All in the Timing (a Stydia AU)

Chapter 9: Second Chance

Allison POV:

"-was being so annoying last night. It's like he's more interested in making fun of Scott than he is in me-"

Allison pulled her bag tighter against her chest. Hearing her soulmate's- her bailing soulmate's- name made her heart ache. It also made her feel confused and angry and frustrated and- it was just too many emotions for her to handle that early in the morning.

"Hey, Lydia. Can we please talk about something else." Allison slumped down in the passenger seat, "Just, not anything that has to do with...him." She knew Lydia would know who she was talking about.

Lydia could be extremely annoying when she was around her boyfriend, but she was a great friend and she cared deeply for Allison. When Allison had first moved to Beacon Hills, during the summer, Lydia had been the one to show her all the perks. They had met in the little coffee shop down the street when Lydia had complimented her on her jacket and struck up a conversation. When Allison mentioned that she would be attending Beacon Hills High School started in the fall, a friendship was born. And it was one of the best and strongest either girl had ever been apart of.

She could feel Lydia's concerned eyes on her, but Allison didn't look away from the road. She didn't want Lydia to see how much Scott, completely abandoning her on their first date, affected her. Not that being sad about was wrong, but she knew Lydia would make a huge deal about it and that she would probably confront Scott about it. Allison still cared about her stupidly cute soulmate, despite what happened last night, and sending an angry lydia after him seemed too cruel.

"Uh, okay." Lydia cleared her throat, clearly searching every inch of her brain for something to talk about that didn't include the guys in their lives. Allison probably would have laughed at how long it took if she wasn't in such a terrible mood.

Finally, Lydia grinned, "Let's talk about your birthday tomorrow!"

"What?!" Allison almost choked on air she was so shocked, "How did you- where did- I never told you when my birthday is! How can you possibly know?"

"Because you're my best friend," She said in a tone of voice that implied it being completely obvious, "And because I know things."

Allison decided she didn't want to talk about this either. No one at school was supposed to know her birthday, and she liked it that way. Then, people wouldn't make the wrong assumptions on why she's so old for her grade.

"Speaking of which," Allison turned towards Lydia, shifting a bit so the seat belt wouldn't feel too uncomfortable, "You shouldn't feel obliged to lower your IQ every time Jackson so much as steps into the room. I know you're insanely smart and that's awesome! That's who you are. I love it and Jackson should too."

"Jackson," Lydia sighed, "Doesn't need to know. He relies on his self esteem like a legume relies on rhizobium. And me being so, so much smarter than him, is just going to put a huge dent in that- Stop trying to throw me off topic, Allison. I need to know what you want for your birthday!"

Allison groaned, "You aren't even supposed to know about it! Don't get me anything."

"You're going to be seventeen, Allison!" Lydia was laughing, "Don't think for a second that I'm not getting you something."

The brunette rolled her eyes, but smiled anyway.

The rest of the car ride was bliss; a much needed vacation from all the things that had been going on lately. Allison could almost believe that it was summer again and it was just the two of them headed to the mall or out to lunch. But then, they pulled up to school.