm a banshee," Lydia said as Stiles looked at her.

"A what?" Scott asked.

"We predict death. My grandmother was one and apparently all Martin women turn into banshees. Mine got triggered a few days ago. We also have a scream. It's unlike anything else and when we finished screaming, we are able to hear things that no one else can," Lydia said.

"Like what?" Scott asked.

"Whispers. Things that happen to a person who dies. All those things. It doesn't make me invincible. I can still get hurt and when it happens, my healing process is the of a human. Because technically..."

"You are still human. Does this make you immune to a werewolf bite then?" Stiles asked as Lydia nodded.

"Kinda. It doesn't affect me. But it takes a long time to heal," Lydia said.

"Yeah. The McCall pack is definitely getting you. I'll introduce you to Isaac and Derek. They will welcome you. We need someone like you when we are fighting," Scott said as Stiles looked at him.

"No way. She nearly got hurt yesterday with those wolves. No way is she fighting with us," Stiles said.

"If you, who are human, can do it. So can I. Stiles, I'll be careful," Lydia said.

"You are getting training through me then. And I don't want to hear any objections," Stiles said.

"I'm with him. You need to be able to protect yourself," Scott said as Lydia nodded.

"Okay then. I won't object," Lydia said.

"Now that we are being honest, Lydia don't you think it's time?" Scott asked as Lydia looked at her best friend.

"Tell him that then I'm honestly disowning you," Lydia said.

"Tell me what, Lydia?" Stiles asked as Lydia looked at him.

"Don't worry. This one both me and Allison agreed on to leave to you," Scott said.

"Lydia," Stiles said as Lydia looked at him.

She bit her lip as he mouthed 'it's okay'. She knew what Scott meant. Her third-grade feelings for Stiles. But she wasn't ready to admit it to him yet. She wanted everything to slow down first. And to normalize.