Instinct || Derek Hale.

two.

Warnings: Strong language.

***

Alex

Friday rolled around quicker than Alex expected. She'd spent the last few days settling into life back in Beacon Hills, and so far, it'd been fairly easy. She'd even spent an afternoon with some of her old school friends who still lived in town. Today, she was due to meet Scott's friends and watch him play lacrosse against a rival school. Devonport prep and Beacon Hills High School had shared the same rivalry for years, and Alex was looking forward to seeing her brother in action against them.

Alex walked downstairs that morning to find her mom already in the kitchen, making two coffees. Melissa was dressed in her usual attire of hospital scrubs. Alex also noticed that her mom looked more tired than usual and wondered if she was sleeping properly.

"Hey, Mom." Alex said as she walked into the kitchen.

"Morning." Melissa smiled, sliding a coffee across the island counter.

Alex took it gratefully, thanking Melissa. The first sip of caffeine felt like heaven.

"You working another double today?" Alex asked, sliding onto one of the stools at the island counter.

"Not today." Melissa shook her head. "I should be finished in time for Scott's game tonight."

Alex nodded her head. "I can't wait to see him play."

They fell into a peaceful silence, both drinking their coffee and lost in their own thoughts. Alex glanced at her mother occasionally. She could tell there was something her mom wanted to say, but she was clearly too nervous to do so.

"Mom? Is everything okay?" Alex asked, placing her coffee on the counter in front of her.

"Yeah, everything's fine." Melissa nodded.

"Tell your face that then." Alex smirked.

"It's fine, I just.. well.. I think you should seriously consider taking that job at the school." Melissa said nervously.

Melissa had brought up the job vacancy at the school a couple of days ago. Alex had shot the idea down straight away, claiming she had no intentions of working at the school. Especially when half the teachers hated her. She also had zero teaching experience and even less patience for bratty teenagers.

"The teachers assistant?" Alex raised a brow. "You seriously think I'd be a good teachers assistant? I hate kids."

"They're not kids. They're teenagers." Melissa rolled her eyes. "And besides, you can keep an eye on Scott while you're there."

"Scott doesn't need me to keep an eye on him." Alex shook her head.

"Stiles then." Melissa said. "He always needs someone to keep an eye on him."

"While I agree with that statement, his dad is the sheriff. He's fine." Alex said.

"Will you just think about it? A lot goes on at that school. I think it'd be good for you, too." Melissa sighed.

"Mom, I don't know how long I'm staying yet. It's pointless to apply for a job that I might have to quit in a few weeks." Alex argued.

But Melissa didn't give in. She softened her gaze, her shoulders slumping. "Please? It doesn't hurt to explore your options."

"Fine." Alex rolled her eyes. "I'll check it out. But I'm not making any promises. Anyway, even if I do apply, that doesn't mean I'll get the job."

Melissa reached across the counter and placed her hand over Alex's. She smiled softly and nodded her head. "Thank you."