This Changes Everything {Book 1-S1}

Omne Perplexum Est {S1-Epi 10-Pt 1}

{Latin  ^  Everything is Complicated}  

Late Wednesday Night, February 9th, 2011 {Day 32}

{Words: 4265}

On The Beacon Hill's Lacrosse Field...  

The night sky is bathed in a cascade of luminous white light, captivating the attention of everyone present. A spirited chant resonates through the air, uniting the crowd as the radiant beams converge into a radiant display of spotlights, illuminating the lacrosse field.

"State! State! State!" The fervor of the crowd intensifies as they thrust their fists upward, reaching into the ethereal glow. Amidst the jubilant throng of supporters crowding around the team's benches, there is one face that stands apart, devoid of unbridled joy: Scott McCall.

Meanwhile in The Beacon Hill's Corridor...

As the doors swing open with a resounding crash, the fervent mob spills into the corridor, their chant still echoing through the air. Scott forges ahead, his gaze scanning the crowd for any sign of Stiles or Morwen. His voice reverberates through the tumultuous chaos, "Stiles? Has anyone seen Stiles? How about Morwen?"

When he turns around, his eyes meet Allison's, and they share an uneasy glance amidst the close press of bodies. 

Before Scott can speak further, his words are drowned out by the deafening chant of "State! State! State!" bellowed by Brian, one of his teammates, as he chants exuberantly in the face of another person. Scott and Allison exchange bemused expressions, momentarily oblivious to Brian's exuberant outburst.

"You were incredible out there," Allison chuckles, a faint smile gracing her lips.

"Thanks, you too. I mean—wait, that's not what I meant," Scott stammers, his head nodding in agreement, a mix of gratitude and embarrassment coloring his expression.

"No, I did some pretty awesome cheering. You can thank me," Allison says with a playful smile.

"You did?" Scott questions, slightly bewildered.

"Totally. I went from 'Go, Team, Go' to 'Defense, Defense' without taking a breath. I brought my A-game," Allison replies, her voice carrying a hint of pride. The noise around them begins to fade into the background as she hums, attempting to charm Scott.

But their moment is interrupted once again by Brian, who pops back in between them, shouting, "State! State! State!"

Scott gives Brian a murderous glare, causing him to slowly back away, allowing Scott to refocus his attention on Allison. However, as he turns, he notices that she is being escorted down the corridor by Argent, who has his arm draped around her shoulder, blending in with the dispersing crowd.

Scott's gaze remains fixed on Allison and Argent as Jackson steps up to whisper in his ear. His taunting words hit a nerve, but Scott manages to control his emotions, resisting the urge to react.

Jackson wears a devilish smirk as he continues his verbal assault. "That's heartbreaking, man. I bet it's been a lot of sleepless nights, huh? You, your hand, a box of tissues..."

Scott's eyes narrow, and his jaw clenches, but he stays silent, refusing to give Jackson the satisfaction of a response. Jackson, however, doesn't let up, continuing with his provocative words.

"You know what, though, McCall? I actually sympathize. Which is why I'm going to make this mutually beneficial. You get me what I want, and I'll help you get her back."